Jadon Sancho: Man United loanee endures horror return from injury
Manchester United had three players in loan action on Sunday.
To find out where all of Manchester United’s loanees are plying their trade this season, click here.
Andre Onana
The Cameroonian keeper conceded a last-gasp equaliser to Başakşehir FK as his Trabzonspor side lost valuable ground in the title race. His side now sit third, two points behind Fenerbahce and six behind Galatasaray.
After 35 minutes, he made a smart stop down low to keep the scores level when an opposition player fired the ball at goal in the penalty area. He could do nothing for the 93rd-minute equaliser though when Davie Selke’s header trickled over the line after hitting the inside of the post.
Onana only had one save to make on a quiet afternoon and only completed 67% of his passes. He made one clearance and recovered the ball eight times during his time on the pitch.
The keeper also lost out on his only aerial duel. He will next be in action when Trabzonspor face Samsunspor in the quarter-final of the Turkish Cup on Thursday afternoon.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho played the final 10 minutes of Aston Villa’s chaotic 4-3 win over Sunderland.
After making his return from injury on Thursday in a 16-minute cameo off the bench versus Bologna in the Europa League, he made his Premier League return.
He did not manage any shots and lost his only dribble attempt.
Sancho failed to complete any key passes and only made 33% of his passes in the match.
The winger also failed to make any tackles and completed 0% of his aerial or ground duels.
He poorly gave the ball away on the edge of the area, which allowed Trai Hume to run in and finish superbly for Sunderland.
The Villans will next be in action away to Fulham on Saturday lunchtime.
Jadon Sancho stats vs Sunderland
Jacob Devaney
Devaney played 120 minutes of action as Celtic defeated St Mirren 6-2 after extra time in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
The young Irishman helped his side earn a valiant 2-2 draw after normal time, but Celtic proved to have too much experience in extra time to seal the victory.
It will be a bitter pill to swallow, but playing in a cup semi-final against Celtic will be invaluable for his experience.
Gerwyn Price won the World Championship in 2021 [Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe]
Gerwyn Price has become only the second player to reach double figures on the European Tour after winning the Grand Prix in Germany.
The world champion beat Ross Smith 8-6 in the final at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen to win the 10th European Tour title of his career.
"I've been in the PDC for 12 years now, so less than one a year on average isn't very good," joked 41-year-old Price.
The Welsh number two beat Dave Chisnall, Chris Dobey, Martin Schindler and Wessel Nijman on the way to a final which he clinched with 14-dart hold.
"I was 3-0 up, then 4-3 down, and Ross started smashing the trebles in for fun. I was hanging on and hoping I got more opportunities, and I did," said Price, who lost in the final on his only other appearance on the circuit this year.
"I was just struggling to get over the winning line. I lost in the last European Tour final that I played in," he added.
"Thankfully I won this one, and hopefully it will give me a bit of confidence going forward."
The only other player to reach double figures for trophies won on the European Tour is Dutchman Michael van Gerwen.
There won't be a break for Boston sports fans after a busy weekend, as the 130th edition of the Boston Marathon will be held on Monday.
Thousands of runners will attempt to navigate their way through the 26.2-mile course. There will also be several spectators standing along the trail, cheering for the athletes and celebrating Patriots' Day.
Here is everything you need to know about the 130th Boston Marathon, including the schedule, map and start time for the annual race.
How to watch Boston Marathon 2026: TV channel, live stream
The 2026 Boston Marathon will air locally on WCVB (coverage from 4 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET) and nationally on ESPN2 (coverage from 9 a.m. ET to 12:30 p.m. ET). The race will also be available to stream on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Boston Marathon start time 2026
Date: Monday, April 20
Time: 9:06 a.m. ET
The 2026 Boston Marathon will start at 9:06 a.m. ET on Monday, April 20, with the men's wheelchair division. Other divisions will follow with all runners expected to be across the starting line by 11:30 a.m. ET.
Boston Marathon schedule 2026
Division
Time (ET)
Wheelchair Men
9:06 a.m.
Wheelchair Women
9:09 a.m.
Handcycles/Duos
9:30 a.m.
Pro Men
9:37 a.m.
Pro Women
9:47 a.m.
Para Athletics Division
9:50 a.m.
Wave 1
10 a.m.
Wave 2
10:15 a.m.
Wave 3
10:28 a.m.
Wave 4
10:41 a.m.
Wave 5
11:01 a.m.
Wave 6
11:21 a.m.
Boston Marathon course map 2026
The 2026 Boston Marathon will start in the town of Hopkinton, Mass., and it will conclude near the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden worked great in their first playoff game together, combining for 54 points with four threes each. Cleveland was up big 21 points after three quarters allowing the team to ease to the win in the fourth.
However, that was just Game 1, so the Raptors have more opportunities to get back into the series. Toronto's offense was pretty efficient in the first game, but the defense left a lot to be desired as it allowed the Cavaliers to score at least 35 points in two separate quarters, which buried the team in its comeback attempt.
Game 2 will once again take place in Cleveland before the series shifts to Toronto for the next two games. The Raptors will need to find a way to win at least one road game in order to win this series.
Here's what you need to know about Monday's matchup between the Cavs and Raptors, including broadcast information and start time.
Cavs vs. Raptors Game XX will be broadcast by NBCSN and will stream live on Peacock.
Peacock features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, PGA Tour golf, and more.
Cavs vs. Raptors start time
Date: Monday, April 20
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs series between Cavaliers and Raptors is set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Sometimes that's the best approach in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza – the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner – with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a national championship and was considered the best player in college football. It's a safe bet.
Who are the other safe picks in the first round? Two players who were in that "best player in college football" conversation are at the top of that list. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs – a two-time first-team Sporting News All-America selection – is one of those players. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the other. At that point, an NFL player is getting the best player on the board who will deliver high-level production for several years. That qualifies as a “safe pick.”
Who are the seven safest picks for the 2026 NFL Draft this year? Here's a closer look:
Downs (6-0, 206) had 68 tackles, five tackles for loss and two interceptions for the Buckeyes last season. Downs can play either free safety or strong safety. He's not just a game-changer near the line of scrimmage – he excels in coverage and allowed just 92 yards after the catch and did not allow a TD in coverage last season. Downs proved he was one of the best all-around defensive players in college the last two seasons. He's a great bet for multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections at the next level.
Love (6-0, 212) dominated at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash – which was second among running backs – and a 10-yard split of 1.55 – which ranked fourth. He had consistent elite production with the Irish. He totaled 2,497 yards on 6.9 yards per carry the last two seasons with 35 rushing TDs. Love averaged 258.5 receiving yards per game the last two seasons. He had 39 runs of 10 yards or more in 199 carries. A total of 10 NFL running backs had 1,500 yards from scrimmage last season. Love can be that type of player.
Fano (6-5, 312) – the Outland Trophy winner – did not allow a sack in 357 opportunities last season. He started as a left tackle as a freshman and moved to right tackle the next two seasons, and he developed into an imposing run blocker. Fano allowed just five quarterback hurries and no hits last season for the Utes. He should continue that success at the next level. Fano is a classic no-frills pick that makes for an easy selection in the top 10 of the first round.
Delane (6-0, 187) remained a bright spot for the Tigers last season as an All-American cornerback. The Virginia Tech transfer averaged three interceptions and nine pass breakups in his final two college seasons. He ran a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash at LSU's Pro Day – which would have been the second-fastest time among cornerbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine. According to PFF, he allowed just 14 receptions on 35 targets in 2025. He will be the fifth LSU cornerback to be selected in the first round, a line that includes Patrick Peterson (2011), Morris Claiborne (2012), Tre'Davious White (2017) and Derek Stingley Jr. (2022).
Styles (6-5, 244) saw his stock soar after a fantastic NFL Scouting Combine performance where he ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 43.5 inches. Styles didn't miss a tackle in the regular season – and he finished 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. The athleticism is off the charts, and Styles could be used at multiple defensive positions. He played defensive back in high school – and is the next pro from the pipeline in Pickerington, Ohio.
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ioane (6-4, 320 pounds) is not a flashy pick – interior linemen rarely are — but the Penn State guard flashed at the NFL Scouting Combine and was an anchor at left guard for the Nittany Lions the last two seasons with 27 starts. Ioane allowed no sacks and four quarterback hurries in 298 snaps, according to PFF.com. He also emerged as a dominant run blocker and had just one penalty last season. Dallas' Tyler Booker, Seattle's Grey Zabel and Minnesota's Donovan Jackson were first-round guards last season – and all three had success as rookies. Ioane is that caliber of player.
Allen (6-1, 230) was the captain for a Georgia defense that allowed 2.9 yards per carry last season. He had 88 total tackles, eight tackles, 3.5 sacks and four pass breakups. He's a standard inside-the-box linebacker who should land in the back half of the first round with a playoff contender. He will be a solid run stopper and will need to develop in coverage. Allen ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash at a private workout, which likely clinches his spot in the first round.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Chris Rigg of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) | Getty Images
John Wilson says…
A landmark goal for Chris Rigg
What a great moment in the first half as Rigg curled a beautiful shot into the far corner for his first goal in the Premier League.
A lovely team move for a very encouraging equaliser.
‘Til The End…once again!
How many times?
Beautiful and well-deserved goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor gave the game a superb ending. Just as it was petering out, what a barnstorming finish — and we could easily have won it before that killer blow.
Despite the scoreline, I felt we matched Villa for most of the game.
The Villans absolutely had the edge in the final third, but it was a good game of football and I think we can hold our heads up for our display at Villa Park.
There’s a lot to take from this game and if we play like this for the remaining games, we’ll pick up more points.
A lack of Sunderland firepower
As mentioned, it’s in attack that we aren’t lethal enough.
Brian Brobbey wasn’t in the game much and we didn’t manage to get the ball into him. On many occasions, our problem was an over-hit pass or not enough composure on the ball.
We need to address our striking options and forward play for next season.
The Lads leave empty-handed
There isn’t another negative, other than what an absolute shame we didn’t get anything from the game.
Well battled, lads.
Joseph Tulip says…
Three goals on the road
Much has been said about our perceived lack of creativity going forward and a lack of goals from a side which was built on a solid defence.
That was turned on its head but it must be acknowledged that we scored three good goals and really took the game to Villa — particularly during the first half and then in the latter stages of the game.
A moment to savour for Trai Hume
Hume has had to settle for a place on the bench recently, but he’s played more minutes than any other player in our squad this season and has made such a huge contribution to what’s been an outstanding season for Sunderland.
He took his goal well after coming on as a sub and deserved his moment at Villa Park.
A defensive disaster
We’ve been excellent at the back this season and I’ve enjoyed watching the way we’ve been so well organised and disciplined — both collectively and individually — but we struggled to contain Villa and Ollie Watkins in particular.
Whilst they’re chasing Champions League qualification, it was disappointing to concede four goals in a match. We looked so open at times and Luke O’Nien (who’s performed well during his recent run in the team), looked way below the standard required for the Premier League yesterday.
I’m a huge admirer of O’Nien and would certainly not bet against him putting this game behind him and responding well in his next appearance, regardless of whether he keeps his place for Forest or not.
A missed opportunity for the Lads
With Premier League safety secured, we had nothing to lose against high-flying Villa and we gave them a real fright, scoring three goals away from home.
Habib Diarra’s miss aside, had we defended to the level we’ve done so often this season, we could’ve claimed one of the results of the campaign.
It was a missed opportunity to really stake our claim for a top half finish, but all things considered, no damage has been done and there’s no shame in losing at Villa.
Lars Knutsen says…
Sunderland find their range in front of goal
We scored three goals away from home in a very close game against a top team.
In some ways, the change of tactics in taking Brian Brobbey off for Wilson Isidor came too late in the game, but the changes worked magnificently as we came back from 1-3 down to level at 3-3.
We should’ve crossed more balls in for the Dutchman in the first hour of the game, when he was underused.
The Lads fight until the last kick!
Again, this team, whatever the formation and precise line-up, is totally irrepressible and don’t know when they’re beaten.
Aston Villa are a proper football club, but we matched them for much of the game, which strongly illustrates the successful season we’ve had.
A great game for the neutrals
We played our part in a very entertaining game of football.
It had everything: Sunderland going behind and making a great comeback, but losing concentration at the very end.
Obviously, I would rather have come away from Villa Park with a victory, but the fans I spoke with afterwards, and even the neutrals, found the game engaging, skilful and compelling.
Some sloppy defending proves costly
Normally, this team loves to defend, and does it very well.
Being at Villa Park means that I’ve not seen the goals replayed yet, but I would say that at least two came from errors, which is unusual. Perhaps more caution in the first thirty minutes would’ve been called for — even starting with a back five.
This team is young and learning, as is our head coach, so the key take-home messages will not be ignored after conceding four goals.
Malc Dugdale says…
Sunderland show their spirit
We took it to a Champions League-elect team and nearly pulled off a huge comeback win on their turf. While the disappointment cuts deep, just read that back and let it soak in. That was us.
While we ultimately came away with nothing, coming from 3-1 down to make that such a great game took some huge cojones and our lads did that in our first season at this level.
If we can do that now, the sky is the limit next season, as this group will only get better. Ten out of ten for the lads giving it a huge go. Sunderland of the recent past would’ve capitulated and lost that about 6-1, but not these boys.
Great goals for Rigg, Hume and Isidor
The three goals we scored were fantastic, and none of them were by Brian Brobbey.
I’d have liked to seen the big fella more involved; he was marshalled well but for three others to step up and score such lovely goals showed a lot of promise and hopefully us a good sign for the run in.
We could’ve sat deeply and limited the damage after Villa scored their third, but the lads gave it their all and on another day, we would’ve taken something away.
Great finishing by all three, and Brobbey can rest easily as others are there to step up too.
Defensive frailties exposed
I don’t like to dig players out but the combination of how good the Villa strikers were and some errors at crucial times looked to me like this was a stretch too far for Luke O’Nien.
Ollie Watkins scored both of his goals by losing a man and being clinical with a good chance. For both goals, he seemed to have had way too much room and I can’t help feeling that with Dan Ballard fit enough for a full game, we may not have conceded one or two of those three goals.
O’Nien has put in some great shifts to help the team and maybe it was the fact Watkins was just too good, but I’m pleased that Ballard is back as we’ll need a better defensive showing than that for the remaining fifteen points on offer.
The top six is left wanting…for now
With Everton losing the Merseyside derby, we could’ve gone sixth if Habib Diarra had squared the ball or dinked it a foot higher.
The upside is that we still have five games in which to do that, and with a tighter defence and the lads playing as well as they did at times, we have a great chance of nicking a top eight berth.
Yesterday was a wrench but I think we have to focus on the positives and use those to kick on during the remaining games. Well done, lads. Despite the loss and some of the errors, you still made me proud that my team almost pulled that off.
Rashid Khan was approached by two countries, including India, with offers of citizenship and a chance to represent them, but he turned them down and chose to continue playing for Afghanistan, according to a new book.
In Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom, set to be released on Monday, Rashid told author Mohammad Haand Jafar that both India and Australia made such offers.
"I received such offers (citizenship and playing) from both Australia and India. But I told them, ‘If I don’t play for my country, I won’t play for any other country either," Khan is quoted as saying in the book, news agency PTI reported.
While he did not go into details about the Australian offer, the 27-year-old described the Indian approach during the 2023 IPL season.
Rashid, who plays in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, said a team official told him that a “high-ranking official from the Indian Cricket Board” wanted to meet him.
"I went over and greeted him. We started talking, and he said: ‘The situation in your country (Afghanistan) is very bad. Come stay in India. We will give you Indian documents, live here, play cricket here.’ I was surprised by what he was saying and didn't know how to respond. But I smiled and said, ‘Thank you very much. I am playing for my country, Afghanistan,'" Khan said.
Rashid’s stance on representing Afghanistan has come up earlier as well.
As mentioned in the book, during the 2018 IPL, while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Kolkata Knight Riders, he delivered an all-round performance, scoring 34 off 10 balls and taking three wickets.
The performance led to social media posts in India asking the government to grant him citizenship, with users tagging then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Responding to those posts, Swaraj tweeted: “I saw all your tweets. But citizenship matters are dealt with by the Ministry of Home Affairs.”
The issue also drew a reaction from former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who said Rashid was a matter of national pride and would not be given to another country.
Rashid later thanked him and said he would continue to represent Afghanistan.
The book follows Rashid’s journey from Nangarhar to international cricket. It covers how he missed out on an Afghanistan U-19 trial before becoming one of the country’s leading players and later being named the ICC’s Player of the Decade in 2020.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Wilson Isidor of Sunderland celebrates after he scores the third Sunderland goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images) | Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
As I sat down to type this week’s Editorial column and thought about what I wanted to talk about, I couldn’t get Habib Diarra out of my mind. I highly doubt that any of you need me to explain why, but I shall.
Sunderland’s unbelievable quickfire comeback at Aston Villa on Sunday almost reached its perfect completion when a through ball found Diarra, and as he found himself one versus one against Emi Martinez — the man twice voted as the best goalkeeper in the world — he came out the loser. He opted to try and lift the ball over him, and to the credit of Martinez, he pulled off a fantastic reflex stop to deny Sunderland the winner.
The misery was further compounded as just moments later, Villa managed to go down the other end and stick the ball in the net. The Premier League is absolutely brutal, and instead of talking about an amazing effort to come back from 3-1 down, most of the conversation was — unfairly, in my opinion — centred around Diarra.
I sort of get it, though. When emotions are high, people are going to point the finger of blame, particularly considering he had such a great opportunity to win us all three points against a brilliant side.
Hindsight is wonderful. Aye, I think he should have just done what Wilson Isidor did and buried the ball either side of the goalie, but in that split second, he thought his best chance to do it was to lift it. It never came off, and that’s just shite for him and shite for us, but it’s hardly the crime of the century. He could have gone either side of Martinez and, equally, missed or had his shot saved. It required a real moment of clarity and quality, and that’s unfortunately not always something you get with young players.
Once again, I opened social media and saw the abuse levelled at him. It shouldn’t really surprise me, but it was there, and rather than seeing fair criticisms of his decision-making, there was just bile everywhere. Bile that I imagine he’s probably read. I’m sure he already feels great about himself, so seeing fans of his own team giving him stick will have only made him feel ten times better.
I don’t get why people feel the need to immediately rush to social media to vent their spleen. Maybe they should introduce some sort of grace period where your tweets are held for a few minutes before they’re published, and in that time you can opt to delete them before it’s published… I dunno, I’m open to better suggestions. But we’re better than giving young players stick online, and I wish some of our own would remember that.
Anyways, rant over. I absolutely hate losing, but I don’t especially mind getting beaten if I can come away and say the Lads gave their all, and I think that we can say that without any doubt that they did.
All three of Sunderland’s goals were absolutely quality, and it gave me a sense of pride when all three goalscorers were lads that came through the EFL with us and have successfully made the step up.
Chris Rigg’s first-ever Premier League goal was a corker. I think he’s really turned a corner recently, and you can see the stark improvement in his all-round game in recent weeks. That was the finish of a proper top-level footballer in the making, and the type of goal I’ve been wishing we’d see from him all season.
Similarly, Trai Hume’s first goal in the top flight was a belting finish. He’s got so much more in his locker than a tough tackle, and this finish was proof of that — he absolutely spanked it past Martinez, who, as I said before, is one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.
Then came the Wilson Isidor goal, which really ought to have earned us at least a point. Considering he’s not scored since October and has barely had a sniff recently, that was the finish of a player who is capable of performing at the top level if he’s switched on and you give him the right kind of opportunities. It was typical Isidor — quick, alert, off the shoulder of the last man, and an instinctive finish. I absolutely loved that goal and would rank it right near the top when it comes to the best goals we’ve scored all season — it was lush.
Aston Villa, a team who look certain to finish in a Champions League spot, have so much quality. Just look at who they were able to bring on off the bench, for instance — right now, they’re at a different level than us, and there’s no shame in losing to them. Yet this season, I’d bet they haven’t had too many tougher challengers over the two games than Sunderland, and I think that says a lot for how good we actually are.
Instead of dwelling on the negatives this week, I’m going to carry all of these positives forward as we head towards the Forest game, because we know we’re capable of taking three points and putting ourselves even closer to the teams above us and, importantly, those European places.
There’s absolutely nowt to be gained at this stage from dwelling too much on the negatives. We need that uber-positive atmosphere that was coming out of the club after the Newcastle and Spurs wins to carry us forward as we head into a run of games that will most certainly define our season — let’s do this.
Sunderland's Granit Xhaka during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Sunday April 19, 2026. (Photo by Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
One of Sunderland’s craziest, most breathless and ultimately gut-wrenching Premier League affairs. A game during which we exhibited sloppiness, solidity, resilience and naivety in borderline equal amounts and that ultimately swung on two key moments.
How the hell do you begin to sum up a match like that?
If the top flight has been criticised for a lack of quality during the 2025/2026 season, this affair between a perennial top four challenger and Europa League semi-finalists in Villa and Régis Le Bris’ men was an unexpected thriller; a genuinely crazy clash that ultimately ended in the most bitter fashion for the Lads in red and white.
When Habib Diarra burst through with the game level at 3-3 and time running out, we all surely felt that this was the moment.
After falling 3-1 behind thanks to goals from Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers before hauling ourselves level with smart finishes from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor, the Senegal international only had Emi Martínez to beat in order to surely win the game. Ultimately, he opted for the dink instead of slotting the ball low into the net. Martínez was equal to it and minutes later, Villa won it with a close-range finish from Tammy Abraham.
Cruel? Perhaps. But if there’s one thing that Sunderland have learned during this most memorable of seasons, it’s that effort, work rate and good intentions sometimes aren’t enough on their own. To take that next step, you need clarity and speed of thought, and the ability to stay switched on at all times. Occasionally, we were found wanting in these areas on Sunday — but that’s OK.
This is a process, after all, and one during which we’ve generally acquitted ourselves very well. Are we the complete side? No. Do we possess room for improvement? Undoubtedly, and Le Bris and his coaches need to ensure that one day in the Midlands doesn’t define the progress made by this team and what it could achieve in the future.
However, for all of the pain that Sunderland may be feeling, it must be said that Villa were very good on Sunday and that their victory wasn’t undeserved at all.
Their attacking play was often lethal, with Watkins, Rogers and John McGinn giving our defence a hell of an examination and Watkins in particular leading the line with the kind of invention and movement that you’d expect from a striker of his ilk.
That said, Chris Rigg’s opener was the ideal response to falling behind early and Sunderland were always in the game, but as it became more open and Villa turned up the wick, you always got a sense that we were living dangerously and that risks would need to be taken in order to stem the claret and blue tide.
And yet, when Isidor and Hume somehow levelled the game, the prospect of an unlikely outcome became real as the hosts began to wobble and we scented victory.
It should’ve been the case and Diarra in particular will need to show real strength of character in order to move past his missed opportunity, but just as Enzo Le Fée’s penalty error at Brentford didn’t prove fatal for him, I truly believe this will be a similar situation for the midfielder.
However, despite the pain of losing in such fashion, the Lads can’t allow the experience to crush their aspirations to finish the season strongly and to become the first Sunderland side in twenty five years to crack the fifty-point barrier in the top flight.
We remain in a very promising position and Friday night’s visit of Nottingham Forest is arguably the kind of game we could do with as we seek to keep ourselves in European contention. There’s perhaps an argument in favour of freshening up the side and decisions will have to be made, but I don’t believe any such calls should be made on the back of fan demands in response to this defeat. Le Bris has earned that right, and then some.
What a game. Memorable, emotionally draining and ultimately heartbreaking, and the use of Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train pre-match felt entirely apt.
This wasn’t our day and it’s hard to feel anything other than gutted at the outcome, but this is life in the top flight and it’ll hopefully serve us well in the long term. We can compete — we simply have to be ruthless in our quest for improvement.
Sunday 19 April 2026
Premier League
Villa Park
Attendance: 42,599
Aston Villa: 4 (Watkins 2’, 36’; Rogers 46’, Abraham 93’)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera from behind the goal.) Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa concedes as Chris Rigg of Sunderland scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A famous old ground that’s still fit for the modern era
As an ‘old school’ venue, Villa Park is usually able to generate a fantastic atmosphere. It was certainly lively on Sunday afternoon, given the way the game went, so hopefully it’ll be able to maintain its character once the recently-announced renovations are carried out.
Aston Villa aren’t the only club looking to make some home improvements either, with Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Leeds United all planning to invest in their stadiums in the near future.
Now, most of those venues are smaller/older than the Stadium of Light and are perhaps more in need of a revamp, but as on-field competitors, they’re all at a fairly similar level to Sunderland and it would be a shame if they pulled away from us due to improved infrastructure.
Ground developments of our own have been a talking point for some months now, and it is pleasing to note that the powers that be seem to have things in place and quickly ready to go should the circumstance dictate another project joining the list.
“For Brazil he should commentate”
Alterations to Villa Park will hopefully bring some better results for the Lads as our recent record in front of the Holte End isn’t the best, even though a last-gasp win did feel possible for a tantalisingly brief moment this weekend.
There have been one or two highlights admittedly, but I can recall a visit there at the end of the 2005/2006 season — where Sunderland’s dismal campaign ended with yet another defeat — that was lightened only partially by a late Danny Collins consolation.
Sunderland’s fortunes have fluctuated wildly since then and at times it’s felt like a very long road back, so to be going into this latest game with a credible chance of getting something from a side with expectations of Champions League qualification shows just how vast the improvement has been of late. Collins himself has had a lifetime worth of experiences since his goal, going from a dependable defender to a measured and well-informed media voice.
He’s enjoyed a swift rise from giving us his popular in-house analysis for the Lads during the Football League days, and spent his Saturday afternoon acting as a co-commentator on BBC Five Live Sports Extra’s coverage of Newcastle United v Bournemouth.
Hopefully he’ll be back at the Stadium of Light soon, and with any luck will get to broadcast the brighter days ahead that we’re all wishing for.
Sunderland challenge strongly but ultimately fall short
Two sections done already, and our readers can probably tell that part of me is keen to avoid writing about the game itself at all — partly because I’ve struggled to quite know what to make of it, and partly because the nature of the loss has floored me.
Some of Sunderland’s play was superb but on the other hand, there were times when we looked more vulnerable than ever, but that was through our own failings more than anything else, and that feels like the main takeaway.
To push the fourth best team in the land so much and come away feeling anything but outclassed takes some doing and the team should be proud of the battle and skill shown, but will be painfully aware too that they beat themselves in the end.
That in itself could be considered as either a good or bad thing, but with feelings still raw so close to full time, it’ll be some time yet before we fully process the events.
Rest, recover…and respond!
One way this game can be contextualised is by seeing what happens against Nottingham Forest next time out, and then in the weeks that follow.
If the players feel sorry for themselves and dwell on the Aston Villa defeat, they could very easily undo some of the hard work that’s taken them so far this season; keep the same expansive mindset that saw them score three against one of the tightest defences in the league however, and a strong finish is still very achievable.
If the side can be a little sharper in certain situations at the back then more points will surely follow, and against sides at both ends of the table.
The Lads on the mark
The game might get remembered for a dramatic late miss/save, but when Sunderland did find the back of the net the goals were notable — and not just because of the quality finishes.
Chris Rigg has stepped up recently and found new levels, and his first Premier League goal looks like it’ll be the first of many.
Trai Hume also got his first Premier League goal and it was just reward for his fantastic attitude and dedication to the group all year whilst Wilson Isidor, starved of minutes lately, reminded us that he’s capable of top-level instinct.
All three have been a big part of the club’s progress and on another day their strikes, would’ve been even more special.
One for the neutrals
It may be cold comfort without any points to go with it and the dull ache of a last-gasp heartache, but anybody that watched on without skin in the game will have surely enjoyed the level of entertainment that was served up by the two teams.
There were no controversies and little in the way of histrionics, but there was instead plenty of goalmouth action and intrigue.
Both sides looked keen to play football, and both sides will have impressed the neutrals, proving that Sunderland are no longer whipping boys or also rans but are serious top flight operators with some exciting times potentially ahead of them.
Victor Wembanyama has played exactly one playoff game and he is already setting both NBA and San Antonio Spurs records.
Wembanyama scored 35 in his first playoff game, passing Tim Duncan for most points ever by a Spur in their playoff debut. He had 12 points in the first quarter and 21 in the half — the most points scored in the first half of a playoff debut since the league started tracking play-by-play data (1997). Wembanyama also was defensively dominant in the paint.
Basically, just another game for the MVP finalist. The Spurs' depth also was on display, such as some huge 3-pointers from Devin Vassell in the third quarter, which helped the Spurs pull away and not look back, picking up a 111-98 Game 1 win.
The Spurs lead the first-round series 1-0, with Game 2 on Tuesday night in San Antonio.
It was a solid all-around outing from the Spurs, who got 17 points each from Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox, and that duo combined for 15 assists. Portland had its moments and made runs, including cutting the San Antonio lead to two in the third quarter, before the Spurs turned on the jets. Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Scoot Henderson — selected just two spots back of Wembanyama — added 18 points in a quality game for him.
When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Marcus Smart this past summer after his previous contract had been bought out, plenty of people were skeptical that he would make a difference. He was coming off a couple of injury-riddled seasons, and the sense was that he was in definite decline, especially on the defensive end.
But the 32-year-old has been the Lakers' X-factor this season, not just on defense but in multiple other facets of the game. In their playoff opener on Saturday against the Houston Rockets, he scored 15 points, dished off eight assists and added two rebounds, two blocks and one steal in their 107-98 victory.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out due to injury, Smart, as well as several of his teammates, have been asked to do more offensively to pick up the slack. He said after Saturday's game that he's a "Swiss Army knife" because of his ability to contribute in several areas.
“It’s important for me, especially without the two guys, Luka and Austin, we’re short on ballhandling and guys that can create not just for themselves but for others,” Smart said. “The team, they lean on me a lot for that, and just to be able to do it. Constantly, my coaching staff is telling me, be aggressive. Whether it is for you or for your teammates, but continue to be aggressive.
“That’s something I have to do. I haven’t always been asked to play that role. I think that is what makes me unique. I am a Swiss Army knife, (I can) do a little bit of everything.”
One area in which Smart has been invaluable is in the experience department. He has been to the conference finals five times and the NBA Finals once as a member of the Boston Celtics, and he even helped take the Celtics to Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals when they were short-handed just as the Lakers are right now.
That year, Boston was without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward in the playoffs. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were infants by NBA standards, yet the team made it to Game 7 of the East finals. Boston fell short in that game only because LeBron James, who was then a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, put on a masterclass with 35 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists while playing every single second of the contest.
Now, Smart is teammates with James, and they're hoping for similar, if not better, results in this postseason for the Purple and Gold.
We're days away from the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chargers still hold five of their picks, but recent comments from general manager Joe Hortiz seem to suggest that LA will try to move around the board to add a few more bites at the apple.
With that in mind, let's examine one prospect for every round of the draft at cornerback.
Round 1: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Much like Will Johnson a year ago, McCoy is one of the best cornerbacks in the draft, but has major medical concerns after missing the 2025 season with a torn ACL. Johnson, who Harbaugh and then-defensive coordinator Jesse Minter coached at Michigan, played well for Arizona as a rookie but missed 5 games due to injury. Could Los Angeles, which has Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, and Cam Hart under contract this season, absorb a talent like McCoy knowing he may not play a full season? If he falls to 22, he'll likely be the best player on the board when the Chargers come on the clock.
Round 2: Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
A prototypical size and speed corner who ran 4.45 in the 40 at the NFL Combine, Igbinosun fits the Chargers mold of corners who can play outside, as Hortiz mentioned as a requirement at his press conference last week. The Buckeye has a slighter build, but profiles as a great fit for press coverage, where the Chargers have used Hart with mixed success. Igbinosun has more speed to hang with receivers down the field when they stack him off the line than Hart does, but penalties have also been an issue throughout his career.
Round 3: Chandler Rivers, Duke
Rivers can play outside, but he'd likely be a better fit in the nickel if he ends up in Los Angeles. At 5'10" and 185 pounds, you'd expect him to be bullied off the line more often, but Rivers is much more frequently the one doing the bullying. That mindset will likely endear him to Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. He's a productive player at the catch point - a must in the Chargers defense - has never missed a game, and was described as coachable and a great football character by Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Round 4: Ephesians Prysock, Washington
Prysock had Michigan in his top five before committing to USC out of high school, but eventually landed at Arizona after Clay Helton was fired by the Trojans. He linked back up with Jedd Fisch when the latter moved from Arizona to Washington, where Prysock was a two-year starter for the Huskies. But the Chargers could rely on defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale's relationship with Prysock from that recruitment - Day 3 tends to be where position coaches' voices are elevated in the war room. Prysock would be another corner that would make the Chargers bigger and faster on the boundary, as he stands 6'3" and ran a 4.45 in Indianapolis.
Round 5: Will Lee III, Texas A&M
Lee has longer arms than his 6'1" frame might suggest, which allows him to jam receivers at the line and stay connected at the catch point. He's a volatile player subject to giving up a big play due to average (4.52) speed, but fifth-round capital would be setting him in more of a rotational role early on anyway. With at least 8 pass deflections in three seasons at the FBS level, Lee has the traits and ball production to bet on. A team like the Chargers, with frontline players entrenched at the position, could bring him along slowly and coach some of his technical mishaps out of him.
Round 6: Domani Jackson, Alabama
A San Diego kid and Mater Dei alum, Jackson was once the top-ranked recruit in California but struggled with a knee injury and defensive staff turnover in two seasons at USC. At Alabama, his best season was in 2024, with 9 pass deflections and 2 interceptions. That ball production evaporated in 2025, however, which will leave some teams with questions about his consistency. He's not an ideal short-area athlete, but a team like the Chargers could mask that with their zone-heavy approach.
Round 7: Ceyair Wright, Nebraska
Another former USC defensive back, Wright is a Los Angeles native with NFL bloodlines - his uncle and two cousins played in the league, and his dad played in NFL Europe. Wright was LeBron James' son in Space Jam: A New Legacy, but his transfer to Nebraska after three seasons at USC should dissuade teams from thinking that football is not his priority. A versatile but volatile member of the secondary, Wright could fit as depth in multiple spots for the Chargers, but will need to clean up some misses on special teams to stick around in the NFL.
The opener to a playoff series has been critical for both of these teams in the past: The Hawks are 3-38 in series when they trail 1-0, and the Knicks hold a 36-8 edge in series when they win Game 1. Atlanta is 0-21 when falling behind 2-0 in best-of-7 series.
In the regular season, the Knicks won two of three from the Hawks, and the road team won in all three games. New York has won six of the past seven against Atlanta.
With his 29th career playoff game of at least 25 points, Brunson tied Hall of Famer Walt Frazier for second-most in franchise history (trailing only Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing with 43). Karl-Anthony Towns helped Brunson late in the game, scoring 19 of 25 points in the second half (including a team-high 11 points in the fourth quarter). It was the fourth time that Brunson and Towns each scored at least 25 points in the same playoff game, tying Patrick Ewing and John Starks for the most playoff games by a duo with at least 25 points apiece in franchise history.
Along with McCollum, Jalen Johnson (23 points), Onyeka Okongwu (19 points) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17 points) also scored in double figures for the Hawks in Game 1. No other Atlanta player had more than eight points.
NBC Sports will present up to 23 games in the First Round and 11 games in the Conference Semifinals across either NBC and Peacock, or Peacock and NBCSN. Playoff programming concludes with exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals on NBC and Peacock
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Audi Crooks is sticking in the Big 12 for her final season. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Audi Crooks is sticking in the Big 12.
The former Iowa State star, who was the second-leading scorer in the country last season, announced on social media Sunday night she has committed to transfer to Oklahoma State.
Crooks has dominated at Iowa State during her first three seasons. She averaged 25.8 points per game last season while leading the Cyclones back to the NCAA tournament. Only Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes averaged more points per contest in the country. Crooks also averaged 7.7 rebounds and shot nearly 65% from the field, which was the best in the Big 12.
The Cyclones, however, struggled this past season and largely fell apart at the end of the year despite reaching as high as No. 10 in the national rankings. Crooks, an Iowa native, joined nine other Cyclones teammates in entering the transfer portal after they were knocked out in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Iowa State has made it out of the first weekend of the NCAA tournament just once in the past six seasons. The Cyclones went 22-10 last year, the 31st under head coach Bill Fennelly.
Oklahoma State went 24-10 last season and fell in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Crooks will be the centerpiece of the team next fall as it tries to make it back to the tournament for a fourth time in five years under coach Jacie Hoyt. And, with one more run in college, Crooks has an opportunity to not only dominate the Big 12 once again, but solidify herself as a top pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
We're less than a week out from the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chargers still hold five of their picks, but recent comments from general manager Joe Hortiz seem to suggest that LA will try to move around the board to add a few more bites at the apple.
With that in mind, let's examine one prospect for every round of the draft at guard.
Round 1: Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
It feels inevitable that Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane will be off the board by the time the Chargers come on the clock at 22, and Los Angeles doesn't have much ammo for a trade-up to secure the consensus top guard in the class. Bisontis's stock has steadily climbed throughout the process, however, and he now seems like a player who will end up in the first round. Mostly a left guard, where the Chargers' biggest hole is, Bisontis has the traits to play zone or gap schemes and has the quickness and core strength necessary to be a longtime NFL starter.
Round 2: Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
One of the cleanest characters in the draft - Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key called Rutledge the toughest player he's ever coached - Rutledge has spent a good chunk of the cycle taking reps for teams at center to prove he can play all three positions on the interior. That sort of added flexibility and willingness to do whatever it takes will surely be attractive to the Chargers. Despite mostly playing in a gap scheme in college, Georgia Tech's counter-heavy run game and Rutledge's testing proved that he has the skills to fit in a zone blocking scheme like LA's as well.
Round 3: Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
A college teammate of Chargers right tackle Joe Alt, Schrauth's medicals will be the key to his evaluation. He missed four games in 2024 and five in 2025 with ankle and knee injuries, respectively, after redshirting in 2022 due to a left foot injury. When he's on the field, however, Schrauth is a strong run blocker with a skilled zone background. His work ethic and dedication have been lauded by coaches and The Athletic's Dane Brugler compared him to Wyatt Teller, who the Chargers missed out on in free agency this offseason.
Round 4: Beau Stephens, Iowa
Another experienced left guard with durability questions, Stephens' only healthy season was this most recent one as a senior. A physical run blocker and technically sound pass blocker, the Hawkeye will be pushed down the board by his injury history, but also by his measurables: he had the smallest hands, shortest arms, and slowest miles per hour of any guard invited to the NFL Combine. He's more of a backup right away, but the right team could coax starter reps out of him due to his advanced understanding of technique.
Round 5: Carver Willis, Washington
A career tackle at Kansas State and Washington, Willis' first time playing on the interior was at the Senior Bowl, where he tried his hand at all three interior spots. He's quick off the ball, which makes the fit in a pull-heavy run game like offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's evident, but he has struggled to bulk up at times and has never played on the inside. If he can speed his process up and get a bit bigger to match up with defensive tackles, there is starter upside in his profile.
Round 6: Garrett DiGiorgio, UCLA
A Fontana native, DiGiorgio has been in the Chargers' backyard all his life. Recruited by several Ivy League programs, DiGiorgio's smarts show up in his versatility - he's started games at three positions and repped at the other two in his time at UCLA. A vocal leader and effort guy, DiGiorgio would be a culture fit in Harbaugh's locker room but also has the physicality, strength, and awareness to fit on the field. He's a bit stiff and teams will question his range - he had the slowest 10-yard split at the NFL Combine.
Round 7: Joshua Braun, Kentucky
A well-traveled SEC veteran with stops at Florida, Arkansas, and Kentucky, Braun is big, 6'6" and 325 pounds, for a guard, but has never played tackle outside of a few reps at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Offensive line coach Butch Barry attended the Kentucky pro day in March, and Braun's experience and smarts will likely draw the Chargers in. He's not as consistent from a technique standpoint as you might expect from a sixth-year player, but his body type and sharpness on the whiteboard will keep him around long enough to give him a chance to sharpen that area of his game.
The NTT IndyCar Series competed at Long Beach and the action was top notch. After Felix Rosenqvist started on the pole, the driver of the No. 60 car looked to have the car to beat. However, a full course yellow changed the scene, allowing a Chip Ganassi Racing driver to pull off another big IndyCar victory.
Alex Palou and the No. 10 team for Chip Ganassi Racing won the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, earning their third victory of the 2026 IndyCar season. Palou was able to pull away after the pit stops, giving the No. 10 team a comfortable win in Long Beach. It is the Chip Ganassi Racing driver's third win in the first five races.
Palou has flexed his muscles to start the 2026 IndyCar season. If not for a wreck at Phoenix Raceway, the driver of the No. 10 car would have a bigger lead in the point standings. Instead, Kyle Kirkwood sits 17 points behind Palou while David Malukas sits third with a 63-point deficit through five races.
Victor Wembanyama has been the newest mega star in the NBA, and he proved that in the San Antonio Spurs' return to the Playoffs. In Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers, Wemby had the best debut of any Spurs player with his 35-point performance.
Considering this team also had Tim Duncan and David Robinson play for them, it is a true sign that Wemby is set for legendary status for the Spurs moving forward. However, he continues to be the prime example of a good teammate.
Victor Wembanyama still credits his teammates in fantastic Playoffs debut
It was one of the best performances from the postseason so far. Wembanyama continues to prove that he is one of the biggest anomalies in the NBA because he stands at 7'5", but he continues to dominate from the perimeter and the paint.
In all facets of the game, Wembanyama manages to make an impact. That is unreal from such a young player, but he will continue to prove that he belongs as a superstar because he truly affects the game like no other player.
Despite this unmatched impact, Wembanyama always defaults to crediting his teammates. He knows that he won't get anywhere if he did not have some good teammates, which he addressed in his post-game interview, which he elaborated further in the press conference.
"Nobody walks alone, it's all natural. They would have done the same thing for me... I think it takes good teams and makes them great teams. If we have all this positivity off the court, it's something that can take us above our level on the court," Wembanyama said in the press conference.
As the Spurs continue to play in this postseason series against the Trail Blazers, Wembanyama will continue to showcase why he is one of the best players in the league, even if he is only a third-year player.
The proof is already in the pudding, and he is ready to keep showcasing that he belongs alongside the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
The All-American and nation’s leading scorer in women’s college basketball has committed to Oklahoma State out of the transfer portal, two people familiar with Crooks’ situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports late Sunday night.
Crooks later posted the news herself on her Instagram with a slideshow of her in Oklahoma State gear and a caption containing orange hearts and a cowboy hat emoji.
Widely viewed as the top target out of more than 1,500 players in this year’s transfer portal, Crooks was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big 12 selection across three seasons at Iowa State. This past season, she led the nation in scoring with 25.8 points per game and also averaged 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
A 6-foot-3 native of Algona, Iowa, Crooks first captured national attention as a freshman in the 2024 NCAA Tournament when she scored 40 points in a first round win over Maryland. This season, Crooks scored 40 points or more in four games.
Crooks has established herself as one of the most efficient inside scorers in the nation, plowing through opponents on her way to a layup, shimmying defenders off with nifty post moves, or nimbly dancing around them. Her career field goal percentage of 61.1% is fifth all-time in the history of Big 12 women’s basketball. Only Texas Tech’s Alicia Thompson has a higher career points per game mark than Crooks’ 22.8 in the history of the Big 12.
Despite her individual accomplishments, Crooks never played in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament with Iowa State. She was one of nine players to transfer out of Iowa State this offseason, a group that also includes fellow All-Big 12 standouts Jada Williams and Addy Brown. Williams committed to LSU on April 12.
Oklahoma State head coach Jacie Hoyt has completely revamped — and, many would argue, improved — her roster after a second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament. Nine former Cowgirls entered the transfer portal this offseason.
A 5-foot-9 guard from Minnesota, McGill averaged 22.5 points per game this past season for the Florida Gators, which ranked 11th nationally, sixth in the Power 4 and second in the SEC. McGill also posted 6.3 assists per game, which ranked ninth nationally. She was also good for 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game and shot 43.1% from the floor.
Hoyt also signed 6-foot-1 Rutgers forward Nene Ndiaye, who averaged 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 45% from the floor and 41% from 3-point land. Another addition, three-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection Ellie Brueggemann from Lindenwood, ranked seventh nationally in 3-point shooting this season, making 44% of her attempts from beyond the arc.
Oklahoma State also brought in former five-star recruit LA Sneed from Utah and Talexa Weeter, the Player of the Year in NCAA Division II from Fort Hays State.
Combine those additions with the return of Stailee Heard — a two-time All-Big 12 selection who has been the bus driver for the Cowgirls, averaging 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46% from the floor and 35% from 3-point range — and Oklahoma State very much looks like a team that’s going to be a must-watch and in the conversation as a contender.
It was a long, tough climb for Springfield of the American Hockey League to even fathom getting into a playoff chase.
But when the St. Louis Blues decided to make an organizational coaching change and put associate coach Steve Ott in Springfield after replacing Steve Konowalchuk on Jan. 19, they were 13-18-4-2 and laboring at the bottom of the Atlantic Division but started 2-10-2-1.
But a 19-14-2-0 run, capped by an emphatic 7-1 win at home over Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, it clinched their spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, which was finalized on Sunday, and the Thunderbirds (32-32-6-2) come in as the No. 6 seed and will face third-seeded Charlotte in a best-of-3 first round series that begins Wednesday:
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) April 19, 2026
And leading the way not just this past week but for several weeks now was Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, who finished the season on a three-game point streak (two goals, three assists); he had a goal and an assist Wednesday in the rout of the Phantom, and many have been like this one around the net:
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) April 18, 2026
He would have an assist in the season finale, 4-3 over Hartford at home Saturday and it would mark a stretch of games where the forward would finish with 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) over the final 15 games of the season and finish with 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 64 games, nearly doubling his goal total from his first season last year (11).
Juraj Pekarcik (2023, third round) had an up-and-down first season in the AHL, but the forward capped things off with this nice goal on the backhand on Saturday to finish with a goal and an assist in the final two games:
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) April 18, 2026
We haven't mentioned Hugh McGing (2018, fifth round) a ton in these spaces, but the forward also finished strong with four goals in the final four games, including two on Friday:
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) April 18, 2026
Dylan Peterson (2020, third round) has played the bottom six and done so well with his physicality but finished with 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 57 games after scoring in the finale on Saturday:
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) April 15, 2026
What a strong finish it was for Akil Thomas (2018, second round, Los Angeles Kings), acquired in the Nikita Alexandrov trade; Thomas finished the season with eight points (five goals three assists) in nine games after having just one assist in his first 11 games with the Thunderbirds having not played much due to a lower-body injury.
He scored twice against Lehigh Valley in the playoff clincher on Wednesday:
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) April 18, 2026
There hasn't been a ton of offense from defenseman Michael Buchinger (2022, third round) this season, but he did pick up his sixth goal against the Phantoms:
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) April 15, 2026
And a player that's had two injury-riddled seasons along with healthy scratches, Simon Robertsson (2021, third round) was able to get on the board with just his second goal in 40 games this season on Friday:
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) April 18, 2026
Defenseman Colin Ralph (2024, second round), who signed his entry-level contract after leaving Michigan State recently, picked up two helpers in back-to-back games on Wednesday and Friday; and I'd be remiss to mention Quinton Burns (2023, third round), who has played in 31 games this season in the AHL and has he supplied some nastiness on the blue line, a physical player the Blues really like.
Otto Stenberg (2023, first round, No. 25) and Zach Dean (2021, first round, No. 30, Vegas Golden Knights) each had two assists Wednesday, and Springfield heads into its series with the Checkers (44-23-5-0) playing with confidence.
* Justin Carbonneau returned to juniors this season in hopes of winning a title/titles.
The 2025 first-round pick (No. 19) took another step towards that when Blainville Boisbriand clinched its second-round series on Sunday, downing Terre-Neuve.
The series was tied 1-1 when the Armada would head to the road, and Carbonneau had a goal and an assist last Monday in a 4-1 win by opening the scoring at 12:51 of the first period, but his assist that put the game on ice at 17:33 was something special:
He also scored in Game 4 of a 5-4 loss, tying the game 2-2 at 2:08 of the third period, then scored this beauty of a wrister on Friday in Game 5 of a 3-0 win at at 9:46 of the second period to break a scoreless game:
Carbonneau didn't score in the clincher on Sunday, a a 5-3 win but he did have three assists to finish the series with three goals, five assists and a plus-5.
The Armada, the fourth seed, will take on No. 1 Moncton with dates and times TBA.
* How about Adam Jiricek (2024, first round, No. 16) and Brantford, finishing off its second series sweep in the second round by disposing North Bay in four games.
The Bulldogs were up 3-0 in the series when they played Game 4 on Wednesday, and Jiricek had a goal and an assist in a 5-3 win to close the series with nine points (three goals, six assists):
The defenseman is now up to 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in eight playoff games as Brantford moves into the Eastern Conference Final to face Barrie beginning with Game 1 on Wednesday.
* For Lukas Fischer (2024, second round) and Antoine Dorion (2024, seventh round), their respective junior seasons have ended with Fischer and Sault Ste. Marie losing to Kitchener in five games, including 4-3 in Game 3 before keeping its season alive, winning 4-2 in Game 4, then falling in Kitchener in Game 5 on Friday, 5-1.
Fischer had two assists in the series and was a minus-6.
As for Dorion and Quebec, the Remparts were swept in the second round by Chicoutimi, losing 4-0 in Game 3 at home last Monday and 5-0 in Game 5 last Wednesday. Dorion did not have a point in the series.
* The season also ended for Dmitry Buchelnikov (2022, second round, Detroit Red Wings) and CSKA Moscow, which was knocked out in the second round of the gagarin Cup by Avangard Omsk in five games.
Avangard had a 3-0 series lead when CSKA stayed alive with a 3-1 win in Game 4 last Tuesday but were eliminated with a 2-1 loss in Game 5 on Thursday.
Buchelnikov had just one assist in the series and finished the postseason with a goal and three assists in 10 games.
* And last but not least, Ondrej Kos (2024, third round) and Ilves are in the semifinals of the Liiga playoffs in Finland and the fourth-seeded Lynx lead their best-of-7 series with top-seeded Tappara 2-0.
Ilves opened with a 3-2 road win on Thursday, and Kos had an assist on what amounted to be the game-winner at 1:23 of the third period and played 14:01.
Kos didn't account for any points in Game 2 but Ilves won handily, 6-0, but the forward did play 12:56 and had a shot on goal.
Kos has four assists thus far in seven playoff games and is a plus-4.
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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Season Pass episode 31 starts us off tonight featuring the conclusion of the high school softball regular season, with baseball nearing the end. Angelo State Athletics with an opposite schedule from last week with nearly every team on the road as Griff McClellan recaps all those scores and highlights. Plus a look at few other local stories including two high schools in the Concho Valley hiring new head coaches, with a look at other local sports stories. Episode 31 starts now.
This week’s episode includes: – High school softball and baseball district action for class 6A-2A – Other local sports stories | gymnastics, football off-season, college football signing | Five star sports podcast promo – Angelo State Athletics spring sports update, including our ASU weekly recap | ASU Baseball | ASU Softball | ASU Tennis | ASU track & field – National sports story including the Women’s hockey league growing at an all time high
Week 31 | Local Softball & Baseball | Class 6A-3A:
Week 31 | Local Softball & Baseball | Class 2A:
Week 31 | Local sports stories | New high school football coach hirings | Gymnastics + more:
Week 31 | Angelo State Athletics recap with Griff McClellan:
Week 31 | Local podcast recap:
Season Pass airs every Sunday night following the 10pm news. We now officially countdown the last few episodes of the Season
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The NASCAR O'Reilly Series competed at Kansas Speedway and it was a thrilling event. Brandon Jones won the first two stages; however, a costly pit road penalty on the final pit stops of the race took him out of contention. Instead, it was his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate who found his way to victory lane.
Taylor Gray and the No. 54 team for Joe Gibbs Racing won the Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas, earning their first victory of the 2026 O'Reilly Series season. Gray was able to hold off a hard-charging Sheldon Creed, who wasn't able to get by the No. 54 car in the closing moments of the event.
It was an impressive showing for Gray, as the No. 54 team found its way to victory lane for the first time since NASCAR raced at Martinsville Speedway in October 2025. Now, Gray hopes to carry this momentum into the O'Reilly Series race at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend.
NASCAR results: O'Reilly Series race at Kansas Speedway (April 2026)
The Red Sox continue a tradition like no other when they face the Tigers the morning of the Boston Marathon.
Boston holds a 72–56 all-time record on Patriots’ Day and is looking for another win Monday to split the four-game series with Detroit.
The early start features a pair of veteran pitchers. Sonny Gray has yet to find a groove in his first season with the Sox, his ERA at 4.43 after four starts following a tough outing in Minnesota last week.
Jack Flaherty's ERA also isn't where he'd like it to be at 4.05 but he's coming off his best start of the season, allowing two hits and a run in six innings against the Royals.
Who will leave the series finale with a win? Here's everything you need to know about Red Sox vs. Tigers on Monday, including TV and streaming options for the game.
Red Sox vs. Tigers will air nationally on MLB Network. The game will also be available to stream on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Red Sox vs. Tigers start time
Date: Monday, April 20
Time: 11:10 a.m. ET
Red Sox vs. Tigers is scheduled to start at 11:10 a.m. ET on Monday, April 20. The game will be played at Fenway Park in Boston.
The world’s largest martial arts organization returns to Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, April 24, and fans tuning in live in Asia primetime can expect a stacked night of martial arts action.
ONE Friday Fights 151 features nine bouts across Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA, with each athlete on the card hunting a coveted US$100,000 contract and spot on ONE’s global roster.
In the main event, surging Thai standout Panpadej NF Looksuan puts his five-fight winning streak on the line against undefeated British-Pakistani fighter Ubaid Hussain in a flyweight Muay Thai showdown.
The 24-year-old Panpadej comes from a tribe in Chiang Mai and was bullied as a child before turning to Muay Thai at 12. He moved to Bangkok at 15 with a point to prove, quit during the pandemic, and has since gone 25-0 in his comeback. The run has established him as one of the most exciting fighters in the weekly series.
He heads into Friday fresh off a main event victory against Apiwat Sor Somnuk, looking to keep his momentum rolling against the most dangerous challenge of his career.
Standing across from him is the 20-year-old Hussain, who arrives with a perfect 14-0 professional record and a winning streak that includes seven knockouts. Nicknamed “Bad,” the Leeds-born Kiatphontip product began training at 8 years old when his mother brought him to the gym.
He went on to claim the WBC Under-18 European National Championship, and has been on an unstoppable trajectory ever since. Hussain steps into the ring at ONE Friday Fights with a chance to make the biggest statement of his young career.
In the co-main event, former Channel 7 and Thailand Muay Thai Champion Petmuangsri Torfunfarm takes on Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Chankrit Manop Gym in a flyweight Muay Thai contest that puts two of Thailand’s most decorated regional titleholders on a collision course.
The 22-year-old Petmuangsri trains out of TDed99 in Bangkok and brings sharp body kicking, slick footwork, and crafty clinch work to the ring. His older brother’s experience with bullying was what drew him to Muay Thai in the first place — and he has since channeled that motivation into becoming one of the more polished technicians in his division.
Across from him, the 29-year-old Chankrit arrives from Manop Gym in Chiang Mai carrying the tools to outpoint anyone in the flyweight division. Making his ONE debut, the Bangkok-born southpaw is a relentless kicker with fast, accurate strikes from all ranges. He now looks to translate his regional accomplishments onto the world stage.
Finland’s Niko Aikonen makes his ONE debut against Georgia’s Ruslan Bolkvadze in lightweight MMA, and Vietnam’s Thoan Nguyen Thanh clashes with Australia’s Rory Turner in strawweight MMA.
Two strawweight kickboxing bouts round out the card, with Mexico’s Ricardo Sanchez taking on Japan’s Ryuki Kawano, and China’s Sheng Yi Hang squaring off with Japan’s Reiji Takaki.
The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers kick off a tripleheader of NBA playoff games Monday night on NBC Sports platforms.
The Raptors won all three regular-season meetings, but the Cavaliers romped to a 126-113 victory in Game 1 by capitalizing on a 36-22 third quarter and leading by as many as 24 points. Seven-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 32 points.
RJ Barrett had 24 points for Toronto, which was without starting point guard Immanuel Quickley (16.4 ppg, 5.9 apg) because of a hamstring injury.
See below for additional information on the Raptors-Cavaliers game and how to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on NBC and Peacock.
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game preview:
Mitchell extended his record streak of scoring at least 30 points in Game 1 of a playoff series to nine games (Michael Jordan is second with seven). The Cleveland superstar's Game 1 streak dates to 2020 with Utah when he scored 57 points against Denver (the third-highest playoff total in NBA history).
James Harden added 22 points and 10 assists for the Cavaliers, and he now is the only player in NBA history with 20 points and 10 assists in a playoff game for five teams (Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland). Harden has score 20 points with 10 assists in 24 playoff games, tying him with John Stockton and Steve Nash for sixth all-time.
Brandon Ingram, Toronto’s leading scorer in the regular season at 21.5 points per game, was held to 17 points on only nine field goal attempts (his season average was 16.7 per game). The Raptors led the league in the regular season with 18.9 fast-break points per game but had only three fast-break points in Game 1, their fewest this season.
NBC Sports will present up to 23 games in the First Round and 11 games in the Conference Semifinals across either NBC and Peacock, or Peacock and NBCSN. Playoff programming concludes with exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals on NBC and Peacock
Which playoff rounds will be available on Peacock?
Peacock’s NBA Playoffs coverage spans multiple rounds, including Round 1, the Conference Semifinals, and the Western Conference Finals, with coverage evolving as the postseason progresses.
Will Peacock show both Eastern and Western Conference playoff games?
Yes. During earlier rounds such as Round 1 and the Conference Semifinals, Peacock will carry a mix of Eastern and Western Conference playoff games.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
Register blogger Lance Bergeson interviewed Iowa girls all-time 1,500-meter and 3,000 leader Addi Dorenkamp on his podcast, The Run Around Iowa, on April 15. Addi was a track and field star at Valley High before starting her college career at Alabama in the fall of 2024 before transferring to Colorado a year ago. Addi has been injured for nearly her entire career in Boulder and talks about those injuries and much more in this Q&A.
Q: It's been just a real, real tough grind for you injury-wise. What's been happening here?
A: When I was a freshman at Alabama during indoor track season, so this was like February, I found out I had a stress reaction in my femur. So that was kind of the first one that I guess started this whole thing. And then (I) took some time off and rehabbed it, tried to get back into running, and during this time I made the decision to transfer and leave Alabama. So I transferred to Colorado, I did that like at the beginning of May. And then …
Q: You entered the portal in April?
A: Yeah, It was like end of April. … Then, during the summer while I was, you know, trying to build back and stuff, I ended up finding out I had another stress fracture. It was a grade four in my tibia. So obviously that was really frustrating and kind of a shock, to get two so close together like that. So then I did the same thing, took I think it ended up being like two and a a half months off and slowly started to get back into things with running. And then about three months later, I found out I had a third stress fracture in my femur. So this was like end of December, in my other femur. And now I'm kind of in the process of getting back from that one. Yeah, that's kind of been what my year has looked like. It's been a lot of cross training and time off, which has been a little frustrating, but I'm … hoping that this one's the last one and I can finally get through this.
Q: Are you hating biking right now and swimming?
A: Yeah, there's been a lot of hours on the bike and elliptical, which is never fun.
Q: Oh, my word, this sounds just really, just terrible. I completely sympathize with you. Was it just a case of you just trying to come back too soon? Because I know you are a driven young lady, very motivated.
A: Yeah, I think it was a combination of things. I think maybe the first two times it was just increasing mileage and maybe I wasn't necessarily ready for it. And yeah, I think that was probably the reason for the first two and also just trying to come back a little too fast. I am the type of person where when I start to feel good with running I maybe get a little too excited. … And I think just pushing myself a little more than I guess my body can handle. I probably made a pretty significant, not super big jump in mileage, but enough to whereI think that could be the reason behind it.
Q: How close are you to actually getting back to lacing up the running shoes?
A: I am on my third week of ground running this week. Yeah, slowly getting back into it.
Q: Is there any possibility you would be hitting a meet here, or are you just looking ahead to cross country?
A: I think now … my coaches and I have all kind of decided that cross country this fall is kind of the goal, which I feel like is the best-case scenario for me because it just allows me more time to get back into it and get in a spot where I feel like I can be competitive and race versus trying to rush back to it. Cause obviously I want to race right now (laughs). It does suck to like (laughs) … not be able to race. Yeah, I think it'll be better for me to just wait until the fall where I'll be in a better spot to run well.
Q: How hard has that been for you mentally to get over the injuries?
A: It's definitely really hard, especially when you're coming into a new program injured and … being in a new team environment injured so you're not really at practice all the time, like getting to know people. … Like you just feel like you're on your own, I guess. But then also like the running side of it, it is really hard when I did have a lot of success in high school and it's kind of like a hard pill to swallow (laughs). Like, I've been out for so long. I haven't raced in so long. And that is really hard, you do kind of go crazy a little bit. And it can be hard to watch other people competing. … What I am trying to say is just very isolating.
Q: How are we doing outside of the running? How is everything else blending in?
A: I definitely am, having a lot of fun here. I think just being in Boulder is so cool. And obviously being in the mountains is cool. … Boulder is a very, there's a big running community here. It's really fun. I'm like a finance major. So I'm in the business school and I like the business school here more than I did at Alabama. It feels more like academic I guess. My classes are a little harder, which I like (laughs).
Q: What really motivated you during those low times when you had to overcome yet another injury?
A: I think just remembering how great that time of my life was and how, just fulfilling it felt to break records and win state titles and …. get to run at nationals for cross country. I think remembering the feeling of how like great it felt has really helped me get through it because I want to get to that place again where I can put this work in that I'm doing something and get results from it. Just remembering all those things is what really helps me get through it.
Q: (In high school), you're a big star. You're getting 18,000 people cheering for you at the Drake Relays and state meet. Does that just blow your mind, thinking about that time where you've got this crowd in the palm of your hand, basically.
A: I mean that's something I love about the state of Iowa. The state track meet just brings so many people. It's just really cool because I feel like even when there's like other classes' races going on … everyone gets excited and is cheering. So I think that's just such a cool environment to be in. … It helped - not feel like easier - but it just gets your adrenaline pumping a little bit more and you're like, OK, wow, there's this big crowd, that everyone's watching me. Everyone's cheering. So now I'm going to run really fast.
Listen to the full interview here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2qD8BhgezrrhQ5zuGqg8Cn
LAS VEGAS — There is no greater win than coming out victorious at WrestleMania 42.
WWE wrapped up its two-day extravaganza in Las Vegas, as 13 matches took place over Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. Its the ultimate goal to be able to compete in the show, but winning in it is the ultimate prize. The win gets immortalized in wrestling history and proves star power every wrestler hopes to have.
While every match has a winner, there actually are more losers that leave the event empty-handed. So who got the honor inside Allegiant Stadium? Here is the full list of winners from WrestleMania 42:
WrestleMania 42 winners list
Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and LA Knight
Jacob Fatu
Brie Bella and Paige
Becky Lynch
Gunther
Liv Morgan
Cody Rhodes
Oba Femi
Penta
Trick Williams
Finn Balor
Rhea Ripley
Roman Reigns
WrestleMania 42 full results
Night one
Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes def. Randy Orton
Women's World Championship match: Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer
Gunther def. Seth Rollins
Women's Intercontinental Championship match: Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship fatal four-way match: Brie Bella and Paige def. Nia Jax and Lash Legend, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, Lyra Valkyria and Bayley
Unsanctioned match: Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre
LA Knight, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso def. IShowSpeed, Logan Paul and Austin Theory
Night two
World Heavyweight Championship match: Roman Reigns def. CM Punk
WWE Women's Championship match: Rhea Ripley def. Jade Cargill
Demon Finn Bálor def. Dominik Mysterio
United States Championship match: Trick Williams def. Sami Zayn
Intercontinental Championship ladder match: Penta def. Je'Von Evans, JD McDonagh, Dragon Lee, Rusev and Rey Mysterio
Atlético Nacional - Bucaramanga: kick-off time and TV coverage
Atlético Nacional will face Bucaramanga this Monday to wrap up Matchday 17 of the BetPlay league, a clash of utmost importance in defending the title.
The Verdolagas remain at the top of the tournament with 34 points, the result of 12 wins, one draw, and three losses.
Although Nacional have already secured their place in the playoff quadrangulars, they will take on a Leopardos side coming off a thrashing of Boyacá Chicó. Will they pull off the upset in Medellín?
The match will kick off at 18:10 and you can watch it on WIN+
It came out this weekend that the Tennessee Titans would be picking up the fifth year option of star guard Peter Skoronski. This came as no surprise to anybody paying attention to the team, since a larger long-term deal has a long been expected to come at some point this year. Picking up his fifth year before the deadline ensures the team cost control in 2026 in the case that his long-term contract negotiations were to draw out longer, or fall apart entirely.
But make no mistake, the Titans intend on keeping Peter Skoronski around. He's exactly the kind of drafted-and-developed franchise cornerstone leader you want to publicly reward. Drafting and then retaining players like Skoronski is how Mike Borgonzi believes good teams are built for longevity, and it's obvious that he's right. But picking up a fifth year option isn't something the Tennessee Titans have done in a surprising amount of time.
Titans hope fifth year option is a sign of better things to come
Can you remember who the last first round pick was that the Titans actually picked up the fifth option on? It was Jeffery Simmons, drafted all the way back in 2019. A brutal stretch of first round picks that included Treylon Burks, Caleb Farley, and Isaiah Wilson were a significant part of the deterioration this team has experienced in the past half decade. Not only did those players not get their 5th year options picked up, but none of them lasted with the Titans anywhere close to the duration of the rookie contract.
Skoronski was the 11th overall pick in the 2023 draft, the first selection of then-GM Ran Carthon. Carthon's tenure was shockingly short, but some potential cornerstone players have been drafted by him and his successor Mike Borgonzi who the Titans hope join Skoronski as long-term foundational pieces.
Right tackle JC Latham is one. The trio of 2025 Day 3 pass catchers (Helm, Dike, and Ayomanor) is another. LB Cedric Gray, S Kevin Winston Jr, EDGE Femi Oladejo, and of course QB Cam Ward to hold it all together comprise the rest. If the Titans are going to right the ship of this flailing franchise, it starts with these young players. Skoronski, as the “elder” young leader, is hopefully just the first of many.
Two-time Indy 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi (left) and Roger Penske during the Carb Day prior to the 109th Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 23, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)
Lumen via Getty Images
Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske is so confident the 110th Indianapolis 500 is nearing sellout status; he quipped that he may want to make alternate arrangements to take care of the massive crowd.
“Let me put it this way,” Penske told me before Sunday’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. “We’re going to be selling folding chairs here before long.”
That is how confident Penske is that in the next few weeks, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will announce a third-straight sellout of the Indianapolis 500.
“We have a great group of people and many of you don’t know them, but they are the ones that make it happen,” Penske told me. “Remember, there is no dress rehearsal. Three-hundred-plus-thousand people. Real number. This isn’t a telephone book number or a newspaper; it’s a real number.
“What we try to do every year is make it better for the guests that come in as fans. We put handrails up these big stands this year going up in the Southwest stands and the North stands so the people can walk up those stands. That is what of the new things we’ve done this year.”
I had a chance to do an exclusive interview with IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske early Sunday morning in the Team Penske paddock. It was a chance to talk to the dynamic man whose leadership has helped IndyCar regain its glory and prestige which has been evident with an outstanding start to the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season.
Roger Penske Expects A Full Field Of 33 Cars For The Indy 500
Another important factor that Penske stressed is there will be a full field of 33 cars at the 110th Indianapolis 500. At the moment, there are less than 33 car/driver combinations that have filed entries for the Indy 500, but Penske is confident it will once again be 11 rows of three cars abreast taking the green flag to start the Indianapolis 500 on May 24.
“We expect to have 33 cars, let me say that,” Penske said. “There are lots of things working. Remember, it costs a lot of money to go to Indy, and you want to be competitive. It’s not the old days where you picked up your pickup truck, grabbed your car in the garage and came to Indy. That’s not the case anymore.
“We’ll have 33. It’s exciting to fill the field and see what happens.”
Roger Penske waves to the crowd before the 109th Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2025.
IndyCar Photo
As a team owner, Roger Penske has won a record 20 Indianapolis 500s. In many ways, Penske’s success owned the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
On November 4, 2019, Penske purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar from the Hulman-George Family, concluding 74 years of ownership that began when Tony Hulman bought the track from previous owner Eddie Rickenbacker in November 1945.
In many ways, Penske considers it his lasting legacy.
“It was our duty, the iconic track, what the Hulman family had done for so many years,” Penske said. “When we took it over, we wanted to maintain that level of professionalism and add what we know from our track experience.
“When you put that together, we’ve made it better and we want to continue to do that.”
Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske (Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo)
INDYCAR Photo by Joe Skibinski
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
GREEN BAY, Wis. — It’s not every day that the four collegiate athletic programs from the same state come together for something like the Frozen Phoenix Invite; however, on Saturday, that’s exactly what happened.
And even better, it happened right here in Green Bay.
“We [Green Bay and Wisconsin] were having conversations about exhibition matches this fall and then spring, and I just assumed that we would go down there,” Green Bay women’s volleyball coach Abby Sutherland said. “They were open to coming to Green Bay… and we made it happen.”
And despite Madison being known as the volleyball capital in the state, it’s hard to ignore the talent on display right here in northeast Wisconsin.
“It is a great volleyball area as well,” Wisconsin women’s volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield said, “We saw the first match [between Lawrence and UW-Oshkosh] and how competitive that was and how many fans showed up for them.”
Beyond the level of play, the atmosphere itself stood out.
3,605 fans packed into the Kress Center on Saturday, breaking the previous attendance record for a volleyball match, set on Sept. 19, 2024, when 1,401 watched Green Bay play Minnesota.
“Playing and having the opportunity to be in a place like this, I told my team before, it’s sort of like going to a concert, there might be a song or two you don’t like, but you just go and enjoy it,” Lawrence women’s volleyball coach Jeff Van Lannen said.
— UW-Oshkosh Athletics (@UWOshkoshTitans) April 18, 2026
And, given the positive reviews, it begs the question — why not make this an every-year thing?
“We hope this happens every year, because I think you have so many local people who are engaged in the Lawrence and Oshkosh community. Obviously, the GB fans are here. And then when you bring Wisconsin, one of the best teams in the nation, it’s all positive, and it’s a win for everybody,” Van Lannen added.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The NASCAR Cup Series competed at Kansas Speedway, and it was a fun event. Denny Hamlin won Stage 1 while Kyle Larson won Stage 2. It was looking like Hamlin was going to win at Kansas; however, a caution before the white flag changed everything. Instead, it was a 23XI Racing driver who found victory lane.
Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 team for 23XI Racing won the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas, earning their fifth victory of the 2026 Cup Series season. Reddick passed Kyle Larson in the final corners of the race after restarting in second place. The 23XI Racing driver accidentally junked his Toyota teammate, Christopher Bell, on the way to victory lane.
TYLER REDDICK GETS BACK BY KYLE LARSON TO WIN AT KANSAS! What a finish. That's FIVE wins in 2026 for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing. pic.twitter.com/iirLOSys2j
It has been a sensational start to the 2026 NASCAR season for Reddick, who has five wins in the first nine races. Obviously, Reddick won't continue his 20-win pace, but the No. 45 team is not slowing down. Now, Reddick goes to Talladega Superspeedway hoping for another victory in NASCAR.
NASCAR results: Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway (April 2026)
Four wins from four and England sit top of their 2027 World Cup qualifying group.
The reigning European champions impressed in their 1-0 victory over Spain and though the second half against Iceland tested England’s nerve (and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s prowess), England again won 1-0, demonstrating the steely tenacity that has so often pushed them onto the right side of fine margins.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman made just two changes to her starting XI between Spain on Tuesday and Iceland on Saturday, with captain Leah Williamson returning after a month out with a hamstring injury to replace Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Laura Blindkilde Brown coming in for Lucia Kendall.
Using all five substitutes against Iceland provided a reminder of the depth at Wiegman’s disposal as she considers who might make the cut for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with 26 places up for grabs.
Work still needs to be done for England to qualify as group winners (they sit three points clear of second-placed Spain, who host the reverse fixture in June), but the end of April’s international break offers us a chance to take stock. The Athletic has cobbled together a list of the 40 players most likely to make the cut for next summer’s tournament in Brazil.
The following is an educated guess and it’s important not to get too bogged down in the numbers. These aren’t strict rankings and the names will change as the year progresses — though it’s safe to say the players towards the top are England’s key protagonists.
1. Keira Walsh
The cog that keeps the England machine ticking. If Walsh is on form, England play well. There have been struggles in her first full season at Chelsea but Wiegman trusts her enormously, handing her the captain’s armband in Williamson’s absence for her 100th cap in the 1-0 win over Spain. The perennial concern is a quality backup option for her and that’s why Walsh remains the player England simply cannot do without.
2. Hannah Hampton
England’s clear No 1 — this time last year, there was still a debate between her and Mary Earps — showed her class with an acrobatic save to deny Spain an equaliser in stoppage time and was then absolutely sensational in the second half against Iceland. Her distribution was not always reliable at Wembley but mostly, it provided England’s best route to attack on the counter.
3. Alessia Russo
An excellent international break, assisting England’s only goal against Spain with an unusual scooped pass for Lauren Hemp before the roles were reversed for the only goal against Iceland, a smart finish on the run from Hemp’s pass. The Arsenal striker scored the Euro 2025 final equaliser and is in good form for Arsenal, scoring against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals.
4. Georgia Stanway
England have played 19 tournament games under Wiegman and Stanway has started them all. The energetic all-round midfielder will surely start every match next summer too, barring fitness problems — and assuming she settles well at her new club, as she has announced she is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
5. Lucy Bronze
Will be 35 years old next summer but her performance against Spain last week shows that those trademark driving runs remain crucial. Besides, right-back remains a position where England have no clear, natural backup.
6. Leah Williamson
England’s captain will always start if fit, although given the solid performances of Wubben-Moy and others, England can more easily absorb an injury at centre-back than at right-back or in midfield.
7. Lauren Hemp
Another sure starter on the wing who reacted first to score England’s opener at Wembley. Unfortunate not to score a second, hitting the woodwork following a cheeky backheel from Bronze. Can provide an alternative No 9 option.
8. Lauren James
Finally established in England’s first XI. For all her trickery in the final third, James has gone up in Wiegman’s estimations due to her increased defensive diligence. Deployed as a winger against strong opposition, Wiegman has also used James as a central attacking midfielder in games where England are likely to dominate possession.
9. Alex Greenwood
Had not played for England since October due to injury but went straight back into the starting XI. Wiegman seems to prefer her at left-back rather than centre-back, where she plays for Manchester City.
10. Esme Morgan
Has played in every game bar one, due to illness, since Euro 2025 and is increasingly becoming a mainstay under Wiegman — she has remained the constant as Wiegman has brought in Maya Le Tissier, Wubben-Moy and Williamson alongside her. Tidy and proficient in an unfamiliar centre-back partnership with Wubben-Moy to thwart Spain, and good at bringing the ball forward against Iceland.
11. Ella Toone
Out injured for this camp but remains one of Wiegman’s trusted players, and neither of her stand-ins was overwhelmingly impressive. Russo’s status as the undisputed first-choice striker works in Toone’s favour — on and off the pitch, they have a great relationship.
12. Lotte Wubben-Moy
A very good season with Arsenal, in part thanks to Williamson’s injury problems, means she was trusted to start against Spain, and Wubben-Moy performed excellently. However, much as is often the case at club level, Williamson returned to England’s starting XI as soon as she was fit. Wubben-Moy has been in all three of Wiegman’s tournament squads without playing a minute — she is, at least, closer to being a first choice than ever.
Absent from the February camp due to injury and did not feature in the blockbuster fixture against Spain, although she came in as England laboured in the second half against Iceland. Mead has started 10 of Arsenal’s 17 WSL matches this season, and with her contract expiring in June — the same month as England’s final two qualifiers — her next move feels crucial.
15. Jess Carter
Started every game bar the semi-final at Euro 2025 but has since fallen down the pecking order. Given the centre-back options available and more depth at left-back, Wiegman seems to see Carter’s role as a squad player.
16. Aggie Beever-Jones
A relatively quiet season for Chelsea means she’s no closer to securing her place in the England starting XI, but she remains a very useful backup for Russo.
17. Jess Park
Given Toone’s absence, Park will be disappointed not to be handed a start against Spain or Iceland, with Kendall and Blindkilde Brown handed opportunities to impress. The consolation is that neither nailed down the role. Park has enjoyed a good season for Manchester United, showing what she’s capable of when allowed freedom. If Wiegman can find a similarly important role, England will be all the better for it.
18. Lucia Kendall
Has made quite the impression since making her debut in October, from scoring her first goal in the 2-0 against Ghana in December to holding her own in the No 10 position against Spain’s midfield in midweek. England have long lacked depth in central areas but the 21-year-old helps fill the gap.
19. Michelle Agyemang
This time last year, after just 41 seconds, she made her presence known on the international stage — foreshadowing her role as super-sub at Euro 2025 — but has been sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in England’s 3-0 win against Australia in October.
20. Anna Moorhouse
The goalkeeper is getting regular minutes for Orlando Pride and also started in the 8-0 win over China in November, so seems Hampton’s backup.
21. Niamh Charles
Tends to get a good run of starts outside of major tournaments — and then finds herself as a backup at the tournaments themselves. Although a right-footed left-back, she offers more attacking quality than other options, but now Greenwood seems established in that role, rather than in the middle.
22. Maya Le Tissier
It remains somewhat peculiar that Wiegman continues to think of Le Tissier, a dependable centre-back for Manchester United, exclusively as a backup to Bronze at right-back. But with Williamson, Greenwood, Morgan, Wubben-Moy and Carter ahead of her in the pecking order in the middle, she very much knows her role.
23. Ellie Roebuck
Hasn’t been capped since 2023 but back in the WSL with Aston Villa and back in Wiegman’s squad as a reliable reserve ‘keeper.
24. Laura Blindkilde Brown
Having been a midfield mainstay of the Manchester City team within touching distance of their first WSL title in a decade, she deserved her start against Iceland, although she didn’t do anything to secure her place in the side. Has also fallen behind Sam Coffey in the pecking order for City, which isn’t ideal with the third England midfield spot still up for grabs.
25. Grace Clinton
Her switch to Manchester City hasn’t quite provided the rejuvenation she might have hoped. Clinton has only started two WSL games and missed this camp through injury.
26. Freya Godfrey
Was forced to withdraw from the latest squad due to injury, and is uncapped at senior level. Nevertheless, she is highly regarded because of her displays for England’s youth teams and if she explodes into a consistent WSL goalscorer next season at London City Lionesses, Godfrey could travel to Brazil.
27. Taylor Hinds
The 26-year-old Arsenal left-back wouldn’t have been on this list six months ago — but she switched her allegiance back to England from Jamaica in October and has been a regular in Wiegman’s squad since, featuring in both World Cup qualifiers in March. England’s limitations on both flanks make Hinds a good squad asset, but she needs regular minutes at Arsenal next season to maintain her place in the squad.
28. Khiara Keating
Two seasons ago, she was Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper and England’s third-choice. Now she’s a backup at City and has slipped out of Wiegman’s thinking. At 21, there’s every chance she will work her way back into the squad.
29. Ruby Mace
The most interesting outsider. An England youth captain at various levels, Mace was signed by Everton from Leicester City for a club-record fee last summer. Mace arrived ready to be the deep-lying midfield lynchpin Everton needed. Instead, the 22-year-old has been used as a right-sided centre-back and has fared well, showcasing her playmaking on the ball and demonstrating an innate knack for box defending. The problem, of course, is that England are not lacking in the centre-back position. Whether Mace’s versatility tips the scales in her favour remains to be seen — she’s more likely to make the squad if she’s deployed in midfield at club level.
30. Keira Barry
The 20-year-old forward has impressed for the under-23s and was called up to Wiegman’s recent camp. Based in the United States with Bay FC, she’s relying on injuries — or a great year of form — to make the World Cup squad.
31. Ella Morris
Regularly touted as a future England stalwart by Spurs’ staff, her first senior England call-up last May was blighted by an ACL injury on the first day of camp. On April 6, 331 days later, the 23-year-old right-back made her competitive return for Tottenham, putting her back in the picture for the World Cup. Given England’s lack of coverage at right-back, Wiegman will be pleased.
32. Erica Parkinson
Born in Singapore and playing in Portugal, the 18-year-old was an intriguing selection for the recent camp. Perhaps a move to the WSL would increase her chances of selection, but regular first-team minutes in a gentler league might be best for her long-term development.
33. Katie Reid
A similar story to Morris: a talented young defender who received her first call-up in October, but suffered an ACL injury shortly afterwards. Was a regular for Arsenal at the start of the season, but with so many centre-back options ahead of her, Reid, 19, is probably one for Euro 2029.
34. Missy Bo Kearns
Made her debut as a substitute away at Spain last year — a baptism of fire — and was in consecutive England squads after Euro 2025, starting against Ghana in December. In March, the Aston Villa midfielder posted on social media that she had had a miscarriage.
35. Grace Fisk
Has yet to be capped by England but was called up for the March qualifiers against Iceland and Ukraine. The 28-year-old is experienced and versatile, capable of playing as a right-back when needed, which could prove useful for Wiegman, though the pecking order remains crowded.
36. Anouk Denton
The versatile 22-year-old defender came on as a late substitute in England’s 2-0 win over Ghana in December, shortly before moving from West Ham United to Bay FC. Was back in the under-23 squad this week.
37. Poppy Pattinson
Called up to her first senior squad in February and made her debut in the second half against Ukraine, but the 25-year-old was not recalled this time around.
38. Nikita Parris
Her peak was around the time of the 2019 World Cup, but Parris was capped twice last April, was in the squad again last summer, and is clearly not completely out of the picture if other wingers suffer injury problems.
39. Lucy Parker
The 27-year-old defender has not been capped for England but she was a backup for Euro 2025. She has impressed with Aston Villa this season and could be a backup option if injuries strike.
40. Jessica Naz
The 25-year-old winger was last called up for the October friendlies against Australia and Brazil, but didn’t feature. While her pace and penchant for getting into good spaces are admirable, her lack of end product still leaves much to be desired. She suffered an ACL injury in December, meaning she will have limited time to prove herself.
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a precarious spot heading into Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft. That spot may force them to explore the trade market in order to address their pass rushing need, and the Pittsburgh Steelers may be the team to call.
Highsmith’s name, along with fellow edge Nick Herbig are definitely floating around front offices as the draft approaches, although it seems that any trade would be a one-but-not-both scenario, with Highsmith being the likelier candidate to get moved. Highsmith turns 29 in August and still has two years remaining for a total scheduled base salary of $30 million ($14.5 in 2026 and $15.5 in 2027). With a strong year in 2026, it’s expected he’ll try to get back to the negotiating table for an extension that resets his salary and gets him another two years of guaranteed money. But with Herbig waiting in the wings and having been very productive while rotating with Highsmith and T.J. Watt, the Steelers are expected to take some calls on Highsmith if the phone rings. As one high-level personnel executive said, “I think they will trade one of them.”
We've written before about Herbig as a possible 49ers trade target, but Robinson also reported Highsmith is viewed as the more available player. That's in part because he'll be 29 when the 2026 season starts. It's also in part because of his contract status. The acquiring team will likely need to extend him at a deal above his current $17 million average annual value. That contract expires after the 2027 season.
Despite the need to pay Highsmith, the 49ers should be on the phone with Pittsburgh about acquiring their No. 2 pass rusher. Highsmith has 40 sacks over the last four years and is consistently effective getting after the quarterback with a pressure rate that regularly hovers between 13 and 16 percent.
His raise isn't liable to land atop the market which should make it more palatable for the 49ers while also giving them a proven NFL pass rusher to line up across from Nick Bosa. Highsmith would also allow the 49ers pass rush to maintain some semblance of effectiveness if Bosa is unavailable, which is notable with Bosa coming off an ACL tear.
It's unclear what it would cost for San Francisco to acquire the soon-to-be 29-year-old. The 49ers have four fourth-round picks to play with in this year's draft. They could include one of those and a Day 2 pick in 2027 to try and get it done. Depending on how they feel about this year's class they might be willing to go as high as a second-round choice if they're able to recoup some draft capital in another deal.
Adding Highsmith would make a lot of sense for San Francisco, and they should be among the teams on the phone with the Steelers trying to work out a trade.
Jon Rahm won but questions about LIV Golf's future dominated chaotic weekJosh Schrock
Jon Rahm stood just off the 18th green in “disbelief.”
