The pre-White House fighting has begun.

Dana White and Jon Jones have trading shots, albeit outside the Octagon.

It started Saturday after White announced the fight card for the White House event to be held on June 14. Jones, widely considered the greatest fighter in UFC history, was a notable omission from the card.

White addressed the matter later that night during a press conference after the conclusion of UFC 326.

 “Never ever, ever, which I told you guys 100,000 times, was Jon Jones even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House," the UFC's CEO said, adding that Jones is suffering from arthritis of the hips that will keep him from fighting again.

Jones, who is 38 and last fought in November 2024, responded via his X account Monday, March 9.

“My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight,’’ Jones wrote. “Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed.’’

Jones did not cite a specific dollar figure, but he said his team was negotiating as late as Friday.

He also said he received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card and was scheduled to start training on Monday.

“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight,’’ Jones said. “So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense.’’

Jones, a former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, has a career record of 28-1.

"I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right,'' Jones wrote. "After everything I’ve given to the UFC , the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m 'done' is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number.

"If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today. No more spins, no more games. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up.''

Conor McGregor, who lobbied to fight on the White House card, was another notable ommission. White said the UFC is in talks with McGregor but has not selected a fight date.

McGregor, 37, has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in a loss Dustin Poirier.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jon Jones disputes Dana White's UFC White House event comments

The Carolina Panthers might be closer to adding their new No. 2 passer.

According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Panthers have reached a deal with free-agent quarterback Kenny Pickett. The pact, per Schefter, is a one-year agreement worth up to $7.5 million and includes $4 million in guarantees.

Pickett was the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with that year's 20th overall pick. The University of Pittsburgh standout, however, would last just two seasons in his first pro home—as he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March of 2024.

Over his four NFL campaigns, Pickett—who also picked up stops with the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders—has started in 27 of his 36 appearances while throwing for 4,953 yards, 16 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, a 62.4-percent completion rate and a 78.2 passer rating.

Depending on the future of 15th-year veteran Andy Dalton, the 27-year-old Pickett could assume the backup role behind starter Bryce Young going into the 2026 season.

Follow our free agency tracker for all the latest moves.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL free agency: Panthers reportedly reach deal with QB Kenny Pickett

The Seattle Seahawks always had a need for Rashid Shaheed's speed.

Shaheed has agreed to terms to return to the Seahawks in free agency, according to reports. He will sign a three-year deal worth $51 million.

The 27-year-old was considered the 10th-best player in free agency this year, according to USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis. He checked in as the third-best receiver, ranking behind Alec Pierce. George Pickens ranked as the top free agent at the position, but he was franchise tagged by the Dallas Cowboys.

Shaheed hasn't been known to post flashy numbers at receiver, but his speed certainly opens up an offense. He totaled just 687 receiving yards in 2025 after splitting time with the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks, but Shaheed can make an impact in many ways.

A special teams star, his skillset was on full display throughout the Seahawks' Super Bowl run. He might not profile as a WR1 in an offense, but that isn't the expectation.

Here's a look at the contract details for Shaheed and where he fits on the depth chart in Seattle:

Rashid Shaheed contract details

Shaheed inked a three-year, $51 million deal. Here's a look at the full terms, per multiple reports:

• Term: Three years
• Total contract value: $51 million
• Average annual value (AAV): $17 million
• Guaranteed money: $34.7 million

Seahawks WR depth chart

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba
• Rashid Shaheed
• Cooper Kupp

Shahid is now the highest-paid wide receiver on the Seahawks with Smith-Njigba still on a rookie contract. Shahid will remain in the mix as a second or third option on Seattle's wide receivers depth chart, joining a group that also includes Smith-Njigba and Kupp.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rashid Shaheed contract details: Free agent WR signs with Seahawks

Manchester United have entered the race for AS Monaco attacking talent Maghnes Akliouche, as per reports.

Akliouche made plenty of headlines in France with his “standout display” during his side’s 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Friday. 

Now, a report suggests that the French sensation’s performance might have raised a few eyebrows in Manchester and Liverpool as well.

Manchester United and Liverpool monitoring Maghnes Akliouche

According to Teamtalk, Manchester United and Liverpool have joined the “growing list of admirers” for Maghnes Akliouche.

Liverpool are thought to have added Akliouche to their shortlist as they assess potential attacking reinforcements to fill Mohamed Salah’s void next season.

Their scouts were allegedly present in Paris to watch Akliouche in action. Akliouche did not disappoint, scoring Monaco’s opening goal and assisting their third in a convincing win against the Ligue 1 leaders. 

Interestingly, it is believed that representatives from United were also in attendance, with the Old Trafford club “emerging as a fresh admirer of the Monaco playmaker.”

Manchester United looking to sign versatile attacker

United are reportedly “actively exploring the market for an attacking midfielder capable of operating across the front line”.

The 24-year-old “jaw-dropping” Frenchman, who has six goals and seven assists to his name for the Principality outfit this term, is highly rated for his versatility and creativity.

Last summer, Pep Guardiola reportedly tried to lure the €70m-rated Akliouche to Manchester City, but Monaco managed to keep hold of their star.

The technically gifted player thrives in tight spaces because of his dribbling ability and spatial awareness. However, his tendency to drift inside in the final third could prove to be a stumbling block for United.

The Red Devils’ attack is already congested with wide forwards who play their best football centrally, and they are instead crying out for a winger who hugs the touchline and stretches the backline.

Accordingly, United would be better off signing someone like RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande in the summer.

Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images

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THE PLAYERS Championship returns to TPC Sawgrass this week, bringing with it tens of thousands of fans and a massive financial windfall for the local community. Beyond the world-class golf on the Stadium Course, the event serves as a primary engine for the local economy, with impacts felt far beyond the event itself.

According to the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is expected to generate roughly $150 million in economic impact for the Northeast Florida region. Scott Maynard, the Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Economic Development, notes that the influx of visitors creates a “big number” that local businesses have been counting on.

Officials expect over 200,000 unique visitors to pass through the gates this week. While the total regional impact is vast, Maynard highlights that approximately $40 million of that is direct economic impact.

“We see all of these visitors staying in our hotels and our short-term rental units, eating in our restaurants, visiting our bars,” Maynard said. He also noted a significant uptick in local spending on services like rideshares as fans navigate the area.

The Chamber emphasizes that the benefits of the tournament do not end when the final putt drops on Sunday. The global exposure often inspires fans to return to the area later in the year to play the iconic Stadium Course themselves or vacation in St. Johns County.

When factoring in these return visits and year-round tourism tied to the tournament’s prestige, the total annual economic impact of TPC is estimated at $234 million.

Local charities are also set to benefit from the week’s festivities. The tournament typically generates between $8 million and $9 million in annual charitable donations for the Northeast Florida community. This continues a long-standing tradition of philanthropy; since moving to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977, THE PLAYERS has donated more than $100 million to local causes.

Practice rounds are scheduled to begin Tuesday, with official tournament play starting Thursday. In addition to the economic boost, fans attending this year can look forward to several new technology integrations and enhanced spectator experiences designed to modernize the tournament atmosphere. is

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WILLARD, Mo. — Carl Junction's boys basketball team fell short in a tightly contested Class 5 District 6 championship game Saturday. The Bulldogs lost 63-61 to the Hillcrest Hornets at Willard High School.

The Bulldogs (16-13) held an early 7-2 lead off a Bryant Hanks score in the paint, but Hillcrest put together a 7-0 run that was sparked by a Jayven Jones score and ended with a Kyrese Simpson trey that made it a 9-7 game and gave the Hornets their first lead at the 4:30 mark.

After Carl Junction’s Deacon Endicott tied the score at 9 with a drive to the rim, Simpson launched another 3-pointer about 6 feet beyond the top of the key to give the Hornets back the lead at 12-9 with 2:19 left in the opening quarter.

The Hornets (20-9) closed out the first period with a Jones steal and score that gave Hillcrest a 19-13 lead.

The Bulldogs battled back to within 2 points at 28-26 off an Endicott score with 3:10 left and stayed close the remainder of the quarter.

Carl Junction pulled within a point of the Hornets at 33-32 off a Kolby Martin three from the right side of the arc and took a 34-33 lead, courtesy of a pair of Hanks' free throws heading into the half.

Cooper Vediz increased the Bulldogs lead to 36-33 with a short jumper to open the second half. They increased their lead to 6 points off a Brody Pant score in the lane off a behind-the-back assist from Maddox Shorter that made it a 43-37 game with about 4 1/2 minutes left in the third.

Shorter increased the Bulldogs lead to 9 points at 46-37 with an and-1, and Carl Junction earned its biggest lead of the game off a pair of Hanks free throws that made it 48-37 with 3:55 left.

The Hornets put the brakes on the Bulldogs 9-0 run with a James Collins trey with 3:20 left and went on a 7-0 run that was capped off by a Collins score with 58 seconds left that made it 48-44.

Shorter closed out the quarter with a bucket to give Carl Junction a 50-44 lead heading into the final frame.

A Vediz score off a double team to open the fourth quarter gave the Bulldogs a 52-44 lead, and Carl Junction was able to maintain the lead until Kaivon Alexander hit a 3-pointer from the left corner and tied the game at 58 with 3:32 left.

Hillcrest earned its first lead of the second half at the 2:35 mark, courtesy of a Derrick Dailey score that made it a 60-58 game.

Carl Junction tied the game at 61-61 with 40 seconds left off an Endicott drive to the bucket, but a Simpson drive through the lane in the final seconds gave Hillcrest a 63-61 lead. and win.

“I thought our guys played hard,” Carl Junction head coach Cort Hardy said. “They got away from us and got some 3s a couple of times. They (Hillcrest) shoot the ball really well — that’s a credit to their kids. They hit some big shots. It’s hard to guard a team that can shoot the ball really well like that and are big and tall and athletic. I thought our guys really battled hard.”

The loss ended the high school careers for four Bulldog seniors: Endicott, Rashaad McDonald, Vediz and Pant.

“When those guys got into the program four years ago, Carl Junction basketball had like two wins,” Hardy said. “So for them to play for a district championship their senior year says a lot. Things didn’t go their way. it’s obviously hard for those guys, but I’m really proud of them, and it’s a testament for what they have done for this program.”

Pant led Carl Junction with 17 points. Hanks chipped in with 9, and Vediz finished with 8.

Hilcrest’s Simpson claimed game-high honors with 24 points, Jones had 14, Alexander netted 12, and Collins finished with 11.

PGA Pro Akshay Bhatia teams up with TravisMathew for new collection originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Akshay Bhatia is adding a fashion collaboration to an already headline-making golf season.

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Fresh off his playoff victory at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational, the rising PGA Tour star has partnered with golf lifestyle brand TravisMathew to release a limited-edition apparel line titled “Our Favorite Time of Year.” The collection arrives as Bhatia continues to build momentum on the tour and expand his presence within the sport’s broader culture.

MORE: Wilson takes the tennis court to the desert with its latest collection

The new line was created in collaboration with Bhatia, who serves as a TravisMathew brand ambassador. Designed to capture the excitement surrounding one of golf’s most celebrated stretches of the season, the collection features a range of apparel and accessories, including polos, outerwear, tees, pants, headwear, footwear, and other items built with the company’s signature performance fabrics. The pieces incorporate seasonal green tones and azalea-inspired details that reference the atmosphere surrounding major tournament season.

Bhatia has quickly become one of golf’s most recognizable young talents. Born in Northridge, California, to parents who immigrated from India, he rose through the amateur ranks while representing the United States in events such as the Junior Presidents Cup, Junior Ryder Cup, and Walker Cup. He turned professional in 2019 after receiving early sponsor exemptions on the PGA Tour, and his rapid ascent has included multiple professional victories and increasing visibility on golf’s biggest stages.

The apparel collaboration reflects Bhatia’s personal input throughout the design process. “Playing in a major is something that never gets old for me. It means a lot every time I tee it up,” Bhatia said in a statement. “Working with the TravisMathew team has been awesome. They understand my style and how I want to look and feel while competing. We created pieces that not only look great but perform when it matters most.”

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MORE: Tom Brady and Alix Earle are partying together in Vegas again

TravisMathew executives say the partnership highlights the brand’s focus on modernizing golf style while connecting with younger players entering the sport. The company has built a reputation for blending performance-driven apparel with a relaxed, California-inspired design approach that works both on and off the course. According to TravisMathew Chief Marketing Officer Leif Sunderland, the annual collection aims to capture the excitement surrounding golf’s most anticipated moments while showcasing the individuality of today’s players.

The Eagles are starting to build their 2026 roster by first looking at internal free agents and who they want to bring back. One player who will NOT be returning, however, is linebacker Nakobe Dean, who reportedly agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal that includes $20 million guaranteed with the Las Vegas Raiders — leaving behind a plethora of Georgia teammates he’s played with since college.

Dean has struggled to stay healthy at times but he’s always locked in even if it’s from the sideline. Still, that history — including a Lisfranc injury, a torn patellar tendon, and a hamstring injury — impacted his free agency options.

Through four seasons, he’s played in 47 regular season games, has been a starter the past three years, when healthy, and has recorded 226 total tackles, 13 QB hits, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception. His 2024 season was so good, Dean received votes for Comeback Player of the Year, and the LB was a dominant force up until he got injured ahead of the team’s Super Bowl win.

He was able to get back on the field in Week 6 of the 2025 season, and while the plan was to slowly reintegrate him into the linebacker rotation, Dean was quickly back taking most, if not all, the reps he once shared with Jihaad Campbell. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury late in the season, and sat out Weeks 17 and 18, but was able to come back for the Eagles’ sole playoff game.

Now with the Raiders, Dean is notably reunited with former Eagles assistant linebackers coach Ronell Williams. Vegas also employs multiple former Eagles front office members.

It’s nice to know that he didn’t go to the Dallas Cowboys. There was speculation that could’ve been the case.

Dean signing with the Raiders puts the Eagles in position to potentially earn a fifth-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

The Missouri Southern State University softball team improved to 21-3 with a pair of wins over Minnesota State University-Moorhead on Saturday at Joplin High School.

The No. 8 Lions opened with a 7-1 win over the Dragons (1-14) in the first game of the doubleheader.

Southern scored twice in the opening inning, scored single runs in the second and third innings and added three runs in the bottom of the third en route to the win.

Carsen Tinkler finished 3 for 3 with two runs and two RBIs. Maddie Rolfs logged a triple, and Tinkler, Avery Sue Davis and Emily Perry hit doubles in the game.

Kiki Pickens (8-2) earned the win after giving up one run on three hits in a complete game. She struck out seven and walked two.

Kayla Roidt led Minnesota-Moorhead at the plate, finishing 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Teagan Clemmons (1-13) was tagged with the loss after giving up two earned runs on 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings of work. She struck out five and walked two.

Southern claimed game two of the twin bill with a 9-1 win. The Lions jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, plated two more runs in the bottom of the fourth, added four runs in the fifth and a pair of runs in the sixth to claim the run-rule victory.

Micah Snider and Easton Walter both hit home runs in the game, and Taylor Nuckolls and Tinkler both logged doubles. Walter and Rolfs both logged multiple hits. Walter finished 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a run, and Rolfs went 2 for 2 with an RBI.

Kadence Janney (5-0) claimed the win after giving up one run on four hits, striking out six and walking one in five innings. Davis gave up no hits and struck out two while walking none in one inning of relief.

Riley McKeever finished 2 for 2 (a double and a triple) with a run for the Dragons.

Bella Hess (0-1) shouldered the loss after giving up five runs on four hits while striking out one and walking five in 4 2/3 innings.

The Lions host the Teri Mathis-Zenner MIAA/NSIC Crossover at Pat Lipira Field this weekend. They face St. Cloud State University (18-4) for a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m. Friday and battle the University of Sioux Falls (12-9) in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Missouri Southern State University had both its men's and women's basketball teams playing in the MIAA conference tournament semifinals Saturday.

The women's team was last in this position in 2023 when it won the tournament. The men lost in the quarterfinals that year.

The men's team reached the semifinal round in 2020, but the women were eliminated in the first round that time.

This marked the first time in 24 years the two teams were both in the semifinal round. In 2002, the women lost to Missouri Western State University in the semifinal round. The men lost to Northwest Missouri State University in the semis the same year.

The men reached this point in 2026 as a No. 7 seed. They defeated No. 10 Northwest and No. 2 University Central Missouri before losing to No. 3 Rogers State University on Saturday.

The Southern women earned the No. 4 seed and defeated No. 5 Northwest on Friday but lost to Central Missouri 60-45 in the semifinals Saturday.

The men have reached the semifinal round a total of 14 times. They've been in the championship seven times, winning it all three of those years. Those championship years came in 2014, 2000 and 1993.

The women played in the final four round nine times as a program and the championship five times. They've also won three titles in 1994 and 1996 along with the most recent one in 2023.

There have been seven years in which the men's and women's champion came from the same school. Five schools have accomplished it. Northwest Missouri State University and Washburn have both done so twice.

Saturday’s MIAA semifinal match between No. 3 Rogers State University and No. 7 Missouri Southern State University saw the score tied four times. The last tie came in the final six seconds of the game.

MSSU’s Jaden Taylor went coast to coast with the basketball in his hands and converted a layup to tie the score at 70, but Rogers State passed the ball in around half-court and Andrew Mason took the ball down to the other end.

His contested layup went off the glass and sailed over the rim but straight into the hands of a leaping Damondre McKnight, who quickly shot the ball back up and into the basket to make it 72-70 with less than a second on the clock.

MSSU’s head coach Sam McMahon called a timeout to try to draw up a play.

The full-court pass was headed toward Gavyn Elkamil, but Rogers State deflected the pass before Elkamil could catch it. Elkamil did catch it and got an off-balance shot off before the buzzer sounded, but the shot came up short, hitting off the backboard and side of the rim.

“What a game. Credit to Rogers State. They’re so tough and just a back-and-forth battle. Such a physical and tough game and a defensive game, in my opinion. They made the winning plays down the stretch, a couple more winning plays than us,” McMahon said.

He added that his team was playing its best basketball down the stretch, and “that’s all you can ask of a team.”

MSSU graduates Taylor, Tyrone Wright Jr. and Prince Agbaeze.

“We’re sorry to see the seniors go, but they have built a foundation that will last, really, forever at the Missouri Southern men’s basketball program,” McMahon said. “Tyrone Wright, Jaden Taylor and Prince Agbaeze could have packed it in a while ago, and they didn’t. ... They stayed the course and improved, not only as players but as people.”

The Lions were led by Taylor’s 27 points. Elkamil added 19, and Isaiah Atwater added 14. Southern was getting outworked in the rebounding category at halftime as it trailed 23-18 and 8-4 in offensive rebounds. Rogers State had also earned more trips to the free-throw line and took advantage going 11 for 13 in comparison with MSSU’s 5-for-7 effort.

The Lions caught up in rebounds as they pulled down 36 and the Hillcats finished with 35. The offensive rebounds went to the Hillcats 12-10. But free throws remained a difference-maker as Rogers State made 18 of 22 and MSSU was 12 for 18.

“I think free throws down the stretch is toughness. It’s mental toughness. Those guys stepped to the line and made those,” Rogers State head coach Justin Barkley said.

Southern trailed 34-31 at halftime but took a 36-34 lead early in the second half on a 3-point basket by Elkamil at the 18:07 mark.

The Lions held that lead for most of the half. Their lead grew to as many as 7 points — the largest lead for either team the entire game. The Hillcats held a 6-point advantage during the first half.

With about four minutes left in the game, Rogers State's Caden Fry slipped wide open for a dunk and was fouled on the play by MSSU’s Taylor, allowing Fry to add a free throw and give his team a 61-59 lead with 4:14 to go.

The best chance for the Lions to even the score came 15 seconds later when Taylor drew a foul. But he made just 1 of the 2 free throws, and they still trailed 61-60.

“Obviously, you’d rather be up. It was going back and forth. Probably whoever had the ball last was going to win the game,” McMahon said.

It was back and forth. The Hillcats held the lead for the last 4:14 of the game but never led by more than 3 points. The Lions were within one possession the whole way.

A putback by Wright made things 69-68 with 26 seconds left on the clock. After going for a steal initially, the Lions were forced to eventually foul and that came from Colin Ruffin with 14 seconds left.

Rogers State made the first charity but missed the second. Elkamil rebounded, found Taylor and he raced downcourt to tie the score at 70.

“Everyone knows how good Jaden Taylor is. He can really get to his spots. He’s just a dynamic player,” Barkley said.

Rogers State’s inbound pass after the made basket saved time as it launched the ball up to half-court, beyond half the MSSU defense. Mason used that to race to the rim in less than four seconds and get a layup off the glass that bounced perfectly to his teammate, McKnight to win the game.

MSSU’s defense cranked things up a notch in its final two games of the MIAA Tournament holding No. 2 seed University of Central Missouri to just 39% shooting Thursday and No. 3 Rogers State to 41.7% shooting Saturday.

“I thought our defense was good. We couldn’t get some timely stops down the stretch, and that’s a testament to Rogers State,” McMahon said. “I wanted our guys to empty the tank, and they gave everything they had, and that’s all you can ask for.”

McMahon spoke about some of the emotions of not getting to coach his seniors again.

“I don’t get to coach Tyrone Wright, Jaden Taylor or Prince Agbaeze again, and that’s what’s hard. The process is over as far as college basketball goes, but it’s so much more than just basketball,” McMahon said. “I hope our program has been transformational so our guys improve, and I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve seen those guys improve as individuals and not just basketball players, and that’s why I coach.”

Elkamil is listed as a senior on mssulions.com, but he’s only used two years of eligibility now between time at the University of Tulsa, Southeast Missouri State University and now MSSU. He was redshirted at TU, played one year at SEMO and then sat out an entire season with an injury and then did not play at all during the 2024-25 season before joining the Lions for the 2025-26 campaign.

“Man, I’m excited. I think we have a good group of guys returning, and this is over now, so we have to focus on what we can focus on this offseason and train and come back,” Elkamil said.

Rogers State was defeated 91-59 by No. 1 seed Washburn in Sunday's championship game.

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Japan has survived back-to-back scares following tight wins over Korea and Australia. But there’s a good chance the Samurai return to their dominant form when they take on Czechia in their final pool stage game.

In a game where Japan is such a heavy favorite, where is the value? My Czechia vs. Japan predictions and World Baseball Classic best bets picks break it all down for this Pool C clash.

Czechia vs Japan prediction

Czechia vs Japan best bet: Over 9.5 (80¢ at Kalshi)

Japan’s pitching staff wasn’t going to be as dominant as 2023, with Yoshinobu Yamomoto being the main holdover. We’ve seen that in close results against Australia and Korea.

Luckily, they still have Shohei Ohtani and a bevy of other major league talent leading a lineup that has plated 25 runs over three games in this tournament, with Ohtani going deep twice and owning a crazy 2.025 OPS.

Czechia is a good story, but this team full of part-time players already has a -25 run differential. The best bet here is to back Japan to power this game Over the total.

Czechia vs Japan players to watch

If Japan wants to defend its World Baseball Classic crown, it will likely have to outslug their opponents. Luckily, they have the lineup to do just that.

Shohei Ohtani is leading the way, going 5-for-9 with three extra-base hits and six RBI. But don’t overlook Masataka Yoshida, who has been nearly as good.

The Boston Red Sox outfielder is 5-for-10 with three extra-base hits and six RBI. 

Slowing down the Samurai will be tough for a Czechia pitching staff with a 10.88 ERA in this tournament.

Czechia vs Japan opening odds

• Moneyline: Czechia 3¢ | Japan 97¢
• Run line: Czechia +2.5 | Japan -2.5
• Over/Under: Over 9.5 | Under 9.5

How to watch Czechia vs Japan and game info

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

CLEVELAND (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey does not have any fractures in his sprained right pinky, according to medical tests, coach Nick Nurse said Monday ahead of the team's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The All-Star starter was injured in a collision with teammate Adem Bona with 16 seconds remaining in the 76ers’ 126-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Maxey immediately grabbed his right hand, tucking it under his jersey as he walked directly to the locker room.

Maxey, who leads the NBA with 1,767 total points, underwent X-rays and an MRI that showed there were no broken bones in his hand. The sixth-year pro already had been ruled out through Tuesday, when Philadelphia hosts Memphis.

“No breaks,” Nurse said. “Now, he's got to see the hand specialists to figure out what's next.”

Maxey sprained the same pinky last season, which the coach admitted “adds to the concern factor.” He is averaging career highs of 29 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 61 games for the 76ers, who have fallen out of a top-six playoff position into eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

“He seems OK and his spirits are good,” Nurse said. “He wants to be back, but he's got to see these people before we take the next step.”

—

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It was a defensive fight for the majority of three quarters on Saturday inside the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City for the women’s basketball semifinal matchup between No. 1 University of Central Missouri and No. 4 Missouri Southern State University.

UCM (25-5) fought through some poor shooting percentages to pull away from MSSU (20-10) and claim a 60-45 win, advancing to the MIAA championship at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Both teams struggled to shoot the ball. Southern shot 28% for the game (17 for 61), while Central was 40% (24 for 59). UCM had shot just 38% (17 for 45) entering the fourth quarter.

The Lions’ defense kept them in the game throughout the first half as they trailed just 27-24 at intermission. The shooting woes started to catch up late in the third period.

“We didn’t start the game well on defense, but we did a much better job defending them. … They’re a good offensive team,” MSSU head coach Ronnie Ressel said. “Defensively, I don’t think they (UCM) get enough credit as far as how good they are. They’re so long. … They took us out of a lot of things.”

UCM jumped out to an 8-0 lead, but MSSU battled back to be within 2 points at 12-10 before the Jennies hit a 3-pointer to end the first quarter.

The Lions got their first lead at 22-21 on a turnaround basket from about 8 feet away by Grace Frazier.

Frazier combined with Lilly Thomas to score all 14 points of the second stanza. Frazier scored 8 of them.

UCM took the lead back before the end of the frame. The Jennies’ length with long arms and height combined contested a lot of MSSU’s interior shot attempts. They blocked seven shots and forced more difficult attempts.

The neck-and-neck battle changed for good late in the third. MSSU’s Makenna Yokley hit a 3-point basket to tie the score at 31 with seven minutes to play. After that, UCM took control.

The top-seeded squad ended the frame on a 12-2 run. Then it opened the fourth with 10 straight points, extending the run to 22-2.

A Camryn Smith layup got Southern within 5 points with 2:59 still on the third-quarter clock but the Jennies buckled in for the remainder of the period.

By the time the Lions halted the run, it was too late, trailing 53-35 with 6:52 to go.

“I’m extremely proud of our kids. They competed the entire game, we just couldn’t get some shots to fall. When you shoot 28% it’s hard to win ballgames,” Ressel said.

Frazier scored 10 first half points and finished with 13. Thomas led the team with 16. UCM got 19 from Taylor Weishaar, 14 from Reese Schaaf and 11 from Makenzie Farmer. Schaaf also pulled down 10 rebounds for a double-double.

With the loss, the Lions’ season comes to a close. They had no seniors and will be able to return the entire team if no one chooses to leave in the transfer portal this offseason.

Ressel mentioned being excited to be able to have this group returning, calling it “one of the more enjoyable” seasons he’s had in his 30-plus years of coaching because of the way the team enjoyed being around one another.

“Really, just keep pushing each other like we did this season. Like coach Ressel said, this is a really special team. It makes it a lot easier to play hard for each other when you like each other,” Frazier said.

“I think we work hard, we’re excited and we’re young. That’s all you can ask for is a team that works hard and plays for each other,” MSSU’s Nariah Clay said.

Southern was picked to finish seventh in preseason coaches polls and ninth in media polls and finished fourth while having a shot at second and third in the final weekend of the regular season.

“It’s just speaks volumes about the effort these young ladies put in,” Ressel said.

John Stones wants to give Pep Guardiola a selection headache and is looking forward to an exciting end to the season for club and country as he said he hoped he had put the lonely times of an injury lay-off behind him.

The centre-back captained Manchester City to victory at Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday, but it was just his second start since November after struggling with a calf problem.

Stones, who has been an integral part of the England defence at the last four major tournaments, was watched by Thomas Tuchel at St James’ Park as he stepped up his comeback.

“Nights like these make those tough times and the hard work worthwhile and the lonely times when you're training by yourself and the guys behind the scenes are helping you,” he told TNT Sports Mexico. “It's difficult when you put everything in and be as professional as you can be and try and do all the right things and you don't have the answers but it is what it is and we have to look forward. I look forward now and look at this exciting time, important time.”

Stones is now trying to force his way into the City side to face Real Madrid on Tuesday but the competition for places at the back has increased with the January arrival of his England teammate Marc Guehi.

Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov are also competing for the centre-back spots in Guardiola’s side and Stones added: “I'm sure the manager is happy and has a headache that he has everyone back playing well and on the other hand he has everyone to choose from for these big important games that we all want to get through and keep progressing and keep winning and put the pressure on in every situation.”

Stones was crucial in helping City win the treble in 2023 and believes the experience of the senior group who have excelled in such situations before will aid newer and younger players in the run-in.

“It's a difficult one to explain that to someone that is coming into it,” he explained. “It's more a feeling that they get and a standard that is set by players that have been through those situations. It's down to us to keep setting those standards and those bars high and what is expected in these big moments. The odd word to the guys who haven't been in these experiences or moments before can be settling at times, I remember when I was going through them.

“Just knowing that people like me, Ruben, Bernardo [Silva], the boys around them, is a comforting thing and everyone that has come through this club the time I've been here has been a winner, it's something deep down within them and they know how to get over the line. Everyone has had a different upbringing and path to get to where they are right now and all those combinations that get put together are special. It's an exciting time and hopefully we can help the boys through that.”

Coming into the weekend, it had been a good amount of time since we could say that Juventus had won a game in Serie A. That was just what kind of month of February that Juventus had, and why the chase for the top four is as tenuous a situation as it is right now.

Coming out of the weekend, though, that thankfully is no longer a statement we can talk about.

For the first time in nearly 40 days, Juventus beat Serie A opposition. Finally. The run is over. The schedule letting up a little bit paid dividends as Juve claimed a 4-0 win over relegation-bound Pisa at the Allianz Stadium.

A win in Serie A. Ah, at long last, a win in Serie A.

With how the rest of the weekend’s fixtures played out — and shoutout to you, Daniele De Rossi! — it meant that Juve head into another favorable matchup against Udinese all of one point off the top four. They still need help, but they’re now within striking distance — especially with the two direct teams in front of them, Roma and Como, playing against one another this coming weekend.

Now, let’s see if they can win two games straight in Serie A because it’s been a bit since that’s happened, too.

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Luke Kornet was a vocal opponent of the Atlanta Hawks' planned game-night collaboration with local strip club Magic City celebrating the "iconic cultural institution."

The NBA is in agreement. The league announced on Monday that the Hawks, in fact, will not move forward with the "Magic City Monday" promotion scheduled for their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic. 