Just a week after he left Augusta National disappointed following another poor major performance, Rahm ran away from the field at LIV Golf Mexico City to claim his second title of the season. On paper, it should’ve been another week in which one of the global league’s marquee stars triumphed. A five-event stretch that has seen Rahm win twice, Bryson DeChambeau claim two titles and Anthony Kim author a remarkable comeback win is as good as LIV could have dreamed of to start 2026.
And yet Rahm’s performance was somewhat of a sidebar as he made his way around Club de Golf Chapultepec this week. That’s because bigger questions hung in the air. Questions about LIV Golf’s uncertain future that went unanswered during a chaotic week for the five-year-old league.
*****
On Wednesday, multiple outlets reported that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund was on the verge of pulling its funding for LIV. While the PIF has a value of around $925 billion, the Iran War and Middle East conflict have, according to reports, impacted the fund’s budget and strategy. Saudi Arabia was already planning on reprioritizing spending away from certain projects — like The Line, part of the Neom giga-project — and toward more sustainable efforts. Reports of the PIF abandoning LIV Golf dropped the same day the PIF unveiled a new five-year strategy that will focus on the domestic economy to diversify its reliance on oil. The PIF said it planned to transition from “a period of rapid growth and acceleration to a new phase of sustained value creation, with a strengthened focus on maximizing impact, raising the efficiency of investments, and applying the highest standards of governance, transparency and institutional excellence.” The PIF also said that it expects domestic investments to account for 80 percent of the fund over this period, with international investments cut from 30 to 20 percent.
While no announcement was made about its investment in LIV Golf, on Thursday, the PIF sold a 70 percent stake in Saudi Pro League soccer team Al Hilal. At the same time, The Telegraph’s James Corrigan reported that LIV officials had been summoned to New York City for an emergency meeting.
As all this was going on, LIV Golf was preparing for a tournament in Mexico City. On Tuesday, press conferences were canceled due to what was later explained as a power outage. On Wednesday, Sergio Garcia and the Fireballs took the mic, and the 2017 Masters champion said that LIV players had not been informed of any change in plans.
“We haven’t heard anything other than what Yasir [Al-Rumayyan, the PIF governor] told us at the beginning of the year,” he said. “That he’s behind us, that they have a long-term project. You know there are always a lot of rumors, and I can’t tell you anything more than what we already know.”
That same day, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil sent an email to his staff saying that the league would continue “full throttle” in 2026 without mentioning any plans for the future.
“I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle,” O’Neil wrote. “While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organization that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before.
“The life of a startup movement is often defined by these moments of pressure. We signed up for this because we believe in disrupting the status quo. We have faced headwinds since the jump, and we’ve answered every time with resilience and grace. Now, we answer by doing what we do best: putting on the most compelling show in sports.”
On Thursday, LIV Golf’s coverage of the first round opened with commentators Arlo White and David Feherty brushing aside the reports that LIV’s funding was being pulled.
“There are still some writers and broadcasters that take pride in their work, but this generation has spawned a bunch of fast typists, you know, that consider themselves to be experts, and evidently, they’re not,” Feherty said. White chimed in: “Yeah, it must be exhausting, trying to will the LIV Golf league out of existence. Take a day off, everybody.” The broadcast was then hit with a two-hour blackout, again due to a local power outage.
According to business filings in the United Kingdom, first reviewed by The Athletic in October, LIV Golf Ltd, the U.K.-based entity that manages the golf league’s activities outside of the United States, lost more than $590 million in 2024 and has lost $1.4 billion since 2022. O’Neil told The Financial Times in February that he didn’t see LIV turning a profit in the next five, or maybe even 10 years.
“It’s just not the way the world works,” O’Neil said in an interview with TNT in the U.K. on Thursday, when asked if the league was fully funded through 2030. “… The reality is you’re funded through the season and then you work like crazy as a business to create a business and a business plan to keep us going. But that’s not different from any other private equity-funded business in the history of mankind.”
The interview was later taken down from the internet, and a partial segment without that answer was re-posted.
As for LIV’s stars, Bryson DeChambeau did not talk with the media this week before withdrawing due to a wrist injury ahead of Sunday’s final round, nor did Dustin Johnson. Phil Mickelson wasn’t in Mexico as he is on an extended break for personal reasons. Rahm said he tried to ignore the news.
“Until the people in charge told me whether the rumors were true or not, for me, it didn’t make sense to think about it or waste time thinking about it,” Rahm said Thursday. “We were here; we knew we were going to play, so the idea was to prepare for a tournament. And that’s it. Since everything happened so suddenly and so quickly, I wasn’t very worried about it because normally, before the rumors start, we already know something. There’s always someone within the league who knows something; it happened so fast that I really didn’t worry about it.”
****
As Rahm blitzed the field on Sunday, the LIV Golf broadcast flashed an ad for the league’s return to Mexico City in 2027, prompting Feherty to jab at the reports from early in the week once again.
“That’s really amazing,” Feherty said of the promp, “considering just a few days ago we had to announce we were returning this week.”
Rahm beat David Puig by six. He said he found something on Sunday at the Masters, and his game is now in a better spot. He stood on the 18th green with his Legion XIII teammates, celebrating a team victory. Afterward, Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin and Caleb Surratt all faced questions about their team’s third consecutive win in Mexico. These forward-facing questions were much easier to answer.
“Four in a row sounds even better,” McKibbin said.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 07: Malik Willis #2 and Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers high five prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on September 07, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the trade of WR Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month (thoughts and prayers to me, the saddest girl), it looks like the Green Bay Packers might be done making major moves, with the exception of the 2026 NFL Draft this week. With the roster looking very different than it did last year after the departure of players like Wicks, Romeo Doubs, Rashan Gary, Rasheed Walker, and more, I think it’s time to take a look at some former Packers who will face off against their old team this season. Without further ado, LET US REMINISCE.
Atlanta Falcons
Players: None.
Coaches: Justin Hood (2021-2023), Kevin Koger (2019-2020), Alex Van Pelt (2012-2017)
Wow, we’re starting this off with a BANG. Tell your neighbors! Tell your friends! Two former Packers quality control coaches, Hood and Koger, are now with the Falcons as secondary coach and tight ends coach, respectively. Alex Van Pelt is currently the Falcons quarterbacks coach, after holding this same title with the Packers from 2014-2017. QB Aaron Rodgers was famously not pleased with the decision to let Van Pelt walk.
Buffalo Bills
Players: None.
Coaches: Jason Rebrovich (2022-2024)
Jason Rebrovich, currently a senior defensive assistant for the Bills, was the Packers OLB coach before being promoted to pass rush specialist, and then ultimately became the Packers DL coach for the 2024 season.
Carolina Panthers
Players: LB Krys Barnes (2020-2022), RB AJ Dillon (2020-2024), CB Robert Rochell (2023-2024), OT Rasheed Walker (2022-2025)
Coaches: None.
I was genuinely shocked to discover Barnes was still in the league, not because of my opinion of him as a player, but because I have no concept of time and thought he played like, 10 years ago. AJ Dillon (who is in incredible shape) and Rasheed Walker both signed with the Panthers earlier this year. And then there’s Robert Rochell, the perennial Packers practice squad elevation, who received a game ball on Thanksgiving in 2024 after recovering a muffed punt.
Chicago Bears
Players: None! The Bears have clearly lost their love of the game (the game being signing every former Packer they possibly can).
Coaches: Matt Giordano (2009), Al Harris (2003-2010)
Just two former Packers are with the Bears this year, and they’re both players-turned-coaches (I’m not counting practice squad player Ty Summers, because what is that). Former CB Al Harris, one of the most beloved Packers of the last 25 years, is the Bears DB coach and passing game coordinator, while former S Matt Giordano is his assistant coach. Harris most recently interviewed for the Packers defensive coordinator role this January, before the team hired Jonathan Gannon.
Dallas Cowboys
Players: CB Corey Ballentine (2022-2025), DT Kenny Clark (2016-2024), LB Rashan Gary (2019-2025)
Coaches: Christian Parker (2019-2020), Derrick Ansley (2024-2025)
This was one of the Packers’ most anticipated matchups of the 2025 season, after the team traded for LB Micah Parsons exactly one month prior, including longtime Packer Kenny Clark in the deal. After the game ended in a 40-40 tie, we were all left wishing things had gone a little differently. They’ve got their chance to redeem themselves during the 2026 season—let’s hope Parsons is back on the field by the time this game rolls around.
One reunion I’m looking forward to? The one that got away, Christian Parker, who is now the DC for the Cowboys ,after interviewing with the Packers two separate times for their DC openings in 2024 and in January of this year. I thought he might be their guy this time, until the Cowboys hired him just days after his interview in Green Bay.
Detroit Lions
Players: None.
Coaches: Mark Brunell (1993-1994)
Gone are the days of “this player didn’t work for the Packers, but he might work for us”, huh? Former QB Mark Brunell, who backed up Brett Favre in the early 90s, is now the quarterbacks coach of the Lions. The Packers ended up trading him to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995, making him the first-ever player to be traded to the team. The more you know!
Houston Texans
Players: CB Tremon Smith (2019)
Coaches: None.
Tremon Smith, the lone former Packer on the Texans roster, spent time with Green Bay in 2019 for a couple of months before being waived mid-season.
Los Angeles Rams
Players: WR Davante Adams (2014-2021),
Coaches: Greg Williams (2023)
Davante Adams, I think about you daily. The future HOFer ranks 4th all-time in targets (1,012), 2nd in catches (669), 4th in receiving yards (8,121), 2nd in receiving TDs (73), and 3rd in yards per game (70) for the Packers. This matchup will be just the second time Adams has faced off against his former team since being traded in 2022. The first time around, he had 4 catches for 45 yards.
Miami Dolphins
Players: S Zayne Anderson (2023-2025), S Omar Brown (2024-2025), LS Taybor Pepper (2017), TE Ben Sims (2023-2025), QB Malik Willis (2024-2025)
Coaches: Jeff Hafley (2024-2025), Sean Duggan (2024-2025), Joe Barry (2021-2023), Wendel Davis (2019-2025), Siriki Diabate (2023-2024), Ryan Downard (2018-2025), Chuka Ndulue (2021)
Front Office: Jon-Eric Sullivan (2004-2025), Fergie (approximately 10 minutes in 2011)
FINALLY. The matchup which inspired this whole list. This year, the Packers will face off against the Miami Dolphins, or as I like to call them, the Green Bay Packers. I want you to read this next sentence in the voice of Stefon from Saturday Night Live, please and thank you. This roster has everything: darling QB Malik Willis, former DC Jeff Hafley, longtime executive Jon-Eric Sullivan, and even Super Bowl XLV halftime performer Fergie. The Dolphins even have Bobby Slowik, who spent his teenage years in Green Bay when his dad Bob was the defensive coordinator for the Packers.
Don’t be surprised if this game gets a primetime designation, due to the sheer amount of crossover alone. Jordan Love vs. Malik Willis? Matt LaFleur vs. Jeff Hafley? Packers by 30 (which means it’ll be Packers by 2).
Minnesota Vikings
Players: RB Aaron Jones (2017-2023), LB Eric Wilson (2022-2024)
Coaches: None.
Aaron Jones in a Vikings uniform still feels wrong. It IS wrong. A beloved Packer for 7 seasons, Jones sits at 3rd all-time in rushing yards (5,940), 4th in rushing attempts (1,177), and 4th in rushing TDs (45) for the franchise. And then there’s Eric Wilson, who was a lot of fun for like 3 games per season.
New England Patriots
Players: WR Romeo Doubs (2022-2025)
Coaches: Mike Smith (2019-2021)
Front Office: Eliot Wolf (2004-2017)
It’s going to be really difficult to watch Romeo Doubs bobble around for 150 yards while wearing another team’s Guardian Cap.
New Orleans Saints
Players: WR Samori Toure (2022-2023), CB Isaac Yiadom (2021)
Coaches: Scott Tolzien (2013-2015), Kyle Wilber (2023-2024)
“I kind of wish Isaac Yiadom was still a Packer” really speaks to the state of the team’s secondary in 2026, doesn’t it?
New York Jets
Players: FB Andrew Beck (2024), C Josh Myers (2021-2024), DE Kingsley Enagbare (2022-2025), DE Jack Heflin (2021-2022)
Coaches: Chris Banjo (2013-2016), Ryan Slowik (2003)
I found myself asking out loud “What’s Chris Banjo up to these days?” every time the Packers had another special teams gaffe last season. I don’t even know if he’s any good as a coach! Rich Bisaccia’s units were just that bad.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Players: None.
Coaches: Ken Zampese (1999)
Folks, we were so close to having found the anti-Packers until the I got to the literal last name of the Buccaneers coaching staff. Ken Zampese, the Bucs’ offensive pass game specialist, was a Packers offensive assistant way back in 1999. Most of the Packers roster hadn’t even been born yet (YUCK).
We’ll find out exactly when the Packers play each of these teams soon—the official schedule release is expected in mid-May, but we know these things tend to leak beforehand, so it could be even sooner.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — KLST Season Pass returns for Week 31 and as always, Griff McClellan provides coverage of everything Angelo State Athletics.
The latest episode features the following headlines:
-No. 13 Rambelles softball extends its winning streak to eight games with back-to-back road sweeps.
-No. 19 Rams baseball makes a statement on the road, claiming its first series sweep in nearly two months.
-No. 25 Rambelles tennis goes 1-1 in its final homestand of the regular season.
-The No. 7 Rams and Rambelles track and field teams collect more provisional marks in their final regular season meet.
-Rambelles golf concludes play at the Lone Star Conference tournament in Rockwall, Texas.
KLST Season Pass airs Sunday nights at 10:30 p.m. Central Standard Time. The show recaps the week of Concho Valley athletics, ranging from the high school level to Angelo State and more.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
It's finally draft week, and it's time to put an end to all of the mockery. On Thursday, the real deal takes place, bringing to an end several months of speculation of what teams like the Dallas Cowboys should do. The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with seven different teams having multiple first round picks. It proves how chaotic the first round is likely to be, with many teams bailing out in order to get veteran talent, and a low number of first-round grades given by various front offices.
In this final seven-round mock, run on Pro Football Focus' simulator, the Cowboys make an interesting trade up. While many have identified Cleveland as the preferred destination for a move up, we did something different here in the trade package, sending 12 and 20, along with a 2027 second-round pick to the Browns in exchange for 6 and 24 and a 2027 fourth-round pick.
The idea here is the Browns see benefit in moving up four picks later in the round, and 50 picks in 2027, for moving down just six spots to select their offensive lineman. Dallas seized on the opportunity to select David Bailey after he fell out of the top five.
Later in the round, the Cowboys got an opportunity to grab a late fourth-round pick and an extra sixth in exchange for sliding back a few spots. This was a calculated risk with neither of the next two teams seemingly interested in the position Dallas was targeting; cornerback with Avieon Terrell. That set off what we feel was a tremendous haul from this draft class, with the following impact on position groups.
Edge Rushers
Bailey, a Cowboys' 30 visit, is this drafts preeminent 3-4 OLB when considering traits and production. He's prototypical in size and athleticism and he led the FBS in sacks, although he has a flaw or two like this entire class. His is that he needs to polish his move repertoire.
Adding him and late rounder Caden Curry from Ohio State, solidifies the Cowboys' rotation with Bailey being the long-term bookend to Donovan Ezeiruaku, and they'll both learn from Rashan Gary as the third key member. With James Houston backing them up, this is suddenly a competitive pass rush.
Cornerback
We've been listening to former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus recently, and believe his fixation on finding an inside/outside cornerback is talk emerging from inside the house in Frisco. Terrell, another 30 visitor, brings that ability where he can play both if called upon, which is needed with things up in the air about the projected starting duo of DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel.
Revel is probably going to be sound as a Year 2 starter on the outside, but Bland's offseason foot surgeries are a cause for a pause. If he's fully healthy, he plays outside and Aveion Terrell mans the slot corner role. If not, Terrell competes with Cobie Durant for the starting job. Terrell and Revel are in the starting lineup, no matter what.
Once again, the Cowboys are pairing a 2025 early draft pick with a 2026 early draft pick at a key, financial-explosive position.
Linebackers
The Cowboys desperately need linebackers and grabbed two off of their 30 visit list in Hill and Elarms-Orr. Hill is a dynamo on the field and can chase down pretty much everything. Imagining him on the field with fellow Longhorns-No. 0 DeMarvion Overshown would be wild to see if the latter is healthy. So much speed. Elarms-Orr is built in the same way, but with a longer development curve having not played a ton of linebacker before 2023.
The club has prepared itself to let Overshown walk if injuries don't subside, but the team will have to acquire a veteran green dot post draft to man the MIKE position. There are three still available in Bobby Wagner, Bobby Okereke and Jordyn Brooks (via trade), at a minimum.
Safety
The Cowboys spent $40 million on outside free agents at the position this offseason. The desire to grab Caleb Downs is more about Downs than it is need at safety. With him off the board, Dallas should be just find with adding another safety where they find one that makes sense. Wisniewski is one of the club's highly-valued 30 visits. He's an extremely smart player who will take a place as a backup role behind Jalen Thompson, PJ Locke and Malik Hooker, and alongside Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell.
Projected Depth Chart
QB: Dak Prescott, Sam Howell, Joe Milton
RB: Javonte Williams, Jayden Blue, Malik Davis, Phil Mafah
FB: Hunter Luepke, Eli Heidenreich (R)
WR: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, Kavonte Turpin, Jonathan Mingo
TE: Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, Oscar Delp (R) Princeton Fant
OT: Tyler Guyton, Terrence Steele, Nate Thomas, Ajani Cornelius
The 130th edition of the Boston Marathon looks to create more memories that will last a lifetime. Who will end the day with bragging rights?
Tens of thousands of runners will embark on the 26.2-mile trail from Hopkinton to Copley Square downtown. From Boston locals to runners from all 50 states, along with 130 countries, the Boston Marathon truly brings everyone together.
There will be thousands of people beside the trail, rooting the runners on during Patriots’ Day, when the Boston Marathon is traditionally held.
Here's everything you need to know about the 130th Boston Marathon, including the schedule, map and start time for the annual race.
The Boston Marathon will air nationally on ESPN2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. Fans can live stream the broadcast on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Expanded coverage is available from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+ via the ESPN app.
Boston Marathon 2026 start time
Date: Monday, April 20
Time: 9:02 a.m. ET
The first start time for the 2026 Boston Marathon is at 9:02 a.m. ET, when the men's Wheelchair Division kicks off race day. See the start time for each division below.
Boston Marathon 2026 schedule
Division
Start time
Men's Wheelchair
9:02 a.m.
Women's Wheelchair
9:05 a.m.
Handcycles & Duos
9:30 a.m.
Professional Men
9:37 a.m.
Professional Women
9:45 a.m.
Para Athletics Division
9:50 a.m.
Rolling start begins
10 a.m.
Boston Marathon 2026 Course Map
The Boston Marathon will start on Main Street in the town of Hopkinton and will follow Rout 135 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley. From there, Route 16 takes over until it transitions to Route 30.
The marathon finish line is near the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.
Boston Athletic Association
Boston Marathon prize money 2026
Here is a breakdown of the prize earnings for this year's racers in the Open and main Wheelchair divisions.
Place
Open
Wheelchair
1
$150,000
$50,000
2
$75,000
$30,000
3
$40,000
$15,000
4
$25,000
$10,000
5
$18,000
$8,000
6
$13,500
$5,000
7
$10,500
$4,000
8
$8,500
$3,000
9
$7,000
$2,000
10
$5,500
$1,500
Course Record Bonus
$50,000
$50,000
List of Boston Marathon winners by year
Here are the five most recent winners in each division.
KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WFRV) — On Sunday, it was the best in the FRCC vs. the best of the FVA in the second-ever all-star game between these two leagues.
This time, it was the FVA taking down the FRCC 83-82, led by DePaul commit and Kaukauna senior Andrew Jensen, who hit the game-winner and was named the all-star game MVP (he also won the dunk contest).
Ashwaubenon’s Kingston Vang won the 3-point shooting contest, scoring a 26 in the second round.
One of many highlights from the 2nd annual FVA-FRCC All-Star Game… Appleton West's Braylon Ise throws an alley-oop pass from HALF COURT to Kaukauna's Andrew Jensen.
Sioux Falls, S.D. (Stampede) – The Herd fell to the Lincoln Stars in overtime, 4-3, in Game 2 of Round 2 of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Sioux Falls battled throughout the night, backed by strong goaltending from Linards Feldbergs and goals from Logan Renkowski, JJ Monteiro, and Jack Brauti, who recorded his first USHL career goal.
The opening period was physical and fast-paced, featuring multiple penalties and strong goaltending on both ends, but no scoring. Lincoln took the first penalty at 5:06 for high-sticking, but the Herd were unable to capitalize on the power play. Thomas Zocco was later called for holding at 9:23, though the Stampede penalty kill remained solid with Feldbergs standing tall in net. Sioux Falls appeared to score midway through the period, but the goal was waved off after review, ruling the puck had deflected off Joey Macrina’s hand. Another Lincoln penalty at 12:20 provided an opportunity, but again the Herd came up empty. Sioux Falls outshot Lincoln 15-12 in the period.
The Herd wasted no time in the second period, capitalizing just 34 seconds in after a Lincoln tripping penalty. Logan Renkowski opened the scoring with a one-timer from the faceoff circle off a pass from Ryder Betzold, with Jake Prunty also earning an assist. JJ Monteiro extended the lead to 2-0 at 4:57, burying a rebound from Wade Weil. Lincoln responded late in the period, scoring at 13:00 to cut the deficit, then tying the game shortly after on a power play following Joe McGraw’s second penalty of the night. The period ended with the teams even at 2-2, with Sioux Falls outshooting Lincoln 12-11.
Tensions remained high in the third period as both teams traded chances. Jack Brauti restored the Herd lead at 6:08 on the power play, finishing a backdoor opportunity for his first USHL goal, assisted by Joey Macrina and Cooper Soller. However, during 4-on-4 play at 14:35, Lincoln found the equalizer to make it 3-3 and force overtime. Sioux Falls controlled much of the period, outshooting Lincoln 13-6.
In overtime, both teams continued their intense play. Lincoln was called for tripping at 3:21, but the Herd could not convert on the power play. A near game-winner from Jake Stuart rang off the post, keeping the game alive. At 9:35, Lincoln netted the game-winning goal, slipping the puck five-hole past Feldbergs.
Feldbergs now holds a 1-0-1-0 postseason record with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage, making several key saves to keep Sioux Falls in the game.
The Herd will now head to Lincoln for Games 3 and 4 as they continue their push for the Clark Cup.
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The Kansas City Royals suffered another frustrating defeat on Sunday, falling to the New York Yankees as their early-season slide continued. It marked a seventh consecutive loss for the Royals and dropped them even further in the standings.
The loss dropped Kansas City to 7-15, tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in MLB, and the outing marked a new low point for left-hander Cole Ragans. The Royals’ ace entered the year expected to anchor the rotation, but instead he delivered the roughest performance of his five-year MLB career. In fact, his command was the worst it has ever been.
“Cole Ragans set a career-high with seven walks. The next batter, Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham hits a three-run homer,” reported Jaylon T. Thompson of the Kansas City Star.
Cole Ragans set a career-high with seven walks. The next batter, Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham hits a three-run homer. #Royals down 7-0
Ragans would go on to issue one more walk after that update, finishing with a career-high eight free passes in a disastrous outing. It was also notable that he was throwing to Elias Diaz rather than Salvador Perez or rookie Carter Jensen. Diaz, selected from Triple-A on Sunday morning, was making his Royals debut behind the plate. Regardless of the battery, Ragans never found his command at any point and allowed traffic in every inning.
The 28-year-old left-hander took his fourth loss of the season, surrendering seven runs across 4 1/3 innings. His ERA has now ballooned to 6.00, a stunning development for a pitcher who looked like one of baseball’s rising stars not long ago.
Ragans was a breakout force in 2024, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting after dominating in his first full season with Kansas City. Acquired from the Texas Rangers at the 2023 trade deadline, he was expected to lead the rotation for years to come.
Instead, the 2026 season has been a struggle from the start. Ragans’ command has wavered, his efficiency has cratered, and the Royals have paid the price. His struggles have been a clear factor in Kansas City’s league-worst record, and the team desperately needs him to regain his form if they hope to climb out of the early hole.
Ragans’ next scheduled start will likely come at home next weekend against the Los Angeles Angels, giving him a chance to reset and attempt to get back on track. The Royals need their ace to look like an ace again, and soon, before the season slips further out of reach.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — ETSU capped off another series win in dominant fashion Sunday, rolling past The Citadel 12-1 in a run-rule victory at Thomas Stadium.
The Buccaneers improved to 25-12 overall and 8-4 in Southern Conference play, securing their sixth straight series win.
ETSU’s offense erupted for 16 hits, including three home runs, with the top four hitters leading the charge. Jamie Palmese led the Bucs with a career-high five RBIs, highlighted by a three-run homer in the first inning and a two-run double later in the game.
Tristan Curless and Henry Ferguson each recorded four-hit games, while Nate Conner and Tyler Fetterman also sent a pair out of the park.
Freshman right-hander Cooper Jones turned in a strong outing, earning his third win of the season after allowing one run on four hits over a career-high six-plus innings. He struck out eight, matching his season best.
ETSU returns to action Tuesday with a road matchup against Appalachian State.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (USF) – The University of Sioux Falls softball team made program history this afternoon, sweeping in-town rival Augustana for the first time ever with a 9-8 comeback win in game one followed by a 6-4 victory in game two at Sanford Diamonds.
The Cougars (24-23, 12-10 NSIC) showcased resilience and timely hitting throughout the doubleheader, rallying late in the opener before controlling the second game behind balanced offense and strong pitching. Sioux Falls erased a three-run deficit in the seventh inning of game one and followed with another multi-inning surge in game two to secure the historic sweep over the Vikings.
Game One: Sioux Falls 9, Augustana 8
Sioux Falls struck first behind Emma Kristof, who launched a two-run home run in the first inning before adding another two-run shot in the third to give the Cougars an early 4-0 advantage.
The Cougars extended the lead to 5-0 in the fourth on an RBI single from Sandra Ribich, but Augustana responded in a big way in the sixth inning, plating seven runs on a combination of timely hits and two home runs to take an 8-5 lead.
Facing their final three outs, Sioux Falls delivered a dramatic rally in the bottom of the seventh. Sammie Radish opened the scoring with an RBI single before Charlie Pryor brought in another run with a sacrifice groundout. With two runners in scoring position, Morgan Linstad delivered the decisive blow, driving in two runs with a single to right center to complete the comeback and seal the 9-8 victory.
Lauryn Foudree earned the win in relief, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings to close out the game.
Game Two: Sioux Falls 6, Augustana 4
The Cougars once again found early offense, scoring three runs in the second inning highlighted by a bases-clearing double from Kyra Knudtson to take a 3-0 lead.
Augustana responded with solo home runs in the fourth to cut the deficit to 3-2, but Sioux Falls answered immediately in the fifth. Knudtson added a solo home run before RBI contributions from Linstad and Andie Suhai pushed the lead to 6-2.
The Vikings mounted a late push in the seventh, scoring twice to trim the margin to 6-4, but Foudree came in on relief to secure the final three outs and earn her first save of the season.
Ava Mejia picked up the win in the circle, going 6.0 innings while allowing four runs on five hits.
Key Cougars
Emma Kristof – 3-for-7, 2 HR, 3 runs4 RBI; sparked game one with two early home runs
Kyra Knudtson – 3-for-7, HR, 2 RBI; delivered clutch extra-base hits in both games
Morgan Linstad – 2 hits, 3 RBI; game-winning two-RBI single in game one
Sandra Ribich – 3-for-5, 1 run; key presence in the middle of the lineup
Lauryn Foudree – Win and Save on the day; 2.1 scoreless innings in relief
Clutch Hitting – Sioux Falls scored 7 combined runs in the 5th inning or later across the two games.
Power Surge – The Cougars tallied three home runs in the doubleheader, including two from Kristof.
Resilience – USF overcame a three-run deficit in the seventh inning of game one to complete the walk-off victory.
Up Next
Sioux Falls will host Northern State and Jamestown next weekend to close our their regular season home schedule. The Northern State series is slated for Saturday, April 25 at 1pm and 3pm followed by Jamestown on Sunday at 12pm and 2pm for Senior Day.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
After the Yankees won big on Sunday, sweeping the Royals, the Bombers have an off day on Monday. Next up will be the start of a nine-game road trip on Tuesday. Luis Gil (0-1) will be on the mound for the Yankees, trying to recover from his rough start to the season so far.
Here is everything to know about the upcoming game's schedule:
The woes continued for the Mets on Sunday as the team's losing streak reached 11 games. This run of futility will not be broken for at least another day as the team is off Monday. Nolan McClean will be on the mound for the Mets on Tuesday, hoping to continue his strong start to the early season and get his team in the win column on the road.
Here is everything to know about the upcoming game's schedule:
Continuing our series, which began earlier this month and will run until the 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23, The Detroit News will spotlight one prospect a day who could be a first-round fit for the Detroit Lions, who own the 17th overall pick. Assuming the Lions don't trade out, it'll be their highest selection since running back Jahmyr Gibbs went No. 12 in 2023.
Today's focus is on Toledo defensive back Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren stats
▶ 13 appearances in 2025
▶ 77 tackles (5½ for loss), five pass deflections, two interceptions, three forced fumbles
▶ 654 defensive snaps (336 coverage, 312 run defense, six pass rush)
▶ 51 special teams snaps (26 field goal block, 15 kickoff coverage, 10 punt return)
Career overview
Of the top 40 prospects on NFL Mock Draft Database's consensus big board, only five had a lower recruiting ranking coming out of high school than McNeil-Warren, who was rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 1,376 overall player in the Class of 2022. McNeil-Warren, a Tampa native, attended Lakewood High School, where he played four seasons. Tarus Horne, McNeil-Warren's father, was a coach on the offensive staff, and McNeil-Warren initially played receiver before shifting to safety.
Toledo was McNeil-Warren's first Division I offer, and he committed to the Rockets in December 2021 after receiving interest from Bowling Green, East Carolina, Florida International, Indiana, Maryland, Kansas State, Miami (Florida) and UAB. He was used mostly as a special teamer as a true freshman but made five starts as a sophomore and earned a full-time role in Toledo's secondary in his third season. He returned in 2025 and was named by the Associated Press as a Third Team All-American, alongside Michael Taaffe (Texas) and behind Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Bishop Fitzgerald (USC), Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) and Louis Moore (Indiana).
McNeil-Warren started four contests against schools either in the Power Four or Pac-12 over the last two seasons, visiting Mississippi State, Kentucky and Washington State while also playing Louisville at a neutral site in his final collegiate appearance. He compiled 38 tackles, two pass deflections and a forced fumble in those outings, and he allowed only four catches for 39 yards and a touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. Each of those catches came in a win over Mississippi State in September 2024; he was targeted a combined two times versus Kentucky, Washington State and Louisville. Of McNeil-Warren's 38 tackles, 10 were stops, which are tackles that constitute a failed play for an offense.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren NFL draft analysis
Most analysts who discuss McNeil-Warren will first point to his range. Opposing offenses must now where McNeil-Warren is on the field at all times, as he's a threat to make a play on the ball (13 pass deflections, five interceptions at Toledo) or separate the ball from a receiver over the middle of the field. He also has a knack for forcing fumbles, with nine since 2022. McNeil-Warren didn't top any leader boards at the combine, but he posted solid numbers for someone of his size (6-foot-3½, 201 pounds), running the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds and posting a vertical jump of 35½ inches.
McNeil-Warren seems to have high football character, as well. He not only committed to Toledo after the Rockets were his first Division I offer, but he remained with the program despite playing in an era where it's never been easier to leave, especially for a player of his caliber. That loyalty, as McNeil-Warren sees it, was earned. After suffering a concussion during his senior season in high school and missing three games, McNeil-Warren said some colleges backed off of him. But not Toledo. "They were all in on me," he said in an interview with Toledo's team website. McNeil-Warren also played in the Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 23. It's common for NFL prospects to opt out of bowl games that don't have College Football Playoff implications.
One area McNeil-Warren could look to clean up is his tackling. Among 161 qualified safeties in 2025 (minimum 650 defensive snaps), McNeil-Warren's missed-tackle rate (15.5%) ranked 91st. For context, the other two safeties who could be first-round selections, Thieneman (8.3%) and Downs (11.7%), ranked 11th and tied for 36th, respectively. McNeil-Warren also missed five contests in 2024 because of a shoulder injury.
The Lions built depth at safety this offseason, adding Christian Izien Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Chuck Clark (Pittsburgh Steelers) while also having Thomas Harper, Avonte Maddox, Dan Jackson and Loren Strickland behind starters Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Of course, there are questions related to the injury statuses of Joseph (knee) and Branch (Achilles), as they missed a combined 16 games in 2025. Adding McNeil-Warren to the mix would set the Lions up to have a potential difference-making safety on the field no matter how long it takes for Joseph and Branch to return to form. And if all three can play, McNeil-Warren or Branch can switch to nickel.
AMES, Iowa — Audi Crooks, a dominant and decorated player, announces transfer to Oklahoma State after an impressive career at Iowa State.
Crooks confirmed the news in a post on her X page Sunday night, saying “guess who!!” with an orange heart and cowboy hat. Video shows Audi posing for new headshots and donning the Oklahoma State uniform.
Crooks will remain in the Big 12 Conference, meaning she will likely face her former teammates back on the court in the upcoming season.
Crooks doesn’t just leave—she exits as one of the most dominant players in the country. A 2026 AP Second Team All-American, she also earned second-team honors from the USBWA and The Sporting News, while stacking three straight First Team All-Big 12 selections.
In her junior season, Crooks averaged 25.8 points per game, second in the nation, while shooting an astonishing 64.9% from the floor, also near the top nationally. She added 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, pouring in 801 total points, the second-highest single-season total in program history—trailing only her own record.
Crooks scored in double figures in every game, posted 23 games of 20+ points, nine games of 30+, and stood alone nationally with multiple 40-point performances. Her ceiling was staggering:
47 points vs. Indiana, one of the top single-game outputs in Division I that season
Efficiency met volume. She shot 75% or better in nine games, never took fewer than eight shots, and recorded 12 double-doubles, bringing her career total to 30.
By the end of her junior year, Crooks had already cemented herself in Iowa State history:
2nd all-time in scoring (2,256 points)
1st in scoring average (22.8 ppg)
Top 5 in nearly every major offensive category, including field goals made and attempts
.611 career field goal percentage, among the best ever
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (USF) – The University of Sioux Falls settled for a split in Sunday’s home finale against Bemidji State, using a seven-run fourth inning to rally for an 8-4 win in game one before falling 8-6 in game two at Sioux Falls Stadium.
The day had two very different scripts. In the opener, Sioux Falls shook off an early 3-0 deficit with a huge middle-inning surge and got a complete-game effort from Brady Baur to secure the win. In the second game, the Cougars again found themselves playing from behind, nearly erased a six-run deficit with a four-run eighth, but could not complete the comeback. Brady Schafer starred across both games, delivering the go-ahead three-run homer in game one and driving in two more late in the nightcap, while Carson Jager and Cullen Verville were key table-setters in game two. The split moved Sioux Falls to 20-19 overall.
Bemidji did enough offensively to steal the second contest, but the Cougars’ bats were the difference in game one. USF piled up 14 runs on 22 hits across the day, including seven extra-base hits, though defensive miscues and baserunning mistakes kept the day from turning into a sweep. Even so, Sioux Falls found a way to salvage the split and close the weekend with a win in front of the home crowd.
Final Score(s):
Game one: Sioux Falls 8, Bemidji State 4
Game two: Bemidji State 8, Sioux Falls 6
Game One – How It Happened
Bemidji State struck first on Jack Feldman’s leadoff homer in the top of the first, then added two more in the third when Hunter Hyden launched a two-run shot to right-center for a 3-0 lead.
The Cougars flipped the game in the bottom of the fourth.
After Justin Johnson was hit by a pitch and Casey Sehr singled, Verville was plunked to load the bases. Nolan Drossel brought home the first two runs with a single through the right side, and after William Edwards followed with a single, Drew Miller ripped a two-run double to left-center to put USF on top 4-3. Two batters later, Schafer crushed a three-run homer to right, capping a seven-run inning and turning a three-run hole into a 7-3 advantage.
From there, Baur and the Sioux Falls defense settled in. Bemidji scratched across a run in the sixth, but the Cougars answered immediately when Miller’s bunt single led to an insurance run on a throwing error. Baur closed it out from there, limiting further damage and finishing all seven innings.
Game One – On the Mound
Starting pitcher:Brady Baur — 7.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 9 K
Decision: Baur (W, 5-2)
Bullpen impact: None needed as Baur tossed the complete game.
Notable pitching moments: Worked around traffic in the fourth and fifth, then held Bemidji to one run over the final four innings while striking out nine.
Game One – At the Plate
Multi-hit games: Edwards (2), Miller (2), Schafer (2)
Extra-base hits: Edwards (2B), Miller (2B), Schafer (HR)
RBIs: Schafer (3), Drossel (2), Miller (2)
Clutch situations: USF scored seven runs in the fourth, with Drossel, Miller and Schafer all delivering key run-producing swings.
Team totals: 9 hits, 8 runs, 2 walks, 2 hit by pitch, 5 left on base
Game Two – How It Happened
The second game was tighter early, but Bemidji capitalized on Sioux Falls mistakes to grab control.
The Beavers scored twice in the third, taking advantage of an error and two sacrifice flies. USF finally answered in the fifth when Edwards stole home after an Iliff single and stolen base sequence, trimming the deficit to 2-1. Bemidji added single runs in the sixth and seventh to build a 4-1 lead, while the Cougars left chances on base in the middle innings.
The decisive blow came in the eighth. Bemidji opened the inning with back-to-back singles and then got a two-run double from Cooper Anderson. Feldman later added an RBI single, and Beau Thoma’s sacrifice fly pushed the lead to 8-2.
Sioux Falls responded with its best punch in the bottom of the eighth. Jager doubled to start the inning, Verville singled, and Drossel forced in another run with a productive at-bat, Miller tripled to make it 8-4. Iliff then worked a walk, and Schafer followed with a two-run double to left-center to bring the Cougars within 8-6 and put the tying run at the plate. But Bemidji escaped without further damage, and Sioux Falls went down in order in the ninth.
Game Two – On the Mound
Starting pitcher:Jake Pruchniak — 3.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Notable pitching moments: Maeyaert stranded runners at second and third in the fourth to keep the game within reach, but Bemidji broke it open with four runs in the eighth.
Game Two – At the Plate
Multi-hit games: Iliff (2), Johnson (2), Jager (3), Verville (2)
Extra-base hits: Schafer (2B), Johnson (2B), Jager (2B), Miller (3B)
RBIs: Schafer (2), Johnson (1), Miller (1), Drossel (1)
Clutch situations: Schafer’s two-run double in the eighth highlighted a four-run rally that nearly erased the deficit.
Team totals: 13 hits, 6 runs, 4 walks, 2 hit by pitch, 11 left on base
Key Cougars (Day Standouts)
Brady Schafer: 4-for-8, 5 RBI, home run, double, go-ahead swing in game one
Cullen Verville: Reached base consistently and scored key runs, including an RBI in game two
Carson Jager: Sparked game two rally with three hits and a double
Brady Baur: Complete-game win with nine strikeouts in the opener
Justin Johnson: Combined for four hits on the day, including a homer in game one and RBI double in game two
Coach’s Corner
“We were lucky to get a split today. We didn’t play either game well. Bats saved us the first game with a 7-spot late. Schafer had a big home run that helped us pull it out. Second game we had too many mistakes on the bases, didn’t pitch it very well, & didn’t play our best defense. It’s been our problem all season, playing consistent ball game in & game out. We’re too much like a roller coaster right now, one game we play well, the next one we don’t. It’s why we’re a game over .500 right now. We have to find a way to be more consistent every game these last couple of weeks of the regular season so we’re playing at a higher level going into the conference tournament.” – Head Coach Grant Hieb
Up Next
The Cougars will hit the road for a midweek NSIC doubleheader against St. Cloud State on Wednesday, April 22, with game one scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Joe Faber Field.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
After his third win in the first six races, Chip Ganassi Racing's Alex Palou has moved ahead of Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood and now leads the 2026 championship by 17 points.
David Malukas has moved up into third, 63 points out of the lead and leading the charge for Team Penske.
With a runner-up finish, Rosenqvist has jumped from 14th to ninth, gaining five positions in the standings. At the other end of spectrum, rookie Mick Schumacher is no longer last after his best run of the year, edging ahead of Sting Ray Robb at the bottom of the standings.
The portal is officially open and the information is about to start flowing.
We’ve got an amended roster count, and it’s a lot lighter than it was just a few days ago. That isn’t a surprise, the portal is easy to get into. For players, coaches, and fans. Here’s where the roster stands (I’ll do my best to keep this part updated:
UPDATE SATURDAY APRIL 18-19 | It’s been quiet since Tiller committed and with good reason. Missouri is currently surveying their options at guard, LSU guard Jalen Reece is expecting a visit from Dennis Gates, and may visit campus this week. There was some reported contact with Jacksonville State transfer Jaye Nash, but most of their other activity has been kept under wraps. Meanwhile Utah picked off TJ Burch, and Oregon nabbed the commitment from Jasper Johnson.
UPDATE THURDSDAY APRIL 16 | It’s early but Bryson Tiller just committed and I’ve updated the post. The front court is set and the attention now turns to guards.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY APRIL 15 | We’ve added Kentucky transfer guard Jasper Johnson to the list as On3s reporting got leaked onto Twitter saying Mizzou was making up some ground on Alabama. But the bigger news was Bryson Tiller cancelling his visit to Arizona. Most people seem to think he’s making a decision between Miami and Missouri.
UPDATE TUESDAY APRIL 14 | Jamier Jones committed to the Tigers, giving Missouri their second signing of the spring. It’s also been reported that Missouri is in the top 5 schools for Montana guard Money Williams.
UPDATE APRIL 7 – 13 | Jaylen Carey committed to the Tigers in the first week, giving Dennis Gates his first signing of the spring. Past that it was mostly quiet with the Tigers only being attached to three reported players in the first few days, James Madison forward Justin McBride, Utah guard Terrence Brown, and Chattanooga guard Jordan Frison. We’ve also added Cruz Davis, a combo guard from Hofstra, and Christian Harmon a wing from Arkansas State to the list. Christan Hammond (different Christian) committed to NC State today. Mizzou was connected to Jalan Haralson and Aidan Sherell, as well as Bryson Tiller and Jamier Jones.
Copying this from last year’s post: Let me clarify something — if there is information behind a paywall ANYWHERE (On3, Rivals, 247sports, RockM+, etc) we are not posting it here. If something is shared publicly (via Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram) we will add it to this post. There are sites where you can pay for and sub and get more information, if you want more you can subscribe to them. I encourage anyone reading this post to understand the stance I’m taking here because following recruiting is hard work and the reason those things are paywalled is because of the amount of work that goes into following it and reporting on it. I believe if you are that passionate about following it you should support that work. That includes all the linked sites above, even the ones I’m not a part of.
The transfer portal is all the rage these days. It’s the hottest place to be in all of college basketball. ~ Stefan-voice from SNL
We expect Missouri to be far more active in the Transfer Portal this year versus last. A year ago they were looking to supplement their younger talent and build around Mark Mitchell. This season, it’s all about Jason Crowe, Jr. So the roster spots available may be limited. We have a transfer portal primer, and a roster math post, both to break down where things stand.
We will also have far more information available at Rockm.Plus. To be frank, if you’re a portal junkie like we are, it makes a lot of sense to the day-to-day or hour-by-hour tracking to join us over there. This post will be updated frequently, but we’ll have more intel available on the Forums.
It’s important to keep in mind ‘Contact’ below doesn’t necessarily mean anything serious as those can come from agents trying to pump their client up.
This list attempted to note any reported interaction MU had with a transfer target. However, the nature of the portal means there are likely contacts that never become known publicly. We will attempt to keep our accounting updated more information became available.
In last season's regular-season opener, LeBron James and his son Bronny became the first father-son duo in NBA history to take the court together when both checked into a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the same time.
On Saturday, in the Lakers' 2026 playoff opener versus the Houston Rockets, both were on the floor together again, and it was another special moment for their family.
While the younger James did nothing statistically in four minutes, the elder James orchestrated the Lakers' offense well with 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds in a 107-98 victory. The elder James reflected on the experience and how remarkable it felt for him to be on the floor with his son during a playoff game.
“I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game," he said. "That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career. It’s just so cool to be out there with him — and his brother and his sister and his mom in the building. And his grandmom. That’s just insane.”
As long as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are out of action due to their injuries, the Lakers will need the younger James to play some meaningful minutes and give them at least a little bit of production. The 21-year-old got bigger chunks of playing time to close out the regular season and reached double figures in scoring three times in the last six games of the schedule. That gave people some hope that he may be progressing toward being deserving of a regular spot in the rotation of an NBA team.
The Milwaukee Wave had been in the awkward position of trying to sell tickets to the MASL championship series without knowing when it would actually host a game.
Now the finals are set for two of the most decorated teams in arena soccer.
The Wave will host Game 1 at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 and then the series will finish at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, with Game 2 at 9:30 p.m. April 24 and a potential Game 3 at 9 p.m. April 27.
Three versions of the Sockers have totaled 16 championships in various indoor league with the latest iteration founded in 2009 owning six of those. The Wave has seven.
Across the city, signs of the massive event are becoming more visible.
No parking signs have been posted, roads have been repaved and crews in Market Square are wrapping up a modernization project ahead of the influx of visitors.
“I feel like it’s going to be something real big for the city,” said Timothy Doner. “It could create more opportunities for events like this in the future.”
City officials expect up to 700,000 visitors throughout the three-day event, with much of the activity centered around the North Shore and Point State Park.
The crowd size is a main concern for a lot of people planning to attend.
“I’m scared for the traffic,” said Shannon Collins.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - APRIL 19: Mattias Samuelsson #23 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates with teammates after scoring during the third period in Game One of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center on April 19, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo won, 4-3. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For a while, things were looking pretty good for the Bruins in Game 1.
Weather the storm early? Check. Get the first goal? Check. Hold on for dear life but eventually extend the lead? Check.
Then it all fell apart in a span of just under five minutes in the third period, as the B’s saw a 2-0 lead turn into a 4-2 deficit in what would end up being a 4-3 Buffalo win in Game 1.
Tage Thompson scored twice in 3:42 to make it a 2-2 game, then Mattias Samuelsson scored less than a minute after Thompson’s second goal to give Buffalo the lead.
An empty-netter from Alex Tuch would seal it, though the Bruins added a consolation goal with eight seconds left.
Ultimately, it was a stunning, if not surprising, collapse from a Bruins team who has seen this script play out one (or five) times too many this season.
Morgan Geekie, Elias Lindholm, and David Pastrnak scored the goals for the Bruins, while Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves in defeat.
Geekie got the scoring started midway through the first period, collecting a blocked Pastrnak shot and beating Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen clean to make it 1-0 Bruins.
Tuch’s empty-net goal would come with 1:12 left in the third, salting this one away for Buffalo.
Pastrnak scored a PPG with eight seconds left, but…yeah. Not enough time to do much with that.
Bruins LOSE, 4-3 final.
Game notes
Given that the Bruins are the underdog in this series, you’d probably find that most Bruins fans wouldn’t have been surprised by a Game 1 loss. Juiced building, Sabres feeding off of the home crowd, etc. However, to lose in this fashion is a real kick in the teeth. It’s one thing to lose a series opener on the road, but it’s another to turn a 2-0 third period lead into a 3-2 deficit in a matter of minutes.
It’s easy to say in hindsight, but it seems like the coaching staff should have done something to attempt to slow the game down at 2-2. Calling a timeout would have been the clearest option, but given how these games went for the Bruins during the regular season, it wasn’t hard to imagine that 2-2 wasn’t going to last long.
Most goals you allow are going to be self-inflicted to a degree, but it’s hard to look past the individual mistakes on all three of Buffalo’s non-ENGs. Charlie McAvoy whiffed on a puck, Andrew Peeke lost a board battle, Hampus Lindholm flubbed a puck…they’re the kind of mistakes that will cost you against a good team, and they buried the Bruins tonight.
Buffalo’s comeback was one for the record books, as it marked the first playoff regulation win for a team trailing 2-0 within the last eight minutes of regulation. An oddly specific stat, but a stat nonetheless.
While the B’s did have a 2-0 lead and played well for decent stretches, this wasn’t a game that ever really felt like the Bruins controlled. It’s probably not fair to say they were hanging on for dear life for most of the night, but the second period, in particular, felt like a “batten down the hatches and survive” approach. Buffalo outshot the Bruins 13-4 in the second, but failed to beat Swayman.
Pastrnak finished the night with 1G-2A-3PTS, but he’ll likely be fixating on two missed breakaway (or breakaway-adjacent) opportunities in the second period. One was a bit flubbed due to the pass, but the second was pretty clean, only for Luukkonen to stand tall.
The B’s second line had themselves a rough night at the office, as Casey Mittelstadt, Pavel Zacha, and Viktor Arvidsson were each minus-three on the evening. They landed four shots on goal as a unit.
The good news for the Bruins is that painful losses still only count as a single loss, so they’ve got that going for them…which is nice.
Wins are not a given in the NBA Playoffs even if a team is the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Detroit Pistons had to face this reality against the Orlando Magic. Cade Cunningham and Co. allowed Paolo Banchero's squad to pop off right off the gates. The consequences immediately crept up which led to a rough 112-101 loss. The star guard did know what went wrong and made it know to the basketball world.
Cunningham diagnoses what Pistons did wrong in NBA Playoffs loss to Magic
At no point in this NBA Playoffs game were the Pistons able to claw themselves back. In fact, they were not able to lead at at all while the Magic led as much as 13 points. These problems for Cade Cunningham's squad started when the Pistons allowed Paolo Banchero's team to score 35 points in the first quarter. The Pistons star guard outlined why this was a large concern, via the NBA.
"We came out a little too tight, lax or whatever the word is, maybe both for some of us. We just did not come out with the right energy and gave them life early on. We had to deal with that for the rest of the game. We were better in the standings but we cannot dig a hole like that," Cunningham said.
Cunningham is right. The first quarter outburst of the Magic was the largest amount of points scored between these NBA Playoffs teams in Game 1. Moreover, Banchero led the Magic to another 30-point quarter in the fourth which sealed the fate of the Pistons. Cunningham did manage to score 39 points but no one else on the Pistons scored more than 10 points aside from Tobias Harris.
“I know that they feel great about this game. It was a big win for them. They came in and handled their business and stole one on the road. That’s what you want to do in a playoff series, so I’m sure that they feel great about that. Obviously, we are sick about losing this one. It’s a long series, though," the Pistons star guard added.
There is a lot of factors for why the Pistons are not yet able to win an NBA Playoffs home game since 2008. Will Cunningham break that streak after knowing what they lacked against the Magic come Game 2?
“Diaz blew his first save of the season in his most recent appearance, which was against the Rangers in the opening game of the Dodgers’ recently completed homestand. He said he experienced discomfort in his right knee,” New York Post’s Dylan Hernandez wrote.
The knee discomfort came seemingly out of nowhere, but the Dodgers are being cautious with Díaz. Manager Dave Roberts is making sure it is handled properly.
“Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are still gonna "tread lightly" with Edwin Díaz's workload as he works to get his velocity up. His usage will be evaluated "day-to-day" for now. Roberts clarified that the concern level with Díaz is low & that "it's not an IL thing we're talking about" Instead, he framed it as just wanting to be cautious with their new closer until his stuff is back to where it normally is,” California Post’s Jack Harris wrote.
On Sunday, Díaz appeared against the Colorado Rockies and was unable to record an out—an uncharacteristic performance. Roberts met with the media afterward and admitted there is some level of concern.
“Today was a tough evaluation,” Roberts said. “I know what it's supposed to look like, and when it doesn't look like that, it gets a little concerning, really. So, I'll have a conversation with him.”
The positive is that there is still plenty of season left for Díaz to figure things out. However, if this is an injury-related issue, it needs to be addressed now. At this point, if something is bothering him, Díaz needs to be upfront about it.
The Dodgers remain a very strong team, but if Díaz cannot be relied upon, it suggests something may be off. This could simply be a rough stretch coinciding with his knee discomfort, or it could be a deeper issue that needs attention.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 21: Madison St.Rose #23 dribbles towards the hoop in the second quarter of a first round game of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on March 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Wally Skalij/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Niele Ivey, knows that more scoring threats are needed next season to help take some of the load off of Hannah Hidalgo’s back — and help is on the way. All-Ivy guard, Madison St. Rose from Princeton, will use her last year of eligibility in South Bend for the Fighting Irish.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — After a historic undergraduate career at Princeton, Madison St. Rose will join Notre Dame women’s basketball for her graduate season, the program announced on Sunday.
A 5-10 guard from Old Bridge, N.J., St. Rose has a lengthy list of accolades including 2026 All-Ivy League First Team, 2024 All-Ivy League Second Team and 2023 Ivy League Rookie of the Year. She was also a member of the 2025-26 Wooden Award Watch List, an honor given to the nation’s top college basketball player.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maddie to our Notre Dame women’s basketball family!” Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Women’s Basketball Coach Niele Ivey said. “Maddie strengthens our backcourt with her experience, three-level scoring ability and leadership. She brings size, defense and versatility on the wing, plus a high basketball IQ that fits perfectly with everything that makes Notre Dame special.”
Last season for the Tigers, St. Rose averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field. She scored in double-figures in 23 of 28 games, and she posted five games with at least 20 points. Two of those came against major conference opponents, including No. 9 Maryland.
St. Rose led Princeton in scoring last year en route to a fifth-straight NCAA Tournament berth.
Over the course of her career, St. Rose has averaged 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. The Tigers made the NCAA Tournament in each of her four years on campus.
Coming out of high school, the New Jersey native was the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year and a two-time Max Preps Player of the Year. She was the No. 46 overall recruit in the 2022 class, per ESPN, and she was a McDonald’s All-American nominee.
St. Rose joins Hannah Hidalgo in the Irish backcourt, as two of the most dynamic guards in the nation will team up next year alongside a top-100 recruiting class headlined by No. 9 overall recruit Jacy Abii.
Daytona, Atlanta, COTA, Darlington, and now Kansas: Tyler Reddick is now 5/9 for NASCAR Cup wins in 2026, and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan has been one of the first people to congratulate him after every single one.
The NBA legend has been at the track constantly early in the season, and he has been watching from pit road as Reddick earned each of his five victories thus far.
But Kansas was a surprise, even after starting from pole position. Reddick had to battle his boss and MJ's business partner Denny Hamlin in the closing laps, and as he hit the wall while running on fumes, Jordan could only put his hands on his head as the race unraveled for the No. 45.
But just then, a fortunate caution allowed Reddick to regroup and pushed the race into overtime. After a messy restart that saw Reddick almost fall back to fifth, he surged forward, and was running second to Kyle Larson at the white flag. He dove underneath the reigning series champion, and passed him in the final corner of the race.
"I'm racing against Denny, so I really wanted to beat him because I know we are going to talk a lot of trash a little bit later," Jordan told NASCAR on FOX with a smile. "It was a good race. When we started to run out of fuel, I didn't know what was happening, but all the 23XI guys drove well today. We finished -- I think -- all four cars in the top 15, so that says a lot about the program.
This kid is on fire. I don't even know what to say. I don't know if I can cool him down. He's unbelievable. That was unbelievable the last couple of laps, and I'm proud of him. I'm proud of the whole team."
Reddick then handed Jordan the checkered flag as they celebrated their latest victory together.
"When you win, it's always fun," added Jordan, as Reddick now leads the championship standings by over 100 points.
Reddick has 13 career wins, and ten of those have come while driving for 23XI Racing.
LAFC forward Denis Bouanga (99) battles for possession during an MLS game between LAFC and San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at BMO Stadium In Los Angeles Calif at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles Calif
LAFC failed to meet the moment with a chance to leapfrog the San Jose Earthquakes in the Western Conference table, falling 4-1 on Sunday afternoon at BMO Stadium. The Black and Gold dropped to 5-2-1 and are now on a losing streak in league play for the first time this season.
San Jose earned its first road victory against Los Angeles since 2020 and its second in club history. Heading into the contest, LAFC boasted a 9-1-1 home record against its Northern California rivals.
"We were very static as a team. I've been here a lot of times praising us, but today it wasn't good," said head coach Marc Dos Santos. "I felt that San Jose was fresher than us."
Following a scoreless first half, L.A. unraveled completely over a six-minute span from minute 53 to 59. Ousseni Bouda became the first player in MLS this season to get a goal past Hugo Lloris, drilling it home from the right side of the box on a nice feed from forward Timo Werner.
Werner scored his first MLS goal just three minutes later, maneuvering around a slide tackle attempt from defender Nkosi Tafari and nutmegging Lloris to double the lead for the 'Quakes. Sunday marked Werner's first league action since March 21 after sitting out a pair of games against San Diego and Kansas City.
L.A. suffered its rock bottom moment of the match in minute 58, when a cross from San Jose's Jamar Ricketts was sent into the net as LAFC defender Ryan Porteous failed to clear it away properly. The BMO Stadium crowd was left stunned as Lloris's MLS clean sheet streak violently vanished after a club-record 594 minutes.
LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (1) makes a save during an MLS game between LAFC and San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at BMO Stadium In Los Angeles Calif at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (1) makes a save during an MLS game between LAFC and San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles Calif
"I thought we had a very slow start to the game," said LAFC midfielder Ryan Raposo. "At home, it's always the expectation to take three points and win, whatever the competition is. It's super uncharacteristic of us to concede multiple goals in short fashion...there's no excuses on our part."
Earthquakes' defender Reid Roberts helped LAFC finally get on the board in the 74th minute after he knocked Denis Bouanga's cross towards the center of the box past goalkeeper Daniel, failing to clear it away on a sliding attempt.
It was not a fruitful afternoon offensively for L.A., with their biggest scoring opportunity coming from Son Heung-min, who received a corner kick from Bouanga and sent a ringing volley towards the net. Daniel managed to leap to his left and clear the attempt for San Jose.
Defender Ryan Hollingshead acknowledged that there is little margin for error against a side like San Jose. He said that the team's effort was not where it needed to be.
"When you drop it even 1% against a team like that, who comes in hungry to get three points here...those things can happen. This league can punish you like that," he said. "It's a good lesson to learn early in the league, like where we are right now."
Bouda provided the dagger for the 'Quakes in the 80th minute, securing his first brace of 2026 as he snuck a shot to the left of Lloris from the right side. The 25-year-old had not scored since March 7 before adding two big goals to help his squad win their seventh of the last eight.
"It was our worst game this season defensively," said Dos Santos. "When we pressed, we were disjointed. We were not close to each other."
LAFC will return to action on Wednesday evening at home against the Colorado Rapids. Colorado (4-4-0) is currently eighth in the Western Conference and has won two of its last three across all competitions.
Alex Palou holds his first place trophy after winning the Long Beach Grand Prix. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
For two thirds of Sunday’s Acura Long Beach Grand Prix, Alex Palou bided his time… waiting for the one break he needed.
It came in the form of a caution on the 58th lap, allowing him to overtake front-runner Felix Rosenqvist exiting pit lane and hold the lead the rest of the way, taking the checkered flag by 3.96 seconds for his third triumph in five IndyCar Series races this season and his first at Long Beach.
Right after being showered with applause and confetti at victory lane, the 29-year-old Spaniard thanked his crew, whose quick work on the last pit stop proved to be the difference.
“Everyone was coming in on that yellow and they did an incredible job,” he said. “We were either going to win it or not win right there.”
Rosenqvist settled for second and Scott Dixon, Palou’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, was third.
It was the 11th win over the last 22 races dating back to 2024 for the Barcelona native and the 22nd win of his career, tying him with Tony Bettenhausen and Emerson Fittipaldi. It also vaulted him to the top of the Series standings as he chases his fourth Series championship in a row and fifth overall. Palou won the opener March 1 in St. Petersburg (also a street course) and the fourth race March 29 in Alabama.
Palou led for only 32 of the 90 laps Sunday and acknowledged it would have been difficult to catch Enqvist if not for the stoppage.
“I wasn’t giving up but it would’ve been tough to get him today,” Palou admitted. “He was already three seconds ahead. I was happy with my car but I was struggling more on the soft tires than the hards so I’d say my chances were low. The feeling was great seeing all the open space coming out of pit lane because when you spend 60 laps behind a car it disturbs you. I tried to match him on soft tires but it wasn’t working.”
Alex Palou speeds through a curve of the track. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
In six starts at Long Beach, Palou has never finished lower than fifth.
There is little room to maneuver on the 1.968-mile course with 11 tight turns, but after starting in the third position next to defending champion Kyle Kirkwood, Palou managed to sneak past Pato O’Ward into second place heading into the first turn on Lap 2.
“Making that move on the straightaway was big because I knew it was one of our only chances to get a pass on Pato,” Palou said. “I got that good run on that last corner and he didn’t expect it.”
This year marked the 51st edition of the longest-running major street race in North America, which started in 1975 as part of the Formula 5000 Series, switched to the CART/Champ Car World Series in 1984 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2009.
The top four qualifiers started on softer, high-grip “alternate” tires to establish position while the rest of the grid started on harder, more durable “primaries” to manage degradation on the 110-degree track surface. Of the 25 starters, 24 completed the 177.12 miles.
“We were going to make the two-stop strategy work but didn’t know if it would be doable or not,” Palou added. “As soon as I saw I couldn’t get Felix it was all about patience, fuel and waiting for the right time. I owe this win to my team. Without that pit stop I probably wouldn’t be sitting here now. It only takes one mistake to go from second to seventh but they’re great under pressure.”
Cars make their way down a straightaway during Long Beach Grand Prix. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
Past winners Will Power and Josef Newgarden moved into the top two positions after Rosenqvist pitted but the Swede regained the lead when Newgarden pitted for the first time on Lap 37 and dropped back to 14th.
The first 45 laps were caution-free as Rosenqvist, Palou, Kirkwood, David Malukas and O’Ward held the top five spots. Newgarden’s chances declined upon discovering a flat spot on his left front tire and he dropped back to 14th.
Rosenqvist’s three-second lead was erased when debris on the track exiting the Aquarium Fountain drew the only yellow flag all afternoon and narrowed the gap. Capitalizing on favorable pit position, Palou emerged from the lane just ahead of Rosenqvist.
After earning the pole position with a lap time of 1 minute, 7.4625 seconds in qualifying, the runner-up had mixed emotions after leading for 51 laps with no win to show for it.
“You want to win when you have an opportunity but I’m proud of today,” Rosenqvist said. “We weren’t as good as Alex on the blacks… the last pit cycle was the defining moment. We had to come around 14, he had more of an opening and his crew nailed it. That happens.”
Kirkwood, who was vying for his third win in four years, finished right where he started in fourth.
“I had a good cushion and figured even with a bad stop I’d probably stay ahead but I knew there’d probably be a yellow at some point and there it came,” Rosenqvist lamented. “Considering Alex had primary [tires] also I think we would’ve been able to hold him off. It’s definitely disappointing when you can’t wrap it up.”
Dixon, who started in the position, earned his first podium this season and the 136th of his career.
Fans watch with two laps left in the race. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
“The race itself was a bit blah — I sat in the same position for most of it,” Dixon said. “Luckily for us we had it easy out of that last stop.”
Al Unser Jr. holds the record for most wins at Long Beach, chalking up six in eight years, including an unmatched four in a row from 1988 to 1991.
Tom Sargent is becoming a fan of street circuits after two wins this weekend. Driving the Porsche 911 Cup for GMG Racing in the Mobil Pro Class, the 22-year-old Australian led from start to finish in Race 1 of the Carrera Cup North America on Saturday. In Race 2 on Sunday morning, he again started from the pole and claimed a 0.965-second victory over Aaron Jeansonne to complete the double.
In his last bid at Long Beach three years ago, he hit the wall on Lap 2 but still finished second.
“Momentum in sports is critical and the past few weeks have been really cool for me,” Sargent said. “I didn’t do any street circuit racing before I came to the States. Maybe it fits my driving style.”
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - DECEMBER 18: Thiago of Barcelona celebrates after the FIFA Club World Cup Final match between Santos and Barcelona at the Yokohama International Stadium on December 18, 2011 in Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images
Thiago Alcantara has been reminiscing about his time at Barcelona and has been asked to name the best player he shared a pitch with during his playing days at Camp Nou.
The former midfielder is now back at Barcelona and is part of Hansi Flick’s coaching staff and admitted it was tough singling out one player after playing alongside some of the greats of the game.
“Barcelona, you could choose from the goalkeeper to the striker,” Thiago said on the Peter Crouch podcast.
“But for sure, the understanding of the game, this kind of mix between tactical and talent was Andres Iniesta.
“We had Messi, Xavi, Busquets, we had a lot of great players. Iniesta was playing in my position and I mirrored myself into that player.”
Thiago was also asked for top team-mates at Bayern and Liverpool and had some interesting choices.
“At Bayern Munich, we had Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, but I’m going back to my position,” he explained.
“To see a player like Philipp Lahm… he was very consistent as a full-back. When he played in the middle, I was said: ‘This guy always plays in the middle, he was not a full-back!’. He surprised me a lot.
“[At Liverpool] Bobby Firmino… I was in love with that player. He puts his talent in the service of the team and he was so good on the ball.”
Before games, Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren often gets the ball to shoot the ball in the air as his pre-game ritual. Unfortunately, he had to wait before doing it ahead of Game 1 against the Phoenix Suns.
Dillon Brooks, who is well-known for his antics, did not let Holmgren do it. This was something to be expected from Brooks, which made it an even worse look because the Suns got blown out by 35 points in Game 1.
Chet Holmgren does not take issue with Dillon Brooks' mind games
For the longest time, Brooks has been in the NBA as an instigator. He managed to shed that reputation a bit during the 2025-26 season with the Suns. Brooks was excellent in the regular season, proving that the Suns were valid in trading Kevin Durant for him and Jalen Green.
In his best regular season performance, Brooks averaged 20.2 points per game. While he still has some antics here and there, it was an impressive performance. Those antics reared their ugly head in Game 1 of the series against OKC.
Holmgren tried to do his pre-game ritual, but Brooks was being stubborn. Thankfully, Chet did get to do it afterwards, which nullified Brooks' antics a bit.
While some players might take issue with that, Holmgren felt it was something that he understood because mind games are part of succeeding in the league.
"I mean I wouldnt hand him the ball either. I didn't take it personal. He has his persona that he plays, and I think he wanted to give it to his guy, but I still got my touch before the game started," Holmgren said about Brooks' gamesmanship.
This is a good sign for the Thunder because they are unfazed by what they are getting from their opponents. Some players will want to play the mind games, but as long as they have a level head, they should be in a good spot moving forward.
Apr 19, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) hits a double against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
It was a big weekend for Philadelphia sports. The Sixers and Flyers began their first-round playoff series, while the Phillies hosted the first-place Braves for a three-game series. The Flyers came through with a hard fought 3-2 win on Saturday night. But the rest of the weekend did not go well for the city (that was one of the worst playoff performances I’ve ever seen by the Sixers), capped off by a 4-2 loss by the Phillies on Sunday night that looked similar to so many other losses this season.
The game actually started off well. Trea Turner led off with a single, and Kyle Schwarber hit a home run that reviews confirmed did clear the fence before hitting a fan.
When Bryce Harper followed with a walk, it looked like the Phillies might be in for one of those big offensive nights that they give us every so often. But that was not to be. The next three batters got out rather easily, setting the tone for the rest of the night.
Andrew Painter got the start for the Phillies and was generally okay. Unfortunately, with the way things are going for the Phillies, okay isn’t enough. He gave up a solo home run to Michael Harris in the third and then got out of a second-and-third, one out jam in the fourth.
But unless you’re facing the 2026 Phillies, if you keep putting baserunners on, eventually it’s going to cost you. Painter allowed consecutive singles to start the fifth, and manager Rob Thomson chose to pull him in favor of Tim Mayza.
The remainder of the inning was a great representation of how things have gone lately for the Phillies in that they were both bad and unlucky.
Mayza walked his first batter, and then Matt Olson hit a grounder to second that wasn’t hard enough for the Phillies to turn a double play. The Phillies got the out at second, but the Braves tied the game. Austin Riley followed with what was by my calculations, the 200th infield single against the Phillies in the last three weeks, to put the Braves in front 3-2.
Ozzie Albies then hit a ball to left field, and I’m still not sure what Brandon Marsh was trying to do out there, but he sure didn’t catch it. The result was a 4-2 Braves lead.
The Phillies had an opportunity to get back into the game in the bottom of the inning. With Turner on first base and two outs, Schwarber doubled into the corner (at least someone had a good game), but surprisingly, Turner had to hold up at third. Bryce Harper then followed up with a ball to third that he almost beat out, but beating out close plays isn’t what the Phillies do these days.
The Braves seemed like they wanted to let the Phillies back into the game. They couldn’t tack on against some of the lesser lights of the Phillies’ bullpen, and in the seventh, gave the Phillies two baserunners thanks to a walk and hit batter. But Bryson Stott meekly popped up and Rafael Marchan watched strike three to end the “threat.”
The Phillies dashed our hopes one last time in the ninth. A Stott double and Justin Crawford walk put the tying run on base for the top of the order. But as he so often does in clutch spots, Turner was overmatched by a fastball for a strike out, and then Schwarber hit a liner to right field that Ronald Acuna was somehow able to track down to end the game.
At least the Phillies won’t have long to stew in this ugliness. They’ll travel to Chicago to start a three-game series for the Cubs. Monday night’s game will be on at the same time as the Flyers, so the hope is that the hockey team can provide us with a little bit of distraction. I doubt a road trip will do much to improve their play, but it will at least provide a respite for all the fans who were subject to watching this ugliness this weekend.
Athletes were eager for a soggy Sunday to dry out, making way for what could be ideal running conditions on Monday – brisk, breezy, and mostly dry, albeit a bit chilly for spectators with the potential for pop-up showers.
“We’ve trained through everything,” said Karen Lukic of Canada. “I have kit for everything – minus-20, plus-30. Whatever you have to throw at us, I was going to come prepared for it.”
Among Lukic’s group from Ontario, George Drew recalled his first Boston Marathon and his reason for coming back each year.
In 2013, his then-seven-year-old daughter stood near the youngest bombing victim, Martin Richard, at the finish line earlier in the race.
“The thing that got me back here was [my daughter] said, ‘Dad, we have to come back here, so bad people don’t win,’” Drew told Boston 25 News.
Among Drew’s Boston runs was the torrential rain of 2018, causing hypothermic conditions and hospitalizations even for experienced runners.
“My gloves fell off. I was freezing,” Drew recalled. “And it was probably a bad idea to wear shorts. But I did, and it was a great finish. And I remember lying in our hotel room for about an hour with the shower warming up. I was shivering for about an hour.”
A true New Englander, Melissa Wu feels prepared for the elements as she watches the forecast, knowing how unpredictable April weather can be.
“We watch the weather every few minutes,” said Wu, of Nashua, N.H. “It’s been getting to the 70s, and we didn’t like that. And so, the cooler weather is great, especially having trained in New England, where we’ve had the winter that we had. We’re ready for this.”
The race will also be emotional for Wu, who has been trying to qualify for Boston for nearly 20 years.
“My dad was a runner, and [we] kind of lost him in the last two years,” Wu said. “So, this means a lot to be able to run this.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
∗ Just over three weeks into the season, almost nothing has gone as planned for the Red Sox.
Garrett Crochet’s most recent start was the worst of his career and the one two starts before that wasn’t very good either. Rotation additions Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez have each had two good and two bad, though at least with Suarez, the arrow is pointed up. Brayan Bello has been what he’s always been — maddeningly inconsistent.
The guy who was supposed to have become the catcher of the present and the future, Carlos Narvaez, has played poorly enough to lose his grip on the No. 1 role. Caleb Durbin looks overwhelmed, and despite a few breakout games, Trevor Story looks as lost at the plate as he did last May. Marcelo Mayer has looked fine in the field, but overmatched at the plate. Roman Anthony appears uncertain at times, often caught in between at the plate. Aroldis Chapman has been human, as opposed to otherworldly.
In short, here is the entire list of players who have met or exceeded expectations to date: Willson Contreras, Wilyer Abreu, Masataka Yoshida, Connor Wong and Connelly Early.
End of list.
It’s early still, of course. We’re not even to Patriots Day, never mind Memorial Day, the customary calendar marker to first evaluate teams. The Red Sox may well figure things out and play to their capability, and the first few weeks will soon become a distant memory, a short hiccup to start an otherwise successful season.
But the longer it takes, the more it makes you wonder: What if this is it? What if, despite the investment and promises, this is who they are?
And if that’s the case, then what?
∗ Regarding the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini mess: I don’t know for certain the nature of their relationship and neither do you. But a few things have been made clear.
First, Russini has suffered far more from the fallout of their time together in Arizona, and while some of that is due to the journalistic ethics she clearly fumbled, a part of it also reeks of a double standard, with a dash of misogyny thrown in.
Even in a fast-changing media landscape, some journalistic standards have to be upheld. Sadly, there are no such ethical standards within the coaching fraternity, allowing Vrabel to skate. While Russini was apparently pressured into resigning, there are no such calls for Vrabel to lose his position.
But by attempting to hide out with no additional comment or explanation until the storm passes, Vrabel has, at the very least, come off as cowardly. Further, his past championing of female journalists, promoted by the likes of ESPN and other legacy media, now rings hollow.
Russini, meanwhile, through her unprofessional behavior, has sullied the reputations of all female sports journalists, who already have to overcome ignorant assumptions about their motivation for being in the business in the first place.
∗ The Bruins, who get their postseason underway Sunday, are already playing with house money. No one (raises hand meekly) expected this kind of one-season turnaround and return to the playoffs. That seemed out of the question at the start of the year, especially when you consider the long rebuilds experienced by Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago and others.
GM Don Sweeney made shrewd trades last deadline and smart free agent additions last summer, and now has the franchise pointed in the right direction far sooner than anyone could have forecast.
I like Buffalo in seven games in this series — not because there’s a huge talent gap, but because the Bruins have been a poor road team and the atmosphere in Buffalo is going to be bedlam for a visiting team.
∗ The Celtics should have a far easier time of it in their first round series with Philadelphia. The Celts were already massive favorites and the unavailability of Joel Embiid represents one more hurdle for the Sixers.
Anything longer than five games means something’s gone wrong.
∗ I find it hard to believe there’s another RSN (regional sports network) in the country that has more technical issues than NESN. Not a week goes by without one of its telecasts being interrupted by one glitch or another.
∗ Baseball’s better when Mike Trout is healthy and playing like his younger self.
∗ As much as he doesn’t even want to talk about it, Joe Mazzulla should be Coach of the Year in the NBA.
∗ It’s hard not to think that the Los Angeles Angels are somehow a cursed franchise. The number of accidental (and early) deaths suffered by their players the last few decades is impossible to ignore. From Lyman Bostock to Donnie Moore to Nick Adenhart to Tyler Skaggs to, now, Garret Anderson, dead this week at 53, no team has weathered more tragedy.
∗ On one hand, MLB owners must be thrilled that the San Diego Padres, a franchise designated as a small market team, were able to fetch almost $4 billion when they were sold this past week. On the other, it kind of shoots a sizable hole in their claims that the game needs a salary cap as CBA negotiations get ready to start.
∗ The NFL draft lacks a certain buzz this year, with most experts categorizing the class of players the weakest in years. Or is that because the Patriots, for the first time in a few years, aren’t picking in the Top 10?
∗ My first round winners in the Stanley Cup playoffs: Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Carolina and Philadelphia in the East. In the West: Colorado, Minnesota, Edmonton and Las Vegas. But what do I know?
∗ A few episodes in, DTF St. Louis on HBO Max is plenty dark, but engrossing.
Apr 19, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (23) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
After a dominant win in Game 1, the Atlanta Braves did just enough in Games 2 and 3 to extend their winning streak to five games.
Oh, and sweep the Philadelphia Phillies for the first time at Citizens Bank Park since September 2016.
In a battle of the best and worst run differentials in the league, the Braves outscored the Phillies 16-3 this series.
Tonight began with an inauspicious start for Grant Holmes. A Trea Turner single and then a Kyle Schwarber bomb made it 2-0 in a hurry, doubling the amount of Philly’s runs so far in the series. He’d work around a Harper walk but otherwise emerge unscathed.
The Braves tried to respond in the top of the second inning, where Austin Riley and Dom Smith reached via a HBP and a single, respectively. Ozzie Albies won an ABS challenge on a called strike miles above the zone, but struck out. Mike Yastrzemski laced a ball to right but into the glove of Adolis García, and Mauricio Dubón had a valiant 10-pitch at bat that ended with an ABS-assisted strikeout.
Holmes settled down to set down the bottom of the Phillies order in the bottom of the second.
The Braves would cut the lead in half via the paternal pop of Michael Harris II, hitting his fourth home run of the year 102 miles per hour to right field. The lineup card turned over, and nothing came from our big boppers.
Good news and bad news for Holmes in the bottom of the third – he finally did not walk Harper (yay), but he did allow a single (not yay). But that would be the only damage done.
It looked like the Braves were cooking up something in the top of the fourth after Austin grounded out to start the inning. An Ozzie walk and Yaz double with Dom Smith up? You could feel CJ Nitkowski gearing up for a Moment. But it wasn’t to be – Dom’s pop out to short and Dubon’s flyout to center left them stranded.
Grant was groovin’ in the bottom half of the fourth, only needing eight pitches to set down Marsh, Bohm, and Stott.
Michael collected another knock to lead off the top of the fifth, prompting a mound visit and Tim Mayza loosening in the Phillies bullpen. Painter’s 84th pitch of the night would be smoked 104 mph for a single by Ronald Acuña Jr. Rob Thomson, not wanting to take any more chances this third time through, lifted his rookie in favor of the lefty Mayza. Drake Baldwin won a challenge as a batter (!) and reached on a walk, loading the bases for Matt Olson.
What ensues is a kind of inning that only happens TO us, never in our favor. But there’s a first time for everything~
Matt tied things up 2-2, reaching on the forceout at second. Austin then drove in another on an infield single. Ozzie followed up with a double to make it 4-2. The rally would die there, with Yaz and Dom were both caught looking for strike three.
Grant recorded two more outs before departing with Turner at first. His final line was 4.2 innings, four hits, one walk, and four strikeouts, all on 81 pitches. The one real piece of damage was the Schwarber 2-run homer in the first inning. But all things considered, it was encouraging to see Grant really settle down after the first for a solid outing.
Speaking of Schwarber, Aaron Bummer immediately harshed the vibes by allowing a double to Adolis García. But thankfully, he followed it up with quickly getting Harper 0-2 and inducing a groundout.
Michael’s very nice night continued with a single off of new reliever Chase Shugart, making him 3-3. After a Ronald walk, Mike advanced to third on a Drake flyout but neither would come home to score after Kyle Backhus struck out Matt.
Tyler Kinley had some trouble finding the zone to start the bottom of the sixth, walking García, and hitting Bohm. But he would lock back in to escape the jam. Backhaus, Kerkering, and Johnson threw up zeroes, but so did Dylan Lee and Robert Suarez. The only thing of note would be Michael working a walk (!).
Raisel Iglesias entered the bottom of the ninth in his most favorite of situations: one of the save variety. A two run lead facing the bottom of the order? Not dramatic enough, he felt. After a Stott double and Marchán flyout, he would walk nine-hole hitter Crawford to bring us back to the top of the order. Turner struck out to bring Kyle Schwarber to the plate representing the go-ahead run. He would connect with an Iggy changeup to send it rocketing 103 mph… into Ronald’s glove in a spectacular running grab. How sweep it is.
We’ll see the Phils again on Friday as we kick off our next homestand. But tonight, the Braves will have a happy flight to DC.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) celebrates with guard Brandon Williams (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)
Will a historic season end with hardware for Cooper Flagg?
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft is joined on the ballot by former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe. The Charlotte Hornets' guard is expected to be Flagg's primary challenger after leading the NBA in 3-pointers made with 273.
The three finalists for the 2025-26 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award:
The NBA announced it's complete list of awards finalists on Thursday, as well as dates for the first wave of reveals. The Defensive Player of the Year and the Sixth Man Award will be announced this week, among others. The Rookie of the Year is expected to be revealed in late April or early May during playoff coverage.
The Primera Liga wraps up its tenth round with major movement in the standings, especially at the top, where Deportes Limache has taken the lead.
Colo Colo suffered a terrible collapse against Palestino, and the defeat proved costly in the standings, as Huachipato’s 3-2 win over Audax Italiano dropped them to third place.
If the competition ended today, Limache and Huachipato would qualify for the Libertadores, El Cacique would play in the qualifying round for the Cup, while U Católica, Ñublense, and O'Higgins would be in the Copa Sudamericana.
Meanwhile, U La Calera and Concepción would be relegated.
After a lackluster Night 1, Night 2 of WrestleMania 42 delivered. That's especially true of the main event, where Roman Reigns beat CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
The match was Reigns’ best WrestleMania match of his career. It was also a true moment for Punk, who, for years, fought for a main event spot. Both had the crowd, reserved through two nights, in the palm of their hands.
How did we grade the main event? Here is the full grade, reaction, and breakdown of what happened during the main event.
What happened in CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42 Night 2?
Punk and Reigns gave it their all from the jump. Punk tried to get into Reigns’ head, while Reigns attempted to show Punk why he was “the man” while Punk was away from WWE. They both had moments of greatness throughout.
They talked trash, from the opening bell to the finishing sequence. Reigns was telling Punk how he was the best. Maybe he was trying to convince himself of that?
Regardless, the actual action was what mattered.
Punk landed the GTS, a Spear, locked in the Anaconda Vice, and even connected with a Superman Punch. Reigns hit the Superman Punch, a Shield Bomb through a table, and a Guillotine. He even tried the GTS.
A cool moment saw Reigns land multiple Superman Punches while Punk was draped on the apron, outside the ring.
Punk wore the Ula Fala to mock Reigns. They traded submission attempts and got a standing ovation after collapsing. It wouldn’t be the first time Punk did that, as he did so before he could land a definitive GTS to Reigns.
Punk hit a low blow after distracting Reigns and the referee, which was unexpected. He then put Reigns through the announce table with an elbow. As he went for the final GTS, Punk collapsed, and Reigns hit multiple Spears for the win.
Grade: A+
Why CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns earned this WrestleMania 42 main event grade
The match had a great flow to it from start to finish. Roman Reigns surprisingly had a quick entrance. Meanwhile, CM Punk came out to "Miseria Cantare," setting the tone early.
Unlike Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton, there was no interference or moments to pause in the match. Every move, every emotion shown made sense. Punk and Reigns were there to beat one another up for a title and respect.
It was a real fight. Nothing felt forced. Reigns let out his hatred of Punk, while the latter did everything to prove that, despite being older and leaving WWE years ago, he can still hang.
If you let the wrestlers wrestle, magic happens. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns was all you could ask for in a WrestleMania match.
Juventus hold talks with Barcelona star as summer departure nears
Barcelona have a number of situations to resolve in the lead-up to this summer’s transfer window, and one of those involves Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker is out of contract in June, and while he has been offered the chance to extend his stay at the Spotify Camp Nou, it is far from certain that he does so.
The offer to Lewandowski includes a significant pay cut, which places his Barcelona future in doubt. It is not clear a this stage whether he is prepared to give up so much money to continue in Catalonia, and this uncertainty could now be taken advantage of by a whole host of clubs that are also chasing the 37-year-old’s signature.
One of them is Juventus, who are looking to sign a new striker as cover for the expected departure of Dusan Vlahovic. Sport have revealed that the Serie A giants have already held talks with Lewandowski’s representatives, as they seek to put forward their idea to sign him as a free agent.
Juventus see Lewandowski as giving them a significant upgrade in quality in the striker department. They believe that an agreement can be struck with the veteran number nine, especially if they can manage to offer a better financial package than the one already tabled by Barcelona.
Milan also vying to sign Lewandowski
Lewandowski’s representatives, headed up by Pini Zahavi, have also spoken to Milan in recent weeks, with the Rossoneri also keen on adding him to their squad for next season. They are also on the hunt for a new striker, and they are prepared to go head-to-head with Juventus in order to secure his signature.
It will be interesting to see how Lewandowski’s situation plays out over the coming weeks. At this stage, he’s more out than in at Barcelona, which presents an opportunity that Juventus or Milan will hope to take.
BLACKSBURG, VA - APRIL 18: A paratrooper crashed after high winds blew him into the jumbotron prior to the Virginia Tech spring football game on April 18, 2026, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — A skydiver crashed into the Lane Stadium scoreboard before Virginia Tech’s spring football game Saturday.
Virginia Tech officials said on X that the skydiver “was safely secured and is currently stable” following rescue efforts. The incident caused a delay in the start of the spring game.
The name of the skydiver wasn’t released.
“Our primary focus remains on their well-being,” Virginia Tech officials said in a statement. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders, event staff, and medical personnel for their swift, coordinated and professional response.”
Virginia Tech later put out a statement on X saying that the “quick actions” of first responders had “safely returned today’s parachuter to the ground without injury.”
Video footage showed the skydiver’s parachute landing between the “C” and the “H” on the Virginia Tech lettering on top of the scoreboard before first responders rescued him.
The Blacksburg Fire Department didn’t immediately respond to a voicemail seeking details on the incident.
WWE wrestler Roman Reigns enters the Stadium ahead of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against CM Punk during WrestleMania 42 on Sunday April 19, 2026 at Allegiant Stadium.
LAS VEGAS -- It would have been hard to imagine a WWE Universe without Roman Reigns.
Fortunately for The Tribal Chief and his legions of adoring fans, he lived to see another day in the industry by defeating CM Punk in an instant classic main event at WrestleMania 42. Reigns secured the win after a 23-minute long battle in which he himself was nearly finished several times, landing his signature spear on a bloodied and battered Punk to regain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and more importantly salvage his career.
Every so often, there are moments in time in sports and entertainment where you just know you’re watching something that you’ll remember for life. WrestleMania has had a handful of those moments over the years, and Sunday’s bout between Reigns and Punk stands among some of the greatest. Even in defeat, Punk exhibited the exact kind of effort and put on the exact kind of performance that made him one of the most captivating wrestlers in history to begin with.
And what can you say about Reigns? Year after year, time and time again, he proves he’s not just the biggest star in the modern WWE but is among the pantheon of the greatest wrestling stars in history. For all the criticism his lengthy reigns received over the years, it’s been almost a guarantee throughout the last half-decade plus that he would register a classic on the biggest stage. With a worker as notorious as Punk on the other side, it was all but a guarantee that Sunday’s match would live up to the billing. And boy, did it ever.
Reigns entered the ring first, putting forth a powerful display as his usual theme song blared while photos of his great Anoa’i ancestors graced the screen. It was a poignant way for Reigns to walk into his record 11th WrestleMania main event, although there were no noticeable emotions from the always stoic Tribal Chief as he emerged to represent his legendary family in yet another war.
Punk’s entrance was a captivating tribute to his entire pro wrestling career, from his groundbreaking stint with Ring Of Honor to Sunday’s WrestleMania main event. A photo montage of Punk’s greatest hits played over his original ROH theme song, Miseria Cantare by AFI, before he emerged from the tunnel to silence. Punk stared at the monstrous crowd for a few moments, announcing that it was “Clobbering Time!” before the opening notes of his more known theme song, Cult Of Personality by Living Color, blared throughout Allegiant Stadium.
Ripley is champion again
Rhea Ripley beat Jade Cargill by pinfall to win the WWE Women’s World Championship, thanks to a timely interference from her good friend Iyo Sky. Moments after Sky rendered Cargill’s ringside cohorts useless, Ripley attempted to land a Riptide on Cargill but Cargill promptly denied it and landed a boot to Ripley’s head in return.
With Cargill holding Ripley's arms behind her back while positioning another slam, Ripley maneuvered between Cargill’s legs and ended up in perfect position for another attempt at a Riptide. This time, the 29-year-old Aussie landed it successfully and three seconds later she was a two-time holder of the most prestigious belt in the history of women’s wrestling.
Ripley's win was among the most popular of the weekend, earning a raucous cheer from a Las Vegas crowd that has showed her plenty of adoration in her stops here throughout the years. With the win, Ripley is now a six-time champion under the WWE/NXT umbrella.
A star is born, a legend departs
Night Two kicked off with one of the most anticipated matches of the weekend, as rising star Oba Femi defeated the legendary Brock Lesnar by pinfall at 4:42. Lesnar dominated the majority of the short-lived match and even hit an F5, but Femi reversed momentum sharply by landing a chokeslam before effectively ending the match with a powerbomb.
Following the match, the 48-year-old Lesnar emotionally took off his boots and placed them in the center of the ring to signify his retirement from an industry in which he gave so much. Lesnar bid a tearful farewell to the WWE faithful present at Allegiant Stadium and those watching throughout the globe, gratefully pounding the canvas with his fists before sharing a hug with his right hand man Paul Heyman.
While wrestling fans and Lesnar have had a turbulent relationship with each other over the years, the mutual love and respect that underlaid it couldn’t have been any more apparent and further, the moment between Lesnar and the fans couldn’t have been any more genuine. Lesnar’s retirement was seen by a national television audience in the United States, as the first hour of the WrestleMania aired on ESPN’s flagship channel during prime Sunday hours.
Although Lesnar’s career was certainly in the ninth inning and was likely going to come to an end at some point this year, his decision to retire at WrestleMania in Las Vegas instead of at SummerSlam in his hometown of Minneapolis was certainly a shock to the system. According to BodySlam, Lesnar personally selected Femi as the opponent he wanted to face and put over in his retirement match. Given how the crowd reacted to Femi's entrance and his eventual win over "The Beast Incarnate", it's clear the WWE put the rocket on the right man's back.
Other Results
"The Demon" Finn Balor predictably defeated Dominik Mysterio in a street fight, although Dirty Dom did put up far more of a fight than many would have expected. Mysterio successfully landed a 619 chair kick to the head and parlayed that with a frog splash, but even that wasn't enough to kill The Demon. Soon after, Mysterio was laid out onto a table when an airborne Demon landed a stomp off the ringpost, breaking the table and Dirty Dom's remaining will all at once. The pinfall followed shortly after.
Columbia, South Carolina’s own Trick Williams earned his first WWE title with a hard-fought victory over Sami Zayn, finishing the match with a signature “Trick Shot” that incapacitated Zayn and allowed for the pinfall. Williams was accompanied throughout the match by hip-hop superstar Lil Yachty, who took a bump from Zayn but returned the favor with a cheap shot later in the match that ultimately proved vital.
Penta emerged victorious over Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Je’Von Evans, JD McDonagh and Rusev in a high-flying six-pack ladder match that got unanimously rave reviews from both the crowd in attendance and the critics online. The 51-year-old Mysterio especially impressed in the match and looked every bit like he belonged in the ring against his much younger opponents.
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Darian Mensah played a big role in helping Miami make a run to the College Football Playoff national championship game last season.
The Hurricanes’ new quarterback is hoping to do the same this season.
If Mensah and Duke, his now-former school, hadn’t beaten Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game last December then it’s likely that the Hurricanes wouldn’t have had a shot at getting into the CFP field. But Duke got that win to help Miami get its at-large berth, and the Hurricanes won again when Mensah — maybe the most-coveted quarterback in the transfer portal this past winter — picked Coral Gables as his next home.
“Duke had a lot of great players, don’t get me wrong,” Mensah said. “I think that if I had to say anything about the two different types of people, I think the people here are just special people off the field, which makes them so much easier to work with on the field as well. So, it’s just a good feeling to be around a good group of guys.”
He’ll make his spring game debut with Miami on Saturday.
“A complete professional,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of Mensah. “Has ownership of the system, great command, personality, arm talent, escapability, pocket presence. Accurate, knowledge and a great energy about him as well.”
Mensah — whose mother came with him to Miami, something he said that has helped him get comfortable in new surroundings — is with his third team in as many years. He threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns for Tulane in 2024, then had 3,973 passing yards and 34 touchdowns — both best in the ACC — for Duke while leading the Blue Devils to a surprise conference title last season.
He’ll be the main attraction at the spring game.
“I’m going to go out there and try to put on a show,” Mensah said. “Just take what the defense gives me, and go out and have a bunch of fun with my guys.”
And the Hurricanes are hoping he can keep their run of portal-quarterback success going.
Miami has hit home runs in the past two seasons by going the transfer route, first with Cam Ward — who played his way into becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft — leading the Hurricanes to a 10-win season in 2024, then last season with Carson Beck guiding the team to its first national championship game in nearly a quarter-century before losing to Indiana.
Mensah said he’s already forged a relationship with Cristobal, who he raves about, and said seeing what offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal have done also convinced him that Miami is right for him.
“Seeing what Dawson could do with those last two quarterbacks was super encouraging,” Mensah said. “And making the national championship last year was obviously another encouraging sign. But I think the biggest thing was how physical they are up front. I think Coach Mirabal is one of the best in the country. And so, I wanted to come and play behind a line like that.”
Miami opens the 2026 season at Stanford on Sept. 4.
GREENVILLE (Greenville Drive) — The Greenville Drive erased a one-run deficit with two runs in the eighth inning Sunday afternoon, beating the Bowling Green Hot Rods 4-3 at Fluor Field at the West End to secure a split of the six-game series.
Greenville (6-9) won its third straight game and closed the homestand on a high note after dropping the first three games of the series. Bowling Green fell to 9-6.
The Drive jumped in front early with a two-out rally in the second. Mason White started it with a ground-rule double to right, and Isaiah Jackson followed by drawing a walk. After Freili Encarnacion was hit by a pitch to load the bases and Natanael Yuten struck out, Justin Gonzales delivered the big hit, lining a single up the middle to bring home White and Jackson for a 2-0 Greenville lead.
That edge held through four innings behind right-hander Marcus Phillips, who turned in one of his sharper outings of the young season. Phillips struck out seven over 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and one walk. He worked around traffic in the first, second and third innings and left with Greenville still in control after recording two outs in the fourth.
Bowling Green finally broke through in the fifth against reliever Austin Ehrlicher. Jose Perez opened the inning with a single, and Émilien Pitre followed with a walk. After Nathan Flewelling flied out to center, Narciso Polanco was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Tony Santa Maria then shot a two-run single up the middle to score Perez and Pitre, tying the game at 2-all. Moments later, Santa Maria stole second and Polanco stole home on the same sequence, giving the Hot Rods a 3-2 lead.
That swing of momentum threatened to send Greenville toward another tight loss, but the Drive bullpen stabilized the game from there. Calvin Bickerstaff was excellent in relief, holding Bowling Green scoreless over 3 1/3 innings. He allowed three hits, walked two and struck out two, stranding runners in the seventh and eighth to keep the deficit at one.
Bowling Green’s bullpen matched that work for much of the afternoon. After starter Anderson Brito was chased in the second, Kaleb Corbett and Cade Citelli combined to keep Greenville off the board through the middle innings. Citelli worked around a hit batter and a throwing error, and Jonathan Russell recorded a quick seventh before the Hot Rods turned to Jacob Kmatz in the eighth.
That was when Greenville finally answered.
Jack Winnay opened the eighth with a walk, and White’s foul popout left the Drive down to two outs to work with. Jackson then lined a single to right-center, moving Winnay to third. Antonio Anderson followed with a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Winnay to tie the game at 3-3. Yuten came through immediately after, singling to center to plate Jackson and put Greenville back in front, 4-3.
The late rally completed a comeback that had seemed unlikely during a quiet stretch in which the Drive went scoreless from the third through the seventh innings.
Bickerstaff returned for the ninth and retired Pitre on a groundout before Flewelling drew a walk. That brought on P.J. Labriola, who got Polanco to ground out and then struck out Santa Maria swinging to end it and earn his first save.
Gonzales finished 2 for 5 with two RBIs, while White went 2 for 4 with a double and scored once. Jackson also scored twice and reached base twice, and Yuten delivered the game-winning RBI. Greenville totaled seven hits and went 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position.
Santa Maria drove in two of Bowling Green’s three runs, and the Hot Rods managed seven hits of their own, but they went just 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base.
The win gave Greenville its second series split of the season and capped a dramatic turnaround after the Drive had fallen behind three games to none earlier in the week.
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Michael Harris II homered and had three hits as the streaking Atlanta Braves defeated the slumping Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 on Sunday night to complete a three-game sweep of their NL East rivals.
Ozzie Albies hit an RBI double and Austin Riley also drove in a run for the Braves, who have won five in a row and nine of 11. It was Atlanta's first series sweep of at least three games at Philadelphia in 10 years.
Kyle Schwarber went deep for the Phillies, who have lost five straight and 10 of 13. They were outscored 56-33 on a 2-7 homestand against the Diamondbacks, Cubs and Braves, leaving Philadelphia 6 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the division standings.
Raisel Iglesias escaped trouble in the ninth inning for his fifth save. Philadelphia put runners on first and second with one out, but Trea Turner struck out and Schwarber lined out to right field on an excellent running catch by Ronald Acuña Jr.
Tyler Kinley (3-0) pitched a scoreless sixth for the win.
Schwarber’s two-run shot in the first gave Philadelphia a 2-0 lead.
Harris homered leading off the third before the Braves went ahead in the fifth with three runs against rookie starter Andrew Painter (1-1) and lefty reliever Tim Mayza.
Painter was lifted after he opened the inning by allowing singles to Harris and Acuña. Mayza loaded the bases with a walk, and the Braves tied the game on Matt Olson’s groundout. Riley’s dribbler to third went for an RBI infield single, and Albies’ double to the left-field wall made it 4-2.
Riley saved at least one run while ending a Philadelphia threat in the bottom of the fifth with a stellar defensive play at third base.
Braves starter Grant Holmes allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings.
On a chilly night, Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto sat out after leaving Saturday’s game with lower back tightness.
Up next
Braves: Begin a four-game series Monday night at Washington. RHP Bryce Elder (2-1, 0.77 ERA) opposes Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (1-2, 6.16).
Phillies: Open seven-game trip Monday night with the first of four games against the Cubs. RHP Aaron Nola (1-4, 4.03 ERA) faces Chicago RHP Colin Rea (2-0, 3.63).
IndyCar’s Palou Wins for Third Time in Five RacesTravis Hinkle
It was a small, U-shaped piece of carbon fiber, a piece not much bigger than a man’s fist, that fell from someone’s race car on Lap 57 of Sunday’s iconic 90-lap NTT IndyCar Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
That brought out the pivotal caution period and triggered a flurry of activity on pit road that saw second-place-running Alex Palou pounce on the opportunity to beat polesitter and race dominator Felix Rosenqvist back onto the track.
Palou was on cruise control after that, fending off Meyer Shank Racing’s Rosenqvist to claim his first victory on the 11-turn, 1.968-mile temporary Southern California street course but his third out of five series events in hand.
Scott Dixon, Palou’s Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) teammate and two-time Long Beach winner (2015, 2024), was third for the third time here, recording his first podium finish of the season.
“It’s huge,” Palou said of his 22nd overall victory in 103 starts (which ties him with Emerson Fittipaldi and Tony Bettenhausen on the all-time list) and CGR its 148th. “It was that yellow. It was that pit stop.”
Chris Owens
Earlier in the weekend, Alexander Rossi—a back-to-back winner from the pole in 2018-19—had said that one thing surprised him so far this year: that Palou had only two victories. Palou asked if Rossi was serious when he said that. Told absolutely yes, Palou downplayed that and said Rossi “has still got 14 more chances. The guy goes into every week being able to win.”
Then he said Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood, from who he grabbed the points lead Sunday, “was already at this space last year. He’s not suddenly closer. He was already saying hello last year. So I feel everybody’s close.” But just when Rosenqvist threatened to insert himself and Meyer Shank Racing into the title conversation, after 177.12 miles and 51 laps led, he simply was the latest to have Palou disappoint him.
Rosenqvist said afterward, “Little bit of a bittersweet race. I’m not sure why we lost a little bit in the stop. But Alex is obviously going to be 10 out of 10 every stop. So I don’t necessarily feel ours was slow. Anyway, that’s how it goes. At the end of the day, we’re going to celebrate this P2—lots of points, podium. That’s where I want to be. I had a really good race, particularly on the reds. The first two stints we seemed to make them last while keeping good pace. I don’t think we necessarily had a bad stop, maybe Alex just had a faster stop with an easy out. Tough start to the year. I wanted to come here and bounce back. But of course, I’m happy with a podium. Great job by the whole crew and hope we can take that momentum into May.”
Still, Palou has insisted, “I think it’s tough to win. It’s so tough to win. I’ve been winning two races out of four—50 percent. I think it’s pretty cool. I’m happy with that. There’s been years where I’ve won no races or won a race or two and you win the championships. So winning two already, it’s great.”
Now he has won three of the past five trophies and since the start of last season, he has won 11 of 22—50 percent again. And since 2021, he has finished on the podium 52.2 percent of the time.
Perhaps his secret is that he never believes he is running roughshod over the competition. He said before Friday’s practice that he thinks a strong number of his rivals have closed the gap. “I mean, it’s everybody. It’s not one person,” he said.
Travis Hinkle
“We’re working hard to try and just to be to the level of being able to win every race, but that is not a reality. And it’s still a work in progress. We’re behind. We’re behind on everything, because it’s taken us a while to kind of get into the development where it had to have been. But I know we’re all working hard. Days have been long. The analysis has been very in depth of where we’ve gone wrong, when we have. And for us, really it’s just trying to minimize damage when it’s bad. And I think the next step after we do that, then it’s like, ‘Okay, how can we win every single race?’”
That obsession has earned him four series championships, an Indianapolis 500 victory he’s about to try to repeat next month, and finally an Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach triumph.
Palou said the feeling Sunday is “incredible. Feel so, so lucky with the opportunity I had to win the 500 last year, the Long Beach GP this year. It just feels like I'm living on this amazing cloud of happiness.”
Rosenqvist, the fifth polesitter in as many races, was seeking to become the third to win here from the pole position (after Rossi in 2018-19 and Kirkwood in 2023 and 2025). He came 4.198 seconds short Sunday.
Five of Kirkwood’s career six victories have come on street courses—including this one at Long Beach—but he heads to the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the May 9 Sonsio Grand Prix with a chance to extend that and erase Palou’s 17-point advantage in the standings with the marquee Indianapolis 500 looming May 24. He was fourth and Pato O’Ward fifth.
Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel started 25th (last) on the grid and moved up to 14th by Lap 70 and 12th by the checkered flag to become the so-called “biggest mover” of the race.
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA - JULY 07: Michelle Wie West of the United States reacts after making her long putt for par on the 18th green during the second round of the 78th U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on July 07, 2023 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Michelle Wie West, former child prodigy, now 36 years old and retired for the last three years, announced that she will be making her return to competitive golf for two upcoming events.
Wie West, who retired after the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, made an announcement last month that she will be playing in the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in early June. This will be the final year that Wie West has an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Open. She received a 10-year exemption for her 2014 victory at Pinehurst No. 2, which was then extended two more years for maternity leave.
This past Tuesday, she announced that she will be playing in a second event as well, when she tees it up in the Mizuho Americas Open next month in New Jersey. Wie West is the host of the event and will be playing on a sponsors exemption.
Wie West said she has been trying to practice as much as possible at her home in Las Vegas while juggling motherhood. “I’ve been practicing really hard and working out every chance I get,” Wie West said. “Now I have two kids, so there’s a lot of juggling going around. I’m just trying to squeeze in as much as I can. Practice looks very different now then it did when I was playing full time and was single and had no kids. I’m learning to do it a lot smarter. To do it with more quality than quantity.”
She held firm that this is not a comeback attempt while speaking at a media event for the Mizuho Americas Open on Tuesday. “For me personally, knowing that this is not, like, a comeback by any means, it’s not, like, a beginning of something else,” she said. “Because I know it’s so finite, that I just really want to go out there and just two more times, play like how I know I can play, and how I feel like I can play.”
RANCHO MIRAGE, CA - MARCH 30: Michelle Wie of the United States plays her tee shot on the par 4, third hole during the first round of the 2017 ANA Inspiration held on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at the Mission Hills Country Club on March 30, 2017 in Rancho Mirage, California. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
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Wie West has won five times on the LPGA Tour, including the lone major at Pinehurst in the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open. She played her first professional event at the age of 13 and retired from professional golf in 2018.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and a local McDonald’s restaurant donated nearly $90,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown.
Malkin’s $43,310 contribution was part of his 2025-26 “I’m Score for Kids” initiative. He committed to donating $710 per each regular-season point scored (61).
Local McDonald’s restaurants matched Malkin’s donation, bringing the total to $86,620.
Malkin and McDonald’s have donated $370,620 to RMHC of Pittsburgh and Morgantown over the past four seasons.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued commitment and generosity shown through this special initiative. Having this support brings comfort and reassurance to families who are facing a difficult medical journey,” said Eleanor Reigel, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown.
RMHC provides housing for families of sick children while they are receiving treatment. The Pittsburgh and Morgantown charities served 822 families with 21,059 nights of stay in 2025.
Jardine breaks silence on his América future, hits out at press
André Jardine spoke to the press after América’s important win against Toluca and the rumors about his departure amid the team’s rough patch at El Nido.
The América coach was emphatic and said he remained calm after the Concacaf Champions Cup elimination.
"I understand the work of the press at times like this, and of the YouTubers who produce content, and how this club generates interest. I tried to focus on what I had to do. I cleared my head, which was difficult because of how much the Concachampions meant to us."
"It became clear to me how much the boss trusts us and how aware he is of our ability. Afterwards, we had a meeting with the players and my feeling was the best possible. I feel supported by both sides and by the fans," he said.
In addition, Jardine highlighted that the players are beginning to adapt and that América is still in the fight for the Clausura 2026 title.
"I remain very committed to our objectives, to the institution, and to the ability we have to turn this tournament around, also with the feeling that we are going through an important restructuring. We feel that in this tournament we can give the institution one more joy," he said.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is coming off the best season of his career and while it didn't result in his first All-Star appearance, everyone around the league recognized his impact. Porter, Brooklyn's leading scorer from the 2025-26 season, is eligible for a contract extension and there is a chance that the Nets could pay him his maximum extension while "saving" money.
"Porter is set to make $40.8 million this season. He has eight years of service, making his max for next season $49.5 million. Because they’ll have cap space, Brooklyn can use some of that to bring Porter’s contract up to that max of $49.5 million for next season through a renegotiation-and-extension," Keith Smith wrote for Spotrac. Porter has one year left on his contract and he'll likely be looking for the most money he can get at this stage of his career.
"Do you like Michael Porter Jr. a lot more as a player who makes $30 to $33 million per year than nearly $50 million? You probably do, right? This is where the Nets can use the renegotiation-and-extension rules in their favor," Smith continued. "In a renegotiation-and-extension, teams can use cap space to bring a player up to their individual max salary in the remaining years on their current deal. Then, in the first year of an extension, the salary can drop by as much as 40% from the prior year."
Essentially, if the Nets wanted to entice Porter to stick around, he's already said that he wants to stay in Brooklyn and be a part of the rebuild, they could offer him this contract arrangement. Porter, 27, is heading into the last year of a five-year, $179,299,750 ($35.8 million per year) million contract and it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that he would want his next contract to be worth more on an annual basis.
For the sake of conversation, if the Nets wanted to ensure that Porter wouldn't be paid more than $33 million per year on his extension, they could add on $8.7 million to the extension to max him out for the 2026-27 campaign. Either way, there is plenty for general manager Sean Marks to figure out over the course of this offseason, but if he wants to make sure Porter is in a Nets jersey next season, there could be a way to do it where both sides are happy.
Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek assistant GM Brian Stark 2026 NFL Draft wide receiver Raiders YouTube Channel
The Las Vegas Raiders need a wide receiver desperately, but they may have reservations about taking one in the second or third round because of last offseason.
When you look at the top-30 visits the Las Vegas Raiders have done, it's clear they are very interested in a few of the wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's also clear that all of the WRs they are interested in seem to be somewhere in that second to fourth round range.
Pre-draft visits show team interest and can involve information gathering. The Raiders have met with Georgia State WR Ted Hurst, ECU WR Anthony Smith, Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion, Alabama WR Germie Bernard, Washington WR Denzel Boston, Louisville WR Chris Bell, Texas Tech WR Caleb Douglas, Georgia WR Zachariah Branch, and Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.-seven of whom are top-30 visits.
When you look at any fan-driven mock draft right now, most of them will have the Raiders taking a WR in Round 2 or 3. However, I'm just not sure that's what they will do. Is there a chance? Yes. But after creating a Horizontal Big Board, it feels to me like the Raiders may do it later on Day 2 or even Day 3 before RD 2.
#RaiderNation I just made my first ever Horizontal Big Board, which shows which other options might still be available in each round by each position based on the types of players they need at each position. Over 200 players on ranked horizontally. MORE: https://t.co/mPRbPwfSsKpic.twitter.com/jMFtQ5H5mK
Horizontal Big Board says the Raiders' best plan to get a WR is on Day 2
A Horizontal Big Board is vital for evaluating depth and alternatives at each position. For example, if a team passes on a cornerback in the second round, the board shows which options remain in later rounds. It also identifies which player types to target with each pick, enabling informed decisions at every stage for each position.
Tier
QB
RB
WR
TE
IOL
OT
DT
EDGE
LB
CB
S
# 1 overall pick
Fernando Mendoza
Trade back into the late first
Jordyn Tyson
Omar Cooper Jr.
Chase Bisontis
Monroe Freeling
Kadyn Proctor
Caleb Lomu
Blake Miller
Max Iheanachor
Kayden McDonald
Peter Woods
Colton Hood
Jermod McCoy
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Pick #36
Denzel Boston
KC Concepcion
Germie Bernard
Chris Bell
Emmanuel Pregnon
Keylan Rutledge
Caleb Tiernan
Christen Miller
Lee Hunter
Caleb Banks
R Mason Thomas
Cashius Howell
Jacob Rodriguez
Chris Johnson
Aveion Terrell
D'Angelo Ponds
AJ Haulcy
Keionte Scott
Treydan Stukes
Pick #67
Jadarian Price
Mike Washington
Emmett Johnson
Malachi Fields
De'Zhaun Stribling
Elijah Sarratt
Ted Hurst
Zach Branch
Bryce Lance
Chris Brazzell
Gennings Dunker
Jalen Farmer
Billy Schrauth
Markel Bell
Austin Barber
Domonique Orange
Chris McClellan
Darrell Jackson Jr.
Gracen Halton
Dani Dennis-Sutton
Derrick Moore
Jake Golday
Kyle Louis
Josiah Trotter
Brandon Cisse
Keith Abney
Malik Muhammad
Davison Igbinosun
Chandler Rivers
Bud Clark
Jalen Kilgore
Picks: 102, 117, 134 (4th RDs)
Kaytron Allen
Jonah Coleman
Demond Claiborne
Nick Singleton
Malik Benson
Jakobi Lane
Reggie Virgil
Skyler Bell
Febechi Nwaiwu
Logan Taylor
Kage Casey
Beau Stephens
Diego Pounds
Travis Burke
Jude Bowry
Tyler Onyedim
Albert Regis
Rayshaun Benny
Jaishawn Barham
LT Overton
Keyshaun Elliot
Bryce Boettcher
Daylen Everette
Tacario Davis
Devin Moore
Julian Neal
Genesis Smith
Kamari Ramsey
Jakobe Thomas
VJ Payne
#175 (5th RD)
Eli Heidenreich
Kaelon Black
Kevin Coleman
Jack Endries
Joe Royer
Dallen Bentley
Riley Nowakowski
Josh Cuevas
Michael Trigg
Kaegen Trost
Alex Harkey
Anez Cooper
Caden Barnett
Demetrius Crownover
Drew Shelton
Isaiah World
Kaleb Proctor
Cam Ball
Demonte Capehart
Caden Curry
Josh Josephs
Logan Fano
Anthony Lucas
Trey Moore
Aiden Fisher
Jack Kelly
Harold Perkins
Jadon Canady
Charles Demmings
Will Lee
Thaddeus Dixon
Robert Spears-Jennings
Picks: 185, 208 (6th RDs)
J'Marri Taylor
Jam Miller
Josh Cameron
J. Michael Sturdivant
Carsen Ryan
Tanner Koziol
Fernando Carmona
Jeremiah Wright
JC Davis
Enrique Cruz Jr.
Zane Durant
landon Robinson
Nadame Tucker
Kendal Daniels
Taurean York
Xavien Sorey
Deonte Lawson
Hezekiah Masses
Collin Wright
TJ Hall
Bishop Fitzgerald
Jalen Husky
Louis Moore
#219 (7th RD)
Roman Hemby
Chip Trayanum
Adam Randall
Rahsul Faison
Caleb Douglas
Jordan Hudson
Zavion Thomas
Barion Brown
Jaren Kanak
Lake McRee
John Michael-Gyllenborg
Armaj Reed-Adams
DJ Campbell
Jaeden Roberts
Aamil Wagner
Nolan Rucci
Tim Keenan
Damonic Williams
Skyler Gill-Howard
Dontay Corleone
Mikhail Kamara
Scooby Williams
Lander Barton
Eric Gentry
Wessley Bissainthe
Brent Austin
Ahmari Harvey
Marcus Allen
Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Skyler Thomas
Cole Wisniewski
UDFA
CJ Donaldson
Robert Henry Jr.
Jaydn Ott
Tyren Montgomery
Eric McCallister
Aaron Anderson
Romello Brinson
Miles Kitselman
Dan Villari
Evan Svoboda
Hayden Large
Dillon Wade
Micah Morris
Josh Braun
Sam Hagen
Riley Mahlman
Tristan Leigh
Gavin Ortega
James Neal
Micah Pettus
Zxavien Harris
Aaron Hall
Jalen Hunt
Stephen Daly
David Blay
Marvin Jones Jr.
Patrick Payton
Dasan McCullough
Bryan Thomas Jr.
Ethan Burke
West Weeks
Jack Dingle
Shad Banks
Jaedyn Lukus
Kolbey Taylor
Ayden Garnes
Ahmad Moses
Miles Scott
Jalen Stroman
Larry Worth
On my Horizontal Big Board that I built, you can see that there are many more options available in the third and fourth rounds than in the second. The second and fourth actually have the same number of guys projected to be there, but the second pick doesn’t feel like it should be a wide receiver when there are other positions and needs at hand.
Spytek drafted Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton in the second and fourth rounds, using significant draft capital. Returning to wide receiver early feels unlikely. We also lack clarity on Bech and Thornton's long-term value. Their rookie seasons were disappointing, but their second seasons could clarify future needs. They believe in those guys, so why would they take a WR in Round 2 again?
Based on everything we know at hand, it feels like the Raiders will likely be drafting a WR in the third or fourth rounds. Sure, this board doesn't mean anything, since guys can rise and fall, and teams have different evals and big boards than ours. However, it's clear they do still need to take a WR. Now, it's just about finding the right time.
Kalen DeBoer is the head coach. It’s his program now. His voice in the locker room. His system. His future to build.
But if you needed a reminder of why Alabama football is what it is today… all you had to do was watch what happened last night inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Because when Morgan Wallen brought out Nick Saban, that wasn’t just a cool moment.
Because you don’t get that kind of reaction unless you changed something.
And Nick Saban didn’t just change Alabama football, he rebuilt it into the standard of the sport.
That’s the part people outside of Tuscaloosa will never fully understand.
This isn’t just about championships, even though there are plenty of those.
It’s about expectation.
It’s about culture.
It’s about walking into a stadium, a practice field, a locker room, and knowing there’s a standard that has already been set, and anything less isn’t accepted.
That’s what Saban built.
And that’s what DeBoer inherited.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about taking anything away from DeBoer.
Actually, it’s the opposite.
Because being the head coach at Alabama doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch.
It means you’re stepping into something that was built brick by brick, year after year, championship after championship, by a man who refused to let the standard slip.
That’s not pressure, that’s foundation.
That’s why Alabama football is still Alabama football, even in a new era.
And you could feel that last night.
Morgan Wallen had the stage. The lights. The music. The moment.
But the second Nick Saban walked out?
It shifted.
The energy changed.
The noise got louder.
Because deep down, every single person in that stadium knew exactly what they were looking at.
They were looking at the reason Alabama football became what it is.
And that doesn’t go away just because there’s a new head coach.
If anything, it makes the transition stronger.
Because now, DeBoer isn’t trying to build something from nothing, he’s building on top of greatness.
That’s a different kind of opportunity.
A different kind of responsibility.
A different kind of pressure.
And honestly? It’s why Alabama isn’t going anywhere.
The faces may change.
The voice on the headset may sound different.
But the identity?
That was defined a long time ago.
By Nick Saban.
So yeah, Morgan Wallen brought the crowd.
Kalen DeBoer leads the future.
But Alabama football?
That foundation, the reason it means what it means, the reason it feels the way it feels under those lights, that belongs to Saban.
MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 15, 2025: Michael Carico #9 of the Chicago Cubs bats during the seventh inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park on March 15, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Starter Connor Noland got blitzed early today. He allowed five runs in the bottom of the first inning and two more in the third. Noland’s final line was seven runs on six hits over three innings. Three of those hits were home runs. He walked three and struck out three.
I guess it’s only fair to say the wind was howling out to left at 17 miles per hour. Seemed like more than that.
Right fielder Kevin Alcántara crushed one 442 feet in the third inning with a man on for his eighth home run on the season. Alcántara went 2 for 3 with two walks.
In the fourth inning, first baseman Jonathon Long hit a solo home run, his second on the season. Long went 2 for 4 with a walk. He scored three times.
Third baseman Pedro Ramirez was 2 for 4 with a walk. He also scored three runs.
Shortstop Ben Cowles was 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. He drove in a run with a two-out single in the seventh.
Starter Tyler Schlaffer got through the first inning fine, but he was hammered for six runs in the second inning. Schlaffer was charged with six runs, four earned, on six hits over 1.2 innings. Schlaffer walked one and struck out two.
Right fielder Alex Ramirez went 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. He scored one run.
Center fielder Carter Trice was 2 for 5 with a double and one run scored.
Brooks Caple started and took the loss after giving up five runs in the second inning. His final line was five runs on four hits over three innings. He struck out five, walked two and hit one batter.
South Bend had three baserunners—Kane Kepley and Cameron Sisneros walked and Kade Snell was hit by a pitch
Starter Mason McGwire was terrific, allowing just one hit and one hit batsman over four scoreless innings. McGwire struck out five and walked no one.
Luis A. Reyes relieved McGwire in the fifth and almost coughed up a six-run lead. He gave up three runs while retiring only one batter before Hayden Frank relieved him with the bases loaded and only one out in the inning. Frank kept any inherited runners from scoring and went on the got the win after 3.2 innings without allowing a run. Frank surrenderd two hits, issued two walks and struck out five.
First baseman Michael Carico hit a two-run home run in the second inning. Carico went 1 for 2 with three walks.
Center fielder Alexey Lumpuy was 2 for 5. He scored once and drove in two.
Second baseman Ty Southisene went 2 for 4 with a double and a stolen base. Southisene scored three runs.
Some Mason McGwire highlights.
This McGwire is responsible for zero runs 👀@Cubs prospect Mason McGwire (son of Mark) lowers his ERA to 0.90 with 5 K's in four near-perfect frames for @Pelicanbaseball. pic.twitter.com/zbdcea3S2F
It's still more than a week until May, but Tyler Reddick already has racked up a fistful of wins.
The 23XI Racing hotshoe passed Kyle Larson in overtime to win the NASCAR Cup Series' AdventHealth 400 on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, for his fifth victory in nine races.
After Cody Ware spun while leader Denny Hamlin and second-place Reddick were coming to the white flag for the race's only caution for cause, the field pitted to set up a green-white-checker finish in overtime at Kansas Speedway.
From third, Larson charged past Hamlin on the restart to claim the lead. But second-place Reddick used his No. 45 Toyota to fly by Larson's No. 5 Chevrolet in Turn 1 after the white flag.
He held on to beat the Hendrick Motorsports driver by 0.118 seconds for his 13th career win and become the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to claim five of a season's first nine races.
Reddick also won for the fourth time in a row when being the polesitter — a run that began Feb. 22 in Atlanta and included victories at Circuit of The Americas and Darlington.
Reddick appeared doomed with a few laps left when he screamed over the radio that he was out of gas, which allowed Hamlin to make what appeared to be the winning pass for the lead.
However, Ware's spin sent the cars to pit road one last time.
"Just really blessed with the late caution," said Reddick, who led only 10 laps and spun a Toyota stablemate in overtime's frantic finish. "Not thrilled that I got Christopher Bell. … These late-race restarts get really crazy. Obviously, I had a run on the 5, and I was just shocked to get to his inside."
Larson's car would not turn in the corners.
"It all worked out great, but I was plowing in (Turns) 3 and 4," said Larson, the race's defending winner who became the track's all-time lap leader — he paced 78 of them — but had his winless streak stretch to 33 races. "Reddick was really good there (at the end)."
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin and Bubba Wallace completed the first five finishers.
A Toyota won for the sixth time in the past 11 races at the Midwest speedway.
Polesitter Reddick, Hamlin and Briscoe showed Toyota supremacy early with the first two drivers swapping the lead. Then Hamlin stormed away to a 1.25-second lead 15 circuits into the 267-lap race.
Hamlin lapped up to the 21st-place car — Todd Gilliland — as drivers such as Joey Logano, Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain all were put a lap down. Larson was able to pass Reddick, but Hamlin claimed the 80-lap Stage 1 over Larson followed by Reddick, Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell.
In the second segment, Larson began to assert himself. He immediately snatched the point from Hamlin and led until Lap 125 when he, Hamlin, Chase Elliott and Reddick pitted to split Stage 2's 85 laps.
The completion of the second stage also was rather tame. Larson claimed the segment followed by Hamlin, Reddick, Elliot and Bell as the only problems were drivers having minor setbacks with tires.
The only cautions through the first two stages were for stage-breaks, not incidents.
On Lap 175 shortly after the restart for the run to the race's end, Bell maneuvered by Hamlin for the lead. Wallace and Reddick rounded out a four-car Camry train with six of the top nine being Toyotas.
Running third to leader Bell and Reddick, Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Briscoe began the cycle of pits with 52 laps remaining to set up the finish while Reddick and Bell waited five more circuits for service.
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DENVER (AP) — Logan O’Connor scored for the first time in more than a year, Scott Wedgewood stopped 24 shots in his first Stanley Cup playoffs start and the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in Game 1 on Sunday.
O’Connor’s third-period tally was his first since Game 4 of a playoff series against Dallas on April 26. He missed most of this season with a hip injury. Artturi Lehkonen had a second-period goal for the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche.
Wedgewood got the nod in net over Mackenzie Blackwood after leading the league in goals-against average and save percentage. Wedgewood made four career playoff appearances in relief before Sunday’s start.
Game 2 is Tuesday night in Denver.
Artemi Panarin scored a power-play goal with 2:22 left to make it 2-1. Shortly after, forward Joel Armia was called for high-sticking and the Kings were unable to tie it up.
Anton Forsberg stopped 28 shots in his NHL postseason debut.
CANADIENS 4, LIGHTNING 3, OT
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Juraj Slafkovsky scored his third power-play goal 1:22 into overtime and Montreal beat Tampa Bay in Game 1 of their first-round series.
Slafkovsky fired a slap shot from the left circle that beat Andrei Vasilevskiy to the far side for the hat trick.
Game 2 is Tuesday night at Benchmark International Arena, where Tampa Bay has lost eight of its last nine home games in the postseason.
Josh Anderson also had a goal for Montreal and rookie goalie Jakub Dobes made 20 saves.
Brandon Hagel scored two goals and Darren Raddysh also scored for Tampa Bay.
SABRES 4, BRUINS 3
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Mattias Samuelson scored with 3:24 left and Buffalo overcame a two-goal deficit in the final eight minutes to beat Boston in the Sabres’ first playoff game in 15 years.
Tage Thompson scored goals 3:42 apart to tie it, and Alex Tuch sealed the victory by scoring into an empty net with 1:12 left in nearly blowing the roof off the arena.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 17 shots.
Buffalo hosts Game 2 of the first-round series Tuesday night.
The playoff win was Buffalo’s first at home — and first overall — since a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia in Game 4 of a first-round series April 20, 2011. The Sabres proceeded to lose the series in seven games. The Sabres won their first Atlantic Division this season and snapped an NHL-record 14-season playoff drought.
Detroit went into the postseason as the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference, openly talking about exceeding modest expectations and winning the franchise's fourth championship.
If the Pistons don't play better than they did in a 112-101 loss to Orlando on Sunday night in Game 1, they might get knocked out in the first round again.
“We’re sick about losing this one,” Cade Cunningham said after scoring a playoff career-high 39 points and not getting much help from his teammates. “It's a long series.”
Detroit, which has lost an NBA-record 11 straight home postseason games, hosts the Magic again on Wednesday night.
The Pistons have not won a home playoff game since 2008, which is also the last year they advanced in the playoffs.
They were sluggish early against the Magic and had a built-in excuse, playing for the first time in a week.
“We didn’t come out with the right energy,” Cunningham said.
They were flat early in the third quarter, too, and that's tougher to explain.
“We were chasing them all night,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We made some runs to get ourselves back in the ballgame.”
The Magic, meanwhile, looked ready to play just two nights after routing Charlotte in an elimination game to earn a spot in the playoffs.
“They’ve been off and we’ve found a little bit of a rhythm,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “That always plays a part in it.”
Detroit never had the lead.
Cunningham made a 3-pointer to pull the Pistons into a tie midway through the third quarter, but they wasted the opportunity by giving up 14 of the next 17 points and couldn't recover.
Detroit finished with a season-low 31 baskets, connecting on just 40% of its shots. Tobias Harris scored 17 points as the only double-digit scorer other than Cunningham, but he missed 10 of 15 shots.
All-Star Jalen Duren, who averaged nearly 20 points in the regular season, was limited to four shots and eight points.
“They packed the paint,” Bickerstaff said. “They’re going to put a bunch of bodies in the paint to try to make it difficult on him.”
The New England Patriots are putting the finishing touches on their preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft, which means it is time for us to start tossing some predictions out there in hopes to get at least a few right so we can brag about how smart we are over the coming months -- or something like that.
NESN gave us five tries at getting this thing right, with our stories dropping on March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13, and April 20. I'll set out new rules for each crack at it, with the final edition of our series coming under these restrictions: try to get the thing right.
Let's go!
2026 NFL Draft (Mock 5.0)
🚨 2026 MOCK DRAFT 5.0 🚨
I've fooled around a bit, but this is the one. The #Patriots look like they're going to take this approach to the 2026 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/coe5lsFLtt
TRADE! (ARI receives No. 31; NE receives No. 34, 104 and 183)
No. 34: OT Max Iheanachor (Arizona State) Iheanachor straddles the line between that of a first-round pick and a second-round pick, with positional value doing the majority of the heavy lifting.
The Patriots likely wouldn’t risk trading back, especially if they consider the need at offensive tackle big enough to address it with an early-round pick, but the board sat nicely and it was obvious that we wouldn’t get spurned trying to finagle things. Iheanachor’s addition alongside some added draft capital helped influence our next few moves.
TRADE! (GB receives No. 63, 131, and 191; NE receives No. 52)
No. 52: EDGE Gabe Jacas (Illinois) “We could complement our room with some speed. I think that’s evident.”
New England executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf pointed in a different direction with his words last week, but the guys who could have added that element (UCF's Malachi Lawrence, Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas, Texas A&M's Cashius Howell) were all off the board by our second pick, so we pivoted and took the best available pass-rusher left. If they aren't comfortable with the current options, this guy could help pick up the slack on early downs, as well.
No. 95: WR De'Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) Stribling is the pick at wide receiver. I've now tripled down, so it would be a tough look if they pass him up in the third round.
TRADE! (GB receives No. 104; NE receives No. 120 and 131)
No. 120: LB Keyshaun Elliott (Arizona State) Elliott has met with the organization on three separate occasions, so it's rather difficult seeing him end up anywhere else. Pittsburgh's Kyle Louis and LSU's Harold Perkins Jr. are options earlier, but if they want to wait a bit, this seems like the obvious choice.
No. 125: TE Eli Raridon (Notre Dame) Raridon is quite literally one of the best athletes (4.62 forty-yard dash at 245 pounds) in the entire draft, and has an elite trait (blocking) that will make him useful early in his career. New England needs to develop someone behind Hunter Henry, and there are no better options in the fourth round.
No. 131: S VJ Payne (Kansas State) Payne projects as the exact kind of player who would be better off for sitting and learning during the first couple of years of his career -- say, behind a guy like Kevin Byard.
No. 171: IOL Anez Cooper (Miami) The Patriots need another body behind Mike Onwenu (entering the final year of his deal), Jared Wilson (making a position change after an up-and-down rookie season), and Alijah Vera-Tucker (has missed more games than he has played in the last three seasons).
Cooper can be that guy.
No. 183: RB Kaelon Black (Indiana) RB3. It's a need and they've met with this young man.
Kaelon Black's 25-yard scamper extends the Hoosier lead!
No. 198: TE Dallan Bentley (Utah) Bentley projects as more of a... project. New England could use bodies at the position, though.
No. 202: QB Joe Fagnano (UConn) Fagnano can throw the football, which fits the requirements of what the organization needs for training camp.
No. 212: WR Barion Brown (LSU) Brown likely wouldn't contribute much of anything offensively, but he's a damn good kick returner. New England would be better off for having someone that can lock that position down, especially after cycling through options during the latter half of the season.
No. 247: P Brett Thorson (Georgia) Thorson is one of many decent options in the draft, though we don't actually expect them to draft someone. The Patriots do, however, need to add some competition at the position after a rough campaign from Bryce Baringer.
Summary
I'd imagine that the goal heading into this week will be adding options at several different positions, so we only double-dipped twice.
The Patriots would be smart to leverage the amount of picks they have to move around, which starts with addressing the two biggest positions of need while also covering their own behinds in case they aren't able to trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
They only scored two goals in the 3-2 loss and weren't close to their best. They had a lot of trouble breaking through the Flyers' trap and couldn't exit their zone cleanly.
Sidney Crosby was especially quiet, which is rare for him against the Flyers. He has tormented them throughout his career, but the Flyers did a great job defending against him and his line.
Speaking of his line with Egor Chinakhov and Bryan Rust, it appears to be staying together heading into Game 2 on Monday. In fact, it looks like Muse is keeping all of his lines and pairings together for Monday's game.
Here were the lines at practice:
Forwards
Chinakhov-Crosby-Rust
Novak-Rakell-Malkin
Soderblom-Kindel-Mantha
Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari
Defensive pairs
Wotherspoon-Karlsson
Girard-Letang
Shea-Clifton
- If the Penguins find themselves down in this game or if they lose it, then I think you'd see head coach Dan Muse change some of the lines. I'd still like to see Chinakhov back with Evgeni Malkin at some point since those two had such great chemistry during the regular season.
- Muse danced around a starting goaltender question after Sunday's practice wrapped up, saying he'd announce who his starter is on Monday. I'd be stunned if it wasn't Stuart Skinner after how great he played on Saturday. He was the only reason why the Penguins had an outside chance of tying the game late in the third period, and he made several big saves on odd-man rushes and breakaways.
If he can keep giving the Penguins goaltending like that, they'll have a really good shot of winning this series.
- The Girard-Letang pair had a lot of momentum heading into the playoffs before falling flat in Game 1. The pair accounted for only 2.5% of the expected goals during the game, which is woeful.
Letang struggled to break the puck out of the defensive zone and generate offense, largely because of the Flyers' structured defense. After practice, he spoke about the way the Flyers made it difficult and how the Penguins can get past their trap.
"I think it's just to play with speed," Letang said. "Like I said, the transition game is really good, so if you play in front of them instead of behind them, you give them a chance to counter with speed, and they have really skilled forwards that can make you pay."
The Flyers' speed was on display throughout the game, and they generated several high-quality chances, despite scoring only three goals. It's on the Penguins to limit those chances against and to get more high-danger chances of their own.
Puck drop for Game 2 is set for 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh and ESPN.
The six-time IndyCar Series champion made his first Firestone Fast Six of the 2026 season and converted that into a third-place finish in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday. Not only is the result his first podium of the year, but extends the all-time series record he holds with 156 across his IndyCar career.
It ended up being a banner day for Chip Ganassi Racing, with Dixon’s teammate, four-time and defending series champion Alex Palou, also taking the win.
“Yeah, huge weekend for the Ganassi cars,” said Dixon, 45. “I think probably one of the best for qualifying between all us, which was really good. It was nice just to have a clean weekend, no major issues, no damage, no mess-ups or anything like that. That was a lot of fun.
“The race itself for us was just a bit blah, to be honest. We kind of sat in the same position, tried to go long. Fuel mileage was really good, which Honda does a great job at. I think everybody is caught up a lot on figuring out what they need.”
Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank w/ Curb-Agajanian, Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank w/ Curb-Agajanian, Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
The New Zealander started the 90-lap race on the harder primary compound and held steady in sixth. However, it was a caution on Lap 57 for debris that set up the last round of pit stops two laps later, which allowed his #9 pit crew to set a quick stop - and switch him to the softer alternate tires - to vault up to third. Although he pressured pole-sitter Felix Rosenqvist for the runner-up spot, he was unable to mount a proper challenge.
Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
“Unfortunately for me the balance had a lot of understeer, so it was very difficult to roll the corner and roll off throttle to get that mileage,” Dixon said. “Yeah, interesting day.
“The last stop luckily for us we had an easy out. Looked like a lot of the people we were fighting had cars in front of them or behind them, which kind of paid off for us.
“Great weekend. Hopefully something we can build on and keep rolling.”
The Orlando Magic are not what they seem. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have led this team to the NBA Playoffs before, that experience surfaced. They battered down the Cade Cunningham-led Detroit Pistons in Game 1. Unfortunately, the top seed in the Eastern Conference continues to have a curse that dates back to 2008.
Magic force Pistons to 18-year NBA Playoffs home win drought
The Pistons have now lost all of their home NBA Playoffs games since 2008, per Underdog NBA. Their loss to Paolo Banchero and the Magic marked the 18th-year of that streak continuing too. Moreover, this also means that the Pistons have lost 11-straight NBA Playoffs games at home. To put that into perspective, Tayshaun Prince, Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace, and Rip Hamilton were all still in the starting lineup.
Cade Cunningham and Co. were not able to notch the lead at least once in this game because the Magic were in control. Banchero was able to rally the Magic to lead as much as 13 points and those proved to be too much for the Pistons. The Orlando superstar notched 23 points by knocking down 53.3% of his shots from the field while also going 50% from three-point range. Franz Wagner was also a big help as he dropped 19 points while grabbing five rebounds, four assists, and stealing the ball twice from the Pistons.
The biggest Achilles heel of the Pistons that the Magic exploited was their ball security. Banchero's squad managed to wipe away all offensive momentum by notching 11 steals. More than that, the Pistons were not ready to bang bodies on the paint. The Magic were able to score 54 points in the paint and get 11 offensive rebounds.
The NBA Playoffs are daunting for all teams but it seems like the Pistons just do not have winning at home in their cards in the postseason. Will Cunningham be able to get one back and break the curse against the Magic in Game 2?
As we wrap a whirlwind of a WrestleMania weekend, here are seven big takeaways while WWE picks up the pieces and plots the path forward.
1. The Head of the Table
From the moment Roman Reigns and CM Punk locked up, there was a certain energy inside Allegiant Stadium that WWE hadn’t been able to otherwise capture for 'Mania weekend. Perhaps it’s the aura Reigns brings alongside his part-time status that makes him feel like more of an attraction. Or maybe it’s the emotional connection the audience has with Punk and his tendency to rise to the occasion, understanding how much being in the main event of WrestleMania means to him.
Either way, Punk soaked in every moment Sunday, allowing the audience to feel what he was feeling as he made his way to the ring, and later as he clawed with desperation to stay in the fight. But Reigns was relentless, showing the same tenacity that made him a multi-time world champion and the face of the WWE. This was two guys at the top of their games, who built interest in their match with words, and then backed it up with a match that overdelivered on professional wrestling's grand stage.
The end saw Punk simply not have what it took to get over the finish line. He had Reigns where he wanted him after a grueling 34 minutes, but quite literally folded under the pressure. Instead it was Reigns who rose to the occasion, landing two spears for the win and championship victory.
A title at one point referred to as WWE's workhorse championship now sits around Reigns’ waist, and he almost certainly won’t be defending the belt every couple of weeks. Still, he did what he promised in returning to WWE to claim his seat at the head of the table. Sunday's outcome now opens a new path forward for what happens in the World Heavyweight championship picture — Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Gunther and certainly Punk will all be vying for the belt.
Whether this launches into a new iteration of the Bloodline — or if not, how Reigns navigates the path forward — instantly becomes WWE's top storyline as we move into the summer. For Punk, it’s consecutive years of just falling short. He can carry the ball until WrestleMania season but crumbles under the pressure, which feels like a theme WWE will key in on over the coming year.
2. When one door closes, another opens
Oba Femi’s WrestleMania debut was exactly what it needed to be, and it surprisingly also signaled the beginning of Brock Lesnar’s apparent departure from professional wrestling.
Lesnar’s exit is relatively stunning. It’s been less than a year since he returned to the WWE and squashed John Cena on 2025's retirement tour. Including his WrestleMania match against Femi, Lesnar wrestled just three other matches post-Cena, competing in the Royal Rumble and WarGames. It’s completely valid to point out the staying power Femi now retains for being the one to potentially retire Lesnar, but if this was the direction WWE was truly going to take, why not build toward a match with Gunther as the guy who is building his entire persona around retiring legends?
In Sunday's match, Femi was dominant. He no-sold clothesline attempts and an F-5, and was explosive in gaining advantages against Lesnar. Against the all-powerful "Beast," it was Femi who showed superior strength in dropping the former UFC heavyweight champion with a Fall From Grace for the win.
For Femi, it’s quite the feather in his cap to have a dominant showing against Lesnar (and be the one to retire him, if that's what actually happens). I almost wrote this sentence in December after Femi's match with Cody Rhodes as part of John Cena’s final show, but it feels even more appropriate now — I would bet on "The Ruler" being in a world title match at next year’s ‘Mania. He’s that good, that over, and it actually wouldn’t surprise me to see him hovering around the main-event scene even earlier.
3. Mrs. WrestleMania strikes again
A year after battling Iyo Sky for the world championship, it was Sky helping Rhea Ripley earn the Women’s WWE Championship. Ripley earned the pinfall after hitting Riptide on Jade Cargill, but only after interference from Michin and B-Fab, and some help from Sky.
The title change felt like a necessary reset atop the Smackdown women’s division. Cargill built a great deal of momentum since wrestling Naomi at last year’s WrestleMania, but she wasn’t given much to work with over the last few months since winning the championship. That’s an unfortunate trend that’s followed the title, with a string of relatively forgettable reigns.
Perhaps giving Cargill space to chase the title will allow her to continue building on what she’s achieved over the last year, with Ripley’s star power driving the division, and ideally better creative to support sustained momentum. Despite the loss, all signals point toward continuation between Ripley, Sky, Cargill, and her Baddies faction.
Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley celebrate after Ripley won the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania 42.
The Las Vegas crowd was incredibly hot for Williams all throughout Sunday's match, offering a roar at his every successful move. That meant that Sami Zayn, despite playing the babyface across television, was met with heavy boos. He leaned into it though, attacking rapper Lil Yachty early for absolutely no reason and dropping Williams with a gnarly Brainbuster on the apron. An interference from Lil Yachty opened the door for Williams to mount his comeback and eventually earn the belt with the Trick Shot.
It’ll be interesting to see how things pan out across television for these two in the upcoming post-'Mania shuffle. Williams has enormous star power, and seems to be one of those guys that no matter what he does, he’s going to get cheered. Putting him in rivalries with cut and dry good guys is going to make things muddy real quick (see: Zayn). The challenge for WWE will be figuring out how to allow Williams to retain all of his redeeming qualities of trash talk and aura, while still getting heat for his rivals.
WWE packaged more than a year’s worth of tension into a nice and tidy 10 minutes here. Bálor is a proven former champion, and his matches against CM Punk over the past year showed he’s still right there when it comes to in-ring capabilities. There's opportunity now for Mysterio, after showing he’s a capable mid-card champion, to elevate into the main-event scene — though with this rivalry most likely behind them, ideally both men in this duo ascend into WWE’s upper-card conversation.
6. Broken ladders and broken bodies, oh my
Night 2 was structured in a very similar way to Night 1 — open with a star-power match to draw fans to the card (Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi), and then roll out a car-crash-style second match that’s meant to make viewers want to watch the rest of the show.
Sunday's six-man ladder match had insane spots, ranging from Rey Mysterio dropping Rusev through a ladder, Penta hitting a Mexican Destroyer on JD McDonagh onto a ladder, and Je’Von Evans flying from the corner to drop Rusev with a cutter. At the end it was Penta who stopped Evans with a Mexican Destroyer, getting to the top of the ladder and pulling down the Intercontinental Championship himself.
If Evans wasn’t going to win, it only made sense for the belt to stay with Penta. The six-man chaos was exceptional, but it'd be great to see the Intercontinental Title picture booked with more consistency and a longer-term approach. Penta and Evans are two stars on the rise, so the goal now should be to see fewer challengers and more opportunities for these two to grow into a proper rivalry on the main roster.
7. Welcome to WrestleMania-hausen
In the span of a month, Danhausen’s ability to go from a relatively mundane WWE debut to receiving intentional time on the promotion’s biggest show of the year is nothing short of remarkable.
His screen time is can’t-miss television, and any segment featuring him with The Miz and Kit Wilson is comedy gold. The way WWE built around Danhausen this WrestleMania weekend signals plenty more to come.
RAMSAU, AUSTRIA - JULY 21: Daniel Mulligan of Ireland hits his second shot on the fifth hole during day four of the Euram Bank Open at GC Adamstal on July 21, 2024 in Ramsau, Austria. (Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Have regrets? That roster you meant to construct carefully but finished the job while on far too many weed gummis? Did you fritter away a couple games you know you would have won if you had it to play again today? Are you waiting for young talent that is almost “almost here”?
Unless you’re the Houston Astros — and trust me you do not want to be the Houston Astros right now — the universe has given a big mulligan to the AL West. Everyone started out 0-0 with 162 to play and after 22 grueling games…pretty much the whole division is 11-11, give or take a dead rat.
The A’s came to their 11-11 record in a very roundabout, roller-coaster-y way losing the first 4, then soon after winning 5 straight on the road against New York teams expected to contend, only to drop 3 of their last 4 and losing a series to the recent laughingstocks of baseball, the Chicago White Sox.
Meanwhile, the Rangers end the week with a record of, you guessed it, 11-11, having sat atop the division much of the first 3 weeks but unable to distance themselves from the .500 mark.
The Angels have been a pleasant surprise, which has to be concerning to their fans since it has gotten them only a record of 11-12 after getting swept in San Diego this weekend.
The Mariners aren’t quite back even, but their series win over Texas has allowed them to creep ever closer at 8-11.
Only the Astros are buried early, having lost 3 starting pitchers, a shortstop, and 15 games out of 23.
What does this all mean? Mostly that the Mariners, widely favored to win the AL West in pre-season predictions, have given their rivals a 1.0-1.5 game head start in a race that is now 140 games. All the drama of the first 3 weeks has resulted in practically nothing with regard to the standings or the .500 mark, unless you happen to live in Houston.
That might be good news for a team like the A’s, who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Gage Jump, and possibly later in the season Leo De Vries, to a team whose most glaring instabilities appear in the rotation and 3B.
It also means that while the A’s haven’t thrived overall, they have survived 1/8 of the season in which Luis Severino and Jacob Lopez on the pitching side, Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom, and Lawrence Butler on the hitting side, have performed worse than they probably will in the last 7/8.
Of course their rival teams can make the same claims. Colt Emerson is a big time prospect for Seattle and no one thinks Josh Naylor is going to continue batting .146 or that Cal Raleigh will slug .262.
But the over arching point here, for all the teams, is that for whatever has gone wrong so far, whatever glaring holes were strangely not anticipated by Opening Day, whatever tough losses were endured, you got a mulligan and the chance to look forward to a 140 game season that begins tomorrow with everyone at .500 like they were on the morning of March 27th. Unless you’re the Astros, in which case you can go bang a trash can lid against your nuts and see who cries for you.
The NFL Draft is nearly upon us, and teams are finalizing their draft boards, with the Kansas City Chiefs no different.
With teams going over every player, looking at anything and everything, teams will know all they need to by the time draft night comes around.
One player who has mixed thoughts is Miami's Rueben Bain Jr., mainly due to his reported shorter arms, with some teams think will be a problem in the NFL and hinder his ability to be a top-quality pass rusher.
However, The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner isn't buying all the negativity over Bain's arms.
"Another guy I pretty much refuse to overcomplicate in this class is Bain," Baumgardner wrote. "The length concerns are real, but only to a point. I prefer Reese and Bailey as defensive line prospects over Bain, but the list stops there. His play strength, violence and quickness off the snap render his arm disadvantage useless — more than many realize. If you want to play him inside, he’ll dominate people there, too."
The Chiefs need pass rush help for Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, and Bain Jr. fits the bill.
He posted 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes, and while some might view his shorter arms as problematic, I'd imagine Steve Spagnuolo will find a way to make Bain productive in his scheme.
The Chiefs have a need, and might not have to trade up to get Rueben, and if he does land in Kansas City, the defense will look far more formidable than it did last season.
Are Bain's reported short arms a deal breaker? Not for the Chiefs.
After Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Washington Nationals, the San Francisco Giants headed back to the West Coast. They're going back to the Bay Area, too.
The Giants have a date with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game series at Oracle Park starting Tuesday night.
So, San Francisco probably wanted to get out of Washington, D.C., with a win. That didn't happen at Nationals Park on Sunday afternoon.
Nationals reliever Andrew Alvarez, the third pitcher used by the team on Sunday, picked up the victory with 4 1/3 innings of work. Giants starter Robbie Ray absorbed the loss, falling to 2-3 this season.
Ray worked six innings, giving up seven hits, three runs (all earned), walking one, and striking out seven Nationals. If the Giants' offense had found a way to tack on some runs, then Ray's outing wouldn't have looked so bad.
The Giants' bats, though, had eight hits. The big number for Giants manager Tony Vitello to look at in the box score after this one was, well, pretty big. San Francisco left 10 runners on base on Sunday, going 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position. This indicates that San Francisco had plenty of opportunities to score some runs.
They just didn't get the job done.
Let's go to the bottom of the fifth with the Giants and Nationals in a scoreless tie. With nobody out, the Nationals' Keibert Ruiz connected for his third double this season. Nasim Nuñez scored to put Washington up 1-0.
With one out, Curtis Mead sent a Ray pitch over the left-field wall, a two-run blast that gave the Nationals a 3-0 lead.
San Francisco had a scoring threat in the top of the eighth inning. With runners at first and second base and nobody out, Casey Schmitt grounded into a double play. Matt Chapman, who was on second base, went to third. But the Giants were unable to bring him home.
Rafael Devers and Drew Gilbert went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Giants, producing half of the Giants' hits.
The Giants fall to 9-13 this season, sitting in fourth place in the National League West Division. The Nationals' record goes to 10-12, good enough for third place in the National League East Division.
All eyes now turn toward Oracle on Tuesday night. It'll be a chance for two longtime rivals to renew their rivalry.
Baseball fans know that the Giants-Dodgers matchups usually are must-see TV.
That's probably going to be the case once again as Giants fans watch their team battle the Dodgers. Those lucky to have tickets to the three-game series at Oracle Park will show up in Giants colors, hoping to see Los Angeles head back to Southern California with either a series loss or a Giants' sweep.
Buckle up, Giants fans. It's about to get rowdy at Oracle Park.
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Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles currently hold the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Depending on their plans with star WR A.J. Brown, could a trade up be on the horizon?
The Philadelphia Eagles have never been afraid of risk during the NFL Draft. Jordyn Tyson scares plenty of people as a young player and prospect, but will his potential be too tempting for the Birds?
If so, they won’t be able to sit on their heels and pick him in all likelihood.
Jordan Tyson creating buzz ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
The talented wideout from Arizona State created some more stirring around his profile when he had a workout in front of a lot of league execs this past Friday. Tyson is now expected to go somewhere between the fifth and sixteenth pick, according to Matt Miller.
“With Jordyn Tyson working out today for teams, it’s been interesting to hear scouts and coaches talk about him. You hear comps to OBJ in terms of movement skills and Justin Jefferson with how loose and fluid he is. There are the concerns with the injuries. Some believe it’s connected to a lack of strength. He’s not very strong. Is it that easy and correctable or not? Teams are going through that now, because the talent is elite!” — James Palmer
Tyson is seen as one of the most divisive prospects in this class. There are seemingly concerns about his play strength and injury outlook going forward.
On the flip-side, he has incredible upside due to his route running, explosiveness when healthy, and prototypical size for a top NFL WR.
Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson posted on IG this catch he made during his personal workout Friday in front of NFL teams:
With these updates to Tyson’s stock, it makes things a bit more interesting if the Eagles have him high on their board for night one. The Birds currently have the 23rd overall selection, and given that projected range for Tyson, he would be gone by the time the pick if they don’t get aggressive.
Fo course, this situation links back to A.J. Brown. If Roseman wants to keep Brown, the WR need is nowhere near worth a first-round pick. Philly still has Devonta Smith in the fold and also acquired Dontayvion Wicks (plus signed him to a new deal) from the Green Bay Packers just last week.
We will see if the Birds get ultra-aggressive in round one. They may opt to find a Lane Johnson replacement in the first round or potentially select a difference maker on defense.
WWE WrestleMania 42 is in the books, after an action-packed weekend at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. On Sunday night, Night 2 took place with four championships on the line.
In the main event, Roman Reigns pinned CM Punk for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after 33 minutes and 57 seconds.
The lone champion to defend their title was WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta, who defeated Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev, and Rey Mysterio in a six-pack ladder match.
Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penta during the Men’s Royal Rumble match during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
If you missed out on Sunday’s action, we have you covered.
A full look at the results from Night 2 of WrestleMania 42 can be seen below.
Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Roman Reigns during the Men’s Royal Rumble match during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
No.
Results
Stipulations
Times
1
Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) by pinfall
Singles match
4:45
2
Penta (c) defeated Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev, and Rey Mysterio by retrieving the championship
Six-pack ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
15:10
3
Trick Williams (with Lil Yachty) defeated Sami Zayn (c) by pinfall
Singles match for the WWE United States Championship
8:50
4
“The Demon” Finn Bálor defeated Dominik Mysterio by pinfall
Street Fight
12:58
5
Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill (c) by pinfall
Singles match for the WWE Women’s Championship
10:09
6
Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk (c) by pinfall
Singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship
🎥 Chaos in Paraguay! Clash between police and fans halts the Clásico
Once again, violence took center stage in a soccer stadium, as Paraguay’s Clásico between Olimpia and Cerro Porteño had to be suspended half an hour after kickoff due to incidents between the police and the fans.
The clash began in the north stand, where the followers of “Ciclón” were located and got into a confrontation with the National Police.
The security forces fired projectiles and rubber bullets, while a group of supporters stripped a guard of his shield. Chaos broke out.
The fans showed it off as if it were a trophy, and the police responded with tear gas and pepper spray that quickly spread to other sections of the stadium, where attendees began to flee to avoid inhaling the residue.
Realizing what was happening, some players threw water bottles into the stands to help their fans.
The match was suspended because there were no guarantees it could continue.
Head coach Sean Miller has made his fourth transfer portal signing of the window. Former Auburn small forward Elyjah Freeman has committed to Texas basketball out of the NCAA transfer portal. Freeman averaged 9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists for the Tigers this year.
Freeman is ranked as the No. 6 small forward in this year’s cycle, according to On3. Freeman has two season of eligibilty left. Before joining the Tigers for one season, Freeman played his freshman year at Lincoln Memorial.
In his lone season at Auburn, Freeman averaged 9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists for a Tiger team that missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021. Prior to landing at Auburn, Freeman starred during his freshman season at Lincoln Memorial.
At Lincoln Memorial, the 6-foot-8 forward was named South Atlantic Freshman of the Year, first team All-SAC and was named to the SAC All-Freshman Team. He averaged 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for the Railsplitters.
Freeman went to another level for Auburn in the postseason. Over the Tigers' five NIT games, Freeman 10 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, grabbing 14 rebounds against Tulsa in the NIT title game. He finished in double figures in five of the Tigers’ last 10 games.
The 2025-26 season is the safest time to say that the San Antonio Spurs have found their star of the future. Victor Wembanyama has been named a finalist for both the NBA Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. While it is still a question if he will be able to win over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, the superstar big man will be set to make franchise history while joining greats like Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan.
Wembanyama makes Spurs history amid being NBA MVP, DPOY finalist
The Spurs are a home to a lot of all-time great players. Victor Wembanyama is just the latest addition to that list. His nomination for NBA MVP marks the fourth opportunity of the franchise to notch the award. Notably, Tim Duncan won the award twice in 2002 and 2003. David Robinson was the other Spurs player who grabbed that piece of hardware when he won it back in 1995.
Wembanyama will be competing against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic for the NBA MVP. The Spurs superstar is the only finalist who was not won it yet. Gilgeous-Alexander secured the honor once in 2025. Meanwhile, Jokic has won it thrice and is gunning for his fourth NBA MVP trophy in six years.
On the other hand, Wembanyama is the clear favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year. If he does so, he brings home the fifth DPOY trophy for the Spurs and becomes the fourth person in franchise history to win it, via Basketball Reference. Wembanyama joins an exclusive Spurs DPOY winners list which includes Alvin Robertson who won in 1986, David Robinson who took home the award in 1995, and Kawhi Leonard who notched the honor twice in 2015 and 2016.
This is only the start of Wembanyama's greatness. If he is able to clinch both the NBA MVP and DPOY, the Spurs are on track to be the home of the greatest player of all-time. Will Wembanyama be able do do it?
Barcelona defender “flattered” by Inter transfer interest
Barcelona are hoping to secure a summer deal for Alessandro Bastoni to be their new starting central defender, and while Inter are open to selling, they may be forced to bring up the value of their package by including one of their own players, and at this stage, the most likely candidate is Hector Fort.
Fort, who is poised to return to action with loan club Elche this week after four months out with a shoulder injury, faces an uncertain future at Barcelona. He’s behind Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia in the right-back pecking order, and if Joao Cancelo ends up signing permanently, that would be another spot that he drops down.
Because of this, the possibility of going to Inter has opened up, and the Nerrazzurri would welcome him being included in the Bastoni deal. And while the 19-year-old is said to be flattered by the interest shown in him, his priority is for him to remain as a Barcelona player for the foreseeable future.
Fort future will be defined in the summer
Fort will return to Barcelona once his Elche loan runs out, and at the start of pre-season, the decision will be made regarding whether he is needed by the Catalan side for the 2026-27 campaign. If he is not in Flick’s plans, there would be an increased chance of him leaving again, at which point Inter would be well-placed for secure his signature.
It remains to be seen by how much Inter would be prepared to reduce their asking price in the event that Fort is included in the Bastoni deal, but if Barcelona were to let him go, it would be wise to retain some control of his future. He may have so far struggled to built on the promising performance he showed during the 2023-24 season, but he has more than enough time on his side to come good.
CBF launches “Bate no Peito”, rallying Brazil fans for World Cup
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is launching its institutional campaign for the 2026 World Cup this Sunday (19), with the goal of calling on Brazilian fans to embrace the Brazilian National Team.
Titled “Beat Your Chest,” the initiative marks an unprecedented shift in the organization’s communication strategy, as it takes on an active role in rallying support around the Brazilian National Team not only on the field, but also in the collective feeling that drives the country in a World Cup year.
More than just a campaign, “Beat Your Chest” is born as a call to action. A call for Brazilians to trust, support, and take pride once again in one of the greatest stories in world football.
The campaign calls on fans to support and take pride in the Brazilian National Team, the most successful in the world Credits: Disclosure
The movement starts from a recognition: Brazilian football has faced difficult moments before. And it overcame every one of them. The campaign draws on that legacy to reinforce that the relationship between Brazil and the National Team goes beyond results: it lives in the chest of every fan.
As its central piece, the campaign presents a manifesto film narrated not by a character, but by the place where Brazilian pride lives: the chest. The narrative moves through historic moments, victories, doubts, and uncertainties, before making room for an emotional turning point, guided by the idea that Brazilian pride never ceased to exist. It was only waiting to be awakened.
The tagline “Beat Your Chest” symbolizes this universal gesture of belonging, courage, pride, and identity. A simple yet powerful movement that turns the fans into protagonists and reinforces the collective strength that has always accompanied the Brazilian National Team.
In addition to the film, the campaign unfolds into content initiatives, music, activations, and experiences throughout the National Team’s calendar, expanding the invitation for the whole country to join in.
By launching its institutional campaign, the CBF also reinforces its new phase: closer to the fans, more connected to the feelings of Brazilians, and more committed to strengthening the bond that makes Brazil the country of football.
Denny Hamlin was half a lap away from taking the white flag in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas, one that seemed largely decided between himself and Tyler Reddick, but then Cody Ware cut a tire and spun out.
Shake the snow globe!
Hamlin retained the lead off pit road, with most of the frontrunners taking just right sides, but lost it on the restart when he didn’t get the best launch. This allowed Kyle Larson to take him and Tyler Reddick three-wide. Reddick then fenced Christopher Bell before overcoming a nearly one second deficit to win the race.
But again, Hamlin had the race won, even retaking the lead from Reddick, who sputtered due to a fuel pump issue before the Ware spin that flipped everything on its figurative
“I need Cody Ware running dead ass last not to wreck.” MRN
“It’s Cody Ware, six laps down, wrecking, I don’t know, just add it all up.” FOX
However, the race was lost on the restart and Hamlin conceded that too.
“I know in my mind the restarting on the top was the place to be but the (data) said bottom,” Hamlin told reporters on pit road after the race. “In these green-white-checkered scenarios, you can throw the numbers out because everything is so different.”
Hamlin says he knew deep down that Larson was going to take them three-wide because that’s within his very successful aggressive playbook.
“I have to recognize that I know (Larson) is going to do that move, and I have to make sure that if it happens, I do everything I can to let (Reddick) win,” Hamlin said. “I got beat by that a few years ago and knew in my mind that the top was the place to be, but the numbers say the bottom. In these green-white-checkered scenarios, you can throw the numbers out. I will certainly learn a lesson there.
“It’s a double-edged sword. I need the push, but I know that the first opportunity, [Larson is] going to go bottom, so I need to do everything I can. If that happens, then the 45 wins, which he did.”
Meanwhile, Larson had the race won and then lost it in equal parts too but didn't come across as disappointed as Hamlin. He said he recognizes he only had a chance because of the late restart so he’ll take what he was given on Sunday.
“The restart worked out perfect for me,” Larson said. “Denny was stretching away and (Brad Keselowski) gave me a tap and let me rebuild my momentum and was able to do a later move getting to the inside of Denny into 1. (Reddick) had to protect his outside, so it made him go the long distance. I got clear of the lead and was happy — really happy.
“But then I went down into [Turn] 3 and I couldn’t carry the throttle and speed; I was super tight and didn’t get through there like I needed to. Tyler had a big run behind me and knew I was going to be in trouble either lane I went.”
And that’s how Reddick closed the gap so quickly, even after squeezing Bell into the wall.
“I mean, for me, in my line, I was trying to run as close to Christopher,” Reddick said of the contact. “It's tricky. I think halfway through the corner, I thought maybe we'd be side by side. It got pretty obvious with Denny on my inside, I was getting tight. I knew Christopher was going to, like, probably clear me.
I don't know, inside of Denny. He was closer to me than I thought he was going to be. I can't even remember if there was contact or not. It kind of felt like it. But these cars do take off really bad tight.
“Where I was in relation to the 11, we were close together. My car kind of took off off of two. As a driver, I wish you could say you could prevent those things from happening. These cars take off so tight, so fast, I was kind of helpless. Couldn't do anything to keep the contact from occurring.”
He was cognizant, in real time, that he did Bell wrong.
“So that one in the moment stings, and you just have to put it behind you really fast and go and win the race,” Reddick said. “I was glad we were able to get back to the 5. I was really surprised we had that kind of grip on those right sides, but I took advantage of it and was able to make the move.”
The second night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas started with a battle of behemoths. It ended with a stunning result and an even more shocking gesture by the vanquished Brock Lesnar. The ladder match provided all sorts of thrills and spills.
The crowd was thrilled to see Rhea Ripley defeat Jade Cargill. In the main event, Roman Reigns and CM Punk were brilliant before the former finished the latter to win the championship belt, again.
There was speculation among the WWE Universe that Night One was underwhelming. That only turned up the pressure on the Superstars of the back half to deliver spectacular performances.
A look at the matches and results in Night Two of WrestleMania 42.
Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar
This was the past big thing meeting the future big thing. A pair of absolute physical freaks opened the card as Brock Lesnar faced Oba Femi. There were German suplexes applied by Lesnar to his younger opponent. In the end, and it was the end apparently in more ways than one, Femi put a chokeslam on Lesnar and finished the former champ off with a sit-out powerbom.
After the match, Lesnar took off his gloves and boots and left them in the ring, signifying the end of his wrestling career. Is it true or a swerve? Only time will tell.
The six participants did anything and everything, abusing their bodies in a ladder match that had the Allegiant Stadium crowd roaring. The champion Penta delivered a scary spot landing JD Mcdonagh on a propped up ladder. Penta eventually outlasted everyone to keep his Intercontinental title.
Trick Williams defeats Sami Zayn to win United States Championship
Williams made a spectacular entrance as he robe continued to unfurl the length of the runway into the ring. The crowd was behind Williams and booed Zayn throughout. The champ tried to finish Williams with a Helluva Kick but the younger fighter was ready and hit the Trick Shot to win the United States Championship.
Finn Balor defeats Dominik Mysterio (Street Fight)
Dominik Mysterio entered on a throne and wound up thrown for a loss. The Demon Finn Balor got off to a tremendous start and had Mysterio on the defensive early. Mysterio tried to battle back using all sorts of chairs. However, this was to be Balor's day as he placed Mysterio on a table, hit his patented Coup de Grace driving his opponent through it before pinning him.
Back to the WrestleMania card. Despite help from others, Jade Cargill was unable to handle Rhea Ripley. The crowd was super-pumped for Ripley's title win. She's absolute rock star, whether with a belt. However, it was time for her to reign again and she hit Rip-tide on Cargill, ending her evening and time with the championship. The finishing segment looked, um, clumsy at best.
Roman Reigns defeats CM Punk for World Heavyweight Championship
WrestleMania 42 was capped with a long match that told a great story. Throughout there was doubt about which one would win. In the end of the 30-plus minute bout, Roman Reigns came out on top and won the championship from CM Punk. On a weekend when people questioned a lot of the booking, this one turned out to be one that will be remembered for a long time.
Alabama Crimson Tide forward Amari Allen has officially declared for the 2026 NBA draft, while also maintaining his collegiate eligibility.
Allen made the announcement Sunday night via social media, and joins Labaron Philon as Crimson Tide players who have declared for the 2026 NBA draft so far this offseason.
A member of Alabama's 2025 class, Allen was one of the Crimson Tide's most impactful players during the 2025-26 season, starting 24-of-32 games. Allen averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 44.6% from the field, as well as 34.1% from three.
The forward also shot 73.8% from the free throw line, and was named a SEC All-Freshman selection.
Allen will have until May 27 to make an official decision as to if he will remain in the NBA draft, or return to Alabama next season.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns headlined WrestleMania 42 on Sunday.
WWE
CM Punk Vs. Roman Reigns At WrestleMania 42 | Key Points
Roman Reigns beat CM Punk in a great WrestleMania main event. Surprisingly, there was no outside interference amid rumors of a Bloodline reunion.
Roman Reigns beat CM Punk in the WrestleMania Sunday main event. For the second year in a row, Punk lost in the main event. The crowd was mostly behind Reigns early, but the two pros worked Allegiant Stadium into a frenzy to where fans were split right down the middle. The match featured stair steps, table spots and even Punk absconding the Ula Falla and wearing the sacred necklace. Reigns outlasted Punk with multiple spears, and Reigns is once again a world champion.
CM Punk and Roman Reigns had easily the most deeply personal feud of any this WrestleMania season. CM Punk is the greatest of all time at making fans believe his feuds are real, because sometimes his feuds end up being just that. Roman Reigns offered up a fresh canvas for Punk to shower with insults as the two future Hall of Famer are finally faced off in a one-on-one match to close out WrestleMania.
Punk attacked Reigns for being a “plastic” nepobaby who had everything handed to him, while Reigns held his own with scathing insults of Punk’s hypocrisy and shortcomings in UFC.
“You’re just a buck-tooth nepobaby who ate dog food for a weird old man,” Punk said on the April 6 broadcast of Raw in arguably his best promo since coming back in 2023. Punk is an all-world promo who feeds off the energy of a live audience, which gave him a stark advantage over Reigns during live promos. But Reigns used his cool, calm demeanor to flame Phil Brooks in backstage segments and vignettes. Reigns’ best promo on Punk came from the backseat of his towncar.
“It blows my mind that you think we’re f—king equals. In which way?” Reigns began. “The whole industry coddles you just by having you in it. You talk about the old-timers? Those are tough guys. We’ve seen what happens when you try to be a tough guy,” answered Reigns who mocked the “hundred thousand internet marks that love [CM Punk.]”
Reigns vs. Punk has brought out the best in both living legends with each blaming the other for WWE’s struggles to sell out WrestleMania, a first-world problem that WWE has extrapolated into an unnecessary talking point in multiple storylines.
Similar to Roman Reigns blaming Punk for not being able to sell enough tickets as world champion, Pat McAfee’s heel run has been partly defined by his side feud with CM Punk. Reigns co-signed an anti-IWC WrestleMania tweet from Pat McAfee saying “Shopping indy real estate now.”
Reigns has since deleted the tweet.
CM Punk and Roman Reigns have two of the most dedicated fanbases in the world. A key ingredient that enhances every great feud is when the wrestlers’ grown adult fans take their scripted insults seriously. This creates a civil war dynamic where fans tweet each other to death over something a writer told their favorite wrestler to say about his co-worker.
Either way, this feud worked like a charm. Not only did Punk and Reigns go to hell on each other, but it intertwined with the WrestleMania Night 1 main event while taking on similar themes of babyface WWE Superstars being frustrated with TKO meddling. Among all the possible finishes, a finish that created a supergroup featuring Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Pat McAfee and The Rock was not out of the question.
Then the dust cleared, there was no outside interference necessary for what will go down as one of the better WrestleMania main events in its decorated history. WrestleMania Night 2 saved WrestleMania weekend with a good card that lived up to lofty expectations.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
McAfee, who had a lead role at Wrestlemania as Randy Orton's sidekick, was thrust into the role of fill-in referee after Orton RKO'd the original official during his match versus Cody Rhodes.
In the process, the former Indianapolis Colts punter-turned-host of "The Pat McAfee Show" was put through the announcer's table by singer Jelly Roll and taken out on a stretcher. He returned with a neck brace and a referee shirt on and ran toward the ring as the crowd of more than 50,000 erupted.
— The Texas Rattlesnake (@StoneColdSnakeX) April 19, 2026
Much to the delight of the crowd at LIV Night Club in Las Vegas later that night, McAfee came to the 50 Cent concert in full character, his neck brace and striped shirt still on. He stood next to Haliburton, who was rapping to 50 Cent's "Many Men" with a drink in hand.
Earlier that evening, Haliburton lost his beer during Wrestlemania to San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who grabbed the brew and started chugging.
The most turbulent week in LIV Golf’s short history ended with far less drama when Jon Rahm won the league’s Mexico City event in a canter.
Rahm’s six-shot victory at Chapultepec Golf Club ended a week in which reports surfaced that LIV’s financiers, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, were on the verge of withdrawing their financial backing after the 2026 season.
Those reports came after the Public Investment Fund released a new investment strategy.
“The 2026-30 strategy marks a natural evolution as PIF moves from a period of rapid growth and acceleration to a new phase of sustained value creation, with a strengthened focus on maximizing impact, raising the efficiency of investments, and applying the highest standards of governance, transparency and institutional excellence,” the PIF said in a release.
There was speculation about the future of the remaining eight events of LIV’s season before league sources told Golf Digest on Wednesday that funding and operations would continue for 2026.
Earlier in the week, during an interview with British broadcaster TNT, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil was asked about future funding. One of his answers included the line, “The reality is you’re funded through the season and then you work like crazy to create a business and a business plan to keep us going.”
Before the final round, LIV posted to social media that it would return to Mexico City and that tickets would be on sale soon.
The overall future of the league did not seem to affect competitive play as Rahm strode easily to his second win of the season, which comes in addition to three runner-up finishes. Rahm, a former Masters and U.S. Open champion, carded a bogey-free final-round seven-under 64 to finish at 21 under. Rahm’s fellow Spaniard David Puig was 15 under, while their countryman, Josele Ballester, was third at 14 under.
Rahm’s 64 was set up by an astonishing, 390-yard drive on the short par-4 third that nestled to tap-in distance for eagle. He never looked back.
“Obviously a massive bonus to hit a drive to tap-in in any conditions anywhere ever,” Rahm said. “That was huge and kind of freed me up a little bit to play the next few holes still aggressive because Puig was five or six under through six, seven holes.”
Rahm said he was in disbelief given he opened last week’s Masters with a 78 and battled just to make the cut at Augusta National.
“If you would have told me last week on Thursday afternoon that I'd be winning by a six-shot margin this week, I would not have believed you because of how bad I played,” Rahm said. “Hell of an effort, and just what a Sunday.”