The NBA announced the decision by the league to cancel the promotion in a news release from the league office Monday with a statement from commissioner Adam Silver.

"When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks' scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale," Silver's statement reads. "While we appreciate the team's perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concern from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. 

"I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community."

Hawks 'disappointed' in NBA's decision

The Hawks released a statement expressing their "disappointment" in the decision.

"While we are very disappointed in the NBA's decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision.

"As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta — with authenticity — in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together."

The team announcement promoting "Magic City Monday" that's hosted on NBA.com remained live as of the time of the NBA's statement canceling it. 

Magic City is, indeed, a cultural institution in Atlanta. Former Hawk Lou Williams was openly and proudly a frequent patron of the club, which is known as much for its wings as its entertainment offerings. Magic City's menu now features "LouWill' lemon pepper wings named after the former Hawks guard. 

Variations of those wings were also on the menu for the Hawks' planned "Magic City Monday" promotion. Also planned for the now-canceled promotion were a halftime performance from Atlanta rapper T.I. and a "a limited-edition Peachtree-themed hoodie" emblazoned with "‘MAGIC CITY’" available for purchase at the team store on game night.

Nude entertainment was not on the menu.

Wings, T.I. still on; podcast and hoodie are not

In a statement confirming the cancelation to fans who'd purchased tickets to the game, the Hawks announced a revised plan for Monday's promotion. T.I. will still perform, and wings will be available. 

The Peachtree-themed hoodie will no longer be for sale. And a pregame podcast that planned to feature a conversation about a documentary on Magic City "and the impact of the club on Atlanta music, sports, and culture" featuring feature Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney will no longer take place.

Legendary rapper and ‘King of the South’ T.I. will perform at halftime as scheduled.

The limited-edition Peachtree themed hoodie will no longer be available for purchase at the game on March 16th. All pre-ordered merchandise will be honored and delivered as previously scheduled.

The live recording of the Hawks AF Podcast including Hawks’ Principal Owner, filmmaker, and actor Jami Gertz, T.I. and Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney has been cancelled. Fans who purchased tickets to the recording will be contacted directly.

The full array of award-winning culinary options available at State Farm Arena for Hawks games will be available, including wings.

Backlash that preceded NBA's decision

The NBA did not identify the "stakeholders" who approached the league with concerns about the promotion. Kornet, a center for the San Antonio Spurs, was certainly one of them. 

Kornet felt strongly enough last week to voice his concerns about the promotion planned for a game between the Hawks and Orlando Magic 1,000 miles away from San Antonio. Kornet wrote a blog post on the subject he headlined "Concerning the Atlanta Hawks." In it, he requested that "the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with Magic City."

"Allowing this night to go forward without protest would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society," Kornet wrote.

At the time, Kornet was the only public NBA voice raising concern about the promotion. Warriors forward Al Horford, who played nine seasons for the Hawks reposted Kornet's blog post on social media.

"Well said, Luke," Horford wrote.

This story will be updated.

The New England Revolution dropped their first two games of the Major League Soccer season.

The team’s home opener was delayed to this Sunday, March 15^th because of the blizzard a couple of weeks ago. The winter storm prevented new sod from being installed inside Gillette Stadium ahead of the World Cup this June.

But the team remains focused on improving and finding the future stars of soccer. Boston 25 News Reporter Michael Raimondi was given an exclusive behind the scenes look at how the Revolution are recruiting teenagers from around the United States to their club.

“I remember my first day my parents dropped me off after orientation. It was exciting for a 15-year-old boy. We were kind of the guinea pigs for how this goes now,” Colby Quinones said.

Quinones is a former Revolution Academy player. He was one of the first to enter the program in 2019. He’s from Bedford, New Hampshire, and he moved into a residency home that’s a short walk away from the stadium. From the back deck of the house, you can see the light tower and top rows of seats.

On Monday, Quinones was moving back into the house he called home as a former player. Now, he’s taking up the role of guardian as he lives and watches over the teenage players who moved from across the country to train here.

“I have very strong emotions when it comes to the residency house and when it comes to developing young players,” he said. “Looking at these kids when they go out to train every night, I see myself in them.”

Quinones says not every club in MLS has a program like this. It’s grown since he was a young player, as the club now has about 20 teenagers in the academy. The kids ages 14 to 17 years-old live among three different residency houses just a few minutes away from Gillette. The roommates become teammates. Before they take the field for training, they spend a few hours each morning virtual learning inside Gillette Stadium.

“At first, I was very nervous. This is a big opportunity. I needed to perform well to keep in this academy,” academy player Josh Macedo said. “The Revs specifically are known for building players up and focusing on each player’s ability in helping them.”

Macedo is in his third season with the Revolution. The teen from southern California impressed the scouts with the club during a tournament when he was 14. They had him tryout for the academy which eventually led them to offer him a spot where he can learn, train and live in Foxboro, for free.

“Life changing not only on the field but off the field. Learning to live by myself and having to learn to cook and take care of my laundry and all that stuff on my own has helped me,” Macedo said. “Living with different kids in different positions who have learned different things. They’ve taught me so much.”

Macedo said it was tough at first leaving his family behind but credits the academy for also helping him develop much faster than he would if he didn’t join the club.

This program has churned out first-team starters for the Revolution. The goal is to continue finding young talent to develop so the club can be competitive.

“With the MLS being more and more competitive, it’s more important we invest in our kids, invest in our infrastructure here to make this club one of the best in the country, Quinones said.”

The players could one day play for a national team, like current Revolution Goalkeeper Matt Turner, who has 27 clean sheets as a goalie for the United States Men’s National Team.

“I want to go pro the dream is to go to Europe but for right now I have to keep building to see if I can get a contract,” Macedo said.

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Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry are good friends away from the golf course.

Fleetwood would have known more than anyone how Lowry felt after the Irishman’s terrible finish at the Cognizant Classic earlier this month.

The Englishman endured his fair share of heartbreak over the past couple of years, before finally getting over the line on the PGA Tour at the Tour Championship in August last year.

Fleetwood is not only one of the best ball-strikers in the world, but he is one of the nicest players in the game as well.

Having someone like the Englishman to lean on would have been priceless for Lowry, after he dropped four shots in his final three holes to lose by two at the Cognizant Classic.

Now Fleetwood has opened up with some very sage advice for the 2019 Open champion.

Tommy Fleetwood’s Shane Lowry prediction after Cognizant Classic nightmare

Fleetwood addressed the media at TPC Sawgrass on Monday afternoon.

The Englishman was asked by reporters whether he empathized with Lowry after what he went through at PGA National recently.

“There’s no doubt Shane is going to win, like probably pretty soon and it could be something really, really big,“ Fleetwood insisted.

“And when he does, I think like, you know, or whatever experiences have come before will be a good thing.

“Because you learn from them all the time. But yeah winning can be difficult.

“But at the same time he could win a tournament and feel like maybe he shouldn’t win it because he didn’t hit the shots — I don’t know, Shane’s won a lot of tournaments, and, yeah, you look at the Ryder Cup.

“So I don’t necessarily think it’s like — I don’t think it’s like a pressure thing. I think it’s just the fact that, you know, winning a tournament maybe just needs to happen and then he’ll win a bunch maybe.“

Tommy Fleetwood’s advice for Shane Lowry

Fleetwood was asked what advice he would give Lowry about his failure to win the Cognizant Classic.

“Yeah, of course I would talk to Shane and I would say what I would say to myself,“ Fleetwood said.

“Like you’re much better at being there and that happening than not being there at all.

“You know, I guess you could easily look at Bay Hill last week. I would have rather been in contention on the last hole and hit it in the water and lost by one than, you know, finish 49th.

“Like I would have rather done that. Like so I had — you know, the close people to me like my friends out on TOUR would give me words of encouragement and a pat on the back or whatever it would be after the weeks where I didn’t get it done.

“Like I said, there will be times that I do that again and I’ll get the same thing from my friends, and I’ll do the same to guys where it doesn’t happen and then you celebrate the times that it does.

“That’s just how it goes.

“But like I say, I always believe you’re better at being there and it not quite happening than not being there at all.“

That is sound advice from Fleetwood and Lowry would do very well to take it on board.

It’s a North American showdown in the World Baseball Classic as the United States takes on Mexico, with Paul Skenes getting the start for Team USA on Monday.

MORE: Official USA World Baseball Classic 2026 gear: WBC jerseys, hats and more

How to Watch USA vs Mexico

• Date: Monday, March 9, 2026
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: FOX
• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

Team USA and Mexico have both been dominant to start Pool B of the World Baseball Classic, entering their head‑to‑head matchup with 2–0 records.

The United States opened with a 15‑5 rout of Brazil, showcasing a powerful lineup and depth through nine innings, then followed that up with a 9‑1 win over Great Britain, combining timely hitting and strong pitching to take control early in pool play.

Meanwhile, Mexico has also been firing on all cylinders, cruising to an 8‑2 win over Great Britain and then crushing Brazil 16‑0 in six innings under the mercy rule, with contributions up and down the lineup.

– Watch USA vs Mexico on Fubo –

That sets up what might be the most anticipated game of Pool B at Daikin Park in Houston, where both teams remain unbeaten and are jockeying for top spot in the group. A win here for either side won’t immediately clinch advancement, with Italy also 2–0, but it would give the victor a huge edge heading into the final round of pool play and control of the pool.

With both squads carrying momentum from big opening wins, the USA‑Mexico showdown has huge implications for seeding and confidence as the World Baseball Classic moves toward the knockout stage.

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as changed his mind about his WBC plans

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The draw for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup has taken place, with Manchester City drawn at home to Liverpool in a blockbuster all-Premier League tie.

Quadruple contenders and 14-time winners Arsenal have yet to face a top-flight side in the competition and have been given a favourable draw away to Southampton, the only Championship side left.

Meanwhile giant-killers Port Vale - the lowest-ranked side left in the competition - have earned an away day to Stamford Bridge.

Vale are bottom of League One and last made the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1954, but after shocking top-flight Sunderland they will be dreaming of another cupset.

It will be the first time Port Vale have played Chelsea in nearly 100 years, with their last competitive fixture coming in 1929.

Liam Rosenior’s side escaped their own scare against Wrexham, twice coming from behind and needing extra time to see off 10 men at Stok Cae Ras.

The final last-eight encounter will see West Ham at home against fellow Premier League side Leeds United, who enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Norwich.

The Hammers reached a first FA Cup quarter-final in 10 years with a nail-biting 5-3 victory on penalties over Brentford, after drawing 2-2 in normal time.

The quarter-final ties will be played over the weekend of 4 April.

Over the weekend the Gunners escaped a scare against Mansfield to keep their quadruple hopes alive, while City eased past Newcastle 3-1 to do the same and Liverpool avenged their loss to Wolves last week.

Saints saw off top-flight Fulham, who made nine changes, with a stoppage-time penalty from Ross Stewart.

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has a short rotation of hats and quarter zips he wears to his pregame press conferences. His well-worn Cleveland WNBA hat that’s starting to fade around the edges is one of them. He, appropriately, had that one on during Monday’s pregame availability on the day the Cavs are celebrating International Women’s Day.

“It’s so cool that Cleveland is going to have a [WNBA] team,” Atkinson said before his team’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

That team is going to be coming in a few seasons, but first, the WNBA will need to navigate its current labor dispute. The league and the players have exchanged collective bargaining agreement proposals ahead of the league-imposed March 10 deadline. One of the main sticking points is how much the players should be getting of the league’s revenue.

Atkinson clarified that he isn’t a union negotiator, but it’s safe to say he’s on the players’ side.

“Go get your money,” Atkinson said. “Go for it. That’s what it’s about.”

Right now, they aren’t getting that.

The players’ union proposed a deal that would see the players keep 26% of gross revenue before expenses. The league believes that would be unrealistic. Under the previous agreement, WNBA players have been estimated to keep less than 10% of revenue. For comparison, in 2022 NBA players reportedly kept half of basketball-related income and 39% of all revenue.

What isn’t up for debate is the fact that the WNBA is more popular now than ever. Derailing that momentum would be detrimental to the league’s long-term health.

Atkinson admitted that he wasn’t watching the league much three to five years ago. Now he watches for entertainment and also to learn. He’s impressed with the offensive sets that teams run and their level of execution.

“There’s an attention to detail, especially offensively with the sets they run,” Atkinson said. “[I try] to find a good ATO (after timeout play) or set that I haven’t seen. … You really can grab a lot of good stuff.”

Hopefully, the WNBA and its players’ association can come to a deal soon so that games aren’t missed. And more importantly, hopefully it’s one that rewards the players who have led to the explosion of the league’s popularity.

“I want the players to push for what they think is just and deserved,” Atkinson said.

Mike Evans jersey number, explained: Why 49ers WR can't wear typical No. 13 jersey originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For the past decade, no wide receiver or player in the NFL has been more synchronized with the No. 13 than Mike Evans.

From his legendary eleven-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons to his Super Bowl 55 title in Tampa Bay, the digit has become synonymous with his physical brand of dominance on the boundary. The number has followed him from the collegiate stage at Texas A&M through a Hall of Fame-caliber tenure with the Buccaneers, where he set franchise records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns that likely won't be touched for a generation.

However, as he prepares for his first season away from the only professional home he has ever known, that iconic pairing is coming to an abrupt end. By signing a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, Evans is joining a storied franchise where the No. 13 is already firmly occupied by Brock Purdy. 

As Evans chases a second ring alongside stars like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, he will have to forge a new identity under the lights of Levi’s Stadium. Whether he chooses a single digit or returns to a more traditional receiver number, seeing the 6-foot-5 frame of Evans in a different jersey—and a different number—will be one of the most jarring sights of the 2026 season.

Here's why Evans has to part with his storied number.

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What is Mike Evans' jersey number with the 49ers?

Evans has not yet officially selected a new jersey number for the San Francisco 49ers. Having just agreed to a three-year, $60.4 million deal during the legal tampering period, he cannot officially sign or finalize his equipment details until the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 13.

Though, he will have to pick a new number for the first time in his career, with Purdy holding the coveted No. 13. Evans could theoretically buy the number from Purdy, but that is unlikely with Purdy having a deep personal and family connection to No. 13 (honoring Dan Marino) along with him being the face of the organization.

If he decides to pivot, a single digit like No. 1 or No. 3 would be a popular modern choice for a receiver of his caliber, though No. 1 is currently occupied by Ricky Pearsall. Alternatively, he could opt for a traditional veteran look in the 80–89 range, which remains largely available on the 49ers' current roster and would offer a classic aesthetic for his debut in San Francisco.

One other possibility is No. 11, which is currently held by Brandon Aiyuk. However, with multiple reports indicating that the 49ers are set to part ways with Aiyuk via trade or release at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, his departure could leave the door open for Evans to claim the number.

MORE: How Mike Evans signing helps 49ers

Mike Evans contract

Evans has agreed to a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers worth up to $60.4 million.

The deal, which was reported, March 9, 2026, during the NFL's legal tampering period, marks the end of his historic 12-year tenure with the Buccaneers.

Early reports indicate the contract is front-loaded, allowing the 49ers to manage their cap space as they navigate other roster moves.

MORE: How Kenneth Walker fits into Chiefs backfield

Mike Evans stats

Evans’ 12-year career in Tampa Bay is defined by the most consistent start for any wide receiver in NFL history. While injuries finally snapped his record-setting streak of 1,000-yard seasons in 2025, his overall body of work remains a first-ballot Hall of Fame resume.

The biggest news of the Phoenix Raceway weekend might have been the fact that Tyler Reddick did not win a race.

After all, the NASCAR point leader, now in front by 60, was three-for-three to open the Cup season, and he appeared strong enough to threaten to win Sunday. Instead, he finished eighth. No shame in that, of course, but some might have thought he might run the table for the season.

The most promising result of the weekend in the desert, however, was the fact that the unusual IndyCar/NASCAR doubleheader went smashingly well. There was good racing on both Saturday and Sunday, the crowd totals were good, and officials and drivers from both motorsport disciplines left the track with positive vibes. The first crossover weekend on an oval track was seen as somewhat of a gamble, but the dice landed well.

NASCAR fans who were in town for the Sunday race but who also took in Saturday’s win by IndyCar’s Josef Newgarden got a taste of racing on the other side of the fence. Those who might have doubted the quality of the open-wheel show perhaps left impressed. The same could be said for IndyCar followers who doubled up for the NASCAR Cup race Sunday. Several IndyCar drivers were spotted along NASCAR pit row Sunday.

Team Penske fans should have been overwhelmed. Ryan Blaney sealed a big weekend for team owner Roger Penske by winning Sunday to make it a sweep for the captain.

The bigger winner could be motorsports in general.

There should be more IndyCar/NASCAR doubleheaders in future schedules. For too many years, the powers-that-be in Indianapolis and Daytona Beach saw themselves as enemies, and for any number of reasons. NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., once unceremoniously escorted from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, built his big new track in Daytona Beach severely banked, in part, to make it more imposing and faster than Indy. Even as NASCAR grew and open-wheel racing survived a damaging split into two series, there was little love shared between the racing bosses.

The Phoenix weekend provided the perfect proof that the two forces working in unison can produce several days of racing that can lift both.

The weekend benefitted from the fact that the Phoenix course is that rare track whose design seems ideal for both stock cars and open-wheelers. There was speed, there was passing, there was tight racing.

Of course, not every track is conducive to hosting both heavy stock cars and faster open-wheelers. But there are enough opportunities across the months to create more doubles and spread the fun around.

Schedulers from both organizations should be on the phone today working on 2027.

Falcons offense projection with Tua Tagovailoa: How new QB fits with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Falcons have a new quarterback under center in Tua Tagovailoa, who signed a one-year deal with the team on Monday. The move follows a tumultuous end to Tagovailoa's six-year tenure in Miami, where he was benched late in the 2025 season for rookie Quinn Ewers. By releasing Tagovailoa, the Dolphins took an NFL-record $99.2 million dead cap hit, effectively clearing the way for Atlanta to sign him to a veteran minimum contract.

For Tagovailoa, the move is a homecoming to the very turf where he became a college football legend; it was in this same building that he came off the bench to throw the iconic "2nd-and-26" game-winning touchdown to clinch the 2018 National Championship for Alabama. Now, he returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the task of revitalizing an Atlanta offense that has struggled to find consistent scoring despite a wealth of high-end talent.

This signing immediately elevates the Falcons’ elite trio of playmakers. Tagovailoa’s quick processing and accuracy are a perfect match for high-volume target Drake London, while his red-zone touch finally offers Kyle Pitts a point guard who can maximize his catch radius. Most importantly, Tua’s presence forces defenses to respect the pass, clearing the way for 2025 scrimmage yards leader Bijan Robinson as Michael Penix Jr. continues his recovery.

Here's the Falcons' projected lineup with Tagovailoa at QB1.

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Falcons depth chart projection

For the past few seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have quietly assembled one of the most explosive skill position foundations in professional football. This group is headlined by Bijan Robinson, who cemented his status as a generational talent in 2025 by leading the NFL with a franchise-record 2,255 scrimmage yards. Complementing him on the perimeter is Drake London, who followed up a breakout 2024 with another 1,000-yard campaign, and tight end Kyle Pitts, who recently earned the franchise tag after a 2025 season where he led the team with 928 receiving yards. Together, they form a "Big Three" of top-ten draft picks who have all proven they can be the focal point of a high-octane offense.

The missing piece has long been a point guard capable of distributing the ball with the timing and touch these playmakers require. By signing Tua Tagovailoa, the Falcons have acquired a quarterback who has already proven he can orchestrate a league-leading offense, having paced the NFL with 4,624 passing yards in 2023. Tagovailoa’s elite quick-game processing and anticipation are a hand-in-glove fit for the rhythm-based West Coast system being implemented by new head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

MORE: Falcons QB depth chart with Tua Tagovailoa

Why did the Falcons sign Tua Tagovailoa?

The Falcons brought in the veteran presence of Tagovailoa to stabilize the quarterback room following a significant knee injury to Penix Jr. This move provides the team with a proven starter who can lead the offense immediately, ensuring that the recovery process for their centerpiece is not rushed.

With Tagovailoa, a quarterback with established passing numbers, the Falcons are banking on a higher floor. Atlanta created a competitive environment that protects a roster featuring elite playmakers like Robinson, London, and Pitts; with Kirk Cousins at the helm, the Falcons won four straight games to end the 2025 season.

Schematically, the addition is a seamless fit for an offense built around these high-end skill positions. New head coach Kevin Stefanski, known for his ability to maximize efficient, rhythm-based passers, now has someone of executing his timing-sensitive West Coast system. The rare symmetry of having multiple left-handed passers allows the offensive line to maintain consistent protection schemes and lets the coaching staff call plays without altering the geometry of the field. This continuity is designed to maximize a group of athletes that has lacked consistent distribution despite their individual success.

Tagovailoa returns to the original scene of his collegiate success looking for professional redemption and a chance to revitalize his career. Surrounded by a talented supporting cast, the stage is set for a fresh start in a familiar and high-stakes environment.

MORE: Tua Tagovailoa contract, explained

Well, here we are: the end of the regular season. It’s conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament from here on out, and at the end of the 31-game march, there’s a trio of 29-2 teams at the top. Duke, Arizona, and Michigan all ran through their conferences with relative ease.

The Blue Devils lost to Texas Tech and North Carolina, Arizona lost to Kansas and Texas Tech, and Michigan lost to Wisconsin and Duke (though it’s probably a good thing the Wolverines didn’t play Texas Tech).

Currently, Duke sits atop the pecking order, and if they win the ACC Tournament, they will likely stay there and head into the NCAA Tournament as the #1 overall seed.

Let’s run through the final AP poll of the regular season and break it down:

Notes:

• Miami-OH completed a perfect 31-0 regular season with their overtime victory over Ohio, 110-108. It’s the first unbeaten regular season since Gonzaga in 2020-2021 and Kentucky in 2014-2015 before that. Their reward? Getting dropped from 19th to 20th.
• UConn dropped two spots after falling on its face in its season finale at Marquette, which entered the game 11-19 and in last place in the Big East standings.
• Florida took full advantage of UConn’s loss, moving up to 4th and putting themselves in prime position to snag the 4th 1-seed come Selection Sunday. If they win the SEC Tournament, it’ll be really hard to give it to someone else.
• The top four seeds of the Big Ten Tournament are in the top 11 of the AP poll. It’ll be a stacked field in the United Center.
• Five ranked SEC teams made the final regular season poll and achieved the first five seeds of the SEC Tournament bracket: Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. The Commodores leapfrogged the Vols in the rankings and the league standings in the regular season finale in Knoxville.
• Houston also has an opportunity to snag a 1-seed if they win the Big 12 Tournament, especially since Florida can’t play anybody as good as Arizona in the SEC Tournament.

Free agency has rung in a new era of the Arizona Cardinals‘ quarterback room — and it’s not one anyone had anticipated. Not only did the Cardinals lose out to the Miami Dolphins in the Malik Willis sweepstakes at the advent of free agency, they brought in veteran backup Gardner Minshew on a one-year, $5.75 million deal worth up to $8 million.

Minshew will enter a battle with Jacoby Brissett (who is the incumbent starter as it stands), to usher in one of the least exhilarating quarterback competitions in recent memory.

With two career backups on the roster and no further additions, the Cardinals will enter 2026 without a starting-caliber passer. Perhaps they have their eyes on a developmental player in the 2026 draft, or perhaps they’re hoping to strike gold in the 2027 NFL draft.

That may be the ultimate best decision for this franchise’s future, but remains a very tough pivot to witness after owner Michael Bidwill was adamant he expected to win games in the 2026 season. Fans who have endured losing season after losing season have little reason to believe more wins are on the horizon.

Arizona Cardinals Lose Out on Malik Willis

The Cardinals were reportedly interested in Willis. Though unproven, the former Packers backup was the gem of an otherwise-thin free agent class. Willis signed on a three-year, $67.5 million deal with Miami, including $45 million in guarantees.

It’s certainly a hefty number for Willis, who has thrown just 155 career passes. He threw for 422 yards on 30-for-25 passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions in four games (one start) for Green Bay. The talent was undoubtedly on display in a very small sample size, but it would have been a significant risk for Arizona.

It’s not so much about the fact that the Cardinals won’t have Willis suiting up for them this season. Rather, it’s the inability or unwillingness to commit to a risky deal that is a difficult look. If Willis was not Arizona’s top priority, the decision to pass on such a price tag is both reasonable and justifiable.

It’s possible that the Cardinals — or, more importantly, head coach Mike LaFleur — were not high enough on Willis to commit to that amount over that many years. But to balk at an average annual value of $22.5 million is extremely unrealistic thinking, if Willis was truly their top QB target.

There were many who felt Willis would not have been a safe investment for the Cardinals at this stage, and those voices may very well be proven right. Only time will tell. But where there was risk in signing Willis, so too there is risk that comes with passing on the 26-year-old for financial reasons — risk of becoming a decision that haunts this organization in the years to come.

Cardinals Pivot to Gardner Minshew

The Cardinals will be Minshew’s sixth stop in his NFL journey. The Washington State product was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, and has spent time with the Eagles, Colts, Raiders and Chiefs along the way. He owns a career passer rating of 88, a starting record of 17-30 and 68 passing touchdowns to 35 interceptions.

Minshew was, at one time, one of the more exciting quarterbacks in the NFL. His personality and highlight-reel plays masked an overall below-average production level. In terms of eye-candy, there’s plenty from the 29-year-old.

But he reportedly wasn’t even Arizona’s backup option. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, the Cardinals pivoted to Minshew after talks stalled with Rams backup Jimmy Garoppolo — who has familiarity and rapport with LaFleur.

There’s no sugarcoating it. Minshew was clearly not the plan from the outset this offseason. Whether or not GM Monti Ossenfort was sold on Willis, the Cardinals’ quarterback situation is now a baffling concoction of career backups with a combined record of 37-75.

Cardinals’ Future QB Plans REmain Unresolved

There is no long-term solution present at this stage. It remains to be seen if the looming draft will yield a future option to Arizona. Perhaps Alabama’s Ty Simpson, or a late-round flyer on an arm like Drew Allar or Garrett Nussmeier will turn into a future gem.

But Monday’s decisions certainly make it unlikely the Cardinals’ future franchise quarterback will be taking the field in the the 2026 season. There is plenty of time for free agency to unfold still, but Arizona appears poised to have another difficult product to sell in the coming season.

Fans who have already endured the most brutal of losing streaks will need an incentive to spend their money at State Farm Stadium. Going into the year without a starting-caliber quarterback will not provide that incentive.

Of course, winning games is always the cure. If LaFleur is capable of winning in a QB-purgatory season, that might say enough about both he and his staff to inspire hope for the future of this franchise. Perhaps Brissett or Minshew enter a late-career renaissance — it’s all still on the table.

But right now, it looks like the Cardinals have their eye more centered on 2027, despite Bidwill’s comments after the firing of Jonathan Gannon. The problem is, Arizona has been through this ugly process before with the very same GM who roster-constructed the team to a 15-37 record over the past three seasons. Asking fans to endure another agonizing season with more lofty, lottery-ticket hopes at a turnaround in the distant future requires more trust than this organization has earned.

Eakin Howard via Getty Images

Free agent wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is returning to the Seattle Seahawks. Shaheed agreed to terms on a three-year, $51 million deal to stay in Seattle, per multiple reports.

Shaheed's agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, negotiated the deal, which includes $34.7 million in guaranteed money.

After joining the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Shaheed quickly found relevance in the league. He was named first-team All-Pro as a returner in his second season, ranking 10th in the league with 1,479 all-purpose yards and fourth in the league with 723 kick and punt return yards.

The Saints sent Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the NFL trade deadline last season to complement the duo of soon-to-be-named Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp.

This breaking news story will be updated.

Hitting the ball longer off the tee is something all golfers should strive for. As advanced analytics have illustrated, the more distance you have off the tee, the easier the game becomes.

That’s why we’ve seen such a distance boom in the pro-golf ranks in recent years. With the stats showing just how important distance is, pros have focused on doing everything in their power to optimize their swings so they can squeeze every last yard out of their drives.

Recreational golfers may not have the luxury of being able to optimize everything about their setup — but that doesn’t mean there aren’t distance gains to be had. In fact, with a majority of amateur players swinging in an inefficient manner, there are even more gains available to weekend warriors than there are to the pros.

I discovered this fact firsthand when I went through a speed training session with GOLF Top 100 Teacher Bernie Najar, during which I gained over 10 mph of clubhead speed from where I started.

So, how can you see similar gains? I’ve outlined three big keys below.

3 keys for maximizing your clubhead speed

1. Up your intensity

Golf is typically viewed as a “leisurely” sport. But if you want to hit the ball at your maximum potential, you need to dispel that notion.

Think about any other sport in which you are going for a personal record. In all of them, you will try to hype yourself up beforehand so you can give max effort. The same principle applies when speed training.

“I’m a big believer in getting your intensity up,” Najar says. “In your case, you need to get your heart rate up.”

For me, that meant doing a series of jumping jacks before hitting a set of balls. You can also opt for a quick set of sprints or even just some fast walking. All that matters is that you get your heart rate up.

It may seem silly at first, but once you start hitting balls, you should see your clubhead speed jump up by a couple of mph.

2. Generate speed early

Have you ever heard the old golf adage “low and slow” as it pertains to the takeaway? Well, if you want to maximize your clubhead speed, you have to ignore it.

Hitting the ball longer starts with moving the clubhead faster, and that means throughout the entire swing — backswing included.

“One of the ways to get [energy] into the club is to put some [energy] into it a little bit earlier,” Najar says. “We are going to start the club out in front [of the ball] and then rip it back.”

If you’ve ever watched pros who are big into speed training (think Bryson DeChambeau or Matt Fitzpatrick), you’ll see that they take the club to the top as fast as they can. That’s no coincidence. If you want to hit it like they do, it’s important you adopt the same tactic.

“Putting more into the golf club means you really have to rev it up a little,” Najar says.

3. Don’t worry about accuracy

One of the hardest things about speed training effectively is letting go of the result of the shot. We as golfers are hard-wired to try to make the ball sail down the fairway with supreme accuracy. But when you are speed training, you can’t worry about where the ball is going.

“One of the things Kyle Berkshire would tell you,” Najar says. “If you are in a speed session, if you don’t have a big miss, you’re not going fast enough.”

There were a few swings during my session in which I damn near missed the ball — but that’s ok. Speed training is not about trying to hit fairways. It’s about increasing your maximum clubhead speed.

One thing I’ve found useful for addressing this is heading indoors to a simulator and speed training without the shot tracer on. All I put on the screen is clubhead speed and ball speed, and then I swing as hard as I can.

When I do this, I have no idea where the ball is headed. The only feedback I have is my speed numbers. Each time I do this, I find that my speed creeps up just a little higher than when the tracer is on. If you are struggling to let go of your subconscious accuracy biases, I’d recommend giving it a shot.