The former World No.1 said he was battling a swing issue that clicked before the final round at the Masters.
“Yeah [my caddie] and I nearly got in a heated argument on Saturday on the putting green at Augusta when he was trying to explain something and I wasn't fully understanding,” Rahm said. “Once it clicked what he was trying to say and what I needed to work on that range session Saturday afternoon, it was so much better. Sunday at Augusta I played much better golf, and it's only gotten a little bit easier since then.
“It's not always the easiest to have a swing thought while playing, but this one obviously seemed to work out.”
Hector Vivas
Given LIV Golf now receives Official World Golf Ranking points, World No. 31 Rahm was projected to ascend back into the top 20.
Runner up put Puig, who separately won the DP World Tour’s Australian PGA Championship in December, is within striking distance of a U.S. Open exemption. The USGA will award the top two points earners (not already exempt) spots in the US Open—one from LIV’s final 2025 standings and the other to a player from top three of the 2026 individual standings through May 18.
Puig has one more start—LIV Golf Virginia—to wrap it up.
“With that second place, hopefully I'm a little closer to the top 60 [on the OWGR], as well, in case that exemption doesn't come through,” Puig said. “But I think about all the time. Playing majors is just amazing.”
While the final round offered a runaway victory for Rahm, there was some drama in the form of two-time U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau withdrawing prior to the final round due to a wrist injury.
“I experienced some discomfort in my wrist during yesterday’s round,” DeChambeau said via social media. “Not how I wanted this week to go.
“I’m going to take a few days to get evaluated and hope to be ready for LIV Golf Virginia.”
The New York Jets have enough draft capital to put together a team that can compete in the AFC by the start of the 2027 NFL season.
The Jets decided to trade a couple of their star players when it was.clear that the 2025 season was a bust — and in return — got a haul of picks in return for the 2026 and 2027 drafts.
This year alone, New York has nine total picks, with six of those coming in the first four rounds. They have the first round pick they acquired from the Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade (No. 16 overall) and then their own first round pick (No. 2 overall). Then they have two second round picks, two fourth round picks, a fifth round pick and two seven round picks.
In next year’s draft, the Jets already have three first round picks. They will have their own, the additional pick they picked up from the Colts for Gardner and the first round pick they got from Dallas for Quinnen Williams.
There has been speculation New York may use one of their picks on Alabama QB Ty Simpson, or they could pick up one of the other passers to learn behind Geno Smith in the later rounds. Most analysts believe they will wait until next’s years class to draft their hopeful franchise QB, as it’s supposed to be a far more talented class.
NFL Insider Charles Robinson says Garrett Wilson trade not impossible
No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jets, the assumption is that the offense will be focused on getting the ball to star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who they signed to a four-year $130 million extension last July.
“This one is flying a little under the radar given that the Jets do not appear to have interest in moving off Wilson right now,” Robinson wrote.
“But there are a few teams that view Wilson among potential trade inquiries if the draft doesn’t break their way at wideout. And while it seems unlikely the new Jets regime would trade both Sauce Gardner and Wilson after signing them to extensions last offseason, I’d never say it’s impossible”
It sounds like moving Wilson would be a massive long shot, but in a weak class of receivers for the right price, anything can happen.
Penta won the six-man ladder match for the IC Title | ESPN
Trick Williams def. Sami Zayn | WWE United States Title
The Demon Finn Balor def. Dominik Mysterio | Street Fight
Rhea Ripley def. Jade Cargill | WWE Women’s Title
Roman Reigns def. CM Punk | WWE World Heavyweight Title
WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 Ticket Sales On April 19, 2026
WWE WrestleMania 42 Venue: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, Nev.)
WWE WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales: 51,266
WWE WrestleMania 42 2-Night Total: 106,72
WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 Results, Winners And Highlights
Trick Williams Def. Sami Zayn
Trick Williams had a superstar entrance amplified by returning hype man Lil Yachty. Sami Zayn dominated the early minutes of the match. He laid waste to Lil Yachty by throwing him into the barricade and hitting a Helluva Kick. There was a scary spot with Trick on the outside where the referee had to check on Trick to make sure he was okay. He was.
Sami followed up with a Helluva Kick on Trick against the guardrail. Trick struggled to his feet, but Lil Yachty returned and stunned Sami over the ropes. Trick hit a flying kick for the nearfall.
Sami set up Trick Williams for a Helluva Kick, but Trick responded with a Trick Knee for the win. Right choice, good match, but this was shorter than it should have been.
Match Grade: B
Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk in the WrestleMania 42 main event.
WWE
The Demon Finn Balor Def. Dominik Mysterio
Dominik Mysterio’s amazing entrance featured several masked luchadors carrying him on a throne. Dirty Dom also donned a lucha mask. Dom removed the mask with no problem and dove onto the luchadors, who caught him. The luchadors stood at attention as Dom walked down the ramp. They followed him with Mexican flags. A truly spectacular entrance for one of WWE’s future pillars.
Not to be outdone (though he was, but barely) Finn Balor returned as the Demon. There was a familiar sound of a heartbeat as Balor walked through a sea of smoke and touched an artificial heart. Balor grabbed a spiked helmet on a stick and walked down the aisle menacingly. Given how short the matches have been this WrestleMania weekend, these great entrances alone might be better than the match itself.
Fans popped as the bell rang. The Demon crawled toward an apprehensive Finn Balor. Balor bumped Dirty Dom to the outside and grabbed a table. Mysterio pounced, armed with a kendo stick, and denied Allegiant Stadium a table for now.
Balor flattened Dominik with a front suplex onto two chairs, but Dirty Dom fired back with a 619. The Demon kicked out at one. Balor went for the Coup de Grace but missed as Dom hit a drive-by chairshot.
Dom went for the ladder an the heel actually slid it into the ring. Dom set the table up in the corner. Dom put Finn through the table and pummeled him with a steel chair. Dom messed up while setting up the chair, and Allegiant Stadium broke into a chorus of loud boos. Dom soaked them in.
The Demon rose to his feet and pillmanized Mysterio’s neck with a running dropkick. Demon hit a Coup de Grace through the table for the win.
Match Grade: B+
Rhea Ripley Def. Jade Cargill
Jade Cargill had a storm-themed entrance as she walked out in an immaculate, layered dress. Rhea came out to a great reaction and got the fans hyped in Vegas. Jade Cargill was unbothered in the ring. Rhea was cheered just as loudly as Jade was booed during the ring introductions.
Jade hit an early shoulder tackle followed by a bodyslam for the heat. Rhea answered with an inverted back suplex. Jade hit another shoulder tackle as Rhea bounced off the ropes and walked into a powerslam. Jade worked over Rhea on the outside as she took control of the match.
Cargill hit an impressive spinout power bomb for a nearfall. Rhea battled out of a rest hold but Jade rained down with elbows. Rhea stunned Jade with a dropkick as the two struggled to their feet.
The match degenerated into a a brawl as Jade and Rhea took turns on top, then exchanged kneeling strikes. Rhea won the exchange with a one-legged dropkick. Ripley hit an electric chair slam for a nearfall.
Rhea went for a powerbomb, but Michin distracted the ref. B-Fab saved Jade before Ripley knocked her off the apron. Michin ran in with a driveby kick on Rhea.
Jade hit a One-Winged angel for a nearfall, then tossed Rhea out of the ring. Cargill soaked in the boos, but then Iyo Sky’s music hit as the most talented wrestler not on this card ran down to the ring and cleaned house.
Jade went for Jaded, but Rhea slipped out of it and hit a Riptide for the win. A great match that got the time it deserved.
Danhausen Gets A WrestleMania Moment With The Miz And John Cena
John Cena announced a two-night attendance of 106,72. He was interrupted by The Miz and Kit Wilson who wanted their WrestleMania moment. John Cena asked who Kit Wilson was, and fans actually booed in support of Wilson.
Danhausen interrupted with mini-hausens. One of the minis punched Kit Wilson in the groin and Danhausen did the John Cena comeback on The Miz. This was a campy, silly segment that the miserable IWC will whine about, but Allegiant Stadium ate it up.
Cena announced the main event as the entire stadium exploded in cheers. To this point, WrestleMania 42 Night 2 has been a stark improvement over Night 1, and it’s one great main event from being a great WrestleMania.
Match Grade: B+
Roman Reigns Def. CM Punk
Roman Reigns received pianos, drums and a singer as WWE aired an Anoa’i legacy photo album. Reigns made his slow walk to the ring and was given an impressive pyro display.
CM Punk received his vintage Miseria Cantare entrance as a callback to his ROH days. The music ended, and CM Punk led Allegiant Stadium in an “it’s clobbering time!” battlecry before “Cult of Personality” aired.
This felt like a main event from the moment the bell rang with dueling chants for Punk and Roman. The two faced off and talked trash to one another. They didn’t touch for at least a minute. Fans broke into applause before they locked up.
Punk and Reigns went back and forth before Reigns stuck Punk with a Samoan drop. Fans chanted for Roman Reigns as he took control of the match. The action spilled to the outside as Reigns tossed Punk into the barricade.
Reigns stood triumphantly on the table and threw up the one. Punk fought back on the outside and got the better of Reigns. Punk stood on the table and mocked Roman Reigns by throwing up a one of his own.
Back inside the ring, Reigns exploded on offense with 10 strikes in the corner followed by a flying clothesline for the nearfall. Punk battled back with a running knee in the corner followed by a bulldog. Reigns answered with a Superman punch for another nearfall.
Reigns went for a spear, but Punk countered and hit another running knee. Punk clotheslined Reigns to the outside and posed over Reigns on the table. Punk teased an elbow through the table, but Reigns recovered. Punk and Reigns exchanged strikes on the apron.
Reigns tied up Punk in a Tree of Woe and bludgeoned the champion with three Superman Punches. Punk bled from the mouth as he lay trapped upside down. Reigns smashed Punk with the steel step as as some fans began to turn on Reigns.
Reigns hit a running powerbomb on Punk through the table. Back in the ring, Reigns went for a spear, but Punk caught him in the GTS for a nearfall. There was a light “this is awesome" chant following the spot.
Reigns fought out of a second GTS attempt and hit a spear for a two count. Reigns couldn’t believe it. Reigns went for a GTS, but Punk countered and hit a roundhouse kick for a nearfall.
Punk teased the Superman punch and scored with Reigns’s signature move. Punk donned the Ula Falla to immense heat. He trapped Reigns in an Anaconda Vice. Reigns battled out of it and the two legends hit a double clothesline. The crowd was smoldering with heat with loud dueling chants for Reigns and Punk.
Reigns and Punk went back and forth with strikes as Allegiant stadium was losing its collective mind. Punk threw his tape at reigns. The referee went to grab the tape, and Punk hit a low blow followed by a GTS for the best nearfall of the match. Punk brawled to the outside and set Reigns up on the table. Punk a flying elbow as fans chanted “holy s—t!” Now the entire stadium was chanting “this is awesome!”
Punk hit a third GTS and tried a fourth, but both men crumbled as the white-hot main event was dead even. Reigns ran in with a spear. The two talked trash. Reigns ran back and forth agains the ropes and hit a spear for the win. An amazing main event.
Match Grade: A
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder began their title defense with a 119-84 rout of the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Sunday.
The reigning league MVP made just 5 of 18 field goals but went 15 of 17 at the foul line before sitting out the fourth quarter.
Jalen Williams scored 22 points and Chet Holmgren added 16 for the top-seeded Thunder, who will host Game 2 on Wednesday.
Devin Booker scored 23 points and Dillon Brooks scored 18 on 6-of-22 shooting for the Suns, who shot 34.9% from the field.
Phoenix broke out to a 5-0 lead as the Thunder started cold following a week off.
Oklahoma City heated up quickly. Brooks was called for a flagrant-one foul in the first quarter for hitting Holmgren in the face. The Thunder went on a 12-2 surge after that to take a 24-14 lead.
CELTICS 123, 76ERS 91
BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in his first playoff game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon last season, and Boston rolled past Philadelphia in Game 1 of the first-round series.
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Neemias Queta added 13 for the second-seeded Celtics.
Tatum scored 21 points in the first half, playing in just his 17th game this season following surgery last May to repair his Achilles tendon.
Boston never trailed, building a 35-point lead as coach Joe Mazzulla gave minutes to 12 players. The Celtics connected on 16 3-pointers.
Game 2 is Tuesday night in Boston.
Tyrese Maxey had 21 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid. The 2023 MVP continues to recover following an appendectomy on April 9. It’s unclear when he will be able to return.
Paul George scored 17 points and V.J. Edgecombe added 13. Philadelphia was 4 of 23 from 3-point range.
Maxey was hounded by a Celtics defense that contested 12 of his 14 shot attempts in the first half and held him to 8 of 20 from the field.
Philadelphia’s 64-46 halftime deficit was its largest in a playoff game against Boston since 1982.
MAGIC. 112, PISTONS 101
DETROIT (AP) — Paolo Banchero had 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead eighth-seeded Orlando to a win over top-seeded Detroit in Game 1 of their first-round series, extending the longest home playoff losing streak in NBA history.
Detroit has dropped 11 straight home games in the postseason, a drought that dates to 2008.
The Pistons will get another chance against Orlando on Wednesday night in Game 2.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham scored a playoff career-high 39 points and Tobias Harris added 17 for the Pistons, but the rest of their teammates were quiet offensively.
Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory for the Magic, who never trailed. Orlando’s Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter scored 17 points each and Jalen Suggs had 16.
Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams celebrates a dunk in the Thunder's victory the Phoenix Suns in their NBA playoff series opener (Joshua Gateley)
The Orlando Magic stunned the Detroit Pistons 112-101 on Sunday as the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics opened the NBA playoffs with big wins.
The Thunder, trying to become the first team since Golden State in 2017 and 2018 to repeat as champions, came out firing in a 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
The Celtics, seeded second in the Eastern Conference behind Detroit, dominated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91.
And San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant playoff debut, scoring 35 points as the Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98.
Oklahoma City looked rested and recharged after a week off since they locked up the Western Conference top seed and best record in the league.
But Eastern Conference top seeds Detroit looked rusty and the Magic, who battled through the play-in to bag their playoff berth, took advantage.
Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 in the fourth quarter as the Magic withstood a 39-point performance from Pistons star Cade Cunningham.
Detroit trailed by as many as 13 in the first quarter and by 11 early in the third. A Cunningham three-pointer tied it midway through the third, but the Magic pulled away again.
"I liked our composure the whole game, our energy," Wagner said after the Magic handed the Pistons an 11th straight home playoff defeat, a skid dating back to 2008.
"(We) just didn't come out with the right energy, gave them life early on," Cunningham said. "Then we had to deal with that for the rest of the game.".
But Cunningham remained confident the Pistons can turn things around in the best-of-seven first-round series.
"There’s no confidence drop from us," he said. "It’ll be a long, fun series."
Fans were revved in Oklahoma City, where reigning NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points.
He connected on just five of 18 from the field but made 15 of his 17 free throw attempts and added seven assists and two blocked shots before sitting out the entire fourth quarter.
Jalen Williams added 22 points and Chet Holmgren scored 16 for the Thunder.
Devin Booker scored 23 points for Phoenix, but the Suns were otherwise stifled by the Thunder.
"It was a great defensive performance," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "We forced them to earn everything."
In Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 51 points as the Celtics led wire to wire against the Sixers.
- 'Incredible feeling' -
Tatum led the charge, racking up 21 of his 25 points in the first half. Brown poured in 16 of his 26 in the third quarter alone.
"It's an incredible feeling," said Tatum, whose unexpected late-season return from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in last year's playoffs has plenty of pundits picking Boston, not Detroit, to emerge from the East.
"Not too long ago I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to play this season, let alone get an opportunity to play in the playoffs."
In San Antonio, the second-seeded Spurs led by as many as 16 points on the way to a 59-49 halftime lead.
Portland, led by 30 points and 10 rebounds from Deni Avdija, cut the deficit to two early in the third quarter.
But the Spurs pulled away again, thrilling the San Antonio fans who have waited since 2019 to see the five-time champion franchise return to the playoffs.
"We were solid, but job's not done," said Wembanyama, who earlier in the day joined Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver's Nikola Jokic as a finalist for regular-season MVP honors.
The Kansas City Chiefs remain an enigma ahead of the NFL Draft, as no one knows the route the franchise will go in the first round.
Armed with two first-round selections at No. 9 and No. 29, the Chiefs could have their choice of talent early on, before picking up another potential Day 1 starter later in the round.
With pass rush, receiver, and offensive line needs, the Chiefs will have several irons in the fire on draft night, but no one knows which way the franchise is leaning.
But Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski has named every team's ideal draft pick, and when it comes to the Chiefs, he's named Rueben Bain Jr.
"Would everyone like Bain to have longer levers than he does? Absolutely," Sobleski wrote. "Do those less-than-ideal appendages take away how dominant he was this past season for the Miami Hurricanes? Absolutely not.
"Despite featuring a top-10 defense last season, the Chiefs ranked among the league's bottom 10 in sacks. George Karlaftis requires a legitimate bookend, and Bain is a true three-down defender."
Well, they aren't going to be as bad as they were last season, are they?
Depending on how the draft plays out, plus Patrick Mahomes' rehab from his ACL injury, the Chiefs, in theory, should be better than they were last year.
Yes, losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson isn't ideal, but the Chiefs did pick up Kenneth Walker to fix the run game, so it will be interesting to see how the defense and rushing attack adjust.
The Chiefs still remain somewhat of a question mark because even if Mahomes does return, we don't know how healthy he'll be.
Even though a half-fit Mahomes is still better than half the league.
Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk in the WrestleMania 42 main event on Sunday, April 19, taking down his rival to become the World Heavyweight Champion.
Despite being the all-time leader in headlining the WWE’s grand event, Reigns had a rare cold streak in the show, and needed a win in 2026 to avoid the skid continuing. It nearly happened, but Reigns is back in a familiar position: winning.
It was a classic battle that tested both stars, with so many highlights in and out of the ring.
After a long battle, they get on their feet and traded punches, and ended up back down again. Punk takes off his tape and throws it at him, and when the referee throws it away, Punk gets the low blow. He then gets the GTS and it looks like that's going to do it, but Reigns kicks out just before three. Then Punk puts Reigns on the other announcer's table and leap from the top rope for a stunning elbow drop.
Back in the ring, Punk lands another GTS, and Reigns bounces off the ropes and right back into another. However, Punk doesn't have any strength left to try it again. They again lay on the mat, and Reigns gets up to land the spear.
Exhausted, they get back up, but Reigns has more left in him. Punk doesn't. He runs the ropes and spears Punk again. The champion is out, and Reigns pins him to become World Heavyweight Champion.
Reigns wins in his record-extending 11th WrestleMania main event, and now has 7-4 record when closing out the show. The win also ended a rare losing mark for him; he had lost his previous two WrestleMania matches, the first time he ever lost in back-to-back years.
The championship is the first one for Reigns since WrestleMania 40 in April 2024, and is now a seven-time WWE champion, moving him in a tie for 12th-most reigns in company history. He also denies Punk from winning his first WrestleMania main event, now 0-2 in the closing match of the show after losing in it last year.
It’ll now be a new timeline with Reigns back with gold around his waist. The last time he was champion, he went on to hold the title for 1,316. Now the WWE world waits to see another epic reign for the “OTC.”
If the Giants plan to use the Bengals' first-round pick, it would have been better to acquire the selection in exchange for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence when the pick was on the clock. That prevents a team like, say, the Cowboys at No. 12, from trading up and guessing right as to the guy the Giants were waiting to pick.
But there's one sound reason for having the tenth overall pick in hand as draft week begins. The Giants now have the ammunition to package the 10th and fifth picks together in an effort to move higher in round one.
Obviously, they won't be trying to go all the way to No. 1, since the Giants have their quarterback. No. 2 becomes a possibility, as does No. 3.
That's not to say any deal would be as simple as, for instance, No. 5 and No. 10 for No. 2 or No. 3. The Giants likely would get more in return than an increase by two or three spots. Still, having the ability to give a team two top-10 picks in return for one becomes a valuable enticement.
Either way, everyone knows the Giants now have two picks in the top 10. It's possible that those picks could become the starting point for inching higher in the draft order.
Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL draft is fast approaching, so it’s time to start looking at the Vikings’ draft options. Having previously looked at safety and defensive tackle, we now turn our attention to a position that was a popular choice in the earlier mock drafts for the Vikings’ first round pick, but has cooled off the closer we have got to the draft – cornerback.
How Minnesota Can Navigate the Board at Cornerback
Cornerback is still a position I can see the Vikings looking to add to the roster during the draft. The signing of James Pierre made the team’s position at CB less desperate, but unless Pierre surprises and is better than advertised. Everything at the position isn’t solved and still needs addressing. These are the options throughout the different rounds.
The First Round Certainties
Several cornerbacks could fly off the board in the first round, with Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy the most highly rated. Both have the potential to go higher than 18 as genuine lockdown outside corners. If either is on the board at 18, they immediately become extremely strong candidates for the Vikings, who are in desperate need of a long, rangy shutdown CB.
The other first-round option is Avieon Terrell. He is a different kind of CB to Delane and McCoy, largely down to his shorter stature, which will likely see him used primarily as a slot corner. His elite football IQ and playmaking instincts mean he can be very effective from that position, but make his value more towards the back end of the first round.
If the Vikings want a CB and the first two are off the board, trading back and selecting Terrell would be a good value move.
The Vikings Draft Options on Day 2
Day 2 brings a whole host of options at the CB position, starting with Colton Hood. A developmental prospect, Hood is a talented but inconsistent young player with only one full season as a starter. He may take time to cover NFL receivers, but the tools are there for him to become a good outside corner.
There are a couple of smaller, less physical options in Brandon Cisse and D’Angelo Ponds. Cisse can lack physicality at times, but his explosiveness and twitch give him the tools to develop into a starting NFL cornerback, making him a promising prospect for Minnesota on Day 2. Ponds’ football IQ and instincts make him an intriguing prospect. While he plays with clear passion and urgency every snap, his downside is that, at 5’9, 173 lbs, he is very small for the position.
The options keep coming in on Day 2, with this draft full of good CBs who all have at least one flaw. Chris Johnson excels with physicality, spacing, anticipation, and ball skills, but is best suited to playing off-coverage.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Keith Abney lacks length and top-tier athleticism to be a big success in coverage, but his competitiveness and run-defense mentality make him a valuable rotational defensive back with starter potential. Keionte Scott is another tone-setter in run defense with a physical mentality, but also has coverage limitations. Other options in the third round include Treydan Stukes, Davison Igbinosun, and Devin Moore.
The Best of the Rest on Day 3
There aren’t many options I like on Day 3, especially since the Vikings aren’t scheduled to pick until the fifth round. However, a couple of names with potential are Chandler Rivers, Tarico Davis, and Thaddeus Dixon. At nearly 6’4 and 194 lbs, Davis has potential as a matchup against bigger WRs, while his lack of fluidity in movement will see him struggle against the league’s route technicians.
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis (1) against the Colorado Buffalos at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Rivers is a good player with lots of success at the collegiate level, but his below-average size could see him fall into the mid rounds. With an incredibly natural zone feel, spatial awareness, and quick processing, he could prove a steal if the Vikings can land him in the fifth. Despite his smaller frame, he’s not afraid to surge downhill and hit hard, which is a plus point.
Finally, we have Dixon, a high-upside CB who should be available in the middle rounds. At around 6’0″, 195 pounds, with 31 1/2″ arms, Dixon has decent length, to pair with springy, explosive athleticism, elite reactive coil, and twitch. A red flag comes in the form of off-field misdemeanors, so teams will want him to show he has matured. If he has, he could prove to be a steal.
Roman Reigns is once again holding gold around his waist as he beat CM Punk in an epic main event at WrestleMania 42 to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
The match, and Night 2 in general, had a true WrestleMania feel to it, blowing Night 1 out of the water. In the end, Reigns, who was by Punk’s side in 2012 as a member of The Shield, overcame his demons and beat Punk to return to the top of the mountain.
The match was an epic main course for what was a satisfying night for WWE.
“Mami” is back to being a champion as Rhea Ripley beat Jade Cargill to win the WWE Women's Championship. Ripley overcame interference from Michin and B-Fab, as well as Jade’s power. She had Iyo Sky by her side, and Ripley continued her good luck at WrestleMania with a win.
Finn Balor returned to his “Demon” form for the first time in years and earned a deserved WrestleMania moment by beating former Judgement Day brother Dominik Mysterio.
Trick Williams showcased his skills to an audience that wanted everything to do with him and nothing to do with Sami Zayn. Williams, with Lil Yachty, beat Zayn to win the United States Championship.
Penta retained the Intercontinental Title after an epic ladder match. Rey Mysterio performed like he wasn’t 51 with bad knees. Je'Von Evans stood out and proved he’s ready to hold gold sooner than later.
Meanwhile, Oba Femi proved to be the new “The Next Big Thing” after taking out Brock Lesnar in just a matter of minutes to open WrestleMania. Lesnar retired after the match, though he could compete again if goaded by someone like Gunther when SummerSlam comes to Minnesota.
Follow along here for WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 live results, winners, match grades and biggest moments from Las Vegas.
WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 live results, winners and highlights
Welcome to NESN's live coverage of night two of WrestleMania 42.
5 p.m. ET: An hour before showtime, it was announced Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio is now a Street Fight.
5:15 p.m. ET: It appears Pat McAfee is officially done with WWE after Randy Orton lost last night, per his wife. Will that last?
5:17 p.m. ET: Cody Rhodes is not medically cleared. Three sutures, multiple staples. His eye is shut. No timetable for the champion.
5:56 p.m. ET: Joe Jonas has arrived at WrestleMania to sing the Star Spangled Banner.
6:04 p.m. ET: John Cena is back out in his suit, ready to host WrestleMania. Because they are on ESPN, WWE has to start with something big.
6:08 p.m. ET: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar opens WrestleMania. It's a massive test for Femi. Will this be a quick match or will WWE try and make it go long? Femi has so much aura.
Oba Femi makes a statement after squashing Brock Lesnar
Paul Heyman introduced Lesnar. He called him the real ruler of WrestleMania. They locked up to start, neither backing down. Lesnar took over but Femi shouted and knocked Lesnar down. Lesnar tried to clothesline him, but Femi shook it off and took him down with one. The crowd was loving it.
Femi tried grabbing Lesnar from the outside, but Lesnar took him outside and took over. Suplex City. Three suplexes from Lesnar. Femi with a big elbow and uppercuts. Lesnar with an F5 but Femi got up. Chokeslam by Femi. Fall from Grace and Femi won!
Match went a lot longer than I expected. However, Femi did exactly what he needed to do to look like a true star. The future has arrived.
Grade: A+
Lesnar took off his gloves and boots in the ring, a la what MMA fighters do when they retire. The fans chanted "Thank you Lesnar." So is Lesnar not retiring at SummerSlam in Minnesota?
Brock Lesnar leaves his gear in the ring. What's next for The Beast?
Penta vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio in a Ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship is next. McDonagh, Rusev and Lee did not get entrances for WrestleMania. Instead, ads were played.
Penta retains Intercontinental Title following epic ladder match
Bodies were flying everywhere. The three lucha stars faced off in the ring. Penta and Lee tried to take out Rusev. Rusev set up a ladder on the outside. Evans was a standout in the match. Penta and Mysterio had a few moments to shine.
Rusev used his strength to take over. McDonagh took out Rusev after multiple attempts. Evans with a leaping clothesline and took out McDonagh from one of the ladders. Mysteriowith a 619 to a down Lee. Evans leapfrogged over Mysterio. He used his agility to make things chaotic.
Lee to a dropkick to Mysterio, who was hanging on the ladder. Rusev was back on the attack. Mysterio took out Rusev with a West Coast Pop onto a ladder on the outside. 619 to Penta. Lee got taken out by Mysterio but managed to hit him with a Styles Clash. McDonagh with a Spanish Fly to Lee.
Penta with a Mexican Destroyer to McDonagh on the ladder. Evans had the title in his hands. Rusev forced him down. OG Cutter from Evans to Rusev from the ladder. Mexican Destroyer to Evans. Penta got the title to retain. What a match.
That was a car crash as expected. Thought Evans would be crowned but he looked like a star, even with a loss. Penta gets his moment. Rey Mysterio doesn't age. A better start to WrestleMania today. The only gripe from the match: entrances getting cut.
Grade: A-
Sami Zayn, coming out to massive boos, defends the United States Title against Trick Williams (who has Lil Yachty in his corner). Boos for Zayn feels odd. Trick is over. He also has so much aura.
Trick Williams wins United States Title at WrestleMania
Trick started hot but Zayn took over right away. He kept on getting booed. Trick got some momentum, hitting a back neckbreaker. A Book End by Trick. Blue Thunder Bomb by Zayn. He unloaded on Trick on the floor. Zayn took a shot at Lil Yachty.
Zayn with a Brainbuster on the apron to the outside. Helluva Kick by Zayn on the outside. Yachty distracted Zayn and Trick almost won the match. Trick went for the Trick Shot. Zayn with an Exploder into the corner. Helluva Kick attempt. Williams with a Trick Shot to win the title.
TRICK WILLIAMS IS THE NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION!!! 🇺🇸 @_trickwilliams
"Demon" Finn Balor takes out Dominik Mysterio in Street Fight
Mysterio appeared to be afraid of The Demon. Balor attacked Mysterio, not selling any of the latter's moves. Balor with a kendo stick to Mysterio. He tried taking out a table, but Mysterio flew on top of him and used the kendo stick himself.
Chairs got brought into the ring. They exchanged moves. Mysterio with a 619. He landed a Frog Splash but Balor kicked out at one. Balor kicked Mysterio into the corner. Coup de Grace attempt but Mysterio hit Balor with a chair to the head. Balor recovered. Slingblades to Mysterio. Mysterio pushed Balor through a table.
Mysterio with multiple chair shots. He put the chair around Balor's neck and hit a 619. Frog Splash for two. Mysterio took out a table. Balor got up and hit Mysterio with chair shots. Dropkick with a chair on Mysterio's neck. Coup de Grace onto Mysterio's through a table for the win.
Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor gave it their all. "The Demon" gimmick took away from the match, but it still entertained. Balor gets a big win against Judgement Day.
Grade: B-
Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women's Championship is next. It's a massive opportunity for Cargill to prove she can be one of the top stars in WWE. Can she keep up with Ripley? Cargill, the champion, coming out first? Oh, not a good omen.
Rhea Ripley back on top as 'Mami' beats Jade Cargill for gold
Jade used her power to take out Ripley, normally the dominant one in the ring. Powerslam by Jade. She took over on the outside. The pace slowed down. Crossface by Jade. Ripley finally landed some shots. She took over, dropping Jade on her face.
Hip toss by Jade. Elbows and kicks traded by both. Spinebuster by Jade for two. Ripley avoids the Jaded. She landed a hurricanrana and a kick. Michin and B-Fab distracted Ripley and the referee. Ripley got assaulted by all three women. Sand Storm (One Winged Angel) by Jade but only for two.
Iyo Sky, who should have competed at WrestleMania, saved Ripley. She beat up Michin and B-Fab. Jade tried to kick Sky. Ripley with a headbutt and a Riptide attempt. Big boot by Jade. Jaded attempt turned into a Riptide for the win.
The match did not click as well as it could have. Felt like a Night 1 match. Ripley is back on top. Back to the drawing board for Jade.
Grade: C+
Cena back out. The attendance for Night 2: 55,255. Overall weekend attendance: 106,072. WrestleMania 41 overall attendance at the same arena: 118,641.
The Miz came out to interrupt John Cena. He wanted a WrestleMania moment. Danhausen came out. He said he admired Cena. A kid punched Kit Wilson below the belt. Danhausen did the same to Miz. Five Knuckle Cursed Shuffle to Miz. Danhausen "mysteriously vanished."
The main event is up next: A match with years of storytelling behind it. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns. From The Shield to today, it's time to settle a score. The OTC vs. The Best in the World.
Miseria Cantare! CM Punk actually got WWE to play it!
Roman Reigns vs. CM Puk delivers at WrestleMania, Reigns wins gold
They stared one another down to start things off. Punk big brothered Reigns. Reigns tried to outpower Punk. Samoan Drop to Punk. Chop by Punk, right hand by Reigns. Reigns forced Punk to the outside. He bullied him by the barricade.
Reigns showboated and Punk took advantage. Punk did the same and Reigns took advantage this time. Reigns talked trash to Punk and hurt him by the ropes. Reigns tried for the Superman Punch, but Punk countered. Punk hit a crossbody. Knee to the corner and bulldog by Punk.
Punk tried for the GTS, but Reigns halted his momentum. Superman Punch for two. High knee by Punk as Reigns went for the Spear. Another high knee. Punk forced him to the outside, and forced Reigns onto the announce table and posed on him while on the table. Punk went up top and attempted to land an elbow through the table.
They traded shots on the apron. Punk had Punk hanging from the ropes and landed a Superman Punch. And another. And a third. Very creative. Reigns took the steel steps and hit Punk with them. Punk is bleeding. Reigns with a Shield Bomb through the Spanish announce table. Reigns finally put Punk in he ring. He went for the Spear but Punk hit the GTS for two.
Another GTS attempt but Reigns landed the Spear but two. Reigns shoved Punk's face into the mat, realizing he's losing control. They traded punches. Reigns with a GTS attempt, but Punk countered. Punk teased a Superman Punch and connected, but only for two.
Punk took an Ula Fala and wore it. He tried a Spear but Reigns locked in the Guillotine. Rollup by Punk to an Anaconda Vice. Reigns with a Guillotine. Punk tried a Sharpshooter, but Reigns got him back in the Guillotine. Punk got out of it. They both lay one another out.
They talked trash to one another in the middle of the ring. Trading shots, the fans were into it. Knees and headbutts were traded. Punk took off the tape. He hit Reigns with it and then hit Reigns with a low blow (after the referee was distracted) and GTS for two. Elbow after elbow by Punk.
Punk put Reigns on the announce table. He hit the Elbow Drop and broke the table. GTS connected. Reigns fell right back on Punk's shoulders but Punk collapsed. Spear by Reigns. Punk tried to fight back. Reigns with a Spear and he won.
Was Punk injured for real? Regardless, that match was fantastic. Both gave it their all, delivering when Night 1 couldn't. Reigns and Punk get a true WrestleMania moment.
Wrestling fans looking for the WrestleMania 42 Night 2 live stream can watch the event on the ESPN app, which carries WrestleMania and every WWE Premium Live Event (PLE).
WrestleMania 42 Night 2 coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET on the ESPN App, including access through the official WWE streaming hub for fans with an ESPN Unlimited plan.
The new ESPN app also gives fans a way to watch ESPN without cable, with live access to the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, and ESPN studio shows like SportsCenter and First Take — all in one place, anytime and anywhere.
WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 live results
Roman Reigns def. CM Punk (c) for the World Heavyweight Championship
Rhea Ripley def. Jade Cargill (c) for the WWE Women's Championship
Finn Balor def. Dominik Mysterio in a Street Fight
Trick Williams def. Sami Zayn (c) for the WWE United States Championship
Penta (c) def. Je'Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev, and Rey Mysterio in a Ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) hypes up the crows during the first quarter of the game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Despite going 11-2 and finishing in a four-way tie for the Big 12 football regular season championship in 2024, the BYU Cougars did not have any players selected in last year’s NFL Draft.
It was a bit of a blow to the program, which had produced at least one draft pick for four straight years before that, starting with Zach Wilson, Brady Christensen, Khyiris Tonga, Chris Wilcox and Dax Milne hearing their names called in the 2021 draft.
“That’s my job, trying to help as many of our guys get drafted and (get) opportunities in free agency,” 11-year BYU coach Kalani Sitake said during pro day on March 20.
Wilson (New Orleans Saints), Christensen (Carolina Panthers) and Tonga (Kansas City Chiefs) are still in the league.
Running back Tyler Allgeier was BYU’s only drafted player in 2022, by the Atlanta Falcons. Allgeier recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
In 2023, Blake Freeland (Indianapolis Colts), Jaren Hall (Minnesota Vikings) and the great Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams) went in the first seven rounds. Freeland is still with the Colts and Nacua is considered one of the best players in the NFL, despite some well-publicized off-the-field issues.
In 2024, BYU’s only draftee was offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia, picked in the second round by the Chiefs and their head coach with strong BYU ties, Andy Reid.
Tyler Batty, Darius Lassiter, Blake Mangelson, Jakob Robinson and Caleb Etienne signed free agent deals and Connor Pay and Brayden Keim received mini-camp invites. Batty, a defensive end who really should have been drafted, made the Minnesota Vikings’ roster and saw some playing time last fall.
Robinson is still with the San Francisco 49ers after signing a free agent deal last April. The Orem High product was reportedly in good position to make the 49ers roster before he fractured his forearm in the final exhibition game last August and spent the season on the injured reserve list.
At last count, 17 former Cougars are on NFL rosters heading into next week’s draft in Pittsburgh.
BYU’s best prospects for the 2026 NFL draft and free agency
The Annual Player Selection Meeting for 2026 — the NFL Draft’s official name — is set to begin on Thursday with one round of selections. Rounds 2 and 3 will be held Friday, while Rounds 4-7 will be held Saturday.
BYU does not have a sure-fire NFL draft prospect this year, although all-Big 12 linebacker Jack Kelly comes close. The former Kearns High and Weber State standout quite likely will be the only player who finished his college career at BYU to hear his name called this weekend.
Utah defensive end Logan Fano, who was enrolled at BYU in 2022 but never played due to a knee injury before transferring to Utah, is a likely mid-round pick. And Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who played two seasons at BYU and returned to Provo to participate in pro day last month, is viewed as a possible late-round pick.
Like Kelly, BYU’s Chase Roberts was also invited to February’s NFL combine in Indianapolis, so the big receiver has to be considered as the Cougars’ second-best prospect to be picked and play in the league this fall.
BYU long snapper Garrison Grimes and kicker Will Ferrin received invitations to the 2026 NFL Specialist Showcase, part of the evaluation process for the NFL combine.
Somewhere between 30-40 players who do not receive an invitation to the combine are drafted each year, according to NFL.com. Roughly 85% of drafted players over the past six years were combine invitees.
Perhaps BYU’s biggest combine snub was tight end Carsen Ryan, who had 45 catches for 620 yards and three touchdowns and has prototypical NFL tight end size and blocking ability.
BYU’s other possibilities to get NFL opportunities — free agent deals or mini-camp invites — include cornerback Mory Bamba, offensive linemen Weylin Lapuaho, Austin Leausa and Isaiah Jatta and safety Tanner Wall.
Here’s a closer look at several former BYU players with the best chances of being drafted:
Chad Reuter of NFL.com has Kelly going in the third round, No. 95 overall, to the New England Patriots; Dane Brugler of The Athletic has Kelly going in the fourth round, No. 135 overall, to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After two highly productive seasons at BYU, Kelly did what he was supposed to do in Indianapolis, posting a 4.57 40-yard dash (eighth among linebackers) and a 4.19 in the 20-yard shuttle, which tied for first in that agility drill.
“The versatility that Jack used here at BYU is going to be something that NFL (coaches) and organizations are going to love to use once he gets into the NFL,” said BYU defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga.
Receiver Chase Roberts
Durability and production were Roberts’ calling cards at BYU, as the four-year starter finished his career as one of the top 10 pass-catchers in school history. He caught 170 passes (8th), for 2,568 yards (7th) and 18 touchdowns (12th) after a church mission to Canada.
Roberts did not run well at the combine, posting a 4.64 time in the 40-yard dash, which was 34th among wide receivers. He improved his 40 time to a respectable 4.51 at BYU’s pro day, and also posted times I’m the 20-yard shuttle and 3-cone drill that would have ranked No. 3 among wide receivers at the combine.
“He just happens to be a really good football player on top of (being a great leader),” said BYU receivers coach Fesi Sitake. “Any organization that gets him is going to get a heck of a player and a heck of a person.”
Tight end Carsen Ryan
After some respectable seasons at UCLA and Utah, Ryan really broke out in his sole season at BYU to become one of quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s favorite targets. He also excelled as a willing and feared blocker, enabling running back LJ Martin to earn Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Ryan was disappointed about the NFL combine snub, but didn’t take his foot off the training gas pedal and posted a 4.66 in the 40 at pro day. Ryan put up 23 reps on the bench press, answering any questions about his strength.
“Certain things would have to happen for him to make a 53-man roster, but if he does, he could be an 8-10 year NFL vet,” said BYU tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride, a former NFL tight ends coach. “I coached in the NFL for a number of years. There were a lot of guys like him and then there were the superstars. The guys who did everything the right way and executed at a high level — that’s what teams are going to get (with Ryan).”
Cornerback Mory Bamba
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound transfer from Tyler (Texas) Junior College slowly maintained a low profile in his four years at BYU — he rarely granted interviews — as he gradually worked his way from scout team player to starter.
“I know NFL scouts have loved this guy for two years now, and I know he’s gong to perform well (in workouts) and give himself a chance to be a long NFL vet,” Poppinga said.
The Detroit Pistons added to their NBA-record home losing streak Sunday night in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs.
The 1-seed Pistons, who went 60-22 in the regular season, lost to the 8-seed Magic, 112-101 on Sunday, April 19, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
It's their 11th straight home playoff loss, dating to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals. That includes an 0-9 mark in playoff games at Little Caesars Arena.
The Pistons' last home playoff win came in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills against the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics on May 26, 2008 – a 94-75 win to even the series. Antonio McDyess led the Pistons in the win with 21 points and 16 rebounds, and Rip Hamilton scored 20.
Here's a list of the Pistons' home playoff losses since:
Pistons home playoff losing streak
April 19, 2026: Game 1 of first round vs. Orlando, 112-101, at LCA.
May 1, 2025: Game 6 of first round vs. New York, 116-113, at LCA.
April 27, 2025: Game 4 of first round vs. New York, 94-93, at LCA.
April 24, 2025: Game 3 of first round vs. New York, 118-116, at LCA.
April 22, 2019: Game 4 of first round vs. Milwaukee, 127-104, at LCA.
April 20, 2019: Game 3 of first round vs. Milwaukee, 119-103 at LCA.
April 24, 2016: Game 4 of first round vs. Cleveland, 100-98, at The Palace.
April 22, 2016: Game 3 of first round vs. Cleveland, 101-01, at The Palace.
April 26, 2009: Game 4 of first round vs. Cleveland, 99-78, at The Palace.
April 24, 2009: Game 3 of first round vs. Cleveland, 79-68, at The Palace.
May 30, 2008: Game 6 of Eastern Conference Finals vs. Boston, 89-81 at The Palace.
The Detroit Pistons added to their NBA-record home losing streak Sunday night in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs.
The 1-seed Pistons, who went 60-22 in the regular season, lost to the 8-seed Magic, 112-101 on Sunday, April 19, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
It's their 11th straight home playoff loss, dating to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals. That includes an 0-6 mark in playoff games at Little Caesars Arena.
The Pistons' last home playoff win came in Game 4 of the East finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills against the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics on May 26, 2008 – a 94-75 win to even the series. Antonio McDyess led the Pistons in the win with 21 points and 16 rebounds, and Rip Hamilton scored 20.
Here's a list of the Pistons' home playoff losses since:
Pistons home playoff losing streak
April 19, 2026: Game 1 of first round vs. Orlando, 112-101, at LCA.
May 1, 2025: Game 6 of first round vs. New York, 116-113, at LCA.
April 27, 2025: Game 4 of first round vs. New York, 94-93, at LCA.
April 24, 2025: Game 3 of first round vs. New York, 118-116, at LCA.
April 22, 2019: Game 4 of first round vs. Milwaukee, 127-104, at LCA.
April 20, 2019: Game 3 of first round vs. Milwaukee, 119-103 at LCA.
April 24, 2016: Game 4 of first round vs. Cleveland, 100-98, at The Palace.
April 22, 2016: Game 3 of first round vs. Cleveland, 101-01, at The Palace.
April 26, 2009: Game 4 of first round vs. Cleveland, 99-78, at The Palace.
April 24, 2009: Game 3 of first round vs. Cleveland, 79-68, at The Palace.
May 30, 2008: Game 6 of East finals vs. Boston, 89-81 at The Palace.
Real Madrid seriously considering Jose Mourinho return
At this stage, it’s taken for granted that Real Madrid will be searching for a new manager at the end of the season. Alvaro Arbeloa has convinced the first team squad since he replaced Xabi Alonso, but after failing to win the Champions League or Copa del Rey, and with La Liga slipping away too, it’s expected that his contract will not be renewed.
Real Madrid have already started looking as possible replacements, with the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps having been linked with the position in recent months. However, there is every chance that all three turn down the chance to take the reins at the Bernabeu, which could lead to the return of a familiar face.
Initially, Real Madrid had ruled out any chance of Jose Mourinho returning to the club for a second spell, but Marca have now reported that Florentino Perez is increasingly open to the idea of the Portuguese making a sensational comeback.
Mourinho is able to leave Benfica for free at the end of the season, and he is yet to commit to remaining at the European giants. The possibility of making a return to Real Madrid, where he is still very highly-regarded by the club’s board of directors, could be too much to pass up, especially as he has unfinished business in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid yet to speak to Mourinho or his agent
But at this stage, there has been no contact between Real Madrid and Mourinho, nor with the 63-year-old’s representatives. That could change as the summer draws nearer, but for the time being, there is unlikely to be any moves made until a final decision is made regarding Arbeloa’s continuity.
Mourinho would certainly be able to inspire the Real Madrid dressing room, who need spurred off after back-to-back disappointing seasons. In this regard, it would make sense for him to return to the Bernabeu in the summer, but whether it happens remains to be seen.
Homering off Baltimore Orioles starter Trevor Rodgers in the fourth and fifth innings Saturday, Cleveland Guardians third baseman joined an exclusive MLB fraternity.
The two-homer performance increased the 14-year major leaguer's career total to 291. Along with his 297 steals, Ramirez became the 11th member of the 290-290 club.
It seems like each time Rameriz steps on the field recently, he breaks another record.
On Wednesday, Ramirez snapped a 112-year record for most at-bats in franchise history, breaking a mark held by the iconic Nap Lajoie. On April 6, he became the first player in the organization to homer against 29 other MLB teams.
Is the 33-year-old future Hall of Famer the greatest player in franchise history?
Guardians' Jose Ramirez making marks on game
The two home runs increased Ramirez's organizational record of 28 career multi-home run games. His 138 homers at Progressive Field placed him in second place all-time, passing Earl Averill.
"Those are things nobody does," Paul Hoynes said on the Cleveland Baseball Talk podcast. "You know, we're lucky. We see one player like this in a lifetime. These guys just come along here."
Rameriz, who is hitting .342 with five homers in his past 11 games after a slow start, led the Guardians to an 8-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. The AL Central-leading Guardians (13-10) open a three-game series against the visiting Houston Astros on Monday.
"He's so durable, so consistent," Hoynes said. "I mean, those records have stood for decades that he's broken in the last two weeks."
Turning point: T.J. Friedmann scored the go-ahead goal at 18:48 of the final period and Craig Martincompleted a hat trick seconds later, ending the Jacksonville Icemen's ECHL season on a note ofcelebration with a 7-5 win over the Orlando Solar Bears on April 19 inside VyStar Veterans MemorialArena.
Three stars: 1. Martin, Jacksonville (three goals). 2. Friedmann, Jacksonville (one goal). 3. Jed Pietila, Jacksonville (one goal, one assist).
Penalty box: In a rarity, the teams combined for only one minor penalty but three double minors.
Around the rink: Martin's hat trick was the first for the Icemen since Olivier Nadeau on March 6, 2025 against the Allen Americans. … He joins Emerson Clark, Cody Fowlie, Cam Maclise, Pierre-Luc Mercier, Wacey Rabbit, Bobby Lynch, Abbott Girduckis, Vladislav Mikhalchuk, Ara Nazarian, Derek Lodermeier, Matheson Iacopelli, Brendan Harris and Chris Grando as hat-trick scorers in Icemen history. ... Icemen goalie Cameron Rowe made 31 saves and David Jankowski tallied three assists. … Adam McMaster and Colby Ambrosio also scored for the Icemen (29-32-8-3), who finish fifth in the ECHL South Division. … Jacksonville built a 5-2 lead midway through the second period before the last-place Solar Bears (29-38-4-1) tied the score on goals by Ethan Szmagaj, Jarid Lukosevicius and Aaron Luchuk. … The Icemen, who recorded 10,176 fans Sunday, again top the ECHL attendance list by a margin of more than 1,000 over second-place Toledo.
Up next: The season is over and the Icemen enter the off-season preparing for the expected start of the 2026-27 campaign in October.
Two years after winning just 14 games to finish with the league's worst record, the Detroit Pistons enter the NBA Playoffs as the top seed in the East for the first time since 2007.
After falling in a closely contested first-round series with the Knicks last spring, Cade Cunningham and Co. are heavy favorites as they begin their postseason run against the Orlando Magic, who survived the Play-In Tournament to reach the main event.
The Magic fell in Philadelphia in the Play-In opener before mauling the Hornets to clinch the No. 8 seed. Now Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane will try to help Orlando win a playoff series for the first time since 2010. The Magic have dropped six first-round series since then, including each of the last two years.
Orlando enters with momentum but the rested Pistons will like their chances to move forward as they start down the road they hope will lead them to their first NBA title since 2004.
Here's what you need to know to watch Pistons vs. Magic, including broadcast information and start times.
The Pistons vs. Magic series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock.
Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Peacock or the ESPN app — for games on those platforms.
The Detroit Pistons saw their momentum come to a halt Sunday night, falling 112–101 to the Orlando Magic in a result that carried major playoff implications.
Entering the matchup as the No. 1 seed, Detroit was widely expected to handle the No. 8-seeded Magic. Instead, Orlando delivered a statement upset, showcasing the kind of balance and defensive intensity that can shift a postseason series.
Despite a dominant performance from Cade Cunningham, who poured in 39 points to lead all scorers, the Pistons struggled to find consistent offensive support. Cunningham carried the scoring load, but Detroit’s inability to generate balanced production ultimately proved costly against a disciplined Magic defense.
Orlando, meanwhile, relied on a complete team effort. Paolo Banchero led the way with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Franz Wagner added 19 points and Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 17 efficient points. The Magic’s ability to distribute scoring and maintain offensive flow created a clear contrast with Detroit’s top-heavy approach.
Magic seize control early, expose No. 1 Pistons in statement playoff upset
The tone of the game was set early. Orlando jumped out to a strong first-quarter lead and never relinquished control, keeping the Pistons at arm’s length throughout. Detroit made brief runs, but each time, the Magic responded with poised execution on both ends of the floor.
Defensively, Orlando dictated the pace. Their perimeter pressure disrupted Detroit’s rhythm, forced contested shots, and limited easy opportunities in transition. That defensive edge translated into timely scoring, particularly during key second-half stretches that widened the gap.
For the Pistons, the loss highlights the challenges even top seeds face in the postseason. Outside of Cunningham and a 17-point effort from Tobias Harris, Detroit struggled to generate consistent offense. Missed opportunities and stagnant possessions proved difficult to overcome.
The Magic’s composure down the stretch ensured the upset would hold. Even as Detroit attempted a late push, Orlando executed with confidence, closing out the game and stealing momentum in the series.
While the Pistons still hold the advantage as the top seed, this result serves as a reminder: in the playoffs, seeding guarantees nothing—and the Magic have made that clear.
The NBA Playoffs are officially here. After 82 games of grinding through the regular season, the marathon has finally turned into a sprint, as the 2025-26 postseason field is set to narrow through the high-stakes crucible of the Play-In Tournament.
With the first round officially tipping off on Saturday, April 18, the margin for error has vanished, and the quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy is finally underway.
Here's everything you need to know for the 2026 NBA playoffs, from schedule to streaming information.
NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain the exclusive domain of ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.
All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream.
Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.
NBA Playoffs 2026: Updated schedule, scores for every round
The 2025-26 NBA regular season has reached its conclusion, setting the stage for a postseason defined by high-stakes matchups and a brand-new broadcast landscape.
The journey to the Larry O'Brien Trophy officially begins with the Play-In Tournament on April 14, followed by the start of the first round on April 18. With dominant forces like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons having secured the top seeds, the focus is on what other teams can compete for the NBA championship.
This year marks a significant shift in how fans will consume the playoffs, as a landmark media rights deal introduces a three-pronged distribution model featuring ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. While the NBA Finals remain the exclusive property of ABC, earlier rounds will be split across these platforms, including the entirety of the Play-In Tournament moving to Prime Video.
Whether you are a cord-cutter relying on Peacock and Amazon or a traditional viewer tuned into ESPN and NBC, navigating the 2026 bracket requires a clear roadmap of where and when to find each game. From the opening tip of the play-in games to the final buzzer of the NBA Finals on June 19, every series offers a different path to glory.
Below is the comprehensive guide to the 2026 NBA Playoff schedule, including a full look at the current bracket, confirmed tip-off times, and a breakdown of which streaming services and cable channels you'll need to catch every minute of the action.
Where to watch NBA Playoffs 2026: TV channels, live streams
NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain on ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.
All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream.
Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ousseni Bouda scored two goals in the second half, ending Hugo Lloris' scoreless run to begin the season at 593 minutes, and the San Jose Earthquakes stunned Los Angeles FC 4-1 on Sunday night in an early Western Conference showdown.
San Jose (7-1-0) moves into a first-place tie with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield races in the Earthquakes' second season under head coach Bruce Arena.
Daniel De Sousa Britto missed a chance to tie Lloris with a sixth clean sheet on an own goal by Reid Roberts in the 74th minute. He had three saves.
Bouda used assists from newcomer Timo Werner — his third — and Beau Leroux to find the net in the 53rd minute after a scoreless first half.
Werner, sidelined the past two weeks with a lower-body injury, took a pass from Leroux three minutes later and scored his first MLS goal for a 2-0 lead. Leroux's assists gives him four, matching his total last season in 33 appearances as a rookie.
An own goal on Ryan Porteous in the 59th minute made it 3-0 in a span of six minutes.
Bouda's fourth goal of the season capped the scoring in the 80th minute. Niko Tsakiris notched his career-high fifth assist.
Lloris finished with two saves in a second straight loss for LAFC (5-2-1), third in the West. Lloris sat out a 2-1 road loss to the Portland Timbers.
San Jose has won all four of its road matches.
LAFC was 6-0-1 at BMO Stadium in all competitions entering play, outscoring its opponents 17-1.
With the regular season concluded for most teams around the league, it's time to shift focus to the NHL Playoffs.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have home ice for this series, but there wasn't much separating them and the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season. It's also worth mentioning that the Canadiens are tied for the second-best road record in the NHL, at 24-9-8. Tampa has three more road losses than Montreal, but both teams have played stellar hockey during this year's campaign.
Despite finishing with the same number of points, the Lightning head into this series with a clear edge, opening up as the largest favorite in the first round (-250, DraftKings). Tampa held a slight goals per game over the Habs at 3.5 GPG, compared to Montreal's 3.4. Where the Lightning distance themselves is through their defense. They only allow 2.79 goals per game, the third-best in the league, compared to the Canadiens' 3.06 (16th).
The Canadiens do have an edge, though, pertaining to how frequently the Lightning fall victim to penalties. Montreal scores on 23.1% on its power plays, which should make the difference, as Tampa Bay leads the league in penalties per game. They were the only team to average north of 5 penalties a game this season (5.2). The Lightning also lead the league in penalties drawn, with 5.0 per game, but their lackluster power play has held them back this year.
Head-to-head this season, the Canadiens have won the most recent three games, only losing their first matchup against Tampa by means of a 6-1 blowout at Bell Centre.
Here's what you need to know to watch Lightning vs. Canadiens, including broadcast information and start times.
Games in the Lightning vs. Canadiens series will air on multiple channels.
Fans can stream every playoff game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Games on ABC and ESPN networks can also be streamed on the ESPN app or fubo, which also has a free trial.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when the previous series end.
CHICAGO —Mets fans trudging toward the exits at Wrigley Field after Sunday’s gut-wrenching walk-off loss to the Cubs didn’t hide their displeasure with manager Carlos Mendoza.
“F—ing fire Mendoza!" one fan barked toward Mets beat reporters outside the visiting clubhouse minutes after Nico Hoerner’s game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th inning.
“If Mendoza is still the manager tomorrow morning, I’m done being a fan,” another yelled in the concourse.
Seeing reporters begin to enter the clubhouse, one more distraught fan called out: “We suck! Report that!”
That’s what happens during an 11-game losing streak that has sunk the Mets to 7-15.
As Mendoza wrapped up his postgame press conference, addressing his decision not to walk Hoerner with two bases open in the 10th inning, and New York’s reeling lineup, the manager was asked about his job security.
“I know questions like this are going to come up,” Mendoza said. “I’m spending my energy to continue to manage, continue to lead, continue to coach, continue to support. That’s what I’m doing right now.”
While Mendoza might not have the support of this team’s fed-up fan base, or at least a large chunk of it, it’s a different story inside the Mets’ locker room.
Multiple veterans spoke strongly in favor of the skipper after Sunday’s 2-1 loss, taking the blame for the way this group has devastatingly underperformed to begin this season.
“He’s done a fantastic job,” shortstop Francisco Lindor said. “This is not on him. He’s made sure everybody here is prepared, every coach here is prepared and we have the information. It comes down on us.”
Lindor continued: “Mendy is our guy, he’s our leader, he’s in control and he’s done a tremendous job. We just haven’t executed. It would be unfair to put everything on him, because at the end of the day, he has gotten the ship in the right direction. The people are paddling, we gotta paddle and execute.”
Closer Devin Williams, who blew a one-run lead in the ninth inning on an RBI double from ex-Met Michael Conforto, was similarly adamant.
“It’s absolutely on us [as players],” Williams said. “He doesn’t swing a bat and he doesn’t throw a baseball. We’ve been in a lot of these games. It’s been close. Him or somebody else is not affecting that. If we’re not getting the job done, somebody else isn’t going to just magically flip a switch and we’re going to get it done. He’s putting guys in good positions. We’re not performing.”
Whether it’s on Mendoza or not, the noise surrounding his job security is only going to get louder as this losing streak persists.
What the Mets’ higher-ups need to decide is whether they want to send a message with Mendoza or stick it out, trusting that the third-year manager is the right person to bring out the best in this team.
Judging by the comments made by president of baseball operations David Stearns made on Friday in Chicago, Mendoza is safe. But that can certainly change.
“I think Mendy is doing a really good job,” Stearns said. “I think he’s putting our players in a position to succeed. He’s enormously consistent.”
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Seattle Seahawks can add much-needed draft capital in the 2026 NFL Draft and ruin an expected plan of one of their biggest rivals with one single move, and it could be brilliant.
The team only owns four picks in the class, but three of them come in the top 100. It seems like a near lock that Seattle will trade back at some point in this draft.
They would get the best return if that trade back comes at pick 32. The icing on top would be the chance to ruin one of their NFC West rivals’ projected ideal draft plan.
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Seahawks should trade out of round 1 to gain more NFL Draft capital, and they could screw over the Cardinals
The Seahawks’ first selection in this week’s draft is the final first-round pick at 32. So if they opted to trade back, it would mean they would be moving out of round one altogether.
This may annoy some fans, but I honestly think it would be a very smart idea for Seattle to consider. It also wouldn’t be a new concept. The 32nd pick has been traded twice since 2020 and four times since 2015. The most recent came in 2024, when the Carolina Panthers traded up with the Buffalo Bills to take Xavier Legette.
The instance that I want to look at more closely, though, came in 2018. The Philadelphia Eagles sent the pick to the Baltimore Ravens, who used the pick on quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Getting back into the first round to take a quarterback is valuable because of the fifth-year option it gives teams. The quarterback in this year’s class that all eyes are on in the range of pick 32 is Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
A team that has been heavily linked to him as of late is the Seahawks’ NFC West rivals, the Arizona Cardinals. Many believe selecting him at the top of round two would be the dream plan for Arizona. If he is one of the board at pick 32, the Seahawks have the power to gift someone that fifth-year option.
In 2018, the Eagles got a fourth-rounder in that draft and a future second to move out of round one. I’m not sure they’d get quite that much in a deal this year, but gaining a fourth this year would be a good start. Here are three teams that come to mind as possible fits to trade up for Simpson, beating the Cardinals to the punch.
Hockey fans, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially here. The 2026 version might be as good as ever, with a bracket that feels as wide open as any in recent memory.
Sixteen teams have the same quest: to take home Lord Stanley's Cup. Only one will emerge victorious and etch its name into NHL history. The landscape has shifted dramatically this year, as for the first time in a decade, the defending champions will not be in the dance, as the Florida Panthers failed to qualify following their 2025 title run. That leaves the door wide open for the Colorado Avalanche, who enter the postseason as Presidents' Trophy winners, and the Vegas Golden Knights, who look to recapture their 2023 magic under the late-season guidance of John Tortorella.
The storylines are everywhere you look. Connor McDavid is coming off another staggering 130-point season, desperate to finally bring a Cup back to Edmonton. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference features a nostalgic "Battle of Pennsylvania" between the Penguins and Flyers.
Then, of course, there's the Buffalo Sabres, who finally shattered the longest playoff drought in NHL history by storming into the postseason as Atlantic Division champions. After 14 years on the outside looking in, Lindy Ruff’s squad has transformed from a December basement-dweller into a legitimate threat to go the distance.
From the breakout Sabres winning the Atlantic to the Utah Mammoth making their postseason debut, the stage is set for a wild ride. Here is the full schedule for every series of the 2026 NHL Playoffs.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs will be broadcast across ESPN and TNT Sports platforms, with six different channels being destinations for games. The Stanley Cup Final will be exclusively on ABC.
Fans can live stream every game from the Stanley Cup Playoffs on DIRECTV. Games appearing on ESPN networks, including ABC, can also be streamed live on fubo and the ESPN app.
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The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs follow a divisional bracket system where 16 teams — eight from each conference —compete in four rounds of best-of-seven series. The top three teams in each of the league's four divisions qualify automatically, while the final four spots are awarded to the two wild card teams in each conference with the highest remaining point totals.
In the opening round, the division winner with the best record in their conference faces the wild card with the fewest points, while the other division winner plays the wild card with the higher point total. The remaining first-round series feature the second- and third-place teams from each division facing off against one another.
Every series follows a 2–2–1–1–1 format, meaning the higher-seeded team hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. Home-ice advantage is determined by division seeding in the first two rounds and moves to the team with the better regular-season record for the Conference Finals and the Stanley Cup Final.
Postseason hockey also introduces continuous 20-minute, five-on-five overtime periods where the first goal scored ends the game, as there are no shootouts in the playoffs.
How many teams make the NHL playoffs?
Sixteen teams make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, eight from both the Eastern and Western Conference. This includes the top three teams in all four divisions — Atlantic, Metropolitan, Pacific, Central — and four wild card teams, two from each conference.
How many rounds are in the NHL playoffs?
There are four rounds in the NHL playoffs, each consisting of a best-of-seven series. To win the Stanley Cup, a team must advance through the First Round, the Second Round (Division Finals), and the Conference Finals, before finally winning the Stanley Cup Final.
Because every round requires four victories to advance, a champion must win a total of 16 games over the course of the postseason.
How many games are in a series?
All series in the Stanley Cup playoffs follow a seven-game format.
The matchups are played in a 2–2–1–1–1 format, where the team with home-ice advantage hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6. This structure remains consistent from the opening series through the Final, ensuring that the team with the better regular-season standing always has the opportunity to host a potential Game 7 in front of their home crowd.
For hockey fans, it’s the best time of the year. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially here, and after a regular season defined by historic turnarounds and shifting divisional powers, the 2026 bracket is one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
In the Eastern Conference, the field is a mix of battle-tested giants and long-awaited homecomings. The headline is the Buffalo Sabres, who not only snapped an NHL-record 14-season postseason drought but did so by capturing the Atlantic Division title. They’ll open against a Boston Bruins squad that returned to form after a year away, setting up a clash between Buffalo’s high-octane offense and Boston’s elite defensive structure. Meanwhile, the Battle of Pennsylvania is back, as the Penguins and Flyers renew their fierce rivalry in a first-round series for the first time since 2018.
Over in the West, the Colorado Avalanche have secured the Presidents’ Trophy, ensuring the road to the Cup runs through Denver. However, they face a gauntlet of contenders, including a Dallas Stars team that looks dangerous after a franchise-record winning streak and a Vegas Golden Knights squad that has found a new gear since John Tortorella took over the bench.
From the emergence of young stars like Cole Caufield to the enduring brilliance of veterans like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, the stage is set for two months of high-stakes, sudden-death drama. With six teams qualifying for the postseason after missing out last year, the hunger for a deep run has never been higher. Let the chase for 16 wins begin.
The Sporting News has the complete bracket and schedule throughout the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs. Check it out below.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs will be broadcast across ESPN and TNT Sports platforms, with six different channels being destinations for games. The Stanley Cup Final will be exclusively on ABC.
Fans can live stream every game from the Stanley Cup Playoffs on DIRECTV. Games appearing on ESPN networks, including ABC, can also be streamed live on fubo and the ESPN app.
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How will the 2026 NHL playoffs work?
Sixteen teams qualify for the NHL playoffs, eight from each conference. This includes the top three seeds from each division, who earn automatic berths. The remaining four spots are filled by the two highest-placed finishers in each conference outside of the automatic qualifiers, regardless of their division.
The NHL uses a fixed, division-based bracket. There is no reseeding between rounds, meaning teams can map out their potential path to the Final from Day 1. The division winner with the best record in the conference plays the wild card with the fewer points. The other division winner plays the wild card with more points. Meanwhile, the teams that finished second and third in each division face off against one another. The winners of the first-round series within each divisional bracket meet to determine who moves on to the Conference Finals, then the final four teams battle for their respective conference titles.
The Eastern Conference champion and Western Conference champion then meet in the Stanley Cup Final.
May 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) during rookie minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints quarterback isn’t settling after a strong rookie campaign. Instead, he is looking to improve with some of his teammates in black and gold right before this year’s NFL Draft.
The New Orleans Saints are hopeful entering the 2026 season. This year’s NFL Draft will affect their roster outlook plenty, but quarterback Tyler Shough is already getting to work.
Tyler Shough practicing at Tulane with Saints teammates
Via a social media post, it is clear that some of the offensive dpeth for New Orleans is determined to carve out some chemistry with their quarterback. Shough was seen working out at Tulane recently with some Saints teammates.
TE Moliki Matavao
TE Juwan Johnson
TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden
WR Ja'Lynn Polk
WR Bub Means
WR Kevin Austin Jr.
Saints QB Tyler Shough is working out at Tulane today with some of his teammates. The list of players he's throwing to includes:
TE Moliki Matavao TE Juwan Johnson TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden WR Ja'Lynn Polk WR Bub Means WR Kevin Austin Jr. pic.twitter.com/7rLyg5VsLT
Matavao could see an increased role after being a seventh-round draft pick in 2025. Johnson is the starting tight end for New Orleans and should see plenty of targets in 2025. Mitchell-Paden was an in-season addition last year and spent time on the active roster and practice squad.
Means will be firmly on the roster bubble, along with Ja’Lynn Polk entering next season. Austin had his most productive season of his career in 2025 and will hope to be depth once again for the Saints. Depending on how they navigate this year’s draft, all three will have to compete for a role in the passing game for the Saints.
For Shough, he is hoping to get some extra reps in with these guys he may see legit time with in 2026.
The young quarterback needs more help, though.
Wide receiver is one of the biggest draft needs on the roster, and New Orleans could also use a contender for the backup tight end role entering next season. It would not be surprising to see them use a pick on day two or three to address the TE spot behind Johnson.
At long last, the puck dropped on the much-anticipated first-round series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning. While the Bolts captain Victor Hedman skated on Sunday morning, his first time back on the ice, the Lightning had to make do without him for the game, just like the Canadiens were without Noah Dobson, even though he made the trip with the team.
Unsurprisingly, the atmosphere in the building was absolutely electric when the puck dropped, and the intensity level was dialed all the way up. As expected, Jakub Dobes was in the net for the Habs, starting just his fourth playoff game, while Andrei Vasilevskiy, a fixture in the Bolts’ net for years now, was playing the 121st playoff game of his career.
Despite his inexperience, Dobes showed absolutely no sign of nerves. He came out strong, and while the Canadiens were outshot 9-4 in the first frame, they still had a 1-0 lead on the board thanks to some big saves.
The Czech netminder was aggressive at the right time, coming out of his net to cut the angles as a Tampa Bay player had a golden opportunity all alone in the slot. Furthermore, he proved he had nerves of steel when he came out of the net to handle the puck, near the empty net, under pressure; he kept his cool and made the right play.
Josh Anderson always brings a lot of energy to the table in the playoffs. He clearly loves the importance of the moment and the electricity in the air. It’s no surprise, really, that he got the first goal of the game.
For a few minutes in the second frame, it looked like he had a second goal when he tipped a high puck in front of Vasilevskiy, but it was waived off because he touched it too high. Immediately after that, he got a two-minute charging penalty. He came at Charle-Edouard D’Astous like a train while the Bolts’ player was readying himself for contact with Jake Evans on the other side. As a result, D’Astous was hit by two Habs at once and fell to the ice, clearly shaken up. If he hadn’t been bumped by Evans at the same time, there might not have been a call, but there was.
Unfortunately for Anderson, that penalty would result in a big momentum swing. The hosts scored their first goal on the man advantage, then a second 29 seconds later, as the Canadiens looked panicked in their own end, the puck went through Kaiden Guhle’s leg on its way to the front of the net, where Brandon Hagel collected it before flipping it over Dobes’ arm. In those 29 seconds, the game had been turned upside down, and Montreal went from thinking it led 2-0 to trailing 2-1.
At that stage, Martin St-Louis spoke with the referees. Perhaps it was about a call he felt was missed, but it also looked like a way to take a time-out without actually calling for one, giving his team time to settle their nerves. If that was the case, it was an excellent move by the bench boss who was coaching his sixth playoff game.
Slafkovsky’s Strength
If anyone still doubted just how strong Juraj Slafkovsky is, that game should have settled any doubt. In heavy traffic with hits flying left, right, and center, the power forward made his way through the Tampa defense relentlessly. With half the game gone, he was the only member of the first line to have tested Vasilevskiy; he even had two shots.
After the Bolts had taken a 2-1 lead, it was the big Slovak who brought everyone back to square one with a one-timer on the power play with less than a minute to go in the second frame. Then, on another power play, early in the third, it was he again who scored for the Habs with a perfect shot from the bumper.
It used to be that if you contained Cole Caufield, the Canadiens’ power play was neutralized, but not anymore with Demidov on the other side, who can unleash a one-timer or distribute the puck in an elite manner, and Slafkovsky in the bumper ready to fire at will. On his second goal, Vasilevskiy was in close to the post, covering the near side that Caufield likes so much, so when he passed it, the goalie was vulnerable in his push to follow the puck. That’s when the power forward beat him.
With a 3-3 tie in the dying seconds of the third frame, the Canadiens got another power play, but they couldn’t score in regulation. Slafkovsky scored the game-winner, on the power play, in overtime, 4-3, against the Canadiens. Full marks to St. Louis, who didn’t call for a timeout earlier in the game when his young team panicked, but used it in overtime to extend his first unit’s shifts.
Tiger Woods at the PNC Championship on Dec. 17, 2023. Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Tiger Woods is hoping to make a return to golf after seeking treatment following his recent DUI arrest
A source tells PEOPLE exclusively that the athlete "knows he needs to beat his issues and also deal with the pain from not only playing golf but also from his regular fitness schedule"
Woods was arrested after crashing his Range Rover on a two-lane road near his home in Jupiter Island, Fla., on March 27
Tiger Woods is hoping to make a return to golf after seeking treatment following his recent DUI arrest, a source tells PEOPLE exclusively.
According to a golf insider, Woods, 50, "desperately" wants to return to the sport — and that is motivating him to stick with his treatment. Days after his March 27 arrest, the athlete announced in a statement posted on X that he was "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" and focus on his health.
"This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," he said at the time.
Now, the source says Woods is doing what is needed to feel good both physically and mentally.
“He knows he needs to beat his issues and also deal with the pain from not only playing golf but also from his regular fitness schedule,” the source explains. “People around him are supporting him, both personally and professionally. All of this is helping him deal with it enough to get through it.”
Tiger Woods seen in police bodycam footage after his March 27 DUI arrest. Credit: Martin County Sheriff's Office
Another source tells PEOPLE that Woods "still has golf in him," including potential Masters or other tournaments, but things have become "harder" due to injuries and his age.
“He just wants to get better in all areas of his life,” the source notes.
A representative for Woods did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Woods was arrested after crashing his Range Rover on a two-lane road near his home in Jupiter Island, Fla., on March 27.
Authorities said they found two hydrocodone pills in his pants pocket and, after issuing Woods a sobriety test, “observed several signs of impairment,” including "bloodshot and glassy" eyes and "extremely dilated" pupils, per a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.
Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Fla. Credit: AP Photo/Jason Oteri
In Martin County Sheriff’s deputies’ bodycam video, obtained by PEOPLE, Woods asked, "I'm being arrested?" as he was being handcuffed, to which a police officer told him, "At this time, I do believe your normal faculties are impaired."
En route to the Martin County Jail, Woods, draped in a sheet, spent most of the ride hiccupping. At certain points, he winced, rested his head back and closed his eyes, as seen in the bodycam video.
Authorities said Woods did not consume alcohol, and he "blew triple zeroes" on a Breathalyzer test. But he allegedly refused a urinalysis, and authorities believe he was "not impaired by alcohol but possibly by medication or another substance."
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"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," he said.
"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally," Woods added. "I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."
The Cleveland Guardians and their faithful fans had a day to remember on Sunday, April 19. The club wrapped up the series with the Baltimore Orioles, winning three of four games to push them to 13-10 on the season. After struggles with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves, it was a much-needed bounce-back series for the Guards.
Yet, the series win, as needed as it was, wasn't the only highlight on the day. In fact, it wasn't even the biggest highlight from the same game. As Jose Ramirez belted two more home runs and the team scorched their way to an 8-4 victory, the Guardians saw several more impressive feats be accomplished on this day.
1. The Cleveland Guardians extend their lead in the AL Central on Sunday
The Guardians came into Saturday's game trailing the Minnesota Twins by half a game. They left Saturday's game with a half-game lead over the Twins and the Detroit Tigers. Now, with the Guardians, Twins, and Tigers done for Sunday, the Guardians sit a half-game over the Tigers and a game and a half over the Twins. Good news for the Guards faithful, the Tigers still have one more game against the Red Sox on Monday, while Cleveland starts a series with the hapless Houston Astros. It looks like Cleveland is poised to seperate themselves from the rest of the AL Central inch by inch.
2. Austin Hedges got engaged after the Guardians won on Sunday
Ramirez may have made the headlines on the field, but it was Austin Hedges who made headlines off the field. The long-time catcher for the Guardians asked his girlfriend, Lexi Dickinson, to marry him, and she said yes. The story went viral on social media, with even the main MLB X account posting about it. Congratulations to the happy couple.
3. The Akron Rubberducks threw a combined no-hitter on Sunday
One of the things that almost happened against the Orioles this week was a no-hitter on Thursday night. Parker Messick went eight innings without giving up a hit. With just one inning left until he made history, Messick gave up two hits to Leody Taveras and Blaze Anderson. Those two at-bats ended Messick's career night. It felt like a missed opportunity. An opportunity that the Akron Rubberducks were not going to let slip through their fingers....err....feathers....Five pitchers from the Guardians' Double-A squad combined for a no-hitter on Sunday, with Matt Wilkinson, Matt Jachec, Magnus Ellert, Jay Driver, and Jack Carey all contributing for a historic day at 7/17 Credit Union Park. It's the team's first no-hitter since 2015.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Chicago White Sox starter Noah Schultz earned his first major-league victory on Sunday, allowing one run over five innings in a 7-4 win against the Athletics in front of 12,070 at Sutter Health Park.
He received plenty of offensive support, with Derek Hill (solo), Miguel Vargas (two-run), Munetaka Murakami (two-run) and Colson Montgomery (solo) hitting home runs. The Sox held on to win two of three in the series.
“It was a great team win, a great series win,” Schultz said. “Hopeful to keep going.”
Here are three takeaways from the series:
Schultz is locked in
Schultz displayed a strong command in his 82-pitch outing. He allowed one hit, a home run to Darell Hernáiz in the second inning, struck out six and walked one.
“Being able to fill up the zone,” Schultz said of what worked on Sunday.
Schultz struck out at least one batter in each of his final four innings of work on Sunday, including recording two strikeouts in both the second and fourth innings.
“Noah was really good,” manager Will Venable said. “Got back to the fastball, that’s obviously among his best weapons. And really got to that and did a nice job of mixing the four-seamer, the two-seamer. Ended up landing some sweepers in the zone, the cutter was in the zone, which is a big pitch for him, too.”
Schultz learned a lot going from his first big-league start on Tuesday to his second on Sunday.
“Learned a lot about myself, a lot of things,” Schultz said. “Calm myself down with nerves, and stuff like that, that hopefully are gone. Getting ahead of guys and attacking hitters.”
Saturday’s 11th inning features an interesting debate
The Sox faced an interesting dilemma in the 11th inning on Saturday.
The Athletics had the potential game-winning run on third with one out and Max Muncy at the plate. Lawrence Butler was on deck, followed by the pitcher’s slot that came into existence when Hernáiz ran for catcher Austin Wynns in the 10th and the Athletics moved Shea Langeliers from designated hitter to behind the plate.
The Athletics had utilized all of their position players off the bench. Did the Sox consider walking Muncy and Butler to load the bases to face a pitcher?
“Yeah, that’s a tough one,” Venable said before Sunday’s game. “As we were thinking about that, as I’m thinking about that and talking it through, we were just in a situation with (reliever Lucas) Sims in kind of a big spot with the bases loaded, and against Tampa (Bay) had a couple walks there (in Thursday’s 5-3 loss), I just wasn’t comfortable putting him in that situation.
“And so it was hoping for some spin to expand against Muncy there, then walk Butler and deal with the pitcher in a first-and-third situation with two outs. Obviously, that’s not what happened. That was the calculus, and one of those that didn’t work out, but that’s kind of what my mindset was and thinking about it.”
The Sox decided to pitch to Muncy, who brought home Jacob Wilson with a game-ending sacrifice fly to left field as the Athletics won 7-6.
Murakami has a grand series
Sox starting pitcher Davis Martin described Murakami’s grand slam in the seventh inning of Friday’s 9-2 victory as “incredible.”
“Guy’s got stupid juice, came at the right time when we needed it,” Martin said Friday night.
Murakami cleared the center field batter’s eye for his first major-league slam. It went an estimated 431 feet.
“Yeah, I got more than 431,” Venable said before Saturday’s game. “I don’t know who’s doing that calculation, but that ball was touched right there. That was a good one.”
The slam capped a three-hit night for Murakami.
“Individually, it’s really big for me to hit a grand slam,” Murakami said through an interpreter on Friday. “As well as put additional points on that board. Both ways, I’m really happy with the outcome.”
Murakami homered again on Saturday, this time leading off the seventh inning. Earlier in Saturday’s game, the Sox got home runs from Montgomery (solo) and Andrew Benintendi (three-run).
The home runs continued for Murakami and the Sox on Sunday. Hill (solo) and Vargas (two-run) both homered in the second inning. Murakami connected for a two-run home run to right, which went 425 feet, in the fifth inning. He has eight home runs this season.
Montgomery homered later in the fifth inning.
“I just love having all the points come up from all the lineup and everybody contributing to the team,” Murakami said after Sunday’s victory.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 06: Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky enters the arena during Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on April 6, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Rich Wade/WWE via Getty images)
WWE via Getty Images
Rhea Ripley is back on top after overcoming WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42 Night 2 in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Thanks to the aid of Iyo Sky, Ripley was able to secure another reign as a world champion in Sunday's penultimate match.
The early stages of the match quickly centered around Ripley's injured back. She sold a pair of scoop slams like death, as she fought the champion off the best she could. However, a toss to the barricade and Blue Thunder Bomb to Ripley saw the challenger smile like a woman possessed. Ripley ran right into a surprise Crossface, only to lift Cargill up and off of her and land a kick.
Kicks remained an X-factor for Ripley as the match progressed. Another connected for Ripley after a strike exchange, ending with Ripley dropping Cargill with an Electric Chair face drop. She wanted the Riptide afterward, but failed to pull it off and took a whipping Spinebuster.
Ripley countered Jaded with a roll-up pin. The Shining Wizard kick for Ripley followed, and she wanted to couple it with a Razor's Edge. That didn't pan out when B-Fab and Michin interfered ringside — then Cargill landed a One-Winged Angel, which Michael Cole coined the "Sandstorm". Ripley survived.
Sky arrived ringside with her entrance music, hitting to no reaction. She took out the ringside henchwomen, which distracted the champion and nearly got her caught in a Riptide. They went trading finisher attempts until Ripley landed the Riptide and picked up her fourth world title victory.
Alex Palou, whether based on luck or skill, won the 2026 IndyCar Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday. In a race that drivers struggled to pass for all 90 laps, Palou crucially won the race off of pit road on lap 60 after the caution, and the race was in his hands from there to the end.
Long Beach started weird, as Felix Rosenqvist led the pack to the line, the top six were all in a bunch, but there was a large gap to Will Power and the rest of the field. Coming out of Turn 11 is awkward since you’re only going 30 MPH, but with the group falling behind that far, IndyCar should’ve delayed the start a lap to bring them all back together. Even with the gap, though, Power flew back up and filed in behind Scott Dixon after a couple of corners. Unfortunately for Power, he fell from seventh and finished the race at the end of the pack.
On lap two of the Grand Prix, Palou got by Pato O’Ward for second place. Rosenqvist led the race and controlled the pace while having Palou buried in second, consistently setting 1:09.9 lap times leading up to his first pit stop. After the first round of stops, he continued to lead, and things were looking up for Rosenqvist.
Lap 57 is where things got interesting, as a caution came out due to debris on the track. On lap 60, every single car came into the pit lane. Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing’s luck and skill struck once again, as he stole first away from Rosenqvist in the race off of pit road due to the rear right not cooperating for Rosenqvist’s pit crew. Palou’s stop was a whole one second faster. After that, Palou, on the hard tires, took advantage of the clean air and won the race by 4.5 seconds.
Rosenqvist has nothing to be ashamed of. The Swede, 34 years old, doesn’t have a contract for next year, but this definitely turned some heads in his direction, and he might be fielding some offers soon after this race.
It’s amazing how Palou always pulls it off at the end. With this win, he now leads the championship as well by 17 points over Kyle Kirkwood. Rosenqvist finished P2, and Dixon held off the road course wizard Kirkwood for the last podium spot.
With just a handful of days remaining before the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys continue doing their homework on under-the-radar prospects. The club has brought in a wide swath of the upcoming draft class, bringing in prospects ranging from top-5 pick contenders to UDFAs.
This past Wednesday, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Dallas has added Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger to their 30 pre-draft visits.
Add another Cowboys 30 visit to the tally: Louisiana-Lafayette LB Jaden Dugger https://t.co/0anwezpVij
A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native who started his career at Georgetown, Dugger played safety for two years there. He recorded 58 tackles (35 solo tackles), three sacks, and an interception. nine pass deflections and force fumble in 19 games at the FCS level.
After the 2023 season, he entered the transfer and committed to play for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. During the 2024 and 2025 seasons Dugger accumulated more than 2,000 snaps and achieved 162 tackles, including 86 solo tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, 12 quarterback pressures, and one interception. In coverage he limited opposing receivers to an average of 9.0 yards per reception, as reported by PFF.
Jaden Dugger Pro day mesurements
Jaden Dugger is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.60 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 139 out of 3460 LB from 1987 to 2026.
2025 stats: 125 tackles, 64 solo tackles, an interception, a force fumble, and 3 pass deflections
Strengths
Dugger is a dynamic, downhill linebacker with impressive pass-rushing skills, positioning him as a potential future blitzer in sub-packages at the next level. Additionally, his background as a former safety facilitates a smooth transition into coverage and allows him to effectively cover space. His tall frame enables him to stack and shed blockers with ease. Ultimately, he is a hybrid defender who has yet to reach his full potential, as he is still adapting to the linebacker position.
Weaknesses
Despite demonstrating impressive performance as a linebacker in Louisiana, he is still in the process of mastering the position. His film shows he second-guesses himself at times when tackling the ball carrier. Additionally, he is working on improving his ability to recognize blocks. His production primarily came against FCS and Sun Belt competition.
Summary
At the beginning of Dugger's NFL journey, he might primarily be utilized on special teams as a contributor, gradually evolving into more significant roles leveraging his size, speed, and versatility. A spot in the defensive rotation could come sooner rather than later. His playing style aligns perfectly with the contemporary defensive strategies. Ideally, he would excel as a sub-package blitzing linebacker, serving as the ultimate rotational chess piece.