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Western Kentucky coach Greg Collins is staying despite a second losing record in three seasons, and athletic director Todd Stewart made clear Monday it's because both the coach and donors opened their wallets to boost the Lady Toppers' name, image and likeness pool.

Stewart said donors made “significant” financial commitments along with Collins giving part of his salary to the program's NIL fund. Keeping Collins also is what major boosters of the program wanted.

“I am confident our new resources will result in significant and notable improvement immediately,” Stewart said in a statement. “This program has a history of 20-win seasons, competing for conference championships and reaching postseason tournaments and these goals are the expectation of our program.”

Stewart said the new investment means Western Kentucky will have “substantially more” resources to build a roster next season than the Lady Toppers had available this season, which they finished 8-21. Eight of the losses came by five points or less.

Collins is 132-111 since taking over as Western Kentucky's coach in 2018, and the Lady Toppers went 23-9 last season. The coach apologized for this season, saying the program didn't meet the new challenges as college athletics “changed dramatically.”

“We do have a detailed plan for significant improvement, and I appreciate the new NIL commitments by our donors that will immediately impact our program,” Collins said.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

UConn men’s basketball heads into the Big East Tournament with a little bit of egg on its face. The Huskies were embarrassed on the road against a lackluster Marquette team in the regular season finale, getting upset 68-62 with head coach Dan Hurley ejected in the final seconds. The loss not only hurt UConn from an NCAA tournament perspective, but cost the Huskies some hardware, preventing UConn from capturing what would have been a record 12th Big East regular season title.

Despite the recent blunder, FanDuel still believes the Huskies are the best team in the Big East. As of Monday, UConn is the only team with minus odds to cut down the nets in Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. The Huskies are -115 to win the Big East per FanDuel, with St. John’s as the only other close competition at +190.

Even though UConn lost three conference games to St. John’s two, the Huskies have been the stronger and more consistent team all season. Plus, the Huskies recently a delivered a 30-plus point beatdown of Rick Pitino’s Red Storm when the two teams met in Hartford at the end of February.

A Huskies/St. John’s Big East Tournament Championship matchup would certainly bring a lot of eyeballs to the title game Saturday night, and ensure one of the conference’s two strongest teams gets the highest possible seed with the automatic bid. But first, UConn will need take down the winner of 7-seed Marquette and 10-seed Xavier. FanDuel currently has 3.5-point favorites against the Musketeers and -170 odds to win outright, setting up a potential revenge opportunity for UConn and a chance to end Shaka Smart and the Golden Eagles’ season.

For more conference and NCAA tournament odds, be sure to check out FanDuel for all of your sports betting information.

Eagles get bad news on potential free agency reunion with 35-year-old Super Bowl-winning TE originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While NFL reunions are fun to envision, it’s vital to remember they may not always materialize. 

In the Philadelphia Eagles’ case, it recently became clear that bringing back a 35-year-old three-time Super Bowl-winning tight end in free agency isn’t a realistic possibility.

“As much as they love and respect him, the Eagles have no interest in bringing Zach Ertz back," NFL reporter Derrick Gunn wrote on X/Twitter.

Shortly after Gunn’s original tweet regarding a potential Ertz-Eagles reunion, the respectable NFL journalist explained why a reunion with Ertz probably isn’t in the cards. 

“Where Ertz is concerned, it's not about age or performance, but with him still recovering from an ACL tear, he would have to be healthy before the Eagles would even consider a reunion,” Gunn added. 

Gunn made a valid point about Ertz’s untimely ACL injury with the Washington Commanders last season. With the Orange, California native suffering the setback in December, it’s fair to suggest his status for the start of the 2026-27 season is in serious jeopardy. 

For that reason, it appears the Eagles are unwilling to strike a deal for the veteran tight end who helped Philadelphia secure a victory in Super Bowl 52 and was an integral part of the Eagles’ offense for nearly a decade.

With Dallas Goedert likely parting ways with Philadelphia this offseason, landing Ertz would have been a beneficial move for the organization at the tight end position. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any momentum toward a free agency deal involving the Eagles and the three-time Pro Bowler.

More NFL: Chiefs QB ditching Kansas City for $8.25 million contract with Cardinals

The legal tampering window opens in just an hour. There’s no smoke yet, but we do expect the Panthers to start rubbing sticks together as soon as they can. That means agreeing to terms, restructuring contracts, and altogether shoring up roster holes ahead of next month’s NFL Draft. Keep your eyes here for all the news as it happens.

Carolina Panthers 2026 free agents

• LB Krys Barnes
• OL Brady Christensen
• OL Austin Corbett
• OL Jake Curhan
• RB Rico Dowdle
• CB Akayleb Evans
• OLB Trevis Gipson
• P Sam Martin
• CB Damarri Mathis
• OL Cade Mays
• WR David Moore
• OT Yosh Nijman
• CB Robert Rochell
• LB Christian Rozeboom
• S Nick Scott
• S Isaiah Simmons
• OLB DJ Wonnum

Carolina Panthers signings, re-signings, and extensions

• Wide Receiver Jalen Coker, tendered as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (which is definitely an oxymoron)
• Wide Receiver Brycen Tremayne received the same offer
• JJ Jansen is returning for a record 18th season, breaking the record of 17 seasons held by JJ Jansen.
• CB Akayleb Evans is returning.
• CB/Special teamer Robert Rochell is returning

Carolina Panthers Free Agency Rumors

• Panthers expected to sign former Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles edge defender Jaelan Phillips
• Sweet, sweet quarterback competition (not really) is on the horizon now that Kenny Pickett is in the fold.

Former Panthers on the move

• Cade Mays to the Detroit Lions

Where does the Panthers 2026 cap space stand?

The Panthers have $7.3M in cap space available per Spotrac and about $9M per Over The Cap. The difference of about $1.5M there isn’t significant. Carolina is going to need to make some moves this week with their larger contracts if they want to be at all active in free agency.

He rules the top scorer standings in the Turkish league

طرابزون سبور: بول أونواتشو يسير على الماء

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu continues to light up the Süper Lig, racking up the numbers. With another brace in Trabzonspor's victory over Kayserispor (3-1), the forward is proving his attacking dominance and further solidifies his position as the top scorer in the Turkish championship.

Unstoppable in recent weeks, Paul Onuachu has established himself as the driving force in Trabzonspor’s attack. On Monday, the Nigerian center-forward struck again, netting twice in his team’s win away at Kayserispor. This outstanding performance brings his season tally to 20 goals in 22 league appearances.

Thanks to this latest feat, Onuachu extends his lead at the top of the scorers’ chart. His lethal finishing makes him Trabzonspor’s main offensive weapon in their pursuit of season objectives.

Impressive output with Trabzonspor

Beyond this season, Paul Onuachu also boasts remarkable stats in the colors of the Turkish club. Since his arrival, the Nigerian international has now played 50 matches for Trabzonspor, notching 39 goals and providing 6 assists across all competitions.

This level of productivity highlights the massive impact the Nigerian giant has had on the Black Sea club’s attacking setup. With his physical presence, aerial prowess and clinical finishing, Onuachu has become one of the most feared strikers in the league.

A season that could make history

As the season progresses, Paul Onuachu looks set to hold onto his throne atop the Süper Lig goal charts. His consistency in front of goal and deadly efficiency put him in pole position to finish as the league’s top scorer.

At 31, the Nigerian continues to prove he’s a true goal machine, always capable of tipping the balance in any match.

West Ham United will host Leeds United in the quarter-final of the FA Cup after defeating Brentford on penalties.

Brentford are one of the teams who have been known for their set-pieces but that was how West Ham United took the lead at the London Stadium.

It was Jarrod Bowen who sent in the corner that was initially cleared before Mateus Fernandes put the ball back into the area which was headed down by Tomas Soucek before Bowen ended up getting the final touch to prod home from close range.

The Bees equalised just under 10 minutes later. Michael Kayode elected for a shorter throw-in to Dango Ouattara who put in a cross for Nathan Collins to head home. 

VAR took a long look at it for a potential offside by Igor Thiago in front of the goalkeeper. The Brazilian was onside which led to a check of whether the final touch was from his arm but the goal was given and awarded to Thiago as he deftly helped it past Alphonse Aréola.

After validating the equaliser, VAR had to interrupt to award a penalty that put the Irons back ahead. Kayode was guilty of tripping Adama Traoré, a call that wasn't given by the on-field referee Andy Madley who pointed to the spot after looking at the footage.

Bowen stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted into the bottom left corner as Caoimhin Kelleher dived to his right.

There were two big incidents just before the break. Kevin Schade wanted a penalty after he fought he was fouled by Fernandes but the review deemed that the midfielder got the ball before making contact with the Brentford forward.

Then just before the break Kelleher made a fine save to deny Soucek from close range, keeping his side within a goal going into half-time.

After an action-packed first first half the game slowed in the second half as Brentford searched for an equaliser, which eventually came 10 minutes from time.

Substitute Crys Summerville was penalised for pushing Kayode in the back as the Italian rose for a header. Igor Thiago ended up standing over the ball and stuttered in his run up, catching Aréola unbalanced before firing a powerful effort in to make it 2-2.

That goal forced the game into extra-time which saw the tempo of the game drop even more and while Romelle Donovan and Axel Disasi both had efforts fly just over the bar, penalties loomed.

West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo couldn't bear to watch the penalties but he missed out as his team dispatched all of their spot-kicks emphatically. Meanwhile, Ouattara's attempted paneka penalty that gave Aréola his easiest catch of the evening ultimately cost Brentford.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

Missed opportunity! Kevin Schade from Brentford took a left-footed shot from a challenging position on the left side, but it sailed high and wide to the right. Nathan Collins provided the assist.

1':

The match begins

2':

Missed opportunity! Ollie Scarles from West Ham United took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed just over the bar. The chance was set up by Mateus Fernandes after a corner kick.

6':

Missed opportunity! Jordan Henderson from Brentford took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it didn?t hit the target.

18':

Missed opportunity! Adama Traoré from West Ham United took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide.

West Ham United takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Brentford. Jarrod Bowen scores with a left-footed shot from just a few yards out, placing the ball into the bottom right corner after a corner kick.

19':

GOAL West Ham: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) scores!

Jarrod Bowen scores goal number 1 in the competition (2 matches)

25':

Missed opportunity! Yehor Yarmoliuk from Brentford takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sails over the goal and to the right.

It's now West Ham United 1, Brentford 1. Igor Thiago scores for Brentford with a shot from just a few yards out, finding the bottom right corner of the net. The assist came from Nathan Collins.

28':

GOAL Brentford: Igor Thiago (Brentford) scores!

Igor Thiago scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches) Igor Thiago scores goal number 20 for his team (39 matches)

West Ham United takes the lead 2-1 against Brentford. Jarrod Bowen steps up and successfully scores the penalty, placing a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

34':

GOALWest Ham: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) scores penalty-kick!

Jarrod Bowen scores goal number 2 in the competition (2 matches)

The score is now 2-2 between West Ham United and Brentford. Igor Thiago from Brentford successfully converts the penalty, striking it with his right foot into the bottom left corner of the net.

81':

GOALBrentford: Igor Thiago (Brentford) scores penalty-kick!

Igor Thiago scores goal number 2 in the competition (1 matches) Igor Thiago scores goal number 20 for his team (39 matches)

105 +1':

Missed opportunity! Romelle Donovan from Brentford took a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it sailed over the crossbar. The chance was set up by Kevin Schade after a quick counterattack.

114':

Missed opportunity! Kaye Furo from Brentford heads the ball from the center of the box but it goes wide to the left. The chance was set up by Dango Ouattara, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

West Ham United takes the lead 2-1 against Brentford. Jarrod Bowen steps up and successfully converts the penalty with a shot using his left foot.West Ham United 2 - 1 Brentford! Igor Thiago from Brentford steps up and successfully converts the penalty, striking it with his right foot into the bottom right corner of the net.The score is now West Ham United 2, Brentford 2. Valentín Castellanos from West Ham United successfully scores from the penalty spot, striking the ball with his right foot into the top center of the net.West Ham United 2 - 3 Brentford. Callum Wilson from West Ham United steps up and scores the penalty, striking it with his right foot into the top right corner of the net.West Ham United 2 - 3 Brentford! Keane Lewis-Potter steps up for Brentford and successfully scores the penalty, placing a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner of the net.West Ham United 2 - 4 Brentford 2 - Tomás Soucek steps up and scores from the penalty spot, placing a right-footed shot into the top right corner of the net.

120 +1':

Missed opportunity! Axel Disasi from West Ham United takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes wide.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match

Maurizio Sarri confirms two new injuries for Lazio in their last-gasp victory over Sassuolo, but warns ‘the club has to take some initiative’ to end the fan boycott and reinforce the squad.

The Biancocelesti had just two points in their last four Serie A games and were coming off Wednesday’s dramatic 2-2 Coppa Italia semi-final draw with Atalanta.

They took just 80 seconds to break the deadlock here today with Daniel Maldini, cancelled out by an Armand Laurienté strike, but in stoppages Adam Marusic flicked in the Matteo Cancellieri cross to beat the rather wayward Arijanet Muric.

Sarri frustrated at Lazio difficulties

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 09: Daniel Maldini with his teammates of SS Lazio celebrates after scoring the opening goal during Serie A match between SS Lazio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on March 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“There were some ups and downs during the match, but even without some important players, then losing Romagnoli and Cataldi too, the lads had a great final half-hour with real heart. I think the win was fully deserved, even if we left it late,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

Some of Sarri’s changes were forced, as Danilo Cataldi went off with a muscular issue in the first half, then Alessio Romagnoli was replaced at half-time over a fitness issue.

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 09: Daniel Maldini of SS Lazio scores the opening goal during Serie A match between SS Lazio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on March 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Debutant goalkeeper Edoardo Motta made a double save at 1-1, giving some reassurance after Ivan Provedel’s season was ended by shoulder surgery.

“This is a team that can have the right attitude, every now and then we get it wrong, but not that often. We’ve had to deal with enormous difficulties and some of them are still going, as playing in an empty stadium is depressing, but the players have reacted well to that too.”

CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Head coach Maurizio Sarri of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The atmosphere in the Stadio Olimpico remains a worrying situation, because the boycott continues from the ultras in protest at President Claudio Lotito, so there were only 5,000 people in the stands.

It is the fourth home game in a row with this boycott, so how can the supporters be convinced to come back?

“I think the club has to take some initiative to bring them back, because this is too much of a difficult situation for us,” replied Sarri.

“I am not a director, but this situation has been dragging on for a while, so they know more than me. They will know better than me how and where to intervene.”

The coach said many times he only stayed at Lazio because he made a promise to the fans, so how does he see his future at the club?

“I don’t know, as soon as the season ends and we’ll have a few meetings, then I’ll be able to tell you. A team that has to be up to the standards of the history of this club must be reinforced, that’s for sure,” concluded Sarri.

This result means that Lazio climb back ahead of Udinese into the top 10, and are within a point of Sassuolo in ninth.

Roma is preparing to officially announce its new Main Sponsor, but in the meantime, it’s considering its corporate structure.

Between irony and denials, a veil of mystery remains surrounding Francesco Totti’s return to Trigoria.

There have been some unmistakable signs, such as the former captain’s frequent visits to the stadium or his dinner with Gian Piero Gasperini, but so far there has been no news.

The player himself, spotted at Villa Stuart by some fans, quipped about the situation: “I don’t think he’ll return to Roma.”

And the Giallorossi coach spoke at a press conference about the phantom dinner: “Neither of us paid; we only talked about football. I wasn’t the first to talk about his return.”

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, however, talks between Roma and Francesco Totti regarding the former captain’s return to the club are continuing apace. The parties are reportedly getting closer to a definitive agreement.

The former Giallorossi number 10’s desire is clear: he wants a key role, and the Friedkins are ready to accommodate him. His conversation with Gasperini is a clear sign of this: the two discussed the club’s future and transfer plans.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed his take that another up-and-coming member of his squad is playing at a similar level to Lamine Yamal.

The player in question? Pau Cubarsí.

Stopper Cubarsí has of course long been considered one of the first names on the team sheet in Catalunya’s capital.

Despite being just 19 years of age, the Spaniard has already emerged as something of a leader at the heart of Barcelona’s backline.

Cubarsí has come in for frequent criticism on the part of the Blaugrana faithful across the campaign to date, with many having made clear their feelings that the youngster has become somewhat overrated.

As alluded to above, though, one individual who sees the situation altogether differently is Hansi Flick.

Speaking to the media on the eve of his side’s Champions League meeting with Newcastle United, Barca headmaster Flick revealed his take that:

“For me, Pau Cubarsí is on the same level as Lamine Yamal, but in defence. How Cubarsí defends, he took a throw-in like a corner kick. He is 19 years old and can play at the highest level he can imagine…”

Conor Laird – GSFN

Leeds United have made their position entirely clear: Ao Tanaka is going nowhere this summer, even if he’s playing less under Daniel Farke. According to Pete O’Rourke on the Transfer Insider podcast, the club have no plans to let the 27-year-old Japanese international leave, despite his Premier League minutes drying up since the turn of the year. Tanaka racked up five goals and two assists in 43 Championship games last season, and his engine in the middle of the park proved central to Leeds securing promotion back to the top flight.

However, Farke’s move to a 3-4-2-1 system has squeezed him out, with Stach, Ampadu, and Gruev now making up the go-to midfield trio. Since January, Tanaka has only seen 63 minutes of league action from the bench, and he hasn’t featured in any of Leeds’ last six Premier League matches at all.

Even so, O’Rourke pointed out that the club still see him as a useful squad player who has a future at Elland Road. With 22 games under his belt this season and three goals to show for it, Tanaka hasn’t been a total ghost, but internal talk continues to focus on the gap between what he’s doing and what he’s actually capable of.

“It’ll be an interesting one. I still think he’s got a role to play for Leeds. He’s obviously been on the bench for the last six Premier League games. Leeds have got this starting eleven that they’re sticking with right now, with Stach, Ampadu and Gruev in midfield.”

“He’s obviously struggled for appearances in recent weeks, but has still made 22 appearances in all competitions and popped up with three goals. I don’t think Leeds would be pushing him out the door right now. He’s still an important squad player for the club, and I’m sure he will remain that until the end of the season as well.”

Does Farke Genuinely Need Tanaka, Or Is This A Situation That Simply Cannot Continue?

LEEDS, ENGLAND – MARCH 08: Ao Tanaka of Leeds United arrives at the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Leeds United and Norwich City on March 08, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Here is the bottom line: Leeds are in a tough spot with Tanaka, and just keeping him on the bench until May doesn’t really help anyone. At 27, the Japan international is at the age where he needs to be playing every week for both his own growth and to maintain his market value. So, sitting largely unused through the final stretch of a Premier League season serves him poorly on both counts.

Farke’s 3-4-2-1 has given Leeds a much sturdier defence, and the trio of Stach, Ampadu, and Gruev brings a good mix of grit and skill. Tanaka offers something different; he’s quicker and looks to move the ball forward faster, but that specific profile currently fits nowhere neatly within the system.

Farke really needs to decide if a packed schedule or an injury in April is the right time to give Tanaka a real chance, rather than just throwing him a few minutes at the end of a game. Leeds United need real depth to stay in the top flight, so keeping him this summer is smart business, but just letting a player of his quality gather dust feels like a waste.

The Raiders continued their busy first day of free agency, addressing each of their major needs. One major need is linebacker and they landed a big name, reeling in former Eagles LB Nakobe Dean to a three-year deal.

Congrats @NakobeDean agreeing to a 3 year deal with @Raiders

— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 9, 2026

Dean was the starting linebacker on the Eagles Super Bowl winning team following the 2024 season. The former third round pick had a career-high 128 tackles that season

He was widely considered among the top linebackers hitting free agency. He heads to a Raiders team that appears to be letting all of their 2025 starting linebackers hit free agency themselves and therefore has at least two starting linebacker spots to fill. Dean should fill one of those spots nicely.

His one big question is regarding his injury history. He has had two of his four seasons shortened by injuries, including last season. But when healthy, he's very productive and has plenty of speed to work in the Raiders' new 3-4 scheme plans.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders signing starting LB for Eagles Super Bowl champion team

Buccaneers' free agency nightmare realized on Day 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The talk of the town for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the past week was what the future holds for receiver Mike Evans.

The fact that he wanted to test the market was already a big red flag in the Buccaneers' attempts to retain him, and as free agency edged closer, many got the sense that the franchise great would be walking out the door.

And thus, it has proven correct, with Evans landing with the San Francisco 49ers on a three-year deal, which is surprising to me.

The Buccaneers' nightmare has come to reality. A franchise great has moved on.

More:Raiders add two free agent stud five minutes apart

Buccaneers fine after Evans decision

Yes, having Evans as part of your offense is great, but for Tampa Bay, it might not be the end of the world.

One position the Buccaneers are deep at is receiver.

Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Tez Johnson will now make up Baker Mayfield's receivers in 2026.

That isn't a bad quartet of players to go to battle with.

Yes, Evans is a different beast, but the Buccaneers aren't left hanging in the wind with Evans leaving.

More NFL news:

• Chiefs big winners of Day 1 free agency
• Ravens big losers of free agency as Pro Bowl stud walks
• Insider drops huge $15 million Chiefs update on Travis Kelce
• ESPN hints at Tom Brady's role in keeping Maxx Crosby away from Patriots
• Insider drops incredible $298 million fact on Ravens' 2022 draft class
• Analyst reveals incredible Commanders free agency plan
• Ravens dealt harsh $20 million reality for pending free agent
• Latest QB news nightmare fuel for Steelers fans

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Content warning: This story contains descriptions of alleged domestic assault.

New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore will not face a domestic assault and battery charge after Massachusetts prosecutors decided to drop the case.

Barmore, 26, appeared in Attleboro District Court with his representation on Monday for an arraignment that was rescheduled from Feb. 3 because of the Patriots playing in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8. At Monday’s proceeding, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn told the judge that prosecutors considered the case “not viable,” Boston’s WCVB reported.

Outside the courthouse, Quinn told reporters that the woman who made the complaint against Barmore did not want to travel out of state for the case, according to The Associated Press. Additionally, the fact that Barmore was not arrested when the complaint was initially filed played a significant factor in the prosecutors’ decision.

“Domestic violence is something that I've taken very seriously my whole career," Quinn said, via WCVB. "But we have an obligation as a DA to review all the evidence, and our review of the evidence was, this was not a case that we could prove."

Quinn added that the decision did not pass judgment on what may have occurred.

The criminal complaint stated that Barmore took his then-girlfriend’s phone after an argument over air conditioning and food temperature on Aug. 8. As the woman attempted to leave Barmore’s home and screamed for help, he allegedly threw her to the ground and grabbed her by the shirt.

According to court documents, the alleged victim called a car service provided to Patriots players to drive her and her daughter to Delaware.

The woman told local police that she reported the incident on Aug. 25, providing officers with a photo displaying bruises that she claimed were sustained when Barmore threw her to the floor.

Barmore’s attorney initially denied that any crime had occurred, saying “the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place.”

In December, the woman emailed prosecutors saying that she did not want to move forward with charges, court documents stated.

College football analyst reveals absolute must-win game for Michigan, Bryce Underwood originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Michigan Wolverines have potential College Football Playoff goals this fall, but to get there, they may just have to exact revenge against the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Sooners defeated the Wolverines 24-13 in Week 2 last season, but college football analyst David Pollack sees the rematch going much differently come Sept. 12 in Ann Arbor when he previewed it on his "See Ball Get Ball" podcast.

“If you’re going to start comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges, if you get that feather in your cap of an out-of-conference team, Oklahoma is going to be good," Pollack said. "They’re gonna be good. They were in the [College Football Playoff], and they’re going to be in contention again.

Pollack said even though the Sooners may be good, he expects the Wolverines to make the necessary adjustment.

“They’re gonna [be good]," Pollack added. "They’re not going anywhere. Getting them at home is even better. You get that one, when you start comparing to other teams that you’re going to be going against and you say you got that feather in the cap, that’s a really good thing for Go Blue.”

Quarterback Bryce Underwood told "Champ Media" how much he is looking forward to his sophomore season, especially being recently named captain.

MORE: Fans plead for 94-win Ohio State ex-HC to replace Ted Carter after shocking resignation

"It's a blessing overall," Underwood said. "These past few weeks have just been working hard, leading the guys. It wouldn't be any different with them being leaders as well. Just really appreciate them for everything they put me through."

With all eyes on Underwood taking the next step toward stardom in Ann Arbor, he has the backing of his new coach, Kyle Whittingham, too.

"You know, first of all, from what I understand, there was no dedicated quarterback coach working with him on a daily basis," Whittingham said. "Which has to happen when you get a young, young man, 17 years old, he didn't turn 18 till like mid-season."

Although Whittingham is surprised by Underwood's progression, his youthfulness is arguably his biggest advantage, he said.

"And so he's a guy that really could have been in high school last year as far as his age," Whittingham said. "But, there's some things in throwing mechanics and the -- just seems to smooth out in his fundamentals and technique. And we're already got a good start on that."

Whittingham concluded he feels comfortable with the staff Underwood already has around him, too, despite it still being a learning experience.

MORE: Composite college football top 25 rankings for 2026: Ohio State, Texas lead Way Too Early lists

"And Jason Beck and Koy Detmer, outstanding quarterback developers and coaches," Whittingham said. "So we're already going down that path, but you talk about a ton of upside and Bryce Underwood's got it all. He's 6-foot-4 and 225 plus and has a cannon arm."

Whittingham trusts Underwood as the quarterback with the "whole package," making this season a true test.

"I feel like it's just a fresh start overall," Underwood said. "Brings my guys — brings us more together because now we're more player led. We've been through a little bit of adversity.. something for us to be better at every single day,"

A potential win against the Sooners could go a long way, but only time will tell.

More Big Ten news

• Illinois 2026 football schedule

• Michigan 2026 football schedule

• Ohio State 2026 football schedule

• Indiana 2026 football schedule

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Espanyol and Real Oviedo drew 1-1 in a game that extended Espanyol’s winless La Liga run to 10 matches and left Oviedo rooted to the bottom of the table on Monday.

Oviedo came into the game without a win in five but took the lead after eight minutes through Alberto Reina.

However, Espanyol was on top and got a deserved equalizer nine minutes before halftime thanks to Kike Garcia.

Espanyol continued to control the play in the second half and finished with 26 shots to Oviedo’s six. But neither side could find the net again.

A point was a meagre outcome for both clubs and left Oviedo four points adrift at the bottom of La Liga.

Espanyol, meanwhile, has yet to win this year but remains in seventh thanks to a good start to its campaign.

___

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

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Bobby Hurley’s time at Arizona State is over.

The Sun Devils are expected to fire Hurley at the end of the season, according to The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman. Arizona State holds just a 16-15 record this season, and will take on Baylor in the first round of the Big 12 tournament next on Wednesday in Kansas City.

As the Sun Devils are well out of contention to make it to the NCAA tournament, Hurley’s tenure at Arizona State will end once it has been knocked out of the Big 12 tournament.

Hurley has spent the last 11 seasons with the Sun Devils, which marks his second head coaching job in college basketball after a two-year run at Buffalo. He reached the NCAA tournament three times in Tempe, though he’s never led the program out of the first round.

This post will be updated with more information shortly.

Egor Dëmin’s rookie season in the NBA has come to a premature end.

The Brooklyn Nets guard and BYU product has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with “increased plantar fasciitis in his left foot,” according to a report Monday from Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

#Nets guard Egor Dëmin will miss the remainder of the season due to increased plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Dëmin is expected to return to basketball activity early in the offseason and be a full participant in the summer development program. #NBA

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) March 9, 2026

Dëmin, who has not played since Feb. 27, had previously dealt with plantar fasciitis during the preseason.

In 52 games since being selected with the No. 8 pick in last year’s NBA draft, Dëmin made 45 starts for the Nets and averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

Dëmin’s 3-point shooting proved impressive during his debut campaign, hitting 38.1% of his shots from behind the arc to rank first among Brooklyn players and 51st in the NBA.

During his lone season at BYU, the Russia native earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors by averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while helping the Cougars reach their first Sweet 16 since 2011.

According to Lewis, Dëmin should “return to basketball activity early in the offseason and be a full participant in the summer development program.”

How Red Sox's Jarren Duran Described World Baseball Classic Experience originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jarren Duran became the latest Boston Red Sox player to enjoy a big World Baseball Classic moment.

Masataka Yoshida, Brayan Bello and Nate Eaton are among the Red Sox representatives making an early WBC impact. Duran joined that company by homering in Mexico's 16-0 win over Brazil on Sunday.

After the game, Duran discussed the surreal atmosphere at Houston's Daikin Park with MLB Network's Jon Morosi. A heavy contingency of Mexico fans packed the venue to create an environment that Duran said felt more energetic than Yankee Stadium during last October's postseason series between the Red Sox and Yankees.

"You can't describe it. You have to be here to witness it, but it's one of the loudest crowds I've been a part of," Duran said. " And I got to play in the playoffs last year, and it doesn't even come close to this."

Duran belted three home runs and two doubles in five spring training games before leaving for the WBC. He went hitless in an 8-2 win over Great Britain, drawing a walk and stealing a base from the leadoff role, before going 2-for-3 with three RBIs on Sunday.

The 29-year-old couldn't contain his excitement while rounding the bases after his home run.

"I feel like I haven't done much for this team, and I didn't do much in the last WBC, but it meant a lot to me," Duran said. "I was trying not to smile too much, but it means a lot to me to be able to do that for these fans."

Duran, who was born in California, is proud to honor his father's Mexican heritage.

"When I hit that homer, the first thing I thought of was my dad and his family, and how I can represent the," Duran said. "And I know they're going crazy for me back home, so it means a lot to me."

Daikin Park may be even more electric when Duran opposes Red Sox teammate Roman Anthony and the United States on Monday. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

More MLB: Red Sox's Triston Casas Gives Disappointing Spring Training Update

The Dallas Cowboys have officially been awarded two compensatory picks. Prior to the news the Cowboys held six total picks at their disposal. They now have a full total of eight entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

Here is a listing of their total picks and how they all came to be.

2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks

• 1st: 12th overall
• 1st: 20th overall (from Green Bay Packers)
• 4th: 116th overall
• 5th: 162nd overall
• 5th: 177th overall [compensatory pick]
• 5th: 180th overall [compensatory pick]
• 7th: Overall TBD in comp pick aftermath (from New York Giants)
• 7th: Overall TBD in comp pick aftermath (from Kansas City Chiefs)

The Cowboys will officially have eight picks to work with when the NFL draft comes. It stands to reason that they will move around at some point, but they have also stood and picked with every pick in many drafts before.