Cowboys Fit: 7th round grade to UDFA
The Cowboys currently have just three linebackers: DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, and Justin Barron. Opportunities for as many as three new faces at the position abound. Dugger could be selected in the later rounds or signed as a top undrafted free agent by the Cowboys. His versatility as a former safety turned linebacker under Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker would be ideal. I believe his playing style is well-suited for blitzing and his ability to drop into coverage. This would allow him to be flexible within the defense. If he develops and makes a consistent early impact, there’s no denying that he would have a strong chance of making the roster.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick is riding the kind of Cup Series hot streak that Michael Jordan once enjoyed in his playing days.
Oh, you can bet the NBA Hall of Famer is enjoying this one, too.
Reddick roared by Kyle Larson on the final lap of overtime to win at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, becoming the fourth driver to win five of the first nine races in NASCAR’s top series in a season. Chase Briscoe wound up third while Denny Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing along with Jordan, had to watch from fourth as his driver reached victory lane yet again.
“This kid is on fire. I don’t know what to say. I don’t think I can cool him down,” Jordan said. “When you win it’s always fun, and right now it’s fun for everybody at 23XI. Me being here and being able to see all the wins, I am so happy for the team.”
All four of the 23XI cars finished in the top 15 on a banner day for the team.
“Got to deliver for the boss man,” Reddick said of Jordan. “If he’s going to come hang out with us, we have to get him dubs.”
Sunday’s race had been caution-free except for stage breaks until Cody Ware spun as the white flag was about to fly.
Hamlin was leading at that point, and it looked as if he was about to win his record-extending fifth race at Kansas. Instead, all of the leaders had to pit, and even though Hamlin beat Reddick off pit road, the field was bunched up for the overtime restart.
Larson, trying to end a 32-race winless streak, lined up behind Hamlin on the inside, and he launched to the lead when the green flag flew. Chaos ensued behind them as Christopher Bell bounced off Reddick and Hamlin and the No. 5 car began to pull away.
Reddick came charging down the backstretch on the final lap, though, and he pulled alongside Larson as they went through the final corners. The No. 45 edged ahead as the checkered flag flew, and Jordan began to pump his fist in the pits in celebration.
The last driver to win five of the first nine Cup Series races was Dale Earnhardt in 1987.
“Just really blessed with the late caution,” Reddick said. “Was that nuts or what? I couldn’t believe it.”
Hamlin was happy Reddick won again. But it came at his expense, and he was decidedly unhappy about that. Asked of his frustration level, Hamlin replied: “Obviously it’s not winning. It’s Cody Ware, six laps down, wrecking. I don’t know. Add it up.”
Larson, the defending race winner, said his car’s balance was off after taking two tires on the final stop, leaving him on the podium for the third time without a win this season. Briscoe and Hamlin were followed across by another 23XI driver, Bubba Wallace.
“It was good execution for the restart there,” Larson said. “I got to the lead and I thought I could cruise right there to the checkered.”
Except that Reddick is the only one who seems to be doing that these days. Even when he doesn’t win, he’s had his Toyota running up front. He was fourth last week at Bristol and has been in the top 15 in every start this season.
He’s a big reason Toyota is the first manufacturer since Chevrolet in 2007 to win seven of the first nine races in a season.
“I just think the whole team all year has been really poised,” 23XI President Steve Lauletta said. “It’s not the first time we’ve had any kind of adversity come at us, and they’ve continued to stay calm, keep each other grounded and know we have a fast car. And if you have a fast car, all you have to do is make sure you execute, and that’s what they’ve managed to do.”
Stage winners
Hamlin won the first stage, giving him three consecutive stage wins at Kansas going back to last fall and eight for his career. Larson snapped the streak in Stage 2 with his third stage win of the season.
Wrong way AJ
Ryan Blaney was accelerating out of his pit box during the first stage when he got into the rear of AJ Allmendinger, who was trying to pit, sending him into a half-spin. It took Allmendinger a while to get straightened out, putting him several laps down.
“Our race is done,” Allmendinger told his team over the radio.
Up next
The Cup Series heads next week to Talladega, where Austin Cindric edged Ryan Preece by 0.022 seconds for his third career win last season. In the post-race inspection, both Preece and Joey Logano were found to have infractions and were disqualified.
Apr 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) celebrates at second base after hitting a double during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Bryan Woo came to the ballpark seemingly on a mission today: to make the Rangers’ day miserable. So far this season, despite some solid performances, Woo has failed to notch a win, with three no-decisions and two losses. Today, he stepped on the hill, and, one inning aside, he looked as sharp as he has all season. While Woo certainly has the ability to flex his power, show off with a 97 mph fastball right at the numbers, today was all about keeping everyone off balance and dominating with soft contact, jam shots, and precision control. After the game, Dan Wilson commented on Woo’s mindset today:
“I think from pitch one you could see a little more determination on his face today, and wanting to really go out this afternoon and give us a good ballgame.”
Woo echoed much of the same sentiment:
“Being in the zone consistently, throughout the game, and not fishing for punchouts, just consistency in the zone and executing. And if they’re punchouts, if they’re quick outs, whatever they are, just take them as they come.”
The mindset showed as Woo used his fastballs to extreme effectiveness today, keeping the Rangers off balance and using his sinker to elicit weak contact and befuddled swings. Woo did an excellent job of keeping the ball in the infield as well, bringing about six ground balls and three infield fly balls to go against two hits from the Rangers today. Woo was near perfect in preventing free passes as well, issuing his only walk of the game to Corey Seager in the 7th inning (thanks partially to a savvy challenge from Mitch Garver in the first that flipped Seager’s first at-bat around from a 3-0 to a 2-1 count and eventual popout). Otherwise, Woo was playing in the zone all day, keeping hitters honest and tallying six strikeouts along the way.
The Rangers began to figure Woo out around the third time through the order, as a poorly timed walk to Seager to lead off the seventh, followed by a single Wyatt Langford and an HBP to Joc Pederson, loaded the bases. Josh Jung nearly got a hold of one but drove it out to the wall for a sacrifice fly as Seager ran in to score. A double from Evan Carter would bring home Langford and give the Rangers two runs off of Woo. Josh Smith would end the inning with a soft grounder to second, but the damage had been done, and Woo’s day came to a close at 7 innings pitched, 2 ER, 1 walk, and 6 Ks.
Despite the strong six innings, Woo struggled to hide his frustration with his difficulties in the 7th. But he remained calm, limited the damage, and finished the inning. Even so, Woo was very critical of the free pass and the HBP, expressing so after the game:
“The leadoff walk, number one. Hitting Joc, stupid. But it’s just the concept of keeping teams down when they’re down, not giving them any life, not letting them have any momentum, not letting them breathe in any way, just keeping our foot on the gas. You give up the two there and then it’s like, the at-bats for Gabe the next inning are just more stressful. And there’s no need for that if I just do my job. Yeah. I’m still beating myself up over it. It’s just little things like that. It’s like, if they were to hit their way through that inning it’s one thing, but for me to give them free passes, that’s another thing.”
Despite the negative self-talk, it seems to me that Woo is as locked in as he’s ever been, consistently focused on improving and not letting small mistakes eat at him too much:
“I give myself tonight to be pissed, and then once I wake up tomorrow, it’s a new day, and we get on it again…I try to take the positive and analyze the negative. So yeah. Six good and one bad. Try to weigh it in that way too, proportionally, like, don’t be too hard on yourself but take the good and learn from the bad, and it is what it is. Yeah, I hold high standards for myself but there’s a balance there too of not being too hard on yourself.”
The Mariners’ offense also put on a mighty display today to follow up on their strong performance from last night. Rob Refsnyder got the scoring started today with his first hit as a Mariner, a lead-off homerun off the first pitch of the day from MacKenzie Gore. Having just returned from paternity leave, it seems dad power is back on the menu!
Refsnyder spoke after the game on his struggles getting started here in Seattle:
“I feel thankful for my teammates, trying to help me through. I don’t think you ever want to slump, especially early in the year, new team, new city, so I’ve definitely been hard on myself, but I’ve had a lot of help. Our mental coach, Bern [Adam Bernero] has helped me a lot…And especially as a platoon guy, it kind of stinks because you have a couple of days to sit on it, too. But the most frustrating thing is that we feel like we’re playing decent baseball, just the results as a whole haven’t been exactly where we want it to be, but it’s a good group, and we honestly believe in each other. Hopefully this series we can kind of build on that.”
Refsnyder has had a difficult start to the season but remains committed to taking advantage of the opportunities and expressed thanks for the fan support he has received so far despite his cold start:
“I really appreciate, there’s been some fans out in early batting practice, even today in the outfield, who have been really supportive. That helps. Honestly, I’m human, so we hear a lot of things. So just to have the fan support, it meant a lot, it’s pretty cool. I’ve played in some places where you get booed at home and things like that, and it definitely wears on you…[The fans said] just supportive things like you got it, we believe in you, keep going, just nice stuff like that. And it means a lot when you’re going through it, wondering who knows if I’m ever going to get another hit. So just to have that support, honestly, it genuinely meant a lot. It was nice.”
Hopefully, today marks a turnaround moment for the journeyman outfielder and the spark for a successful run for him here in Seattle.
The Mariners wouldn’t end the scoring there, putting on a show of strength and power today in front of the hometown fans. In the second, a leadoff walk for Mitch Garver set up JP Crawford for a two-run home run of his own.
With the swing, Crawford became the first player to get a hit off of Gore’s curveball all year and the second lefty in the league with two career homeruns off of Gore (Michael Harris II being the other).
Randy Arozarena followed that up with a two-run homer of his own in the 5th. A Julio Rodriguez single put him on first and in a 0-2 count against the curveball Randy hit it off the left field foul pole to put the Mariners up 5-0.
The Mariners were relentless against Gore today in a way they have not been before. In the previous three games in which the Mariners faced Gore over 18 innings, they scored 1 run, struck out 25 times, and walked 3 times, a record that certainly suggests today’s game should have gone differently. Today, however, the Mariners sparked Gore for 5 runs on 7 hits over 5 innings today, a marked improvement from previous outings. On top of that, as I mentioned earlier, coming into this start, Gore had not given up a hit all year on his curveball. 4 of the Mariners’ 8 hits came on Gore’s curveball, and two of those were home runs. Whatever change was made in the clubhouse, the Mariners have finally managed to get to a guy who has seemingly had their number over the last year or so.
Muñoz came in and shut the door in typical fashion in the 9th to put the bow on one of the most complete Mariners games I’ve seen so far this season. The Mariners have struggled in various areas so far this season – the bullpen not showing up, the starter struggling through the first 5 innings, or the offense doing their best impression of a ghost – but today the Mariners really put it all together. All the ingredients were there: a dominant start from Woo, who went on a solid run, run support from the top of the order, and the bullpen came in and shut down the game without incident. Hopefully, this is a sign that the Mariners are turning it around and maintaining the strong performances we are used to seeing from last year. There is another division-winning team here; it remains to be seen if that team can show up consistently.
Question: It seems like the wedges tour pros use all have some rust on the head, and wedges in amateurs' bags look better. Is the rust from excessive use?
Answer: What you're seeing isn't abuse, it's intent. The wedges in tour bags are almost all raw, meaning the manufacturer skipped the plating process and shipped the head as bare carbon steel. That steel oxidizes on contact with air and moisture, so a raw wedge can start rusting before a player ever hits a ball with it.
For the most part, the wedges at your local pro shop are plated with chrome, nickel or a PVD coating, and that's the reason they look like they just came off the assembly line, even after they've been used for a while.
A wedge face is steel. Steel rusts. A plated finish adds a microscopic layer over the grooves and face surface, protecting the head from the elements and keeping the grooves from degrading as quickly. The trade-off is that a finish can slightly dull the micro-texture between the grooves found on some wedges.
A raw wedge skips the plating entirely and has a patina finish that some golfers prefer (below). But the real argument from some manufacturers has always been that raw faces deliver a little more friction on partial wedge shots from 30 to 60 yards, where spin and control matter most.
Here's the likely truth: On a full shot out of a clean lie, a raw wedge and a chromed wedge from the same manufacturer produce almost identical spin numbers. We put that claim to the test on a swing robot.
To push the raw head past anything it would see in normal play, we soaked it in a bucket of water for a week until a visible layer of rust coated the face and grooves. Then we pitted raw and plated 56-degree wedges against each other on the Golf Laboratories robot to see how they stacked up in the spin department on partial shots.
Despite the layer of rust on the raw wedge, the clubs produced almost identical spin numbers at roughly 10,000 rpm, within 45 rpm of each other. The launch, ball speed and total distance were nearly the same as well.
It's true, not having the plating can soften the overall feel at impact, but it won't add spin. If anything, the absence of the plating will likely accelerate groove wear, meaning you'll be buying new wedges sooner than you want.
Tour guys don't lose sleep over a set of new wedges because they get them gratis. Rust is cosmetic. Groove wear is the real spin killer, and it happens to every wedge regardless of finish. Check your grooves. Replace on feel and performance, not on looks.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors. They kept Toronto from getting out in transition, forced them to play in the half-court, and then were able to out-execute them there on both sides of the court.
The Raptors desperately missed Immanuel Quickley in Game 1, who was out with a hamstring injury. His three-point shooting and quickness in the open court were things the team could’ve used. Toronto head coach Darko Rajaković mentioned before Saturday’s game that he was getting better even though he wasn’t able to go on Saturday. Quickly is once again questionable for Game 2.
The Cavs, meanwhile, have a clean injury report for the second game in a row. Thomas Bryant is the only player unavailable. He will be missing the game with a hamstring injury.
We’ll see if the Cavaliers can repeat Saturday’s success in Game 2 and grab a 2-0 series lead.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
It is one of the tightest, best three-way MVP races in recent memory between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.
Which is why it's no shock that those three were the top three vote-getters and are the finalists for Most Valuable Player, as the NBA released the finalists for all its awards this season.
Here is the full list (players listed in alphabetical order).
Most Valuable Player
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Rookie of the Year
VJ Edgecombe (76ers) Cooper Flagg (Mavericks) Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
Defensive Player of the Year
Chet Holmgren (Thunder) Ausar Thompson (Pistons) Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Coach of the Year
J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons) Mitch Johnson (Spurs) Joe Mazzulla (Celtics)
Tim Hardaway Jr. (Nuggets) Jamie Jaquez Jr. (Heat) Keldon Johnson (Spurs)
Clutch Player Of the Year
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
Five of the awards will be announced this week:
MON: Defensive Player of the Year (on Peacock) TUE: Clutch Player of the Year (on Peacock) WED: Sixth Man Award THU: NBA Sportsmanship Award FRI: Most Improved Player
Nothing is shocking on these lists. Which means no Lakers fans, Luka Doncic was not snubbed. As fantastic as he was this season, and even if he had played the final handful of games, he was half a step behind the top three in terms of consistency and two-way impact. Fifth in MVP voting will be Cade Cunningham or Jaylen Brown, but expect the Pistons' All-Star to get the nod.
After Luka Doncic was granted relief on the 65-game rule, the league dropped him from the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player finalists list. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar was seemingly snubbed in favor of Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama.
The NBA Communications shared the list of finalists on Sunday night. This Friday, the regular-season MVP will be named.
Just a few days ago, Doncic thanked the NBA for granting him relief to be eligible for regular-season awards. According to the policy, a player must play over 65 games in order to be eligible for the awards. Doncic, who went to his native country for the birth of his daughter in December, fell just short of the mark as he played 64 games.
"I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision. It was so important to me to be present for the birth of my daughter in December and I appreciate Mark, Jeanie, Rob, JJ, and the entire Lakers organization for fully supporting me and allowing me to travel to be there. This season has been so special to me because of what my teammates and I have been able to accomplish, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be considered for the league’s end-of-season awards," Doncic wrote on X.
Doncic was seriously in consideration for the award after he led the league in scoring.
The first weekend of the 2026 NBA playoffs has wrapped up, with each first-round series having one game completed.
And, thus far, every higher seed has taken care of home-court advantage, but the playoffs are a long haul and series can change on an instant.
This may be disappointing to the rest of the league, but arguably no team was as impressive as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who dominated in their postseason opener.
So what, exactly, can be gleaned from the early games of the playoffs? Plenty.
Here are the winners and losers from the first weekend of the 2026 NBA playoffs:
WINNERS
Jayson Tatum
What he’s doing, 11 months removed from a torn Achilles, is nothing short of spectacular. Tatum shined in his return to the playoffs, posting an all-around efficient game of 25 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. His day would’ve been even better had he not shot 1-of-7 from 3-point range, but Boston looked every part of a legitimate threat in the East in its commanding win Sunday over Sixers.
Knicks defensive versatility
Speaking of contenders in the East, the Knicks sent a message Saturday against an upstart Hawks squad that can generate offense from different sources. New York harassed the Hawks, deploying Josh Hart on Jalen Johnson, which allowed OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges to fly around the perimeter and smother other weapons. Even Karl-Anthony Towns made his presence felt with a team-high 3 blocks.
The Nuggets-Timberwolves series
This is, by far, the gem of the round. They’re frequent opponents, having met in three of the last four playoffs. These are fierce, competitive teams that don’t like each other. And these teams are fairly evenly matched. The play was physical, chippy and compelling, and there’s no shortage of star power. The rest of the series should be fascinating.
Donovan Mitchell is on a mission
Although he has put up statistically impressive performances in the postseason, Donovan Mitchell often draws criticism because his teams have never gotten past the second round. Mitchell appears determined to erase that narrative; in Game 1 on Saturday, Mitchell dropped 32 points and 4 assists on the Raptors. He, James Harden and backup guard Max Strus combined to shoot 12-of-20 (60%) from beyond the arc.
So are the Oklahoma City Thunder
The defending champions looked hungry, efficient and cohesive in a 35-point blowout victory over the Suns. The defense, unsurprisingly, was oppressive, holding Phoenix to just 34.9% shooting. That, plus the 17 turnovers Oklahoma City forced, opened the path for easier transition points, with the Thunder taking an 18-2 edge on fastbreak points.
LOSERS
Lower seeds
The first round of the playoffs tends to produce expected results, and this year has been no exception. Through the Thunder-Suns game, higher seeds are a combined 6-0, and the games, in many cases, have been lopsided. The combined average margin of victory so far has been 18.5 points.
The Houston Rockets
Yes, Kevin Durant was out. But their opponent, the Lakers, was missing Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), the highest-scoring duo in the NBA this season. And, yet, the Rockets, a team that tied for fifth in defensive rating (112.1), allowed the Lakers to shoot 60.6% from the field, including 52.6% from 3-point range. Houston let Luke Kennard, a solid, role-playing shooter, hit all five of his 3-pointers for a playoff career-high of 27 points.
Arguably more disappointing was Houston’s lack of offensive cohesion. Often, players appeared to be ball watching and waiting for iso opportunities. The problem, however, was that the Rockets shot just 37.6% from the floor.
The 76ers without Joel Embiid
It’s clear that Philadelphia is going to struggle without its big man. Embiid (appendectomy) finished the regular season strongly, generating 28.6 points per game over his last five games played. The issue, as it has been with Embiid, is that he has been so infrequently available.
Against the impressive defense that the Celtics bring, there’s simply no way the 76ers can compete without Embiid. According to ESPN, Embiid hasn’t even started basketball activities for his return and may miss the entire first round. The Sixers, almost certainly, will be eliminated at that point, anyway.
Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels
Risacher, the 2025 No. 1 overall selection, played just 2:29 on Saturday against the Knicks and missed badly on his three shot attempts, two of which were point blank. Though he played far more, Daniels, similarly, forced difficult shots and couldn’t settle into a rhythm. The pair combined to go 2-of-10 for 4 points, though Daniels did dish out 11 assists and haul in 9 rebounds.
As announced on Sunday afternoon, the United Football League's Birmingham Stallions have traded Matt Corral to the Orlando Storm. Corral, who spent his first professional campaign as a member of the Panthers, is headed to Orlando alongside defensive end Amani Bledsoe in exchange for fellow ex-NFL quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
🚨 WE’VE GOT A TRADE 🚨
The Birmingham Stallions are trading QB Matt Corral and DE Amani Bledsoe to the Orlando Storm for QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson. pic.twitter.com/YgIstbRDhS
Carolina selected Corral, a standout at Ole Miss, in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He missed out on what would haven been his true rookie season later that summer, after sustaining a Lisfranc injury during a preseason outing against the New England Patriots.
The Panthers waived Corral the next summer. He went on to pick up stints with the Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and Stallions.
In four games this season, Corral has completed 71 of his 110 throws for 769 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.
Novak Djokovic’s reputation as the greatest tennis player ever has only grown over the years, and few know what it’s like to play him more than Juan Martín Del Potro.
The likeable Argentine spent much of his career facing Djokovic, a 24-time major champion, and it rarely went in his favour.
When asked if he expects that could change at any time soon, though, he replied: “No. Maybe it can happen in some matches, but not in terms of rankings or whatever. Djokovic can handle everything.”
Del Potro thinks it could be very similar to how Roger Federer handled things late in his career before eventually retiring from tennis at the age of 41.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Juan Martín Del Potro and Gabriela Sabatini share their thoughts on Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam prospects
Speaking alongside fellow Argentine and Grand Slam champion Gabriela Sabatini, both were quick to stress how difficult it is to ever rule out a player of Djokovic’s stature.
Asked about Djokovic’s chances of adding a 25th major title, Sabatini responded: “Well, ah, he always has the biggest chance.”
Del Potro agreed without hesitation: “Yeah… he’s Djokovic.”
Sabatini then elaborated: “Any surface, I would say. He has shown that, you know, he’s won on every surface, so he has chances in every single tournament he plays.”
Del Potro wrapped up the conversation by sharing his hopes for Djokovic before retirement: “I would like to see him win the 25th Grand Slam.”
Novak Djokovic’s retirement timeline: What to expect
Given his stated retirement plans, Novak Djokovic is still likely to give himself plenty of chances to chase down that 25th Grand Slam title.
Rumours about when he might step away from the sport have been swirling for years, but he remains firmly at the top of the game.
Djokovic has indicated he’s not going anywhere just yet, saying recently: “I wish to retire at the 2028 Olympic Games with the Serbian flag in my hands.”
The Serb captured his first Olympic Gold Medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a feat many viewed as completing his already remarkable career.
Juan Martín Del Potro and Gabriela Sabatini discuss the Roland Garros Junior Series
Del Potro and Sabatini were both supremely enthusiastic when discussing Djokovic’s greatness, but arguably held even more excitement for the enterprise they were endorsing.
After all, both are ambassadors for the Roland Garros Junior Series, an event that has been running since 2022 and seeks to fast-track the development of tomorrow’s champions.
Being held in Sao Paulo, it welcomes 32 of South America’s most talented under-17 players to battle it out for a wild card into the juniors’ draw of the real event.
Discussing what drew them to partnering with this hugely forward-thinking initiative, Del Potro began by claiming: “Well, it really looks like a Grand Slam.”
Sabatini agreed, laughing as she added: “It does. It’s like you’re at Roland Garros.”
“And then now, we’re going to see the semi-final matches together and being in the crowd, watching them, is a great experience.”
This prompted Sabatini, who won the US Open in 1990 and reached the semi-finals of the Roland Garros proper on five occasions, to once again echo that sentiment: “Yeah, I mean, it is a great honour. And to be able to communicate or talk to them and see them. It’s very unique.
“So yeah I think we’re both very proud and also for us to share this moment together.”
World Rugby Chair and former Australian international Brett Robinson says that the sport is 'truly international' (Steven Markham)
World Rugby chair Brett Robinson told AFP that the sport "can't sit still" if it wants to grow, including conquering the "challenge" that is the United States with the 2031 World Cup.
Rugby union's place in global sport's pecking order has come into sharp focus over issues such as financial sustainability, player welfare and threats to its popularity in traditional rugby heartlands.
All Blacks great Michael Jones told AFP last week that union is losing the battle for "hearts and minds" to rival code rugby league in New Zealand.
His comments came just before Auckland-based Moana Pasifika said that it would fold at the end of the season, becoming the second Super Rugby team to go under in three years because of financial problems.
In Wales, another traditional rugby country, the national team's fortunes have nose-dived and football has caught the public imagination instead.
"I think that rugby is broadly in really rude health," Robinson, an Australian former international, said in Hong Kong, where he was attending the city's sevens tournament.
He pointed to participation rates around the world, including two million women, saying that the sport is "truly international".
He added: "We have to protect our core (markets), but we can't sit still and believe that the game will thrive if we don't consider and continue to look at how we grow the game."
That means taking rugby to new frontiers, prime among them the United States.
Australia will host the men's Rugby World Cup next year and the women's event in 2029.
Then comes the United States, staging the men's showpiece in 2031 and the women's competition two years later.
The US will host the football World Cup this June-July, providing a taste of the kind of challenges that rugby chiefs could encounter, with ticket prices and transport costs making headlines for the wrong reasons.
- 'Challenging market' -
Serious doubts have surfaced over the health of rugby in the US, including the state of the men's national team and the professional Major League Rugby, down to six teams after four clubs quit the competition.
Reports in British newspapers claimed that there were questions over how the US would deliver the World Cup on a commercial level.
Robinson said that it was about "building momentum into '31".
"We have worked with the top unions around taking iconic events and matches over that period of time (to the US) to build connections to fans.
"And also we currently have 27 host cities that we're focused on that we'll probably whittle down to 12 to 14 that we will look to base the matches in."
The host cities will be announced after the 2027 World Cup.
As part of efforts to spark excitement towards 2031, South Africa and New Zealand will clash in Baltimore in September. Ireland faced the All Blacks in Chicago last year.
"We're working really hard to build a long-term play," Robinson said.
He added: "We aren't sitting still in terms of preparing and acknowledging that it's a challenging market.
"But equally as important will be what happens in '33 because women's rugby in North America is going from strength to strength."
Before that comes the World Cup in Robinson's native Australia next year, and he said that initial ticket sales "exceeded all expectations".
More than 750,000 tickets were snapped up for the largest edition of the World Cup, with 24 teams.
"So it's a really good signal about the World Cup," he said.
"We're really optimistic and excited," he added.
"Obviously there's some recent uncertainty that everyone's feeling through the Middle East (war), but we're still quite buoyant about the scale of what that event's going to look like."
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APRIL 18: Jai Herbert of England reacts after a knockout victory against Mandel Nallo of Canada in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Canada Life Centre on April 18, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
UFC Winnipeg went down last night (Sat., April 18, 2026) inside Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, which saw Mike Malott secure a stunning stoppage victory over Gilbert Burns in the third round of their Welterweight headliner (see it again here). In the co-main event, Charles Jourdain defeated Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision, while Jai Herbert knocked out Mandel Nallo in the first round after enduring an early blitz (highlights here).
Winner: Mike Malott Who He Should Face Next: Uros Medic
Malott could likely end up in the No. 11 spot following his win over Burns, so a fight against Medic (No. 13) sounds like a “Proper” next step. Medic is coming off a first round knockout win over Geoff Neal a few months ago (highlights), putting him at three straight wins. Malott is currently riding a four-fight win streak, so this battle will let us know who is ready to face Top 10-seeded fighters in the division.
Winner: Charles Jourdain Who He Should Face Next: Cody Garbrandt
Jourdain increased his win streak to three in a row following his unanimous decision win over Phillips, but I don’t think it was good enough to warrant a spot in the Top 15 — especially since he is only three fights deep into the division. A fight against former division champion, Cody Garbrandt, sounds like a fun fight all the way around. “No Love” is no longer in the Top 15, but he is coming off a win over Xiao Long. This would be a good challenge for Jourdain, and getting a win over an ex-champion would only enhance his stock.
Winner: Jai Herbert Who He Should Face Next: Kai Kamaka III
Herbert earned himself an impressive first round knockout win over Nallo (see it here), putting him back in the win column following his loss to Chris Padilla. As for Kamaka III, he earned a win in his 155-pound debut in his UFC return, defeating Dakota Hope earlier this month. Herbert would be a nice step up in competition for Kamaka III.
Winner: Jasmine Jasudavicius Who She Should Face Next: Rose Namajunas
Jasudavicius earned a trip back to the winner’s circle with a unanimous decision win over Karine Silva, putting her at 6-1 in her last seven fights. She is currently holding down the No. 7 spot in the women’s Flyweight division, so a fight against Namajunas (No. 6) sounds appealing. “Thug Rose” is coming off a tough loss at the hands of Natalia Silva; therefore, this would be a good challenge for her. I was also feeling a showdown between Jasudavicius versus Erin Blanchfield, but since Blanchfield is ranked No. 4, it seems she might have her sights on someone seeded ahead of her that would make more sense. For Jasudavicius, a win over a former champion like Namajunas gets her closer to the Top 5.
Winner: Gauge Young Who He Should Face Next: Tofiq Musayev
Young was able to earn his second straight win under UFC’s banner after a hard-fought victory over Thiago Moises, winning via split decision. He is 2-1 so far in his young UFC career, so he is definitely trending upward after stumbling out of the gates in his debut. A fight against Musayev sounds appealing. While Musayev may be fairly new to UFC’s Octagon — going 1-1 and coming off a win over Ignacio Bahamondes — he has vast experience in the sport, having competed under the RIZIN and Bellator MMA umbrella’s over the last seven years.
For complete UFC Winnipeg results, highlights and discussion click here.
América vs. Toluca grabbed the spotlight over the weekend because of the controversial incidents that took place near the end of the match.
Antonio Mohamed fired things up in a game that ended with Helinho being sent off and assistant referee Karen Díaz at the center of the controversy for her role in the scuffle.
"I co***ed you twice"
The match was already heated with América leading 2-1 when Shayr Mohamed, Antonio Mohamed’s son, was sent off. "El Turco" turned toward América’s bench and, with obscene gestures, sent a message to André Jardine and his coaching staff: "I co***ed you twice."
Helinho’s red card
With his team trailing, Helinho committed a foul on Zendejas. The referee immediately showed him a straight red, which sparked a near-brawl on the field.
All hell broke loose, and Helinho slapped Zendejas twice, prompting assistant referee Karen Díaz to step in, hug the América player, and lead him away.
That action by the officiating crew also became controversial, as Díaz’s intervention was questioned and whether that was really her duty.
The fight continued into the locker room
And then Henry Martín appeared...
The América player was not even called up for the match, but he appears in a video shouting at Helinho. That reignited tempers and led to another fight.
For now, the sanction the Diablos player will receive has not been revealed, though there is talk of a three-match suspension.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a topic of discussion this offseason after the horrific way he ended 2025.
The horrific playoff loss to the New England Patriots, in which Stroud threw four first-half interceptions, wasn't great and led many to think Houston should move on from him.
Of course, the franchise picked up his fifth-year option, giving them two years to evaluate Stroud before potentially handing him a huge extension.
But while there are many detractors of Stroud, his offensive tackle, Trent Brown, isn't one of them.
"I expect C.J. to get better," Brown said on The Set. "People be so quick to throw people away that they forget what you've done for them. The build-up, you know what I mean? I expect C.J. to get better. I think C.J. is going to come in and be even more of a leader than he's been. I think his approach will be different.
"I think this offseason is a little different for him and I think he's going to surprise a lot of people. I think people think that he might be down in the dumps, or they might be down in the dumps on him, but I think he's going to surprise a lot of people."
I'm not sure Stroud can have another season of regression. Somewhere between his rookie season and his second year is a happy medium, I think.
But there can't be performances like the playoff loss, as people are already starting to get offside on him as a franchise quarterback, and performances like that won't help the narrative.
The 2026 season is looming as a defining one for Stroud, and yes, he's got two years to prove he is "the" guy, but if he stumbles again, next offseason will make for rather uncomfortable viewing for Texans fans.
Stat: For the first time since 1987, a driver has won five of the first nine races, and the last driver to do it was Dale Earnhardt.
This time, it’s Tyler Reddick and the 23XI Racing No. 45.
“Yeah, that's a guy on the Mount Rushmore of NASCAR drivers,” Reddick said after winning the AdventHealth 400. “To be able to accomplish things that someone like him did is truly incredible but none of it's possible without the good men and women at 23XI -- the ones that travel, the one back at Airspeed.”
Humble and understated
Listen, no one in good faith is going to suggest Reddick is The Intimidator but there was an element of Ironhead to how this race was won on Sunday afternoon. There was a refuse to lose from the entire 45 team.
Specifically, this race was lost twice and yet they won. Reddick passed team owner but rival driver Denny Hamlin over the course of the final long green flag run but then a fuel pickup issue led to contact with the wall and giving the lead right back up.
Then, on a restart against Hamlin, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, Reddick was aggressive. He objectively walled Bell and lost a second to Larson but drove back around him over the next lap and a half anyway.
It was a little messy, but that’s kind of what Cup overtimes at Kansas have been in the NextGen era, and Reddick showed crew chief Billy Scott something along the way.
“I just told him to refocus, take a deep breath and start over,” Scott said. “We're still on the front row, a great place to be. We kind of anticipated what might happen with (Larson). Historically gone three-wide on the bottom with a good restart. I knew (Bell) was one of the best at getting to the outside to our right rear. Both of those things happened.
“Four of the best in the series up there battling. Any one of them could have come out on top. It worked out perfectly. Again, he put himself in the exact right spot to make it happen.”
Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing
And he’s doing it a lot right now, winning 56 percent of all Cup Series races through nine starts, unheard of in the spec car era that was supposed to signal an impossibility for a driver to reach 10 wins in a single season again.
“Nice,” Reddick said.
The win also gives Reddick a 100-point championship lead again, which isn’t insurmountable for the regular season, but certainly gives him a tremendous likelihood of a top-four seed once the Chase for the Championship begins with the Southern 500.
“Very nice,” Reddick said.
Remember, 69 percent of simulated championship runs were won from a top-four starting position over the winter, and Reddick has placed himself in position to reach that precipice come November.
“Thanks for putting it that way,” Reddick said with a laugh.
“Yeah, I mean, it's early,” Reddick said. “I mean, we saw today the 11 is strong. I know the 20 is strong, as well. The 5, he finds ways to get more speed out of his cars when it seems like handling is lacking a bit. There's a lot of really good teams, a lot of good pit crews, a lot of good minds in this garage.
“Certainly over these next 17 races, the ones that are missing it a little bit here and there are going to start hitting it. I think the competition will certainly continue to tighten up as we get through this year. We've done a really good job of making the most of our days and scoring a lot of points.”
And once the Chase begins, the most Reddick could start with is a 25-point lead, or a 25 point deficit, or a 30 point deficit, but those seem to be the most likely options and that’s not a bad place regardless.
“Yeah, we'll see when we get to the Chase, right,” he said. “It's going to get reset and everyone's going to get the points that they've earned. We'll go from there.
“We'll just try and get as comfortable a lead as possible. If we can maintain a gap like this as we get further into the season, hopefully it puts us in position to try and steal some more wins if it's split strategy calls middle of the race or late in the race.”
Regardless of what happens in the fall, it’s not often that Reddick can put his name next to Dale Earnhardt in some tangible way, and that will be the lasting memory of the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway.
Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing
“It's really unreal,” he said.
“It's definitely going to seem like night and day. Our cars are, you would think, night and day, just night and day that our cars are so much better. I mean, I think we have done a good job of improving our cars at the places we're already strong, making them better at the places we're weak.
“More than anything, our mindset, approach, what we're doing consistently on the preparation side. It's on a really good place. Weeks like this where I'm not at my best as a driver, whatever it might be, we're still able to power through the stuff and use that teamwork that we work hard on, whether it was in the off-season or how we go about preparing for each race.
I'm loving that we're seeing the fruits of that hard work paying off right now.”
Alex Palou has now won three of the first six races of the 2026 season, securing his 22nd career win and his first in the IndyCar Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday.
Felix Rosenqvist dominated the race from pole, but had to settle for second after losing the lead on pit road during the final set of pit stops. Scott Dixon defended against Kyle Kirkwood to hang on for the final podium spot.
Mick Schumacher finished 17th in his best result yet since joining the IndyCar field, but Dennis Hauger led the trio of rookie drivers in 11th at Long Beach.
Marcus Ericsson was the only driver who failed to finish the incident-free race, suffering from electrical issues.
"The Demon" Finn Balor returned with a vengeance to put away Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 42 Night 2 in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The match was shifted to a Street Fight on Saturday night, a change which resulted in additional mayhem and Balor showing off in his finest form.
Any "Demon" Balor entrance remains the among coolest WWE has to offer, and Sunday night was no exception. Mysterio cowered behind the announce desk in fear as his former Judgement Day stablemate appeared, which made the whole presentation all the better. As soon as the bell sounded, Balor crawled to the center of the ring, leaving Mysterio questioning whether or not he should even enter the squared circle.
Balor seemed to be having much more fun with this version of his character than when we last saw it. He really hammed it up, beating Mysterio down early and often, and then introducing a kendo stick to the proceedings. Balor also went for a table, which allowed Mysterio to hit a suicide dive and return the favor with a kendo stick of his own. Chairs were the next weapons, as Mysterio got creative with the furniture, setting them up in the middle of the ring — only to get countered with a suplex drop.
A 619 and Frog Splash from Mysterio connected to try to put the match away, but Balor kicked out at one. Balor sought a Coup de Grace afterward, but missed and ran into a chair shot.
Mysterio did his best to pull out all the stops by setting up a table in the corner, and Balor crashed through the wood after taking a superkick. Another 619 with a chair over Balor's head, followed by another Frog Splash, still failed to put Balor away.
The match neared its crescendo when Mysterio propped up another table. Balor fought away from it, blasting Mysterio with chair shots before he put one over Mysterio's head and shotgun drop-kicked him.
A Coup de Grace through the table followed, and Balor scored his revenge with a win.
Michigan State football wrapped up spring practice on Saturday with their "Spring Showcase" event, and new head coach Pat Fitzgerald had some thoughts to share afterwards.
The Spartans played some football in front of a live crowd at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, with the "Spring Showcase" event serving as an open practice to wrap up spring ball. The event was a mixture of practice drills, live scrimmage and other fun player games like dizzy bat.
Following the event, Fitzgerald met with the local media to discuss his Spartans as they look ahead to summer workouts and eventually fall camp before the 2026 season. Here are some of the highlights from Fitzgerald's press conference:
Fitzgerald said he's proud of the progress made this spring. "Our body weights are up, over six pounds per guy. The brotherhood is being forged, to see it come together, I am really proud of the guys."
He went on to add he "could not be more excited for the future of Michigan State football."
Fitzgerald said he likes where the roster currently is, stating there is plenty of depth to compete at a high level.
Fitzgerald wanted fans and media to be cautious from who had good days and bad days on Saturday, stating it was "a day of practice."
Fitzgerald is already looking ahead to next season, with a count down tracker of when fall camp begins, the Spartans' first game and when they'll play rival Michigan.
"We will be back for training camp in 110 days," Fitzgerald said. "We will be back at Spartan Stadium for the opener in 141 days, and we take on Michigan in 203 days. Those are top of mind."
Fitzgerald spoke highly of young wide receiver Bryson Williams. "Bryson Williams is a big player that has an exciting future. We are very excited for him."
Fitzgerald confirmed Michigan State left Saturday's event healthy, stating he's the happiest guy in the program because of that.
While happy with what he saw in the spring, Fitzgerald knows there is still plenty of room for improvement and will leave the door open for any players to win a starting spot when fall camp comes around. "That road of improvement is always under construction. You never know when it will click for a guy. I will never give up on a guy."
Fitzgerald wrapped up the press conference stating "it's been a great spring" for Michigan State football.
Michigan State football will open the 2026 season against Toledo on September 5 from Spartan Stadium.
Full press conference video
Check out the complete video of Fitzgerald's press conference below -- courtesy of SpartanMag:
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Logan O’Connor hadn’t scored a goal for nearly a full year when he tallied what stood as the eventual game-winner in a 2-1 Avalanche Game 1 victory on Sunday. But it wasn’t because of anything he could control.
The 30-year-old winger had six points in seven games against the Dallas Stars last spring. After the series ended, the team announced that he would be having offseason hip surgery. Between recovering for that, and a second injury that stood in his way in November, O’Connor only returned for the final 13 games of the regular season.
He didn’t score in any of them. But he did in the playoffs. Just like he did twice in Dallas in last year’s postseason.
“Super happy to get it out of the way. Felt like our line over the course of the last couple weeks here during the season, we were continuing to build things,” O’Connor said. “It was nice to get that one out of the day and finish the job off tonight.”
O’Connor has always been effective in the postseason. In 2022, he was a key piece of the fourth line with veterans Andrew Cogliano and Darren Helm, all the way to a Stanley Cup championship. But between 2020 and 2023, he had only two goals and three assists in 31 playoff games (he missed 2024 with a hip injury).
But since last year, O’Connor has seven points in just eight games. Even with a lengthy absence, even with the second hip surgery in two years. Even with all of that, he’s still producing in the playoffs.
Last season he played with Parker Kelly and Jack Drury. Right now, he’s with Joel Kiviranta and Drury. Those four guys have made up the Avs’ fourth line for the majority of the last 15 or so months.
“It’s just growth in his game, overall confidence. Playing on the line he plays on, it’s got a real strong identity. They’re a tightly knit group of three players that we have that rely on one another for their success,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “He’ll go through stretches where he creates a bunch of chances and doesn’t score easily. He has to work at it, and he has to continue to create volume. Then sometimes they go in for him, and they may go in for him in bunches, but it’s just growth.”
O’Connor’s defensive game and on-ice blue-collar mentality are what led to him earning a six-year contract extension that began this year. It’s also why he’s a fan favorite.
“We try to teach our guys to defend the right way first; it’s a non-negotiable on our team,” Bednar said. “It’s an area of our game where I feel like we’ve gotten better year over year. And then how can we expand all those players to help us even more offensively?”
Bednar couldn’t be more correct about the fourth line. Whether it’s Kelly or Kiviranta, the tightness of that group, and their ability to feed off each others’ success has helped them all immensely.
O’Connor’s goal was assisted by Drury.
“He’s a really hard worker. He’s so fast, he’s always in the right spots. So it’s good to see him get going today,” Drury said. “And like I said, I think, you know, the last five games before the end of the year, he was really finding his stride, and it’s great to see him at the top of it.”
Scott Wedgewood was in goal for Colorado in Game 1. He made 24 saves to earn a victory in his first career playoff start. Wedgewood had to work to get to this point in his career. At 33 years old, he’s finally getting the opportunity he always felt he was capable of succeeding at.
O’Connor didn’t have the same hype as a younger player, but he was an undrafted forward that, also, has had to earn every minute he gets on the ice. Their stories are different, but also relatable.
“He’s a hard worker, he’s tenacious,” Wedgewood said. “My favorite thing is, there’s a play, and he’s on the back side of a guy, the guy feels he has a step, and he’ll strip you from behind. He’s kind of like that little water bug-energy guy, and he’s used to playing in big moments.
Wedgewood continued: “We missed him through what, 70 percent of the season. He’s a big part of that room, so his presence was missed. It’s fun to have him back in there chirping with the guys and just bringing that energy that he always brings on and off the ice. Big moment like that, scores a goal, puts us up two, kind of eases the pressure. Love him in my D zone, blocking-shot guy, gets up to the points quickly, deters them from throwing pucks on net.”
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Even with an extremely disappointing end to their once-promising basketball season, the North Carolina Tar Heels benefited from the return of several key players, perhaps none greater than senior captain Seth Trimble.
Playing all four of his collegiate seasons in Chapel Hill, Trimble saved his best for last, averaging career highs of 14 points and three assists per game. Trimble isn't currently projected in any NBA Drafts, but he'll play professionally next season.
Trimble was a fairly efficient shooter at UNC, averaging a 45.2 percent mark on field goals over his four years, so his weekend effort was an extremely encouraging sign for his childhood dreams. Trimble has the defense, heart and IQ NBA teams covet, plus he showcased extreme loyalty in the transfer portal era.
Seth Trimble took the first step towards the pros this weekend at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
The four-year Tar Heel showcased his skills in front of professional scouts, hoping to boost his draft stock come June.
Remember Jalen Washington, the 3-year North Carolina center who spent his 2025-26 campaign at Vanderbilt? Trimble provided a big highlight over the weekend, too, posterizing Washington then high-fiving his teammates.
For a guy that entered this weekend without a guaranteed NBA roster spot, Trimble very likely played himself into a few mock drafts. Will the kid from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin live out his childhood dreams next season?
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Washington (RB) #1 Jonah Coleman cuts up field for yardage. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While the the Los Angeles Rams offense under Sean McVay is best known for its passing prowess, when the run game exceeds 2000 yards in a season, they have a win percentage of 67 percent over those years.
Last year, L.A. ran for 2152 yards and 17 touchdowns. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, the legs under those numbers, both return for 2026. So does Jarquez Hunter, a Round 4 pick last year. Hard to believe the Rams will be looking too hard at running backs in this years proceedings. Or it it?
In the past 10 drafts , an average of 22 running backs have been taken per year. The Rams have selected a running back in nine straight years, only passing back in 2016. Just in case they continue, here’s a look at running backs with draftable grades off my Top 300 Big Board.
Round 1
Jeremiyah Love 6’ 212 lb.
Prototype running back build, explosiveness, and speed. Not a true power guy, but has enough thump and contact balance to run through defenders. Stellar acceleration and long speed. Patient and reads blocks. High-end agility, stop/start and change of direction. Very good receiver. Blocking is just okay.
Round 2
Jadarian Price – Notre Dame 5’11 203 lb.
Fluid and balanced, has natural running back instincts. Vision and feel for developing holes, burst to get through them. Good contact balance and leg drive to break tackles. Has the skillset in any scheme, but has the look of a one-cut zone runner, getting a runway for his burst and long speed. Good blocker and inexperienced as a receiver. Had a Achilles rupture in 2022.
Round 3
Mike Washington – Arkansas 6’1” 223 lb.
Only one year of starting production in three college stops. Muscular frame with stellar athleticism. Decisive, one-cut runner with the burst, strong lower half and foot churn to plow through tackles, the second gear acceleration and long speed to break off big chunk gains. Solid stop/start and change of direction traits. Needs to work on ball security, receiving and blocking.
Jonah Coleman – Washington 5’8” 220 lb.
Bowling ball build. Very similar running style to the Rams Kyren Williams showing vision, contact balance, and low center of gravity. While he can bulldoze, he also makes sharp cuts and tackles slide off just as often as he breaks them. Good receiver on short routes and solid blocker. Not flashy, just an efficient producer. One recorded fumble over his entire college career.
Emmett Johnson Nebraska. 5’10” 202 lb.
Johnson cannot be tagged as a speed or power back. He’s an effort-based prospect running in a hard-nosed style. Plays faster on film than he tested at the NFL Combine. Wins with good vision, contact balance, and oily hips. Cuts and jumps laterally without losing a beat. Puts tacklers at an angle disadvantage and bounces off or powers through. Strong receiving skills as well.
Round 4
Kaytron Allen – Penn State 5’11” 216 lb.
Power-based runner with the instincts to find room. NFL size with thick legs and strong bottom half. Runs low behind his pads with balance. Good patience and vision. Burst and speed are adequate, he’s more of a slasher in open field. His hands appear to be good, but he wasn’t a third down receiving back. Willing blocker, but needs polish. Solid ball security.
Round 5
Demond Claiborne – Wake Forest 5’11” 188 lb.
Small frame, slashing, jitterbug run style and very elusive in the open field. Subtle fakes and feints make it hard for defenders to get a good tackling bead on him. Strong stop/start and change of direction movement. Not much of a blocker, but physical for his size. Did not run sophisticated pass routes. Every touch is a possible big play, he’s that fast and elusive.
Nick Singleton – Penn State 6’ 219 lb.
Nice package of size and speed. Not a true power runner, but has the lower strength to break tackles. Good receiver and willing blocker. Has big play upside, when he gets some runway, he can be off to the races. Probably projects best into an outside zone run scheme. Tight in the hips and ankles, not as explosive when forced to move laterally. A kickoff returner his first three seasons
Seth McGowan – Kentucky 6’ 223 lb.
Polarizing prospect. High ceiling/low floor player. Top-end traits as a runner, vision, burst, physical play style, and long speed, but he couldn’t turn them into explosive plays at the SEC level. Lags as a receiving, blocker, and in ball security. The tools are there, can a team focus them.
Remember BYU/Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier converting from LB & being a Day 3 steal?
I got one. Ohio State transfer/Toledo RB Chip Trayanum (5-11, 227)
Arizona St➡️ Ohio State➡️ Kentucky➡️ 🚀
428 rushes, 2273 yds (5.3 YPC), 25 TD 1,200+ total yds in ‘25
Kind of a lost season in 2026, transferred to Oklahoma and was nicked up early and never re-climbed the depth chart. Appears best in a mid/outside zone run game. Good vision to follow blocks and explosive burst and speed through holes. At one time was a three-down, high level prospect, can he re-gain his focus?
Chip Trayanum – Toledo 5’10” 224 lb.
Powerful, compact build with thick thighs. Good athlete, 9.62 RAS score. Downhill runner with juice. Presses the line and shows patience waiting for blocks, good burst under control, and has second gear. Former linebacker, very physical game. His traits and innate feel for finding space are coveted. Played special teams early in career.
Le’Veon Moss – Texas A&M 5’11” 203 lb.
Versatile to any scheme. Aggressive between the tackles. North/south one cut runner with good burst burst, contact balance and foot churn. Adequate long speed. Needs work as a blocker and receiver. Been productive when on the field, but missed time in three straight seasons with a hamstring, knee surgery, and an ankle issue.
Round 7
J’Mari Taylor – Virginia 5’10” 199 lb.
Compact build with vision, quick cuts, and short area agility hints that he’s best for an inside/mid zone run scheme. Good short yardage runner, uses his natural low leverage and contact balance A three-down prospect. Although not a complex route tree, Taylor showed strong receiving production and is a willing blocker. Good ball security.
Kaelon Black – Indiana 5’9” 209 lb.
Muscular frame. Not a dancer, but does use jump cuts when looking for holes. Seems to always fall forward, showing natural low center of gravity and contact balance running low and behind his pads. Good ball security and head banger when called on to block. His hands are okay, but hasn’t been a receiving threat.
Roman Hemby – Indiana 6’ 207 lb.
Been following this prospect since his early days at Maryland. Solid, all-around back. Power-based with good contact balance and foot churn. Instincts to find space. Good vision and patience with the requisite acceleration to slip through holes or break outside. Strong ball security, good hands as a receiver, and a willing blocker.
Jam Miller – ‘Bama 5’10” 209 lb.
Blocky build with thick, powerful legs. Stellar speed and burst. Runs behind low pads and shows good contact balance. Presses the line with patience, explosive through gaps, gets north/south and up to speed quickly. Doesn’t have swivel-hips in open field, but makes sharp, slashing cuts. Unproven as a receiver, but a willing blocker.
Adam Randall – Clemson 6’3” 232 lb.
Played wide receiver for three seasons. Nice combination of size and linear speed. North/south runner gets behind his pads. A bit stiff and needs some runway to get going, but he plows through arm tackles and half-hearted tackle attempts. Obviously a solid receiver who understands how to find space, but had drop problems. Special teams past, including returns.
Jam(arion) Miller getting surgery on his collarbone, but here's a look at some patient perimeter work into the open field and tackle avoidance two ways on a long TD run. #Alabama#NFLDraft#JamMillerpic.twitter.com/qNFYYdPfnk
After Jeremiyah Love, it’s not a particularly talented or deep class. Good year for the Rams to sit one out. Still, L.A. needs a camp body or two for OTAs/preseason and I need a few more words.
I’ve mentioned before that I like Chip Trayanum out of Toledo. He checks all the boxes for an NFL running back, and although he isn’t really elite at any one of them, there’s a steady all-around game o be developed. Ex-linebacker has good film playing for Ohio State, just couldn’t break through. Jam Miller is another late-rounder. Similarly, he does a lot of things well and had some nagging injuries and an offensive line that wasn’t up to Alabama’s usual standards. Both are physical players and have deep special teams experience.
Do you think the Rams should stand pat, add a late-rounder, or take a big swing early?
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was left impressed after Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly produced a stunning batting display to power their side to a 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday.
Arya, one of the country’s most talked about T20 batting talents alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, smashed 93 off 37 balls, while Connolly, the highly rated Australian next-gen batter, struck 87 off 45 deliveries. Their 182-run partnership off just 80 balls laid the foundation for PBKS posting a massive 254 for 7.
In reply, LSG could only manage 200 for 5 despite a fighting 43 from Rishabh Pant and 40 from Mitchell Marsh.
Iyer was full of praise for the duo’s intent and mindset. He called the performance “exceptional” and said “some of the shots were jaw dropping”, highlighting the courage and composure shown at the crease. He also revealed a light-hearted challenge within the group, saying he had been “just talking to Cooper and Priyansh” about who would hit the most sixes this season, adding that both were “up for it”.
The PBKS captain stressed the team environment gives young batters full freedom. “When you just let them be, go out and express themselves, they deliver,” he said, adding that he does not dictate how they should construct their innings as they follow their own routines and processes.
Iyer also credited the support system around the team, mentioning Ricky Ponting’s involvement before games while he chips in with inputs.
On the bowling group, he said PBKS have a largely international-quality attack and pointed to their execution levels as key to the win, while admitting the team takes “a lot of satisfaction” from reading and adapting to the wicket.
The victory underlined PBKS’ growing confidence this season, built on aggressive intent and clarity in roles, as they continue to push towards a stronger campaign after finishing runners-up in 2025.
OK, it’s not a hard and fast rule. But Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway was the sixth time Jordan, the co-owner of 23XI Racing has been in at the track. And Reddick scored his fifth win in nine races overall and fifth in six races that Jordan has attended when he passed Kyle Larson on the final lap of an overtime finish.
“I mean, you can’t really discredit that,” Reddick said of his success when Jordan is at the track. “I mean, it’s been pretty successful. I think the only one we didn’t win for him was Phoenix.”
Reddick needed a late caution on Sunday after he seemed destined to lose to his other 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin. Reddick got into the wall while racing Hamlin for the lead with less than two laps to go. But as Reddick’s car slid into the wall, Cody Ware spun in front of them to bring out the caution before Hamlin and Reddick took the white flag.
“I mean, obviously it’s not winning,” Hamlin said when asked about his frustration after the race. “It’s Cody Ware, six laps down wrecking.”
Hamlin was going to win the race without a caution. Instead he and Reddick — along with a host of others behind them — pitted for two fresh tires for the overtime restart.
Kyle Larson restarted behind Hamlin and dove to Hamlin’s inside entering Turn 1 after the restart. That put Hamlin in a precarious spot and he fell to fourth. Christopher Bell tried to take the high line to the lead but he smacked the wall. That left Larson ahead of the pack and Hamlin and Reddick to chase him down.
Reddick was able to do so. Hamlin had a shot, but he hit the wall off Turn 2 on the final lap. Chase Briscoe — one of the few drivers who had pitted for four tires ahead of the final two laps — pushed his way to third and could have won the race if it was another lap longer. But he finished third behind Reddick and Larson.
“This kid is on fire,” Jordan said of Reddick after the race. “I don’t know if I can cool him down. He is unbelievable. Unbelievable last couple laps. I’m proud of the whole team.”
Reddick is now the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to win five of the first nine races of a season. Earnhardt went on to win 11 of 29 races that season on the way to his third Cup Series title.
Reddick is still searching for his first. And the points format is way, way different than it was 39 years ago. NASCAR will reset the points standings based on the results of the first 26 races of the season for the final 10 races of the season. Sixteen drivers will then race for the title over the last 10 weeks.
At the moment, Reddick is the undisputed favorite. His lead over Ryan Blaney in second is 105 points.
“We’ll see when we get to the Chase, right?” Reddick said. “It’s going to reset and everyone’s going to get the points that they’ve earned. We’ll go from there.
“We’ll just try and get as comfortable a lead as possible. If we can maintain a gap like this as we get further into the season, hopefully it puts us in a position to try and steal some more wins if it’s split strategy calls middle of the race or late in the race.”
Sunday, Reddick needed to get lucky. After chasing down Hamlin, he nearly threw the win away.
But he’s also been very good through the first quarter of the Cup Series season. You can’t win over half the races simply on luck. Right now, Reddick is a level above everyone else.
“When you win, it’s always fun,” Jordan said. “Right now it’s fun for everybody at 23XI. Me being here and being able to see all the wins, I am so happy for the team. I just think we need to continually build on this, without a doubt.”
As the Washington Huskies continue to scour the country for defensive line reinforcements, Jedd Fisch's coaching staff extended an early offer to one of the nation's top prospects in the 2028 class.
On Thursday night, four-star defensive lineman Landen Wade, a product of Basha High School in Chandler, Arizona, added a scholarship offer from the Huskies to a rapidly growing list. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound prospect, who is ranked as the nation's No. 32 overall prospect and No. 3 defensive lineman in the nation by Rivals, now holds 16 offers, with some of the nation's top programs in pursuit.
Arizona, California, Miami, Notre Dame, and Ole Miss are all among the programs he's received offers from in recent months, while Wade also recently took an unofficial visit to check out coach Dan Lanning and Washington's arch-rivals, the Oregon Ducks.
With defensive coordinator Ryan Walters and defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi looking to continue upgrading the size and talent on the front line, Wade is a perfect fit for what they're looking for. During a breakout sophomore season, he tallied 24 tackles, 12 for loss, with 4 sacks and 11 quarterback hurries while playing in just eight games, displaying all the desired traits of a next-level pass rusher on tape.
Wade plays with superior athleticism and a tenacious motor, never giving up on plays going away from him. His natural strength allows him to be a high-level run defender, while his physicality has made him a disruptive force both on the interior, where his future at the college level appears to lie, and on the edge.
The Huskies have made a significant push to develop a pipeline to the state of Arizona, with three blue-chip commits in the 2027 class from the Grand Canyon State, and are hoping to continue that payoff along the defensive line in 2028 between Wade and five-star edge rusher Jalanie George, who took an unofficial visit to Seattle in early March.
The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers open their first-round playoff series Sunday night, with San Antonio holding home-court advantage after one of the best regular seasons in franchise history.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Spurs finished 62-20 to claim the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, while Portland finished 42-40, then beat Phoenix in the play-in to lock up the No. 7 seed and this matchup with San Antonio.
Game 1 is set for Sunday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET in San Antonio, with NBC and Peacock carrying the broadcast. San Antonio clinched the No. 2 seed on April 9, and Portland advanced into the bracket with a 114-110 play-in win over the Suns behind 41 points from Deni Avdija.
This series starts with a clear contrast in profile. San Antonio enters as a legitimate contender after a 62-win season, led by Victor Wembanyama and a team that closed the year on a surge, while Portland arrives as the underdog after ending a four-year playoff drought.
The Spurs are 10.5-point favorites for Game 1 and had already secured this matchup’s framework by locking down the 2-seed before the regular season ended. The injury report currently lists Wembanyama as a game-time decision with a rib issue, but it would be shocking if he did not suit up and play.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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MIAMI, FLORIDA, SEPTEMBER 11, 2005 - Miami Dolphin #80 David Boston stiff arms #65 Bronco Cooper Carlisle during the game between the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins at Dolphins Stadium in Miami on Sunday September 11, 2005. (DENVER POST PHOTO BY HYOUNG CHANG) (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images
As a follow-up to our most underrated Miami Dolphins player of all time, I then asked the following question the next evening:
Who is your all-time most overrated Miami Dolphins player and why? This can be someone who is overrated because of the hype they received, the massive contract they signed, or another reason you believe applies.
Below are some of your thoughts and answers-
Phoenix6 points out a couple of guys who were overpaid.
Tua Tagovailoa (QB): high salary expectations, poor performance in cold weather/prime time, & a perceived reliance on the team’s offensive system. He sucks.
Byron Jones (CB): big pisser of ’22 as overpaid for his production, though some considered him serviceable. I did not. He sucked.
StanleyDoyle1 bravely selected a Dolphins legend and easily one of the most beloved players to ever play in South Florida.
I have to go with Zach Thomas here. He was a tackle-stat machine. All good until you saw him getting steamrolled by bigger backs. He benefitted from having Bowens clog up or impede running lanes, and sitting in the middle of a very talented group of players. He wasn’t a bad player – he was a good player. But he was a better story than a player, and undeserving of the acclaim surrounding him
davidson11 went with a tight end that spent three years in Miami between his stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers.
Keith Jackson
sdphinsfan went with the 5th round linebacker who played in Miami for 5 seasons before playing for 4 other teams.
Bryan Cox.
heatforlife points out the wideout who never lived up to his first-round selection despite some flashes here and there before moving on.
tedd ginn jr and his family.especially baby sis
MIAMI235 chose to roll with a trio of wideouts.
Irving Fryar, David Boston.
(Chris Carter. , complete no show)
Take your pick.
coach k 13 chose the first round bust that just could not seem to get off the juice.
I guess Dion Jordan has to top the list!!!!
PA phinphan says, what about another diva of a wideout?
On offense I would probably say Brandon Marshall. In Miami, he definitely had a severe case of “dropitis”. So much for him helping Chad Henne become a better QB. A close second for me is Sammie Smith. His problem was “fumblitis”. He had more fumbles than TDs in Miami.
On the other side of the ball is a little tougher for me. I was never a real fan of Terrell Buckley. For all his good plays he had way more plays where he got toasted. But number 1 would have to be Ndamukong Suh. He never seemed to be thrilled about playing in Miami. But he sure didn’t mind taking their money. Can you say overpaid!?!
CluelessNFLfan points out that the first-round bust was sold to the fans as the next Hall of Fame pass rusher in the mold of JT.
Dion Jordan. His college production was mediocre at best. Yet so-called pundits labeled him the next Jason Taylor and the best defensive player of that draft.
USMCFinzFreak reminds us of Saban’s stupid choice.
Daunte Culpepper, when we could’ve had Drew Brees.
Lefty5150 is another who points to the very overpaid QB.
Tua “too easy to sack” Tagovailoa
TheRoo1 reminds us of the player that the team traded for, only to waive him three days later.
Isiah Wilson. OT 2020. Worst trade ever for Miami.
FlyerFinFan says it just hurts too much to even think about.
I can’t handle the pain so I’ll decline.
MiamiItaliano chose a linebacker he believes sells himself as a better player than he actually was.
Channing Crowder. Can’t listen to him on podcasts because he acts like he made a difference on the Dolphins. He got beat in coverage and ran over so many times that I wanted to rent a plane to fly over the stadium with a banner that read GET RID OF CROWDER
ShulaSunglasses remembers a bagel-loving linebacker and a couple of first-round busts at wideout.
For my old man, I will throw out Offerdahl. I remember the torrent of foul words used to describe those 80’s defenses. He later remarked he’d rather eat cardboard than one of his explicative bagels.
For me, I will put Yatil Green and Ted Ginn Jr out there once again. The generational trauma the Dolphins have inflicted on my family is reparation worthy. Of my three children, only one is a Dolphin fan. This is due to having amazing ex-wives. I only scewed up one. Good Morning brethren of the Aqua and Orange.
That’s our random fifteen comments for this evening. When I posted this question, I had a few guys in mind, and some of you reminded me of just how many horrible decisions this team has made on players over the last few decades. As FlyerFinFan pointed out, trying to remember all of these bad decisions is a bit trauma-inducing for some of us long-time fans. As always, thank you to each of you who stopped in and participated in our Phinsider Question Of The Day.
Alex Palou almost made it look easy with a steady drive to win the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
The reigning and four-time IndyCar Series champion, Palou leaned on his pit crew to overtake pole-sitter Felix Rosenqvist during final pit stops, then set sail after a late restart. In the end, Palou wheeled his #10 Chip Ganasis Racing Honda to win by 4.198s over the Swede at the iconic 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit.
Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon took third to make it a Honda sweep of the podium, with Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood fourth. Pato O'Ward, who started second in the #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished fifth.
Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin was sixth, ahead of teammate David Malukas in seventh. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Graham Rahal took eighth, with Ed Carpenter Racing’s Alexander Rossi, who started 18th, surging to ninth. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyffin Simpson took the final spot in the top 10 in 10th.
The Race
It was a disjointed start as Rosenqvist led the field to the green flag in the #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda, with the top six bunched up but with a sizable gap back to Power in seventh and the rest of the field. And it only took until the next lap entering Turn 1 for Palou to jump O’Ward and take over second.
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden opted to begin his three-stop strategy by pitting from 12th on Lap 12 of 90, switching off the harder primary tires to the softer alternates and going out with clear track to make significant headway.
The front runners remained unchanged through the opening 18 laps, with Rosenqvist holding an 1.5s lead over Palou, with O’Ward and Kirkwood in third and fourth, respectively. The top four were on the softer alternate tires. Malukas was the first on the harder compound in fifth.
Rosenqvist’s gap dropped to 0.7s by Lap 30 as Palou clawed back into view. O’Ward was the first among the top five to dive to pit lane on the next lap, relinquishing third.
The rest of the top five pitted on Lap 32, with Rosenqvist winning the race off pit road over Palou as both opted to stay on the softer alternate compound.
The rotation of stop vaulted Newgarden to the race lead by Lap 33, and with a 13s advantage over Rosenqvist, who was on a two-stop strategy. The gap widened to 16.5s by Lap 37 before Newgarden dove to pit lane and received a fresh set of alternates.
Rosenqvist assumed the race lead, 1.9s ahead of Palou, with Kirkwood in third. Malukas was fourth. O’Ward, who was third prior to his initial stop, dropped to fifth.
Marcus Ericsson endured a hybrid issue and attempted to fight through it, but ended up on pit lane on Lap 44. He got out of his #28 Andretti Global Honda and became the first retirement of the race.
The gap between Rosenqvist and Palou grew to 2.5s by Lap 50 of 90. Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard had a tire going down and was forced to pit from 11th.
Rosenqvist’s 3s advantage came to an end after the caution waved on Lap 58 for debris at the exit of Turn 3.
Pit stops on Lap 60 saw Palou beat Rosenqvist off pit lane, Dixon up to third ahead of Kirkwood.
The restart came with 29 laps to go as Palou got a clean getaway, with Dixon, on softer alternates, holding close to Rosenqvist in third.
Race Control hit Will Power with drive-thru penalty for hitting a pit crew member during the recent pit stop, with replays showing the Aussie making contact with the left-rear tire changer for AJ Foyt Racing rookie Caio Collet.
Palou extended his gap to over 5s on Rosenqvist by Lap 74.
With 10 laps to go, Palou held a 5.5s lead ahead of Rosenqvist. Dixon, Kirkwood, and O’Ward made up the top five.
Palou claimed his first win at Long Beach, 4.198s ahead of Rosenqvist.
Pin Becomes First F1 Academy Champ to Test F1 CarKym Illman - Getty Images
Reigning F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin has tested Formula 1 machinery for the first time, the first woman to do so in three years, and the first F1 Academy champion to do so.
Pin, a member of Mercedes’ driver development program, got behind the wheel of the 2021-spec title-winning W12 on Friday, running 76 laps of Silverstone’s National Circuit.
“Driving an F1 car for the first time was unreal,” Pin, 22, said. “I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and to be surrounded by this incredible team. It was a unique opportunity and I made sure to enjoy my day to the fullest, along with doing the best job I could.
“Whilst being a female driver doesn’t define me, it was great to show what we can do. It was an extremely emotional day and I’m also thankful I was able to share this experience with my family.
“The W12 is obviously really different from the other cars I’ve been able to drive. Everything is different, bigger, and more powerful. I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of.”
Pin, last year’s F1 Academy champion, is this year contesting the European Le Mans Series, alongside her role as a Mercedes development driver.
Mercedes F1
“It’s been great to have Doriane complete a day of testing with the W12,” said Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin. “It marks another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career and also makes her the first ever female driver of a Mercedes F1 car.
“Her preparation and professionalism has impressed the whole team and she should be really proud of what she has achieved. Whatever series you come from, it is always a massive step when getting into an F1 car but she looked at home from the very first laps and was able to enjoy driving the car on the limit.”
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Matt Fitzpatrick not only had to withstand the Pete Dye design at Harbour Town Golf Links and the challenge of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler for 19 holes on Sunday, but he also had to deal with patriotic Americans fans who chanted U-S-A at the Englishman. But Fitzpatrick had the perfect retort, a lovely 4-iron from 204 yards to 13 feet to setup a birdie that sealed the deal at the 2026 RBC Heritage.
“It didn't get out of line in terms of no one was shouting on backswings or anything like that, which was great, I’m all for it,” Fitzpatrick said. “You want golf to have an atmosphere, in my opinion. I grew up watching football. I'm paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds, having them chanting at you every week, it's a great feeling. However, there's no better feeling than coming out on top against that. There isn't a better feeling.”
Fitzpatrick had his share of supporters given that he won this tournament previously in 2023 and he’s been adopted as one of their own by the locals as the story of how his family vacationed here and attended the annual PGA Tour stop during family vacations. Still, there were a few rotten apples to spoil the bunch.
“To describe it in my terms,” Fitzpatrick said, “it's kind of winning away against your biggest rival. Nothing to do with Scottie or the players; it's the fans that have sort of spurred me on there. It was nice to obviously win, but it never crossed the line. It was just loud. Just loud.”
Scheffler made things interesting with birdies on 15 and 16 to cut his deficit to one and snuck into the playoff when Fitzpatrick missed a 20-foot par putt for the win. He noted that the fan support spurred him on and he characterized it as not stepping over the lines as it did at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black last fall.
“It's nice always to get some support from the crowd. I thought they were pretty cordial in terms of cheering for me and not cheering against Fitzy, so I was definitely appreciative of that,” he said.
Did Fitzpatrick, who was a member of the winning European side in 2025, find it odd that the fans turned it into a US-Europe contest in a non-Ryder Cup year? Not really, and he said he embraced the chance to shut them up.
“Americans are incredibly patriotic, and I think that was amazing,” he said. “I guess the only issue is they just have shorter memories because we won in October.”
The New England Patriots currently hold the No. 31 pick in this year's draft, which presents a great opportunity to consider a trade.
New England might consider trading up in the first round of the draft to target a wide receiver or edge rusher. Alternatively, it could also be a great opportunity for the Patriots to trade back from their first-round pick into the second round.
On Sunday, CBS Sports' Bryant McFadden published a mock draft in which he suggested that the Patriots trade the 31st pick to the Arizona Cardinals. This move would allow the Cardinals to jump up from the second round and select quarterback Ty Simpson.
"Quarterback is a major need, and Simpson is the consensus No. 2 QB in this draft, so Arizona couldn't afford to wait and risk missing on him. Simpson at 31 feels like the most realistic outcome for the Cardinals," McFadden wrote.
McFadden didn’t specify what the Patriots would get in return for the trade, but it seems that the deal would need to involve the No. 34 pick, which is the second pick of the second round. Likely, another Day 2 pick will also be included, either this year or next.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Xander Bogaerts and Bryce Johnson delivered two-out RBIs as the San Diego Padres defeated the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 on Sunday.
Bogaerts broke a scoreless tie with an RBI single in the fourth inning, and Johnson added a two-out RBI single in the seventh as San Diego took two of three games in the series. Johnson finished with two of San Diego's five hits for his multihit game of the season.
Michael King (3-1) allowed one hit over five scoreless innings, striking out six and walking four while working through traffic. He combined with Ron Marinaccio, Kyle Hart, Bradgley Rodriguez and Mason Miller to hold Los Angeles to two hits.
Miller struck out two in a perfect ninth for his eighth save. He is one inning shy of the longest scoreless streak in Padres history, set by Cla Meredith with 33 2/3 innings in 2006.
Los Angeles mounted a late threat but couldn't tie it. Oswald Peraza doubled in the seventh and scored on a sacrifice fly by Zach Neto. But the Angels went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position and struck out 11 times.
Walbert Ureña (0-2) made his first career start for the Angels, striking out eight and allowing two runs over six-plus innings. He became the fourth pitcher in franchise history to record at least eight strikeouts in his debut.
Up next
Padres: RHP Randy Vásquez (1-0, 2.49 ERA) pitches Tuesday against Colorado.
The New York Giants have traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. The deal is being reported as a 1-for-1 swap with the Giants receiving the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Lawrence is due for a new contract, and reports in the week leading up to draft week suggested the two sides reached an impasse, causing trade talks to swirl. The Giants had been wanting at least a first-round pick, and many believed Lawrence could be had for a late-first.
Instead, Cincinnati traded the No. 10 pick as New York and new head coach John Harbaugh got their second top-10 pick in the first round of Thursday's draft.
Here is more on the trade that sends Dexter Lawrence from New York to Cincinnati in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Giants are trading Lawrence to the Bengals in a deal for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 draft, heading back to New York. Initially, it was reported that the trade would include the No. 10 pick, but ESPN's Jordan Raanan later clarified that it was a straight-up swap.
New York could have kept Lawrence in town for the next two years, but whenever a contract dispute arises, players' only real option is to sit out. Rather than dealing with that, the Giants felt like they wanted to reload at the position and traded him to the Bengals for the 10th overall pick. Now, New York has the chance to either package its picks to move up even further in the draft, or stay put at No. 5 and No. 10 and bring in two rookies to further create a foundation for Harbaugh.
The Bengals lost Hendrickson in free agency, and made sure to bring in some defensive line help to replace him. Hendrickson plays defensive end, and Lawrence plays up the middle, but he will still help to boost the defense.
Lawrence has been in the league since 2019, when the Giants drafted him with the 17th overall pick in that year's draft. Here's a look at how he has started his NFL career.
The Bengals and Lawrence agreed to a one-year, $28 million extension upon completion of the deal. That means Lawrence is now signed with Cincinnati for the next three seasons, as his original four-year, $87.5 million extension with the Giants is set to expire after the 2027 season.
Compensation update: Now that he has passed his physical and the trade is official, newly-acquired DT Dexter Lawerence is signing a one-year, $28 million contract extension with the Bengals, per @WinSportsGroup
Why does Cowboys owner and G.M. Jerry Jones prefer to bypass agents and negotiate directly with players? Because it works.
For that reason, the agents representing former Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence successfully prevented new coach John Harbaugh from speaking directly to Lawrence after Lawrence requested a trade.
Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports that agent Joel Segal prevented Harbaugh from speaking directly to Lawrence. It's smart; Harbaugh and his who's-got-it-better-than-us? personality could have weakened Lawrence's will.
Schwartz also reports that Segal didn't want to deal with G.M. Joe Schoen. Instead, Segal reportedly negotiated with senior V.P. of football administration and strategy Dawn Aponte and senior player personnel director Chris Mara, with Schoen still involved in the situation.
The good news for Schoen is that it's harder to blame him for the outcome. The bad news for Schoen is that, with Harbaugh taking control of the team (Aponte, for example, reports to Harbaugh), there will be a perception that Schoen has become further isolated.
Some will wonder whether this means a G.M. change is coming. While teams often change General Managers after the season, the more natural timeline for a front-office overhaul comes after the draft, when the reset button is essentially pressed on a year's worth of scouting to come.
However it plays out, body language experts will have a field day with the coming images from the team's draft room on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Can anything stop Tyler Reddick at this point? The 23XI Racing driver now has five wins in the first nine races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, and he now has a 105-point lead in the championship.
His boss, Denny Hamlin, has jumped up into second in the overall standings, and the two drivers did battle in the closing laps at Kansas on Sunday.
Around the Chase cutline, things have changed as well. Shane van Gisbergen has fallen out of the provisional Chase field, and Daniel Suarez is now on the bubble, just 13 points ahead of Austin Cindric.
Todd Gilliland is the biggest mover in the standings, moving three positions from 26th to 23rd, while Kyle Busch is the biggest loser, dropping from 24th to 27th in the standings.
Dillon Dingler gave the “way too early” conversation another push on Sunday in Boston. He finished 4-for-5 with four RBI, continuing an early-season run that is starting to look less like a hot week and more like a real step forward. For the Tigers, that is the story. Not just that Dingler is producing, but that the underlying data is giving that production some real weight as the Tigers won 6 to 2.
The easy version of this piece is the box score. Dingler is hitting for average, driving in runs, and doing real damage from a premium defensive position. But the better version is the analytical one. Through the early part of 2026, Statcast has him at a .384 wOBA, .467 xwOBA, .325 xBA, and .700 xSLG. Those are not just strong numbers for a catcher. Those are impact offensive indicators, period. When the expected numbers are that loud, it becomes easier to argue this is more than an early heater.
That is what makes the power jump so interesting. Dingler’s average exit velocity sits at 92.5 mph, his hard-hit rate is 58.7 percent, and his barrel rate is 21.7 percent. Statcast also has him in the 99th percentile in xwOBA, 99th in xSLG, 97th in xBA, 96th in barrel rate, and 96th in hard-hit rate. That is the kind of profile that gives the 25-homer angle some real footing. He is not just sneaking a few balls out early. He is hitting the ball hard enough, often enough, for the power projection to make sense.
There is also some useful perspective from the Tigers’ own history. In the spring, Dan Dickerson spoke with Lance Parrish about Dingler’s power, and the takeaway you shared on X was that Parrish felt Dingler was ahead of where he was at the same stage as a catcher. That is not proof of anything by itself, but it is a meaningful piece of baseball context when one of the best power-hitting catchers in franchise history sees that kind of offensive upside. More importantly, it lines up with what the data is saying now.
The cleanest part of the story is that this did not come out of nowhere. FanGraphs entered the season viewing Dingler as a highly valuable catcher already, noting that he was coming off a 4.1 WAR season, a 109 wRC+, and a Gold Glove in 2025. In other words, the baseline was already good. He already looked like a catcher who could help a team win because of the full profile. What has changed is that the offensive ceiling now looks a little higher than it did even a few months ago.
That is why the year-over-year progression matters. In 2025, Dingler looked like he had become a legitimate everyday player. The power was useful, the production was solid, and the overall value was real. But this version of Dingler is hitting the ball with more authority, and that is the difference between being a good regular and being one of the more valuable catchers in the league. If the quality of contact holds anywhere close to this level, the offensive side of his game moves into a different tier.
And the reason the “best catchers in the AL” angle works is that he is not doing this as a bat-only player. Statcast’s current fielding metrics show him at the 79th percentile in fielding run value, 75th percentile in framing, and 85th percentile in caught stealing above average. That matters because the bar at catcher is different. If a player is giving a team above-average offense while still adding value in the receiving, throwing, and overall run-prevention side of the job, he moves into a different conversation quickly.
That is probably the fairest way to frame this right now. You do not have to overstate it. You do not have to say Dingler has already established himself as one of the elite catchers in baseball. But it is completely fair to say he is shaping up like one of the American League’s more complete catchers if this blend holds: impact contact, expected stats that support the production, and enough defensive value to keep the overall profile strong even if the bat cools some over a longer sample.
Sunday’s 4-for-5, four-RBI game just made that argument a little easier to see. Early in the year, the temptation is always to wave away every breakout with the usual disclaimer. Sometimes that is the right move. But sometimes the better approach is to watch the production, check the underlying numbers, and admit when the profile looks real. Right now, Dingler’s does.
So yes, it is still early. But the Tigers are not just getting a nice run from Dingler. They may be getting another offensive jump from a catcher who was already valuable, and that is how a player starts moving from “solid regular” into “one of the better players at his position.” If he keeps hitting the ball this hard while maintaining the defensive value that was already there, the 2026 conversation around him is going to get much bigger than a way-too-early April story.
Jaylen Brown has long been a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics, but this season has marked a shift one that suggests he is no longer just a co-star, but the team’s defining leader.
For years, Boston’s identity has been shaped by a collective of stars, with Brown sharing the spotlight alongside fellow All-NBA talent. But as the Celtics navigate the demands of a championship window, Brown’s voice and presence have grown more pronounced, both on and off the court.
The numbers support the evolution. Brown is averaging approximately 26.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game during the 2025–26 regular season while shooting efficiently from the field and continuing to be a reliable perimeter scorer. His ability to produce consistently has made him one of the league’s most dependable offensive options, but his growth extends beyond scoring.
What stands out is how Brown is impacting the game in all phases. His playmaking has taken a noticeable step forward, creating opportunities for teammates and helping stabilize the offense in key stretches. Defensively, he remains one of Boston’s most versatile perimeter stoppers, often tasked with guarding elite opposing wings.
Brown’s late-game leadership and vocal presence redefine Celtics’ championship identity
Leadership, however, is not just measured in numbers. Brown has embraced a more vocal role, setting the tone in the locker room and holding teammates accountable. In moments of adversity, he has emerged as a steadying presence which is something championship-caliber teams rely on.
That shift has been especially evident late in games. Brown has taken on increased responsibility as a closer, confidently attacking mismatches, creating his own offense, and making smart decisions under pressure. His composure in those situations reflects a player fully in command.
For the Celtics, this evolution could not come at a better time. Teams with title aspirations often need a clear emotional leader, and Brown’s emergence in that role adds clarity and direction.
While Boston remains loaded with talent, Brown’s rise as the team’s leader may ultimately define its ceiling. If his trajectory continues, the Celtics won’t just be contenders they’ll be a team shaped by his leadership on the biggest stage.
The Los Angeles Angels dropped the rubber game of their three-game set against the San Diego Padres, 2-1, as they wasted a fine start by Walbert Urena.
This one started with an unexpected change by the Angels, who made Reid Detmers a late scratch as they called up Walbert Urena from Triple-A Salt Lake to make a surprise start. The Angels didn’t completely reveal why they made the move before the game, but Detmers threw seven shutouts against the Yankees last week, so it may have been just to give him an extra day of rest.
Whatever the reason, the move worked. Urena gave the Angels six strong innings, although Suzuki did make the mistake of running him back out for the seventh even though the young pitcher was clearly gassed.
The Padres did score first as Xander Bogaerts drove home Fernando Tatis Jr. with an RBI single in the fourth inning. Their second run scored on an RBI single by Bryce Johnson, but reliever Sam Bachman managed to rescue Urena from further damage to keep the count at 2-0.
Michael King spun the shutout for Padres for the first five innings as he allowed one hit. King did walk four, but the Angels were unable to capitalize. Rod Marinaccio followed with a scoreless inning despite walking two, but the Angels finally broke through against Kyle Hart, with Zach Neto driving in the run on a groundout to short to make it 2-1.
The Angels couldn’t add more against Padres reliever Bradgley Rodriguez, despite the fact that they were able to get the tying run to third. Nolan Schanuel flied to short center after the Padres walked Mike Trout to get to Schanuel, and Rodriguez struck out two of the three Angels hitters he faced in the eighth.
That meant the Angels had to face Mason Miller in the ninth again, and the outcome of that encounter is a foregone conclusion these days. Miller followed Rodriguez’s lead by striking out two of the three hitters he faced, and that was it for the Halos.
The Angels drew plenty of walks in this one, and they ended up with a total of seven. But they got just two hits, one a single by Jorge Soler as he returned to the lineup, and a double by Oswald Peraza in the seventh when he was left stranded at third.
The Angels have been auditioning fifth starters all season long, and it will be interesting to see what they do with Urena. He deserves another shot based on what he did today, but at the moment the Halos plans are up in the air with the Toronto Blue Jays coming to town tomorrow night, with Detmers listed as the prospective starter.
Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels and King Miller of the USC Trojans pose for a photo before the game against the San Diego Padres at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 19, 2026 in Anaheim, California.
ANAHEIM -- When King Miller isn't scoring touchdowns and leading the USC Trojans in rushing, he's "Repping LA." and when he isn't doing that, he's cheering on his idol, Mike Trout.
Miller, a redshirt sophomore running back had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch in front of his idol, Mike Trout and a sold out crowd at Angel Stadium Sunday afternoon.
"Of course I'm gonna come," Miller said when he was asked to throw out the first pitch. "Especially being from LA, there's got to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
When Miller approached the mound, his teammates, Tobias Raymond, Tanook Himes, Nela Tupou, and Waymond Jordan, standing behind him, and the rest of the team sitting out in the stands, Miller seized the moment and executed it with perfection, nailing a perfect strike from the mound.
But while he was making the most of a moment, there was another opportunity that was on his mind.
That was of watching Trout.
Growing up in a family where your uncles are rap pioneer Dr. Dre and another rap icon Warren G, life can get busy. But when downtime came, the three of them would watch sports as a family, and would root for teams in the Los Angeles region.
Los Angeles might be one of the busiest sports markets in the country, featuring 11 professional sports teams. Trout was one in particuarlly they all enjoyed watching.
"We always watched online," Miller said when asked about watching the Angels. "My favorite player we always talked about was Mike Trout."
Trouts insipriation for Miller comes with good reason.
Since Trout debuted at 19-years old in 2011, he's always been considered one of the greatest players in the game of baseball and has a reputation for leading by example.
He's played 15 years in the MLB and is a three-time American League MVP, the 2012 Rookie of the Year, an 11-time All-Star, and a 9-time Silver Slugger.
"I had a lot of opportunities to come out here and watch special players like Mike Trout," Miller said. "Just being in the vicinity of greatness right now, especially growing up with greatness, it's a lesson and opportunity."