You may have noticed that there is an absence of a few picks. Keep in mind that Dallas has already dealt those away.

What happened to the missing Cowboys picks?

Each pick lost requires a bit of a story and that is what we are here to tell.

• 2nd: Sent to the New York Jets in the Quinnen Williams trade (along with the better of next year’s first-rounder)
• 3rd: Sent to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the George Pickens trade
• 6th: Sent to the New York Giants in the Jordan Phillips trade
• 7th: Dallas’ own seventh-round pick was sent to the Cincinnati Bengals in the Logan Wilson trade

How did the Cowboys get the picks from the other teams?

You can also see that the Cowboys have a handful of picks from other teams. Those are the result of a few trades that can be traced all the way back to early in the 2024 season.

• 1st (20th overall): This is pretty memorable as Green Bay sent it in the Micah Parsons trade
• 7th (Overall TBD): The Cowboys got this as well from the Giants in a pick swap that accompanied the Jordan Phillips trade
• 7th (Overall TBD): Kansas City sent this to Dallas to acquire tight end Peyton Hendershot

So there you have it. Here is what the Dallas Cowboys have to work with.

The Los Angeles Chargers unearthed a gem when they traded for edge rusher Odafe Oweh in October. The problem is, he shined too hard for the Chargers to keep him.

Oweh cashed in as a free agent, signing a four-year, $100 million deal to punch up the Washington Commanders' 24th-ranked pass rush. He racked up 7.5 sacks in only 10 games with the Chargers after languishing in Baltimore despite a 10-sack 2024. His presence helped give Los Angeles a top-seven sack rate en route to the team's second-straight postseason appearance.

$100 million is a lot for a player who played less than half the snaps for a flawed Baltimore defense before being dealt. Oweh brings elite athleticism to the field but is largely confined to passing downs. Can he give the Commanders their money's worth?

The deal: Commanders sign EDGE Odafe Oweh for four years, $100 million ($68 million guaranteed)

Oweh's 10 sacks in 2024 didn't tell the whole story, with an 11.8 percent pressure rate suggesting he got a bit lucky. His 7.5 sacks in 2025 go the opposite way; his 15.8 percent pressure rate was a career high and better than players like Aidan Hutchinson, Danielle Hunter or Brian Burns. Now he joins a roster where only only player had more than 5.5 sacks... and it was soon-to-be 37-year-old free agent Von Miller.

Oweh did that as a designated pass rusher. He hasn't played more than 60 percent of his team's defensive snaps since he was a rookie in 2021. While he cleaned up the point-of-contact sloppiness that kept him off the field on running downs early in his career -- zero credited missed tackles as a Charger! -- there's still the fear he's just got the one gear on the field.

What a gear it is, however. Oweh's athleticism is absurd. His burst and closing speed are things out of fairy tales. Specifically the messed up Brothers Grimm ones. He may not have hit his ceiling yet, and if that's the case $25 million annually for a 27-year-old goblin could be an underpay. Still, that's betting on potential. What we know now is Oweh's got a high enough floor to be a double-digit sack threat on a regular basis. Now he's getting paid about the same as Montez Sweat, which feels about right.

Grade: A-

Other free agent signing grades:

• Colts re-sign WR Alec Pierce for a whopping four years and $114 million
• Chiefs make a splash by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to revamp backfield
• Dolphins' rebuild lands on Malik Willis as a worthy QB gamble
• Panthers make 2026's riskiest bet on Jaelan Phillips' superstar potential
• Raiders splurge big so Tyler Linderbaum can create space for Ashton Jeanty, Fernando Mendoza
• Saints prep for the end of Alvin Kamara by giving Travis Etienne big money
• 49ers swipe Mike Evans from Bucs to be the adult in their receivers room
• Titans spend big to lure Wan'Dale Robinson south (but not as much as it seems)

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Owafe Oweh cashes in with Commanders: Grade, analysis of $100m deal

Murray State baseball made a dream run to Omaha last year and was one of the eight teams in the 2025 College World Series.

The Racers won 44 games and put together an all-time season that will live in school infamy forever. One season after playing at the college baseball mecca that is Charles Schwab Field, Murray State is playing at much different venues this season.

Due to ongoing renovations at Johnny Reagan Field, the Racers’ home ballpark, the Ohio Valley Conference program announced at the end of January that its first three series of the 2026 season would be moved to neutral sites.

Murray State played series against Ohio, Butler and Mercyhurst, but the games were played at the home parks of Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri State and Vanderbilt.

The Racers have a game this Tuesday against Kentucky State, which was supposed to be at home. On Monday, the program announced via social media that the game has now been moved to McCracken County High School in Paducah, Ky.

“Turf is coming along. Home games at Johnny Reagan Field will be happening soon. Hang with us Racer Nation,” Murray State head coach Dan Skirka wrote on X.

Home to the Mustangs, Edward Jones Field has a turf infield, which was added in 2022. McCracken County has a notable baseball program and won 24 games a season ago, per MaxPreps. Last month, Mustangs head coach Zach Hobbs was inducted into the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

This story will be updated.

One of the most beloved Oregon Duck athletes in program history got a bit of a payday to start the week.

As NFL free agency opened up on Monday, former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota is reportedly signing a new deal with the Washington Commanders to keep the backup QB in D.C. for at least one more season. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the deal is for one year, worth $7 million.

This will be Mariota's third year with the Commanders, all of which have been spent backing up former NFL Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. However, due to Daniels' injury history, Mariota has seen quite a bit of the field, playing in 14 games over the past two years, eight of which he started in 2025.

Mariota has thrown for 2,059 yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his time with the Commanders.

As a former No. 2 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2015, Mariota has unfortunately seen his career derailed by injuries and moved around a bit because of it. After spending five years with the Titans, Mariota went to Las Vegas with the Raiders for two years. He then spent a season each with the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, before finding a home with the Commanders.

He has now been with Washington longer than any team other than the Titans.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions. 

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Marcus Mariota re-signs with Washington Commanders in NFL free agency

On Friday, former Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore struck a plea bargain with the Washtenaw County prosecutor's office, and it appears as if he will escape facing any prison time after five years had been on the table. While we've heard from Moore's side in recent months, through his legal representation, now we're getting the same from the staffer he allegedly had relations with.

Though it had been somewhat public knowledge, Moore's former assistant Paige Shiver wasn't named until her lawyer came forth. They provided a statement, published by USA TODAY, noting that just because Moore is having multiple charges dismissed doesn't make him any less culpable.

"This case is about far more than one terrifying incident," the statement read from Andrew M. Stroth and Steven A. Hart, two Chicago-based lawyers. "It raises urgent and troubling questions about how a powerful figure within a major university athletic program was able to engage in years of inappropriate conduct toward a subordinate without meaningful intervention or oversight.

"Our client believes strongly that she may not be the only person who experienced inappropriate, coercive, or predatory behavior from this individual."

(...)

"The University of Michigan is one of the most well-regarded institutions in the world, yet they have an athletic department that has a pattern and practice of systemic failures," Stroth said. "Our pursuit on behalf of Ms. Shiver is to get some level of accountability and justice so this doesn’t happen to other individuals."

There is an ongoing Michigan athletic department investigation, led by firm Jenner & Block, and initiated by athletic director Warde Manuel, to look into the culture across the department, given this incident and others that have preceded it.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Sherrone Moore's plea deal criticized by former assistant

There were at least seven calls made to police about Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. in the days and weeks leading up to his arrest after he allegedly attacked Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson.

Pearce was arrested in February after he allegedly rammed Jackson’s car with his Lamborghini SUV in Doral, Florida, as she was trying to get away and make it to a police station. The altercation was apparently one of several that had taken place in the weeks leading up to the incident.

According to ESPN, there were at least seven previous 911 calls made to police about Pearce. Jackson was named occasionally in the reports, but she stated that she was being stalked and harassed and that she believed Pearce had tried to break into her home. Police, according to records obtained by ESPN, told Pearce to stay away from the home of a woman described as his ex-girlfriend on Jan. 13.

Police were repeatedly dispatched to a residence described as the home of his on-again, off-again girlfriend between November and his arrest in February, per the report, though no arrests were made until the end. A pair of calls were made on Jan. 28, one stating that a burglary was in progress and that Pearce was “the subject,” though Jackson told police that she saw Pearce leaving before they arrived. Later that night, a woman called 911 and told police that she did not want Pearce to enter her home, and that she was “in fear” after the door was damaged. Pearce was not there when police arrived.

A woman called police in November and said that Pearce came to her residence, knocked on the door repeatedly and called a landline “various times,” but that she refused to open the door and told him to leave. Pearce left 20 minutes before police arrived, and the woman said that Pearce owed her $70,000.

There were two domestic disturbance calls that were heavily redacted in their respective reports. A security guard told police that Pearce was stalking his client on Feb. 2, and that he had been spotted at his clients home “on multiple occasions over the past several days.”

Todd Kirkland via Getty Images

It was five days later that Pearce was arrested. Jackson told police that day that Pearce followed her vehicle, and even tried to open her car door at a light. When she attempted to drive to the Doral Police Department headquarters, Pearce repeatedly rammed her car with his.

Pearce allegedly got back into his car after police arrived and drove away as they tried to open the door. He eventually crashed at an intersection, fled on foot and was eventually arrested after resisting arrest.

Pearce is facing five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding officers, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer. He was released on bond, and was given a stay-away order to ensure he doesn’t interact with Jackson.

Pearce, who was the No. 26 overall pick in the draft last year and finished third in the Associated Press' NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting last season, has maintained his innocence. If domestic violence charges go to trial, Jackson is “willing to testify” against him.

The incident is also being reviewed by the NFL under its personal conduct policy.

Novak Djokovic clawed out a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 victory over 72nd-ranked American Aleksandar Kovacevic on Monday to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells for the first time since 2017.

Djokovic, playing his first tournament since falling to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final, had all he could handle from the 27-year-old New Yorker, who peppered the Serb superstar with 16 aces.

"I knew coming into the match that if he serves well and if he picks his spot in the box it's going to be tough to break him," said Djokovic, who broke Kovacevic in the final game to snatch the win.

"That's what happened actually. He was serving extremely well (except) maybe one game in the first and maybe the last game of the third set -- he got a little bit tight, missed a few first serves.

"He got me into a position where I can win it and I seized it."

With five Indian Wells titles Djokovic is tied for the record with Swiss great Roger Federer.

But the Serbian superstar hasn't made it to the quarter-finals in the California desert since his last title run in 2016 and now he's had to come through a pair of three-setters to return to the last 16.

Djokovic took control with an early break in the opening set and made it hold up.

But Kovacevic was clearly warming up. He held at love in his last two service games of the opening set and rolled through the second against a clearly frustrated Djokovic.

Djokovic regrouped in the third, and despite a tumble in the eighth game found a way to win.

"That's what counts in the end, to get the 'W,'" said Djokovic, who will face either defending champion Jack Draper or Francisco Cerundolo for a place in the quarter-finals.

Alcaraz, riding a 13-0 match winning streak as he chases a third Indian Wells title, takes on France's Arthur Rinderknech under the lights on Stadium Court.

The 22-year-old Spaniard's Australian Open triumph made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, and he followed up with a title in Doha in February.

Now Alcaraz is aiming to return to the winner's circle in Indian Wells, where his bid for a third straight title last year was derailed by Draper in the semi-finals.

bb/rcw

On Monday morning, the Miami Dolphins, led by the new power duo of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, announced that they're moving on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

And, while it can't be official until a release is official, Tagovailoa has found a new home quickly, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the quarterback plans to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

More to come....

More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 free agency tracker: Latest news, rumors and signings

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL free agency: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa signing with Falcons

On Monday morning, it was announced that the Dolphins were cutting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a post-June 1st designation at the start of the league year.

On Monday afternoon, it was announced that the Atlanta Falcons are expected to sign Tagovailoa — as they were strongly pursuing the former number five overall pick from the 2020 NFL Draft in free agency.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Tagovailoa will sign a one-year deal with Atlanta once the official start of free agency arrives on Wednesday. The move will give the Falcons two left-handed quarterbacks — as the team also employs third-year signal caller, Michael Penix, who they drafted with the eight overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The two players will battle it out to see who begins the season as the team’s starter — with Penix making his way back from a November 2025 ACL tear.

Following Schefter’s report, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network chimed in that, as expected, Tagovailoa is signing a veteran-minimum contract with Atlanta, while Miami will still pay the lion’s share of the quarterback’s salary for 2026. The Dolphins will save just over $1 million against the cap due to this move.

Of course, the Dolphins will also have a new-look quarterback room after agreeing to a deal with former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback, Malik Willis, on Monday as well.

Jon Jones wants to set the record straight.

After UFC CEO Dana White said this past weekend that the former two-division champion was never in the running to headline the historic White House card in June, Jones took to social media to fire back. While White admitted that the UFC was in talks with Jones about a potential fight, he said he personally told Jones’ lawyer a spot at the White House was “never going to happen, ever.”

In response, Jones claims he was in talks with the UFC as recently as a few days ago about returning for the White House card before negotiations fell apart. Jones also addressed his long term health after White spoke about problems he was facing, which included a potential hip replacement down the road.

“Hey everyone, I wanted to address Dana White’s comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up. My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return? I was lowballed.

“Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight. So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense. I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready. “

Jones was rumored for a potential showdown against Alex Pereira after both fighters requested the matchup in recent months. In the end, the UFC booked Pereira against Ciryl Gane in an interim heavyweight title fight on the card instead.

As a result of the failed negotiations and the public statements from White regarding the upcoming White House card, Jones went as far as requesting his release from the UFC .

“I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right,” Jones said. “After everything I’ve given to the UFC , the years, the title defenses, the fights, hearing that I’m ‘done’ is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number.

“If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today. No more spins, no more games. Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up.”

Jones retired from the sport after the UFC attempted to book him in a heavyweight title unification bout against Tom Aspinall. Just days later, Jones announced he was coming back with hopes of landing on the UFC White House card, although the UFC CEO immediately shot that down and claimed he couldn’t trust Jones to appear on such a historic event following so many outside the cage issues during his career.

Now it appears Jones is back at odds with the UFC over the claims made about the White House card and whether or not he was actually going to be included.

Packers releasing 2-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman should interest Giants, Ravens, Bills, Vikings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Green Bay Packers released a long-time starter on the first legal tampering day of NFL free agency.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Packers are releasing center Elgton Jenkins, whose seven-year run with the team has come to an end.

"BREAKING: The #Packers are releasing 2x Pro Bowl C Elgton Jenkins, per sources," Schultz said. "He’s expected to have a strong market."

Jenkins has started 94 games in his career, but an injury-riddled 2025 campaign sealed his fate with the Packers.

Jenkins has experience playing center and left guard, so he'll have a competitive market in free agency. The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings could be teams that pursue the veteran offensive lineman.

New York could use an upgrade at center over John Michael Schmitz Jr. at center, and Jenkins would provide that. He allowed just two sacks and 10 quarterback pressures over eight starts in 2025.

Las Vegas added Tyler Linderbaum in free agency to serve as the starter at center, but they also have a need at left guard with Dylan Parham still on the market. Jenkins could step in as the starter on the left side and be a solid contributor.

Minnesota lost its starting center, Ryan Kelly, to retirement. Signing Jenkins to replace Kelly would be a savvy move by the Vikings, and give the unit some much-needed experience.

Jenkins getting released should spark a bidding war among a plethora of teams, and the Giants, Raiders, and Vikings should have interest.

More NFL News

• 49ers blockbuster trade rumor could lead to deal with Steelers, Bears or Lions
• Travis Kelce reportedly makes career decision amid doubts about future
• Mike Evans free agency rumor is good news for Broncos, Pats, 49ers
• Giants trade rumor could lead to blockbuster deal with 49ers
• Falcons free agency rumor reveals interest in Pro Bowl QB

MIAMI – Even as the Terry Rozier gambling case drags through the federal court system, the Miami Heat now have resolution when it comes to compensation from their January 2024 trade with the Charlotte Hornets.

At the time of that trade that sent out guard Kyle Lowry and a lottery-protected future first-round pick, Rozier already had been investigated by the NBA for potential involvement in a gambling scandal. The league and Hornets were aware of that investigation at the time of the deal, with the Heat not provided with such details.

In response to Rozier being placed on NBA leave the morning after the Heat’s Oct. 22 season opener against the Orlando Magic, with Rozier arrested in Orlando, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he would seek to determine equitable compensation for the Heat being left in the dark.

That compensation arrived Monday, with the league informing the Heat they would receive as additional compensation from the Hornets in the form of a second-round pick in this coming June’s draft that Charlotte is owed from either the Golden State Warriors or the Denver Nuggets. Based on the current standings, that second-round pick is to come from the Warriors. Entering Monday’s play, that pick would be at No. 44.

The Heat declined to comment on Silver’s decision.

The Heat otherwise do not hold a second-round pick in June’s draft. The Heat technically would receive the Brooklyn Nets’ second-round pick if it is No. 55 or higher, but that would require the Nets to finish with one of the league’s top five records, with that possibility already eliminated.

What the resolution does not resolve is the Heat remaining hamstrung by the first-round pick due the Hornets. That pick conveys in 2027 if it is not among the first 14, which are the lottery picks. Otherwise it goes to the Hornets unprotected in 2028.

Because of NBA rules prohibiting teams from trading away successive future first-round picks, the obligation to the Hornets means the Heat currently cannot trade with 2026, ’27, ’28 or ’29 first-round picks.

Rozier remains on the Heat roster and payroll, although he can be waived at any time should the team desire to add an additional player. An arbitrator recently ruled that Rozier must directly be paid his full $26.6 million salary this season, which previously had been placed in an interest-bearing escrow-type account by the NBA.

The Heat bypassed a January opportunity to save the $1.7 million non-guaranteed portion of Rozier’s 2025-26 salary in order to sign another player, preferring to retain his salary for a possible deal at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. The Heat then were idle at the deadline, with Rozier listed nightly by the Heat as “not with team.”

Rozier, 31, was arraigned in December in Brooklyn federal court, pleading not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was released on $3 million bond secured by his home in South Florida.

Should he be found guilty or reach a plea deal, it is possible the Heat would be able to claw back his salary, which currently still counts against the Heat’s salary cap and luxury tax.

Rozier is accused of being part of an illegal betting scheme in which he allegedly alerted gamblers he intended to leave a game early in order to make money off a prop bet tied to his performance. That game was when he still was a member of the Hornets.

During the NBA Cup final rounds in Las Vegas in December, Silver said of the Heat’s situation in the Rozier case, “In terms of Miami, this is an unprecedented situation. I think I’m incredibly sympathetic to the Heat and to their fans. But I think we’re going to try to work something through, work this out with them.”

Silver also said, “But there’s no obvious solution here, would just say that there’s no doubt at the moment they have a player that can’t perform services for them. And as to the draft pick they conveyed — obviously he hasn’t been convicted of anything yet, either, but this is an unfortunate circumstance.

“But sometimes there’s unique events and maybe sometimes they require unique solutions. We’ll be looking at this with the Heat and the other teams in the league and see if there’s any satisfactory relief, but at the moment there is none.”

Then came Monday’s decision, which, at best, came off as a compromise.

The Heat have had success in the second round of the draft over the years, including selections such as Pelle Larsson, Mario Chalmers and Josh Richardson.

____

Following a disappointing 2-all draw with Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a match where Manchester City blew a 2-nil lead, Rodri accused referee Rob Jones of not being neutral amongst other topics. Dominic Solanke’s challenge on Marc Guehi that directly led to Spurs’ first goal in the Premier League fixture at the beginning of February drew the ire of City’s midfield general. The possibility of Rodri being suspended was very real. Manchester City will be relieved as Rodri’s punishment for his comments has now been revealed. Rodri has been fined and won’t miss any games due to his comments.

Rodri has received a sizable fine for his outburst.

In a statement released by the FA today, it has been revealed that Rodri has been fined £80,000 and warned about his future conduct. The Spanish midfielder was charged with acting in an improper manner by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of match officials or officials, contrary to FA Rule E3.1. Rodri admitted to the charge against him.

An independent Regulatory Commission has fined the Manchester City midfielder and warned about his future conduct. With the matter now dealt with, Manchester City and Rodri can move on from the affair.

Manchester City will be relieved that Rodri has avoided suspension.

It will be a relief for Manchester City that Rodri has avoided a suspension. That possibility was very real following Rodri’s comments about the referee after City’s draw with Tottenham. Instead, City’s midfield general has received a heavy fine for his outburst. The matter is now closed. City and Rodri can move on and focus on the remainder of the 2025/26 season with the matter now dealt with.

Rodri has been fined for his comments about the referee. Although Rodri’s frustration was understandable, he risked a suspension due to his comments. The matter has now been dealt with. Manchester City can now move forward knowing that Rodri will be available for their crucial domestic fixtures ahead.

In an interview with TNT Sports Argentina, relayed by Bolvaip, West Ham United forward Taty Castellanos has opened up about being turned away by River Plate during his youth career, not once, but twice. The 27-year-old Mendoza native had trials at both River Plate and Club Atlético Lanús, and though he initially earned a place in the River Plate setup on his first attempt, his second visit ended with a blunt verdict: he was too slim

Taty Castellanos Reveals River Plate Rejected Him for Being Too Skinny

Food was not always guaranteed either. Castellanos admitted that growing up in the Mendoza League, he sometimes went without food. Coming up against River Plate academy players who lived in boarding houses, trained in gymnasiums, and attended school on-site made it clear he was well behind physically.

He returned home, asked his mother to fund a gym membership, and got to work. By 2015, Universidad de Chile had signed him. Torque followed, then New York City FC in 2018, Girona in 2022, Lazio a year later, and then West Ham’s £25-million January swoop, with Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri openly admitting he regretted letting him leave.

“I hadn’t played in the AFA [Argentine Football Association], and I went to River Plate and Lanús for trials. I made the River Plate team the first time, but the second time, they made me come back after two months and told me I was too skinny. I needed to grow a bit physically. It’s normal, I was playing in the Mendoza League, sometimes I didn’t even eat,”Castellanos explained.

“I was going to compete against kids from River Plate’s academy who were in the gym all day, who went to school there, and lived in the boarding house. They’d make the difference; they’d just throw you a long ball, and that was it. I went back to Mendoza, and I told my mom, ‘I need you to pay for a gym membership. I realised that I was lacking and needed to grow. My football skills were good; I knew how to handle the ball, but I lacked physical strength,” he added.

Does Castellanos’s Arrival Signal a Permanent Shift in West Ham’s Attacking Identity Under Nuno?

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Valentín Castellanos of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham and West Ham United at Craven Cottage on March 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

That backstory carries real importance now. West Ham signed Castellanos on 5th January 2026, with the club rooted in the relegation zone, and the Argentine has since contributed three goals across 11 appearances, a return that has made him one of the more productive January arrivals in the division. That shift has not happened by accident. Nuno Espírito Santo has reorganised West Ham’s press around Castellanos’s pressing and movement up front. The team’s attacking shape looks nothing like the one that stumbled through the first half of the season.

The River Plate rejection helps explain the type of player West Ham have brought in: a forward who had to fight for everything without the safety net of a top academy. That weakness as a teenager became something he fixated on fixing, which is why the player whose aerial threat at Burnley and hold-up work against Fulham have given Nuno a reference point his squad previously lacked.

West Ham’s four-and-a-half-year contract signals real belief in him as a long-term option rather than a short-term fix, and with Crysencio Summerville finding consistent form in tandem, Castellanos now has a genuine creative partner beside him rather than working alone. River Plate’s scouting staff made a judgment call on a skinny kid from Mendoza and read him completely wrong. West Ham, by contrast, made a €30 million call on a complete forward, and with six Premier League games separating them from safety, that decision looks better with each passing week.

On Monday, the NFL announced that the 2026 NFL Draft would have an additional 33 compensatory picks. The Detroit Lions currently hold just one of those 33—a pick at the very end of the fifth round, Pick 181 in the entire draft.

Compensatory picks are awarded to teams based on the previous year’s free agent activity. In very basic terms, the teams that lose more free agent talent than they add are awarded extra compensatory picks. When it comes to the Lions’ 2025 free agency, they lost guard Kevin Zeitler, cornerback Carlton Davis, and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. They added defensive tackle Roy Lopez and cornerback D.J. Reed. The NFL has a complicated formula that takes into account contract values and playing time (among other factors) and turns that into tiered free agency rankings that result in compensatory picks.

The Lions were previously awarded a third-round compensatory pick for the 2026 NFL Draft because of the Rooney Rule. That awarded the Lions third-round compensatory picks in back-to-back drafts after Aaron Glenn, formerly the Lions’ defensive coordinator, was hired as the New York Jets head coach last year. However, the Lions traded that third-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars during last year’s draft as part of the package they sent to Jacksonville in order to draft receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the third round.

Detroit is now expected to have nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft:

• First round
• Second round
• Fourth round
• Fourth round (from Houston)
• Fifth round
• Fifth round (compensatory)
• Sixth round (from Jaguars)
• Sixth round (from Jaguars via Seahawks)
• Seventh round (from Browns)

The full 2026 NFL Draft order is expected to be announced soon.

Bobby Hurley will be looking for a new job after this season, On3 reported on Monday.

“Arizona State is expected to part ways with Bobby Hurley after the season, source told @TheFieldOf68,” Goodman said via X. “Hurley’s contract expires on June 30. Hurley is 184-166 and went to 3 NCAA tournaments with the Sun Devils.”

The Duke legend has been the head coach at Arizona State since 2015, but recent struggles, including a 16-15 record (7-11 in Big 12 play) this season, have led to his ouster in Tempe.

During his 10-year tenure in charge of the Sun Devils, Hurley led Arizona State to three NCAA Tournament appearances, but never got past the first round, losing in the Round of 64 twice (2019, 2023) and dropping in the First Four in Dayton in 2018. 

The move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 didn’t go well for Hurley, as the Sun Devils finished 13-20 last year (4-16 in conference play) in their first year after switching conferences. 

More recently, Hurley has been known more for his blowups at officials than leading his team to victories, making the news on Monday not a huge surprise. 

The Sun Devils play Baylor in the Big 12 Tournament tomorrow. 

This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Bobby Hurley, Arizona State to 'part ways' after season

Chiefs trade rumor could lead to blockbuster deal for 49ers superstar originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly considering trading left tackle Trent Williams and the Kansas City Chiefs could be interested.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Williams and the Niners haven't been able to get a reworked contract done and now San Francisco is open to trading the 12-time Pro Bowler, who is still one of the very best offensive linemen in the NFL.

"The 49ers are now said to be open to trading Pro Bowl LT Trent Williams, sources say, if the situation doesn’t get resolved," Rapoport reported Monday. "A resolution has not been easy and Williams is frustrated with the process. He’s due $32M in salary with a $38M+ cap number."

In the wake of that report, Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom is hearing that the Chiefs are one of the teams believed to be interested in Williams.

"Kansas City is seen by many around the league as the team most eager to land [Williams] and the one that would be the best fit," La Canfora reported.

La Canfora goes on to add that Williams wants to win a Super Bowl and Kansas City can certainly afford him that opportunity.

Granted, it was believed the Chiefs might go into a transition year, but after making a big splash signing of Kenneth Walker, and with Travis Kelce coming back, it appears that may not be in the cards after all.

Williams doesn't fit the mold of the younger players the Chiefs need, as he's 37 years old. However, Williams is still elite and would provide an upgrade over anyone Kansas City has on its roster.

Speaking of that roster, the Chiefs cut Jawaan Taylor, but they still have Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore, both of whom figure to start.

Perhaps the Chiefs can build a package around one of those two players, along with draft compensation, that would entice the 49ers to send Williams to KC.

More NFL News

• Giants free agency rumor names NY team to watch for explosive RB
• 49ers blockbuster trade rumor could lead to deal with Steelers, Bears or Lions
• Travis Kelce reportedly makes career decision amid doubts about future
• Giants trade rumor could lead to blockbuster deal with 49ers
• Falcons free agency rumor reveals interest in Pro Bowl QB

By some projections, the Green Bay Packers were expected to be awarded two seventh-round picks for the 2026 draft, because they didn’t offset the losses of center Josh Myers and linebacker Eric Wilson in free agency last year. The Packers would have been awarded higher picks for the losses of T.J. Slaton and Eric Stokes, but those would-be comp picks were offset by the signings of Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs last cycle.

The NFL officially announced today that the Packers will receive just one extra seventh-round pick, the 255th overall pick in the draft. So they will not be getting the Wilson pick, which was right on the threshold of being counted or not and would have likely been the Mr. Irrelevant pick in the 2026 draft, had it been awarded.

For those following at home, interested in the 2027 compensatory free agent slating, the deal that quarterback Malik Willis signed will likely lead to a third-round pick next year, as long as Willis gets on the field and the Packers do not offset the loss with a signing.

Kingsley Enagbare signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the New York Jets, which is in the range of a sixth-round compensatory pick. Tackle Rasheed Walker (third-round), linebacker Quay Walker (fourth-round) and receiver Romeo Doubs (fourth-round) are also expected to qualify for compensatory free agents, based on their contract projections. That trio has yet to sign, though. Green Bay can only be awarded a maximum of four compensatory picks in a season, so they may be inclined to spend in the $10 million range to get a free roll on cancelling out the Kingsley loss without it impacting them in any way in terms of their 2027 compensatory picks.

Musical chairs, NFL Quarterback Edition, is on in full force.

Hours after the Miami Dolphins announced on Monday that, yes, they were eating a record $99.2 million in releasing Tua Tagovailoa, word came that Malik Willis is headed to South Florida on a three-year, $67.5 million free agent deal.

This quickly took the top free agent quarterback off the market – never mind that Willis, 26, has all of six starts on his NFL resume – and reunited the former Green Bay Packers backup with new Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and new coach Jeff Hafley.

And hey, it proved you’d better move fast because the QB chairs tend to fill up in a hurry.

Weren’t the Arizona Cardinals – moving on from Kyler Murray – in the hunt for Willis?

Well, not anymore. Maybe the Cards can strike their own free agent reunion in a Plan B move, given the buzz about Jimmy Garoppolo following new Arizona coach Mike LaFleur to the desert. LaFleur, who worked with Jimmy G. the past two years with the Rams, was also with the quarterback when he had his best years in Kyle Shanahan’s system with the 49ers.

Tagovailoa, meanwhile, found his new chair, ASAP, reportedly agreeing to a deal with the Atlanta Falcons, who have a seat vacated with the pending release of Kirk Cousins. Clearly the Falcons need another option as Michael Penix rehabs from a torn ACL.

Funny, how these musical chairs may line up for the Falcons, now under the new direction of team president Matt Ryan, GM Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski. Two years ago, then-GM Terry Fontenot took a lot of heat for signing Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract that guaranteed $100 million – weeks before drafting Penix with the eighth pick in the first round. Now the Falcons will land Tagovailoa for a bargain-basement, one-year, $1.3 million deal, given that Miami is on the hook to pay the other $54 million guaranteed for the quarterback this year.