Last September, Trout etched his name into the record books by hitting his 400th career home run at Coors Field. The milestone made Trout one of 59 players to hit 400 homers. He's also the first player to have played his whole career for the Angels and reach this milestone.
Now at 34-years old, Trout is looking to become the 29th player to have hit 500 homers.
Following Trout's example is what Miller is already showing in his young College Football career.
Before Miller arrived at USC, he was labeled as a three-star recruit at Calabasas High School. He had only four offers to continue to play football. Only one of them was from a power four school.
For the kid who spent his whole life representing Los Angeles, it was his hometown that paved the way for him.
Miller arrived at USC as a freshman in 2024. His first year, he didn't see the football field, sitting out as a redshirt. But last season, Miller went from unknown to known.
Miller was USC's leading rusher last season and finished as a top 10 rusher in the Big Ten. Last year, he had 156 carries for 972 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry with 8 touchdowns.
With the 2026 College Football season on the horizon, Miller will look to take another leap forward like he did last year.
But for today, he's hoping he gets to meet his idol and watch him play.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing him out here."
DENVER (AP) — Mickey Moniak hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh, and the Colorado Rockies held on to beat Los Angeles 9-6 on Sunday and give the Dodgers’ their first losing streak of the season.
Los Angeles won 11 of 13 before dropping the last two in Denver.
Shohei Ohtani doubled twice to extend his on-base streak to 51 games and Ryan Ward had two hits and an RBI in his major league debut.
Ohtani’s RBI double in the third moved him alone in third on the franchise list behind Shawn Green, who reached in 53 straight games in 2000, and Duke Snider, who had a 58-game streak in 1954.
The 28-year-old Ward, who was recalled when Freddie Freeman went on the paternity list, logged 696 games in the minors before getting called up. He had a chance to tie the game against Victor Vodnik with two on and two out in the ninth but Troy Johnston made a diving catch of his blooper in right field to end the game.
Ward lined an RBI single in his second at-bat that gave the Dodgers a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning.
Colorado answered against Roki Sasaki with a run in the fourth and two in the fifth, including Kyle Karros’ first homer of the season. The Rockies took the lead against Blake Treinen (1-1) in the seventh after Alex Freeland’s RBI single put Los Angeles in front 4-3.
Edouard Julien, who had three hits, led off with a double, Moniak homered to right-center and Hunter Goodman doubled and scored on Tyler Freeman’s single. Julien drove in two more in the Rockies' three-run eighth.
Antonio Senzatela (1-0) pitched two innings in relief of starter Michael Lorenzen.
Up next
The Dodgers will send LHP Justin Wrobleski (2-0, 2.12 ERA) against Rockies LHP Jose Quintana (0-1, 5.63) on Monday to conclude the four-game wraparound series.
Two of the top teams in the Atlantic Division will collide when the Bruins take on the Sabres in the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs.
Boston clinched the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 100-point season, though it did stumble down the stretch. David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman will look to lead the Bruins to an upset against the division champions.
The Sabres are back in the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season. Buffalo ended the regular season on a high note, winning four of its last five games on the way to 109 points, the second-highest mark in the conference.
Here is everything you need to know about Bruins vs. Sabres, including TV and streaming options for Game 1 of the first-round series.
How to watch Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1: TV channel, live stream
Bruins vs. Sabres will air locally on NESN. Game 1 will also be available to stream on NESN 360 and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1 start time
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bruins vs. Sabres is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 19. Game 1 will be played at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
Matt Fitzpatrick, of England, hits from a waste area on the 18th hole during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Hilton Head, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
The fourth signature event of the golf calendar is in the books as the tour made its annual dogleg right from Augusta on over to Hilton Head and the game’s most coveted threads were slipped onto the shoulders of its latest champions.
Rory McIlroy surrendered a sizeable lead before rallying in the clutch to earn another green jacket, while Matt Fitzpatrick rebounded from a late miscue to win his second RBC Heritage title in a playoff—earning another dapper tartan jacket and bringing to a close a stretch that functions as pro golf’s Spring Sports Coat Swing.
The RBC Heritage offered a markedly different test to golf’s first major, as tight sightlines and an emphasis on precision replace the power demands and sweeping corridors.
Harbour Town Golf Links, a Pete and Alice Dye design with Jack Nicklaus chipping in as a design consultant, has long favored accuracy over distance. Even after a recent restoration led by Davis Love III that closed the course down for six months after last year’s event, that identity remains very much intact.
“It’s a special and unique place in the sense that you have to control your ball,” Scottie Scheffler said earlier in the week. “You have to shape it both ways…which when you look at modern golf course design, I think it's a bit of a lost art.”
From Power to Precision
Narrow, tree-lined fairways, pronounced doglegs and some of the coziest greens on the PGA Tour shift the emphasis from power to precision and short-game finesse, rewarding players who execute their targets rather than overpower the course.
The famous finisher is case in point. The candy-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse frames the 18th, one of the tour’s most recognizable holes, where Calibogue Sound and marshland press along the left and the margin for error off the tee all but disappears. With the tees pushed back another ten yards, that hazard looms even larger, placing a steep premium on finding the fairway.
When Golf Meets Pollen Season
The shift isn’t merely strategic—it’s also the height of sneeze season. April marks the peak of tree pollen season across much of the Southeast, adding another variable during a stretch when players are already adjusting from one of the most demanding weeks on the calendar.
Roughly one in four adults deal with seasonal allergies, according to the CDC, and a much higher percentage of PGA Tour players report being affected, based on recent data. With events often staged in high-pollen areas and players spending hours outdoors, the disparity isn’t surprising.
“I think it’s the environment and the constant barrage of allergens when you’re on these courses in certain locations,” said Jenn Lovell, head of U.S. allergy at Kenvue. “You’re outside in a great environment, but that’s also high pollen.”
Kenvue’s Zyrtec became the PGA Tour’s first official allergy relief sponsor last month and was among the brands with a presence on site, aligning with the overlap between peak golf season and elevated pollen conditions in the region. At Harbour Town, fans moved through a small activation area that included a putting challenge through a nose-shaped obstacle and product sampling, a nod to the realities of spectators spending full days outdoors during the height of allergy season.
Sold out for the fourth consecutive year, attendance topped 100,000 across tournament week in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where fans traipsed through pine straw and shaded cart paths beneath a canopy of live oaks, giving the event a more laid-back feel than most tour stops.
While the concessions don’t get nearly the same fawning press attention as the previous week’s Masters, they have been making a concerted effort to chart their own culinary path, complementing their DL III 5-Time Champion Burger with a Defending Champ Burger curated by the previous year’s leaderboard topper.
Justin Thomas’s short rib and brisket blend topped with smashed avocado, a fried egg, and Southwestern aioli with $1 from every sale supporting the Heritage Classic Foundation which since its founding in 1987 has donated $61.8 million to South Carolina charities.
For players, the annual shift from Augusta to Hilton Head is less about a reset and more about recalibration. While course knowledge remains essential, the move to vastly different conditions presents a different kind of test. The player who best understands H-Town’s quirks and executes accordingly ultimately slips on the plaid. On Sunday, that was Matt Fitzpatrick.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
- Alex Tuch scores the empty-netter. Four goals in the third period. The Sabres are going to win.
- Mattias Samuelsson. Hero. 3:24 to play. 3-2 Sabres.
- A serious fight with 3:48 left is going to send some players to the box. The energy is through the roof.
- Tage Thompson with 4:16 left. Tie game. Buckle up.
- Sabres keeping the pressure on after the goal. Swayman glove save with 5:39 to play. The KeyBank Center has come to life.
- With 7:58 left, Tage Thompson wraps around a backhand and scores. Peyton Krebs assists. Game on.
- Buffalo with just two shots on goal in the first 10 minutes of the third. Gonna need something extra to mount a comeback.
- Swayman was nearly human. A Josh Doan shot threatened to squirt under his arm, but he gathered at the last moment. Still 2-0 with 13:38 left.
- Buffalo gets another couple shots on this powerplay. Nothing to show for it. About 15:20 to play and back at even strength.
- Sabres get a powerplay with 17:19 to play, down two, David Pastrnak penalty.
- Tage Thompson skated off unprompted -- not clear if something is wrong with his skate or if he might have an injury.
- 1:08 into the third, Elias Lindholm scores on a rebound, through the five-hole. 2-0 Bruins with 18:52 to play.
- They showed some Buffalo Bills linemen on the scoreboard to start the third period. Maybe that'll help?
- Buffalo has outshot Boston through two periods, 27-13. Will the floodgates open?
- Action will resume about 9:40 p.m. ET.
Second Period
- Jeremy Swayman makes one final glove save to end the second period. He's 26-for-26. It's a scoreless second and 1-0 Bruins after two.
- Sabres have outshot the Bruins 24-12 most of the way through the second period and have nothing to show for it yet.
- Buffalo doesn't come close to getting a shot on a brutal two minutes of powerplay.
- Sabres powerplay with 7:18 left in the second. Andrew Peeke holding.
- The Sabres are creating the chances. They aren't scoring yet. There's 7:34 left in the second period as they clean the ice.
- UPL denies David Pastrnak on a breakaway. Massive moment with 9:41 left in the second.
- Jeremy Swayman is singlehandedly keeping Buffalo off the scoreboard. And this is coming back to say it again. Goodness.
- UPL with a big save on a wide open breakaway to deny the Bruins.
- Bruins kill that penalty. Back to even strength with 17:30 left in the escond.
- Bruins penalty Pavel Zach 27 seconds into the second period. It'll be 23 seconds of 4-on-4 and then 1:37 of a Buffalo powerplay.
- Sabres have 50 seconds of a penalty to kill to start the second.
- Hockey will resume at about 8:42 p.m. ET.
First Period
- Jeremy Swayman the player of the first period, with 15 saves, including some very good ones.
- Sabres keep Boston from getting a second before the first period ends. Morgan Geekie passed up a wide open net late to try and pass.
- Bruins get a powerplay with 1:10 left in the first period as Jason Zucker goes to the box.
- Bruins kill the powerplay -- Sabres with three great chances in the two minutes.
- Ryan McLeod with a great solo rush in on goal but another Swayman stop.
- The Sabres got the puck across the line, but it was only after shoving with Swayman and the net, so it doesn't count.
- Swayman with a fantastic glove save on Dahlin midway through the powerplay.
- Sabres on the powerplay with 5:15 left in the first period. Nikita Zadorov for crosschecking.
- Sabres kill the penalty. Back to even strength with less than six minutes to go in the first.
- Bruins powerplay less than two minutes after the goal. Rasmus Dahlin to the box for two minutes for hooking.
- 10:52 into the first period, Morgan Geekie scores the opening goal for the Bruins. David Pastrnak had a shot blocked, but it went right into Geekie's path to make it 1-0 Boston.
- Mattias Samuelsson just absolutely lit someone up.
- Jason Zucker with a strong chance in front but not quite for Buffalo with about 11 minutes remaining in the first period. Swayman with a strong left pad.
- Couple early icings by the Bruins. Sabres' forecheck has been strong.
- Six minutes in and the biggest play might be a diving blocked shot by Buffalo's Mattias Samuelsson on what otherwise looked like a clean look from the slot for the Bruins.
- Some heavy hits early, including one by Alex Tuch. One shot on target apiece in first four minutes.
- Sabres have the first shot on target, an easy catch for Swayman. KeyBank Center is LOUD.
- It's time. Playoff hockey is back in Buffalo.
Pregame
- Among the lines intrigue: The Bruins have a pairing of youngsters on the third line with James Hagens and Fraser Minten.
- Warmups are done. Pregame festivities commence at 7:29, with faceoff at 7:42.
- As expected, starting goalies are Jeremy Swayman for Boston and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for Buffalo.
- About 45 minutes until opening faceoff and the KeyBank Center is already nearly full. These fans are ready.
- They just showed a very small baby on the video board. That child will never know what the playoff drought was like.
- In the arena, the band Uncovered Buffalo provides some pregame entertainment. They open with that classic line: "The boys are back in town." Yep, Sabres playoff hockey is back in town.
- Also, because of course it has, it has snowed in much of Western New York on Sunday.
- Parking lots in downtown Buffalo are cleaning up tonight. Even a couple miles from the arena was $30, and only up from there.
- A sign on the way on 33-West into Buffalo reads, "Welcome to Lindy Ruffalo." The city is ready.
- Of note for fans tuning in: The official time scheduled for the opening faceoff is 7:42 p.m. ET.
Against the Atlantic Division champion Buffalo Sabres, the Boston Bruins appeared to have Game 1 — and the Buffalo crowd — exactly where they wanted them. Holding a 2-0 lead with just 10 minutes to play, Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins’ defense had held the Sabres scoreless for 50 minutes, a feat no team had accomplished against Lindy Ruff's squad since November.
But the silence at KeyBank Center didn't last. In a stunning late-game collapse, the Bruins watched their two-goal cushion evaporate as Buffalo erupted for three goals in a span of just 4:34. Alex Tuch’s empty-netter eventually iced a 4-3 victory for the Sabres, marking the franchise's first postseason win in 14 seasons and turning a potential Boston statement win into a nightmare series opener.
The Bruins opened the scoring, striking in the first period behind Morgan Geekie, who carried his 39-goal regular season momentum into the playoffs. Swayman remained dialed in with 27 saves through two periods, keeping the Buffalo attack stagnant well into the final frame. When Elias Lindholm tucked home an insurance goal early in the third, a statement 1-0 series lead felt within reach.
However, the Sabres' offense proved too explosive to be contained for the full 60 minutes. Tage Thompson sparked the rally, cutting the deficit in half with 7:58 remaining before ripping home the equalizer minutes later. The comeback was completed when Mattias Samuelsson found himself alone in the slot to give Buffalo its first lead of the night. While David Pastrnak bridged the gap to 4-3 late, the Bruins ran out of time.
For 50 minutes, Boston was the better team, operating with the precision of a road warrior. But in a blur of blue and gold, that defensive wall in front of Swayman — who finished the night with 34 saves — disintegrated. The Bruins must now regroup for Game 2 in Buffalo, where they will look to even the series or risk returning to Boston in a 2-0 hole.
Check out all the highlights from a wild Game 1 below as the Sabres took the series lead.
Bruins vs. Sabres score
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Bruins vs. Sabres live updates, highlights from Game 1
Final: Sabres 4, Bruins 3
10:27 p.m. GOAL: It's a Game 1 comeback win for the Sabres and a brutal loss for the Bruins.
Up 2-0 in halfway through the third period, Boston seemed to be in control. But, the Sabres rattled off four straight goals in rapid time to pick up the first win of the series.
The teams will return to the ice on Tuesday night, where Boston will look to even up the series.
Sabres 4, Bruins 3
10:24 p.m. GOAL: The Bruins have cut it to one with six seconds left.
It's Pastrnak, who opens his playoff account on a backhand shot to make the game 4-3. It might be too little too late for Boston, who makes it 4-3.
10:23 p.m.: The Sabres take a penalty with 15 seconds remaining, and the Bruins will have a power play.
But, this game is pretty much over.
Sabres 4, Bruins 2
10:21 p.m. GOAL: With Swayman on the bench, it's the Syracuse native Alex Tuch who ices the game for the Sabres.
Tuch chases down a loose puck and puts it into the empty net, giving the Sabres a 4-2 lead, as the Atlantic Division champions are closing in on their first playoff win in 15 years.
10:20 p.m.: With under two minutes left, the Bruins now need a goal.
Swayman heads to the bench and the extra attacker is out for Boston.
Sabres 3, Bruins 2
10:17 p.m. GOAL: The Sabres have their first lead of the series, storming all the way back from a 2-0 deficit to take the lead.
Mattias Samuelsson finds himself all alone up top and rips it past Swayman, and just like that the Sabres have scored three goals in four minutes to erase the deficit and take the lead.
It's loud at the KeyBank Center, and now the Bruins trail for the first time.
10:16 p.m.: There's another scrum after Pekka Luukkonen makes a save, and there are penalties after the play.
Though, it remains 5-on-5.
Bruins 2, Sabres 2
10:13 p.m. GOAL: This game is tied, and it't the same goalscorer: Thompson.
This time, he finds the puck right in front of Swayman and rips it to his left on a wrister, tying the game at two. Thompson's 42nd goal (regular and postseason) has brought Buffalo to life, and it's a brand new hockey game with less than five minutes left in the third.
10:09 p.m.: With 5:39 left in the third, the Bruins are leading 2-1.
As expected, this game is coming down to the wire.
Bruins 2, Sabres 1
10:05 p.m. GOAL: The Sabres are on the board, courtesy of their top scorer Thompson.
No. 72 finds the puck behind the net and wraps it around before Swayman can hug the post, cutting the Bruins lead in half. With 7:58 remaining, it's a 2-1 lead.
BUFFALO HAS IT'S FIRST PLAYOFF GOAL IN 15 YEARS AND IN BUFFALO FASHION, A BIG SCRUM BREAKS OUT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/nCqyb31DRi
A scrum breaks out after the goal, and the Buffalo crowd is LOUD.
9:59 p.m.: Halfway through the third, and the Buffalo offense is still looking to light the lamp.
Swayman made a few saves during the 10-minute mark, including one on Power. Though, Boston's defensive system has kept the Sabres offense, who was top-five in the NHL in goals this season, quiet.
9:51 p.m.: Six minutes into the third period, and Boston is in the drivers seat.
First, there's the insurance goal by Lindholm, followed by another kill. Buffalo's power play has been limited in its past three opportunities.
9:48 p.m.: With the power play winding down, Bowen Byram gets a shot from the point, but Swayman is in position to swallow the puck in his chest.
There's four seconds remaining on the power play.
9:46 p.m.: Buffalo will have a chance to cut the lead in half on the power play. Now, Pastrnak goes to the box for a slashing penalty, giving the Sabres their fourth man advantage of the game.
Bruins 2, Sabres 0
9:42 p.m. GOAL: There's the goal that gives Boston the cushion it needs.
The Bruins top line starts the third period in the offensive zone, and a Pastrnak pass to Geekie is saved, but Lindholm is there to bury the rebound. It's now 2-0 Bruins, with an early response by the Bruins.
It's Lindholm's 14th career playoff goal, and now the Bruins have some insurance in the final period.
9:41 p.m.: The third period is underway in Game 1.
The Bruins are looking to hold onto the narrow 1-0 lead with Buffalo outshooting them by a vast margin. Expect the Sabres to continue to press, which should give Boston a few counter attack opportunities.
End of the second period: Bruins 1, Sabres 0
9:21 p.m.: To end the second period, Swayman takes away another scoring chance from Owen Power, and the teams head to the locker room with the game 1-0.
The Bruins goaltender has 27 saves as Boston takes the lead into the third period. Only 20 more minutes stand between Boston and a statement Game 1 win. Though, Sturm's team would like some chances on the offensive end and a possible insurance goal.
Let's see how the final 20 minutes unfold.
9:18 p.m.: Now, Swayman makes a save on Thompson, keeping the Sabres scoreless. Though shots are 25-13 Buffalo, the Boston goaltender has been the great equalizer.
9:12 p.m.: It's a great kill by Boston, who allows zero Buffalo shots on the power play. The Bruins penalty kill is now 3-for-3, and the Sabres unit has not capitalized on its last 25 opportunities.
The clock goes under five minutes in the second with the game still 1-0.
9:09 p.m.: Buffalo is headed to the power play for the third time.
It's a holding penalty on Andrew Peeke, giving the Sabres their third man advantage of the game.
9:03 p.m.: Pastrnak has his second breakaway of the period, and this one is also saved by Pekka Luukkonen. Boston has had a few counter attack chances, but the Sabres goaltender has made every save but one.
8:58 p.m.: As the period continues, Buffalo has been on the attack. Boston has lacked offensive zone time since the Pastrnak giveaway.
At the 10:30 mark, Josh Norris has a chance, but it looked like a Bruins stick got in the way, and it stays 1-0.
8:52 p.m.: The Sabres have had their fair share of chances this period, now with Jack Quinn alone right in front of Swayman. But, the goaltender was in good position and made the save.
We're five minutes through the second.
8:49 p.m.: It's a prime opportunity for Pastrnak, who gets the puck behind defenders and has a breakaway. But, his backhander is saved by Pekka Luukkonen.
8:48 p.m.: Buffalo's power play is over, making both teams 0-for-2 tonight.
This one was a lot different for Boston, who got a few clearances and kept the pressure off Swayman.
8:44 p.m.: Now, Pavel Zacha takes a holding penalty, ending the Bruins power play.
It will be a 4-on-4 for 23 seconds, then Buffalo will have its second man advantage of the night.
8:42 p.m.: The second period is underway in Boston.
The Bruins lead 1-0 courtesy of the Geekie goal.
End of the first period: Bruins 1, Sabres 0
8:25 p.m.: Geekie had a prime opportunity to give Boston a 2-0 lead, but his eyes were down and he didn't see an empty net. The Sabres' goaltender had no chance if Geekie ripped it. But, instead, he chose to pass, and time expires in the first.
Still, the Bruins have a 1-0 lead behind Geekie's goal and Swayman's strong performance. Both teams head to the locker room and look to come out in the second period firing.
8:23 p.m.: The Bruins are heading back to the penalty, with Jason Zucker now taking a penalty for holding. The power play will go into the second period, if Boston doesn't score.
8:19 p.m.: It's a big kill for the Bruins, and now both teams are 0-for-1 on the power play. With three minutes left in the first, the Bruins are holding onto a 1-0 lead.
Swayman has 13 saves so far.
8:18 p.m.: Swayman picks up right where he left off in the playoffs, now making a save on Ryan McLeod, who burst from end-to-end to get right in front of No. 1.
He's made three saves this power play.
8:16 p.m.: There's some chaos in front of the Boston net. After Swayman makes a save, a scrum ensues as the Bruins goaltender is pushed into the net after the whistle is blown. There's 51 seconds left in the power play.
The puck ended up in the net, but not before the play was waved off.
8:13 p.m.: Now, the Sabres will head to the power play for the first time.
It's Nikita Zadorov going to the box for Boston, a two-minute penalty for cross-checking. For the first time tonight, the Boston kill takes the ice.
8:08 p.m.: Boston's had a fair share of shots during the power play, but Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has made the saves.
Now, Elias Lindholm gets shoved into the net fishing for a rebound and a scrum ensues.
8:04 p.m.: Now, Geekie creates more chaos in the offensive zone and drives the first penalty of the series. It's a hooking call on Dahlin, sending the Buffalo captain to the box and giving Boston the first power play tonight.
There's 7:57 remaining in the first.
Bruins 1, Sabres 0
8:02 p.m. GOAL: The Boston Bruins have the first goal of the series, and it's their leading scorer from the regular season.
That's Morgan Geekie, who had a career-high 39 goals. Here, he hits a one-timer after David Pastrnak's shot is blocked by Rasmus Dahlin and it goes into the net; Geekie picks up right where he left off, and it gives Boston the lead and silences the crowd.
7:15 p.m.: Puck drop is getting closer, and the Bruins aren't the only Boston team to play a playoff game today.
Earlier this afternoon, the Celtics took a 1-0 series lead with a dominating win over the 76ers at TD Garden. Then, the Celtics sent their luck to their TD Garden partners ahead of tonight's contest.
7:04 p.m.: If Boston is going to have a chance in the series, expect Jeremy Swayman to be a reason why.
Swayman enters the 2026 postseason boasting an elite career playoff save percentage of .922 and a 2.38 goals-against average across 20 appearances. He remains a cornerstone for Boston after a historic 2023-24 playoff run where he posted a .933 save percentage over 12 games, proving he can shoulder the weight of an entire series.
Following a bounce-back regular season with 31 wins, the recently crowned Olympic gold medalist is now tasked with neutralizing a high-powered Buffalo offense as he makes his fifth career postseason appearance.
6:55 p.m.: Buffalo isn't the only team to have exceeded expectations in this matchup. Enter the Bruins, who many thought would miss the postseason outright with a roster that looked like it was in a transition year.
Instead, Boston is back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with plenty of life.
“Never say die.”
The Sabres may have their burn book, but the #NHLBruins have receipts too.
6:34 p.m.: The Bruins are staring across the ice at a playoff opponent that feels entirely unfamiliar yet dangerously rejuvenated.
The 2025-26 Buffalo Sabres didn't just break the longest postseason drought in NHL history; they kicked the door down by finishing first in the Atlantic Division with a staggering 109 points. This wasn't a fluke of a season, but rather a dominant 50-win campaign where Buffalo sat among the league's top five offensive units, averaging nearly 3.5 goals per game.
The middle of the season saw the Sabres transform into a historical juggernaut, at one point embarking on a 32–6–2 run —the best 40-game stretch the NHL has seen in 30 years. Tage Thompson led the charge with a 40-goal season, while captain Rasmus Dahlin anchored a blue line that evolved from a liability into a position of strength, helping Buffalo secure their first division title since 2010.
What makes this iteration of the Sabres so terrifying is their ability to control the pace through elite skating and opportunistic finishing. While they struggled in the early weeks, they ended the year as one of the most efficient teams in the league, ranking 5th in shooting percentage (12.3%). With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen coming into his own between the pipes and a roster full of young stars like Zach Benson and Bowen Byram hitting their stride, the Sabres enter the first round not as happy-to-be-here underdogs, but as a genuine threat to hoist the Cup.
6:30 p.m.: It's time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
After one year away, the Boston Bruins have returned to the dance, putting up a 100-point season under first-year head coach Marco Sturm. The Bruins clinched the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, setting up a matchup with the Atlantic Division champion Buffalo Sabres in Round 1.
Tune in for live updates throughout the night as Boston gets its Stanley Cup Playoff campaign started.
How to watch Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1: TV channel, live stream
Bruins vs. Sabres will air locally on NESN. Game 1 will also be available to stream on NESN 360 and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1 start time
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bruins vs. Sabres is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 19. Game 1 will be played at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
A core muscle injury is a common injury among defensive backs. It’s something you can play through, but often requires surgery at some point. Ennis Rakestraw had core muscle surgery after his college career ended. Players generally do well after surgery and there isn’t much long-term concern as long as there is no hip involvement.
Delane did not work out at the NFL combine which does raise the concern a touch. He did have a limited workout at his pro day which is somewhat reassuring. Medical will need to evaluate the details of the injury and determine if surgery might be indicated.
Delane otherwise doesn’t have any other notable injuries and is at a good age. He finished with 8 INT and 27 PBU in college.
The Kansas City Chiefs are going to be an interesting watch in the NFL Draft, as Brett Veach has two first-round picks to work with.
At No. 9 and No. 29, the Chiefs have a lot of options on the board, and exactly where the franchise will go is a great conversation starter. Some think corner, given Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson moving on in free agency, while others think the offensive line and receiver should be targets as well.
The beauty of the two first-round picks is that the Chiefs, in all likelihood, will fill two of those holes early on in the draft, leaving other picks to fill out the roster.
For NFL.com's Kevin Patra, there are some questions over the offense entering the draft.
"Xavier Worthy hasn’t become an every-down playmaker, and Rashee Rice has been on the field for just 12 games the past two years," Patra wrote. "With two first-round picks, will one target a big-play WR? Do the Chiefs finally bring in Travis Kelce’s eventual heir at tight end?"
Ultimately, the draft board will dictate that for the Chiefs.
With corner a need, Mansoor Delane could be available at No. 9, but so could receiver Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate, so how the Chiefs approach it will be interesting.
If both Delane and Tyson are still on the board at No 9, Andy Reid and Veach will have a big decision to make. Get a starting corner for Steve Spagnuolo? Or get Patrick Mahomes another weapon?
Of course, the Chiefs could also go pass rusher with someone like Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 9 as well, so there are plenty of options, and in truth, Kansas City could go in any direction.
And that's what makes the first-round of the draft so intriguing.
The Kansas Jayhawks are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the St. John's Red Storm and look ahead to Bill Self coming back for his 23rd season. With the Big 12 elite looking to keep up Arizona and Iowa State, this will be a must-win recruiting period in the transfer portal. Now they'll reassess the roster for the 2026-27 season and try to make a few moves.
Kansas finished the season 24-11 and will likely need to replace Darryn Peterson, who's projected as a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Flory Bidunga is expected to be gone as well. Two key pieces to Kansas' overall success.
Here's where things stand with the Jayhawks in the transfer portal.
According to On3, Kansas has a lot of movement in the first week of the transfer portal window.
Kansas Jayhawks transfer portal live updates
Kansas Additions
Status
Name
Pos
Rating
Last Team
New Team
Signed
Keanu Dawes
PF
94.11
Utah
Kansas
Kansas transfers
Status
Name
Pos
Rating
Last Team
New Team
Entered
Bryson Tiller
PF
94.47
Kansas
Missouri
Expected
Paul Mbiya
C
N/A
Kansas
Entered
Elmarko Jackson
PG
97.14
Kansas
Georgetown
Expected
Jamari McDowell
SG
92.62
Kansas
Wake Forest
Entered
Flory Bidunga
C
98.49
Kansas
Louisville
Entered
Samis Calderon
PF
88.98
Kansas
Butler
Entered
Jayden Dawson
SG
N/A
Kansas
Entered
Corbin Allen
G
82.75
Kansas
Kansas transfer news:
April 17, 2026
Kansas guard Corbin Allen enters the transfer portal
April 16, 2026
Kansas transfer Elmarko Jackson commits to Georgetown
April 16, 2026
Kansas transfer forward Bryson Tiller commits to Missouri, according to On3.
April 16, 2026
Utah forward Keanu Dawes commits to Kansas out of NCAA transfer portal, according to On3. Kansas' first commit thus far. "Dawes averaged a career-high 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He also tossed in 2.2 assists per contest."
April 15, 2026
Kansas transfers Jamari McDowell commits to Wake Forest
April 14, 2026
Samis Calderon has committed to Butler
April 9, 2026
Samis Calderon has entered the transfer portal
Jayden Dawson has entered the transfer portal
April 7, 2026
Flory Bidunga has entered the transfer portal & NBA Draft without agent
Jamari McDowell has entered the transfer portal
April 6, 2026
Bryson Tiller has entered the transfer portal
Paul Mbiya expected to enter the transfer portal
Elmarko Jackson has entered the transfer portal
Kansas transfer portal rumors:
April 19: Oklahoma State transfer Vyctorius Miller is set to visit Kansas, according to 247Sports.
April 19: Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden reportedly took a visit to Kansas, according to multiple reports.
April 19: VCU transfer Terrence Hill Jr. commits to Tennessee after a Kansas visit, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.
April 19: VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. took a Kansas visit on Tuesday, but did not commit to the Jayhawks. He also visited Tennessee later in the week, and a school is now starting to pick up momentum to land Hill, according to On3's Pete Nakos.
April 18: Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke linked to Kansas, according to SI.
April 18: Terrence Hill Jr. took a visit to Tennessee after visiting Kansas earlier in the week, according to On3's Joe Tipton.
"Currently, I would give the ‘Vols the edge. Oklahoma was another option for him, but it sounds like he won’t take that trip."
April 17: Sacramento State transfer Mikey Williams is in the transfer portal. The former four-star was linked to Kansas and took a visit to Lawrence back in 2022.
April 17: Kentucky seems to be out of the mix for Utah transfer Terrence Brown, leaving Kansas and UNC as the final two, according to UK insider Jack Pilgram.
April 17: Paul Mbiya may return to Kansas after entering the transfer portal, according to multiple reports.
April 17: Kansas is listed as a school to watch for Cincinnati center transfer Moustapha Thiam, according to On3.
April 17: Utah transfer Terrence Brown left Kansas and seems to be leaning towards North Carolina, according to 247Sports' Travis Branham
April 17: Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden Jr. will take a visit to Kansas on Saturday, according to 247Sports.
April 16: New Mexico transfer Jake Hall withdraws his name from the transfer portal, according to On3. He was receiving interest from Kansas.
April 16: VCU transfer Terrence Hill to Kansas is likely, according to On3. And already has 2026 signee Taylen Kinney heading to Lawrence in the summer. So Kansas likely only has one spot.
April 15: Kansas is among 11 big programs that have yet to add any transfers. Duke and UConn are also on the list.
April 15: Jamari McDowell is expected to land with Wake Forest, according to On3.
April 15: Utah transfer Terrence Brown and his potential fit at Kansas. Story by 247Sports.
April 15: Utah transfer Terrence Brown is currently en route to Lawrence to visit Kansas, per Jon Rothstein.
April 15: Kansas among the teams hit hard by transfer portal losses. Story by The Athletic.
April 15: Kansas transfer forward Bryson Tiller reportedly cancelled his visit to Arizona, according to FOX Sports' Aaron Torres.
He already visited Missouri and Miami with nothing else scheduled at this time.
April 14: Utah's Terrence Brown, VCU's Terrence Hill Jr. and Robert Morris' DeSean Goode are three names to watch for Kansas, according to Topeka Capital-Journal's Jordan Guskey.
April 14: Hofstra’s Cruz Davis has been contacted by Kansas since entering the transfer portal, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.
April 14: Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic linked to Kansas by CBS Sports' Brad Crawford. "Bill Self has long valued forwards who can stretch defenses and operate within a structured offense and Momcilovic's high basketball IQ would make him an instant contributor in Lawrence given what's left in the Jayhawks' rotation. Kansas also offers the exposure and a virtual guaranteed NCAA Tournament appearance, too."
April 14: Kansas transfer Bryson Tiller will be visiting Arizona tomorrow, according to 247Sports' Travis Branham.
April 14: Top-overall 2026 recruit Tyran Stokes favors Kansas, according to KSR's Jack Pilgram. This appears to be a two-team race with the Jayhawks and Kentucky.
April 14: Utah transfer Terrence Brown locked in with a Kansas visit on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
April 13: On3 now has Kentucky trending as the favorite to land No. 1 overall recruit Tyran Stokes in the 2026 class. Kansas was the top team before his current visit to Lexington.
April 13: Kansas is still in the driver seat for No. 1 2026 recruit Tyran Stokes, according to 247Sports' Travis Branham.
April 13: Kansas freshman Kohl Rosario is expected to return for his sophomore season with the Jayhawks, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman. "The 6-6 wing averaged 3.4 points last season coming off the bench. The Jayhawks feel as though he'll be a much better shooter this season than he was (29% from 3)."
April 13: Kansas is reportedly in play for Furman guard Alex Wilkins, according to On3.
April 13: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam is considering Kansas, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman,. The 7-foot-2 center averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, shooting 52.5% from the field in his lone season at UC.
April 13: VCU transfer Terrence Hill Jr. has scheduled a visit to Kansas early next week, according to On3's Joe Tipton.
April 12: Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga reportedly "doubled up" and got roughly $5 million from Louisville, according to CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein
April 12: Utah transfer Terrance Brown will visit North Carolina before visiting Kansas this week, according to Inside Carolina.
April 12: New Mexico transfer guard Jake Hall is receiving interest from Kansas, according to On3's Joe Tipton.
April 12: Kansas big man Flory Bidunga and Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad have both committed to Louisville, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. "A major package deal for the Cardinals, as the Louisville administration was aggressive in laying out a vision for building a championship roster."
April 11: The nation's top 2026 recruit Tyran Stokes says Kansas is in his top three schools, according to Krysten Peek. If he commits to Bill Self and the Jayhawks, this is change the portal approach.
April 11: South Florida transfer Wes Enis reportedly had a Zoom call with Kansas coaches, according to reports.
April 11: Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames cancels visit on Monday and commits to Tennessee, according to On3's Joe Tipton.
April 11: VCU transfer Terrence Hill, Jr. held a Zoom call with Kansas coaches on Friday and plans a visit "soon", according to On3. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard from Portland, Oregon averaged 15 points and 2.7 rebounds last season.
April 11: Utah transfer guard Terrence Brown is expected to visit Kansas, according to On3. Brown is the 40th-ranked player in the NCAA transfer portal.
April 11: UNC Asheville transfer Kameron Taylor held a Zoom meeting with Kansas coaches this week. He later scheduled a visit to campus. However, that visit has been cancelled, according to On3. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 18.9 points this season.
April 10: Kansas will meet with 6-foot-8 Robert Morris transfer Dasean Goode on Monday, per Adam Zagoria.
April 10: Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames will visits Kansas on Monday, according to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.
April 10: Kansas transfer Bryson Tiller's top schools are Michigan, Arizona, Miami and Missouri, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.
April 10: Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam is considering Kansas as reportedly a front-runner, according to NCAA recruiting center.
April 10: Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga is considering Michigan, Duke, St. John’s, and Louisville. The big man is visiting Louisville this weekend and is also scheduled to see Duke, according to On3.
April 9: Utah transfer guard Terrance Brown is getting a ton of attention, including Kansas, according to On3. Brown, who averaged nearly 20 PPG this season, had calls with 10 teams.
April 9: Cal guard Dai Dai Ames had a Zoom meeting with Kansas' coaches, according to On3. "The eighth-leading scorer in the ACC this past season, averaging nearly 17 PPG."
April 8:UNC Asheville transfer Kameron Taylor has been contacted by Kansas, according to Sam Kayser.
April 7: VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. has heard from Kansas, according to Sam Kayser.
April 7: Charleston Southern transfer A’Lahn Sumler has made contact with Kansas, according to Sam Kayser. "Was a Big South First Team performer this season averaging 18.9PPG, 4.8RPG and 3.8APG. Shot almost 40% from deep."
C.J. McCollum laid the bait, but Jalen Brunson didn’t bite. Instead, the All-Star Knicks guard took the high road and said he had no reaction or comment following McCollum’s allegations of flopping and selling contact.
“I have no reaction,” Brunson said after practice at the Knicks’ Tarrytown training facility on Sunday. “No comment.”
Officials assessed McCollum a technical foul for inadvertently kicking Brunson below the belt while flailing his leg on a fadeaway jump shot in the Knicks’ Game 1 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. McCollum called out Brunson after the game for his reaction to the blow: The star Knicks guard — in a completely normal response to getting kicked in the groin — immediately crashed to the ground and rolled on the Madison Square Garden floors in pain as a sellout crowd booed relentlessly until officials reviewed the play.
“I shot a jumper, and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show,” McCollum said after Game 1. “He acted it out until they reviewed it.”
McCollum said he didn’t intentionally kick Brunson in the you-know-what. The Hawks guard who also served as National Basketball Players Association president from 2021-2025, didn’t believe his actions warranted a technical foul. Technical fouls come with a $2,500 fine.
“It was a normal jump shot, nothing there,” McCollum continued. “[The technical foul was] unnecessary, and I look forward to getting my $2,500 back.”
Knicks head coach Mike Brown said he didn’t see McCollum’s comments. Brown doesn’t want his team getting caught-up in off-court semantics, which he’s positive will see an uptick as the Knicks progress through the playoffs.
“I didn’t see it,” Brown said. “And a lot of guys are going to say a lot of things throughout the course of the playoffs. So whatever people want to say, that’s. That’s all. That’s up to them. But I didn’t see it.”
Brunson went on to finish with a game-high 28 points, seven assists and five rebounds and shot 9-of-22 from the floor, three-of-four from 3-point range and seven-of-eight from the foul line.
McCollum scored a team-high 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the field. He also finished the game $2,500 lighter.
The Louisville Cardinals took a second-round exit in the 2026 NCAA Tournament to the Michigan State Spartans. What's clear for Pat Kelsey's team is there will be some newcomers to the program next season.
Louisville finished the season at 24-11 with seven losses in ACC play. One of the biggest unknowns at this point is who will replace Mikel Brown Jr., who is projected as a top-ten NBA prospect. He was the biggest contributor to Louisville's success, but missed the postseason due to injury.
Here's where things stand with the Cardinals in the transfer portal.
According to On3, Louisville was one of the most active teams with several outbound players in the first day of the transfer portal.
Louisville Cardinals transfer portal live updates
Louisville additions
Status
Name
Pos
Rating
Last Team
New Team
Signed
Jackson Shelstad
G
96.36
Oregon
Louisville
Signed
Flory Bidunga
C
98.49
Kansas
Louisville
Signed
Karter Knox
G
93.92
Arkansas
Louisville
Louisville transfers
Status
Name
Pos
Rating
Last Team
New Team
Entered
Mouhamed Camara
PF
85.50
Louisville
Entered
Khani Rooths
SF
92.39
Louisville
Oklahoma
Entered
Sananda Fru
PF
95.87
Louisville
Marquette
Entered
Spencer Legg
SG
N/A
Louisville
Expected
Vangelis Zougris
C
N/A
Louisville
Louisville Transfer news:
April 16, 2026
Louisville transfer PF Sananda Fru commits to Marquette, according to On3.
April 15, 2026
Former Arkansas guard Karter Knox has committed to Louisville, according to On3. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
April 13, 2026
Louisville transfer forward Khani Rooths has committed to Oklahoma
April 12, 2026
Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad and Kansas big man Flory Bidunga have both committed to Louisville, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. "A major package deal for the Cardinals, as the Louisville administration was aggressive in laying out a vision for building a championship roster."
April 11, 2026
Vangelis Zougris is expected to enter the transfer portal
April 10, 2026
Spencer Legg has entered the transfer portal
April 6, 2026
Mouhamed Camara has entered the transfer portal
Khani Rooths expected to enter the transfer portal
March 31, 2026
Sananda Fru expected to enter the transfer portal
Louisville transfer portal rumors:
April 19: Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell is planning to visit Louisville, according to On3's Joe Tipton. The 6-foot-4 junior averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
April 19: 7-foot-5 USC transfer center Gabe Dynes is receiving interest from Louisville, according to On3's Joe Tipton.
April 18: Louisville guard Adrian Wooley will return next season, according to On3. The 6-foot-4 sophomore averaged 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season.
April 16: Iowa transfer Alvaro Folgueiras now 100% locked for Louisville, according to On3.
April 15: Hofstra’s Cruz Davis has been contacted by Louisville since entering the transfer portal, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.
April 14: Louisville has fallen out of the race for Saint Mary’s transfer Paulius Murauskas, according to On3's Joe Tipton.
April 14: St. John snags guard Quinn Ellis, a top-flight prospect from the EuroLeague. The Johnnies got him over Duke, Louisville, Kentucky and more, according to NY Post.
April 13: Arkansas transfer Karter Knox set to visit Louisville on Tuesday. Knox played two seasons at Arkansas under John Calipari. Louisville was one of his final schools after high school, according to Cardinal Authority's Jody Demling
April 13: The Cardinals are also in a strong position for both John Blackwell and Paulius Murauskas, according to reports. Both players are in contact with Pat Kelsey's staff.
April 13: Louisville is not done in the portal after snagging two talents in Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad and Kansas big man Flory Bidunga, according to 247Sports' Travis Branham.
April 13: Saint Mary’s forward Paulius Murauskas predicted to land with Louisville, according to On3's Pete Nakos. "Louisville had the headline of the weekend in the college basketball transfer portal, landing Kansas forward Flory Bidunga and Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad. Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals are not stopping there.
"Louisville is expected to add up to eight more players this offseason, and Kelsey has turned his focus to Saint Mary’s forward Paulius Murauskas, a two-time All-WCC selection who averaged 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds this season."
April 12: SMU transfer Samet Yigitoglu is still linked to Louisville, but likely headed to South Carolina, according to On3.
April 11: "Louisville is armed with a huge budget for players, and the Cards went out and landed two veterans," according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.
April 11: Notre Dame's Cole Certa was getting interest from Louisville, but committed to Clemson shortly before news for Oregon's Jackson Shelstad commiting to the Cards, according to On3.
April 11: South Carolina transfer EJ Walker has heard from Louisville, according to Sam Kayser
April 11: Oregon's Jackson Shelstad and Kansas' Flory Bidunga were tailgating at the Louisville Baseball game on Saturday. The duo were on a visit together.
April 11: UNC Asheville transfer Kameron Taylor has received interest from Louisville. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 18.9 points this season, earning 1st-Team All-Big South honors, according to On3.
April 10: Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell down six schools with Louisville, Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Illinois and UCLA., according to DraftExpress
April 10: Louisville will meet this weekend with 6-foot-8 Robert Morris transfer Dasean Goode, according to 247SportsTravisBranham.
April 10: Oregon transfer guard Jackson Shelstad is projected to Louisville by On3's Pete Nakos.
"The momentum in the recruitment has now shifted to Louisville, with Shelstad set to visit the Cardinals on Friday. Shelstad averaged 15.6 points, 4.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 12 games this season, hindered due to an injury."
April 10: Wisconsin's John Blackwell linked to Louisville, according to On3.
April 9: Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad receives crystal ball to Louisville from 247Sports Travis Branham
April 9: Louisville is among the programs to monitor for BYU's Rob Wright, according to On3. "The No. 5 overall player in the portal. His list is expected to grow, as many programs are in need of a starting point guard. There is also a chance he could return to BYU, though things remain fluid."
April 9: Portland freshman Joel Foxwell has heard from Louisville, according to Sam Kayser
April 9: Notre Dame's Cole Certa is getting interest from Louisville, according to On3. We'll see if a visit is in his future.
April 8: San Diego State's Miles Byrd has Louisville on a short list. The Mountain West DPOY is expected to announce his decision tomorrow (April 9), according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.
April 8: The latest from 247Sports
Louisville is poised to be a major player in the portal this cycle.
Don’t be surprised if the Cardinals are heavily involved with some of the top prospects — including No. 1 overall transfer Flory Bidunga 👀 pic.twitter.com/w8Tc1ML61F
April 8: San Francisco guard Tyrone Riley IV will visit Louisville on Sunday, per multiple reports. The 6-foot-6 transfer averaged 12.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season, shooting nearly 37% from beyond the arc.
April 7: Kansas center Flory Bidunga is one of the top players in the transfer portal. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year will be visiting Louisville with Oregon's Jackson Shelstad, according to On3.
A significant trade took place in the NFL on Saturday night when the New York Giants sent their defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick.
The trade shouldn't have too much impact on the Patriots' draft plans, as they hold the 31st pick in the upcoming draft. However, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport just published a new mock draft that has the Giants with two top-10 picks. In this scenario, New England is set to draft UCF pass rusher Malachi Lawrence with their first-round selection.
Lawrence played four seasons at UCF, appearing in 39 games and recording 28 tackles for loss and 20 sacks.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked Lawrence as the seventh-best pass rusher in this class in his draft guide, "The Beast."
"Lawrence is a linear mover and lacks ideal bend, but he offers skill as a pass rusher, stack-shed toughness versus the run and the demeanor that will help him carve out a starting role at the next level. Despite being an older player, he still has upside," Brugler wrote on April 8.
If the Patriots decide to draft Lawrence, he could effectively replace pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, who signed with the Washington Commanders this offseason.
Finalists for the rest of the league’s individual end-of-season awards have yet to be announced.
Performance awards will be recognized in seven categories, headlined by NBA MVP.
The other six major awards are Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year and Clutch Player of the Year. The winners for individual honors will be announced throughout the next month during the NBA playoffs.
Check out how Yahoo Sports NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor filled out his 2026 awards ballot.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers signed veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency. Even with the addition of Hargrave, the Packers still need to add one or two defensive tackles in the upcoming draft.
A potential target on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is Jordan van den Berg. The Georgia Tech defensive tackle checks in at No. 6 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
He was born in South Africa and moved to Georgia when he was 10. A former rugby player, van den Berg played linebacker at Providence Christian Academy.
He was a zero-star recruit and started his collegiate journey at Iowa Western Community College, where he played defensive end and played in five games, recording five tackles for loss and one sack.
He then transferred to Penn State for the 2021 season, where he played in four games and moved to defensive tackle before getting redshirted. During those four games, he recorded two tackles for loss and one sack. During his final two seasons at Penn State, he recorded 1.5 sacks.
He then transferred to Georgia Tech for the 2024 season and recorded five tackles for loss and one sack. This past season, van den Berg recorded 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks.
"van den Berg was undoubtedly one of the MVPs of the Tech defense, both with his play-making ability and his leadership qualities in the locker room," Chad Bishop, a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, said. "Like any good defensive tackle, van den Berg's ability to clog up run games or derail an opposing offense's play design wouldn't show up in the box score but was vital to the success of the Tech defense."
The Georgia Tech defensive tackle was a staple on Bruce Feldman's Annual Freaks list article during his collegiate career. He was featured on the list in 2023, 2024 and was No. 18 on the list this past season. The former high school linebacker worked hard to reshape his body during his college career and he was a weight room regular, where his strength was always on display.
His freakish athleticism was showcased during Georgia Tech's Pro Day, where he ran a 4.94 40-yard dash and clocked a 1.61 10-yard split, while weighing 310 pounds. He also clocked a 4.19 short shuttle and posted a 36-inch vertical.
Jordan Van Den Berg is a DT prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 2 out of 2098 DT from 1987 to 2026.
The Georgia Tech product has a powerful upper half and can be hard to displace in the run game. He uses his power and strong hands to throw blockers to the side. He can be a straight up bully at the point of attack. He has the lateral agility to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. With his initial quickness and strength, he’s able to force his way through gaps to impact the play behind the line of scrimmage. This past season, van den Berg recorded a career high in stops (19) and tackles for loss (11). He can clog up running lanes with his mass and power, but with his athleticism, he's also an active interior presence capable of creating negative plays.
Jordan van den Berg is a former rugby player and is naturally strong.
The Georgia Tech DT recorded 16 TFL and 32 stops during the past two seasons. The former LB has active traits and will likely be high on Green Bay’s board on Day 3. pic.twitter.com/IqszfKvIPV
"I think you have to start with the technique and the fundamentals," Bishop said. "Working with defensive line coach Jess Simpson has helped, too, but van den Berg's constant focus on technique and positioning is special. Van den Berg, of course, is an athletic dude down there in the trenches, too, perhaps part of his game that can be underrated at times."
With his blend of initial quickness and power, van den Berg has the tools to develop into a force as an interior pass rusher. He has the ideal play strength and can walk offensive linemen back into the quarterback’s lap. There were reps when Georgia Tech stand up over the center like he was Micah Parsons. He's coming off a career-best season in which he recorded three sacks and 29 pressures. That uptick in production leads one to think there is still plenty of meat left on that proverbial pass rush bone.
Jordan van den Berg has the first step quickness and power to collapse the pocket.
I think he’s more than just a two-down player. He recorded career highs in sacks (3) and pressures (29) this past season. pic.twitter.com/cUjF1UeSBg
"I think as van den Berg has grown from a kid originally from South Africa who played at a small high school, to junior college to Penn State to Tech, you can sort of trace his ability to get into the backfield as he's grown, not only in size, but in understanding tendencies of offensive lineman," Bishop said. "There's some intellect there as well to be able to recognize when to fire off the ball and split gaps. I would expect that tool to continue to improve when he gets to the next level."
Fit with the Packers
The appeal with van den Berg on Day 3 of the draft comes down to traits and his work ethic. He’s gotten better each season during his college career, and that trajectory should continue at the next level.
In a defensive line room that needs more disruption, van den Berg's athleticism and size should be appealing to a team that needs a player who can both clog up running lanes and make splash plays.
"You're going to get a guy who is a gym rat because of a commitment to perfection and growing his game," Bishop said. "I think there is room there, too, to grow physically, which means you have a prospect you can expect to mold over time. He has shown he can compete and produce against high-level offensive lines during his career. If you believe you have the tools to help him to take his game to the next level, then he's your guy."
The combination of size, explosiveness, and effort gives him a legitimate ceiling as a disruptive interior defender. If the Packers can continue to unlock that upside, van den Berg has the tools to outperform his draft position.
The Packers had van den Berg in for a 30 visit, so there is at least some form of interest. With the Packers needing more impactful players along the defensive line, van den Berg just screams Packers type on Day 3.
Night 2 of WrestleMania 42 started with a bang thanks to a highly anticipated match between former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and former two-time NXT Champion Oba Femi.
In a stunning moment to begin the show, Femi was able to get a clean pin on Lesnar to secure the win in his WrestleMania debut.
After the match, Lesnar had an emotional moment in the ring as he announced his retirement from pro wrestling. Leading up to WrestleMania, there had been speculation that it would be Lesnar’s final match.
Lesnar left his shoes and gloves in the ring before sharing a hug with longtime manager Paul Heyman and walking out with a thunderous applause from the crowd.
Lesnar originally signed with WWE in 2000, before leaving the promotion in 2004. He returned from 2012 to 2020, before a brief retirement. He then returned once again in 2021.
Lesnar is the only person to have won the primary heavyweight championships in WWE, the UFC, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the Inoki Genome Federational, and NCAA wrestling.
A full look at the Night 2 card for WrestleMania 42 can be seen below.
Jan 27, 2024; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; CM Punk reacts during the Men’s Royal Rumble match at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
No.
Matches
Match Type
1
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
Singles match
2
Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio
Six-pack ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
3
Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Singles match for the WWE Women’s Championship
4
Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
Singles match for the WWE United States Championship
5
“The Demon” Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
Singles match
6
CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
Singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship If Reigns loses, he will leave WWE.
One of WWE's biggest stars has seemingly called it a career in the squared circle.
After suffering a loss to WWE's "new big thing" Oba Femi on Sunday night at WrestleMania 42, Brock Lesnar had and emotional moment as he left his gloves and boots in the center of the ring. Lesnar was given an ovation by the fans in Las Vegas, who chanted "thank you Brock" as he saluted them. Lesnar shared a hug with longtime manager Paul Heyman before exiting the ring.
While we've seen WWE legends come back after an in-ring retirement - most notably The Undertaker, who left his gear in the ring at WrestleMania 33 but later returned on several occasions - it was a fitting close to a long career for the now 48-year-old Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar leaves his gear in the ring. What's next for The Beast?
In his final match, Lesnar passed the torch to Oba Femi, who beat Lesnar with a chokeslam and a massive "Fall From Grace" powerbomb, setting Oba Femi up as a serious new contender in the main-event scene.
Outright winner: Matt Fitzpatrick (+1600) – Despite squandering a three-shot lead, complete with a bogey on 18, Fitzpatrick defeated Scottie Scheffler in a playoff to win the RBC Heritage for a second time.
Best round: Michael Kim shot a final-round 62, one shot off the course record set by Justin Thomas.
Course: Harbour Town is a 7,243-yard Par 71 where course knowledge is paramount because precision trumps distance with the track featuring narrow fairways and small greens.
Weather: Early forecasts are calling for mainly sunny skies with light wind each morning increasing out of the south to 10-15 mph once the sea breeze pushes inland.
RBC Heritage results and opening odds
The RBC Heritage ran April 16-19 at Harbour Town Golf Links. Below are the round-by-round results for the Top 10.
❌ Russell Henley to win (+1800): Fresh off pacing the field in true strokes gained on approaches during his T3 in the Masters, Henley's tee-to-green precision is set to play again at Harbour Town.
❌ Sepp Straka to win (+5000): In addition to two previous Top 5s in this event, Straka also lead the 2025 field in true strokes gained on approaches during his T13.
❌ Ryo Hisatsune Top 20 (+165): The rising star has four top 10s across his past eight events while ranking eighth in true strokes gained tee-to-green during the run.
❌ Brian Harman Top 20 (+170): This will be Harman's 17th trip to Harbour Town, and he's carded a T7-T12-T3 run the past three years.
Course breakdown: What wins at Harbour Town?
Harbour Town Golf Links is a world-renowned Par-71 track located at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Designed by Pete Dye with Jack Nicklaus as a consultant, Harbour Town has hosted the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage since 1969.
The course requires accuracy over length off the tee, excellent approach play to small greens, and a tight short game. There isn’t a single Par 4 over 480 yards, while all four Par 3s are over 190 yards. Additionally, the three Par 5s are reachable in two for the majority of the field.
There are several forced layups off the tee, so Harbour Town definitely checks out as a second-shot course, and each of the past six winners has finished Top 10 in true strokes gained approach and true strokes gained tee-to-green.
The biggest defenses of the track are water hazards on every hole, and the coastal layout can become breezy, to say the least. Additionally, the noted small greens are also protected by bunkers on each hole.
Narrow fairways require precision over power
Smallest greens on Tour require excellent approach play and silky scrambling
Windy conditions and coastal storms have had their say in years past
Players to watch
Scottie Scheffler: The 2024 winner has a T8 and T11 on his resume, and Scheffler already won on a Pete Dye track this year at The American Express.
Russell Henley: Fresh off pacing the Masters in true strokes gained approach, Henley’s play is a perfect fit.
Patrick Cantlay: With six Top 10s at Harbour Town, Cantlay’s tee-to-green game is a clear fit.
Key stats & player profiles to target
True strokes gained approach
True strokes gained tee-to-green
Scrambling and true strokes gained around the green
Driving accuracy
Course history
Players to watch
Collin Morikawa: Field leader in true strokes gained approach silenced injury concerns with Sunday charge to T7 at the Masters
Xander Schauffele: Firing on all cylinders, Schauffele has three straight Top 10s with true strokes gained on approach and tee-to-green.
Jordan Spieth: The putter didn’t cooperate with Spieth at Augusta, but the 2022 RBC Heritage champ finished fifth in true strokes gained approach and eighth from tee to green.
Outright picks: winners to bet
Pick 1: Russell Henley (+1800)
Russell Henley has gained true strokes on approaches in each of his past five trips to Harbour Town, and he’s coming off a T3 finish in the Masters where he paced the field in the metric while also ranking fourth in true strokes gained tee-to-green.
Course Fit: Henley will be playing this event for the 13th time
Recent Form: Elite ball-striking paved way to T3 in the Masters
Market Value: Slotted into secondary odds tier despite elite current form and course knowledge
Risk: Henley has never finished Top 5 at Harbour Town.
Pick 2: Sepp Straka (+5000)
Sepp Straka paced the field in true strokes gained on approaches during his T13 finish here last season, and the four-time PGA Tour winner has two more Top 5s on his Harbour Town resume.
Course Fit: Elite ball-striker with proven track record here
Recent Form: Four Top 20s across past seven events
Market Value: Course history isn't priced in enough
Risk: Straka’s putter runs hot and cold.
Best Top 20 bets
Pick 1: Ryo Hisatsune to finish top 20 (+160)
Ryo Hisatsune finished T18 in this event last year, and he’s also carded another four Top 10s across his latest eight events while gaining true strokes across the board.
Course Fit: Hisatsune’s ball-striking suits this track
Recent Form: Four Top 10s across past eight events
Risk: Driving accuracy has dipped over the past three tournaments.
Pick 2: Brian Harman to finish top 20 (+175)
This will be the 17th trip to Harbour Town for Brian Harman, and he’s carded a T7-T12-T3 run the past three years. He also battled back admirably at Augusta National after an opening-round 79 to finish T33.
Course Fit: 17th appearance at Harbour Town with longstanding success
Recent Form: Harman has gained true strokes on approach in four straight events
Risk: Harman has just a single Top 20 across his past five tournaments.
Matchup & head-to-head bets
Russell Henley Over Cameron Young (-105)
While there may be no hotter player on the planet than Cameron Young, he’s finished outside the Top 50 in each of his past three trips to this event, and I’m expecting a Masters hangover after playing in the final group Sunday.
Matchup Advantage: Young doesn’t have the recent course success Henley does
Key Stat: Henley paced the Masters in true strokes gained on approaches
Risk: Young is scorching along a T7-T3-Win-T3 heater.
First-round bets
Xander Schauffele to shoot 68 or lower (-111)
This will be the third straight year Xander Schauffele plays this event, and he’s fired 68 or lower in seven of the 12 rounds while carding Top 20s in each.
Recent form: Schauffele has three consecutive Top 10s
Key Stat: Ranks eighth in adjusted scoring average this season
Risk: Late Round 1 tee time could result in toughest scoring conditions Thursday.
Odds movement & market notes
There’s no surprise World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the largest liability and received both the highest ticket count and betting handle to win the RBC Heritage at BetMGM.
The next most popular players bettors have targeted at the shop are Jordan Spieth, Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele.
Additionally, Russell Henley saw one of the largest moves in the golf odds, with his opening +2000 price dropping to +1600 as of Wednesday.
How to watch & tee times
How to watch
Thursday-Friday: Golf Channel (2-6 p.m. ET)
Saturday-Sunday: Golf Channel (1-3 p.m. ET), CBS (3-6 p.m. ET)
The 2026 edition of the RBC Heritage will be played from Thursday, April 16, to Sunday, April 19.
Where will the 2026 RBC Heritage be played?
The 2026 RBC Heritage will be played at Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Who is the 2026 RBC Heritage favorite?
World No. 1 and 2024 RBC Heritage winner Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite after finishing runner-up in the 2026 Masters last week.
Who is the most popular bet to win the 2026 RBC Heritage?
Scottie Scheffler is the largest liability at BetMGM, and he's received the most betting tickets and highest betting handle to win this week.
What are the RBC Heritage FRL markets?
First Round Leader (FRL) markets center around which player(s) will be in the lead following the first 18 holes of the tournament.
How do RBC Heritage matchup bets work?
When betting RBC Heritage matchups, you're selecting which golfer will score better between the two players listed in that specific market. There are 18-hole, single-round matchups, in addition to tournament-long, 72-hole matchups.
What is the RBC Heritage cut line?
The RBC Heritage is a signature event without a 36-hole cut.
Are RBC Heritage odds the same across all sportsbooks?
You'll see slight variations in odds across sportsbooks for the RBC Heritage; it's always good practice to check multiple sports betting sites for the best odds.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Austin Hedges scored the first run of the game for the Guardians but had a bigger moment after the final out.
Hedges proposed to his girlfriend, Lexi Dickinson, on the field Sunday following Cleveland's 8-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. She happily accepted.
“I’ve had the ring since early spring training, but was just trying to figure out when the right time was,” Hedges said. “I was going to do it regardless ... but I really wanted to win that game to make it extra special.”
The 33-year-old catcher and his wife-to-be began dating in November 2024. He is in his 12th major league season, including six with Cleveland.
Hedges is popular and respected in the Guardians' clubhouse, which is why many of his teammates were present for the proposal. They stood a respectful distance away from the couple.
“I had a lot of nerves today,” he said. “I’m always nervous for baseball games, but just trying to stay present, knowing there were some activities after made it harder. It was a special day. A special day to be able to soak it all in.”
Hedges is batting .250 with two RBIs in nine games this season. Cleveland is 8-0 when he starts behind the plate.
A 2023 World Series champion with the Texas Rangers, Hedges reached 10 years in major league service time on March 30. He debuted with San Diego in 2015 and spent parts of six seasons with the Padres. He also played for Pittsburgh in 2023.
While Dickinson remained on the diamond, accepting congratulations from friends and other Guardians spouses and wives, Hedges took a quick shower and changed into a stylish maroon suit.
“Now, we’re going to go to dinner and then just have a night to ourselves and enjoy it,” he said.
Not many golfers can stare down Scottie Scheffler in the final round of a tournament, but Matt Fitzpatrick is the anomaly. Fitzpatrick, who held off Scheffler and Will Zalatoris by one to win the 2022 U.S. Open at The Country Club, did so again at Harbour Town G.L., fending off the World No. 1 in a playoff to win the RBC Heritage.
In overtime, Fitzpatrick hit a laser of a 4-iron to 13 feet and won with a walk-off birdie. The club Fitzpatrick used to hit that shot was Ping's i240 with Ping's CFS shaft, a club he platoons with his 7-wood and put back into the bag for the final round.
falsePingi240$217 per iron|Golf Galaxy 4.0 GD SCOREGD HOT LIST SCOREHot List Silver$217 per ironThe multi-material badge supports the face (looking cool in the process) and saves nearly nine grams compared to the i230, providing designers desired discretionary weight.That saved weight was used to lower the center of gravity to increase height on shots and moment of inertia for a boost in forgiveness.This 431-stainless-steel iron has returned to using fewer and wider grooves, a request from tour pros in search of more spin from the fairway.The i240’s sole, like previous models, features a rounded leading edge and ample bounce to promote smooth turf interaction.An elastomer insert provides efficient energy transfer across the face, a softer feel and a pleasing sound. The elastomer is injection molded on every iron in the set.Top 5 in Forgiveness, low-handicapsSPECS: 7-iron: 33 degrees; PW: 45 degreesBUY NOW DETAILS
In winning, Fitzpatrick became the 11th multiple winner of the event, joining, among others, Tom Watson, Johnny Miller and Davis Love III, who won the event five times.
Fitzpatrick put on a U.S. Open-like performance on Sunday. He rolled in an 11-footer for birdie at the first and a 17-footer for another birdie at the third. From there Fitzpatrick grinded his way to a closing parade of 14 pars and a finishing bogey, including a 17-footer for par at the 11th to keep his momentum intact.
“I feel like it can always change in one shot,” Fitzpatrick said of the concept of momentum after the third round. “Yeah, you've got to be on the ball at all times. There's definitely something in it.”
falseTaylorMadeQi35$350|Golf Galaxy 5.0 GD SCOREGD HOT LIST SCOREHot List Gold$350This model appeals to the broadest range of average to above-average swing speeds looking for consistent distance and fitting options through multiple lofts and a 4-degree adjustable hosel. A lower profile than the Qi10 increases the likelihood of center-face contact and provides a sleeker look at address to instill confidence.Although the lower face height typically would make the face less flexible, the Qi35 features a redesigned thinner face to maintain ball speed and distance.The company’s trademark slot in the sole stretches longer into the toe to create a more flexible face.Lightweight carbon composite covers nearly the entire crown to lower the center of gravity so that the ball launches higher with less spin.With the adjustable hosel, the loft range stretches from 13 to 23 degrees.Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps15, 16.5, 18, 21 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)BUY NOW DETAILS
Fitzpatrick uses a Bettinardi DASS prototype blade. The putter employs a grooved face that is a mirror image of the Yes! Tracy II model he used when he was 16 years old. The Englishman ranked ninth in strokes gained/putting for the week.
Off the tee, Fitzpatrick was solid as well. Although Harbour Town demands a number of fairway woods off the tee, he used his 9-degree Titleist GT3 with a Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Orange 65 TX shaft and the adjustable weight in the slight draw position to rank fourth in strokes gained/off the tee.
Or just the kind of performance you need to go toe-to-toe with Scottie Scheffler and come out on top. Again.
What Matt Fitzpatrick had in the bag to win the 2026 RBC Heritage
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Driver: Titleist GT3 (Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Orange 65 TX), 9 degrees
Oba Femi Vs. Brock Lesnar At WrestleMania 42 | Key Points
Oba Femi beat Brock Lesnar in a quick, but entertaining, match to open WrestleMania 42 Night 2.
Brock Lesnar appeared to retire after the loss, removing his gloves and boots before embracing longtime manager Paul Heyman. Fans chanted “thank you Lesnar,” however Gunther (the king of retirement matches) is still owed a favor by Paul Heyman after saving him from Seth Rollins.
Oba Femi destroyed Brock Lesnar in the opening match of WrestleMania 42, Night 2. Oba no-sold Brock’s early offense, shades of his squash-match loss to Goldberg at Survivor Series 2016. Oba sold for Brock moments later on the outside of the ring, before quickly recovering from the F5. Oba chokeslammed Lesnar and hit the fall from grace for the win.
After the match, Brock Lesnar removed his gloves and boots, signaling his retirement. Brock shared a warm embrace with an equally emotional Paul Heyman. Fans chanted “thank you, Brock” as the Beast’s career appears to be over. The monumental win for Oba means that much more if Brock is truly retiring. This would be a fitting retirement match for Brock as WWE is undergoing a dawning of a new era.
It’s fair to question whether Lesnar’s retirement is legit as Gunther—who has made a career out of retiring legends—is still owed a favor by Paul Heyman.
Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi felt like the spiritual main event in Las Vegas, but not only did it open WrestleMania Sunday, it did so on free television with an elusive broadcast on ESPN.
Considering the reach, this was essentially an upgrade.
Several households prayed witness to a blockbuster matchup with proven PPV draw Brock Lesnar and rising star Oba Femi. Killing two birds with one stone, not only did this match serve as a strong sales pitch for WrestleMania, it was also a harbinger of what was to come for WWE’s bright, Black future.
Oba Femi is part of the iconic “AfricaNXT" class of Black performers including Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, Ricky Saints and Je’Von Evans who redefined NXT with a predominately Black roster that helped the brand easily surpass AEW Dynamite in weekly viewership. Since moving to the CW, NXT aired 67 weeks of the AfricaNXT era. In the weekly ratings battle, NXT went 61-6 against Dynamite in total viewership. Since the promotion of Femi, Williams, Evans and Hayes to the main roster—all of whom where called up by January 6, 2026—NXT has fallen behind Dynamite with a roster that suddenly lacks seasoning.
But NXT’s sacrifice is WWE’s come-up. Oba Femi’s WrestleMania spotlight signals a sea change in WWE that has already led to the type of motion fans saw in NXT ubiquitously. With Williams, Evans, Femi, Jade Cargill, Lash Legend and even IShowSpeed on the card, this is easily the Blackest WrestleMania since WrestleMania 37, if not the Blackest ever.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres open Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series Sunday in Buffalo, with the Sabres entering as Atlantic Division champions.
Dec 27, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) takes a shot on goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Buffalo finished the regular season at 50-23-9 (109 points) to win the Atlantic Division, while Boston earned the top wild-card spot at 45-27-10 (100 points).
Game 1 will be played in Buffalo, as the Sabres hold home-ice advantage in the series. The Sabres have been one of the NHL’s hottest teams down the stretch, clinching the division after a dominant second half and ending a 14-year playoff drought, while Boston surged late to lock in its postseason return after missing last year.
This matchup has been tight all season. Boston won 3 of 4 regular-season meetings, including a 4–3 overtime win in March, but Buffalo enters with the stronger overall profile, averaging 3.45 goals per game while allowing just 2.93 goals per game.
The Bruins lean on David Pastrňák and a resurgent Jeremy Swayman in net, while the Sabres counter with a high-powered attack led by Tage Thompson and a deep roster that’s driven their late-season surge.
With home ice and momentum, Buffalo enters Game 1 as the slight favorite, but Boston’s experience and edge in the season series set up what should be a tightly contested opener.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 17: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates a solo home run with Ozzie Albies #1 in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 17, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Grant Holmes and the Braves are hoping to sweep the leg vs. the Philadelphia Phillies in the series finale on Peacock. First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 pm ET.
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 19: Vincent Kompany, Head Coach of FC Bayern Munich, celebrates victory following the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on April 19, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Leonhard Simon/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bayern Munich have won their 35th Bundesliga title. Two of these trophies were the product of Vincent Kompany’s leadership at Bayern.
Since his arrival, the team has seen many changes, almost all of which were positive. He made players feel respected while also demanding respect as the manager, gave the youth a bigger role in the first team and brought a fantastic tactical system that has yielded incredible results.
Speaking about the title, the manager stays ever humble and shifts the focus to what matters — the games ahead. “It feels great. For me every title is the first title,” said Kompany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
“We have to enjoy these moments because there’s a lot of hard work behind them, over many years not just this season. So we have to enjoy it when it happens,” he added, giving due respect to the work of his predecessors.
“The season is not over yet. There are still things to win. PSG in the Champions League, the defending champions, it’s probably the toughest challenge. But before that we have Leverkusen,” he declared.
The fact that the title has been secured makes life easier for Bayern, but certainly Kompany’s players aren’t going to start slacking off even if they are playing for ‘nothing’.
That is the beauty of this modern Bayern side.
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…
BOSTON — Whenever Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown takes the podium or stands in front of the media, he often assesses whether or not his team just played "Celtics basketball." If they were beat on the boards or looked lazy on defense, they didn't. If they hustled for loose balls and played together, they did. Following the Green Team's 123-91 drubbing of the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon in Game 1 of the first round, there was no question which way Brown would rule when he got behind the mic.
"That was Celtics basketball," Brown stated after the wire-to-wire win. "We've been the harder playing team all year. That can't change now that the playoffs have started.”
Jaylen Brown on the Celtics’ professionalism tonight:
“That was Celtics basketball. We've been the harder playing team all year. That can't change now that the playoffs started.” pic.twitter.com/wIEMaC1Es7
If there's anybody who would be familiar with the definition of Celtics basketball, it's Brown. He's the longest-tenured Celtic and has helped lead the Green Team to the playoffs in every one of his 10 seasons in the NBA.
And while the four-time All-Star struggled to start Game 1, missing 8 of his first 12 shots from the floor, he scored 16 of his game-high 26 points in the second half and essentially buried the Sixers down the stretch.
"We're prepared," Brown said after the most lopsided playoff-opening win in franchise history. "We're ready. So we just got to be ready every time we step out on the floor. But great tone-setter, a lot of great teams have played in a Celtics uniform. For us to have the biggest margin of victory in a home opener playoff game is great. It sets the tone and it reflects our focus and our intensity."
Perhaps the most impressive part of the Celtics' historic beatdown is that nobody on the roster wavered. No Celtic took it easy, even when up by as many as 35 points. The C's never let their advantage dip anywhere close to single digits in the second half and won on the glass, at the 3-point line, and in transition — a part of the game in which the Sixers usually thrive.
"Teams play harder, we got to play even harder, or definitely match that," Brown asserted. "So, the mentality, the focus, the attention span, the efficiency needs to improve. We have to get to our spots, and we got to be able to see and read the game as it comes. And I think that is what we've been building up towards all season long in our film sessions and our practices."
Surpassing Sunday's showcase of Celtics basketball will be difficult, as nearly everything went Boston's way. Brown and fellow Celtics star Jayson Tatum dominated, tough shots fell, the bench was reliable, and the 76ers looked outmatched.
However, that doesn't mean the Celtics won't try to outdo themselves on Tuesday night during Game 2 at TD Garden.
"It's not something that we're not familiar with, which is intensifying and taking it to another level," Brown said.
The NBA began revealing the finalists for this season's top individual awards on Sunday night, and Wembanyama — to no surprise — is on that list for Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league in blocked shots for a third consecutive season.
Wembanyama, Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren and Detroit's Ausar Thompson are the three finalists for the top defender award.
Edwards is a finalist for Clutch Player of the Year — even though he fell short of the league's 65-game minimum in most cases for award eligibility. Edwards wasn't on the ballot for MVP, All-NBA and other honors, but was on the Clutch ballot because those nominees were selected by the league's coaches.
The finalists for Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year also were announced early Sunday evening. The finalists for Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year will be revealed later Sunday night.
Ballots from a panel of writers and broadcasters who cover the league were sent in last week.
The finalists
— Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio; Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City; Ausar Thompson, Detroit.
— Sixth Man: Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver; Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami; Keldon Johnson, San Antonio.
Defensive player of the year
Wembanyama was the likely frontrunner to win it last season, but wound up falling short of eligibility after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis at the All-Star break and missing the rest of the season.
Minnesota's Rudy Gobert's bid for a fifth DPOY award — which would break a record — will continue for at least one more year.
Clutch Player
Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in clutch scoring per game, with Edwards second. Denver had two legitimate candidates with Murray and Nikola Jokic; voters clearly gave Murray the edge.
Clutch scoring is defined as points that come in the final five minutes of a game where the point differential between teams is five or less.
Sixth Man of the Year
Jaquez averaged 15.4 points in 74 appearances off the bench, Johnson averaged 13.2 points — after playing in all 82 Spurs games as a reserve — and Hardaway also averaged 13.2 points in the 74 games where he came off Denver's bench.
The winner will be a first-time selection for the award.
Most Improved Player
Avdija averaged 24.2 points and led Portland's surge to the playoffs, while Alexander-Walker — bidding to give Atlanta its second consecutive MIP winner after Dyson Daniels last season — averaged 20.8 points, by far the most his career.
Duren was a first-time All-Star selection and averaged 19.5 points, almost double what he averaged last season despite playing basically the same amount of minutes.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 17: A "Welcome to Dodger Stadium" sign is displayed before the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here are the results and details of every Los Angeles Dodgers game for 2026, from the beginning of the regular season through however long they last in the postseason.
It took a playoff birdie, but Matt Fitzpatrick has now claimed his second win of the PGA Tour season.
Fitzpatrick fended off top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and grabbed a one-shot win at the RBC Heritage. He posted a 1-under 70 in his final round at Harbour Town in South Carolina and drilled a 13-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to grab his win over Scheffler. That gave him his second win in his last three starts on Tour and brought him to four wins in his Tour career.
The win also earned Fitzpatrick a $3.6 million check, which was part of a $20 million purse this week at the signature event.
Fitzpatrick started the final round with a three-shot lead over Scheffler and the field, but Scheffler quickly rallied back and made two birdies in his final three holes to force the playoff. Fitzpatrick, who made 14 straight pars himself, bogeyed the 18th in regulation.
But Fitzpatrick landed his approach just past the pin on the first playoff hole and drained his putt with ease. That gave Scheffler his second straight runner-up finish, following his second-place run at the Masters last week.
Here’s a look at how much Fitzpatrick and the rest of the field earned this week.
2026 RBC Heritage payouts
1. Matt Fitzpatrick — $3.6 million 2. Scottie Scheffler — $2.16 million 3. Si Woo Kim — $1.36 million T4. Collin Morikawa, Harris English, Ludvig Åberg — $823,333 7. Bud Cauley — $665,000 T8. Rickie Fowler, Kurt Kitayama, Patrick Cantlay, Gary Woodland — $555,000 T12. Keegan Bradley, Matt McCarty, Xander Schauffele, Steven Fisk — $399,250 T16. Jordan Smith, Maverick McNealy, Wyndham Clark, Akshay Bhatia, Sam Burns, Ryan Fox, Patrick Rodgers, Pierceson Coody, Andrew Novak — $255,333 T25. Michael Kim, Chris Gotterup, Sahith Theegala, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Cameron Young, Aldrich Potgieter, Brian Harman — $141,875 T33. Michael Thorbjornsen, Ryan Gerard, Ben Griffin, Adam Schenk, Jordan Spieth, Karl Villips, Jacob Bridgeman, Chandler Blanchet, Joe Highsmith — $94,333 T42. Jason Day, Sungjae Im, Daniel Berger, Andrew Putnam, Michael Brennan, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Lucas Glover, Viktor Hovland, Sepp Straka — $57,200 T52. Garrick Higgo, Tommy Fleetwood, Sudarshan Yellamaraju — $45,000 T55. William Mouw, Nicolai Højgaard, Corey Conners, Matt Wallace, Sami Valimaki — $41,100 T60. Ricky Castillo, J.T. Poston, Ryo Hisatsune, Nick Taylor, Min Woo Lee — $38,000 T65. Denny McCarthy, Harry Hall, Alex Noren, Sam Stevens — $35,750 T69. Max Homa, Johnny Keefer — $34,625 T71. Taylor Pendrith, Tom Hoge, David Lipsky — $34,000 T74. Jhonattan Vegas, Austin Smotherman, Jake Knapp — $33,250 T77. Justin Thomas, Brian Campbell, Marco Penge — $32,500 80. Billy Horschel — $32,000 81. Nico Echavarria — $31,750 82. Tony Finau — $31,500
HAPOEL TEL AVIV players celebrate after securing a Euroleague playoff berth despite a regular-season finale loss to Monaco. The Reds face Real Madrid in a best-of-five series. (photo credit: Dov Halickman)
Hapoel Tel Aviv advances to the Euroleague quarterfinals despite a tough loss to Monaco, while Maccabi Tel Aviv now shifts focus to the Israeli league. Hapoel Jerusalem returns to action with a win.
The Euroleague regular season came to an end as Hapoel Tel Aviv advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will tip off against Real Madrid, while Maccabi Tel Aviv will now turn their focus onto the Israeli league, which returned to action over the weekend with Hapoel Jerusalem facing Bnei Herzliya in the capital city.
Hapoel Tel Aviv was overwhelmed by Monaco 105-85 as the Reds finished the Euroleague regular season in sixth place with a record of 23-15. They now face Real Madrid in the best-of-five quarterfinal series. Dimitrios Itoudis’s squad came out flat as Monaco went right after the visitors from the get-go, as Jaron Blossomgame and Mike James helped the hosts to a 58-41 lead at halftime, and they never looked back as they recorded the blowout win.
Chris Jones scored 17 points, Dan Oturu added 14 points, and Colin Malcolm put in 13 points in the loss, while Blossomgame scored 30 points and James added 30 points in the victory.
The Reds will now ready themselves for a quarterfinal series that will feature the first two games in Madrid on Wednesday, April 29, and Friday, May 1, while Games 3 and, if necessary, Game 4 will be played the following week in Sofia, Bulgaria, with the winner punching their ticket to the Final Four in Athens later in the month.
“Congratulations to Monaco,” Hapoel Tel Aviv head coach Dimitrios Itoudis began. “They played better than us and deserved to win. Unfortunately, from the very beginning – how we started the game and how it continued until the third quarter – that wasn’t us. We have to accept that we didn’t show up, not even close to our potential or our standards. We’ll move on to the playoffs, that’s an achievement. We didn’t want to end the regular season like this, but it happens in basketball, and now we’ll focus on what’s ahead.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv fell to Bologna 89-85 to finish their Euroleague season with an 18-20 record. Derrick Alston, Carsen Edwards, and Saliou Niang helped Bologna take the lead early on, while Lonnie Walker and
Oshae Brissett tried to keep Oded Katash’s team close as the Italians took a 40-36 advantage into halftime.
Edwards and Aliou Diarra continued to pace the visitors as Walker and Roman Sorkin responded for the hosts throughout the third quarter. Zach Hankins began to score with ease throughout the final frame, and Walker tried to narrow the gap as time wound down, but Diarra and Alston made sure to keep pace as Nenad Jakovljevic’s squad picked up the win.
Walker scored 24 points, Brissett added 11 points, and Sorkin scored 10 points in the loss, while Edwards put in 19 points, Alston scored 18 points, and Niang chipped in 16 points in the win.
“It was not easy for us recently. We lost a lot of players to injuries, and our energy went down after we lost the chance to make it to the Play-In,” Katash said following the game.
Yonatan Alon’s squad opened up an early lead and kept pouring in the points throughout the game, as Smith, along with Khadeen Carrington, Jared Harper, and Cassius Winston, overwhelmed Yehu Orland’s team.
Smith scored 28 points, Carrington added 20 points, and Harper put in 17 points in the win, while Omer Sadeh scored 18 points, Daeshon Francis chipped in with 16 points, and Frederic Bourdillon scored 13 points in the loss.
Khadeen Carrington got Hapoel Jerusalem off to a good start, while Evan Bruinsma, Daeshon Francis, and DJ Burns all responded for Bnei Herzliya. But points from Roi Huber, a triple from Roy Paretzky, and a Justin Smith dunk gave the hosts a 27-20 lead after 10 minutes of play. Jared Harper started to put his mark on the game, while Smith filled the basket to his heart’s delight to go up 43-27, but Burns, Frederic Bourdillon, and Jordon Varnado cut the lead down to 50-40 by halftime.
Bourdillon and Varnado scored to begin the third quarter, Carrington quickly answered, while Cassius Winston and Smith scored to bump up the Jerusalem lead to 74-57 after 30 minutes of action. Francis and Omer Sadeh put in points to get the final frame underway; Winston, Carrington, and Smith all came back with baskets. Sadeh kept filling the bucket at the other end, but more points from Carrington and Smith wrapped up the win.
Yonatan Alon spoke about the win. “I wasn’t sure what we would see, as there was a lot of rust, but we did what we needed to in order to pick up the victory. We are in touch with the players who aren’t here, and we hope they will return if there will be quiet, but we will see as things progress.”
Yehu Orland looked back at the loss. “We knew we had a bit of a short roster, and some of the players just arrived. Add to that the injury to Evan Bruinsma – it hurt us, as we didn’t have the size that we needed in order to match up with Jerusalem. I’m happy that we had 23 assists, but we need to improve everything else.”
Jared Harper shared his thoughts “It feels good but a bit weird, as we haven’t played in about two months. But it was good to be back playing here at home. I think we have a really good team and an opportunity for guys to step up. We miss the guys who aren’t here, but Justin Smith and Dymtro Skapintsev all stepped up.”
Frederic Bourdillon spoke about the defeat. “It’s amazing to come back to play, and we really didn’t practice much over the past two months. In the big picture, it’s very important that the sport is back, and as for the guys who didn’t come back, it’s really personal. We tried to build a team for the playoffs and not just for this game, and to compete all the way until the end.”
Elitzur Netanya got by Maccabi Rishon Lezion 72-68 as the Diamond City squad grabbed an early lead and never looked back to notch the win. Javante McCoy scored 18 points, and Otis Frazier added 16 points in the victory, while Amin Stevens scored 21 points and DJ Burns put in 17 points in the loss.
See more Israeli sports coverage at www.sportsrabbi.com/en
Hedges spoke with reporters after the game to share how the plan came together.
“I figured out this is what I was going to do only a couple weeks ago,” Hedges said, via Cleveland.com. “But I’ve had the ring since early spring training, just trying to figure out when the right time was.”
Hedges admitted he was going to propose Sunday win or lose, but the win made it better.
“I was really hoping we won the game,” Hedges said. “I was going to do it regardless, but I really wanted to win that game to make it extra special.”
And yeah, he was nervous.
“There were a lot of nerves, a lot of nerves,” Hedges said. “I’m always nervous for baseball games… and just trying to stay present, knowing that there were some activities after. But it’s a special day. Special to be able to soak it all in.”
Hedges and Dickinson became a couple in November 2024. She's an aesthetic nurse practitioner and a sports-style influencer who shares wellness and fashion content, according to Cleveland.com.
The veteran Hedges is having his best hitting season in a long time so far.
On Sunday, though, he had the biggest success of the season, and it had nothing to do with a baseball.
Oba Femi has taken WWE by storm in 2026( Credit: Michael Marques/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE via Getty Images
The most anticipated WWE WrestleMania 42 clash? Well, that would be Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi.
Although WWE booked two major world championship matches in Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for Allegiant Stadium, one could argue that the best-built rivalry heading into WrestleMania was none other than “The Beast” vs. “The Ruler.” The two gargantuans engaged in a handful of in-ring segments that sent WWE fans into an absolute frenzy, generating the type of roof-rattling reactions every WWE feud should strive for.
That’s why the prospects of two of WWE’s most physically impressive superstars facing off on “The Grandest Stage of Them All” had fans salivating and anxiously awaiting to see if Femi could manhandle the most dominant star of his generation.
WWE WrestleMania 42 Results For Brock Lesnar Vs. Oba Femi
If ever there were a passing of the torch, Oba Femi’s win over Brock Lesnar at WWE WrestleMania was precisely it.
Yes, WWE, for once, listened to its fans and booked the right finish on pro wrestling’s biggest stage. Femi demolished Lesnar in mere minutes after planting Lesnar with the Fall From Grace.
Here are the key highlights and moments from Femi’s career-defining victory over “The Beast” at WrestleMania 42:
Lesnar and Femi immediately locked up for a test of strength, and it was a stalemate. Lesnar then took the early advantage and hit Femi with a series of shoulder blocks, but they didn’t affect Femi at all. He pushed Lesnar off, took two clotheslines and remained standing, then pummeled Lesnar with a massive clothesline to take him down. The crowd went wild.
A frustrated Lesnar escaped the ring and pulled Femi to the outside, then sent him spine-first into the ring post followed by the steel ring steps. Back inside, Lesnar hit a series of German suplexes. Lesnar went for another, but Femi blocked ti and nailed Lesnar with a big elbow and some running uppercuts in the corner. On his third attempt, Lesnar picked him up and blasted Femi with an F5. Femi immediately got to his feet and hit Lesnar with a massive choke slam.
Femi picked up Lesnar and slammed him down with the Fall From Grace sitout powerbomb. That was enough for Femi to get the win after about five minutes.
After the match, Lesnar took off his gloves and boots in the middle of the ring as of the crowd applauded and cheered, “Thank you, Brock!” Paul Heyman entered the ring and hugged Lesnar.
WWE WrestleMania 42 Results: What’s Next For Brock Lesnar And Oba Femi?
If Lesnar was the original “Next Big Thing,” then Femi’s win at WWE WrestleMania 42 cemented him as the, well, next “Next Big Thing.”
Femi didn’t make his official main roster debut until January’s Royal Rumble, and in less than three months, he established himself as one of WWE’s most popular stars. WWE fans got a snippet of Femi’s main roster potential at John Cena’s retirement show on Saturday Night’s Main Event last December when he faced Cody Rhodes.
But now, WWE fans are getting the total package, and boy oh boy, are they reacting to him like he’s already one of the biggest stars in the business. And he very well might be.
There is no such thing as a sure thing in pro wrestling, but especially after his big win over Lesnar at WWE WrestleMania 42, Femi is about as close as it comes. He has the prototypical superstar look, the jaw-dropping entrance, the power, the charisma and the aura that you need to make it to the very top of the pro wrestling business.
One report indicates that WWE officials view Femi on the same level as fellow rising star Bron Breakker, but in reality, Femi may have already surpassed him. All you have to do is hear the reaction to his entrance or his segments to see that Femi has the majority of WWE’s fans wrapped around his finger.
The key to Femi’s long-term success will be how he performs in the ring, but he demonstrated in NXT that he’s a main event level in-ring performer as well. In other words, the sky is limit for Femi, who just beat the man who ended The Undertaker’s WrestleMania undefeated streak at, you guessed it, WrestleMania.
WWE is clearly putting all its eggs in the Femi basket, and it’s obviously the right choice, too. Lesnar leaving his gloves and foots in the ring after the match indicates that the legend is retiring, leaving the need for a new unbeatable Goliath at the top of the card.
With Lesnar seemingly gone, Femi is the new top monster in WWE.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Femi's arrival was one of the most anticipated of WrestleMania weekend. The crowd was all the way there for the former NXT Champion to open Sunday night in his battle against WWE's former "Next Big Thing," and the match started with the pair locking up with the classic collar-elbow tie-up to test their strength. Lesnar then picked up Femi to put him in the corner, but was quickly shucked off and clotheslined in disbelief.
The match then ventured outside the ring as Lesnar rammed Femi into the ring post and steel steps to get the edge, before returning to the ring as Femi took a trip to "Suplex City."
Lesnar's sudden momentum appear to cool him down and calm his visible frustrations. He even did some showboating to the crowd, which isn't typical for the former world champion.
More surprisingly, after the match, Lesnar removed his gloves and boots in the center of the ring in an emotional scene, embracing Paul Heyman and waving to the crowd in an apparent retirement.
"The Beast" has seemingly called it a career to start WrestleMania 42 Night 2.
Brock Lesnar leaves his gear in the ring. What's next for The Beast?
On Sunday, WrestleMania 42‘s two-night extravaganza continues with a stacked card featuring six big matchups.
The evening opens up with, arguably, the most anticipated match this year when Brock Lesnar battles fast-rising star Oba Femi. Intercontinental champ Penta will defend his title in a six-way ladder match with MOTN potential. Finn Balor brings back “The Demon” for his bout with Dominik Mysterio. And in the main event, CM Punk defends the WWE World Heavyweight title against Roman Reigns.
Below you can find results, match grades, and highlights from Night 2 of WrestleMania 42.
The linebackers group in the 2027 class is loaded with talent, and four of the top 10 players are already committed midway through April.
Cooper Witten (Oklahoma), the son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Witten, headlines the group. But there’s plenty more behind him when it comes to dynamic second-level defenders. Along with the Sooners, Vanderbilt, Texas Tech, Clemson, Notre Dame and a handful of others are well-represented on the list of early commitments.
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 36 (#2 LB) School:Liberty Christian (Texas) On his commitment: “Oklahoma made an impression on me from the beginning because Coach Venables was the first coach to offer me,” Witten told Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman. “I strongly believe in the vision he has for me and where the program is going. Coach Venables’ resume speaks for itself. The success on defense he has had over the years is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
On his commitment: “I’ve always planned to get it over with. Going into my senior season, I want to focus on myself and school. This was the right time. You can feel the atmosphere there. The success, the confidence — it’s earned. The campus is excited, game day is great, and it’s a really good environment.It was just the best fit for me. Everything lined up — the coaches, the people, the education, the direction of the program.” — Sanders to Rivals’ Chad Simmons
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 84 (#5 LB) School:Tustin (Tustin, CA) On the commitment: “Coach Stacey (Ford) I’m really close to him because he was at UCLA and now he’s at Oklahoma so he told everybody at Oklahoma, ‘I’m really close with this kid,’ and they all want me to go over there,” Epps told Rivals’ Adam Gorney. “Even the offensive coaches are recruiting me.”
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 117 (#8 LB) School:Howell (Howell, MI) The Skinny: Prior to February’s Rivals300 rankings update, Kish was outside of the top-300 nationally as a three-star prospect. But much like his recruitment has in recent months, his ranking skyrocketed up to No. 60 overall. Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota and Purdue had already locked in official visits, but one trip to Clemson last month sealed the deal for the Tigers.
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 166 (#14 LB) School:Langham Creek (Houston, TX) On his commitment: “This program has great coaches. They are great coaches, and also great people,” Nelson told Spiegelman. “Coach Blanch, Coach McGuire, Coach (Brian) Nance, Coach (Shiel) Wood. They’re all great people and I love to surround myself with great people. Shiel Wood is the defensive coordinator and also my position coach, so he’s gonna put me in a position to make plays. I’ve heard stories about Coach McGuire and they sent me a video of him working out with the team. That’s something I wanna be a part of.”
The Boston Celtics are 15 more wins away from raising a 19th banner. While that is still very far, their performance against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first game of the NBA Playoffs were a masterclass in team chemistry. This is why Coach Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum made all sorts of postseason records in this 123-91 Game 1 win.
Celtics notch multiple NBA Playoffs records
To start, Jayson Tatum knocked down nine of his 17 field goal attempts to score 25 points. This scoring outburst against the 76ers helped him rank fifth all-time in getting the most 25-point games in Eastern Conference NBA Playoffs history. Only Dwyane Wade, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James are ahead of him in that postseason record.
Not to mention, the Celtics superstar also ties Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook in that same feat.
Moreover, Jaylen Brown also reached a historic feat in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs' first round. He went ballistic by sinking 11 of his 21 field goal attempts to score 26 points. The Celtics MVP candidate now ranks 10th among all active players in most points scored in the NBA Playoffs, via StatMuse.
To top it all off, Coach Joe Mazzulla was an insane mastermind against the 76ers. He placed nearly all of his players in positions to score in the perimeter while also preventing their opponents from getting the same looks. This led to 10 Celtics making a three as they made 16 shots from behind the arc. The amount of Celtics notching a three-pointer was more than the four total shots from the perimeter made by the 76ers.
A lot of effort went into this Celtics team entering the NBA Playoffs. They made Tatum recover and look like his former self after an Achilles injury. Brown has evolved into a top option after seeing guys like Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving, and Gordon Hayward take the lead in his earlier years. Coach Mazzulla has also removed all doubts about his coaching style despite getting compared to Ime Udoka a lot or getting assessed through his post-game pressers.
If it happens, raising the Celtics' 19th banner by the end of the NBA Playoffs has been an effort of a village that spans worldwide. This is why it's different here.
Brock Lesnar seemingly retired at WrestleMania 42.
After he lost his match to Oba Femi, he sat in the ring. After Femi left he arena, an emotional Lesnar took off his gloves, then took off his shoes and exited the ring. He was embraced by his longtime friend and advocate Paul Heyman.
The fans chanted "Thank you Brock" after he made it clear thi was his last match. He kissed the ring and then left.
Lesnar, a former UFC heavyweight champion, has been with WWE, off and on, since 2000.
After confirming its fourth lost Big Ten series of the season, Maryland baseball hoped to avoid the sweep on Sunday. Iowa dominated in game one, forcing a run-rule ending in the eighth, before winning game two by three runs — but Maryland flipped the script.
The Terps dodged the sweep in game three after recording three explosive innings of four or more runs, including a seven-run seventh. They burned through nine Hawkeyes pitchers — four in the seventh inning alone — on its way to a 16-5 trouncing in the series finale on Sunday. Maryland banked its most runs in a conference game in exactly a year.
The Hawkeyes scored the first run of the game in the top of the first inning after an RBI single by Carter Geffre with two outs. In his second start of the season for Maryland, Brayden Ryan ended the inning with his first strikeout of the game.
From there, both teams remained scoreless until the fourth inning. Ryan continued to deal, but his offense left four runners on base.
“Probably the most injuries I’ve seen in my entire career. We’ve been decimated by that,” head coach Matt Swope said. “He’s taken advantage of this opportunity to start and that’s two good starts for us in a row.”
Maryland tied the game in the top of the fourth after junior David Mendez notched a triple, his fourth hit of the series and first of many on Sunday. Mendez was brought home on a single by freshman Nate Hawton-Henley.
The Terps loaded the bases in the fifth and claimed the lead after sophomore Paul Jones II singled through the shift in right field, bringing in two runs. Iowa deployed its third pitcher, right-hander Cole Moore, to slow down Maryland, but the Terps kept it coming.
After Jones II advanced to second on a wild pitch, Mendez doubled to left field, bringing in another two runs for Maryland.
Iowa was quick to close the first gap of the game, putting up three runs in the bottom of the same inning. With one out, third baseman Ben Swails slammed a deep shot toward Hawton-Henley in center field — the center lost the ball in the sun, and it carried in the wind, eventually dropping about five feet away from him.
Following an Iowa walk, Gable Mitchell hit a ball to left fielder Jordan Crosland. He bobbled it, allowing Mitchell to advance to second and Swails to score. A double by the Hawkeyes brought in two more runs.
Maryland needed insurance runs to close the one-run deficit in the top of the seventh and they succeeded as the Terps went through the whole line up as Iowa rotated through four different pitchers.
In the span of nine pitches, Maryland recorded three singles in a row to load the bases by Ty Kaunas, Jones II, and Ryan Costello for his first start in over a week. Costello scored on a wild pitch, advancing the runners.
Two more singles by the Terps brought in another two runs, giving them a 8-4 lead.
A sacrifice bunt by Hawton-Henley advanced runners into scoring position. After the Hawkeye’s fifth walk, right-hander Joe Husak attempted to pick off Devin Russell at second base. Husak’s throw bounced off Russell’s helmet into the outfield, bringing home Mendez.
Two pitchers and three runs later, Iowa finally ended the inning with Maryland holding a 12-4 lead over the Hawkeyes.
“A really good response on a day that was not ideal to hit with the wind and the conditions,” Swope said. “It’s really impressive for the offense to bounce back.”
Iowa brought in its final run in the bottom of the seventh after hitting back-to-back singles off sophomore Lance Williams, who had entered the game for Ryan. Mendez’s double play eased some pressure before Williams threw his second strikeout of the game.
Maryland quickly loaded the bases in the top of the eighth and scored two runs after sacrifice flies from Crosland and Martin. Costello drove another in by launching a double down the third-base line beyond the left fielder’s outstretched glove.
Kaunas brought home another after launching a triple to center field. Miles Risley went for the diving catch and missed the ball, allowing it to roll towards the warning track. Kaunas attempted to come home for an inside-the-park home run but was tagged out on his way to the plate, ending the inning with Maryland up 11 runs.
The Terps kept the Hawkeyes scoreless in the bottom of the eighth after Williams notched his third strikeout of the game, followed by a fly out to Crosland and grounder to Mendez, ending the game early.
“It’s good to bounce back. It’s nice to win, but we’d still like to be better,” Swope said. “We’re not going to settle for anything. There’s a lot of time left in the season.”
Three things to know
1. Williams the reliever. Williams has recorded more victories as a reliever (2) than as a starter (1). As a reliever, the sophomore has notched eight strikeouts in 8.3 innings.
2. Mendez opens the gate. Mendez opened the scoring during game one with a two-run RBI single. On Sunday, he put himself in position to open the scoring with a triple to the top of the right field corner and was brought home by Hawton-Henley. The junior notched a total of six hits and five RBIs during the weekend series.
3. Defensive control. Maryland’s defense was dominant on Sunday, only allowing one error. Shortstop Kaunas recorded five assists while Mendez notched two, including a put-out during his double play.
Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy said his recent struggles were due to pitches and not because of any “mistakes” in his bowling, while also responding to criticism from outside.
The spinner returned to form with figures of 3/14 on a slow Eden Gardens surface, helping Kolkata Knight Riders register their first win after six matches, beating Rajasthan Royals by four wickets.
When asked about his difficult phase since the T20 World Cup Super Eights match against South Africa on February 22, Chakravarthy responded, “Bowlers will concede runs. Which game are you talking about?”
His dip in form began during that stage, when he was hit by David Miller and Dewald Brevis, and it continued into the IPL. Despite taking 14 wickets in the T20 World Cup alongside Jasprit Bumrah, he went at over 11 runs an over in the later matches and picked up only five wickets in the last five games.
In IPL 2026, he conceded 48 runs in four overs in the opening match against Mumbai Indians and took four matches to get his first wicket.
Chakravarthy said there was no issue with his bowling. “Just because I’ve taken three wickets today, I don’t want to make a sweeping statement. That’s the nature of the game."
“In the next match, if the wicket has nothing in it, that’s going to happen to every spinner. As you saw, initially every spinner was struggling. That’s how it is," he said, as cited by news agency PTI.
“Once the pitches start slowing down, that’s when we come into the game and become more effective. So it’s the nature of the game and we can’t change it. I don’t think much about it.”
He added, “I wasn’t making any mistakes -- it was because of the pitches. I’m very tough on myself; if I don’t do well, I analyse what went wrong."
“But the pitches earlier had nothing for spinners. If you see other spinners, it was the same for everyone. It’s good that there is something in the pitch now.”
He said spinners become effective only when conditions help them. “Once there is something in the pitch, I go back to my strength --- attacking the stumps."
“But if there is nothing in the pitch, that’s when bowlers start getting confused, even look clueless, and that happens to everyone.
“It has happened to the best of the best. So no one should be judged on just one good or bad performance.”
On suggestions that he changed his pace and lengths, he said, “My speed has been the same. I haven’t changed anything in speed or length.
“I’ve only tweaked my lines a bit... more cramping lines, not just the fourth stump channel but also wider on off or leg. I’m not sticking only to the stumps.”
Chakravarthy said the win was important for KKR after a slow start under captain Ajinkya Rahane. He credited head coach Abhishek Nayar for keeping the team focused and said there were emotional moments in the dressing room.
“Very, very significant. I can tell you I saw many tears in the dressing room today, which we didn’t even see in the year we won the IPL in 2024,” he said.
“The main credit goes to the coaching staff because they didn’t let the outside noise affect us."
“There were too many people making judgments which were totally baseless. At such times, you need a strong core, and we have that.”
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Matt Fitzpatrick made it exciting. One hole after blowing victory with a chunky chip, he whistled a 4-iron form 204 yards to 13 feet at Harbour Town Golf Links on Sunday and poured in the putt to beat Scottie Scheffler in a sudden-death playoff.
Fitzpatrick’s love of the course that has hosted the RBC Heritage since 1969 knows no bounds. This is the resort that his family vacationed at when he was a kid, and that since 2016 he has carried a candy-cane-striped headcover of the iconic lighthouse standing sentinel in Calbogue Sound. For the second time, Fitzpatrick has celebrated at his happy place as a champion in the famous tartan jacket after shooting 1-under 70 on Sunday to hold off the world No. 1.
Fitzpatrick, who won the tournament in 2023, became the 11th player to win the event multiple times, and joins Chris Gotterup as the second player this season to win multiple events on the PGA Tour.
Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, did most of his damage before the weekend, storming in front with rounds of 65-63 and stood seven strokes ahead of Scheffler. But he stumbled early in the third round and for a brief moment Scheffler had caught him. But Fitzpatrick made a birdie at 14 and eagle at 15 on Saturday to claim a three-stroke lead.
In the final round, Fitzpatrick, 31, started quickly with a 10-foot birdie putt at the first. He also canned a 17-foot birdie putt at the third to stretch the lead to as many as four but missed birdie opportunities at the two easiest holes on the course, the par 5 second, where he took three putts and missed from 8 feet at the par 5 fifth. Scheffler trimmed the lead back to three with a birdie at nine.
It stayed that way as Fitzpatrick rescued pars, none bigger than the 20-foot par putt that he sank at No. 11. Fitzpatrick walked it in, raising his putter five feet before it disappeared in the hole.
Scheffler would not go quietly, making back-to-back birdies at Nos. 15 and 16 to close to within one stroke. It looked as if for the second straight week, Scheffler's rally on the weekend would fall one short. But Fitzpatrick chunked a chip from right of the 18th green and missed a 20-foot par putt. Tied with a 72-hole total of 18-under 266, they returned to 18, where Fitzpatrick delivered the knockout punch and his fourth career Tour title.
Fitzpatrick figures his family came three or four times to Hilton Head Island from their home in England on vacation beginning when he was nine or 10 years old but only played the golf course twice with his father, Russ, who said he played more tennis than golf at the Stan Smith Academy, and noted that Matt could really play tennis too. A couple of times the Fitzpatricks planned their vacation around the annual Tour stop.
“I remember I think I ended up getting a golf ball from Boo Weekley,” Matt said. “Just really, really good memories.”
Another memorable week for the Fitzpatricks at Harbour Town and another plaid jacket for Fitzpatrick.
It was a successful season for the San Jose Sharks.
They improved 34 points, from 52 to 86 points, and were on the cusp of the playoff race until the last week of the regular season. They established, without a doubt, that they have a franchise player in Macklin Celebrini. They saw lots of growth from other young stars like Will Smith and Sam Dickinson and Collin Graf and Michael Misa, among others.
So what’s San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier’s off-season plan to take his team to the next level?
He’ll have to face potentially massive extensions for Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. RFA Collin Graf is also due a healthy raise.
Will 19-year-old Celebrini be his next captain?
What will he do with UFAs Mario Ferraro, Vincent Desharnais, and Ryan Reaves?
Was he happy with head coach Ryan Warsofsky’s performance this season?
What went wrong for the San Jose Sharks at the end of the year, that caused them to miss the playoffs?
And will prospects Eric Pohlkamp and Leo Sahlin Wallenius join the San Jose Barracuda for their playoff push?
Grier covered all these topics and more on Saturday.
Warsofsky Will Be Back
Warsofsky isn’t going anywhere: Grier was happy with the job that his coaching staff did this season.
“They did a good job,” Grier said. “I think he’s still learning and growing as a coach.”
The New York Mets’ losing streak was on the ropes on Sunday.
But a blown save by Devin Williams spoiled a ninth-inning shutout, and the Chicago Cubs prevailed, 2-1 in extra innings to extend New York’s misery and its losing streak to 11 games. Former Met Michael Conforto delivered the blow that sent the game to a 10th frame.
In a bullpen game, five Mets pitchers combined to shut the Cubs out for eight innings. Mets left fielder MJ Melendez, meanwhile, plated the only run of the game up to that point with a fifth-inning solo home run.
The Mets went to the bottom of the ninth at Wrigley Field with a 1-0 lead and a chance to snap a 10-game losing streak. Williams, who signed from the crosstown Yankees in the offseason to replace now-Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz, took the mound with a save at stake.
Ian Happ led off the inning with single to right field and was replaced on first base by pinch runner Scott Kingery. With one out and Kingery still on first, up came Confroto, who played his first seven MLB seasons with the Mets.
Conforto delivers on Williams meatball
Williams threw a first-pitch fastball over the heart of the plate, and Conforto delivered a line drive that bounced to the right-field corner. Kingery ran home, and Conforto reached second with a stand-up double.
That ultimately sent the game to the 10th inning tied at 1-1. In the bottom of the frame, the Mets sent another high-profile offseason acquisition to the mound in nine-time All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel.
Pete Crow-Armstrong stood on second base as Chicago’s extra-innings ghost runner and advanced to third on a no-out wild pitch by Kimbrel. With one out, all the Cubs needed from second baseman Nico Hoerner was a fly ball to the outfield.
Hoerner delivered just that to right field, and Crow-Armstrong beat the throw home to secure a walk-off win.
Williams’ struggles were also familiar to Yankees fans. Williams joined the Yankees last season after six seasons as one of MLB’s best closers with the Milwaukee Brewers, only to lose his job as closer early in the season.
He regained the job and ultimately posted a career-worst 4.79 ERA, and the Yankees ultimately let him walk as a free agent. With the Mets, Williams now has a 7.11 ERA in seven appearances.
The loss completes a three-game sweep at the hands of the Cubs. The Mets have upcoming three-game home stands against the Minnesota Twins and Colorado Rockies. They’ll need at least one win in those six games to avoid tying a franchise worst 17-game losing streak set in 1962.
Houston freshman Kingston Flemings announced Sunday during a press conference that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft after one season with the Cougars.
Flemings was a consensus second-team All-American, averaging 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 38.7% from 3-point range in 37 games. He was the first freshman in program history to earn an All-America selection.
The 6-foot-4 guard led the team in scoring average, field goals (222), 3-point percentage, assists (192), steals (56) and 20-point games (12). He set the Cougars' freshman scoring record after recording 42 points and six assists on Jan. 24 in a loss to Texas Tech.
"After the season, I was so down after that Illinois game, I feel like we could have played so much better, but I was just thinking that we're a young team, if we could just have one more year playing, but the opportunity doesn't come all of the time," Flemings said. "Knock on wood, barring I came back and had an injury or something like that. Me and my family talked about it, and everything like that, but I was thinking about it for sure, coming back and playing with my guys."
Flemings is currently projected to be a lottery pick and a potential top-five selection on June 23 because of his scoring, playmaking and maturity as a lead guard. He also committed just 1.8 turnovers per game, ranking fifth in the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.9).
The 19-year-old drew high praise from Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson throughout the season for his work ethic and demeanor on and off the court. He believes Flemings will have the chance to improve his draft stock even further in interviews and workouts.
Flemings is a part of a highly touted draft class, along with Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson. Sampson is sure that Flemings will be a high pick next to those players.
"I don't think Kingston is a top-10 pick; I think he is a top-five pick," Sampson said. "If I was an NBA team, I'd draft him top five, and he may. Just cause you read something, it doesn't mean it is reality. That is just somebody's opinion. Those NBA people know what they're looking for. He'll go out there and do his interviews, and they're going to find out how sincere and how mature and what a great human being he is."
Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
For the first time since June 28, 2022, the Dodgers have dropped two consecutive games to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, this time falling to Colorado 9-6 on Sunday.
In his first career start at Coors Field, Roki Sasaki impressed over his first three innings of work, as he held the Rockies silent across just 26 pitches, relying on his defense to bail him out of early inopportune counts.
The Dodgers broke through against Michael Lorenzen in the top of the third, as Hyeseong Kim doubled with one out before Alex Freeland singled him home for the game’s first run. Shohei Ohtani brought his on-base streak to 51 games with an RBI double to drive home Freeland, passing Willie Keeler for the third longest streak in team history and extending the lead to two.
After flying out on the first big league pitch he saw, Ryan Ward got himself on the board against Lorenzen in the top of the fourth, as he drilled a single to right field for his first career hit, plating Andy Pages to increase the Dodger lead to three.
After the first scoreless third inning for Sasaki the year, the Rockies waited until the bottom of the fourth inning to rally against him. Mickey Moniak rocketed a leadoff single before Sasaki plunked Hunter Goodman to bring up the potential tying run with nobody out. Sasaki got Tyler Freeman swinging for his first strikeout of the game, but promptly allowed a single to T.J. Rumfield to put the Rockies on the board. After tossing just 26 pitches in the first three innings, Sasaki’s 20th pitch of the fourth resulted in a walk to Troy Johnston to load the bases. He got ahead of the next hitter Willi Castro early, and his fifth splitter of the at-bat induced a 4-6-3 double play to get out of the jam.
Sasaki’ struggles in the middle innings continued as he fell down 3-0 to Kyle Karros to begin the bottom of the fifth, eventually giving up a 448 foot home run from him that made it a one run game. Both of his now two career home runs have come against the Dodgers.
Jake McCarthy blooped a ball just out of the reach of a diving Pages in shallow right field, hustling into second base for a hustle double. Colorado kept the rally going against Sasaki as Edouard Julien tied the game with a single to center field to score McCarthy. After getting two straight outs, with the latter being a strikeout of Goodman, Sasaki missed inside on a full count splitter to Freeman to put two men on with two out. After a mound visit from Will Smith, Dave Roberts got the ball from Sasaki, who tossed 52 pitches over his final 1 2/3+ innings. Alex Vesia bailed out Sasaki by getting a lineout from Rumfield to get out of the jam.
Four starts into the season, Roki Sasaki has seen subtle improvements, such as his ability to go three scoreless innings against Colorado, but his severely struggles after his first go-around through the starting lineup. While he maintains a scoreless ERA over the first two innings in each start, the right-hander now has a worrisome 11.17 ERA over innings 3 through 5 on the season. Sasaki did allow a season-low two strikeouts, which coincided with a season-low two strikeouts.
The Dodgers quickly got to Antonio Sanzatela as both Alex Call and Ward singled with one out, with Hyeseong Kim avoiding a double play and putting the lead runner at third. Freeland connected for his second RBI single of the day, bringing home Call and retaking the lead.
Will Klein came in for the sixth after taking the loss on Saturday, and worked around a leadoff baserunner to keep the lead intact. Blake Treinen also found himself with a man on base and nobody out in the bottom of the seventh, but this time he allowed a go-ahead two run home run on the first pitch to Moniak as the Rockies took their first lead of the afternoon. Goodman promptly followed the home run with a double, setting the stage for a broken bat bloop single from Freeman to put up a three-spot against Treinen.
Jack Dreyer extinguished the rally by striking out pinch hitter Ezequiel Tovar and getting Johnston to fly out, with a deke from Kyle Tucker in right field nearly doubling up Freeman at first. He later tried to go for second but was thrown out by Smith to end the inning.
Andy Pages and Hyeseong Kim both singled against Jimmy Herget to put two men on with two outs and the potential tying run at first. Alex Freeland, who already had two RBI earlier in the game, took a 3-1 pitch that landed just outside the outside corner for a called strike two but did not challenge the call. He drove a fly ball to deep center field on the very next pitch, but Brenton Doyle tracked it down at the warning track to keep the Rockies in front.
Edwin Díaz made his first appearance since his blown save against the Rangers nine days prior, and even with the heavy rest he faced early trouble by loading the bases with nobody out. Edouard Julien took advantage with a two-run single to knock Díaz out of the game and make it a four run lead. Mickey Moniak knocked home another run on a groundout to cement the Rockies’ second three-run inning of the game.
The Dodgers’ ninth-inning comeback attempt resulted in just two runs, as Will Smith drove home Ohtani on a single to right field to make it a four-run game. Max Muncy reached on his third single of the game before Victor Vodnik walked Andy Pages to load the bases with one out and bring the potential tying run to the plate. Dalton Rushing pinch hit for Alex Call, and nearly reached on a ground ball bobbled by Castro at second but only resulted in an RBI groundout. Ryan Ward, already in the biggest moment of his young career, served a soft fly ball to right center field, but was robbed of an RBI hit with a diving catch by Troy Johnston to sink the Dodgers into their first losing streak of the season.
The Dodgers look to avoid losing a third straight game as they wrap things up against the Colorado Rockies on Monday (5:30 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA) before flying out to San Francisco for a three-game series against the Giants. Justin Wrobleski makes his third start of the year against left-hander Jose Quintana.
Mainz earned a deserved point with the last kick of the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday. Nadiem Amiri netted the all-important goal from the spot in his first start since returning from an ankle injury.
“The plan was for me to only play 60 minutes today,” said the midfielder who captained the side with Silvan Widmer entering as a substitute. “But, to get fully fit, it takes games, no matter how much you train otherwise.”
The visitors produced a strong performance after losing 4-0 in the return leg of the Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Strasbourg. “We gave the appropriate answer after Thursday's setback,” added Amiri.
"I'm proud of the squad for the character we showed in an important game. This gives us a good feeling. It’s also a great night personally after eight weeks of absence.”
Mainz are eight points clear of the relegation playoff spot as they face three teams below them in the standings after next week’s home game against the champions Bayern.
SAN FRANCISCO – The Rivals Camp Series returned to the Bay Area for the first time in several years, with several of the top prospects from Northern California, Central California, Southern California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington on hand at City College of San Francisco.
Here are some of the key recruiting news and nuggets coming out of the fourth stop on the Rivals Camp Tour.
–Mission Viejo (Calif.) offensive lineman Amaziah Siale was also offered by UCLA last week after he was at their spring practice and the Bruins are in a good spot for the Hawaii native. He’s planning to visit Utah for an official and Nebraska is working on an official visit date with him, with linebackers coach Roy Manning stopping through to see him this past week. Siale was also at Cal on Saturday for the Bears’ Spring Game and Cal offensive line coach Famika Anae is a Hawaii native too.
—Turlock (Calif.) offensive tackle Avery Michael announced on Saturday that he has shut down his recruitment and is 100% sticking with Oregon. He had Cal and Nebraska in heavy pursuit, both earning spring visits but the Ducks had his heart and he shut things down, with his only official visit planned for Oregon.
–Folsom (Calif.) quarterback Brody Rudnicki will take over as the full-time starter for Ryder Lyons but he could eventually follow him to Provo. The Cougars are set to host Rudnicki for an official visit while nearby Cal is also hosting Rudnicki for an official. Rudnicki plans to serve one year of an LDS mission and would enroll in 2028. Over spring break, he visited BYU, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, UCLA and Utah.
-San Jose (Calif.) Valley Christian edge Cameron Saunders added an offer from UCLA to the mix last week and he’s working on setting up an official visit with the Bruins. He has an official set with Arizona State for May 1 and one to Utah set for June 12 while he’s also working on nailing down dates for both Boise State and San Diego State.
-Bakersfield (Calif.) Liberty 2028 Rivals300 running back Carter Hanson was at Cal on Saturday for the Bears’ spring game and he thinks that Cal could be the next school to offer him. Hanson has offers from the ACC (Florida State), Big Ten (Illinois) and SEC (Texas A&M) among his offers and he plans to get to Champaign as well as San Diego State and New Mexico, where his father played. Miami has also been in consistent communication with him.
-Stockton (Calif.) St. Mary’s offensive lineman Damian Anyasodo has four official visits set up, with his first going to Utah on June 5 followed by a visit to Washington State the following weekend on June 12. He’ll round it out with an official to Sacramento State on June 15 and then New Mexico on June 19. He’s planning an unofficial visit to Utah this coming week as well as trips to Nevada and UNLV.
-Sacramento (Calif.) Grant defensive lineman Giovanni Hodge committed to Cal earlier in the winter and he’s set to visit Berkeley for an official on June 11. His coach, Syd’Quan Thompson, is a Cal alum and played for the Bears when head coach Tosh Lupoi was an assistant. But UCLA isn’t giving up with Hodge and they’ll get him down for an official visit to Westwood on June 5. He’s also planning to hit Stanford’s spring game next weekend.
-Park Ridge (Ill.) Maine South quarterback Jameson Purcell committed to Indiana in July of 2025. Six months later, he watched the Hoosiers win a national title under Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Purcell is set to be in Bloomington for his official visit next weekend, April 24, Little 500 Weekend and pIans to be at the defending national champions’ spring game on Thursday, April 23.
-O’Neals (Calif.) Minarets tight end Jamie Spurgeon is seeing his stock soar, with Hawaii offering this week. Spurgeon has an official visit set to Washington State on June 13 and he’ll be at Fresno State, where he is originally from, scheduled for June 18. But more Power 4 schools are reaching out and he’s hoping offers from those could lead to official visits.
-Santa Rosa (Calif.) Cardinal Newman offensive lineman Joshua Bunni was at Cal on Saturday for the Bears’ Spring Game and Cal is in a great spot with him. He’s scheduled to take his official visit on May 28th. Washington State just offered the Australian import and BYU is coming through Cardinal Newman this week to see him.
–Concord (Calif.) De La Salle 2028 Rivals300 linebacker Landon Miller had USC at his school on Friday and the Trojans got to watch him workout during the eval period. And they were impressed, with Miller landing the offer from the Trojans. He was also offered by Ohio State and checked out Columbus while making numerous visits to nearby Cal for spring football. He’ll be at Oregon in early June, the Ducks having offered last spring.
-Oakland (Calif.) McClymonds safety Prince Staten has five official visits set up, with one in May and the rest in June. His first official visit will take him to Washington State on May 29 and the following weekend, he’ll be at UNLV on June 5. A midweek trip to Colorado State is scheduled for June 8 and then he’ll take the first of two straight Big Ten visits, to Minnesota on June 10 and then to UCLA on June 19.
–Folsom (Calif.) receiver Rob Larson has his official visit slate pretty much set – Vanderbilt will host him on June 4 and Cal will host him on June 11. UCLA is set to host him in May, with Larson finalizing that date down to Westwood.
-Antioch (Calif.) Deer Valley edge Sonisi Maka has a four-school official visit slate lined up for May and June. The first visit takes him to Washington State on May 29 followed by a visit to Sacramento State on June 5. He’ll go to Boise State on June 11 and then wrap it with a visit to UNLV on June 19 which precedes his decision set for the end of June.
-Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman 2028 Rivals300 defensive lineman Tayaun Lawrence is the top-rated recruit in Nevada in the class and just visited Texas A&M earlier this month, with the Aggies close to offering. Lawrence was at Cal over the weekend and was at their Spring Game.
Brazilian prodigy Endrick (R) scored his seventh goal for Lyon since he arrived on loan from Real Madrid (FRANCK FIFE)
Brazilian prodigy Endrick scored one goal and set up another as Lyon claimed a surprise 2-1 win away to Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, denting the reigning European champions' bid for another Ligue 1 title.
PSG rested several stars from the side that beat Liverpool away in midweek to reach the Champions League semi-finals and were caught cold as Lyon took an early lead when Endrick's shot beat home goalkeeper Matvey Safonov at his near post.
That was Endrick's seventh goal for Lyon since he arrived on loan from Real Madrid in January with the aim of winning a place in the Brazil squad for the World Cup.
The teenager then turned provider as the visitors doubled their lead on 18 minutes, releasing the outstanding Afonso Moreira to run through on the counterattack and make it 2-0.
PSG could have pulled one back before the interval from the penalty spot after Lucas Hernandez was brought down in the area by Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but Goncalo Ramos's spot-kick was saved.
Ousmane Dembele came off the bench in the second half and hit the bar from range, before fellow substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage time with a superb strike in off the post.
That was too little, too late, though, for Luis Enrique's side as they slipped to a fifth loss in Ligue 1 this season.
Their lead at the top is just one point from Lens, but PSG have a game in hand and can extend their advantage to four points with a win at home to Nantes in a rearranged fixture in midweek.
Lyon, meanwhile, are up to third as they push for qualification for next season's Champions League, albeit the four sides immediately behind them -- Lille, Rennes, Marseille and Monaco -- are all within four points with four games of the campaign left.
Despite coming into the game with momentum from a strong 5-0 win on Saturday that forced a rubber match, Mizzou Softball couldn’t get it done against No. 25 South Carolina, falling 4-0 on Sunday in Columbia as the Tigers’ playoff tunnel becomes narrower.
The star of the show was South Carolina pitcher Jori Heard, who also pitched a complete game in the series’ first game. Heard finished Game 3 with another shutout, to go along with six strikeouts and just three hits.
“I thought she worked down in the zone a lot better than Friday,” Mizzou coach Larissa Anderson said of Heard after the game. “She has that really good drop and in the scouting report she doesn’t throw it as often as she threw it to us. She doesn’t miss very often.”
Mizzou struggled to get any offense going following an action-packed second inning where the Tigers looked to respond following a solo home run from South Carolina’s Tori Ensley.
After an Abby Hay ground out, Sidney Forrester got the Tigers’ first base hit of the day on a single to center field. Madison Uptegrove then snuck one through the middle to give Mizzou back-to-back base hits. With two on and one out, Claire Cahalan walked to load the bases for the Tigers. Sophie Smith — who was 0-for-23 in her last 23 ABs according to the broadcast — and Kayley Lenger struck out to strand three runners on base.
Following the second inning, Mizzou only saw one more hit the rest of the game.
The Tigers used three different pitchers but really only struggled with big-time hits. The Gamecocks matched Mizzou’s total of three hits on the game, but they were three home runs. Cierra Harrison had the start in the circle, finishing with three strikeouts and three hit by pitches — the first ones allowed this season — and two earned runs while allowing one hit in 4.1 innings. Marissa McCann struggled following Saturday’s gem. She finished with two earned runs on back-to-back solo shots from South Carolina in the fifth frame. Following McCann’s short-lived outing, the Tigers elected to bring in Abby Carr, who struggled against the Gamecocks on Friday. Carr had a strong bounce-back performance allowing zero runs and striking out two during the final two innings.
“She was tipping her change up on Friday and South Carolina was sitting on it. And that obviously impacts her; it’s her best pitch,” Anderson said when asked what changed from Carr’s pitching on Friday to Sunday. “She worked on her motion. She didn’t tip at all and it was really good to see that she made that mechanical adjustment.”
On a side note, Mizzou diver Collier Dyer threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Pretty cool considering Dyer became the second National Champion for the swimming and diving program, and first since 2018 when he took the title in the 3m event last month.
— Mizzou Swimming & Diving (@MizzouSwimDive) April 19, 2026
With the loss, Mizzou has its back against the wall and will need to win four of its last seven games to be at the .500 mark come postseason consideration. The Tigers have Kansas City on their schedule as a mid-week matchup that should be a win, which would bring the win total needed to three. They also have the opportunity to add one more nonconference game to their schedule as they are one game below the maximum games you’re allowed to play.
“I’m trying,” Anderson said after the game when asked about adding another nonconference matchup. “I’ve made a lot of phone calls. These mid majors have to win the conference tournament so they’re putting all of their money into the conference tournament and conference seeding.” Realistically, that midweeker would have to happen this week if it will happen at all, as the Kansas City matchup is set for the final week of the regular season.
Next up, Mizzou (24-24) heads to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to take on No. 6 Arkansas starting at 5 p.m. Friday.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Malachi Palmer #7 of the Villanova Wildcats is greeted at the bench during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Malachi Palmer didn’t exactly rush to throw his name into the transfer portal.
The former Villanova guard waited a while after the portal opened before making his move, which usually means he gave the decision some real thought. It all but signals he has no desire to return to a team undergoing a massive roster overhaul with limited opportunities.
According to Billy Heyen of The Sporting News, four teams are currently worth watching for his next move: Illinois, Kansas, Houston, and Georgia. And that’s a pretty telling group for a couple of reasons.
“He’s in the portal from Villanova after beginning his career at Maryland. And now, he’s looking for a third home in three seasons,” Heyen wrote. “There’s at least some reason to wonder about landing spots at the likes of Illinois, Kansas, Houston and Georgia. All four of those programs offered Palmer a scholarship when he was a high school recruit.”
These are programs that have known about Palmer for years, dating back to when he was a three-star recruit coming out of Baltimore, ranked No. 139 nationally and the No. 26 shooting guard in his class, according to 247Sports.
Still, it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow at three of those four schools.
Illinois, Kansas, and Houston are teams that expect to be playing deep into March every year. That’s a different level of competition and, more importantly, a different level of pressure to contribute immediately. Confidence is everything, but is his minor sophomore jump enough to convince the coaching staffs of those schools that he’s capable of a significant junior jump?
Palmer saw his role grow significantly at Villanova, jumping from a limited 8.4 minutes per game during his freshman year at Maryland to 18.3 minutes per game this past season, both under Kevin Willard.
He averaged a solid 4.6 points per game while shooting an efficient 46.6 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three. It wasn’t a breakout year by any means, but it was solid progress, especially when he stepped into a starting role and gave the Cats 8 points per game across four starts.
But the question shifts from who’s potentially interested to what Palmer actually wants — it feels like it’s court time.
If it’s a bigger role, that conversation might look a little different from the four schools mentioned. Perhaps a smaller school in a smaller conference is the move. You know, big fish, small pond vibes.
He received plenty of other offers out of high school, including LSU, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Penn State, Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, New Mexico State, Creighton, DePaul, and Georgetown. Those feel a bit more his speed if the 6-foot-6 guard is looking for playing time.
He should have options, but he’ll need to move fast before the desirable landing spots go poof. With Villanova’s roster bare thin, a return to the Main Line isn’t completely off the table, although that feels very unlikely.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers’ leading scorers, watched Luke Kennard’s inferno and LeBron James’ mastermind from the sideline during the Game 1 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Saturday night’s home win buys Doncic and Reaves more time to recover, but it isn’t a blueprint the Lakers can afford to follow again.
Crushed on the Glass and Loose with the Ball
Before it started, Head Coach JJ Redick said the keys to this series were going to be rebounding and turnovers. The Lakers lost both battles in Game 1.
The Lakers recorded 18 fewer offensive rebounds, 15 fewer second-chance points, seven more turnovers, and 15 fewer points off turnovers than the Rockets. That all amounted to Houston attempting a whopping 27 more field goal attempts than Los Angeles.
They should have lost this game, but Kennard bailed them out. He exploded for a playoff career-high 27 points on 5-for-5 three-point shooting.
Imagine telling yourself at the beginning of the season Luke Kennard would be our leading scorer in game 1
Kennard is an elite shooter, but the Lakers cannot put too much stock into this performance. They won’t win another game if their game plan is to get dominated on the glass, lose the turnover battle and expect their nine-point-per-game scorer to lead the offense.
Kevin Durant Is a Difference Maker
Game 1 looks different if Kevin Durant wasn’t a late scratch. Both teams were without their leading scorers, but with LeBron James leading the purple and gold, the Rockets had a bigger hole to fill.
Their lack of half-court offense cost them the game. The Lakers packed the paint and forced the Rockets to shoot 38% from the field. Yet, the game was still decided by single digits. Durant changes that.
He is the elite scorer the Rockets need. He is who they rely on to generate half-court offense for himself and others. The offensive numbers will not look the same when he returns from injury.
Even if things go from bad to average, that’s all the Rockets need to complement the areas they already have the advantage in.
The Lakers have to adjust. They can’t fall for the trap that they set for themselves. They can’t rely on a Kennard heater to make up for their disadvantages. And they can’t ignore Durant is waiting to make his return.
If the Lakers don’t put up more of a fight in the possession games, they will lose this series before Doncic and Reaves step on the court.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- When Michigan football managed to secure the No. 1 overall recruit in the nation in quarterback Bryce Underwood, it was assumed that the old notion that the most popular man in Ann Arbor was the backup quarterback would be moot. After all, such was the case for J.J. McCarthy when he was at the helm.
But as the starter, McCarthy lost but one game, and Underwood? Well, he has four to his name.
Enter Tommy Carr, part of Michigan royalty, as the grandson of famed head coach Lloyd Carr, who brought the team its first national championship in eons, in 1997. In the spring, much was said of Carr's emergence, even as a true freshman. And the annual spring game seemed to confirm all of the whispers about what this seemingly underrecruited legacy was capable of.
Thus, much of the postgame buzz from many of the fans was wondering aloud if the Wolverines had the right guy under center.
Even so, there's a certain logic to not falling for the hype, especially given the nature of the spring game itself. It was a split squad, with Underwood more so commandeering the upperclassmen and players atop the depth chart against those who were in the same classification. Carr, who played from the second quarter to the end of game, increasingly was facing presumed weaker competition. Whittingham made a distinction of such in the aftermath.
"I thought Tommy Carr showed a lot of poise and did some good things," Whittingham said. "Bryce had a limited time -- just that first quarter. And when you play a spring game, when you split up the team evenly, like we did, you're playing with -- the ones aren't together, and the twos aren't together, so you're kind of a hodgepodge. But you still get a good idea of who's playmaker and who's not."
The above isn't to say that Carr isn't a playmaker, that much is certain given what was witnessed. His statline -- 21-for-30 for 143 yards -- was much better than Underwood's 3-for-9 for 22 yards, to be sure. Carr also ran the ball more effectively, albeit over the course of three-plus quarters of play (given that he was the all-time quarterback for two quarters), building up the postgame hype.
However, despite many of the issues that Underwood had a year ago resurfacing in the spring game (happy feet, throwing off his back foot, inaccuracy), that doesn't mean it's time to start looking for a change -- though it's unlikely many are actually serious about that impulse. After all, Whittingham has truly had Underwood for 15 practices, far fewer than that of his predecessor, working to undo damage done over the course of more than a calendar year.
Whittingham sees the improvement in Underwood in ways that fans weren't able to see on Saturday. And just because the mistakes weren't reversed doesn't mean he isn't on his way toward fixing them.
"He progressed all through spring. There's a lot of some things that may not be noticeable to just the general, his pocket presence. He's improved in all areas," Whittingham said. "Now he still has work to do. He knows that, we know that. But I think he's ahead of where he was, certainly, prior to or from last season, and we think he's got a big upside. There's still been a lot of confidence in him. There's no real different sentiment than what we had when we first got in here."
Back in 2017, which ended up being a terrible year for Michigan quarterbacking, similar aptitudes surfaced surrounding a similarly effervescent Brandon Peters, who came in and wowed compared to incumbent starter Wilton Speight and challenger John O'Korn. Despite Jim Harbaugh's insistence that it wasn't Peters' time as a redshirt freshman, the clamor for his services grew until injuries put Speight on the sideline, and haphazard play had done the same for O'Korn. The first outing, at home vs. Rutgers, made fans wonder if they were right -- even though the same sentiment was thought when O'Korn took over for the injured Speight against Purdue that same year. But Peters' ability was limited, and an injury vs. Wisconsin sidelined him, too. When he returned for the bowl game against South Carolina, the result was no different than those that preceded.
Much like was the case for any of that trio, what was witnessed in the spring game this year was the inability of the offensive line to pass protect. Every quarterback that took the field on Saturday was set to scramble nearly as soon as they had the ball in their hands. Carr, with much more time on task in the game at his disposal, certainly looked to make the most of his opportunity. But still, the offensive line is the culprit at the moment. If you look at other teams, like Ohio State late last year, even with Julian Sayin looking otherworldly for much of the year, the moment his offensive line faltered (and it did vs. Indiana and Miami), he likewise unraveled, suddenly appearing a pedestrian amid marathoners.
A split squad exacerbates offensive line issues singularly. Unlike other position groups, the offensive front requires familiarity and cohesion. The lack of play by one reflects on the whole. The same cannot be said of any other position group, though defensive back tends to be the closest, as one weakling can be repeatedly exposed. Certainly, the line is under the same guise as Underwood, having been tutored only for a handful of months, with still more than four before they'll actually be set, with the best the staff can muster out on the field against a real opponent.
"I think the O-line's gonna be fine," Whittingham said. "Once all is said and done, Jim Harding is a proven offensive line coach. He's been with me, produced a solid offensive line every single year. I don't think this year's gonna be any different. We had two or three guys who weren't very limited or out this spring. They're gonna be very prominent in the fall and pushing for starting jobs.
"And so I don't necessarily think, especially today, when you had to split up the line, half were on the ones, and half were on the twos. And so I don't have a big concern about it because I know Jim Harding's track record. I know the talent level of the players that we got there, the guys that are gonna be joining us coming off injury. And I think we're gonna be solid once we get into the season."
We've seen this to be true of Whittingham's lines. According to PFF, Utah had the eighth-best pass protection a year ago, and on Saturday, no side was working with the full complement of players who would likely be playing up front any given Saturday. Give Underwood some time, and he makes plays. Such was the case in games like at Northwestern. But it will be even more likely when he has his full complement of playmakers -- wide receivers Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan were on opposite teams, and barely available. Running backs Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter were both on the blue team, not on the same one as Marsh, tight end Hogan Hansen, and Salesi Moa. Blue also had three potential starters on the O-line (Andrew Babalola (injured), Evan Link, and Jake Guarnera), with only Link playing a fair amount of snaps. With both of these being the case, Underwood could only likely look worse than expectations, considering much (if not all) of his time in practice coming with the ones, whereas Carr has only known the benefit of playing with college players after coming straight out of high school -- no matter what he had at his disposal, it was an improvement.
Again, this isn't a case against Carr. If Saturday showed one thing, it's that Michigan likely now has two quarterbacks, with one starting now and another potentially poised for good things in the future. But for Underwood, to even start to write him off because of a mediocre performance in limited time, with a split squad, in a spring game, is nothing short of foolishness. If fall comes and he sees no improvement, then that would be the time to reassess, but certainly not now.
Yes, it would have been better to see Underwood go out in the spring game and sling the ball around the yard like he had when he was at Belleville. J.J. McCarthy may have had a better box score in the 2023 spring game, but he wasn't exactly lighting it up, either (7-for-10, 84 yards, one touchdown, and one interception). And that was with a roster that went on to win a national championship, not one that's rebuilding after an offseason (or more) of chaos. And McCarthy also had two years under his belt, with that roster, unlike Underwood, entering year two.
So some patience is required. It's rare to expect a second-year quarterback, no matter his station, to come out and look the savior in a spring game. It's even rarer for any quarterback to be one after a spring game. There is now a competent staff in Ann Arbor, and they saw the issues, the same as you. The good news is they have plenty of time to work them out, along with building out the complementary, so that Underwood will have every advantage at his disposal. If then he still can't figure it out? Well then, that would be the time for concern -- but certainly not after a spring game.
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has taken a trip down memory lane, returning to his early karting roots to support the next generation of motorsport talent, including Jack Wolff.
Russell joined his Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff to watch their son at South Garda Karting.
"Same track, 23 years later! Very cool to be back at the kart track with Toto and Susie watching Jack and the next gen of racers," Russell posted on Instagram with a series of current and throwback photos.
Susie also shared a look at the day, posting: "Once a karter, always a karter."
In addition to taking time to reset during the five-week break from F1, Russell has been using his time to support the younger generation. His appearance at South Garda Karting came after he visited Silverstone to support Mercedes development driver Doriane Pin in her maiden F1 test.
The 22-year-old became the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car, and the latest female driver to take part in an F1 test after Jessica Hawkins got behind the wheel of an Aston Martin F1 car in 2023.
Doriane Pin, Mercedes
Doriane Pin, Mercedes
Russell heads into the upcoming Miami Grand Prix second in the drivers' standings, nine points behind his team-mate Kimi Antonelli. Despite the Italian taking the lead of the championship, Russell explained during an IWC Schaffhausen event that he was feeling confident for the race at the Hard Rock Stadium.
"Yeah, feeling great ahead of Miami," he said. "Of course, it's been, for us as a team, an amazing start to the year. For me personally, it started off really, really well. Had a challenging race in Japan, but it's a hell of a long season, and the most important thing is we got a really good package beneath us.
"I'm feeling good, feeling confident. This small mini break has been a good reset, and I'm ready to go for it again."
Originally a top 40 recruit in the 2023 class, Chatman's career in Columbus was derailed by injury. He finally got a chance to show what he could do this past season and began to show flashes of what made him so sought after coming out of high school. He started to become a dangerous option coming off the bench late in the year and shot at a high clip from beyond the arc (47.1%).
Chatman will now get a fresh start in Salt Lake City with two years of eligibility left, and Buckeye Nation should wish him nothing but the best. He makes the third Buckeye in the transfer portal to find a new home, joining Devin Royal (Villanova) and Gabe Cupps (UIC). We are still waiting word on Colin White and Mathieu Grujicic.
We'll continue to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the transfer portal with the Ohio State basketball program as news becomes available. We could still see some names coming to Columbus, as well as others still looking for new homes.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
The Chicago Bears enjoyed plenty of success in the 2025 season, finishing with an 11-6 record, winning the NFC North title, getting to the NFC divisional playoffs, while also beating the Green Bay Packers twice.
There was some surprise to the fast success the Chicago had, but most of the credit went to head coach Ben Johnson and how he reintegrated the offense under second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and a rebuilt offensive line, but also the defense was helped by the arrival of veteran respected coordinator, Dennis Allen.
The Bears led the league in takeaways last season, but lost three of their most productive players this offseason with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, safety Kevin Byard, and cornerback Nahshon Wright who all left for new teams in free agency. Chicago's coaches and front office mentioned that they wanted to get faster, eliminate big plays, and find players who fit their system more this offseason, but their biggest signing on defense thus far has been safety Coby Bryant from the Seattle Seahawks.
While the franchise has more to fix on defense than offense, there is no better opportunity for them to address those voids than the 2026 NFL Draft. Here's our look at the top questions for the Bears defense heading into the draft next week.
Will it be safety first?
There are three safeties mocked to be selected in the first round, and there's a chance that all three could be gone before the Bears select at the No. 25 pick. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Dillon Thieneman are two names who are projected to possibly be on the board, with the top safety Caleb Downs more than likely certainly gone before Chicago selects.
With only three safeties on the roster -- and a starting job to be filled -- the Bears can't afford to wait around and may have to test the waters with a potential trade if they feel they will miss out on all three of the top draft prospects at the position. It'll be hard to replace the production lost by the departures of All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, but they cannot sit on their hands and wait for something to happen.
How early will they address defensive tackle?
As urgent as the safety position is for the Bears, so is the defensive tackle spot where Chicago really only has veteran Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr. manning the middle. There is plenty of depth in the trenches that could allow them to look at the position in the second and third round, which is where Ryan Poles addressed the position lastly back in 2023 with the selection of Dexter and Zacch Pickens, who is no longer with the team.
Multiple names are projected to be first or second round picks at the defensive tackle spot, including Kayden McDonald, Caleb Banks, Peter Woods and Christen Miller. Without making any moves to address the position in a significant way this offseason, many expect the Bears to bring in a player in the middle of the defensive line early in the draft.
Any edge rusher reinforcements?
The Bears need to address their pass rush during the NFL draft, where they could find a disruptive defensive tackle, but they could also add a playmaker off the edge in what's a deep draft class. Depending on what their draft board looks like, Chicago could find themselves looking at selecting the best available edge rusher at No. 25, or even look to the later rounds.
Given the lack of production that the Bears got from the edge rush position last year, it feels inevitable that they will get there sooner rather than later if the board falls to them correctly. Chicago needs to find a true complement opposite Montez Sweat, even with Austin Booker's emergence and Dayo Odeyingbo set to return.
Does the linebacker group need insurance?
After signing Devin Bush in free agency, the Bears also re-signed veteran D'Marco Jackson and brought back a familiar face in Jack Sanborn, all three of whom should make a good group with veteran leader T.J. Edwards at linebacker. Last year, the team used a fourth round pick on Ruben Hyppolite, but he couldn't crack the lineup much even when they were hindered by injuries at the linebacker spot.
There are not many names that make much sense, but if the Bears can find value at the linebacker spot, it may be worth rolling the dice in the middle of the draft. One name that could certainly be one to watch on Day 2 of the draft would be Malcolm Rodriguez out of Texas Tech, who is the type of player that Chicago looks for at the position, especially with his play-making ability.
Former Washington Huskies star running back Jonah Coleman has been one of the more talked-about 2026 NFL draft prospects in the last month.
Recently, the 5-foot-9, 229-pound Stockton, California native has made pre-draft visits to the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and several others, but his trip to meet with the Denver Broncos may have been the most telling.
On Thursday, Coleman joined The Rich Eisen Show and detailed his experience speaking with coach Sean Payton.
“We had a quick conversation. He just pretty much asked me how I was doing. He said that he was excited to have me there. It was great meeting him,” Coleman said.
Former Washington running back Jonah Coleman joins The Rich Eisen Show to break down his meetings with Sean Payton and the Broncos 👀 pic.twitter.com/3BLdqWUMMo
After an impressive showing in the on-field drills at UW’s Pro Day, the two-year starting tailback for the Huskies made the short drive down I5 to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center for a meeting with the Seahawks, an intriguing potential destination given the Super Bowl champions are in the market for a running back.
Since then, Coleman has visited the Vikings, where his former college position coach Scottie Graham made his name in the league from 1993-96, and the Broncos, who hold seven picks in the 2026 draft and could be lining up J.K. Dobbins‘ long-term replacement.
Dobbins, a second-round pick out of Ohio State in the 2020 draft by the Baltimore Ravens, signed a two-year deal to return to Denver this offseason, which will make him increasingly closer to 30 by the time his deal ends.
“Just the whole Broncos’ organization was ultimately in great spirits when I was there, and I felt all the love they have to give,” Coleman added.
“And just the camaraderie that they have. As far as a coaching staff and the culture that they’re building there is amazing. I would definitely say that’s been the highlight of the draft. They showed the most love and utmost respect when I visited there. It was just an amazing experience.”
With Coleman’s ability to be an every-down back as a runner and pass blocker at the next level, the former UW standout could be enticing for Payton with either the Broncos’ second-round pick (No. 62 overall) or one of their two fourth-round picks (No. 108 and No. 111 overall).
San Diego, CA - April 14: Ramón Laureano #5 of the San Diego Padres hits a triple in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park on April 14, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres played a seven-game home stand after taking 4-of-6 on the road. They swept the Colorado Rockies in dramatic fashion with a Xander Bogaerts walk-off grand slam one night and a Gavin Sheets walk-off the next night. They added eight home runs to their season total in the four games.
The Friars then swept the Seattle Mariners over three games and Bogaerts added another home run to his total. They won using power, base running, small ball and situational hitting; showing the range of talent they possess up and down the line up. A far cry from the 2025 season that started with a similar winning way but almost all the production came from the top of the line up.
Dia de los Muertos
The Padres debuted their new City Connect jersey during the homestand, paying tribute to the Dia de los Muertos holiday as well as the colors for the 1998 Padres team. They won for the first time in their new duds. The organization also sold $1.1 million of merchandise on the day of release (April 9).
Veterans have off days
Padres manager Craig Stammen has been liberal with off days for his veteran players, giving playing time to the bench and moving Fernando Tatis Jr. from right field to second base on Saturday and Sunday during the Rockies series. Both Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth got days off while Tatis Jr. became reacquainted with the middle infield.
When asked, Stammen explained his desire to keep his players fresh throughout the season and it all began with giving Manny Machado a day off in April. Machado had his first day off in 2025 during the month of September. He also slumped drastically the end of last season, admitting to being fatigued. It seems Stammen is determined for that to not happen this year with Machado or anyone else.
Padres visit the IL
When Jason Adam came off the IL to join the Padres after his injury rehab, Jeremiah Estrada took his place with elbow tendinitis. His velocity had been noticeably decreased with his fastball, down 3-4 mph from his top of 97 mph. His other pitches also showed a loss of velocity and he was being hit hard.
Nick Pivetta left his start on Sunday versus the Mariners after three perfect innings. It was obvious that something was really wrong as he kicked at the rubber, yelled into his glove and bit it as Stammen and a trainer walked out to the mound. There was minimal discussion and Pivetta left the game. It was revealed the next day that Pivetta would go on the IL and he was diagnosed with a flexor strain. A serious injury, flexor strains take weeks to months to heal at best.
The Padres had a scare when catcher Freddy Fermin took two deflected balls into his face mask on April 15, but he did not need the concussion protocol and was rested for two days before returning to the lineup. For back up, the Padres pulled catcher Rudolfo Duran from El Paso minutes after Fermin was removed in San Diego. He was with the Padres the next day, on the taxi squad, in case of any issue with Luis Campusano.
Sung-Mun Song optioned to Triple-A
The Padres signed Song during the offseason to serve as a super utility player for the Padres. He came to Spring Training recovering from an oblique strain and aggravated the injury during camp. Starting the season on the IL, Song completed his rehab on Wednesday and was reinstated then optioned to El Paso.
His stats with the Chihuahuas have improved in most areas but with a few concerning spots. Although he is hitting .276/.364/.310 in 58 at-bats he has eight walks and 17 strikeouts. He has no home runs and two doubles with no stolen bases. Defensively, he has played 3B, 2B and SS but has not played in the outfield. He has also been the DH. Making better contact and cutting down on strikeouts will need to happen before he can be considered a better option than what the Padres currently have.
Luis Campusano on a tear
After starting the season slowly, Campusano was the quiet hero during the homestand. Although he didn’t hit the game-winning hits in any of the comeback wins or rallies, Campusano hit a home run and multiple doubles during almost every rally. He is currently hitting .300/.364/.533 with an .897 OPS. He has four doubles and a home run with six RBI. The faith and confidence that the Padres have shown since the start of Spring Training is being repaid. It seems that what Campusano needed was an opportunity, and some confidence, in order to show what he can do.
Ramon Laureano is the man
An adage often heard among the Friar media and fans is that the Padres will go as Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. go. It is usually true that those two lead the team offensively in one way or another. But to start 2026, after the first 20 games, left fielder Ramon Laureano leads in almost all categories while Machado and Tatis Jr. are hitting .203 and .233 respectively. Tatis Jr. still doesn’t have his first homer of the year.
Laureano is first in average at .290, first in slug at .551 and first in OPS at .906. Machado has the OBP of .363 due to his 16 walks, which leads the team. Laureano has four home runs and 13 RBI, both tops though Bogaerts and Jackson Merrill also have 13 RBI.
Bench power
The Padres bench has been superior to what we have seen in the past so far, especially the bench of 2025. The contributions of Campusano are not to be compared to the sub-.200 batting average of the past back up catchers. The combination of Ty France/Miguel Andujar/Nick Castellanos has far outperformed last year and could rival the 2024 bench. The three combined have seven doubles, a triple and a home run with eight RBI.
Defensively, France is the best first baseman on the team and has a Gold Glove from 2025 to prove it. Andujar can cover for Machado at third when needed and has been the DH. Castellanos doesn’t appear to have a good defensive position but pinch-hitting and occasional filling in at right or left field has been his role.
Mason Miller
Miller’s outstanding performance so far this season has been discussed almost every day around baseball. What he is doing is unprecedented and we should all just be grateful we get to experience it on our team. In his 9.1 innings pitched, he has 23 strikeouts, two walks, two hits and seven saves. That brings his total from last August to 31.2 innings pitched with no runs allowed, passing Padres icon Randy Jones and closing in on Cla Meredith.
In comparison, Randy Vasquez has 25 strikeouts in 21.1 innings pitched. The Rockies’ Chase Dollander has 23 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched.
Cody Durden is stepping in on six days’ notice to replace Lucas Rocha against flyweight Jafel Filho on Saturday in Las Vegas, multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed with MMA Fighting.
UFC Vegas 116 takes place at the Meta APEX on April 25 and features Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal in the main event.
Durden (17-10-1) enters the octagon on a four fight losing skid and 1-6 in his past seven UFC appearances, a stretch that dropped his promotional record to 6-8-1.
The 35-year-old holds victories over the likes of Charles Johnson and Matt Schnell, but went winless since 2024 against Joshua Van, Jose Ochoa, Allan Nascimento and Nyamjargal Tumendemberel.
Filho (17-4) made short work of Clayton Carpenter in his most recent bout in October, winning via first-round submission to rebound from a decision defeat to fellow Brazilian Allan Nascimento.
The Nova Uniao fighter was victorious in eight of his past 10 fights since 2018, all by finish — including a knockout over Roybert Echeverria on Dana White’s Contender Series. The other loss during that run was in his UFC debut against Muhammad Mokaev.
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APRIL 18: (L-R) Marcio Barbosa of Brazil knocks out Dennis Buzukja in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Canada Life Centre on April 18, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
SIX rookies made their first walk to the Octagon last night (Sat., April 18, 2026) at UFC Winnipeg inside Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. They went 2-4 overall — but the two wins?
Violent.
Now that the dust has settled, let’s grade their performances.
Mandel Nallo
It was a long time coming for seven-fight Bellator veteran and knockout artist Mandel Nallo, who scored a contract on Season 9 of Contender Series, but the UFC didn’t ease him in — matching him up with the battle-testedJai Herbert.
Nallo came out like a man possessed, landing a head kick and a straight right within the first 15 seconds and nearly scoring a finish. But that’s the gamble with his style.
Out of nowhere, Herbert cracked him with a right hand that dropped him. Herbert swarmed with ground-and-pound, but Nallo survived by clinging to a leg and working his way back up. Still wobbly, he ate another clean combination — a left hand and right hook — that dropped him again, and this time Herbert pounced on him, knocking him out (watch highlights).
Two minutes of absolute chaos.
This is the Nallo experience: kill or be killed. He got finished, but he showed he belongs in terms of danger and excitement. Plus, I think he gets a passing grade for it.
Nallo should fight Charlie Campbell in his second outing.
Final grade: C-
Marcio Barbosa
Marcio Barbosa, one of the most violent prospects from Contender Series last year, wasted no time making a statement. It took him just over a minute to absolutely flat line Dennis Buzukja — and it wasn’t subtle.
The 27-year-old now owns 15 career knockouts — all in the first round — which is just absurd. What makes him even more dangerous is his unpredictability. He can be composed and technical or go full chaos mode without warning.
Either way, someone’s getting hurt, and he’s a must-watch fighter already.
For his second Octagon appearance, I would like to see him rematch Gabriel Santos, whom he lost to in LFA in 2022 (his last loss).
Final grade: A+
Julien Leblanc
Julien Leblanc, who was on the verge of retirement, randomly got the call to the big show to face the winless Robert Valentin, and it did not go well. Le threw an early head kick, but that was about it.
Valentin immediately took over, ripping three hard body kicks before rocking Leblanc with a punch. From there, it was easy work — a takedown, back take, and quick submission.
Over in seconds.
It’s hard to understand the signing here beyond filling out a Canadian card, and unfortunately, it’s tough to see a path forward for him to win any fight in the division
I guess he could fight Tre’ston Vines in a loser-go-home type of fight.
Final grade: F
Gokhan Saricam
Gokhan Saricam had a tough assignment in welcoming back Tanner Boser, and early on, it looked like he might get sent packing. Boser landed a heavy hook that would’ve put away most fighters, but Saricam stayed composed.
The two traded big shots, with Saricam mixing in leg kicks and forward pressure. He had his moments of trouble — even getting swarmed briefly — but recovered well.
In Round 2, after both men had their moments again, Saricam found his opening. He perfectly timed a counter right hand off a low kick that dropped Boser and immediately followed with ground-and-pound for the finish (watch highlights).
It was a huge statement as he is the first man to knock Boser out at Heavyweight in the Octagon. Saricam is a good addition to the dreadful Heavyweight division.
I would like to see him fight Steven Asplund in his second outing.
Final grade: A
Mark Vologdin
This was chaos in its purest form.
Mark Vologdin entered with massive hype after a legendary Contender Series war (watch it here) and was matched tough against John Castaneda.
Early on, Vologdin looked sharp — fast hands, heavy calf kicks, and good takedown defense. But the fight quickly turned into a war. Castaneda landed big shots, including multiple fouls that resulted in a point deduction in the second round.
Vologdin, true to form, just kept marching forward, eating shots and firing back.
In the third round, he was taking serious damage — borderline punching bag territory — before turning it into a moment. With 20 seconds left, Castaneda pointed to the ground Max Holloway-style, and the two swung wildly.
Vologdin even partially landed a third rolling thunder before securing a takedown to close.
Because of the fouls, it ends in a draw.
THUMBS UP TO THROWING DOWN 👍
John Castaneda vs Mark Vologdin is going to decision!
He’s insanely fun to watch… but this style is dangerous long-term, especially at 5’3” in a stacked Bantamweight division. I hope he decides to drop back to Flyweight.
Until the news that I’m manifesting happens, he should fight China’s Alatengheili next.
Final grade: B-
Jamie Siraj
Feel-good story… brutal reality.
After battling serious health issues that almost cost him his life and grinding for over a decade, Canada’s Jamie Siraj finally got his shot in the UFC — but the moment didn’t go his way.
Facing John Yannis on short notice, Siraj started okay, switching stances and trading early. But once Yannis found his range, it was over quickly.
A clean right hand rocked Siraj, and Yannis followed up with more shots, eventually dropping him. Siraj panic-shot, but Yannis defended easily and finished him with elbows (watch highlights).
It was a very rough debut.
Losing to Yannis, who is one of the lowest-ranked Bantamweights in the entire division, is a tough one for Siraj, so his UFC run could be short.
I would like to see him fight a fellow grappler like Alberto Montes to see if he fares any better.
Final grade: F
For more highlights and finishes from UFC Winnipeg click here.
Arsenal and Chelsea interested in Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall, Paris St-Germain in talks with Gabriel Martinelli, and Manchester United and Real Madrid consider appointing Unai Emery.
Tottenham's Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall, 20, is being monitored by several clubs, with Arsenal and Chelsea interested. (Caught Offside)
Paris St-Germain sporting advisor Luis Campos has held talks with the representatives of Arsenal's Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli, 24, and RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande. (L'Equipe - in French, subscription)
Bournemouth are prepared to sell 19-year-old French forward Eli Junior Kroupi, who is wanted by Manchester United. He is valued at more than £50m. (Football Insider)
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is on the radar of Manchester United and Real Madrid, although Villa remain confident of keeping him. (Teamtalk)
Wolves' Czech Republic defender Ladislav Krejci, who turns 27 on Monday, is wanted by Leeds. (Express & Star - subscription)
Southampton are confident they can keep 27-year-old Brazilian winger Leo Scienza despite interest from Leeds.(Football Insider)
The agent of Barcelona's Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, 37, is expected to meet with Juventus this week, while AC Milan are also interested. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)
Denmark defender Andreas Christensen, 30, has rejected the offer of a new contract at Barcelona but hopes to stay. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
Tarik Skubal, with his 10-strikeout performance, certainly grabbed the headline. Kevin McGonigle got two more hits, scored a run and knocked in a run. Kerry Carpenter launched his fourth home run of the season.
Holton’s two-inning hold in a three-run win seems routine, looking at it on a box score. Except it wasn’t.
Manager AJ Hinch picked that pocket of hitters in the seventh and eighth innings specifically for Holton, even though it meant the lefty Holton would be facing a run of five right-handed hitters.
The strategy wasn't as counterintuitive as one might think. Holton is platoon-neutral, which gave Hinch the confidence to use him against those righties and effectively keep Red Sox manager Alex Cora from using the left-handed firepower he had on his bench — Jarren Duran, Marcelo Mayer and Masataka Yoshida.
“Holt is a guy who can come at you in a lot of different ways,” Hinch said. “For him to be able to work around some right-handed hitters, whether it’s strategic like yesterday or if it’s a right-hander sandwiched around a couple lefties, having that full arsenal with a lot of command is what makes him not only valuable but good.”
Holton’s weapon of choice against right-handed hitters, especially the Red Sox right-handers Saturday, is the cutter.
He used the cutter to get three rollover groundouts. He threw four of them to Caleb Durbin, all at the outer edge, back-door cutters, the last was painted at the bottom rail for strike three.
“I really felt in sync,” said Holton, who has allowed just one run in 9.1 innings this season. “I like to think I can use any pitch to be that (main) pitch for that outing. I would love for every single pitch to be that consistent. But that’s not always the case. Yesterday, the cutter was in a good rhythm.
“Whenever the catcher gives you a head-nod after a pitch, it’s like, ‘That’s it, you stay right there.’”
He got a bunch of head-nods from catcher Jake Rogers.
The cutter is in the fastball family, at least in terms of how Statcast classifies it. Holton throws his at 87 mph. He can also spot four-seamers and sinkers (91-92 mph) but those pitches attack vertically — four-seamers typically up, sinkers down.
The cutter comes out of the hand looking like a fastball, but it has late horizontal cut, which is diabolical to right-handed hitters when thrown in the right spots.
“When I want to throw it backdoor (on the outer edge to right-handed hitters), I like it to move off the plate to on the plate,” Holton said. “The hitter might mentally shut down. I like to have that ball-to-strike movement.”
That’s what he got from Ceddanne Rafaela and Kolten Wong, both hit rollover grounders to short trying to pull an outside pitch.
“When I want to go inside, I want it to go strike to ball,” Holton said. “They are thinking it’s a fastball middle and then it bangs in on their hands.”
That’s what happened to Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who got jammed on an inside cutter and fisted it out to shortstop.
“I was doing a good job of finding both lanes,” Holton said.
Right-handed hitters are 1 for 15 against Holton’s cutter. His fastball run value, per Statcast, is plus-5, which ranks in the top 96th percentile in baseball.
Left-handed hitters, like Roman Anthony, who Holton struck out in the eighth inning, get the task of trying to hit his sinker and sweeper. Lefties are 1 for 11 against that combo this year.
“Holton’s been in every inning and every situation imaginable and I have a ton of confidence in him,” Hinch said. “And he has a ton of confidence that he’s going to make pitches.”
The Celtics began their NBA playoffs on Sunday with a commanding 123-91 victory over the 76ers, prompting Boston fans to take the opportunity to troll Philadelphia.
Late in the fourth quarter, Celtics fans began chanting "We want Boston" in response to what 76ers fans were doing on Wednesday night.
76ers fans were chanting "We want Boston" during their play-in game victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The winner of that game secured the seventh seed in the playoffs and faced the Celtics.
Get your “We Want Boston” chants in now and Tuesday, because you’re not going to using your Game 5 tickets. pic.twitter.com/Wyth6dXsWT
It's safe to say that 76ers fans might regret saying they wanted to face the Celtics after what Boston did to Philadelphia in Game 1.
The Celtics seized control of the game right from the tip-off, and without their center, Joel Embiid, the 76ers may struggle to secure a victory. Embiid underwent an appendectomy on April 9th and has not appeared in a game since his surgery. There is currently no timetable for when Embiid will return to the 76ers. If he doesn't come back within the next week, this series could end up having only three more games left to play.
Despite Dianna Russini's recent resignation from The Athletic, the company continues to review her reporting in the aftermath of the photos with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel that emerged twelve days ago. Since 2022, the year before she joined The Athletic, Russini has had one of the 50 ballots for the annual Associated Press/NFL awards and the All-Pro team.
Here's a question we've gotten from multiple members of the media: Is the Associated Press reviewing her ballots as a result of recent developments?
The AP has not responded to two emails from PFT asking that specific question.
Previously, after three tries via email, the AP declined to release her full 2025 ballot.
That speaks to another odd quirk as it relates to the AP awards. In 2024, the AP did not tell the panel that the ballots would be released. After the 2024 awards were announced, all ballots were released. After the 2025 awards were announced, the AP did not release the ballots.
There's obvious reason for curiosity as to Russini's coach of the year ballot. Vrabel won the award, with 302 points and 19 first-place votes. Jaguars coach Liam Coen finished second, with 239 points and 16 first-place votes. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald finished third, Bears coach Ben Johnson landed in fourth place, and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was fifth.
Given the apparent relationship with Vrabel, based solely on the photos, there is clear interest in seeing Russini's ballot. And it goes beyond whether she gave her first-place vote to Vrabel; if so, 18 others did. The question is where the other perceived candidates landed. For example, was Coen second? Was he fifth? Was he omitted from the ballot entirely?
It's a basic, and fair, question. These are the official NFL awards. People wager money on them (for some reason). The process of voting requires a full commitment to set aside any relationship with the candidates (whatever the relationship may be) and make decisions detached from bias or agenda.
It's possible there are no irregularities, especially since the AP released all ballots for the 2024 awards without telling the voters the ballots would be released. Russini complained about the 2024 disclosure in an appearance on Pardon My Take.
“I was out to dinner and my phone was blowing up with people in football very angry that I voted for people that I voted for,” she said, via Awful Announcing. “That stunk. I wish I knew that because — it would not have changed my vote — but I love Josh Allen, and I am avoiding him for a really long time.”
It's unclear why that would be the case. In 2024, I voted for Lamar Jackson as the MVP, with Allen in second place. I got no pushback from any "people in football" for that decision, or any of the other votes on my ballot. And Allen later appeared on PFT Live.
Regardless, if The Athletic is reviewing her reporting, the AP arguably should be reviewing her ballots. And the NFL, which has made the AP awards the NFL's official awards for the annual NFL Honors event, arguably should want that to happen. (The league did not respond to an email regarding this point.)
At a time when there has been much debate and discussion about various other aspects and ramifications of the original New York Post report, it's appropriate to be curious about the specific contents of her awards ballots from 2022 through 2025. It's arguably necessary for the entity that selects the panel of voters to act on that feeling.
With English's decision, Malone still has May, Pat Sullivan, Eric Hoots and Chuck Martin on staff. UNC could look for another assistant, but it's not a necessity.
English would be a great addition to Malone's staff, but he spent his past five years as a head coach. Despite just two winning records in five seasons, none of which included NCAA Tournament appearances, English is likely searching for a head coaching gig.
Sources: Kim English has informed UNC officials that he’s decided not to pursue an assistant coach position at North Carolina. English is the former head coach at Providence College and George Mason. pic.twitter.com/4wVVh4QcOM
The Tar Heels have greater fish to fry, though, like securing portal commitments. North Carolina has the inside track to Utah guard Terrence Brown, while Wake Forest star Juke Harris is rumored to Chapel Hill, but no confirmations yet.
Malone is a first-time collegiate coach, but spent 12 years in the NBA, with his latter 10 seasons leading the Denver Nuggets. Maybe Malone looks to bring a former Denver staffer with him, or he goes inside the Carolina Family.
Regardless of why English decided not to pursue the UNC assistant job, the latter will benefit from this decision. Sure, the Tar Heels could benefit from a former head coach on their staff, but English isn't a proven winner that Chapel Hill needs.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Erling Haaland's winning goal, the explosion of noise, the reaction at full-time.
Sunday's result at the Etihad Stadium felt like the moment when the momentum of the Premier League title race had fully swung Manchester City's way following their monumental 2-1 victory over leaders Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's men still remain at the summit but are now clinging on to their position after seeing a nine-point lead chopped down to just three in the space of a week.
City also have a game in hand and can leapfrog Arsenal by beating Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.
Pep Guardiola's side tend to peak in the final two months of the season and are going through the gears once more.
The Spaniard, though, played down the immense victory by saying: "Still we hope.
"But the truth is that we had a horrible calendar and we are not top of the league. So far they are the best team in England but we extend the chance to fight until the end. They are so competitive, we know that. But at the same time, we are too.
"The table speaks for itself. They have been the best. Congratulations to the guys, but don't lose the focus."
The momentum is now firmly in City's favour - they have lost just once in the past 20 league games while Arsenal are beginning to wither, winning just one of their past six in all competitions.
History shows City are immense during this part of the campaign too and their results in April under their boss provide fabulous reading for their fans and are frightening to those of an Arsenal persuasion.
This month of the calendar remains Guardiola's favourite with his win ratio now standing at 71.4% - 2.53 points per game - while Arteta continues to suffer in his worst month, collecting 1.48 points per game with a win rate success of 39.5%.
The odds - according to statisticians Opta - remain heavily in Arsenal's favour but their chances have fallen from 97% to 73% within a week, while City have leapt from 3% to having a 27% chance of winning the title.
This season, Arsenal have been top of the table for 206 days while City have only sat at the summit for six days - and that was in the first week of the season.
Since Arteta took charge of Arsenal in 2019, City have won the Premier League four times but it is Arsenal who have been at number one for the longest period at 537 days to City's 453.
Arteta said: "We have full belief that we can do it. Today we showed again the team that we are. It's in our hands and it's there for the taking."
The Spaniard added to BBC Radio 5 Live: "We lost an opportunity in terms of the result. They have a game in hand, we have three points.
"Game on because it is a new Premier League."
'Heavy celebration' from City at full-time
Last weekend might have given the City players and fans real hope after Arsenal suffered a shock home defeat by Bournemouth and Guardiola's side capitalised with a statement win at Chelsea.
With six games remaining for their side, they will now start to have real belief that a seventh top-flight crown in the past nine years is within reach.
While Arsenal players slumped over at the end, City's convened in a huddle as supporters in the stands wildly celebrated claiming a massive three points.
The travelling contingent made a quick exit from Etihad Stadium, while the City faithful jumped up and down to the tune of Milky's Just The Way You Are.
That song is becoming the soundtrack of City's season, with the words reworked into catchy chants for new signings Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.
"The full-time celebration felt a bit much," former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport. "If you are an Arsenal player, you are thinking 'hold on, we're still leading'. It was a heavy celebration, I was surprised with that.
"I get it in the emotional moment and I have been in those games where I have done it and you celebrate too much. It did seem like they were celebrating the title. By winning the game as a group, they probably thought now we have a chance.
"Even a draw was handing it to Arsenal, so I do get it."
Where does the result leave the title race?
Haaland's second-half winner sparked a cacophony of noise after Cherki had given the hosts the lead, with Kai Havertz equalising in between following Gianluigi Donnarumma's error.
Both sides still have their destiny in their own hands in this gripping title race - should City win all their remaining games it might not be enough as Arsenal may pip them on goal difference.
On paper, Arsenal's run-in looks more favourable as their five remaining games are against teams in the bottom half of the table.
City captain Bernardo Silva called the victory "very big" adding: "It puts us in a position if we win our game in hand we are on the same points.
"Two weeks ago this scenario didn't look very likely. I am happy we can be on the same points."
One aspect of the title race was settled on Sunday with the prospect of an end-of-season play-off now over - should the teams be level on points, goal difference and goals scored come 24 May, City will collect the title by worthy of a better head-to-head record.
Sunday's game was the latest into a season City had faced the league leaders since April 2012.
On that occasion they beat rivals Manchester United 1-0 at Etihad Stadium courtesy of Vincent Kompany's winner en route to securing their first Premier League title on goal difference.
Is history about to repeat itself?
Who will win the title? Murphy and Rooney predictions
Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney told BBC Match of the Day Arsenal will win the title by two points, with the Gunners winning all their remaining matches and Man City drawing at Everton.
He said: "This title race is not over yet, I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come. It is obviously going to be tight but City have got one more game to try to win, so I still have Arsenal down as slight favourites.
"I have been in this situation myself, where you need to win all your games. You look at your games and you think well we should win this one, or that one, but it never pans out that way.
"From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best - that is who will win it.
"City's fixtures look a little bit more difficult. The Arsenal fans have a big part to play, they need to get behind their team.
Ex-Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Match of the Day, Man City will win the title on goal difference, with both teams winning their remaining fixtures.
He said: "I think it edges it [the title race] towards City. Momentum, confidence and all of those things. I was really pleased with the game, I expected it to be much more cagey. Lots of quality and great moments, edge of your seat stuff.
"They are such powerful teams that I think they will win all the games. Bournemouth away could be tough for Man City and West Ham is probably the one to watch for Arsenal. But I think it will be goal difference and Man City will edge it."
'A difficult train to stop'
Ex-England goalkeeper Rob Green: "It's going to take something monumental for Arsenal to turn this around."