Overpay, underpay. Guess it can all wash out. Maybe sometimes.

Does Miami's reunion of former Packers signal a free agency trend?

In any event, Miami’s move on Willis fittingly kicked off the opening of the NFL’s negotiating window on Monday (i.e. “legal tampering”), two days before the free agent market and new league year commences.

You knew the Dolphins could be a player, given the way Sullivan described Willis’ market value during the combine recently. Willis is young, healthy and developed well under Packers coach Matt LaFluer. He played sparingly as Jordan Love’s backup but was impressive enough when called on for emergency duty.

As Sullivan put it, “Any team that is potentially in a needy quarterback situation, if they tell you they’re not talking about Malik Willis, that would be a lie.”

No, Sullivan wasn’t lying in raising those stakes. And now Willis has jump-started the QB market – and perhaps furthered a trend when it comes to reunions.

This touches the QB2 market, too. The Titans signed Mitchell Trubisky, most recently with the Bills, as a backup for Cam Ward. This opens a chair in Buffalo behind Josh Allen and reunites Trubisky with new Tennessee coordinator Brian Daboll. They worked together during Trubisky’s first stint with the Bills.

Keep an eye on the Jets in this regard. Geno Smith, remember, broke into the NFL with the Jets as a second-round pick in 2013. Now he’s a potential option for a return. And Smith, like Tagovailoa and Murray, comes with the allure of potentially costing a bargain veteran minimum contract as he’s guaranteed $18.5 million from the Raiders, who cut him loose as they are poised to reboot around likely No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

Then again, Carson Wentz could be in New York’s mix, too, given his history with new Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Wentz, 33, had the best year of his career – front-running for NFL MVP honors in 2017 before blowing out his knee – when Reich was his coordinator with the Eagles.

Sure, Wentz has been around the block a few times since then. The past five seasons, he’s played for five teams, including the Vikings in 2025. Yet this is not the time to knock a journeyman quarterback.

NFL teams chasing their Sam Darnold storyline in 2026 free agency

A year ago, Sam Darnold was on the market as a free agent – leaving the Vikings, incidentally – looking for another new team.

Less than a month ago, Darnold (who got a three-year, $105 million free agent contract in 2025) was in the winner’s circle with the Seattle Seahawks as a Super Bowl 60 champ.

Darnold’s rise only adds another layer to the possibilities that exist for this year’s free agent quarterback crop. No, the bank is not about to be broken with record deals for quarterbacks. The stars are already accounted for and locked up. Yet Comeback QBs are such a thing now. See Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones or Mac Jones. Maybe Murray, picked No. 1 overall by the Cardinals in 2019, becomes this year’s revival star with, say, the Vikings.

Murray, by the way, is more attractive when considering the Cardinals are on the hook to pay his guaranteed $36.8 million this season. This isn’t as stunning as it used to be, after the Broncos showed that they could absorb nearly $40 million of Russell Wilson’s contract in 2024 and still rebuild – the strain undoubtedly lessened by a rising salary cap.

Then there’s Aaron Rodgers, at the center of suspense for months last offseason as he contemplated signing with the Steelers. Rodgers showed that he still has something left (24 touchdowns to 7 interceptions in 2025), helping Pittsburgh win a division crown.

Mike Tomlin’s gone, but now there’s the prospect of a reunion with Mike McCarthy, who he once collaborated with for a Super Bowl crown with the Packers.

No doubt, the Steelers are bullish on a Rodgers return. “He knows how we feel about him,” Steelers GM Omar Khan said during the combine.

Yet another drawn-out process in securing Rodgers is not ideal. Rodgers talked to Khan and McCarthy but underscored a gray area during an appearance last week on the "Pat McAfee Show."

“There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me,” Rodgers told McAfee. “There’s no contract offer or anything, so there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between.”

Hmmm. It’s fair to wonder whether that’s a negotiating stance. Regardless, the Steelers just added a huge new weapon that would benefit Rodgers, obtaining star receiver Michael Pittman, Jr. in a trade with the Colts.

Stay tuned. One thing's for certain: With dollars flowing against the backdrop of a record $301.2 million salary cap and with a rather slim crop of quarterbacks projected for the upcoming draft – Mendoza could be the only first-round pick – the free agent market will be inflated as teams scramble for best-available options.

2026 NFL mock draft: How free agency moves, trades are changing first round

No, you can never count out Cousins when it comes to these market matters. No quarterback has worked the NFL’s system any better, given the two franchise tags he drew in Washington and three fully guaranteed contracts he struck with the Vikings. Now, at 37, Cousins is back in position to find a deal.

Market conditions suggest there’s work to be found. At least a quarter of the league’s teams are searching for quarterback answers, with many more when considering backup jobs. That’s a lot of movement at the game’s most important position.

In other words, they sure get around.    

Contact Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on X: @JarrettBell

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Malik Willis is a Dolphin. Tua Tagovailoa is headed to Atlanta. What's next?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seen some shakeup in their longtime receiving duo.

On Monday, star receiver Mike Evans agreed to a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers at the start of the NFL free agency period. The Bucs drafted Evans with the seventh pick in 2024, and he has played all 12 seasons of his career with the franchise.

That leaves veteran wideout Chris Godwin as the only remaining piece of the Buccaneers' longtime receiving corps. For the first time since 2017, Evans won't be lining up alongside Godwin, who took to social media to express his sadness in the form of a single emoji.

😔 https://t.co/9OFIIUVqJK

— Chris Godwin (@CGtwelve_) March 9, 2026

Evans is a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-Team All-Pro. However, he's coming off an injury-plagued campaign in which he appeared in just eight games and made only 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns — all career lows.

Questions about the 32-year-old's health, as well as a big deal for Godwin and the emergence of star rookie Emeka Egbuka, made this move an unsurprising one. Still, it seems Godwin is sad to see his longtime teammate go.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Chris Godwin's 1-emoji reaction to Mike Evans 49ers signing

The Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation was already resembling baseball’s equivalent of a MASH unit before Monday’s news.

Joey Wentz, a source of hope for Atlanta’s beleaguered rotation in spring training, reportedly has a torn ACL and will miss the 2026 season.

Wentz had allowed two runs in 5.2 spring training innings, a 3.18 ERA.

More to come on this story.

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NFL: Predicting the first three 2026 NFL Free Agency signings

MARCH MADNESS: ACC Tournament men’s basketball bracket, schedule revealed

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SPORTS MEDIA: NHL gets TV ratings bump after thrilling USA-Canada clash for Olympic gold

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The post Braves lose pitcher with 3.18 ERA to season-ending injury appeared first on The Big Lead.

Do you believe Mac McClung's claim that other players avoided the contest because of his participation? Keshad Johnson: I absolutely believe that, absolutely believe that. When it comes to the dunk contest, Mac got it. Mac got it. He has everything you need. So maybe some people don't want to be discouraged or something like that, so that's probably why Mac said that. I believe that's true wholeheartedly for guys, that are... I wouldn't say scared to fail... but guys that just don't see themselves overcoming that and being No 1. So yeah, that's for sure true.

HoopsHype

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Keshad Johnson on Mac McClung scaring off Dunk Contest competitors: 'I absolutely believe that.'

How does your upcoming restricted free agency fuel your motivation and approach to the game this season? Keshad Johnson: I would say it's absolutely a fire. It's a dog-eat-dog world; it's a business at the end of the day. Contracts expire, contracts get extended. We all know what that's about. So of course there's a fire that's lit, but I try to cast all my anxieties onto the Lord. Like, not to worry about it. My playtime is in the coach's hands, is in the organization's hands, whether they'll resign me or not, that's in their hands. I just gotta put my best foot forward and pray that I'm doing all the right things. So I'm just trying to show them that I'm here, I'm trying to be here to stay and whether I'm with the Heat for the rest of my career or not, I would also want to make a lasting impact so that whoever comes to the Heat and asks about me, the Heat have nothing but positive things to say about me whether it's on the court or off the court.

HoopsHype

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: So I'm just trying to show them that I'm here, I'm …

Who is your basketball GOAT, and why? KJ: Who's my GOAT and why? So I would say my GOAT is LeBron James, hands down. I shouldn't be saying it cause he's still in the league and everything, but LeBron is absolutely my GOAT. I became a fan of LeBron growing up. I'm the youngest of my sibling and I remember my dad giving me a LeBron folder, and he gave my brother a Kobe Bryant folder so from there the rivalry automatically started, and from then it's just been absolute greatness since I've been alive. He has been doing exactly what he is doing now for 20-plus years, so I would say LeBron from the consistency standpoint and just the basketball IQ. Like the man, he is a freak of nature. So yeah, I got LeBron hands down over anybody for me.

HoopsHype

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: So I would say my GOAT is LeBron James, hands down.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledges the great job he did over the offseason to improve his body, but he doesn’t quite see Mitchell’s breakout as a leap. “I think if you really dig into how he played last season, it’s not,” Daigneault told R.org in his pregame press conference in Cleveland. “It would be in context. It looks like a jump optically, but he was kinda on this trajectory last year."

r.org

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “It would be in context. It looks like a jump …

“You always want to be aggressive on both ends, play your way, but you’ve got to know who you’re on the court with, and you’ve also got to know what’s best for the team,” Mitchell said. “I think that’s really important. I’m a winning player. I want to make plays to win the game. So I think it’s really finding that fine line of being aggressive but then also knowing where your guys are, what situation we’re in.”

r.org

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “You always want to be aggressive on both ends, play …

Michael Scotto: Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Dëmin will miss the remainder of the season due to increased plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He’s expected to return to basketball activity early in the offseason and be a full participant in the summer development program.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Egor Demin will miss rest of season

Anthony Chiang: Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Keshad Johnson, Jahmir Young and Terry Rozier remain out for the Heat tomorrow vs. Wizards. Kel’el Ware is questionable due to a right shoulder strain he suffered in yesterday’s win.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Kel’el Ware is questionable due to a right shoulder …

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Brenna Huckaby and her snowboard have been showstoppers at the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games.

There's Huckaby in glitter and fancy makeup, and her snowboard decorated with pictures of her cat named “Mouse.”

"My cat can't be here so we put her on my board so she could be here with us,” Huckaby says. “And it just makes me happy. I just look at her, give it a little kiss and go. It’s fun."

The 30-year-old Huckaby has come to Milan Cortina as one of Para snowboard's most successful female athletes with three Paralympic gold medals and one bronze. She also arrived with colored highlights in her hair and luggage full of makeup.

She loves showing off her looks.

“I just started glitter this season,” she says. “I was just having a lot of fun with it, sharing it with the other competitors, and I was like, ’Why not go all out, get eyeshadow.' It’s fun. Shining from the inside out, baby.”

The face glitter goes back to highly decorated American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins, who competed in her final Olympics at Milan Cortina last month. Diggins said glitter was a way to remind herself to have fun.

Saylor O'Brien, another American Paralympian at Milan Cortina, says she was inspired by Diggins. and had little stars on her cheek during her Para alpine skiing race on Monday.

Huckaby calls “Mouse” her third daughter. The “other two,” nine-year-old Lilah and six-year-old Sloan, are in Cortina d'Ampezzo to watch her compete. Wearing the same type of lavish, bright-colored clothing as their mom and sporting colored highlights in their hair, they were hugging and kissing Huckaby after one of her runs on Sunday.

“This is the first race that both of my girls, my daughters, have been to together, and I’m just happy that they get to see mom do what she does best," she says. "I’m excited, because this has always been more than just me, and getting to share that with them and just have this giant celebration is amazing.”

Huckaby finished sixth in Para snowboard cross on Sunday, and next Saturday will try to win her third straight gold medal in Para snowboard banked slalom.

She won gold in Para snowboard cross in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, and a bronze four years later in Beijing.

“Why do we act like not winning is the end-all be-all?" she says. "I’m here representing a very small portion of people who want to see themselves represented ... if they lose their leg above the knee, life does not end. I accomplished that here simply by being.”

Huckaby grew up in Louisiana as a competitive gymnast and was introduced to Para snowboarding after being diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer that led to the amputation of her leg above the knee when she was 14.

Huckaby had to lobby her way into the starting lineup for the Beijing Games after the International Paralympic Committee eliminated her event classifications given there weren’t enough women in the field. She eventually earned the right to compete in medal events initially limited to less impaired athletes.

She's kept on shining.

___

AP Winter Paralympics: https://apnews.com/hub/paralympic-games

It's official. The New Orleans Saints will receive the 136th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as a compensatory selection for losing Paulson Adebo in free agency last year. That's a late fourth rounder, which lines up with Adebo's $18 million per-year New York Giants contract; remember, comp picks start at the end of Round 3. The NFL announced the 2026 comp picks on Monday afternoon, as if there wasn't enough already going on with the opening hours of free agency.

But the Saints will need it. Any extra swings at the plate can help turn a team around. Here's a quick look at the picks New Orleans can work with in the 2026 draft, and beyond:

• Round 1 (own)
• Round 2 (own)
• Round 3 (own)
• Round 4 (via Seattle Seahawks-Rashid Shaheed trade)
• Round 4 (compensatory for Paulson Adebo)
• Round 5 (own)
• Round 5 (via Seattle Seahawks-Rashid Shaheed trade)
• Round 6 (own)

On top of that, the Saints own each of their picks in the first five rounds of the 2027 NFL Draft, plus a sixth rounder from the Los Angeles Chargers' trade for Trevor Penning. They also own their first picks in Rounds 1 through 5 in the 2028 draft, with their own seventh rounder plus Round 7 picks from the Dallas Cowboys (a pick swap for Asim Richards) and New England Patriots (pick swap for Ja'Lynn Polk). New Orleans may have been too active in free agency to recoup comp picks in 2027, but it's early.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: NFL announces which compensatory pick Saints got

The 28th day of Serie A concludes with Lazio-Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico. The Neroverdi arrive with 3 consecutive victories and 5 wins in their last 6 matches, while the Biancocelesti have not won in Serie A since the end of January.

The atmosphere around Lazio is not ideal, and another negative result would confirm a difficult position in the standings: 11th with 34 points.

💥 First goal by Maldini: 1-0 after 1 minute and 22''

After 1 minute and 22 seconds, Lazio takes the lead: Maldini passes to Isaksen who charges from midfield into the area, his shot is deflected by Idzes, and the ball lands at the feet of Maldini, who dribbles past Garcia and scores into an empty net.

This is the 1st goal for Maldini in a Lazio jersey and also his 1st goal of the season overall.

Despite having a great season, Sassuolo has the worst score in Serie A in the first 15 minutes of the match: 8 goals conceded at the start of the game.

🤯 Laurienté equalizes in the top corner: 4 goals+2 assists in 4 games

Sassuolo grows stronger as the first half progresses after conceding 6 shots in the first 20 minutes. The 1-1 comes from a combined play at the edge of the area that frees Laurienté: he controls and shoots in a very short time, the ball is unstoppable in the top corner at the 35th minute.

A state of grace for the Sassuolo forward with 2 goals and 4 assists in the last 4 games.

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

The NFL awarded the Green Bay Packers a single compensatory draft pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Monday. The Packers are getting pick No. 255 overall in the seventh round of the draft.

Compensatory picks are awarded by the league based on signings and departures in unrestricted free agency. Last offseason, the Packers signed left guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs but lost defensive tackle TJ Slaton, cornerback Eric Stokes, center Josh Myers and linebacker Eric Wilson. While the Packers could have received a seventh-round pick for losing both Myers and Wilson, the NFL's formula gave the Packers just the single pick.

Green Bay's comp pick will be the third to last pick in the 2026 draft. The Denver Broncos were awarded the final two compensatory picks at No. 256 and 257.

The Packers will likely have seven picks in the 2026 draft: a second-round pick, a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick, a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick and two seventh-round picks. The team's first-round pick went to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for Micah Parsons.

The San Francisco 49ers received a fourth-round comp pick for losing Banks to the Packers.

The Minnesota Vikings were awarded the top compensatory pick, the 94th overall pick in the third round, for losing quarterback Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers awarded single seventh-round compensatory pick in 2026 draft

The last official detail needed so that we knew the 2026 NFL Draft order was the announcement of the compensatory picks. The NFL released those on monday.

The Raiders land two comp picks at 134 (round four) and 175 (round five) giving them 11 picks in this year's draft.

Raiders 2026 NFL Draft picks

• Round 1, pick 1
• Round 1, pick 14 (from BAL)
• Round 2, pick 36
• Round 3, pick 67
• Round 4, pick 102
• Round 4, pick 117 (from JAX via MIN)
• Round 4, pick 134 (comp pick)
• Round 5, pick 175 (comp pick)
• Round 6, pick 182
• Round 6, pick 185 (from JAX via NYJ)
• Round 7, pick 219

The Raiders added pick 14 in the first round recently as part of the trade that sent Maxx Crosby to Baltimore. Prior to that they got extra picks in round four and six for the trade that sent Jakobi Meyers to Jacksonville. They don't have their original fifth round pick from the trade to acquire QB Kenny Pickett last offseason.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: NFL Draft comp picks announced: Raiders full 2026 draft order

The San Francisco 49ers have added two players to their roster early in the legal-tampering period on Monday, agreeing to deals with wide receiver Mike Evans and offensive tackle Vederian Lowe.

Late next month, the 49ers will have an opportunity to add several players in the 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In fact, San Francisco was awarded three additional compensatory picks on Monday (Nos. 133, 138 and 139 overall).

The NFL determined this using a formula that accounts for the talent added against the talent lost in the prior offseason. San Francisco lost Aaron Banks, Josh Dobbs, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga and Jaylon Moore while adding Luke Farrell, Mac Jones and Demarcus Robinson.

Now, for the 2026 NFL draft, here's a look at all of San Francisco's picks:

• No. 27 overall (first round)
• No. 58 overall (second round)
• No. 92 overall (third round)
• No. 128 overall (fourth round)
• No. 133 overall (comp. fourth round)
• No. 138 overall (comp. fourth round)
• No. 139 overall (comp. fourth round)

More 49ers: 49ers 2026 free agency tracker: Latest news, rumors and signings

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL draft: 49ers awarded three compensatory picks for 2026

Travis Etienne is leaving the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a report on Monday by the Associated Press.

The AP is reporting that sources with knowledge of the deal said Etienne has agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the contracts can’t be finalized until Wednesday.

The Jaguars have not released any information at this point.

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Liverpool looking at Federico Dimarco

We’ve seen Nathaniel Brown and Antonee Robinson linked in recent days - but there could also be a move made for Federico Dimarco of Inter.

The 28-year-old has registered a sensational 13 assists in Serie A this season from his left-sided station - behind only Michael Olise and Bruno Fernandes' season totals in Europe's top five leagues.

Although capable of playing as a traditional No3 the Italian international usually features further forward for Cristian Chivu’s side.

In truth Dimarco is more of a wing-back than left-back - which could hint that Arne Slot and Richard Hughes are plotting a new formation for next season.

Dimarco - whose contract expires in 2027 - plays wide of a midfield five - with Inter usually utilising a back three behind him.

Dimarco signing could hint at change of system

He could therefore give the Premier League champions the option of going to a back three - which would in turn mean different roles for the likes of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.

“Liverpool FC believe Federico Dimarco could adapt well to the Premier League style of play,” a report in Fichajes reads.

“The Italian is a full-back with a great ability to join the attack, good crossing quality, and a strong performance in offensive situations.

“At Anfield, they particularly value his attacking profile, something that fits with the style of Liverpool FC's full-backs, historically very active in building play.”

Dimarco is reported to be in contract talks with Inter over a new deal - meaning Richard Hughes has a window to capitalise and complete an opportunistic deal for the Serie A assist-machine.

Penalty shootout #25 for the Celts ended in huge success, by booking a Scottish Cup semi-final spot. And it ensured an 80% record against teams called Rangers…

Tomas Cvancara scores the penalty that takes Celtic into the semi-finals. Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Yesterday’s game at Ibrox means that the Bhoys have now – in competitive matches and friendlies – taken part in 25 penalty kick dramas, with 14 victories as part of this.

Penalties were introduced in football in 1970. Celtic’s first experience of this came in a 5-4 European Cup semi defeat to Inter Milan in 1972.

Dixie Deans misses his penalty in the shoot-out against Inter Milan on 19 April 1972 in the European Cup semi-final. Photo The Celtic Wiki

The first time the Bhoys cheered in a penalty shootout was in 1974. Celtic faced Rangers in the Drybrough Cup Final. Following a 2-2 draw, it ended 4-2 to Celts.

Drybrough Cup Final 1974 – Celtic beat Rangers on penalties. Photo The Celtic Wiki

There were no more penalty shootouts against the original Rangers; the Bhoys next opposed an Ibrox side in such a contest in 2016. In the Scottish Cup semis, Celtic lost 5-4 – but given that the Light Blues went on to lose to Hibs in the final, it mattered not!

21.05.2016. Hampden Park, Scottish Cup Final. theRangers versus Hibernian. Anthony Stokes (28) as he goes close to a winner for Hibs Photo: Duncan McGlynn

The next time Celtic and a Rangers were tied after normal time and extra time was 2024. This time it was a phenomenal League Cup Final encounter. Following a 3-3 draw, the two teams lined up for penalties – and the Celts again celebrated. Daizen Maeda’s goal sealed a 5-4 victory.

Daizen Maeda scores to win the Premier Sports Cup Final for Celtic at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

And now in 2026 there is another Celtic win against a Rangers team. The 0-0 draw at Ibrox was hard going at times, although in truth there were few clear cut chances at either end.

Tomas Cvancara stepped up to score the decisive kick, giving the Celts a 4-2 win. A brilliant day, despite the efforts of some Ibrox fans to cause trouble and violence.

Liam Scales celebrates after Celtic won the Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Onwards to the semis. In the strangest of seasons, the Celts may yet claim at least one trophy, and possibly an entirely unexpected double. C’mon Celts.

Matthew Marr

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order

More Stories / Latest News

Celtic’s 80% record against teams called Rangers

Mar 9 2026, 20:36

This is on Ibrox club, Police, Football authorities and the media

Mar 9 2026, 17:29

Media spins false narrative ignoring Ibrox thuggery inside and outside stadium

Mar 9 2026, 15:30

Iraq coach Graham Arnold pleaded with FIFA on Monday to postpone his team's intercontinental playoff for the World Cup because many of his players and backroom staff are stranded by the growing Iran war.

The Iraqis are due to face either Suriname or Bolivia on March 31 in the Mexican city of Monterrey for a place in the World Cup finals, but with Iraqi airspace closed until April 1, Arnold's squad is unable to gather or travel.

"If the game goes ahead in Mexico we have the difficulties of getting out of Baghdad," Arnold, an Australian, told CNN.

"About 60% of my players play in Iraq, all my backroom staff live in Iraq, all my medical staff live in Qatar and we're having trouble getting Mexican visas at this moment," he added.

Arnold said he had already been forced to cancel a training camp in the United States.

"That has all been scrapped now, because we can't get out of Baghdad," he said.

"FIFA need to obviously make a quick decision on this because it is a bit unfair at this moment, with what we would have to go through."

He suggested that Suriname and Bolivia could go ahead with their playoff in Monterrey on March 26 and the winner of that game could play Iraq in the United States just before the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11.

"Suriname could always play Bolivia if we can't get there, and we could always play the winner just before the World Cup and (that) lets us prepare properly and do everything required to be successful," Arnold said.

"Bolivia and Suriname can play in March, they've got no complications with flights or anything, they can get there straight away and we could play the winner

"The winner stays and plays the World Cup and the loser goes home."

Arnold said the Iraqi football authorities were in close contact with FIFA, but he admitted the situation was taking its toll.

"It's one step at a time, it's stressful, (I've had) a lot of sleepless nights worrying about getting that planning right," he said.

An Iraqi source told AFP the national federation had asked for the change.

"Iraq's request came due to the inability of the delegation to travel from the capital Baghdad," they said.

"As a result of the closure of airspace and the security risks currently affecting the region," they added.

gj/dmc

Jon Jones is officially done with the "games" between he and UFC CEO Dana White. Jones, a former two-division champion who is widely recognized as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, publicly called for his release from the promotion in a lengthy social media post Monday following White's dismissive comments about Jones being excluded from the UFC's White House event on June 14. 

Said Jones:

Hey everyone, I wanted to address Dana White’s comments from this past weekend, because the truth matters to me and the fans. Dana, you were heated about why I’m not on the White House card, but let’s clear something up. My team and I were actually negotiating with the UFC for that fight. Real negotiations. I even came down from my original number, and what was I offered in return ? I was lowballed.

Yes, I have arthritis in my hip and it’s painful, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight.

So let me get this straight, if I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense.

I even received stem cell treatment last week to get ready for the White House card, and training camp was scheduled to start today. I was preparing to be ready. 

I understand business deals fall through sometimes, but going out publicly and saying things that aren’t true isn’t right.

After everything I’ve given to the UFC, the years, the title defenses, the fights , hearing that I’m “done” is disappointing. Especially when as recently as Friday UFC was calling me trying to get me on that White House card for a much lower number. 

If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today. 

No more spins, no more games. 

Thank you to the real fans who know what’s up. 

Bones out.

More on this story coming in a moment.

Two-time Olympic champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates will not pursue a fourth straight ice dance world championship, choosing instead to end their season and likely their competitive careers after their performances at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Chock and Bates joined Olympic teammate Alysa Liu on Monday in withdrawing from worlds, which is not an uncommon decision for skaters who compete at the Winter Games. The championships begin March 24 at 02 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic.

Chock and Bates helped the U.S. defend its Olympic figure skating team gold medal in February, then added a bittersweet silver in the individual competition. They were a close second behind the French duo of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, a result that was heavily scrutinized due to the wild scoring margins turned in by the French judge, Jézabel Dabouis.

“We left it all on the ice in Milan," Bates said. “Our season feels complete with those four performances where we delivered our best.”

Chock and Bates have not officially retired, but they have hinted for the better part of four years that they would move away from the competitive scene after the Milan Cortina Games. They will do so as two of the most decorated skaters in U.S. history, winning a record seven national titles, three gold medals at the Grand Prix Final and numerous Grand Prix events.

They have been on the podium at the past four world championships and triumphed at the past three.

“While we have decided not to compete at the world championships, we hold dear the incredible memories from winning the last three years,” Bates said. “Those achievements have meant so much to us. We couldn't be more appreciate of all the love and support.”

Caroline Green and Michael Parsons will replace Chock and Bates on the U.S. ice dance squad in Prague. They will join Olympic teams of Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko and the duo of Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik.

Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito are still scheduled to compete at worlds, and Sarah Everhardt will replace Liu after the 20-year-old announced last week that she was withdrawing. Liu became the first American woman since Sarah Hughes in 2002 to stand atop the Olympic podium when she completed her historic comeback with gold at the Winter Games.

Ilia Malinin, who was part of the gold medal-winning U.S. team in Milan, also remains in the world championships field.

The two-time defending champion, who was heavily favored to win individual gold at the Olympics, struggled throughout his time in Milan, admitting later that the pressure got to him. Malinin fell several times in a disastrous free skate, sending him from first after his short program to eighth place and well out of the medals; Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won gold.

Among others who have withdrawn from worlds are Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the Olympic pairs champs from Japan; Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii, the pairs team that helped earn team bronze for host Italy; and Loena Hendrickx of Belgium.

___

AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

The UEFA Champions League enters its most exciting phase. After a draw that resulted in matchups worthy of an early final, the 16 best teams on the continent are preparing for the first-leg matches of the round of 16. This Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11, European football will experience 48 hours of maximum intensity with the start of all the ties.

Tuesday's Lineup: The Return of the Giants

The action kicks off with four high-caliber matches. In Istanbul, Galatasaray will host Liverpool in what promises to be a cauldron. In the second slot, Hansi Flick's Barcelona travels to England to face the surprising Newcastle at St. James' Park.

Meanwhile, Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid will star in the "Conor Gallagher derby" against Tottenham, a clash of opposing styles. Finally, Atalanta will seek to cause an upset in Bergamo against a Bayern Munich that arrives as one of the top favorites for the title.

Wednesday of European "Superclassics"

Wednesday's lineup is no less impressive. The main event will undoubtedly be Real Madrid vs. Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu, a rivalry that has become a tradition in the final stages. In Paris, the reigning champion PSG will face Chelsea, another clash between economic and sporting powerhouses.

The day is completed with Bayer Leverkusen hosting Mikel Arteta's Arsenal in an unmissable tactical duel, and Sporting Portugal's visit to the surprising Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt.

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

CLEVELAND -- When the Philadelphia 76ers face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, they will be looking to get back on the right path following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. The Sixers need a win in the worst way as they are now the No. 8 seed in the East as they have fallen into the play-in tournament.

The challenge will be tall. The Sixers will be without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George as well as possibly VJ Edgecombe who is dealing with a lumbar contusion. Without those three--possibly four--the challenge will already be tough. Throw in the fact that the Cavs now have a dynamic backcourt of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, and the task gets tougher.

In 10 games with the Cavaliers, Harden is averaging 19.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 44.6% from deep. He and Mitchell have been tough to stop and the Sixers will have to deal with that on Monday.

"It’s a big-time responsibility," said Cam Payne on Monday morning at shootaround. "They’re great players. It’s a team effort. We all just gotta do the game plan or whatever coach has got for us, and make sure we work together on the defensive end."

In his first game back after missing four games with a hamstring issue, Mitchell had 30 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a tough loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday. He is somebody who has always been a dynamic scorer, but when adds one of the best playmakers to ever play the game in Harden, then it enhances his game. The Sixers know all about that when he was in Philadelphia.

Tip off from Rocket Arena is set for 7 p.m. EDT on Monday.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 76ers discuss challenge of facing Cavs' James Harden, Donovan Mitchell

Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona are among the clubs monitoring Julian Brandt, who will be a free agent this summer, Sky Germany reports. 

After seven years with Borussia Dortmund, it was recently confirmed that Brandt wants to take the next step abroad in his career.

With clubs in Spain, Italy and the UK considered potential destinations, the 29-year-old appears to have multiple options available to him.

However, it must be noted that there are no concrete talks being held between his representatives and any club just yet.

According to the report, Brandt received two inquiries from Premier League clubs during the winter transfer window but turned them down.

The attacking midfielder apparently said he wanted to finish the remainder of the current season with Dortmund instead. 

So far this campaign, Brandt has provided 10 goals and 5 assists in 32 games across all competitions for Niko Kovač's side.  

The Denver Broncos didn't land Travis Etienne, but his free agency decision could have a domino effect.

The Broncos were interested in Etienne, accordingtomultiplereports, but he opted to instead sign with the New Orleans Saints on a deal that averages $13 million per season. Etienne now "immediately steps in as the [Saints'] RB1, whether or not Alvin Kamara is around for 2026," according to John Sigler of Saints Wire.

That nugget about Kamara is an interesting one.

He's set to turn 31 years old this summer, and he might consider retirement, but it's easy to imagine a role for Kamara in Denver if he becomes available. The Etienne addition seemingly makes Kamara expendable for New Orleans, but a trade would leave behind $10.9 million in dead money counting against their 2026 salary cap. Cutting him would be even worse ($13.9 million). So retirement might be the best-case scenario for the Saints.

If Kamara wants to keep playing, New Orleans might be willing to listen to trade offers if Sean Payton has any interest in reuniting with his former running back (that's merely speculation, though). So, Kamara will be a name to watch.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are said to be considering bringing back both J.K. Dobbins and Jaleel McLaughlin. Denver declined to place a one-year, $3.52 million tag on McLaughlin, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. The team is interested in potentially bringing him back for less than that tag number in 2026.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL rumors: Alvin Kamara watch begins for Broncos

Gary Redus is a familiar name to baseball fans from his 13-year career with the Cincinnati Reds (1982-85), Philadelphia Phillies (1986), Chicago White Sox (1987-88), Pittsburgh Pirates (1988-92), and Texas Rangers (1993-94).

Redus is also a familiar name among college basketball fans.

MORE:Donald Trump’s ‘college sports roundtable’: Full list of attendees revealed

The son of the former major leaguer, Gary Redus II, played two seasons of college basketball at South Alabama from 2009-11. As a coach, he worked as an assistant coach on Kim Mulkey’s staff at LSU since 2022-23, which ended with the Tigers winning a national championship.

As of Monday, the younger Redus is the head coach at Rutgers, replacing Coquese Washington.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to be the next women’s basketball coach at Rutgers University,” Redus said in a statement announcing the hire. “I am no stranger to the rich history of basketball here at Rutgers and I look forward to building on that legacy as we move the program forward. I’d like to thank Keli and President Tate for their vote of confidence in me and the vision we share for the future of this program.

“My family and I are extremely excited to fully immerse ourselves in this community and work tirelessly to elevate our women’s basketball program back to an elite level.”

The Scarlet Knights went 9-20 in 2025-26, ending the season on an 11-game losing streak and winning only one game in Big Ten play.

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The post Former Phillies star’s son takes over beleaguered Big Ten basketball program appeared first on The Big Lead.

In his first spring training action of 2026, Kyle Freeland faced the daunting task of pitching against Team USA in an exhibition game on March 4. He gave up a solo homer to Aaron Judge in a two-hit, one-strikeout performance in one inning.

Today, Freeland and the Rockies (8-6-1) will take part in his first Cactus League action against the White Sox (10-7) at Camelback Ranch. The Rockies are 5-2 on the road this spring vs. 3-5-1, including the showdown vs. Team USA, at Salt River Fields.

Today’s game represents a rematch of a Feb. 23 showdown where the Rockies beat the White Sox 5-4. Chicago will send Jedisxson Paez to the mound to start the game. The 22-year-old RHP will be making his third spring appearance. He’s posted a 23.14 ERA in 2 1/3 innings over two starts with six earned runs, six hits, including one homer, three strikeouts and one walk. Former Rockie Drew Romo will be starting at catcher for the White Sox.

On Sunday, four pitchers combined to throw five scoreless innings and Kyle Karros and Tyler Freeman each had two-hit performances in the Rockies 4-4 tie with Cleveland. Even though it’s only spring training, the Rockies offense has been much improved thus far. The Rockies rank among all Major League teams this Spring in: on-base percentage (.381, T-1st), home runs (23, T-4th), average (.287, 3rd), HBP (14, T-2nd), slugging (.492, 3rd), OPS (.871, 3rd), runs scored (98, 5th), RBI (91, 6th) and total bases (254, 6th).

Earlier on Monday, the Rockies released a new motto for the 2026 campaign: “New era. At altitude. We are here for the climb.”

First Pitch: 2:05 p.m. MDT

TV: None

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network (1:55 p.m. pregame)

Lineups:

Smilla Holmberg has now addressed the situation after the club acted quickly to close the comments.

Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

Arsenal were forced to delete a social media post following sexist comments in response to the presentation of Smilla Holmberg.

Sportbladet, 6 Mar 2026

The 19-year-old Sweden international defender joined the club from Hammarby in early January. Speaking in the Sports Bladepodden Femme plus podcast ahead of a World Cup qualifier, Holmberg addressed the situation after the club removed the post.

“To be honest, I did not focus on it that much myself.,” Holmberg said. “I was mostly proud to have signed and was happy about it. I was busy with everything, there was a lot in my head with the move, finding an apartment and getting into everything. I was also nervous about everything.”

Holmberg added: “It is part of women’s football becoming bigger, then things like that come with it as well. In an ideal world it would not exist. The men also have to put up with a lot that has nothing to do with football.”

When asked about the club’s decision to shut down the comments, she said: “It is hard for me to say if I am being honest. I fully trust that the club is doing the best thing and that they can handle the situation as well as possible. A club like Arsenal knows what it is doing and has good conditions in all positions. That was their job.”

Arne Slot says he does not expect goalkeeper Alisson to be sidelined for long with the issue which has kept him out of the squad for Liverpool’s clash with Galatasaray. 

Alisson has not travelled with his team-mates to Turkey for the Champions League round of 16 first leg, along with Federico Chiesa who is struggling with illness. 

“Federico was also not in the session, he felt unwell last night, so that’s why he wasn’t training with us today and not travelling with us,”Liverpool boss Slot said.

“Ali, of course, was in the session as many people could see but unfortunately he felt something towards the end of the session.

“And it was, how do you say this… people looked at it and we decided and he decided together that it wasn’t good enough to play tomorrow. And then it’s of no use travelling.”

Asked if the Brazilian could be back for the weekend’s game against Tottenham, Slot added: “There’s definitely a chance, yeah, because we don’t expect it to be a big thing but it was too much to be available for tomorrow.”

After taking a loss to the White Sox yesterday, the Royals will play another division rival in the Cleveland Guardians today. We’ll get another look at Ryan Bergert, whose appearances thus far in Spring Training have been relatively quiet. He’s thrown only three innings of one-hit ball.

Cleveland sends Parker Messick to start. Messick is another one of those “I’ve never heard of this guy” pitchers that Cleveland seems to manufacture every year. He threw 39.2 innings across seven MLB starts last season and accumulated 1.0 fWAR with a solid 2.72 ERA and 2.98 FIP. He was the 54th overall pick in 2022 by Cleveland.

With the WBC going on, we’re definitely going to see some guys in the lineups today.

The game starts at 3:05pm US Central. You can listen on KWOD 1660.

Lineups:

A week ago, we were told to watch out for Mike Evans to the San Francisco 49ers. That move is official, as national reporters confirmed that Evans signed a deal for three years to join the Niners after 12 seasons in Tampa Bay.

Mike Evans’ contract with the 49ers

The 49ers contract for Mike Evans is $60.4 million over three years. That makes Evans the 21st-highest paid wide receiver in total value. The $20.1 million makes Evans the 23rd highest-paid wideout on average. We are still awaiting the guarantees.

Mike Evans extensive injury history

The six-time Pro Bowler turns 33 in August. Evans was limited to eight games last season. According to Draft Sharks, which tracks the injury history of a player, Evans is given a 93 percent chance to miss at least two quarters in 2026. He missed five games after suffering a concussion and a broken collarbone on October 20. That was after missing three games in September with a hamstring injury.

Unfortunately, Evans is no stranger to hamstring injuries. He missed three games in 2024 due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered in Week 6. He’s had a hamstring injury of some sort every year since 2019. It hasn’t always meant Evans would miss games, but a series here and there adds up. As he ages, one can’t help but wonder how that injury history would improve.

Mike Evans is a Jauan Jennings replacement

As Evans enters the final years of his career, the 49ers asked themselves whether Evans’ extensive injury history was worth being wrong about. New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris saw Evans healthy in person time and time again. It happened twice last year.

Evans had 188 receiving yards in two games against the Falcons. That was in Week 1 and Weeks 15, with 132 of those coming in Week 15. In the final three games of the season, as the Bucs were fighting for their playoff lives, Evans never eclipsed 35 receiving yards.

However, he left his fingerprints all over each game. In Week 16 against the Panthers, Evans caught a goal line fade for a touchdown and had a first down reception in the first quarter. Watching his targets and thinking how he’s used, Evans isn’t a Brandon Aiyuk replacement.

He’s a Jauan Jennings replacement. Instead of paying Jennings $20 million a year to be your WR2—something you can do while Ricky Pearsall is on a rookie contract—you give the same deal to a more established veteran who will be used in a lot of the same ways Jennings did. The contract suggests as much.

The 49ers are likely to part ways with Brandon Aiyuk, according to most reports. How they continue to address the position, whether a 1st-round receiver or a veteran, will let us know how they feel about the current state of the wide receiver room and who lands where in the pecking order.

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Last Updated: March 9, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is nearly here, and with Selection Sunday taking place in less than a week, all eyes are on the road to the Final Four.

Duke and Michigan top the March Madness odds, with both teams looking to punch their tickets to Indianapolis.

NCAA men's Final Four odds

Team
Duke Blue Devils	-170
Michigan Wolverines	-165
Arizona Wildcats	-115
Florida Gators	+125
Houston Cougars	+200
Illinois Fighting Illini	+325
UConn Huskies	+360
Iowa State Cyclones	+450
Purdue Boilermakers	+750
Gonzaga Bulldogs	+1000

Odds from bet365, one of our best betting apps. Sign up with our bet365 promo code, or get one of our other sportsbook promos.

Duke Blue Devils (-170)

The Blue Devils reached the Final Four under Jon Scheyer last year and will look to make another run, buoyed by the nation’s No. 1 defensive rating.

Duke finished the regular season winners of eight straight and is led by freshman point guard Cameron Boozer, who is expected to be a top-five draft pick this summer.

Michigan Wolverines (-165)

Of Michigan’s 29 wins this season, 24 have come by double digits.

6-foot-9 phenom Yaxel Lendeborg is doing the heavy lifting for the Wolverines, as the power forward is averaging 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game for the Maize & Blue.

Arizona Wildcats (-115)

Arizona last reached the Final Four back in 2001.

Led by five-star forward Koa Peat, the Wildcats’ only slip-ups have been a road loss to No. 14 Kansas and an overtime defeat at the hands of No. 10 Texas Tech.

Florida Gators (+125)

Although Walter Clayton Jr. is no longer in Gainesville, that hasn’t stopped the defending champs from remaining a reliable bet to reach the Final Four.

Todd Golden’s program boasts the No. 1 rebounding rate in the country and clinched the SEC regular-season title with a 25-6 record.

Programs with the most Final Four appearances

Program	Final Four appearances
North Carolina	21
UCLA	19
Duke	18
Kentucky	17
Kansas	16
Ohio State	11
Michigan State	10
Louisville	10
Michigan	8
Indiana	8

March Madness by the numbers

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

Tom Brady's Raiders Sign Reported Patriots Free-Agent Target originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots lost a reported free-agent target to Tom Brady amid Monday's opening frenzy.

Jalen Nailor will sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The insider noted that the Patriots, Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings "showed interest" in the wide receiver.

Nailor caught 29 of 53 targets for a career-high 444 yards and four touchdowns in his fourth season with the Vikings. The former sixth-round pick appeared in all 17 games for the second straight year and saw an elevated snap count.

The 5-foot-11 wideout enjoyed a coming-out party in Minnesota's Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, catching a 62-yard reception among his 124 yards and scoring a 10-yard touchdown. He found the end zone twice in a Week 15 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite his increased role, Nailor remained an ancillary option in Minnesota's high-octane offense behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. The 27-year-old will now have a chance to stand out in a Raiders receiving room that traded former Patriots standout Jakobi Meyers during the 2025 campaign.

Tre Tucker led the Raiders with 696 receiving yards last season, so Nailor could earn meaningful reps in an offense featuring running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers, with Fernando Mendoza under center if Las Vegas drafts him with the No. 1 pick.

The Raiders also spurned the Patriots on Friday by trading rumored New England target Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. There was reportedly "no way" that Brady, a minority owner, would move the star pass rusher to his former team.

More Patriots: NFL Free Agency: Patriots Reportedly Lose Two-Time Pro Bowler To NFC Team

The Oklahoma Sooners had one of their best recruiting weekends ever on Saturday and Sunday. OU hosted its annual "Future Freaks" event, a junior day for the 2027 recruiting class, and Jim Nagy, Brent Venables and the Sooners cleaned up, landing five commitments from the class.

It was a whirlwind of recruiting news over two days, so today we'll break down each of the five players in '27 to commit to Oklahoma, going chronologically through the weekend, and what their future could look like in Norman, if they sign with the Sooners in December.

We'll be using Rivals' recruiting rankings and the most accurate information we have at this time as far as what position each player could play with the Sooners.

Jamison Roberts, QB

BREAKING: Four-Star QB Jamison Roberts has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’3 200 QB from Mobile, AL chose the Sooners over Georgia, Auburn, and Florida

“From The Land to The Palace, Sooner Nation I’m home! 🏠🐴 Jeremiah 29:11”https://t.co/DX5R21yLZIpic.twitter.com/8Gw7GJcWMO

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 7, 2026

Four-star quarterback Jamison Roberts kicked off the weekend by committing to the Sooners on Saturday. He'd long been the preferred signal-caller for offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, and the Mobile, Alabama product stands at 6-foot-3, and weighs 190 pounds.

Roberts has only started for one season at Saraland High School, but he's already risen up the recruiting rankings, and a solid senior season for the Spartans would help that trend continue. He's currently the No. 20 quarterback in the class, according to Rivals. He'll have to wait his turn behind Bowe Bentley at OU, but the dual-threat standout could one day become the starter under center for the Sooners.

Tyson Ross, OL

BREAKING: Class of 2027 IOL Tyson Ross has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’4 300 IOL from Andover, KS chose the Sooners over Missouri, Kansas State, and Oregon

“BOOMER SOONER, ready to get to work. 1 Samuel 18:14”https://t.co/RVuLTgw0Lxpic.twitter.com/kl6OSu8s7w

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 7, 2026

Three-star offensive lineman Tyson Ross was the second OU commit of the weekend, pledging to the Sooners on Saturday. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh has been putting together a really good '27 class, and that continues with the Andover (Kansas) High School product.

Ross checks in at 6-foot-3, and 285 pounds, and he'll be an interior offensive lineman at the college level. He's Rivals' No. 59 interior offensive lineman in the class, and he joins the likes of Cooper Hackett, Kaden Penny, and Luke Wilson as Oklahoma's 2027 OL commits.

Jaylen Scott, DB

BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Jaylen Scott has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’0 175 S from Mobile, AL chose the Sooners over Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia

“This for you grandma”https://t.co/3KooGkYd7Rpic.twitter.com/FMwc0d4UYD

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 8, 2026

Four-star defensive back Jaylen Scott was the next player to pledge to OU, committing to the Sooners on Saturday. He is another Mobile, Alabama product, hailing from Williamson High School, and checking in at 6 feet tall and 160 pounds. He will play safety in Norman, and Rivals has him as the No. 18 safety in the class.

Scott is safeties coach Brandon Hall's first commit of the cycle and he joins cornerbacks Mikhail McCreary and Mikyal Davis as the DBs that the Sooners have committed in the class at this point. Oklahoma is starting to establish quite the foothold in the state of Alabama, and this weekend certainly confirmed that with he pledges of Roberts and Scott.

Seneca Driver, TE

BREAKING: Elite 2027 TE Seneca Driver has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’6 245 TE from Danville, KY chose the Sooners over Kentucky and Notre Dame

He’s ranked as the No. 1 TE in the 2027 Rivals300https://t.co/PeZsOkYNwXpic.twitter.com/FNgLzy4G2p

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 8, 2026

Perhaps the weekend's biggest commit also came on Saturday, as four-star tight end Seneca Driver pledged to the Sooners to close out the day. Driver is from Boyle County High School in Danville, Kentucky, stands at 6-foot-6, and weighs 240 pounds. New tight ends coach Jason Witten continues to impress in a short time on the job.

Driver is Rivals' No. 1 tight end in the class, and the Sooners have landed a player who can turn into a game-changer at a position that has been lacking one in recent years. He's the fourth highest-ranked commit that OU currently has on board, and Oklahoma hopes he can turn into a weapon in the passing game and the running game.

Greydon Howell, WR

BREAKING: Four-Star ATH Greydon Howell has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells me for @Rivals

The 5’11 175 ATH from Broken Bow, OK chose the Sooners over Oklahoma State, Purdue, and Stanford

“BOOMER SOONER”https://t.co/wSVOKWjZVfpic.twitter.com/gSCeEtLwnp

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 8, 2026

Three-star athlete Greydon Howell was the final commitment of "Future Freaks" weekend on Sunday, and he has the shortest journey to Norman of the five players. Coming in at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds and hailing from Broken Bow (Oklahoma) High School, Howell will play the wide receiver position for the Sooners, but he's one of the state's most versatile athletes.

Wide receivers coach Emmett Jones is adding a player who stars at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and defensive back for the Savages, and also runs track and plays baseball and basketball. He's listed as Rivals' No. 13 ATH in the class, and he joins Demare Dezeurn and Tra'Von Hall as the WRs that Jones has commitments from in 2027.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Who committed to the Sooners during the 'Future Freaks' weekend?

Millwall have been fined £45,000 by the Football Association for abusive chanting which included a reference to disability during their Carabao Cup tie with Crystal Palace.

The Lions admitted the charge in relation to a chant in the 11th minute of the match on 16 September, which saw Palace win 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1.

They were also charged for a chant in the 80th minute of the match but denied this and an independent regulatory commission was unable to prove the charge.

This is the third breach by the Championship club in the past three years and they also had an action plan previously imposed on them extended by another season to the end of 2026-27.

"This chant goes against everything the club stands for and is wholeheartedly condemned," a Millwall statement said.

"The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discriminatory abuse; such behaviour has no place in society. Any individual identified as engaging in such abuse will be banned."

• Millwall warned by FA after offensive chants by fans
• Millwall fined £15k for homophobic Chilwell chants

Millwall were sanctioned in October 2023 following abuse with "express or implied reference to religion" towards James McClean while he was playing for Wigan.

They were then fined £15,000 in June last year for homophobic chants aimed at Crystal Palace left-back Ben Chilwell during their FA Cup tie in March 2025.

Both times they had an action plan imposed with the aim of ensuring incidents did not occur again and making it a more inclusive club.

The written reasons provided by the FA acknowledged that Millwall's previous disciplinary record is "very poor and a matter for serious concern".

The game with Millwall's Premier League south London rivals was described as "high-risk" by the club, however the commission found not all steps had been taken on the day to comply with their action plan.

The chanting in the 11th minute of the game at Selhurst Park was described as "substantial" although no supporters have been identified as being involved, and as such sanctioned, since.

The FA called for a partial or full stadium closure because of the rule breach for a third time.

It said anything less "would fail to adequately address the seriousness of the club's repeated breaches of FA Rule E 21 or serve as a sufficient deterrent in respect of discriminatory behaviour by supporters/spectators".

Yet the committee acknowledged that Millwall had taken steps to meet its action plan.

"We consider that the extant action plan has worked to a considerable extent and the cause of seeking to remove, in so far as it is possible to do so, discriminatory chanting is best served by it being further refined and extended in duration as opposed to," the commission said.

• Latest Millwall news, analysis and fan views
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The Detroit Lions' first NFL free agency move was signing former Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract with $14 million in guaranteed money.

Fortifying the interior of its offensive line was a necessity after the franchise opted to release last season's starting center in veteran Graham Glasgow. Regression along its offensive line was one of the culprits for what turned into a disappointing 9-8 campaign for Detroit in 2025, so it's not surprising that the organization's initial free agency move is to try to address those shortcomings.

What are the Lions getting in Mays? Let's dive into his Pro Football Focus numbers:

Cade Mays' PFF grades

• 2022: 62.6 overall offensive grade; 51.4 pass blocking grade; 64.0 run blocking grade in 51 offensive snaps
• 2023: 58.3 overall offensive grade; 43.0 pass blocking grade; 71.2 run blocking grade in 434 offensive snaps
• 2024: 66.1 overall offensive grade; 74.9 pass blocking grade; 66.9 run blocking grade in 495 offensive snaps
• 2025: 61.0 overall offensive grade; 67.6 pass blocking grade; 58.3 run blocking grade in 793 offensive snaps

Mays began his Panthers career at guard, but his play has started to blossom with the move to center. After being released by the Panthers ahead of the 2024 season, Mays spent a brief practice squad stint with the Giants before being re-signed to the active roster by Carolina in October of 2024.

Mays would proceed to play in 11 games and start eight for the Panthers at center to close the 2024 campaign. Then, after being re-signed by Carolina on a one-year, $3.4 million deal, Mays lost a close competition to Austin Corbett ahead of last season.

But, when Corbett went down with a torn MCL in Week 2, that opened the door for Mays to start 12 games with Carolina last season.

Per Pro Football Focus, Mays allowed just 17 hurries and zero sacks in 803 pass blocking snaps over the last two seasons.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Cade Mays PFF: A look at the new Detroit Lions center

The Pittsburgh Steelers have wasted no time in filling their top roster needs at the start of free agency. First the Steelers re-signed slot cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., then traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and now, according to reports have agree to terms with Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean.

The Steelers plan to sign Dean to a three-year contract worth $36.75 million, according to multiple reports. Dean was the No. 3-ranked cornerback in the NFL in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. He finished 2025 with three interceptions on 661 defensive snaps. Dean also had two forced fumbles and was the best pass-rush graded cornerback in the NFL.

The #Steelers have agreed to a deal with CB Jamel Dean. He gets a 3-year deal worth $36.75M, per me and @TomPelissero.

Deal done by @Erik Burkhardt of @RocNationSports

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026

Dean replaces Pierre who has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year contract. Dean will now line up with Joey Porter Jr. and form one of the best tandems in the AFC at cornerback. This is in addition to Samuel who should be great as the team's slot cornerback.

The addition of Dean gives the Steelers some freedom early in the 2026 NFL draft.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers agree to terms with CB Jamel Dean

The Athletics take on the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona. The A’s come into this game fresh off a split squad sweep of the Angels and Dodgers yesterday.

Jack Perkins will take the mound to get the A’s started today. So far this spring he’s 1-2 in two starts with a 6.75 ERA. He’s only gone 2.2 innings, so the numbers are statistically meaningless. But I imagine Mark Kotsay will try to stretch him out a bit more today.  Perkins will face off against 24-year-old Rhett Lowder for the Reds.  Lowder is a 2023 first round draft pick who has pitched five innings this spring in both a start and relieving appearance. He has a 1.80 ERA and seven strikeouts so far.

Lowder will go face this lineup for Mark Kotsay’s Athletics:

Perkins will face this lineup for the Reds today:

Follow the Game:
Listen:
Athletics – A’s Cast, Talk 650 KSTE

A source in the Italian media claims Dusan Vlahovic is so eager to stay at Juventus that he’s willing to accept a significant pay cut.

The two parties had several rounds of negotiations in the past, but they were never able to find common ground.

Therefore, it had been suggested that the Serbian’s departure at the end of the season was a foregone conclusion, as his expiring contract is set to expire in June.

Nevertheless, the recent days witnessed a surprising U-turn. Apparently, the player and the club have both assessed their options, and concluded that prolonging their collaboration is the best way to go.

Dusan Vlahovic to accept Juventus contract offer?

As reported over the weekend, the striker’s father, Milos Vlahovic, and his agent, Darko Ristic, arrived in Turin ahead of a new round of negotiations.

It has also been revealed that Juventus have offered Vlahovic a yearly net salary of €6 million per season, which constitutes half of his current wages (€12 million).

The Bianconeri have recently set a new wage ceiling at €7 million, which is the salary granted to Kenan Yildiz, who renewed his contract last month.

According to La Stampa via TuttoJuve, Vlahovic could well accept Juve’s offer, paving the way for a swift agreement.

This would be quite a turnaround compared to the two parties’ failed negotiations last year.

The Spalletti factor

Similar to his teammates Yildiz and Weston McKennie, the Serbian striker appears intrigued by the opportunity to play under Luciano Spalletti.

The Tuscan manager has a prominent track record when it comes to developing players and help them reach their full potential.

Vlahovic had already enjoyed a positive start to life under Spalletti, but his momentum was interrupted by a serious injury he sustained in late November.

The 26-year-old has now returned to group training and should be called up for Saturday’s game against Udinese.

The 2025 Kansas City Royals were not bad. However, they also share a division with the Detroit Tigers (excellent in the first-half of the season) and the Cleveland Guardians (excellent in the second-half), so their 82 wins just weren’t enough to push them into the postseason.

Consider some of the details.

The good? Bobby Witt Jr. (8 fWAR), Maikel Garcia (5.6 fWAR), the pitching staff (3.80 ERA).

The bad? The outfielders couldn’t hit (like, at all, to the tune of a collective 73 wRC+), and the Royals (with the exceptions of Witt Jr. and Garcia) could not steal bases. They were ranked 26th in runs scored, so not good. Having an elite pitching staff and a terrible offense is not a combination known for postseason success. Our colleagues at Royals Review provide a nice recap here. But that’s all in the past, and now it’s time to see what the Royals could manage in 2026.

2025 record: 82-20 (3rd, AL Central)
2026 FanGraphs projection: 81-81 (2nd, AL Central)

The Royals shuffled things around with some modest moves to shore up an already solid team and address some problem spots, trading for Isaac Collins from Milwaukee and signing Lane Thomas away from a division rival in Cleveland on a one-year deal alongside more recently picking up Starling Marte on a $1 million deal to give their aforementioned struggling outfield some options. They traded away their main left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa in the deal for Collins, and to shore back up their bullpen the Royals flipped Jonathan Bowlan for Matt Strahm, a former Royal himself who has blossomed the last few seasons in Philadelphia.

On top of the roster changes, they also remodeled their stadium a bit, moving in the walls of Kauffman Stadium. The K has been a slighty-above average stadium offensively over the last three years, but it’s been one of the worst parks to hit one out of — now the corners will be nine-to-ten feet closer before tapering off to an unchanged center field, perhaps aiding their offense enough to kickstart them out of mediocrity.

Looking at the Royals’ infield, any team with Bobby Witt Jr. at short is already at an advantage. This year, he’ll be working with an increasingly elite Maikel Garcia as well as a servicable Vinnie Pasquantino. What happens at second remains a question: Will the Royals start Jonathan India there or use Michael Massey? Perhaps Brandon Drury has a bounce back? Stay tuned! Then there’s Salvador Perez, who is not longer young but still effective. Although he will probably give more catching days to Carter Jensen, Perez fits in at first base or DH as well. Extended for two more seasons this winter, the veteran of the clubhouse might have the deal in place to ride out the end of his career.

With Collins in the fold now, Kansas City could plug him into left field while rolling Kyle Isbel out in center and Jac Caglianone in right. Granted, Cags was not especially good in 2025, but he got important experience in his first shot at the majors after excelling in the minors, and his spring training numbers suggest he may be figuring things out.

Marte, as mentioned, was a last-minute addition, signed just a couple of weeks ago. Though often injured, Marte will bring some much-needed power and contact to the Royals (assuming he can stay on the field) and should toggle between the outfield and DH. Add into that Lane Thomas and Kameron Misner, and this looks like a better — if not awesome — outfield lineup.

The rotation remains the strongest part of this Royals core. Although ace Cole Ragans missed much of 2025 to injury, when he was in the rotation, he was good (as in 14.3 K/9 and a 2.42 FIP in 13 starts). Now he needs to replicate that for an entire season. Kris Bubic picked up his first All-Star nod last year as he moved back into the rotation, and the combination of Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Noah Cameron form a fearsome top to bottom rotation that offers no easy days for opposing lineups.

In addition to pure pitching skill, the Royals rotation started working as, essentially, a “pitching workshop” when Wacha joined the team. The rotation works closely together, observing each other’s bullpens and debriefing when they leave games. Lugo and Wacha are seasoned veterans helping mentor a group of youngsters. Plus, there’s more depth in the wings. Assuming everyone stays healthy, if the Royals struggle in 2026, it won’t be because of the rotation.

The bullpen remains reliable to round out the pitching staff. Carlos Estévez will return as the closer after an All-Star campaign, tying his career-best with a 2.45 ERA and working the second-most innings of his career. Add to that Lucas Erceg, John Schneider, Bailey Falter, and Alex Lange, and it’s a solid group. Strahm returns to the team that drafted him as a revamped pitcher, now relying on a mix of fastballs having incorporated a cutter and sinker to great effect, and Nick Mears and Alex Lange can provide further depth.

Will that be enough for them to jump back into contention for their division? It’s the AL Central, so who knows — the division could go any number of ways, as what appeared to be a runaway title for the Tigers slipped away on the final day of the season last year. Kansas City was in the running in 2024, taking a shot at the Yankees in the ALDS, but 2025 just didn’t break their way. The 2026 Kansas City Royals are trying to improve on the margins with hopes it’s enough to get them back to the postseason. If Bobby Witt Jr and Cole Ragans play to their potential, their odds are good.

More Pinstripe Alley MLB team season previews can be found here.

Arsenal have reached a remarkable milestone this season, scoring their 101st goal in all competitions following a 2-1 victory against Mansfield Town at the weekend.

The Gunners have performed strongly across every competition, and their ability to score consistently has been one of the main reasons behind their success. While there has been some criticism regarding the return from their central strikers, the team have shown that goals are shared across the squad rather than relying on a single player.

Goals spread across the squad

Even with a top striker like Viktor Gyokeres in their ranks, Arsenal have not depended solely on him to find the net. His contribution has been significant, but others have stepped up as well, demonstrating the squad’s depth and attacking versatility. Despite occasional struggles from individual forwards, Arsenal remain one of the leading scoring teams in European football this season.

According to Arsenal Media, the breakdown of goals highlights how contributions have been distributed. Gyokeres tops the scoring charts with 15 goals in all competitions, followed by Gabriel Martinelli with 11. Bukayo Saka has netted nine goals, while Eberechi Eze has added eight, forming the club’s top four scorers.

Variety in goal sources

Arsenal have occasionally faced criticism for not scoring enough from open play, but the statistics indicate a balanced attacking approach. Of their 101 goals, 65 have come from open play, while corners have produced 24 goals. Free kicks have accounted for six, and four goals have been scored from penalties.

This distribution demonstrates that Arsenal’s attacking threat is not limited to one method or one player. Their ability to score through different channels has been vital in keeping them competitive across multiple competitions. As the season progresses, this versatility could prove crucial in maintaining their momentum and converting opportunities into trophies.

With goals coming from several players and through a variety of means, Arsenal have built a well-rounded attack capable of sustaining their challenge in the league and other tournaments. Reaching 101 goals underlines the effectiveness of their approach and the strength of their squad heading into the final stages of the campaign.

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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the press in England on Monday ahead of his team’s Champions League clash with Newcastle on Tuesday night at St. James’ Park.

The coach was obviously asked questions about Xavi Hernández’s explosive interview but also took time to analyze the game against Newcastle and was full of praise for Barça’s young players as well. Here are the highlights from Flick’s quotes:

Xavi

“We’re colleagues and have a good relationship. I’ve visited him, we’ve met, but it’s a private matter. I know the truth and I’m keeping it to myself. I won’t reveal it here.

“I’m only focused on the match. We’re in a nice hotel with a good atmosphere, and we’ve come directly from Bilbao. I’m sure you won’t ask me about that after the game.”

Newcastle

“The Champions League is different. Everyone wants to give their best. I expect a good team, a good atmosphere. We have to play with that. It will not be easy. You have to know how to play against your fast players and find solutions.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world. Strong teams and a lot of money. They have a lot of teams in the next round. We have a lot of quality and continue to play as Barça know how to and show it to the fans”.

Rashford

“Marcus was away for a few days and has come back strong. I haven’t decided yet, but he’s a good option [to start].”

Barça’s youngsters

“Cuba, Lamine, Fermín, Bernal… Their quality is incredible, their match in Bilbao was incredible. Watching Cubarsí defend… He took a throw-in like a corner. He’s at the same level as Lamine, but in defense. He’s 19 years old and can play at the highest level imaginable.”

Newcastle United continue to be linked with a potential summer move for former Premier League striker and Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez as his situation in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain.

The 26-year-old has reportedly been left out of Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema, increasing speculation about a return to Europe.

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have now joined Newcastle in monitoring Nunez’s availability, with the Magpies losing ground in the race to bring the striker back to the Premier League.

“Darwin Nunes has been frozen out of Simone Inzaghi’s squad,” O’Rourke said. “He’s not been registered for the second half of Pro League campaign due to arrival of Karim Benzema which is likely to force Nunez to move on next summer.”

O’Rourke added that finances will play a decisive role, as Nuñez’s wage demands might price him out of some clubs, including Newcastle.

“It’s not an easy deal to do because he’s on a huge salary in the Saudi Pro League so he would have to take a pay cut if he is to return to Europe,” O’Rourke said. “There will be a number of clubs who will be looking at Nunez. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are looking at his situation as well.

“I’d probably say (Atletico) are probably more front-runners for Nunez’s signature rather than Newcastle right now. As I said, though, although Nunes is keen to move on from Al Hilal, it’s still not an easy deal just due to the finances.”

While Newcastle have been credited with some interest, and that’s very believable as they clearly need striker reinforcements, the outlet suggests that concerns over salary demands may limit their ability to compete with European heavyweights, and that might also be very true.

At this stage, O’Rourke’s report indicates that Atletico and Juventus hold the advantage in what is expected to be a complex negotiation this summer, although no formal offers have arrived at Al Hilal’s table as of now.

Like water swirling around the plug hole, FC Nantes have, in circles, drawn increasingly closer to the drop. For the past few seasons, it has looked to be only a matter of time before they finally plunge and fall out of Ligue 1. 

Narrow escapes have been the name of the game in recent campaigns, with Antoine Kombouaré repeatedly acting as a relegation firefighter. There will be no rescue act from the former Paris Saint-Germain head coach after he was released in the off-season in favour of Luís Castro. Instead, Kombouaré has taken charge of Nantes’s relegation rivals Paris FC. 

Castro, who joined from Ligue 2 side USL Dunkerque, was meant to be a fresh start for La Maison Jaune. He was brought in to improve the pathway between the academy and the first team and bring a more attractive style of football to the club than the more functional Kombouaré. He had impressed at Dunkerque, leading the club to the Ligue 2 playoffs and the Coupe de France semi-final on a shoestring budget. 

However, Castro wasn’t able to replicate that same success at Nantes. And soon found, like most managers who have taken the hot seat at the Stade de la Beaujoire, his project was over before it had truly begun. He lasted only until December before he was given his marching orders. 

No improvements for Nantes

His record at Nantes was poor, with only two wins in 15 games. The 11 points he had collected left the club second last in the standings, and level on points with bottom-of-the-table FC Metz. The challenge to escape this situation was left to Kombouaré’s former assistant, Ahmed Kantari, who was promoted to interim until the end of the season. 

Results have not improved under Kantari. The result on the weekend, a 1-0 defeat to Angers SCO in the Derby de l’Ouest, means that, after 10 league games, Kantari has the same win-loss record as his predecessor, having won twice and lost the remaining eight fixtures. The only difference between the two is that Castro, at least, was able to collect some points from draws. 

With each passing weekend, the threat of a third-ever relegation from Ligue 1 looms a little larger. With only nine games left of the season, two points separate the club from AJ Auxerre and the relegation playoff spot, while a further seven points separate them from OGC Nice and safety. 

A need to act fast

The pressure is growing on Nantes’ management to act fast to avoid disaster. Reports from France suggest that Kantari’s time in charge of the club is coming to a swift end, with the derby defeat likely to be his last game as head coach. Ouest-France and L’Équipe write that a change looks to be in the works and, in truth, looks long overdue. 

One wonders why Kantari was even seriously considered for the role in the first place, when his only other experience as a first-team head coach was when he led Valenciennes FC to relegation from Ligue 2 in the 2023/24 season. It gives the impression that the club have not seriously considered the threat of relegation despite their perilous position. 

Perhaps this is the byproduct of the Kita ownership that has become used to narrow escapes; there is a sense that they’ve always found a way to get out of trouble, and they’ll do it again. The supporters are far less convinced. On Saturday, they sang songs that bitterly embraced a fate they feel certain will come to pass: that Nantes will be playing football in Ligue 2 next season. 

This week’s Ligue 1 sub-plots

• A resurgent AS Monaco reignited the Ligue 1 title race on Friday evening when they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 at the Parc des Princes. Something is building in the Principality as we enter the final stretch of the season. Have they left it too late to crash the European party? Find out more HERE.

• It was a return to Nice for Franck Haise as his Stade Rennais swatted aside OGC Nice 4-0. There was no love lost for the former coach, who left Le Gym through a nightmare season. Rennes look like they could well challenge for the UEFA Champions League positions. Read how it happened HERE.

• After being dumped out of the Coupe de France by Toulouse FC during the week, Olympique de Marseille were given a chance at gaining a small bit of revenge in the league. Les Phocéens took home all three points and third in the table as Olympique Lyonnais stumbled against Paris FC. Read the match report HERE.

GFFN | Nick Hartland

Liverpool Team News: Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa Absences Explained Before Galatasaray Clash

Liverpool head into a crucial Champions League trip to Istanbul with a slightly altered squad, after Arne Slot confirmed that both Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa will miss the encounter with Galatasaray. The pair were initially expected to be involved after being named in the squad for the FA Cup tie against Wolves, yet circumstances changed quickly in the build up to the European fixture.

Slot’s side continue to balance domestic and continental demands after their Premier League title winning campaign in 2024-25, and squad management remains essential. The absence of Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa offers an interesting subplot ahead of Liverpool’s latest European test.

Alisson Becker Injury Concern Before Galatasaray

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker travelled through most of Monday’s training session before discomfort forced a cautious decision. The Brazilian had completed the full 90 minutes against Wolves in the FA Cup, which initially suggested he would start again in Istanbul.

Slot clarified the situation while speaking to reporters.

“Ali, of course, was in the session, as many people could see. But, unfortunately, he felt something towards the end of the session,” Slot said.

“People looked at it and we, and he, decided that it wasn’t good enough to play tomorrow and it’s of no use travelling.

“There’s definitely a chance [he can return vs. Tottenham] because we don’t expect it to be a big thing, but it was too much to be available for tomorrow.”

Photo: IMAGO

From a Liverpool perspective, caution makes sense. Alisson Becker has already missed 10 matches this season, and protecting one of the world’s most reliable goalkeepers remains a priority during the decisive stretch of the campaign.

Federico Chiesa Illness Rules Him Out

While Alisson Becker’s issue arrived late in training, Federico Chiesa’s absence was more straightforward. The Italian forward did not participate in Monday’s session at all.

Slot explained the situation succinctly.

“He felt unwell last night, so that’s why he wasn’t training with us today and not travelling with us.”

Federico Chiesa has endured a stop start Champions League campaign this season, and this match against Galatasaray will mark the fifth time he has missed out since the league phase began. The former Juventus winger was an unused substitute against Wolves, but illness ended any chance of involvement in Turkey.

For Liverpool, depth in attacking areas softens the blow. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz all travelled with the squad.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz.

According to a report from Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich stars Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies are making progress ahead of the team’s Champions League showdown with Atalanta:

Harry Kane overcame his calf problems, was able to train without any problems and looked sharp. He’s expected to be available against Atalanta tomorrow. Alphonso Davies completed his third session with the team since his injury. It remains to be seen whether it’s enough for tomorrow.

Having Kane against Atalanta would be massive for Bayern Munich as the Englishman has been on a torrid pace with goals of late.

In addition, Hiroki Itō resumed training with the ball as he works to get back to full health. Itō is expected to miss at least another week, but he could progress far enough to push himself into being available to face Bayer Leverkusen this week with some luck.

That said, a conservative approach for the oft-injured Japanese star might benefit everyone.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Ilia Topuria will headline the historic UFC event at the White House on June 14, unifying belts with interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Topuria’s manager Malki Kawa revealed Monday that the deal was only done on Saturday morning, just hours before the announcement during the UFC 326 broadcast on CBS.

Kawa also manages Jon Jones, a former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion who was very vocal about his intention to be on the card against Alex Pereira, but the Brazilian will instead face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event slot. UFC CEO Dana White said recently that Jones was “never, ever, ever” going to headline UFC White House card.

However, Kawa revealed on the Anik & Florian Podcast that they did have negotiations with the promotion for that event.

“I don’t know if that’s true because there was a negotiation there also as well,” Kawa said. “It just kind of didn’t go anywhere after a while. Wednesday I got asked, ‘Would you guys want to do this or that?’ And we said, ‘Absolutely.’ They gave us a number. We said, ‘Absolutely not.’ And then we didn’t hear anything after that. So, to me, there was no fight going on as of Wednesday afternoon.”

“They couldn’t get there and then fell apart, so then they moved on to other stuff,” he continued. “Now, one thing I will say though is, I do believe when I got that call on Wednesday, they were talking to everybody. That’s why when he says these guys weren’t supposed to be on the card, I believe that. Because even the way it was said to me, ‘Who do you want to fight? You guys can fight this guy, you guys can fight that guy,’ the money that was offered was small in comparison to what we had already said we wanted to fight those guys from before. Whether it was White House card, International Fight Week or it’s next week, it doesn’t matter. It was more about getting the numbers. And when the numbers came, it was like, ‘alright.’ It was more like, ‘if this fight could happen, here’s the numbers that you guys down for.’ And we’re like, ‘Not at those numbers.’ So there was no fight..”

Kawa said he had talks with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell weeks ago asking if Topuria would be on the card, otherwise he would fly back to Spain. If an offer came later, he said, that would be “way more costly” to bring Topuria’s camp back to the United States. That’s what happened in the end, and it ultimately helped them in negotiations for a better deal with the UFC to make Topuria vs. Gaethje.

“If you don’t have a deal in place, and then you’re talking about you’re going to announce something Saturday and the announcement is related to our negotiation,” Kawa said. “Absolutely, I think we the advantage was [ours].”

Kawa said that rumors of a potential Islam Makhachev fight with Topuria being called off at the eleventh hour was inaccurate. According to Topuria’s manager, they agreed to the idea of facing either Gaethje or Makhachev, but the welterweight champion is currently dealing with an injury.

“We had our choice and we said yes to Islam and we said yes to Gaethje,” Kawa said. “It was just more about the numbers and the finances. When you talk about leverage, if somebody really needs something and you get pushed up against the wall at midnight, yeah, it’s probably in your advantage because if at that point, if you’re not doing the deal with Jon [Jones] and if Kayla [Harrison] can’t fight and Amanda [Nunes] can’t fight, and if Islam can’t fight, and if Conor [McGregor] ain’t fighting, then who else are you guys talking about? So I think that at that it obviously worked out to our favor, if that makes sense.”

Kawa had a cardiac ablation procedure on Thursday, and it caused a halt in conversations with the UFC, and he only got in touch with Campbell at 11:30pm Friday. The negotiations went on until 11:00am on Saturday, when “all the terms on that deal to fight Gaethje” were finally agreed.

“There was a lot of stuff that got discussed, a lot of different things, and that was kind of what happened in its totality,” Kawa said. “So Dana’s not lying, right? There was no Islam fight. We agreed to fighting Islam if that’s what they wanted to do. But the terms and all that was not there. He said that none of these guys were supposed to be on the card.”

Inter are currently awaiting a formal approach from Galatasaray for Hakan Calhanoglu, as the midfielder’s future in Milan looks increasingly uncertain.

According to Calciomercato, the player’s family continues to push for a move to the Turkish giants, adding significant external pressure to the situation. This comes after contract negotiations with the Nerazzurri hit a standstill at the end of 2025. A major sticking point remains the club’s desire for Calhanoglu to accept a wage reduction, given his status as the squad’s second-highest earner.

To date, no agreement on a salary cut has been reached, prompting Inter to set a firm valuation for his departure. While Galatasaray offered €10m last summer, the Italian champions now demand a higher figure to sanction a sale. Internally, the management has already identified a successor, with Aleksandar Stankovic viewed as the natural replacement to step into the midfield role.

As the summer window approaches, the divide between Calhanoglu’s financial demands and Inter’s new wage policy suggests a parting of ways is becoming the most likely outcome.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

Old friend, formerly of VEB, Ben Clemens of FanGraphs, stopped by to talk some ball! Ben covered several topics including: his VEB lineage and career arc, Ivan Herrera dealing with lower body injuries again, Josh Baez and where would make the most sense to begin the season, Dustin May looking like he’s returning to form, Who Ben thinks is the primary breakout candidate for the Cardinals in 2026, and we finished up the episode talking about some of the fancy new tools in “The Lab” at Fangraphs to give fans more visual depth to their baseball information and player comparison.

As always, a lot of great baseball talk this week. Next week, we will visit with Craig Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus!

It is hard to win on the PGA Tour. Some would say it is impossible.

Winning on the PGA Tour is even more difficult when you are five strokes back with nine holes to play. Somehow, Akshay Bhatia pulled it off nonetheless.

Bhatia defeated Daniel Berger on the first playoff hole of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard on Sunday. It was Bhatia’s third career victory on the PGA Tour. Amazingly, they have all come in playoffs. Even more amazingly, they have all come after only a single playoff hole.

In order for a playoff to happen there have to be players tied after 72 holes. Everybody knows this. Bhatia’s odds of reaching that point were quite long, though.

Akshay Bhatia had amazing back nine comeback

At the time when Akshay Bhatia and Daniel Berger made the turn at Bay Hill, the former trailed the latter by five strokes. Akshay sat at 10-under while Berger was at 15-under and simply had to protect a five-shot lead.

Berger managed to card two birdies, but he also had two bogeys which evened things out. An errant tee shot at 17 led to the second bogey which opened the door for Bhatia to push things to a playoff.

Akshay was on fire on the back nine, though. He opened it up with four straight birdies before going par and bogey. He then responded with an eagle at 16 and made par to close things out which set up the playoff.

It was wild enough to see this matchup go down to a playoff, but the path towards it was incredible theater. It was a bummer of a result for Berger, one that he likely wants to put in the past as soon as possible.

The Players offers that opportunity this week at TPC Sawgrass.

When the Dallas Cowboys initially pulled the trigger on trading away Micah Parsons, the football world reacted with a collective gasp. Critics and fans alike flooded social media with skepticism, wondering how a franchise could ever justify moving a generational talent. The general consensus was that the Cowboys had decided to start an unprompted rebuild right in the midst of their championship window. It wasn’t ideal.

But the Cowboys had a plan. In an effort to reshape the roster, they immediately reallocated their newfound resources to fortify the interior of the defensive line by acquiring Kenny Clark and later using some of the Parsons draft capital to land Quinnen Williams. This double swoop gave the Cowboys a massive boost in the trenches, giving their run defense a fighting chance.

While the interior was improved, the strategic pivot left the Cowboys dangerously exposed at the edge rusher position. With Parsons gone, the feared outside pass rush that once defined their defense became a glaring vacancy on the roster. Opposing quarterbacks who used to live in fear of a blindside hit suddenly found themselves with enough time in the pocket to take up a new hobby. They quickly learned that the defensive end position group was a huge weakness for the team.

The front office is not ignoring the problem. They have made several high-profile attempts to find a veteran solution on the perimeter. They were reportedly swinging for the fences in trade talks for Maxx Crosby, but those negotiations eventually came up short when the Baltimore Ravens were willing to give up more. The attention turned to Trey Hendrickson, but it quickly became clear that his impending free agency would trigger a bidding war that the Cowboys weren’t likely to win.

Taking matters into their own hands, the Cowboys pivoted aggressively by striking a trade for Rashan Gary. To secure the veteran pass rusher, it only cost the Cowboys a 2027 fourth-round draft pick; however, they must also absorb a contract that carries an average of $21 million over the final two years of his contract. This is far less expensive than the draft capital required to bring in Crosby or the contract to lure Hendrickson.

Gary brings a blend of elite athleticism and a relentless motor that aligns perfectly with what defensive coordinator Christian Parker demands from his edge players. Known for his ability to shut down the run just as effectively as he chases quarterbacks, Gary posted a staggering pressure rate and high win percentages during his peak years in Green Bay. His versatility allows him to kick inside or drop into space, making him a chess piece that can be moved all over the formation. He possesses the kind of closing speed that makes him look like he was shot out of a cannon.

The veteran edge rusher enjoyed a scorching start to the 2025 season, recording 7.5 sacks over his first seven games of the season. But sadly, he went the final 10 games with no sacks. The tale of two halves was odd, and the dip was attributed to several factors that included how he was used, adjustments opposing teams made against him, and a drop off in pressure rate.

The Packers found themselves in a bit of a pickle, no longer able to afford Gary, especially if he wasn’t the Pro Bowl pass rusher he was just the year before. After landing Parsons, they turned around and signed him to a record-breaking contract extension, so the Packers were forced to balance their books, with Gary being a cap casualty.

Ultimately, the availability of a player like Gary was made possible by the ripple effects of the initial Parsons trade. The Cowboys navigated a complex series of moves to end up with a revamped interior and a proven veteran on the edge to replace their departed star. While the path was winding and filled with criticism, the team has emerged with an intriguing talent reshuffle.

Naomi Osaka’s 2026 season is finally gathering momentum after an injury cut short what looked to be a strong start at the Australian Open.

Back to full fitness, she has pushed her way into the Indian Wells Round of 16 and lined up a fascinating match-up in the process.

After seeing off Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva and Camila Osorio, Osaka now faces the challenge of taking on Aryna Sabalenka.

But the 28-year-old is not shying away from the contest. If anything, she seems excited by it.

Naomi Osaka looks ahead to her Indian Wells clash with Aryna Sabalenka

It is a match-up fans have not seen much of in recent years, but two of the biggest hitters in the game are finally set to meet.

With the current world number one taking on a former world number one, there is plenty on the line as both players aim for a place in the Indian Wells quarter-finals.

Asked about facing Sabalenka, Osaka did not hide her enthusiasm for the challenge.

She said: “I mean, for me, it’s really exciting. I have watched her, I don’t want to say “grow over the years,” because I think she’s only a little bit younger than me and I feel like an old person, but yeah, I have watched her grow over the years.

“Obviously she’s so consistent, she’s the No. 1 player in the world and it’s, for me, very motivating. I’m excited to play her, and I’m looking forward to it a lot.”

The Japanese star then spoke with Tennis Channel afterwards and added: “For me, they are the most fun. When I was younger, I used to only show up for big matches like this so this is what I practice for and just really excited to see what I’m able to do.”

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The Chicago Bears continue to retool their linebacker position on the first day of the NFL free agency negotiating window. The Bears are signing former Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush Jr. to a three-year deal worth $30 million with $21 million guaranteed. The move was first reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Former Browns LB Devin Bush reached agreement today on a 3-year, $30 million deal that includes $21 million guaranteed with the Chicago Bears, per agent Drew Rosenhaus.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026

Bush was a 2019 first-round pick out of Michigan who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had an uninspiring stint with the Steelers and wasn't re-signed after his rookie contract lapsed. Bush spent one season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 before joining the Browns in 2024, where he finally realized his potential.

In 2025, Bush totaled 125 tackles (seven for loss), two sacks, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and two touchdowns. His 164 interception yards led the league as he helped turn the Browns into a top defensive unit in football.

Coming to Chicago, Bush joins TJ Edwards and D'Marco Jackson, who re-signed with the team on a two-year deal earlier in the day. Here is how fans reacted to the multi-year move.

NFL world reacts to Bears signing Devin Bush

Major speed upgrade at linebacker for the Bears. https://t.co/9Y0rpfZTiv

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) March 9, 2026

Wow. Spent money at LB after all.

Coming off a career year in Cleveland. #Bearshttps://t.co/CuNzcTrptK

— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) March 9, 2026

Devin Bush had a hell of a year, this is a big time upgrade for the middle of the defense https://t.co/uQpZaNhXDc

— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) March 9, 2026

Bears wanted to add speed to their defense.

Devin Bush ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2019. https://t.co/EeBzboNjqC

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) March 9, 2026

Devin Bush is a stud. https://t.co/RvG2lqn3Qf

— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) March 9, 2026

The Browns were hoping to retain Bush on a new deal and felt good about where things stood entering free agency. In the end, Cleveland loses Bush after a real productive two seasons filling in for Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

The Browns will have to find a replacement next to… https://t.co/JdSCHoC6ao

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) March 9, 2026

Very bad player for the Steelers but has looked very good with the Browns, especially against the run. Will be a good run game addition and fit with Jackson https://t.co/JmTPN8hZiu

— Ilan (@ilannfl18) March 9, 2026

Bush is a former disappointing top 10 pick coming off his best season to revive his career. Was last year a fluke or has he turned things around? To the tape… https://t.co/tHMVPDyPLA

— Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) March 9, 2026

Good for Devin Bush. Found his confidence again and got his career back on track https://t.co/X2dj1SLBax

— Michael Beck (@MichaelBeck56) March 9, 2026

I think it's safe to say that we have a very Dennis Allen Linebacker unit.
THIS IS A SPLASH!!!!
This is MONSTEROUS
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWW https://t.co/TWW8BzPzES

— Adam Mason (@adamhmason) March 9, 2026

Viewed as the No. 2 LB available behind Devin Lloyd. https://t.co/LgkBGc8wET

— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 9, 2026

He was really good for Cleveland last year. Possible one year wonder but that contract is fine https://t.co/XZhC634Udu

— 7219 Perry Road (@RyanDay2Heaven) March 9, 2026

This is intriguing to me.

He rebounded his career and was good for Cleveland. He can run and cover... something we desperately need. https://t.co/Yq2vqUuzbF

— Conrad Sports Network (@DarrylConrad) March 9, 2026

This one wasn't on my radar at all.

Bush had a career season last year for the Browns. https://t.co/HigIr6PnOz

— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) March 9, 2026

https://t.co/VeXDhjpvrxpic.twitter.com/0DNcWYNr50

— MikeyBets (@RealMikeyBets) March 9, 2026

When I saw the name I said no thanks but at that price? Solid.

He fast fast and has had a much better career after a rough start.#DaBearshttps://t.co/ZgBuzH2PNC

— Mason West (@WestSportsPT) March 9, 2026

Revived his career in Cleveland. Love the price tag given that. https://t.co/X5DA8ER896

— Joseph Herff (@JosephHerffNFL) March 9, 2026

A bit pricey for the #Bears here. They’re betting on upside after a career year with the Browns. He’ll also add a serious amount of speed to their LB corps. https://t.co/leDzsM4F5V

— Erik Duerrwaechter (@EDuerrwaechter) March 9, 2026

Really good signing, and at a really good value!

However, that will be all for the Chicago Bears this free agency. Everything else will be addressed in the draft 🐻⬇️ https://t.co/vZKs4f0LOp

— JAY🤘🏽🐻⬇️ Kings of the NORTH (@Directhim) March 9, 2026

Poles is shedding cap while adding upgrades. I like it https://t.co/N4VCOREnZa

— Blake (@SoldierFieldBlg) March 9, 2026

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears sign Devin Bush: NFL world reacts

ESPN on Monday announced the hiring of several former Washington Post writers after the paper gutted its entire sports department weeks earlier.

Last month, The Washington Post announced a massive round of layoffs that reportedly saw a third of entire company let go. Among the most significant casualties was the sports desk, which was effectively eliminated with all staffers being laid off.

The timing of those layoffs was especially unfortunate considering the fact that the hometown Washington Wizards made a blockbuster trade for star center Anthony Davis. Because there was no one on staff to cover the deal, there was no original reporting on the site.

On Monday, ESPN — which has also dealt with its own layoffs — bolstered its journalist department with the signing of six former Washington Post writers. Included in the hirings is Kent Babb, Kareem Copeland, Chuck Culpepper, Robert Klemko, Tom Schad, and Ben Strauss.

ESPN’s statement on the news read:

ESPN is significantly strengthening its journalism operation with the hiring of six accomplished reporters from The Washington Post, underscoring the company’s continued investment in original reporting, newsgathering, investigations and enterprise storytelling.

The journalists — collectively bringing more than 100 years of industry experience and recipients of numerous major industry awards — will join ESPN’s newsgathering, investigative and enterprise teams over the coming weeks.

“Adding these six outstanding journalists and the reputation of The Washington Post will enhance an ESPN team that is already the best in the business,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman. “We are proud to advance our robust commitment to journalism, which is core to our mission of serving sports fans. Today’s news strengthens our position as the place to turn for the latest and most in-depth sports news, reporting and feature stories across every platform.”

—

The post ESPN Hires Former Washington Post Writers After Paper Gutted Its Sports Department first appeared on Mediaite.

The Alvin Kamara era in New Orleans is nearing its end. That's the logical conclusion after the Saints made a significant investment in a new running back this offseason.

Travis Etienne signed with the New Orleans Saints Monday, inking a four year, $52 million contract to punch up the league's 31st-ranked rushing attack. The move adds a young, explosive runner and receiver who racked up more than 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four active NFL seasons to date. It also raises questions about Kamara's role as he nears his 31st birthday.

This is a significant outlay for a franchise that's spent the last decade stuck in salary cap hell. Will making Etienne the team's *second* tailback making more than $12 million annually pay off? Does this mean Kamara is set to retire? Will Etienne's arrival ensure a relatively smooth transition atop the depth chart, or will this be another high priced mistake from general manager Mickey Loomis?

The deal: Travis Etienne signs with Saints for four years, $52 million (guarantees not yet disclosed)

New Orleans needed to find Tyler Shough some help. Kamara's yards per carry dipped to a career-low 3.6 last year. His rush yards over expected (RYOE) hit -0.7 per attempt, also a personal worst. With his age-31 season approaching, there's minimal chance of a return to his Pro Bowl form. Devin Neal didn't look ready for prime time late in 2025 and Kendre Miller is a perpetual injury risk. That shined a spotlight on Etienne.

Etienne was a marvel as a rookie but has struggled as a runner the seasons since. His 1,100-yard campaign last year was a solid bounce-back from below average 2023 and 2024 seasons but wasn't necessarily what you'd look for in a $12 million/year player. His 44 rushing yards over expected (RYOE) ranked 31st among tailbacks, behind players like Kyle Monangai and Zach Charbonnet.

He buttresses that with above-average production as a receiver, adding six touchdowns through the air last season and a career best 54 yards after catch over expected (YACOE). In short, he has the chops to be a slightly lesser version of prime Kamara in his current form. We know what that means to the Saints and, importantly, how the presence of a useful receiver from the backfield can lift a struggling quarterback -- whether that's Shough or late-stage, dead-armed Drew Brees.

The move makes sense, but it comes at a hefty price. The Saints only had about $20 million to spend this offseason and locked in guard David Edwards to a four year, $61 million deal soon after the Etienne news broke. If Kamara isn't retiring, that's putting a lot of resources toward a position that already has a lot of resources poured into it. Etienne is a good player who'll now be paid like a great one thanks to the weak supply and high demand of the 2026 free agent marketplace. He'll be helpful in New Orleans, but perhaps not in a way that matches the Saints' investment in its backfield.

Grade: B if Alvin Kamara retires, C if he does not

Other free agent signing grades:

• Colts re-sign WR Alec Pierce for a whopping four years and $114 million
• Chiefs make a splash by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to revamp backfield
• Dolphins' rebuild lands on Malik Willis as a worthy QB gamble
• Panthers make 2026's riskiest bet on Jaelan Phillips' superstar potential
• Raiders splurge big so Tyler Linderbaum can create space for Ashton Jeanty, Fernando Mendoza

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Travis Etienne signs with Saints: Grade for Alvin Kamara's replacement?

After the unceremonious end to the 2025 NFL season for the Philadelphia Eagles, general manager Howie Roseman now has some tough roster decisions to make. The league’s legal tampering window opens on Monday, March 9, followed by the official start of free agency on Wednesday, March 11.

Despite their long list of shortcomings last season, the Eagles still have one of the highest paid offenses, which will make the decisions Roseman makes on defense even more challenging. They still have several players on rookie deals, but there are some key members of the team set to be free agents.

Of those set to hit the market, some of the more notable names on defense, include LB Nakobe Dean, OLB Jaelan Phillips, and S Reed Blankenship. There’s also Brandon Graham who came out of retirement mid-season to help the Eagles down the stretch, but he’ll either go back to retired, or see if the team would offer him another one-year deal — which they probably would because he was still playing at an elite level and is big leader in the locker room.

On offense, Roseman might consider bringing OT Fred Johnson back to keep depth behind Lane Johnson, and as someone they could develop to be his ultimate replacement. The other lineman the team could re-sign is Brett Toth, who was able to fill in at multiple positions up front, including center. There could be a lot of roster changes within the OL room as the Eagles turn to a new scheme under OC Sean Mannion and new OL coach Chris Kuper.

As for the tight end group, three are set to hit free agency, and after setting a new franchise record for touchdowns by a TE, Dallas Goedert will be the biggest miss if they let him walk. Jalen Hurts was a big factor in bringing Goedert back to Philly, and you’d think the QB would want him back again in 2026. Otherwise, it’s a good draft for the Eagles to pickup some young talent to develop behind Goedert.

Finally, punter Braden Mann had a solid year, and consistently helped put the team in good position with deep kicks down field. There’s little reason to think the Eagles wouldn’t bring him back.

Here’s the full list of 2026 Eagles free agents:

• DL Brandon Graham
• Edge Jaelan Phillips — Signed with Panthers
• Edge Azeez Ojulari
• Edge Joshua Uche
• Edge Ogbo Okoronkwo
• LB Nakobe Dean
• OT Fred Johnson
• OL Brett Toth
• OL Matt Pryor
• P Braden Mann
• QB Sam Howell
• RB AJ Dillon
• S Reed Blankenship
• TE Dallas Goedert
• TE Grant Calcaterra
• TE Kylen Granson
• WR Jahan Dotson — Signed with Falcons

The Keaton Mitchell era is likely over in Baltimore after the Ravens declined to tender the restricted free agent running back, allowing the explosive dual-threat playmaker to hit free agency. The original round tender would have cost the Ravens $3.5 million, while a second-round tender would have been $5.8 million. New coach Jesse Minter will now go in another direction. Mitchell was limited to just five games in 2024 after recovering from a knee injury suffered as a rookie. While working his way back into form, Mitchell was inactive as a healthy scratch for the first month of the season before receiving carries down the stretch.

Mitchell was seldom utilized under former offensive coordinator Todd Monken, never receiving more than nine carries in a game. However, he was effective with his opportunities, maintaining an impressive average of 5.8 yards per carry over 59 rushing attempts. He appeared to regain his speed, recording four carries of at least 20 yards. It's worth noting that Derrick Henry and Justice Hill are both under contract through 2026.

The Ravens aren’t tendering RB Keaton Mitchell, per source. An intriguing addition to the free agent market. pic.twitter.com/BmShZgVkTA

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2026

In all, Mitchell finished the 2025 season with 59 carries for 341 yards and a touchdown while adding nine catches for 63 yards on 12 targets over 13 games.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens Decline to Tender RB Keaton Mitchell, Making Him Free Agent

In one of the most sobering days in modern Buccaneers history, fans will need to bid farewell to all-time great receiver Mike Evans, who agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers Monday.

Multiple sources reported that Evans agreed to a 3-year deal worth up to $60 million with the perpetual NFC West contenders, leaving the only place he’s called home in the NFL for 12 seasons. Entering his age-33 season, Evans forewent bigger offers elsewhere to move to the west coast and once again become a No. 1 target for an elite offense, while Tampa will be forced to confront a reality many thought improbable.

Evans leaves Tampa as the undisputed best offensive player in team history — by a wide margin. He is the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, with the latter two ranking top-20 all-time in NFL history. The Super Bowl LV champion holds the record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin a career (11), which also ties for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons period with Jerry Rice. In 176 games for the Bucs (175 starts), Evans logged a massive 866 receptions, 13,052 receiving yards, and 108 touchdowns while earning All-Pro honors twice to go along with 6 Pro Bowls.

A slam-dunk team Ring of Honor and NFL Hall of Famer when the time comes, the Bucs will need to finally confront a Evans-less existence after the possibility floated in the background over the last couple years.

While veteran stalwart Chris Godwin still remains to lead a young group, the Bucs will need 2025 first-rounder Emeka Egbuka and 2024 third-rounder Jalen McMillan to take the next steps in their respective development paths if the offense hopes to re-establish itself as a serious threat.

Travis Kelce’s NFL era isn’t over yet. Meanwhile, a new era is also apparently beginning for the Kansas City Chiefs, who also agreed on March 9 to sign Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III away from the Seattle Seahawks.

Kelce, the likely first-ballot Hall of Fame tight end and – more recently – pop culture darling plans to return to the Chiefs for a 14th season, according to multiple reports. Kelce, who just completed a two-year, $34.3 million extension, didn’t quite reach the open free agency market – yet there also didn’t seem to be much doubt he’d play anywhere but K.C., the team that drafted him in 2013.

Meanwhile, Walker – who agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal – brings a new element to a franchise trying to prove, well, that it’s dynastic era isn’t yet over.

What does it all mean? In the spirit of Taylor Swift’s “Question...?,” let’s try to answer some questions here:

Are the Chiefs already back?

Some league observers had mused that Kansas City, which missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2014 – and first time ever in QB Patrick Mahomes' nine-year career – might be in the midst of a mini-rebuild, particularly following last week’s trade of CB Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Apparently not – let’s call it a reset or reload instead. No squad is luring a 36-year-old tight end back, nor signing a running back to major money, if it doesn’t expect to contend – and immediately. It remains to be seen if Kansas City can compete for a fourth Lombardi Trophy since the start of the 2019 season, especially following a 6-11 campaign that parked the Chiefs in third place in the AFC West, but they’re clearly not going to waste any time trying. A clear message sent to the locker room − just ask DT Chris Jones.

🫂👑….. we’re so back https://t.co/8WBI1mEwqE

— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) March 9, 2026

What do Travis Kelce, Kenneth Walker III contracts mean for Patrick Mahomes?

Maybe – hopefully? – better protection? Kelce, who’s led the Chiefs in receiving yards in six of the past seven seasons, has long been Mahomes’ preferred target – and seemed to enjoy something of a renaissance in 2025 after a lackluster 2024 season capped by a poor outing in Kansas City’s blowout loss in Super Bowl 59. With Kelce continuing to find space in the intermediate area of the field, and Walker providing a huge upgrade in a run game that was virtually non-existent last season – Mahomes had to contribute greatly to it, often running for his life on the way to a career-best 422 yards on the ground – there should be less pressure on the three-time Super Bowl MVP as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered last December. Walker, who’s eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards twice in his four-year career, could be the first to do so in K.C. since 2017. (Still, an upgrade at right tackle sure would be nice for Mahomes, too.)

What will the Chiefs do in the draft?

It’s something of a premature question with free agency a long way from petering out. (And the Chiefs were active Monday aside from striking deals with Kelce and Walker, also reaching an agreement with DL Khyiris Tonga on a three-year, $21 million deal − meaning some help for Jones, too). But a team that now owns three of the draft’s top 40 selections – including a pair in Round 1 following the McDuffie deal – still has plenty of work to do. Joining McDuffie on the Rams is Jaylen Watson, who started opposite him in K.C. last year – meaning the secondary will have to be a point of emphasis at some point. And right tackle also probably ought to be addressed following the release of Jawaan Taylor and struggles Jaylon Moore, who’s only under contract for one more year anyway, had last season. Mahomes was sacked 70 times over the past two seasons and was bagged on 6.3% of his dropbacks in 2025, a career worst. That needs to change for a rehabbing star who will be 31 in September.

What does Travis Kelce’s return to the Kansas City Chiefs mean for Taylor Swift?

So much insight to share here. So much.

▶ More flights to Kansas City and more appearances at Arrowhead for the pop goddess.

▶ No complications to the wedding guest list given Kelce won’t be falling in love with a whole new group of teammates and coaches.

▶ Maybe still a chance Swift performs with her boo on Super Sunday – the Eras Tour did make a stop at SoFi Stadium, site of Super Bowl 61 – if she finally agrees to a long-anticipated Super Bowl halftime show. Our sources tell us … well, we have no sources here. (Try Melissa Ruggieri.)

All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kenneth Walker comes to Chiefs, Travis Kelce stays – is K.C. back?

The Indianapolis Colts are trading long-time wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After giving our initial takeaways from this move, let's check in on the rest of the NFL world to see all the reactions to this trade.

NFL world reacts to Colts trading Michael Pittman to Steelers

Man, I understand the trade of Michael Pittman Jr., but that one hurts. Incredible person and a really good player who put everything on the line for the Colts.

Top 5 WR for the franchise in the Indy era.

— Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL) March 9, 2026

Indianapolis Colts TRADE Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh Steelers pic.twitter.com/FVLmN7HZTu

— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 9, 2026

Love the Michael Pittman Jr trade for the Steelers, but we need to make some moves in FA. Resigning Cole Holcomb is all we’ve done. There’s still PLENTY of wholes on this roster especially with Pierre gone.

— Chase McGraw (@ChaseMcRaw) March 9, 2026

I’m so happy Ballard didn’t extend him at this number. Decent player but it was time to move on https://t.co/6kvE72VRFg

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) March 9, 2026

The #Steelers will acquire WR Michael Pittman Jr. on a 1 year, $24M non-guaranteed contract, but are expected to announce an extension shortly.

The #Colts free up that amount of 2026 cap space, positioning them to handle massive deals for Daniel Jones & Alec Pierce.

— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 9, 2026

The #Steelers are giving WR Michael Pittman Jr. a new three-year, $59 million deal, source says. New team and new money for Pittman in a contract negotiated by Andrew Kessler at @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/I7nlzWJnfg

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2026

The Steelers jump into the Top 5 of WR money (combined AAV) with the acquisition and extension of Michael Pittman Jr. pic.twitter.com/4iHJMneAjm

— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 9, 2026

OH NOOOO

BREAKING NEWS: The Indianapolis Colts are trading Michael Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/NrlNRbXDjK

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 9, 2026

Aaron Rodgers
Jaylen Warren
DK Metcalf
Michael Pittman Jr.
Calvin Austin III
Pat Freirmuth

Steelers may be up to something 👀

— DraftKings (@DraftKings) March 9, 2026

Michael Pittman Jr. 80 REC, 784 YDS, 7 TDs 2025 Season Highlights.

Pittman joins the Steelers.pic.twitter.com/cYCIJOnwGShttps://t.co/geFHJ1Ix7u

— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) March 9, 2026

Michael Pittman to the Steelers makes sense and would make Aaron Rodgers happy.

Also a very rare contractual quirk here:
His $24M contract the Steelers inherited is worth less than the $19M/year extension they quickly inked him to!https://t.co/LFpP3W1VTDpic.twitter.com/9O2wu2u6eE

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) March 9, 2026

Michael Pittman Jr. recorded 40 receptions against split-safety coverages in 2025, tied for the 4th-most among wide receivers with Puka Nacua.

The Steelers faced split-safety at the 7th-highest rate in the NFL last season (45.9%).@Steelers | #HereWeGohttps://t.co/BZoi1rxeMdpic.twitter.com/eKxdAu4MeN

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 9, 2026

Michael Pittman on instagram:

“Black and Gold Lets Roll.”#steelerspic.twitter.com/YsWs72qLw7

— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) March 9, 2026

Looking at some film on Michael Pittman and how he might fit with the Steelers.

Pittman (#11) played the Z this past year in Indy, where he often moved about the formation. He was in the slot more than I expected, where he did a great job of reading coverage and sitting down in… pic.twitter.com/wgb6b3Ygqk

— Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFFSN) March 9, 2026

The Steelers’ new WR duo 🔥

DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are both 6’4.”

Now, who will be throwing them the ball? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/iKMRBryLTX

— PFSN (@PFSN365) March 9, 2026

If you’re still trying to catch your breath, here’s what’s gone on with the #Colts in the last hour:

-Signed Alec Pierce to four-year deal
-Traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers for late-round pick swap
-Neville Gallimore signed with Bears

— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) March 9, 2026

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: Social media reaction to Michael Pittman trade

It didn't take long for the Kansas City Chiefs to make a splash in 2026 NFL free agency.

In the opening hour of the NFL's "legal tampering" window, the Chiefs agreed to a contract with former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker, the running back announced on social media.

Walker is coming off a career-best season during which he served as an offensive catalyst during Seattle's Super Bowl run. He posted a career-high 1,309 scrimmage yards in the regular season before starring in the postseason and winning Super Bowl 60 MVP after posting 29 touches and 161 yards during the game.

Kansas City will be paying Walker handsomely in an effort to revive its stagnant running game. The team's hefty investment at the running back position bucks Andy Reid's career trend of finding cheaper solutions at the position.

Here's what to know about Walker's contract and how it compares the Chiefs' other running back investments of the Reid era.

Kenneth Walker contract details

Walker is signed a three-year deal upon joining the Chiefs, USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon confirmed. Below are the full terms of the deal:

• Term: 3 years
• Total contract value: $45 million
• Average annual value (AAV): $15 million
• Guaranteed money: $28.7 million

The AAV of Walker's contract with the Chiefs is tied for the third-highest in the NFL with Derrick Henry, per OverTheCap.com. Only Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million) and Christian McCaffrey ($19 million) are making more.

The total value of Walker's contract also ranks third-highest in the NFL behind only Josh Jacobs ($48 million) and James Cook ($46 million).

Chiefs running back history under Andy Reid

As mentioned, the Chiefs have rarely spent significant resources at the running back position since Reid took over as the team's coach in 2013.

Kansas City did sign Jamaal Charles to a two-year, $18.1 million contract extension during the 2014 NFL offseason after he totaled 1,980 scrimmage yards an league-best 19 touchdowns in 2013.

But save for that, Reid and the rest of the Chiefs' brain trust has typically avoided paying top-dollar for running backs.

Aside from Charles, no running back had earned more in AAV from Kansas City than LeSean McCoy ($3 million in 2019) since Reid's tenure began in 2013.

Kansas City has been more willing to spend NFL draft capital on running backs. Even so, the team has only thrice used a Day 1 or Day 2 pick on the position during Reid's tenure.

Below is a look at the full list of running backs the Chiefs have drafted under Reid:

• 2013: Knile Davis (third round)
• 2014: De'Anthony Thomas (fourth round)
• 2017: Kareem Hunt (third round)
• 2019: Darwin Thompson (sixth round)
• 2020: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (first round)
• 2022: Isiah Pacheco (seventh round)
• 2025: Brashard Smith (seventh round)

So, Kansas City signing Walker qualifies as an aberration, albeit a sensible one with Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL.

Walker will provide Kansas City with an upgrade over the team's primary two running backs – Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, who combined to average 3.8 yards per carry in 2025 – and an early-season workhorse to trust as Mahomes rounds back into form.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs signing Kenneth Walker makes for intriguing KC decision

Bills free agency tracker: Live rumors, news, updates on signings to help Josh Allen originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Buffalo Bills enter a pivotal offseason.

They finally made the big switch at head coach, firing Sean McDermott and promoting Joe Brady. They still haven't reached a Super Bowl with Josh Allen at quarterback. Free agency, and the draft to follow, will be crucial.

There's a problem, though. The Bills don't have much cap space, if any, depending on how they restructure certain contracts.

They already got some business done before free agency, at least.

MORE: Check out our full NFL free agency tracker here

One key move: They traded for DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears to become Allen's new No. 1 WR.

They also re-signed center Connor McGovern, one of Allen's best friends and a key cog on the offensive line.

Now, they'll see what kinds of improvements they can make on the margins.

MORE: Why Tua Tagovailoa and Atlanta Falcons make sense, with a twist

Bills free agency rumors, news, live updates

Refresh for the latest. All times in ET.

2:20 p.m.: News that Mike Evans is leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign with the San Francisco 49ers is shocking. It also officially removes Buffalo from possibly ending up with Evans.

2:10 p.m.: The Bills lose their other key offensive line free agent, David Edwards, who signs with the Saints, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

1:15 p.m.: The Pats strike a blow to division rival Buffalo by signing their reliable fullback, Reggie Gilliam, to a reported three-year, $12 million contract.

1:12 p.m.: The Titans have a backup QB. Mitchell Trubisky has signed from Buffalo, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, on a two-year deal.

Bills free agent signings

• The Bills started early when they re-signed center Connor McGovern before free agency began.

Bills free agent losses

• The Bills lose backup QB Mitchell Trubisky to the Titans.
• Fullback Reggie Gilliam leaves the Bills to sign with the Patriots.
• David Edwards, the offensive guard, has left for the Saints.
• The Bills released these three players before free agency for salary reasons: Taylor Rapp, Curtis Samuel and Dane Jackson. They also traded Taron Johnson to the Raiders for a small pick upgrade.

More NFL news:

• Bryce Lance is trying to show his name can be good
• Fernando Mendoza wouldn't mind being pick 199
• This is why the Cowboys failed in trading for Maxx Crosby
• Chiefs already win free agency with RB signing
• Patriots sign ideal $39.5 million free agent
• Alec Pierce set an insane NFL contract record

The Florida Panthers aren't expecting to see Brad Marchand play again anytime soon, and with the team's playoff hopes dwindling it's possible that the two-time Stanley Cup winner and Olympic silver medalist's season could be over.

Marchand has been dealing with a lower-body injury for some time, Florida coach Paul Maurice said Monday. The Panthers entered Monday 12 points out of a playoff spot with 19 games remaining, meaning it would take some sort of miraculous finish just for the injury-plagued, back-to-back Cup champs to get into the postseason.

“There’s going to be a decision made on what’s the best way to get him to 100% full health,” Maurice said.

Marchand, even while dealing with the injury, ranks second on the Panthers in goals (27), assists (27) and points (54). He and Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby are the only players, age 37 or older, with at least 27 goals this season.

The Panthers haven't said specifically what the injury is, but Maurice said it's something that Marchand has been able to manage until now.

“We had a handle on it and there were times where he didn’t play and kind of maintained it and came back in, and then it just got to the point on this road trip that it was never recovering and continuing to kind of get worse,” Maurice said. “We’re hopeful that we got it early enough ... we’ll know this week.”

Marchand's absence only adds to the story of the season for the Panthers.

Florida lost captain Aleksander Barkov to torn knee ligaments during his first practice of training camp, played nearly 50 games without Matthew Tkachuk while the star forward recovered from surgery last summer, have seen their defensive numbers plummet since Seth Jones got hurt two months ago — and those are just some of the injuries the Panthers have been hit with.

“We've been dealing with this right from 20 minutes into our first day of training camp this year,” Maurice said.

Marchand won a Cup with Boston, then was traded to Florida last spring and helped the Panthers win their second consecutive title. He's in the first year of a six-year contract with Florida.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

Newly released police records outline an alleged domestic violence incident involving New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore and his “on-and-off again” partner, culminating in her decision to pursue charges after weeks of communication with investigators.

Barmore is expected to be arraigned Monday afternoon on a charge of misdemeanor assault and battery on a household.

According to a Mansfield Police Department report obtained by Boston 25 News, the investigation began in August 2025, when the alleged victim called the station seeking to speak with an officer about what she described as an ongoing domestic situation.

The alleged victim was initially hesitant to speak, but eventually detailed what officers described as an assault involving Barmore, her partner of three and a half years, with whom she shares a 2-year-old daughter, police noted in the report.

The alleged victim reported staying periodically at Barmore’s residence on Chauncy Street in Mansfield, where police had previously responded to a service call in June 2022.

She told investigators that on Aug. 8, 2025, an argument escalated into an assault. According to her statement, Barmore became angry that the air conditioning was set at 70 degrees instead of 68. She said she spent the night in a separate room while he remained in the master bedroom.

The next morning, the alleged victim said she brought their daughter to see Barmore in his master bedroom but claims he questioned her, took the child, placed her outside the bedroom door, and slammed the door shut.

The alleged victim reported that Barmore remained in a volatile mood throughout the day. She said that when she attempted to leave with some of her belongings, he took her phone from her hand and disconnected a call with her mother. She told police she tried to run to the front door to scream for help, but Barmore allegedly grabbed her and threw her to the floor.

She further claimed that when she attempted to stand, he pulled her by the shirt near her neck before eventually letting her go. She retrieved her child, called her mother again, and began packing. According to her account, Barmore rushed toward her at one point but stopped when their daughter tried to jump into her arms.

The alleged victim also told police she feared for her safety because Barmore is about 6 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs around 315 pounds. She said she contacted a car service typically used by members of the Patriots organization, and the service transported her and her daughter to Delaware within the hour.

According to the police report, investigators advised her of her right to seek a restraining order. She stated she planned to meet with Barmore’s mother to discuss a possible plan moving forward. At the time, she told police she did not report the incident earlier because she feared Barmore and his “handlers,” citing his wealth and influence.

The alleged victim shared photos of bruising she said occurred during the altercation. She also disclosed that she was approximately seven weeks pregnant and feared further entanglement with Barmore.

According to the report, she later informed police that Barmore had threatened to have family members assault her, quoting him as saying, “I’m going to get my cousin to f*** you up.” She expressed concern that he could hire someone to harm her, claiming she had seen those close to him go to extreme lengths to protect him.

On Sept. 9, 2025, the alleged victim emailed the investigating officer to confirm she had decided to move forward with criminal charges after a Delaware judge scheduled a restraining order hearing for the next month.

The charge of misdemeanor assault and battery on a household or family member was filed against the 26-year-old on Dec. 16, 2025.

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

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The Tennessee Titans continue to be active during the NFL's legal tampering period, and they continue to do business with the New York Giants. This time, the Titans will reunite offensive coordinator Brian Daboll with tight end Daniel Bellinger, who was drafted by the Giants in 2022.

Sources: The #Titans are signing former #Giants TE Daniel Bellinger.

The move reunites him with OC Brian Daboll. pic.twitter.com/tTXXxaFUJ6

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026

Bellinger is a big tight end who rarely drops a pass, catching 83% of the balls tossed his way over four seasons. Last season, Bellinger caught 19 passes for 286 yards (an average of 15.1 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. He's not a huge stat producer, but he will play a big role in protecting Cam Ward and helping open up running lanes.

Daboll had just been hired by the Giants when he drafted Bellinger, and he obviously likes what the young tight end brings to the table. The signing won't be made official until the opening of the regular season at 3:00 p.m. CST on March 11, but adding Bellinger to the Titans' tight ends room definitely boosts the offense.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans to sign TE Daniel Bellinger, reuniting him with Brian Daboll

According to a report by Soccernews.nl, RB Leipzig has expressed concrete interest in TSG Hoffenheim's Wouter Burger.

The club from Saxony have reportedly already informed the midfielder and his representatives of their desire to explore signing him. 

Furthermore, the report from the Dutch source adds that official contact from Leipzig made towards Hoffenheim is expected soon.

Burger – whose contract runs until 2030 having just signed from Stoke City in summer – could demand a substantial transfer fee.

It remains to be seen whether Leipzig's management considers Burger an alternative to Rocco Reitz or is aiming to sign both players. 

Leipzig are working intensively on a deal with Reitz, and an agreement with the 23-year-old has already been reached. 

The Dallas Cowboys are finalizing a trade to acquire edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers.

The deal, reported Monday morning, will send a 2027 fourth-round draft pick to Green Bay in exchange for the 28-year-old former Pro Bowler. This comes after trading Micah Parsons to the Packers six months ago – a blockbuster deal that netted Dallas defensive tackle Kenny Clark as part of the package, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.

Gary, a 2019 first-round pick out of Michigan, will join a Cowboys defense that ranked 22nd in sacks last year. In 2025, he racked up 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup – solid numbers for a player who’s battled injuries but shown flashes of dominance. At 6-foot-5 and around 280 pounds, he’s got the size and speed to pair up well with Clark, a reunion for the two former Packers teammates.

The trade comes after the Cowboys swung and missed on a deal to land Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby last week, per ESPN. Dallas reportedly offered a first-round pick (their No. 12 overall in 2026), a 2027 second-rounder, and potentially other assets, but the Raiders ultimately traded Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for a better package, including two first-round picks.

With the official start of the 2026 trading period and free agency set to start on Wednesday, any agreed-upon trade like this one won’t become official until that window opens. However, Gary coming to Dallas has already generated a buzz around the league.

Gary’s contract runs through 2027, with a manageable cap hit that fits Dallas’ retooling plans. It also doesn’t hurt that Christian Parker, the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, was working in Green Bay as a defensive quality control coach when Rashan Gary was selected in the 2019 draft.

Yet, this isn’t the only Cowboys buzz going around right now.

Jerry Jones recently opened up about the big money tied up in their defensive tackles – Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and Osa Odighizuwa are slated to eat up almost $64 million in cap space for 2026. He essentially said the team will tweak those deals to spread the money out over more years so they can keep the guys they want and still have room to add talent.

“We’ll make the adjustments that you’d think we’d make and spread that out so we can get the players that we want to get, or that we’d like to get…So yeah, it won’t end up that much counting this year as counting tonight,” Jones said.

Elsewhere, the Cowboys’ decision to slap the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens last week continues to raise eyebrows. Fans are split on whether to lock him in long-term or let him play out the $27.3 million tag in 2026. Acquired in a trade from Pittsburgh, Pickens has until July 15 to ink an extension. Without it, Dallas risks cap strain, but his big-play ability makes him a keeper for Dak Prescott’s offense.

As free agency opens, whispers of interest in linebackers like Nakobe Dean or edge rushers like Jaelan Phillips are also floating around, yet no concrete updates have popped up on those guys as of press time.

Prescott recently spoke about adding veteran talent for a “big jump” this season, pointing to the need for experience alongside young draft picks. With the NFL Combine in the rearview and draft boards shifting, the Cowboys seem poised for an active offseason.

“We got a coach in his second year. We had some ups and downs and shined some good moments last year. This is the year that you make a big jump, and getting big time players who can help immediately is a part of that,” Prescott told reporters earlier this month.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the possibility of Manchester United hiring Carlo Ancelotti as their next permanent manager.

Managerial hunt

Despite Michael Carrick’s success since he was named Ruben Amorim’s temporary replacement in December last year, it is believed that United are still keeping their options open.

Carrick has enjoyed a fantastic start to life in the dugout, winning six, drawing one and losing one of the eight games he has taken charge of. Heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures, United sit in third place in the Premier League table and firmly on course to qualify for the Champions League.

Carrick is a candidate for the job and his hand will surely be strengthened if he gets the Red Devils back to Europe, but United have been adamant that they will conduct a thorough recruitment process.

Other coaches who continue to be linked to the Old Trafford hot seat include Roberto De Zerbi, Oliver Glasner, Luis Enrique, Gareth Southgate and Ancelotti.

Widely regarded as one of the best managers of his generation, Ancelotti has enjoyed incredible success wherever he has been.

He is currently in charge of the Brazil national team and preparing the Selecao for the World Cup, but this has done little to dampen talk of him potentially joining United. Gareth Bale recently remarked that Ancelotti would be a shrewd appointment for United. Paul Scholes has also called for him to be handed the job.

However, according to Romano, there is no chance of that happening.

Ancelotti to United update

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said, “I wanted to tell you, since some of you keep asking me about Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti as candidates for the Manchester United job.”

“Carlo Ancelotti remains in advanced talks with the Brazilian federation to sign a new contract and it’s not until 2028, it would be until 2030, so until the next World Cup.”

“Imagine how happy he can be with Brazil and how the Brazilian Federation is happy with Ancelotti.”

The Italian journalist added, “So no contacts underway between Manchester United and Ancelotti. No contacts underway between Manchester United and Tuchel.”

“They are both expected to continue their national teams.”

Tuchel, who has also been strongly linked with the United role in the past, penned a new deal to continue his time with the England national team through to Euro 2028.

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It took less than an hour into the free agency tampering period for the Los Angeles Rams to make their third big move in the secondary this offseason. After already acquiring Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs and re-signing Kam Curl, the Rams went out and agreed to a three-year deal with McDuffie’s teammate, Jaylen Watson.

The Rams are signing Watson to a three-year deal worth $51 million, pairing him with McDuffie at cornerback, just as they were in Kansas City.

Les Snead said a few weeks back that the Rams would “attack” the cornerback position this offseason and he wasn’t kidding. They’re essentially building their own version of the Chiefs secondary in L.A., taking both of Kansas City’s starting corners from last season and bringing them aboard.

At $17 million per year, the Rams are betting big on Watson as one of their two starting corners, but it’s a good wager to make. He’s a big, physical defender, coming in at 6-foot-2. Like McDuffie, he’s a good and willing tackler on the outside, missing just 12 total tackles in the last three years after missing nine times as a rookie in 2022.

He’s not the same type of player that McDuffie is, though. While McDuffie plays in the slot and outside, Watson is almost exclusively a boundary corner, playing only 57 snaps in the slot during his career; he’s played 2,362 outside, for comparison.

Coming from the Chiefs’ system under Steve Spagnuolo, Watson has a lot of experience in man coverage, which isn’t what the Rams run much of. They’ve primarily been a zone defense under Chris Shula, but the expectation is that will change with McDuffie and Watson now on the roster.

Those two give the Rams more flexibility on defense, allowing them to man up receivers on the outside and be more aggressive with blitzes and coverage schemes.

Last season, Watson really only had one bad game, allowing a season-high 104 yards on seven catches against the Cowboys in Week 13. Other than that, he never allowed more than three catches or 68 yards in a game, and never allowed a touchdown all season.

What he’s lacking is ball skills, picking off just three passes in his career – one of which he returned 99 yards for a touchdown as a rookie. He did make this play early on in his career, though, elevating for a one-handed pick.

ONE-HANDED PICK @JaylenWatson12!

📺: #JAXvsKC on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/3PQhoYeSUPpic.twitter.com/PQDr05mz1l

— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2023

The Rams badly needed to overhaul their cornerback group this offseason after cycling through Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon last year, and they’ve wasted no time doing that.

A tandem of Watson and McDuffie gives them stability and physicality at the position, while still allowing Quentin Lake to cover the slot and Forbes to chip in as a rotational piece, too.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams free agency: Analysis of LA signing Jaylen Watson

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free-agent tight end Austin Hooper on a one-year contract, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on Monday afternoon. Hooper spent the first four seasons in Atlanta when Falcons president of football Matt Ryan was still playing quarterback.

The former third-round pick spent the last two seasons with the New England Patriots and now returns to Atlanta to provide some much-needed depth at tight end behind Kyle Pitts. According to Garafolo, Hooper's contract is a one-year, $3.5 million deal.

The Falcons drafted Hooper in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft and he spent four seasons in Atlanta -- making two Pro Bowls -- before going to the Cleveland Browns in 2020. Hooper spent two years playing under Stefanski in Cleveland. In 2025, Hooper appeared in 16 games for the New England Patriots.

Over his 10 NFL seasons, Hooper has recorded 430 catches, 4,441 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns in 155 career games.

#Falcons have agreed to terms with TE Austin Hooper on a one-year, $3.25 million deal.

A double reunion, as he heads back to the team that drafted him and rejoins Kevin Stefanski. pic.twitter.com/0dAjSQtagi

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2026

Hooper isn't the only former Falcons player expected to return in 2026. Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has also agreed to terms with the team, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Follow along with each Falcons transaction using our 2026 NFL free agency tracker!

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Austin Hooper to sign 1-year deal in free agency

Last season, running back Kenneth Gainwell was the Pittsburgh Steelers team MVP and the best player on offense. Now, as a free agent, he's parlaying that success into a new deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers according to NFL reporter Dianna Russini.

Gainwell was second on the Steelers with 537 rushing yards in 2025 but led the team with 73 receptions and was second on the team with 486 receiving yards. Gainwell also had eight total touchdowns. Gainwell will now compete fior the starting spot in Tampa Bay. Pittsburgh retains their top rusher from last season, Jaylen Warren as well as seond-year running back Kaleb Johnson who was a non-factor as a rookie.

Former Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell is signing with the Buccaneers, per sources. pic.twitter.com/KgKAtygGqf

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2026

With Gainwell leaving for Tampa Bay, this puts running back at the forefront of their offseason needs, whether that is signing a veteran to back up Warren or they could address it via the 2026 NFL draft.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell signing with Buccaneers