Former Man Utd defender Gary Neville told Sky Sports: "City are on the right track and it's a very difficult train to stop if you're Arsenal. Serial winners coming out on top in big matches. City upped it a gear."
Ex-Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I still think that Arsenal will win the Premier League. I think they have the easier fixtures, and Man City will slip up in theirs."
Mikel Arteta was doing the rounds consoling his devastated Arsenal players when a giant banner was unfurled in front of him at Etihad Stadium, emblazoned with the words: "Panic on the streets of London".
It dropped down from the stands seconds after Manchester City secured a thrilling 2-1 win against the Gunners that moves them to within three points of the long-time Premier League leaders, with a game in hand.
Arteta may not be familiar with the work and words of the great Manchester band The Smiths - but it was sending a brutal message to Arsenal and their manager that all their fine work so far this season is now in danger of falling away in this unforgiving test of nerve.
Arsenal still narrowly have the superior goal difference (+37 to +36), but with Manchester City's game in hand at doomed Burnley, this could all change.
Manchester City's win was by no means a decisive one in the title race, but it did not stop it feeling like a defining one.
For context, Arsenal still lead the Premier League and have just reached the semi-final of the Champions League for the second successive season.
And for long periods of an enthralling encounter, Arsenal matched Manchester City every inch of the way before Erling Haaland once again made a crucial contribution with the winner.
This was a resilient display to answer the allegations that Arsenal are "chokers" - but the bottom line is this was still a defeat that maintains Manchester City's momentum while increasing unease in north London.
If the home loss to Bournemouth resembled a failure of nerve, this defeat did not. Arsenal could easily have earned a crucial point and few would have questioned that outcome.
But they did not. And at this stage of the season this is all that matters.
Manchester City are in that ominously familiar position of coming from behind to wrestle control away from those in front of them, with Arsenal and Arteta feeling hot breath on their shoulders.
Arteta and his team must now fight familiar demons and scenarios to somehow end accusations that he and Arsenal might just be 'nearly men'.
The message sent by Manchester City's fans to Arsenal after their vital victory at Etihad Stadium [Getty Images]
As City close in, the prospect of Arteta's Arsenal finishing second in the Premier League for a fourth successive season is an increasingly painful possibility.
Arsenal still have the opportunity for glory this season, domestically and in Europe's biggest competition, but they have now reached the point where another campaign that fails to end a trophy drought stretching back to 2020 will leave serious questions about Arteta and his players.
The Gunners simply must win a trophy this season to deliver the answer. To let it slip and finish empty-handed would be cruel, but this is the environment they are operating in.
Arteta and Arsenal must dismiss the growing noise, the noise around them now and the noise that will accompany them if they fall short.
This is not to suggest questions should be asked about Arteta's future - absolutely not - and he could still win a Premier League and Champions League, but if it does not work out as he hopes, he must go back to the drawing board once more to find a way to win.
Former Liverpool and England midfield man Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: "I understand success is based on trophies, but ultimately let's say Arteta lost the Premier League on goal difference and lost the Champions League final, you have to give perspective.
"He's there or thereabouts. They are getting closer and closer. I know it's been a couple of years of finishing second. The squad is as good as it's ever been. There is talk if he doesn't win anything he should go, I think that's crazy."
Arteta laughed at suggestions he will now have to pick his players up, insisting if he had to do that in their current situation he "should be at home".
He said: "I'm very upset with the result because of the way we played. It's a new league now and we have three points advantage with five games to play. Everything is still to play for."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta slumps to his knees during the Premier League defeat at Manchester City [Getty Images]
Arteta added: "I am very disappointed not to get a result in the game and in the manner that it happened, but not the performance. The players felt we lost an opportunity but we have the advantage in the league in the next five game, so let's go."
Arsenal did miss opportunities, especially in the closing seconds of a nerve-shredding seven minutes of stoppage time when Kai Havertz headed over an open goal. It was a moment of high drama, a mixture of relief on City's side and agony for the Gunners and the travelling followers.
Arteta's body language said it all as he slumped to the floor.
Arsenal's luck deserted them when Eberechi Eze's second-half shot hit the inside of a post and somehow stayed out, Gabriel suffering similar misfortune later with a header.
Arsenal have now lost back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since December 2023, ending a five-game unbeaten streak in the league against Manchester City in the process - winning two and drawing three.
And they have lost four of their past six matches in all competitions, winning one and drawing one, starting with the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in March. They lost just three of their first 49 matches of the season, winning 37 and drawing nine.
Manchester City, in contrast, are unbeaten in their past 10 Premier League games, winning seven and drawing three - their longest run without a league defeat of the season.
Pep Guardiola's side have history of timing their late runs perfectly over this course and distance. This will only increase concerns for Arsenal and their supporters.
Arteta has, with justification, been accused of conservatism in his approach this season, picking a positive line-up with Eze and Martin Odegaard.
It was, though, hardly a vote of confidence to exclude £64m summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, the striker meant to make the difference, for Arsenal's biggest game of the season so far.
Panic on the streets of London? Not yet.
Arsenal's nerves may just be jangling, though, as the chance to get the result that would give them a crucial push towards a first Premier League title since the 'Invincibles' of 22 years ago agonisingly escaped.
Arsenal's Kai Havertz scored but missed a great stoppage time chance to earn a vital point at Manchester City [Reuters]
The image of Mikel Arteta on his knees in his technical area as Kai Havertz headed over a stoppage-time chance will be the image lodged in the head of many Arsenal fans.
And unfortunately for the Gunners, missed opportunities and a lack of a ruthless finisher were the story as Manchester City beat them 2-1 to close in on the Premier League leaders.
It was billed as the Premier League decider by many and just like in the Carabao Cup final last month, City got the better of Arsenal.
Erling Haaland held off Gabriel Magalhaes and swept in City's winner in the 65th minute to seal a 2-1 victory as the momentum of the race swung towards Pep Guardiola's side - and showed the importance of possessing that killer instinct.
The Gunners pushed City all the way in a tightly-fought contest and both managers referenced the "small margins" of the game, but missed chances for Arsenal are the reason the title race is now wide open.
Arsenal have seen their lead at the top of the Premier League drop from nine to three points [Getty Images]
This was not a poor performance from Arteta's team but their lack of killer instinct is looking like it could damage their chance for a first league title in 22 years.
Arteta named a side that attempted to play on the front foot and included Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard in the same team for just the fourth time this season as he tried to get his team to dominate the ball.
"The reality is that in the two boxes today was the difference - and that's what decided the game," Arteta said.
Havertz led the line in place of summer-signing Viktor Gyokeres and he was the man to bring the Gunners level, minutes after Rayan Cherki's brilliant opener, with his block on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's clearance bouncing into the net
But it was the two missed chances from the German international that will be remembered.
In the second half with the scores level, Havertz was played through on goal but could not finish past Donnarumma and he missed a 95th-minute header from inside the six-yard box, which left Arteta on the ground.
Eze hit the post from the edge of the area as did Gabriel's header from a free-kick in the second half but the Gunners could not find a way through.
Arsenal attempted to solve their need for a striker when they brought in Gyokeres for £64m last summer from Sporting.
But, despite scoring 18 goals in all competitions this season, there are still questions about whether the 27-year-old is suited to Arsenal and can produce what the Gunners need from him.
"That's really difficult," Arteta said when asked how he could make his players more ruthless.
"I mean we hit the post and I just look at the images. It's incredible how the ball doesn't go in.
"So there is an element of luck. There is an element there of timing, of execution. It's a lot of things that have to be your way.
"They didn't go our way and we have to recognise that at the end, winning and not winning is going to come down to these moments."
Arsenal forwards struggle
It is rare for a team to be challenging for the title without a forward in the conversation for team of the season, but it is difficult to argue against the fact that is where Arsenal are.
City's Haaland and Antoine Semenyo will undoubtedly be in contention for the end-of-the-season awards while past title-winners have boasted the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero and Didier Droga.
Arsenal's available forward options of Gyokeres, Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, Eze and Gabriel Jesus undoubtedly have their strengths - but it feels a stretch to call any of them ruthless match-winners.
The all round play of Gyokeres has been questioned and he is often only effective against sides that aren't at the top end of the table.
Havertz's opening goal was his first of the season, Leandro Trossard has not scored for 22 games, Madueke has two league goals, while Eze has six - but five of those have come in two matches against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal were also without Bukayo Saka, who missed out with an Achilles injury, but despite usually being one of Arsenal's most reliable forwards, his numbers are down this season.
Arteta's side have been criticised throughout the season for their style of play with their strengths being their threat from set-pieces and their excellence in defending the cornerstones.
At times throughout the season, Arsenal have struggled to create chances and that is reflected in their goals from open play.
Arsenal have 35.8 expected goals from open play this season - sixth in the league. Manchester City are second (42.1) with Chelsea top (43.2).
"Teams were starting to get scared of Arsenal's set-pieces," former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"This is great when you get points but the more and more time goes on, you start to rely on this and start to feel comfortable with this. You don't concede many goals, you don't create many goals but you get those chances where you feel like you are going to score.
"The message you are giving is, 'don't worry guys, stay strong and if we get set-pieces we can count on that'."
And the former defender thinks if Arsenal played with a different style, their forwards would flourish.
"The more time that goes on, the less you think about how you are going to create and hurt people," he said.
"It's not about playing 'free football' and scoring five goals but I do feel with the players they signed over the summer, they could damage any team if you give them that freedom.
"I have just felt over the last few weeks, it feels like they are just not trying to make mistakes rather than trying to take risks and going for the win."
Can Arsenal win without a forward on form?
The good news for Arteta and Arsenal is that despite losing, the title challenge is still in the side's hands even if momentum is with City.
The Arsenal manager said his side are "more convinced" they can get over the line after their defeat.
"They were talking about it in the dressing room," Arteta said.
"They have a game in hand. We have three points of advantage and five games to play.
"So everything is still to play for. We're not going to stop and we're going to go again, that's for sure."
With five games to go and with goal difference potentially playing a crucial part in deciding where the title goes, Arteta will hope he can get one of his forwards into killer form.
The league table never lies, apparently. It may do now. A supposed title decider ended with the side still in second nevertheless possessing the advantage. It has been Arsenal’s title to lose for months, but perhaps this defeat means it is being lost.
They had retreated down the tunnel at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City went on their lap of honour, a bare-chested Erling Haaland letting his hair run free, Pep Guardiola directing kisses to the crowd, Gianluigi Donnarumma beating the badge on his chest, relieved the biggest error of his season had become a footnote, not the faulty footwork that determined the destination of the trophy.
An epic game delivered a massive momentum shift to Manchester. In their last four matches against domestic opponents, Arsenal have lost to City twice, Southampton and Bournemouth. In their last four fixtures, City have beaten Arsenal twice, Liverpool and Chelsea. They are peaking when it matters. “We are alive,” said Guardiola, who had warned it would be all over with defeat. “I'm happy because we can extend the hope.”
Where there was Haaland, there was hope. City had the big man for the big occasion. Three years ago, Haaland – along with Kevin de Bruyne – decided a similar clash with Arsenal. History repeated itself when the striker contorted his giant frame to hook in a shot.
He had hit the post earlier. He had not scored in the Premier League for two months. He has had a barren 2026 but his last two home games have yielded a hat-trick against Liverpool and now this, perhaps the most seismic of his 158 City goals.
Erling Haaland provided the key moment for Man City (AP)He also nearly managed to goad Gabriel into a red card for a ‘headbutt’ (PA)
He was too much of a handful for Gabriel Magalhaes, who ripped his shirt tugging the Norwegian and somehow escaped a red card for aiming a headbutt at him. “I think if I fell on the floor, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, it will maybe be a red card,” said Haaland. His honesty did not cost City. But Arsenal, the supposed defensive masters, were frayed in other respects, caught crucially on a counter-attack.
The talismanic Nico O’Reilly, Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final nemesis, was his provider, with a low cross after running the ball out from his own half. A move begun by Donnarumma – this time his distribution was good – was finished by Haaland. He was there at the end, too, hoofing the ball clear from the edge of his own box. It amounted to a marauding display. “Today he fought like an animal,” said his captain, Bernardo Silva.
Donnarumma had particular grounds to be grateful to the warrior-striker. The goalkeeping error in the Carabao Cup final came from Arsenal and it was costly. This stemmed from City, but it was not. Kai Havertz scored a Champions League final winner against them, but when it seemed he had delivered a goal of a similar magnitude in the Premier League, Haaland ensured otherwise. “The difference was in both boxes,” lamented Arteta.
Gigi Donnarumma made a huge error early in the game (Getty)
Each had scored from inside them as they traded goals in 107 seconds. Rayan Cherki, who had already hit the woodwork, weaved his way between Gabriel and Declan Rice, and angled his shot in off the far post.
But Arsenal were bolder than many expected. They did not come just to nullify City, and Arteta used their physical power to press high. It yielded a remarkable goal. Havertz charged down Donnarumma’s clearance, the ball flying in. It was a reminder that Donnarumma is no Ederson, no typical Guardiola goalkeeper. It revived the old criticism about his shortcomings with the ball at his feet. “The mistake from Gigi is our mistake,” said Guardiola. He could be forgiving because the Italian was to have a redemptive second half: a superb save from Havertz, the quick ball out that led to City’s second goal.
Which rendered it tougher for an Arsenal side who have only scored four times in six games. They scarcely fashioned their latest effort with creativity. And yet they were agonisingly close to more.
Havertz was denied by Donnarumma. Eberechi Eze struck one post with a shot, Gabriel the other with a header that deflected off O’Reilly. Havertz headed just over in the 95th minute. They could scarcely have come closer. “The margins,” sighed Arteta. “We hit the post [with Eze], I look at the images, it is incredible how the ball doesn’t go in.”
Eberechi Eze was agonisingly close to scoring (Getty)
Part of the frustration for him may be that Arsenal were far better than they were against Bournemouth, and that he did much right. Choosing both Eze and Odegaard added flair; one almost scored, the other nearly assisted. Havertz looked a vast upgrade on the dropped Viktor Gyokeres. And yet it still was not enough.
Guardiola, Arteta’s boss for three-and-a-half years, can still be the boss when it matters. The business end of the season often brings the best from him. The strangest, too. He had slapped his thighs in irritation.
He went through his repertoire of extraordinary – at times, indescribably weird – gestures on the touchline. When he complained Gabriel did not see red, he got his seventh yellow card of the campaign. He may get his seventh Premier League title.
Arteta’s first could remain elusive. “We go again,” he said. But they may be second again.
NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets rookie guard Drake Powell is coming off a rookie season that had its fair share of peaks and valleys as he adjusted to playing in the NBA. Brooklyn wanted to make sure that players like Powell received enough playing time to hasten the development and he explained what the next step of his development will be this offseason.
"Definitely, the weight room will be a great piece for me. I think we have a great strength and conditioning staff as well as taking care of my body," Powell said during his exit interview when asked in what ways he is looking to improve his game. Powell came into this season as one of the more athletic players in his class, but he feels that maximizing his body will allow him to get that extra edge to make a difference.
"That's [working on his body] something that I want to continue to get better at. I [did] a terrible job in college, to be honest with you, taking care of my body," Powell continued. "I think just getting constant reps on the court and just coming with the right mindset into the summer." Powell didn't appear to be out of shape during the season, but NBA players tend to have better results when it comes to maximizing their athletic gifts.
Powell, 20, ended his rookie season with averages of 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 40.2% from the field and 28.0% from three-point range. Powell saw more playing time towards the end of the season as the Nets dealt with multiple injuries in the normal rotation and he increased his averages to 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest while shooting 36.4% from the floor and 27.7% from deep.
While Powell has plenty to work on on both ends of the floor, it seemed that his defense was ahead of his offense given that his athleticism and wingspan was able to translate to the NBA seemingly from the beginning. With that being said, Powell still has to add some muscle if he wants to continue building on his effectiveness on the court and it seems that he's acknowledged that he has to do a better job taking care of his body.
Barcelona send message to Real Sociedad after Copa del Rey triumph
La Liga champions Barcelona have sent a message the way of Real Sociedad, after the Txuri-urdin replaced the Catalans as Copa del Rey champions.
La Real are of course fresh off a special night on Saturday.
After battling past Basque rivals Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the competition, Sociedad were tasked with getting the better of Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid.
And when all was said and done in an entertaining affair, this is precisely what Pellegrino Matarazzo’s troops managed.
After the two sides could not be separated across 120 minutes of action, the underdogs triumphed on penalties, by four goals to three.
Messages of appreciation and congratulations have since come flooding in for Real Sociedad, from across Spain and beyond.
And as alluded to above, quick to add their name to this list of well-wishers were last season’s Copa del Rey champions.
In a post across the club’s social media platforms, the Blaugrana wrote:
Juventus 2-0 Bologna: Dominant Old Lady closes in on second place
Juventus made a major leap towards Champions League qualification after beating Bologna at the Allianz Stadium by two unanswered goals.
Juventus & Bologna starting lineup
Luciano Spalletti started with a 3-4-2-1 formation spearheaded by Jonathan David, with Jeremie Boga and Francisco Conceicao in support, as Kenan Yildiz wasn’t deemed fit enough to start. The same goes to Khephren Thuram, who was replaced by Weston McKennie in the double pivot alongside Manuel Locatelli, while Emil Holm and Andrea Cambiaso occupied the wing-back slots.
On the other hand, Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano maintained his tried-and-trusted 4-2-3-1 system, while making changes to the personnel following the heavy defeat to Aston Villa on Thursday. Santiago Castro led the charge, with Simon Sohm behind him, flanked by Riccardo Orsolini and Nicolo Cambiaghi. Tommaso Pobega and Remo Freuler played in midfield.
Jonathan David scores in the second minute
The Bianconeri had a sensational start to the match, breaking the deadlock after 90 seconds, having already created two previous chances. Conciceico managed to keep the ball alive, allowing Pierre Kalulu to send an exquisite inswinger to the box. David slipped past his marker and only needed a slight touch to direct it towards the far post.
Juventus dominated the action for the rest of the first half while producing delightful football. Conceicao thought he had doubled the lead after being put through on goal, but the linesman raised his flag for offside. On the second occasion, the Portuguese was onside, but couldn’t beat Federico Ravaglia.
Holm came agonisingly close to scoring a screamer against his parent club, but his vicious mid-range rocket crashed against the woodwork. Finally, David had a golden opportunity to bag a brace thanks to a lovely through ball from Conceicao, but his attempt whistled past the post.
Khephren Thuram seals the win with second goal for Juventus
After the break, Khephren Thuram replaced Holm, and turned out to be the author of the second goal.
Conceicao’s shot was blocked by the backline, but McKennie, who had moved to the right flank to fill in for Holm, sent a sublime cross towards the mouth of the goal, and Thuram rose above his marker to head the ball past Ravaglia.
Afterwards, the home side kept dominating the action, but the rhythm had expectedly dropped. On the other hand, Bologna were only able to forge one dangerous chance, and it ended with Jonathan Rowe hitting the post.
At the final whistle, the Juventus fans celebrated a crucial win that came on the back of a convincing performance.
Spalletti’s men remain in fourth place, but they have put five points between them and Como, while reducing the gap with Milan and Napoli to just three points before next weekend’s trip to San Siro.
Juventus 2-0 Bologna
Goals: 2′ David (J), 57′ Thuram (J).
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; Holm (46′ Thuram), McKennie, Locatelli, Cambiaso (79′ Gatti); Conceicao (70′ Zhegrova), Boga (85′ Openda); David (70′ Yildiz).
The Juventus Men’s First Team picked up three more important points by beating Bologna 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium on Serie A Matchday 33.
Jonathan David opened the scoring with an early header, and Khephren Thuram then put the result beyond doubt with his own headed attempt in the second half.
THE MATCH REPORT
Things couldn’t have gone better once the first whistle blew, and the Bianconeri went ahead with the first chance of the game and inside two minutes. With 90 seconds on the clock, Pierre Kalulu put in a perfect cross from deep that Jonathan David met to head past Federico Ravaglia.
Francisco Conceicao had the ball in the net again not long after, but his celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.
As the game neared 15 minutes, Bologna had their first real sight at goal as Tommaso Pobega drove a shot wide from long range and was never troubling Michele Di Gregorio in a quiet opening 45.
At the half’s midway point, Conceicao again found himself in behind from deep on the right, in a near replica of the move that ended with his disallowed goal. This time, though, Ravaglia was able to turn the No.7’s effort behind.
Emil Holm went close to a goal-of-the-season contender just after the half-hour mark. A ball into the box was half-headed clear to the edge of the area, where Holm caught it sweetly on the half-volley, but his fierce strike bounced off the underside of the crossbar and away from danger for Bologna.
A second evaded David by a matter of inches just before the break. Conceicao, always involved in the first half, slipped the Canadian in on the right of the box, from where the forward fired across goal and just wide.
Bologna came out on the front foot in the second half, and Riccardo Orsolini almost scored as quickly after the restart as David did after the first whistle. After some tricky footwork, the Rossoblu forward shot wide of Di Gregorio’s goal.
But the Bianconeri got the second shortly after. An attack that just couldn’t seem to find a way through Bologna’s backline finally managed when Weston McKennie picked out Khephren Thuram in the box, and the Frenchman climbed higher than anybody to send another header out of Ravaglia’s reach.
Jonathan Rowe then came within inches of halving the deficit for Bolo. Another move that started on the right shifted swiftly across the face of Di Gregorio’s goal, where Rowe raced on to meet it at the back post, but could only send his close-range effort onto the post.
There were to be no more goals, and the Bianconeri claimed the points.
Lyon stunned Paris Saint-Germain early and carried a 2-0 lead for much of the night at the Parc des Princes, with Endrick striking on six minutes after being set up by Afonso Moreira, before Moreira added a second in the 18th minute from Endrick?s assist.
PSG dominated possession and territory, ending with 77 per cent of the ball, 23 shots and 13 corners, but they repeatedly found Lyon difficult to break down. Gonçalo Ramos also missed a penalty on 33 minutes, a moment that summed up the hosts? frustration.
The visitors remained more incisive with limited opportunities, producing five shots and 0.83 expected goals, while PSG?s pressure translated into 3.39 expected goals without a sustained return on the scoreline. Lyon?s early efficiency proved decisive as the home side chased the game.
In stoppage time, Fabián Ruiz teed up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to reduce the deficit, but it was only a late consolation. Lyon left with a 2-1 victory, having withstood a late PSG push to secure the three points.
Incidents: The story of the match
1':
The match begins
Lyon takes the lead 1-0 against Paris Saint Germain. Endrick scores with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Afonso Moreira's through ball.
6':
GOAL Lyon: Endrick (Lyon) scores!
Endrick scores goal number 4 in the competition (12 matches)
Lyon leads 2-0 against Paris Saint Germain. Afonso Moreira scores with a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the left corner, assisted by Endrick after a fast break.
18':
GOAL Lyon: Afonso Moreira (Lyon) scores!
Afonso Moreira scores goal number 3 in the competition (23 matches) Afonso Moreira scores goal number 8 for his team (34 matches)
33':
Gonçalo Ramos (PSG) fails a penalty-kick!
Paris Saint Germain 1, Lyon 2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scores for Paris Saint Germain with a right-footed shot from outside the box into the right corner, assisted by Fabián Ruiz.
90 +4':
GOAL PSG: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG) scores!
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scores goal number 5 in the competition (24 matches) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scores goal number 23 for his team (74 matches)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: KC Concepcion #7 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks on during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field on November 15, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday, April 23 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Buffalo Bills are currently set to make their pick at 26, unless president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane finds reason to trade up or back, and perhaps even out of Round 1 entirely amid what many see as a draft deep in second- and third-round talent.
The hype of free agency is well behind us now, but the Bills had decided to pounce before that point, anyway. Buffalo pulled off a trade with the Chicago Bears ahead of free agency to bring wide receiver DJ Moore to One Bills Drive.
Adding a productive wide receiver was sound business, and doing so ahead of free agency made fiscal sense. But president of football operations/general manager still has his work cut out for him even after coming to terms on a deal that kept Connor McGovern in-house to reprise his role as the team’s starting center. Are they targeting another wider receiver in April’s draft, or perhaps someone to dominate the trenches along the defensive line?
Most analysts and fans agree the team needs to improve in the defensive trenches and now at outside linebacker where edge rushers will attempt to feast in new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 base system. But not everyone is convinced defense is the go-to early, with some folks hoping to see another wide receiver added — someone who will succeed on the boundaries.
It’s anyone’s guess who the team will draft with their current selections in each round, but we’ve begun to learn which prospects the team has met with in an extended and often official capacity. So who has One Bills Drive been meeting with in the days leading up to the draft?
Below you’ll find the answer to that question, and a list of prospects who’ve met with or are scheduled to visit with the Bills. It’s a thorough list broken out by position and with meeting capacity noted. Where and when available, each player below will carry a link to our individual prospect analysis and coverage of said visit.
Top-30 visits below are listed alphabetically by last name. As of 7:00 p.m. EDT on April 15, 2026, we have information on SIXTEEN (16) known top-30 visits.
Buffalo Bills 2026 NFL pre-Draft visits
Confirmed Top-30 visits
Austin Barber, OT (Florida) — (Top-30) (Round 4 projection)
Manchester City have hit their stride when it matters most, just as Arsenal have run out of steam (Darren Staples)
The spectre of a charging Manchester City haunts Arsenal once more after a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday put a huge dent in the Gunners' hopes of a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Mikel Arteta's men remain on top of the table for now but could be knocked off their perch for the first time in 2026 when City, with a game in hand, visit doomed Burnley on Wednesday.
Arsenal had lost just three times in 49 games this season before last month's League Cup defeat to City.
But they have won just one of their past six games, including four consecutive defeats in domestic competitions, as they contemplate another trophyless season.
It is a case of history repeating itself for long-suffering Arsenal fans, who have seen their side finish second in the Premier League for the past three seasons.
In both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, Pep Guardiola's relentless team reeled in Arteta's side while last season the Gunners finished behind a resurgent Liverpool.
Once again City have hit their stride when it matters most, just as Arsenal have run out of steam.
Guardiola has now won 31 of his 39 Premier League games in April as he eyes a seventh title during his decade in Manchester.
By contrast, Arteta has overseen just 11 victories in 27 April league fixtures during his six-and-a-half years in charge.
Arteta was keen to stress that fortune had not favoured his side in a game of fine margins at the Etihad.
While Arsenal clearly showed signs of nerves in losing at home to Bournemouth last weekend, they took the game to City and were undeterred by Rayan Cherki's brilliant opener.
Kai Havertz charged down Gianluigi Donnarumma's attempted clearance to level almost immediately and Arsenal had plenty of other chances.
Eberechi Eze's shot somehow came off the post and along the line rather than into the net when the score was 1-1 and Gabriel Magalhaes's deflected header also came off the post in a frantic finale.
But Arsenal have only themselves to blame for repeated failings that have not been addressed.
Twice Havertz missed huge chances in the second half -- the German international failed to beat Donnarumma when one-on-one before heading over when unmarked deep into stoppage time.
Arteta fell to his knees in the technical area in despair.
After an injury-disrupted 18 months, Havertz was thrust into action for the full match as Arteta left Viktor Gyokeres on the bench until the final minutes.
The Swede was the man signed to solve Arsenal's need for a prolific number nine in last summer's transfer window.
Gyokeres is the club's top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions, but he has rarely looked as if he is the answer against top-quality opposition.
- Ruthless City -
Arteta admitted that City were sharper in attack.
"We proved that we are there, but the reality is that in the two boxes there was a difference," said Arteta. "That's what we think is the difference between the two sides, the finishing in the boxes.
"There is an element of luck, there is an element of timing, of execution. There are a lot of things that have to be your way.
"At the end, winning or not winning is going to come down to this moment. There are certain individual moments that you need in order to achieve what we want."
For Guardiola, Erling Haaland proved the value of a world-class striker.
The Norwegian had been well-marshalled in a bruising battle with Gabriel, but stole ahead of his marker to slot home the winning goal and his 47th for club and country this season.
"You can see the difference today on the field and those top players made a difference today," former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira told Sky Sports.
"They will feel the pressure more now. I always question the mental strength of the team and I will question it more now regarding the result today."
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakravarthy on Sunday revealed that he still has "two fractures" in his left hand.
Varun Chakravarthy, who played a crucial role in KKR's first win of the IPL 2026 season on Sunday against LSG, said, "I think we all deserved this win, even though it's just one win, it feels very sweet. In the first few matches (of the season) I was injured, I had two fractures. I still have two fractures in my left hand. So I'm just trying to manage that."
Chakravarthy had earlier missed two games for KKR due to a finger injury.
"I would say it (pitch) was a little slow, but it was perfectly suitable for us and we made the most of it. And I think we could have batted a little better in the middle, but all well. Yeah, we don't know where we'll end up, but we are just making a statement that we are not pushovers. We are just not coming here to participate. We are here to win every match. We are here to make a strong contention for the trophy. We still have hopes and I think we are gonna do well from this."
Wily Varun Chakravarthy (3/14) returned to his best, showing perfect chemistry with veteran Sunil Narine (2/26) as KKR rediscovered their spin magic at Eden Gardens to restrict RR to an under-par 155/9. Rookie pacer Kartik Tyagi (3/22) also shone at the death with important wickets.
Chakravarthy was awarded Player of the Match for his performance against RR.
In the chase, KKR vice-captain Rinku Singh lived up to expectations with a composed unbeaten 53 as Kolkata Knight Riders survived anxious moments to script their first win of IPL 2026 with a four-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals.
The junior two-way star drove in a career-high five runs as No. 12 Florida State wrapped up Senior Weekend with a run-rule victory Sunday, defeating North Carolina 10-2 in five innings to complete a weekend sweep at JoAnne Graf Field.
Danley finished 2 for 4, while Isa Torres added a multi-hit performance and Bella Ruggiero drove in a run as part of Florida State’s 11-hit afternoon.
— Florida State Softball 🥎 (@FSU_Softball) April 19, 2026
FSU got on the board in the first inning when Torres singled, advanced on a passed ball and scored on Ruggiero’s RBI single.
UNC tied the game in the third on a Lexie Roberts RBI single, but pitcher Jazzy Francik escaped further trouble by striking out a hitter with the bases loaded.
The Seminoles broke the game open in the fourth inning. Ruggiero and Kennedy Harp opened the frame with back-to-back hits before Hayley Griggs lined a two-run single. Jaysoni Beachum followed with an RBI single, and Danley capped the rally with a three-run homer to push the lead to 7-1.
North Carolina added a run in the fifth on Emily LeGette’s solo home run, but Florida State quickly answered. Harp doubled, Griggs singled and Torres walked to load the bases. Beachum drew a walk to force in a run, and Danley followed with a single to left to score two more and trigger the run-rule ending.
Francik (17-2) earned the win, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out three over 3 1/3 innings. Danley and Makenna Reid combined for the final 1 2/3 innings in relief, with Danley stopping a North Carolina threat with a strikeout and Reid yielding just one hit.
FSU returns to the Seminole Softball Complex on Wednesday, hosting its rival No. 7 Florida at 6 p.m. in its final home game of the regular season.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
Pat McAfee entered Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 with a match stipulation vowing that he would leave WWE if Randy Orton were to lose to Cody Rhodes in the main event match for the WWE Championship.
Despite his best efforts to help McAfee, Orton lost to Rhodes, and the brash commentator will no longer appear with the company.
McAfee seemed to confirm his departure from WWE on social media Sunday with a post from his hotel room.
Later in the match, McAfee returned to the ring in a neck brace and referee shirt, but was hit with an RKO by Orton, before Rhodes finished the match with his signature Cross Rhodes to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) and LA Knight defeated The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) and IShowSpeed by pinfall
Six-man tag team match
2
Jacob Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre by pinfall
Unsanctioned match
3
Brie Bella and Paige (with Nikki Bella) defeated The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) (c), Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Bayley and Lyra Valkyria by pinfall
Fatal four-way tag team match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
4
Becky Lynch defeated AJ Lee (c) by pinfall
Singles match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
5
Gunther defeated Seth Rollins by technical submission
Singles match
6
Liv Morgan defeated Stephanie Vaquer (c) by pinfall
Singles match for the Women’s World Championship
7
Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Randy Orton by pinfall
Singles match for the Undisputed WWE Championship Since Orton lost, Pat McAfee was forced to leave the professional wrestling industry permanently.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki struggled towards the back end of his start against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.
Sasaki pitched five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out two batters.
The right-hander had a great start to the game, retiring the side in order in the first inning on just eight pitches. He had similar success in the second inning, allowing just one base runner and getting out of the frame without any real issues.
Sasaki’s third inning started with a baserunner as well, as Kyle Karros scorched a single into center, but a fielder’s choice followed by a double play got him out of that one as well.
He found himself in trouble in the fourth inning, as the leadoff baserunners finally caught up to the young right-hander. A single from former No. 1 overall draft pick Mickey Moniak followed by a hit by pitch put runners on first and second with no outs, and TJ Rumfield drove in a run with a single shortly after.
Sasaki, with just one out, loaded the bases with a walk on the next batter, but managed to get Willi Castro to roll over into a double play to end the inning.
Another rough start awaited him in the fifth, as Karros capitalized on an inside fastball and crushed it 448 feet for his first homer of the season. Sasaki allowed a double and a single afterwards for his third run of the outing. He managed to get out of the inning without any further damage and made room for Alex Vesia afterwards.
The 24-year-old showed improvement in several areas in his start Sunday, the biggest of which was his avoidance of walks. He only issued one walk in the outing after giving out five free passes last week.
Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
How Has Roki Sasaki Pitched This Season?
Sunday marked Sasaki’s fourth start of the season, and he’s had some decent outings despite his high ERA.
His first outing of the season was his strongest, as he allowed just one run through four innings pitched against the Cleveland Guardians. Things got out of hand in his subsequent appearance, as he allowed six runs in an unfortunate outing against the Washington nationals a week later.
Sasaki will have plenty of time before his next start, as the Dodgers’ six-man rotation will keep him well rested until his next start.
That game will—more than likely—come against the Chicago Cubs when they visit Dodger Stadium next weekend. The right-hander has had some success against the Cubs in his short career, making two starts against them in 2025.
He pitched eight innings against them last year, allowing just two earned runs during that time.
The Dodgers have other things to worry about before then, though, as they still have to finish their seven-game road trip before worrying about their NL Central opponents. They’ll finish their series against the Rockies on Monday before traveling to San Francisco to face the Giants in a three-game series from Tuesday to Thursday.
How did you feel about Roki Sasaki’s start against the Colorado Rockies today?
Adrien Rabiot's (L) winner at Verona was his sixth goal for AC Milan this season (PIERO CRUCIATTI)
AC Milan and Juventus both took a big step towards qualification for next season's Champions League with respective victories over Verona and Bologna on Sunday.
Adrien Rabiot swept home the only goal in Milan's 1-0 win at Verona, giving his team an eight-point cushion on Como and Roma in fifth and sixth, while Juve are three points behind the seven-time European champions in fourth after beating Bologna 2-0.
France midfielder Rabiot calmly netted his sixth league goal of the season after snatching possession in midfield and exchanging passes with Rafael Leao, for the only real highlight of a largely drab encounter.
"The important thing is winning and getting the points we need to achieve our objectives, but we made a lot of mistakes today. We could have played a lot better," said Rabiot.
"We need to stay focussed on qualifying for the Champions League."
Juve and Milan took advantage of Como falling to a surprise defeat at Sassuolo on Friday and Roma drawing with Atalanta on Saturday night, and with five matches remaining in the season both teams are in a great position to clinch a top-four finish.
Milan, in second, have had no continental football this season after a disastrous previous campaign which led to Massimiliano Allegri retaking the reins as coach last summer.
Allegri said on Friday that he has already started planning for next season with Milan's management, and after Saturday's win the 58-year-old again ruled himself out of the vacant Italy job.
"No-one has contacted me (from the Italian Football Federation), and all my thoughts are on Milan: we've started something together and we'll continue it together," said Allegri.
Verona's fifth straight defeat means almost certain relegation, as Paolo Sammarco's team are bottom of the division and 10 points behind Cremonese, who sit just outside the drop zone and drew 0-0 at Torino in the day's early fixture.
Headers in each half from Jonathan David and Khephren Thuram were enough for for Juve to see off Bologna and inch closer towards the objective Luciano Spalletti was given when he was hired in October to replace the sacked Igor Tudor.
David's glanced finish from Pierre Kalulu's cross was his first club goal since the start of February and came moments after a pre-match tribute to former Juve goalkeeper Alexander Manninger who died on Thursday aged 48 after his car was hit by a train.
Manninger, who made 40 appearances for Juve between 2008 and 2012, was applauded by fans who then loudly chanted his name after Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini brought flowers onto the pitch in their former teammate's honour.
Thuram doubled the hosts' lead with his fourth goal of the season in the 57th minute from another perfectly delivered cross, this time from Weston McKennie.
Bologna are now 10 points away from the European positions in eighth and did little to trouble Juve, although Jonathan Rowe should have halved the deficit shortly after Thuram;s goal when he smashed Nadir Zortea's low cross onto the post from point-blank range.
Ashton Jeanty got 266 carries last season. The Las Vegas Raiders made sure to give the rookie one of the heftiest workloads among all running backs in the NFL in 2025. Geno Smith recorded the second-most rushing attempts for Las Vegas last season with 41. No other Raiders running back got more than 22 carries on the year.
Naturally, Las Vegas only stands to gain from selecting a promising running back in the 2026 NFL Draft to take pressure off of Jeanty next season.
One such back is Penn State's Nicholas Singleton who is projected to be selected early on day three of the draft. Singleton recorded 549 rushing yards as well as 13 rushing touchdowns last year with 1,099 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns the year prior in 2024.
The 6-foot, 219-pound Singleton is a tall running back that exploits gaps in the defense well. Time and again last season, Singleton was able to break free for sizable gains. He also fights through tackles with power.
Singleton projects to be a complimentary back behind the 5-foot-8 Jeanty in Las Vegas. With his physical tools as well as his prowess as a two-time 1,000-yard rusher at Penn State, Singleton offers much for the Raiders to like in this year’s draft.
DALLAS — The facemasks worn by hockey goalies provide important protection for their faces. They also hide their expressions and emotions from fans, whether they’re in the arena or watching on TV.
So, when Minnesota Wild rookie Jesper Wallstedt presented an outward image of cool, calm collectivity in stopping 27 of the 28 shots thrown his way in his first-ever playoff game, it literally masked what was going on inside his head.
In a good way.
“I was definitely nervous. I think it just shows that it means something to you,” a smiling Wallstedt said after the Wild’s 6-1 victory over Dallas in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal Saturday at American Airlines Arena. “I like a little bit of nerves. I think it’s something good.”
Wallstedt had gotten the word a few days earlier from Wild coach John Hynes that the net would belong to the younger of Minnesota’s two Swedish goalies, due at least in part to a late-season body of work that included superior numbers and a quiet confidence.
But when the team bus left the Wild’s hotel, there were a few butterflies that got onboard.
“There were definitely some nerves throughout the day, and a little bit extra when we were rolling in for the game here,” said Wallstedt, who won 18 of his 33 regular-season starts. “As soon as the national anthem is over and the first few pucks start coming, you lock in.”
Hynes said Sunday he did not expect any lineup changes for Game 2, but would not officially name Wallstedt the starter for Monday’s 8:30 p.m. puck drop here.
In the opening 20 minutes of Game 1, Wallstedt was the picture of calm and experience. When the game was done, all the Stars could do was tip their cap to the rookie who had helped put them in a hole in the series, and vow to give him more work on Monday if he is the starter.
“He looked solid, certainly, but we didn’t test him at all through the first two periods,” Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan said Game 1. “We got some residual when they sat back in the third, but when you’re sitting back in the third and the pressure’s not on, it’s kind of house money.”
In fact, Dallas got the crowd back involved, briefly, with a power-play goal to cut Minnesota’s lead to 4-1 in the second period. Over the next few minutes, Wallstedt thwarted a solo shot alone in front of the net, and foiled a 2-on-1 rush to keep the lead at three, and keep the audience from raising the decibel level.
Wallstadt admitted that one key to his success, especially on the road, is learning to block out the noise and the crowd.
“When I play my best, I kind of just see up until the top of the boards, and then you don’t focus on anything else,” he said. “Then it just looks like the same ice and the same boards in every rink, in every game. I try to just keep telling myself this is the same game I played since I was 6 and there’s nothing different to it.”
And if the nerves start to creep in a little, more than they might have when he was skating on a youth hockey rink in Sweden, 16 years ago, it just shows — or doesn’t — that the game means something to him.
Flemings led Houston with over 16 points and five assists per game in 2025-26. Flemings was a consensus All-American as the Cougars earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament after finishing second in the Big 12 to Arizona.
"Obviously it was a hard decision whether to come back and play with my boys, take it one more year and try to go get the [national championship]," Flemings told USA Today. "But this opportunity doesn’t come all the time. … Had to make the right decision, for sure.”
The Texas native shot nearly 48% from the field and almost 39% from the 3-point line, though he attempted just 106 shots behind the arc this season.
Flemings was a four-star recruit when he signed with Houston out of high school. He was rated as the No. 17 player in the country and the top player in the state of Texas.
He was part of a Houston recruiting class that included three top-20 prospects and was actually the lowest-rated of the three. Forward Chris Cenac Jr. was the No. 6 player in the country and guard Isiah Harwell was the No. 13 recruit.
Flemings started every game this season for Houston, while Cenac started all but one and Harwell was a role player off the bench. Cenac, a potential lottery pick himself, averaged almost 10 points a game. He declared for the NBA Draft a week ago.
Here’s what O’Connor had to say about Flemings in his mock draft on Tuesday.
Flemings entered the season as the least-heralded of Houston's stacked freshman class, but he played his way into the top-10 conversation while his higher-ranked teammates played their way out of it. He’s a 6-4 ball-handler who can get to his spots, make advanced passes and limit turnovers in a way that resembles a veteran guard. If he lands with Dallas, it’s hard to imagine a better situation. Kyrie Irving could serve as a mentor, and Flemings could grow alongside a future MVP candidate in Flagg.
2027 blue-chip linebacker Mikahi Allen is a major focal point for the Florida State Seminoles. After his visit early this month, Allen named FSU one of his top eight schools.
He's taken two trips to see the Seminoles, but Allen hasn't locked in an official visit to Tallahassee yet. That all changed on Saturday, as the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder has set one up for June 12, per Noles247.
Florida State is now the second official visit that Allen has locked in during the summer, along with South Carolina on June 5, which is also one of his top eight schools. The others include Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Syracuse, Illinois, and Rutgers.
Allen was a big contributor to the defense at Don Bosco Prep High School as a junior. He produced 58 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three interceptions, two pass breakups, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one blocked punt.
The 247Sports composite rankings have Allen as the No. 195 prospect in the country and the No. 16 linebacker. He's also the No. 4 recruit in the state of New Jersey.
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Serie A | Juventus 2-0 Bologna: Old Lady comfortable in top four
Juventus beat Bologna with Jonathan David and Khephren Thuram goals to create a five-point cushion for fourth place, and close to within three points of Milan and Napoli in joint second.
The Bianconeri were eager to take advantage of Napoli, Como and Roma all dropping points this weekend, but Kenan Yildiz was only fit for the bench, with Arek Milik, Dusan Vlahovic, Juan Cabal, Mattia Perin and Vasilije Adzic injured. Weston McKennie returned from suspension, with Emil Holm and Joao Mario facing their parent clubs after January loans. Bologna hoped to shrug off Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League quarter-final defeat to Aston Villa, though Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga, Nicolò Casale and Benjamin Dominguez missed out.
There was a moving tribute before kick-off for Alex Manninger, the former Juventus and Bologna goalkeeper who died in a car accident this week aged 48, as former teammates Gigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Chimenti carried out flowers with his shirt, laying them in the goal while the fans sang his chant.
It was a lightning fast start from the hosts, as Jeremie Boga’s pull-back forced a corner, and within 110 seconds David had got his head to the Pierre Kalulu cross from six yards, glancing it into the far bottom corner. It was even more remarkable because Bologna hadn’t conceded in the first half of a Serie A match for two months.
Francisco Conceicao had the ball in the net on 12 minutes too after running onto a pass over the top, but he was offside before that precise angled drive.
Tommaso Pobega drilled wide from distance, while Federico Ravaglia had to make himself big for a huge save one-on-one when Conceicao did spring the offside trap.
Emil Holm against his former club almost scored a stunner, as a clearance bounced on the edge of the box, where his powerful volley smacked the underside of the bar.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Weston McKennie of Juventus is challenged by Simon Sohm of Bologna during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
David nearly doubled his tally before half-time, running onto the Conceicao assist for an angled drive to skim the base of the far post.
After the restart, Riccardo Orsolini finally had the first real Bologna chance, his strike from the right flank flashing all the way across the face of goal and inches wide.
However, Juve substitute Khephren Thuram made an immediate impact, rising at the back stick to meet the Weston McKennie cross from the right for 2-0.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Bologna nearly got back into it, as Nadir Zortea rolled it across the face of goal for substitute Jonathan Rowe to come sliding in at the back stick, hitting the upright from point-blank range.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus shoots while under pressure from Jhon Lucumi of Bologna during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Nikola Moro also fired over after the Orsolini attempt was charged down, but Federico Bernardeschi limped off with a thigh problem just eight minutes after coming on. Bologna had completed their substitutions, so they played the last six minutes down to 10 men.
Despite that, Rowe still got away on the counter and pulled the cross just behind Orsolini unmarked.
The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning open Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series Sunday in Tampa, in one of the most evenly matched series in the Eastern Conference.
Apr 9, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans (71) grabs Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Game 1 is officially set for Sunday, April 19, at 5:45 p.m. ET in Tampa, with national coverage on TNT, as the Lightning host at the Amalie Arena.
Both teams finished the regular season with 106 points, but Tampa Bay (50-26-6) earned the No. 2 seed and home-ice advantage over Montreal (48-24-10) via the regulation-wins tiebreaker (40–34). This matchup was not finalized until the final days of the regular season, underscoring just how tight the Atlantic Division race was.
This series is about as even as it gets. Montreal actually held a slight edge in the season series at 2-1-1, including two April wins by a combined 6–2 score, while Tampa Bay went 2-2-0 against the Canadiens. The star power is obvious on both sides. Nick Suzuki (101 points) and Cole Caufield (51 goals) lead Montreal, while Nikita Kucherov (130 points) headlines Tampa Bay’s offense alongside elite goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.
With identical point totals, recent familiarity, and contrasting styles, Montreal’s speed and scoring depth vs. Tampa Bay’s experience and goaltending, Game 1 sets up as one of the most competitive openers of the entire first round, where home ice could be the only real separator early in the series.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs smiles on the court during an NBA basketball game against the LA Clippers, Monday March 16, 2026 in Inglewood, Calif.
Night one of the NBA playoffs absolutely delivered Saturday, with the Lakers pulling off the upset against a Houston Rockets team surprisingly missing Kevin Durant, and Denver’s superstar duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray powering the Nuggets over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Sunday’s NBA playoff slate features all four teams that made it out of the play-in tournament, with each conference’s No. 1 vs. No. 8 seed and No. 2 vs. No. 7 seed matchup.
In the nightcap, we will get to see the playoff debut of MVP candidate and likely Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs head into the postseason with the second-best NBA title odds, but Wembanyama and company will get their first look at postseason basketball against the Portland Trail Blazers.
In the East, the Detroit Pistons match up with the Orlando Magic, who after several big-time disappointments to close the year, made a resounding statement with a trouncing of the Charlotte Hornets to make it out of the play-in.
First Pick: San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Under 221.5
Rundown: The Trail Blazers hot stretch to close the season to first bump the Los Angeles Clippers out of the eighth seed and then knock off the Phoenix Suns to clinch the seventh seed has been powered by defense.
With lockdown perimeter defenders like Toumani Camara and Jrue Holiday and solid rim protection provided by Donovan Clingan, Portland has found a winning formula on the defensive end of the court.
But you can take everything positive to say about the Trail Blazers defense and double it for the Spurs, who rank third in the league in defensive net rating.
All signs point to a slugfest of a series, where both teams’ playoff inexperience combined with how difficult things will be for both offenses will combine for several low-scoring games.
That trend will begin Sunday night, as Wembanyama and Trail Blazers All-Star Deni Avdija both show growing pains in their first playoff games of their careers.
Second Pick: Detroit Pistons -9 over Orlando Magic
#2 C Jarred Vanderbilt of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a slam dunk during an NBA game against the Detroit Pistons on December 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.
Darwin Walker - The Sporting Tribune
#2 C Jarred Vanderbilt of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a slam dunk during an NBA game against the Detroit Pistons on December 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.
Rundown: This column did not give Orlando any chance at beating the Hornets in the final game of the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, but the Magic showed something in their blowout victory.
The Magic’s young core’s offensive fit has been the main catalyst for their disappointing season, but they still have flashes of excellent defense that we saw against Charlotte.
However, the 60-win Pistons are just not a good matchup for the Magic.
Detroit had the second-best ranked defense in the NBA this season, and have rangy, physical wing defenders who match up well with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
The Magic were a poor road team all season, going 19-20 on the road, and head into Sunday’s matchup with a significant rest disadvantage, having played just two days ago compared to the week of rest the Pistons have had.
While Orlando can give Detroit a few close games in this series, it is unlikely to be tonight, as the Pistons cover with a double-digit victory.
Chariots of flame and fuel danced across Kansas Speedway during the 2026 AdventHealth 400.
Toyotas have tended to find life atop Kansas City's asphalt plains, claiming six of the last 12 races to fall onto the scorched surface. Sunday's race was no exception; Denny Hamlin won the race's opening stage, while the likes of Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace showed sizzling speed at different points in the race's final stage.
Which driver prevailed amid smoke and steam on the famous tri-oval? The Sporting News fills you in on the race winner and final standings from Sunday's race at Kansas Speedway, the 2026 AdventHealth 400.
The New York Giants have the ability to be one of the most exciting teams in the upcoming NFL draft. With John Harbaugh as the team's new coach, the idea of who the team will put with Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo should excite those who are diehard fans of Big Blue.
One of the most tantalizing prospects in the entire class is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. With the ability to be one of the best running back prospects the league has seen in years, the Giants have a chance to land the kind of player who had the hype that Saquon Barkley had when they drafted him at No. 2 overall in 2018.
While running back may not be the Giants' biggest need, Love is the kind of player you just can't pass on. I have been on the record for some time as stating exactly that. However, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggests that the team should do the exact opposite when it comes to Love. Here was his take:
"There are a lot of reasons to be excited about the New York Giants offense moving into 2026. With John Harbaugh taking over in Jaxson Dart's sophomore season, the Giants seem to be headed in a good direction.
There's certainly a faction that would say the offense's development could be accelerated by taking Jeremiyah Love with the fifth pick. The Notre Dame product is the No. 2 player on our big board who could make Dart's life easier.
The reality is that the Giants running game was already a strength last season. They were fifth in EPA per rush and ran for nearly 2,200 yards as a team. Love would concentrate that production and make it more dangerous, but the Giants have bigger needs.
For instance, the defense was dead last in EPA allowed per rush and the pass coverage wasn't anything to write home about. A defensive playmaker or a receiver to replace Wan'Dale Robinson are more valuable selections for Harbaugh and Co."
With that kind of firepower, the Giants now have major flexibility with their picks. They have a chance to land two premium players and even if they have two positional needs that they consider major, they don't need to try and fill those with these two picks.
HC Harbaugh, Giants are "especially high" on Jeremiyah Love, per @JordanRaanan:
Instead, the Giants should look to land the best player on the board with at least one of these picks and unless the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals or Tennessee Titans select Love between picks two and four, he absolutely needs to be the Giants' selection at No. 5.
The Giants could still have a chance to add one of the best wide receivers, offensive linemen, or defensive linemen at No. 10. That draft class would be a home run, almost regardless of how rounds two through seven went.
The Boston Celtics officially began their 63rd appearance in an NBA playoffs on Sunday, routing the Philadelphia 76ers, 123-91, at TD Garden in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.
The Celtics never trailed on Sunday afternoon and led by as many as 35 points.
Boston made franchise history with the win as well.
"The Celtics dominate the 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 🍀 It was Boston's largest margin of victory in a playoff opener ever. How many games will this series go?" The Athletic posted on Bluesky.
Jayson Tatum had a successful return to the playoffs, 11 months after suffering a torn Achilles in the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
Tatum finished with 25 points (including 21 in the first half), a game-high 11 rebounds and team-high seven assists.
Jayson Tatum moved ahead of his idol during a sensational start to the 2025-26 postseason.
Less than a year removed from his devastating Achilles tear, Tatum steered the Boston Celtics to a 123-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The star forward continued an expedited return to peak form by registering 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to open the first-round playoff series.
In the second quarter, Tatum extended Boston's lead to 23 by making his only three-pointer of the game. With that bucket, the NBA noted that Tatum passed Kobe Bryant for 11th on the all-time leaderboard in playoff threes.
TATUM PASSES KOBE 👏
With this three, Jayson Tatum passes Kobe Bryant for 11th on the all-time playoff 3-POINTERS MADE list! pic.twitter.com/0tV3Cf6oW8
Tatum broke a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers legend by draining his 293rd career postseason triple. He's now one behind matching J.R. Smith for 10th and 22 behind Danny Green, but Stephen Curry laps the field at 650.
That wasn't the only impressive milestone Tatum reached on Sunday. Taylor Snow noted that Tatum became the seventh player in Celtics history to secure 1,000 career postseason rebounds.
According to StatMuse, Tatum has the fifth-most playoff games with at least 25 points among Eastern Conference players behind LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Dwyane Wade.
After the game, Tatum told ESPN's Jorge Sedano that it was an "incredible feeling" to play postseason basketball after not knowing if he would return at all this season.
Today was probably the most excited and relaxed and grateful I've been in my nine years of being in the playoffs," Tatum said. "I'm just super happy to be able to be out here and play."
STILLWATER — The level of panic that flooded Cowgirl Stadium with two outs in the top of the seventh inning surpassed anything that has been felt when the Oklahoma State softball team was in danger of losing a game.
When a line drive ricocheted off the throwing hand of OSU pitcher Ruby Meylan, causing the ace to drop her glove and walk immediately toward the dugout, far more than the game was in jeopardy.
“I saw the season flashing in front of me just real quick,” OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said.
But after getting checked by coaches and the athletic trainer, Meylan fought past the pain to record the final out of a 7-5 win over No. 11 Arizona on Sunday afternoon.
“She hit it hard and I’m just glad Ruby was able to persevere through it,” said catcher Audrey Schneidmiller, who provided the winning runs with a two-run homer in the fifth inning.
The win clinched a series victory for the Cowgirls, giving them three wins in the last five days against teams ranked 16th or better in the RPI. With OSU in need of wins like that to improve its case for a top-16 seed in the NCAA Tournament, this has been a valuable week.
But it doesn’t end now. The Cowgirls head south to take on Texas, which holds a No. 5 poll ranking but is No. 2 in the RPI before a three-game series at Baylor.
“I wish I could say ‘Whew, take a breath,’” Gajewski said. “There’s no rest for the weary. But it feels good. I’m gonna sleep good tonight, I can tell you that.”
Cowgirls provide critical response
Gajewski said he sensed poor energy around his team prior to Saturday’s game, a 9-1 run-rule win by Arizona.
Then the Wildcats struck for four runs in the top of the first inning, and Gajewski wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
“I initially thought, ‘Well, we’re gonna have to dig in. We’re gonna find out where we’re at,’” Gajewski said. “I was a little concerned, but seven innings, Ruby’s good.”
When leadoff hitter Claire Timm reached on a bunt single in the bottom of the first, Gajewski felt the mood rise, and his nerves settled. A walk and a single loaded the bases and Lexi McDonald continued her hot hitting with a two-run single.
Amanda Hasler singled in a run and another scored when Tia Warsop grounded into a double play, tying the game at 4.
From there, the offense was dialed in and Meylan rebooted, allowing one run on three hits over the final six innings to earn her 20th win of the year.
The responses to both the Saturday loss and Sunday’s early deficit were comforting for Gajewski.
“A great response by this program and this team,” he said. “When we answered back, I thought we were in a good spot. Ruby was more mentally fatigued than physically.
“We knew it was gonna be a grind, especially against a good, well-coached team. Good weekend.”
Some of OSU’s biggest wins this season have included key hits by Schneidmiller.
She forced extra innings against Nebraska with a two-out, RBI single in the bottom of the seventh of an eventual OSU win. She put the Cowgirls up in the fourth inning of the Bedlam win on Wednesday night.
And after Arizona had answered to tie Sunday’s game at 5 in the top of the fifth, Schneidmiller drilled her third home run of the season for what turned out to be the game-winning runs.
But it wasn’t without a bit of drama.
As Schneidmiller came down the third base line, a teammate touched her before her foot hit home plate, which is not allowed. Arizona coach Caitlin Lowe argued for an out, but umpires issued a warning to OSU, as the rulebook calls for.
It led to a long delay as umpires confirmed the ruling and showed the rulebook to Lowe — and that left Schneidmiller feeling a bit nervous.
“I mean, wouldn’t anybody?” she said. “That was a crazy moment when you think what I just did for my team might be taken away. I’m really glad that it didn’t happen, but yeah, in the moment, I was pretty nervous.”
Scoring ahead of Schneidmiller on the play was outfielder Tia Warsop, who reached base on a bunt single, and advanced to third on a throwing error. The hit was the 100th of her career.
“I didn’t even know I was getting close to it, so that’s really fun,” Warsop said. “I just do it for the people behind me, so that feels good to do that for everyone.
“This was a super-important response for us today, especially from that first inning. We had a little talk about putting everything in, especially for Ruby. She’s thrown her butt off this entire series and we want to do it for her. And we responded.”
After an inning-ending flyout to left field in the third and a one-out lineout to shortstop two frames later, Volpe led off the seventh with a single through the middle against Luke Russo.
Following Volpe's second knock, which had an exit velocity of 104.2 mph, he stole second base.
Through 11 at-bats with Somerset since last Tuesday, Volpe (left shoulder surgery recovery) has four hits -- all singles -- and three strikeouts. He has two stolen bases and one walk.
That's 104.2 mph off the bat for Anthony Volpe! 🔥
He rocks a base hit up the middle for his first multi-hit game of his MLB rehab assignment. pic.twitter.com/Qj2IdYpN6V
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 16: Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC walks on the second hole during day one of LIV Golf Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec on April 16, 2026 in Mexico City. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Bryson DeChambeau withdrew from the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City on Sunday, citing an injury to his wrist that he did not want to further aggravate.
DeChambeau, who was trying to become the first player to win three straight times on LIV Golf, started poorly at Chapultepec Golf Club and was 16 shots behind Jon Rahm when he withdrew.
“I experienced some discomfort in my wrist during yesterday’s round and have decided to withdraw from the the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City to prevent further injury,” DeChambeau said on a social media post. “Not how I wanted this week to go.”
DeChambeau said he would be evaluated and hoped to be at LIV Golf Virginia on May 7-10, a week before the PGA Championship.
He missed the cut in the Masters last week when he took two shots to get out of a bunker and made triple bogey on his last hole.
Rahm took a two-shot lead into the final round in Mexico City. The week has been filled with uncertainty surrounding the Saudi-funded league, with CEO Scott O’Neil writing a memo to staff to say LIV was assured of funding through the end of the year amid reports speculating about the league’s financial future.
Also on Sunday, LIV announced it would be returning to Chapultepec next year.
Napoli forward Lukaku back in Naples as tensions ease after rift
Romelu Lukaku has landed in Naples, touching down at Capodichino airport on Sunday evening in a private jet from Brussels as he prepares to end a prolonged absence that has become one of the more turbulent subplots of Napoli’s season.
According to CalcioNapoli24, the Belgian striker offered no comment to waiting journalists as he made his way through the airport, pausing only briefly when a small inconvenience delayed his exit, having left his tablet on the private jet, he was required to wait in a van for several minutes before it was retrieved.
He was visibly preoccupied, understandably so given the circumstances surrounding his return.
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Napoli star Lukaku set for Conte meeting
In the coming hours, Lukaku is expected to meet with Antonio Conte and the club’s hierarchy in an attempt to repair a relationship that has been strained since March, when the Belgian chose to remain in Belgium during the international break rather than report to Castel Volturno as instructed.
Napoli responded by fining him for unauthorised absence, a rare and pointed escalation that underlined the seriousness of the situation.
The two men have not come face-to-face since Napoli’s victory over Cagliari on 20 March, making Monday’s planned return to training the first opportunity for a proper reconciliation.
Lukaku’s season has been wretched, a major hamstring injury in pre-season restricted him to just 64 minutes of action before January, and he has managed only 40 minutes of Serie A football since.
With five games remaining and a Champions League place still to be secured, Napoli will hope the return of their record signing, however belated, can provide some additional firepower in the run-in.
Kody and Alicia Funderburk were excited to find out last September that they were expecting their first child. But when a test result early during pregnancy came back abnormal, that excitement became tinged with fear as the couple spent the following months searching for answers.
Eventually, they finally got one: Alicia was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January, starting chemotherapy right before TwinsFest. Had Alicia not become pregnant when she did, there’s no telling how long it might have taken to detect the cancer.
“Yeah, this sucks, but we do have a lot of positives to be thankful for, and I think that’s really what you lean into when something like this is going on,” Kody said.
Alicia quickly began chemotherapy, which was halted as she neared her due date. The Twins reliever will be placed on the paternity list for the upcoming series against the Mets with Alicia set to be induced on Monday. Weeks after Baby Funderburk is born, Alicia will resume treatment.
While there was a worry that the test results could come back as breast cancer, which runs in Alicia’s family, Kody said the doctors were all optimistic from the beginning with this diagnosis.
“We caught it early enough. It was just more about ‘OK, what do we need to do?’ ” he said. “Kind of like how baseball is, you kind of get to your process ‘OK, what’s next?’ ‘OK, go execute that.’ ‘What’s next?’ “OK, let’s do that.’ And every step of the way, our doctors and team were super supportive and compassionate. Never once did we ever feel like this was going to get out of hand or anything like that.”
The Funderburks decided to go public with their story earlier this week and have received an outpouring of support from Twins fans since then. The support he’s gotten from within the clubhouse, too, for the past few months has allowed Funderburk to come to work and “stay level-headed and be excited about baseball.”
It also helped him this spring when he headed to Fort Myers, Florida, for six weeks while Alicia stayed back in the Twin Cities undergoing treatment, often alone.
“It’s absolutely amazing what she’s gone through,” he said. “I think that’s freakin’ badass that she’s strong enough and tough enough to go do it on her own and take care of the two dogs at the house and be by herself going through it. A lot of props to her.”
Though manager Derek Shelton and pitching coach Pete Maki told Funderburk he could fly home if needed, Alicia was doing well, and the couple decided it would be best for him to stay in camp as he prepared for the season.
Through it, Shelton has marveled at the energy and positivity Funderburk has brought to the ballpark despite everything that is happening at home.
“The consistency that he has on a daily basis, I think, shows how grounded he is and how rooted he is,” Shelton said. “He’s handled it unbelievably well.”
Now, after the surprise of the cancer diagnosis, the couple is finally ready to meet their baby — and for another big surprise: Per Alicia’s request, they decided to wait until birth to find out whether they would be welcoming a boy or girl.
“There’s not really any anxiousness,” Kody said. “I think I’m more excited to have my first child, and obviously the pregnancy wasn’t exactly how we were expecting, so I’m kind of ready to get past that and welcome the baby and then get my wife back on treatment.”
But while there might be a seven-point gap separating Liverpool in fifth and Chelsea in sixth, scrolling further down the table, the Europa League and Europa Conference League spots are anyone's guess.
Just three points separate the sixth and 12th places - the smallest margin ever on this date in the Premier League's 34-season history.
Six points separate sixth and 14th.
Only once before in Premier League history has the gap between sixth and 14th been tighter on this date (19 April) and that was in the very first season of the competition in 1992-93 (five points).
So, with even ninth place possibly good enough for a European tour next campaign, BBC Sport takes a look at the state of play.
Man Utd, Villa and Liverpool set for Champions League?
This season the Premier League's top five all qualify for the Champions League.
Title-chasers Arsenal and Manchester City are both already assured of a top-five finish.
Manchester United are third, level on 58 points with Aston Villa who beat Sunderland 4-3 in a thrilling encounter on Sunday.
United and Villa are 10 points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea with only 15 more to play for. They both need just six more points to qualify for Europe's premier competition.
In fifth are Liverpool, who left it late to beat rivals Everton 2-1. They are seven points clear of Chelsea.
Which Premier League places will lead to Europe?
Whoever finishes sixth in the Premier League gets a Europa League spot and seventh will receive a Europa Conference League berth.
The winner of the FA Cup also qualifies for the Europa League.
But if the FA Cup is won by a team already in the Champions League or Europa League by league position, everything shifts down a place.
So sixth and seventh could be good enough for the Europa League and eighth for the Europa Conference League.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Leeds and Championship side Southampton make up this year's FA Cup semi-finals.
English clubs winning any of the three European competitions this season could also add extra spots - with potentiality ninth earning a spot in the Europa Conference League.
Sixth-placed Chelsea are on a torrid run of form having lost five of their past six matches. They have 48 points, the same as Brentford and Bournemouth.
Below them are Brighton and Everton, in ninth and 10th respectively, on 47 points. Sunderland are 11th with 46 points and Fulham 12th with 45.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle, in 13th and 14th with 42 points, may even challenge for a top-eight finish.
And with Leeds in 15th with 39 points still not mathematically safe from the drop zone, there's an argument that at this stage of the season every single team still has something to play for.
NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first vs Punjab Kings at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, in New Chandigarhon on Sunday.
In a big change for LSG, Manimaran Siddharth came in and Digvesh Rathi missed out from the playing XI.
While Punjab Kings made no changes to their side.
"We are going to bowl first. Coming here, we want them to set a total for us. They've been one of the best team in the tournament, but at the same time, it gives us that freedom that we can play more freely with them. Generally, I feel, playing for 220 runs is better than playing for 200 sometimes. (Manimaran) Siddharth comes in and (Digvesh) Rathi misses out. (And that elbow is fine?) Much better," Pant said at the toss.
While PBKS skipper Iyer said, " I feel that it's a great challenge for us and going forward in the tournament, at least we'll have a fair idea about how to go in the first innings, since we haven't batted first so far. So it's a great challenge for the boys as well and as a collective team effort, it would be great challenge. (Any areas to improve?) Yes, absolutely, a comprehensive win. We've played so many matches in the tournament, but still there is a moment that we haven't fulfilled yet. So it's important that this game would be the one where we go in all together, see to it that we put our best foot forward and have that comprehensive win as I mentioned. We're going with the same team."
Teams:
Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, Manimaran Siddharth, Mohsin Khan
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh(w), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact substitutes for both the teams:
Lucknow Super Giants Impact subs: Abdul Samad, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Matthew Breetzke, Mayank Yadav, Himmat Singh
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Erling Haaland of Manchester City scores their second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Arsenal fell 2-1 to Manchester City putting the Premier League title fully into chaos. If both sides win out, it’ll come down to goal difference. The loss feels like a tremendous blow (and it is) but it is not a knockout punch. If there is a silver lining to be found, it’s that Arsenal played better than they have in the Premier League in a while. This race isn’t over, not by a long shot.
The match was there for the taking, too. That’s the frustrating part. Arsenal had the better chances in the second half. Kai Havertz was denied on a breakaway and the Gunners couldn’t scramble the rebound home. Ebere Eze curled a shot off the inside of the post. Gabriel headed a ball onto the post. Havertz put a mostly free header over the bar in second half added time.
Manchester City had one gilt-edged chance in the second half and Erling Haaland converted it, with an assist to nearly pulling the shirt off Gabriel’s body to stop the defender reacting to the loose ball and to slingshot himself towards getting there first. It wasn’t a case of a centerback and striker battling and one winning out. Only one player was grabbing the other.
I suppose you could say it evened out with Gabriel remaining on the pitch after his coming together with Haaland 10-15 minutes later where the Brazilian defender shoved forward with his head (in response to Haaland shoving him, then getting in his face). But does that flashpoint even happen if the match is 1-1 instead of 2-1 to City?
I’m usually a Gabriel Martinelli defender, but man, the Brazilian winger was dreadful today. He was presumably brought on to help Cristhian Mosquera out defensively with the Spaniard on a yellow card and on a tough assignment against Jeremy Doku. Mosquera did really well in the second half before making way for Ben White, by the way. Martinelli, unfortunately, did not. On City’s winner, you can see Martin Ødegaard motion for Martinelli to track Nico O’Reilly. Instead, Martinelli steps forward and wide to cover someone else.
Donnarumma spots O’Reilly in space and his throw completely bypasses Martinelli. City get the ball up the pitch for free as a result. And Martinelli, with all his pace and fresh legs, doesn’t hustle back. That part is inexcusable. In the end, it’s Martin Ødegaard, bum knee and all, who gets closer to making a defensive intervention in the box than Martinelli.
Nico O’Reilly was one of Manchester City’s difference-makers today. I can’t help but wonder if he’d have been able to be nearly as influential in the match if he’d been forced to defend Bukayo Saka instead of Noni Madueke and then Gabriel Martinelli, playing on his off-wing. And look at the difference a fullback who is good on the ball makes. It’s a shame that Arsenal had to play without both of their first choice outside backs.
Both Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera did fine. Mosquera had a tough time with Doku but did well enough considering he’s more a centerback than an outside back. Hincapie had an excellent game. He played, as he always does, with a ton of heart, but he’s not the same attacking threat that Riccardo Calafiori is. In a game decided on fine margins, that extra bit of attacking impetus could have made the difference. The one occasion where Hincapie got forward promisingly, he was taken down from behind as he tried to turn the corner into the box, much in the same way that Kai Havertz was taken down by Khusanov earlier in the second half.
Ultimately, this match was another reminder of what Arsenal have been missing this season, particularly down the stretch. I’ve already mentioned the fullbacks. The combination of Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, and Ebere Eze on attack was a revelation. The ball moved around and up the pitch with more fluidity. Players seemed comfortable on the ball. The attack looked miles better. I believe it’s the first time that trio have been available to start a game together. Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, and Bukayo Saka have barely played together in two years.
Saka, by the way, is the Arsenal player most likely to do what Rayan Cherki did on Manchester City’s opening goal. That is dribble around and through multiple players en route to scoring. I don’t think any other player besides Kai Havertz at #9 for Arsenal gets close enough to Donnarumma to block that clearance into the back of the net.
The side gave a pretty good accounting of themselves tough. I’m finding it hard to be too upset with them falling short on such slim margins, though. A combined total of a few inches on two or three chances and this thing goes the other way. Oddly enough, the way the side played, even in a losing effort, gives me hope that they’ve got the attacking chops to win out and force Manchester City to do the same.
Ben Whittaker delivered a statement performance last Saturday, knocking out Braian Suarez in the first round at the Liverpool Arena in England.
The Olympic silver medallist needed just over two minutes to secure the stoppage, overwhelming his opponent with precision and power in a dominant display.
That performance reinforced his growing reputation, but Whittaker later revealed that a key change in his mindset played a major role in his recent approach.
Ben Whittaker says Terence Crawford gave him game-changing advice
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Speaking in the post-fight press conference, Whittaker opened up about a conversation with Terence Crawford that reshaped how he handles fights.
Crawford, widely regarded as one of boxing’s elite fighters, has built a 42-0 professional record and multiple world titles across different weight classes. Therefore, when he speaks about boxing, it is worth listening.
Whittaker explained that their exchange came during a meeting in Dubai, where ‘Bud’ offered a direct assessment of his style.
The British boxer said (via Fight Hub TV): “I liked messing around and, when I was in Dubai for an event, I saw Terence Crawford and he said, ‘Trust me, bro, you’re a great fighter, you’ve got all the skill, but you play with your food too much.’ And I sat back and thought, ‘That’s true actually, I do play with my food too much.’
“And ever since then I’ve been knocking them clean out but that’s just me as well, I do like to mess around, but I can do both. I can hop on one foot, I can spin around, I can look into the crowd, but the shots there to take it that’s what I like to do now”
The results support that shift. Across 12 professional fights, Whittaker has recorded 11 wins and one draw, with eight of those victories coming by knockout or technical knockout.
That balance between showmanship and efficiency is now becoming a defining feature of his rise, with the Suarez stoppage serving as another example of his evolving approach.
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) looks for space Monday, April 6, 2026, against the Michigan Wolverines during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar/Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
NCAA Tournament star Braylon Mullins will stick around one more season at UConn in hopes of winning a national championship instead of heading straight to the NBA.
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard made his announcement Saturday on his Instagram account with highlight clips of his biggest shots and the words “unfinished business.”
Mullins was projected to be a first-round pick.
The 2025 IndyStar Indiana Mr. Basketball Award winner became a national sensation when he made a 35-footer with 0.4 seconds left to cap UConn’s incredible comeback to beat top-seeded Duke 73-72 to win the East Region title, sending the Huskies to their third Final Four in four years.
But he had been a key player for the Huskies once he returned from an ankle injury that kept him out of UConn’s first six games. He was fourth on the team in scoring at 12.0 points per game and also averaged 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals. He finished third on the team with 72 3-pointers, five behind Alex Karaban who played in all 40 games and Solo Ball who played in 39.
Mullins scored 15 points in a victory over Illinois before finishing with 11 in the national championship game loss to Michigan — with both games being played about a 30-minute drive from his alma mater, Greenfield-Central High School.
The women’s basketball game has clearly evolved over the last decade, and Notre Dame’s latest transfer commitment Anaya Hardy is one that has done that.
The former Louisville forward didn’t made much noise in her two seasons with the Cardinals, but has doesn’t mean that there isn’t potential in her game. In a clip shared on social media, Hardy shows off her hops, dunking during warmups.
It’s a very impressive feat, as not many female players can do the same. If head coach Niele Ivey can tap into some of Hardy’s potential, we could be seeing her accomplishing this feat in a game.
At 6-foot, 3-inches she brings some much needed size to Notre Dame’s front court, with plenty of explosiveness as well.
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
When the transfer portal window closes on April 21, Luke Loucks will close the books on what has been the most aggressive and consequential offseason in his young tenure at Florida State. Four portal additions, six high school signees and a critical returning piece have completely reshaped the Seminoles' roster from top to bottom in just two weeks.
FSU has assembled a group that blends immediate production with long-term depth in a way the program hasn't seen in years. With the roster now largely in place, here is an updated way-too-early projection of how the 2026-27 Seminoles could look come November.
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
PG — Anthony Robinson II (Transfer, Missouri)
The homecoming headliner is the natural fit at the point. Robinson, a Tallahassee native who attended Florida High and spent three years in the SEC at Missouri, averaged 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game this past season before choosing to come home.
Robinson was FSU's third portal addition of the cycle and arrives having already established himself as one of the conference's elite on-ball defenders as he was the only underclassman named to the SEC All-Defensive Team in 2024-25.
SG — Kameron Taylor (Transfer, UNC Asheville)
The offensive centerpiece of the portal haul steps in as FSU's potential primary scoring option on Day 1. Taylor averaged 18.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game this past season, earning Big South All-Conference First Team honors as the league's leading scorer.
The 6-foot-7 wing's ability to create off the bounce, attack the rim, and draw contact gives FSU an offensive weapon it simply did not have a season ago.
SF — Thomas Bassong (Sophomore, FSU)
The one returning piece Loucks absolutely needed to keep is back and primed for a breakout. Bassong elected to forego the transfer portal and remain at FSU after a freshman campaign in which he emerged as one of the team's most important players down the stretch.
The 6-foot-8 French forward brings physicality, rebounding toughness, and two-way versatility to a starting lineup that now surrounds him with far more talent than he had a year ago. A full offseason as the roster's most experienced holdover should accelerate his offensive development considerably.
PF — Sebastian Rancik (Transfer, Colorado)
The most significant portal addition of the cycle slots in at the four and immediately elevates the front court to a level that can compete in the ACC. Rancik, a 6-foot-11 sophomore, started 26 of 29 appearances for Colorado this past season and averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 28.1 minutes per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from three.
His ability to stretch the defense from the power forward spot, pass out of the high post, and protect the rim gives Loucks a positionally versatile front-court piece capable of thriving in the modern ACC.
C — Marcis Ponder (Freshman, Gillion Basketball Academy)
The crown jewel of FSU's nationally ranked recruiting class anchors the paint. Ponder is ranked among the top-100 national recruits in the 2026 class and arrives as a 6-foot-11, 260-pound interior force whose combination of size, rebounding instincts, and shot-blocking ability gives the Seminoles a true defensive anchor down low.
Ponder and Rancik together give FSU one of the most physically imposing front-court combinations in the entire ACC — a pairing that could define the program for years to come.
KEY BENCH PLAYERS
Shon Abaev (Transfer, Cincinnati | Foward)
The former McDonald's All-American brings elite pedigree and enormous upside to a frontcourt that is suddenly overflowing with talent. FSU already has more transfers from major conference schools this cycle than they did all of last year, and Abaev headlined that group when he committed earlier this month.
A healthy Abaev pushing Rancik and Ponder for minutes is a problem every program in the ACC would love to have.
Martay Barnes (Freshman, G — Academy of Central Florida)
The reclassified early enrollee and one of FSU's most electric perimeter prospects brings pace and defensive instincts to the backcourt rotation. His upside as a contributor from the jump is among the highest on the entire roster.
JD Jones (Freshman, G — Phoenix Country Day School)
The son of NBA executive James Jones brings high-character toughness and scoring versatility to the backcourt depth chart. Jones compiled 1,762 career points, the second-highest total in Phoenix Country Day School history, and was named region Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year as a senior while leading his team to a 25-2 record and a state semifinal appearance.
Amare Robinson (Transfer, Tallahassee State College | G)
The younger Robinson brother adds depth and defensive toughness to the backcourt. Both Robinson brothers were coached by now-Florida A&M head coach Charlie Ward during their prep years at Florida State University School — a Tallahassee connection that runs as deep as any in the program's history.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich’s players lined up with the image of a white cockatoo statue on their T-shirts as they celebrated winning another Bundesliga title on Sunday.
But few were expecting to see the cockatoo again after it played a central role in the celebrations when Bayern also won the Bundesliga title last season.
“He had to wait a long time before we could let him out of his cage again,” Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka joked after celebrating with the cockatoo statue that made its first appearance last season.
Bayern’s players had been following the Freiburg-Leverkusen match on TV in a Munich restaurant and they took a shine to a statue of a cockatoo there. They unofficially adopted it as their new team mascot. One of the players – it’s not clear who – took the cockatoo statue from the restaurant and it subsequently claimed a prominent position on the stage a week later when the team was presented with the Bundesliga trophy.
“I’m not saying who it was,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said at the time. “The story will come out some time.”
Pep Guardiola pays heartfelt tribute to Bernardo Silva after beating Arsenal – and gives update on Rodri’s injury
Pep Guardiola paid a heartfelt tribute to Bernardo Silva after his man of the match display in the win over title rivals Arsenal.
Goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland gave Manchester City a 2-1 win at the Etihad as they moved three points behind the league leaders with a game in hand.
“If I talk too much I will cry,” the City boss said.
“I can just say thank you on behalf of this club for what you have done.
“Bernardo proves that football starts in the brain to the feet. He’s not the fastest, the quickest, but he knows what is required in every single action. Commitment, he’s never injured.
“Last season defined him. When everybody was not there, always he was there suffering. His mentality.
“One thing that’s important is he always sees the positive things in life.
“He deserves the biggest recognition. When you write the legend, you have to write his name in capital letters. Not (just) for today, but every single game in nine years. Without him it would have been so, so, so difficult because he’s a special player.
“The team where he goes will be so lucky to have him.”
Guardiola had said before the game that failure to win would likely spell the end of his side’s title hopes, but despite the victory, he played down suggestions that City should now be considered favourites.
“That game gives us hope, that’s all,” he said. “I said to the guys, enjoy the moment but don’t lose the focus right now. We have three or four weeks. I know what the message will be.
“I’m so impressed with the quality of the opponent, they are really, really good. People say we have momentum but when you see them compete it’s an extraordinary team. Otherwise you cannot go all season top of the Premier League and in the Champions League unbeaten.
“I know how difficult it is to beat them once, let alone twice in the margin of three weeks or one month.
“They were a little bit higher step (today) than in the Carabao Cup when they arrive nine points, ten points (clear). All the messages was that it’s easy for Arsenal and that’s why we had that margin that we keep, to be honest, today.”
The only negative for City was an injury for midfielder Rodri who was forced off in the second half.
“His groin, I think” Guardiola said on the Spaniard’s issue. “But the doctors said we’ll see. Do a test tonight or tomorrow morning.”
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Bayern Munich's English forward #09 Harry Kane (L) celebrates with team mates after scoring the 4-1 goal as fans cheer in the background during the German first division Bundesliga football match between FC Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart in Munich, southern Germany, on April 19, 2026. (Photo by Karl-Josef HILDENBRAND / AFP via Getty Images) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO | AFP via Getty Images
WIR SIND DEUTSCHER MEISTER!
Rotation worked wonders
In a match where Bayern Munich had the opportunity to seal the deal and become Bundesliga champions, Kompany opted for significant rotation and there were some solid performances from depth players such as Raphaël Guerreiro who allowed players such as Michael Olise to rest. Not only did this benefit the overworked players but fresh players such as Guerreiro and Alphonso Davies had good games.
Health is the number one priority
As great as it feels to win the league, this was pretty much wrapped up for the last few weeks. While it is time for celebration now, the true victory is keeping the squad fit and healthy for the big matches coming down the stretch.
Nicolas Jackson showed improvement
Jackson is arguably the most criticized player in this team, and often times for good reason. However, Jackson looked solid today in Kane’s place. Was it enough to extend Jackson in Munich? No. However, it’s a good sign as Jackson will likely start again here in the Bundesliga.
This has been a truly special season
From the very start of the season, this year has felt unique. The summer signings have been massively important for the club and Kompany’s side is operating at a different level at the moment. While losing Gnabry is a tough blow, you’d have to pick Bayern as favorites to still win the treble.
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…
Bayern Munich have won back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Vincent Kompany [Getty Images]
Bayern Munich clinched a 35th league title on Sunday by beating Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena - but could this prove to be the most impressive triumph of them all?
After nearest challengers Borussia Dortmund fell to defeat at Hoffenheim on Saturday, Bayern needed only a draw to win a 13th title in 14 seasons.
But, as has been the case all season, they turned on the style and came from behind to beat Champions League-chasing Stuttgart 4-2.
Victory keeps Bayern's hopes of winning the Treble alive, with semi-finals against Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup and Paris St-Germain in the Champions League to come this month.
BBC Sport takes a closer look at the numbers behind Bayern's dominant campaign.
The best team in Bundesliga history?
When Bayern began the season by thrashing RB Leipzig 6-0, it felt like an early warning to the rest of the Bundesliga.
England captain Harry Kane, who scored a hat-trick, Michael Olise and summer signing Luis Diaz were on the scoresheet as Bayern swatted Ole Werner's team aside on home soil.
Over the next 29 games that trio evolved into one of the most formidable forward lines the Bundesliga has seen, driving Bayern to a record 109 goals.
Kane, Olise and Diaz have scored 59 of those.
In the history of the Bundesliga, only two teams had previously reached the 100-goal mark - Bayern in 1971-72 and 2019-20.
The fact that Vincent Kompany's side have surpassed that tally with four games remaining is testament to their breathtaking quality and relentless mentality.
With three of their final matches coming against bottom-half opposition, including second-bottom Wolfsburg and bottom club Heidenheim, Bayern will have their sights set on pushing towards 120 goals.
But it is not just in attack where Bayern have excelled this season. The 35-time champions have been equally impressive at the back, conceding only 29 goals.
Should they win their remaining matches, they would equal the record for the most points in a Bundesliga season - 91, set by Jupp Heynckes' treble-winning Bayern 13 years ago.
Kane has scored 139 goals in 136 games since joining Bayern in 2023 [Getty Images]
'You have to be winning major trophies'
It was only fitting that Kane scored on a historic afternoon in Munich on Sunday.
There have been several standout performers for Bayern this season, but none more so than the number nine.
It was only two years ago that Kane was being challenged about his decision to move to Germany as Bayern ended a season trophyless for the first time in 12 years.
But fast forward to the present day and Kane has not only helped his side return to the summit of German football by winning back-to-back titles, but has also put himself in contention to win football's most prestigious individual accolade - the Ballon d'Or - after netting 32 goals in 27 Bundesliga appearances this term.
No player in Europe's top five leagues has managed more goals than Kane's 50 in all competitions.
Now in his third season at Bayern, Kane is also delivering in the Champions League.
This month he scored home and away against Real Madrid in the quarter‑finals to help Bayern reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2024, while equalling Frank Lampard as the highest‑scoring Englishman in the knockout stages of the competition with 15 goals.
"I could score 100 goals this season, but if I don't win the Champions League or the World Cup, you're probably not going to win the Ballon d'Or," said Kane in November.
"It's the same with any player. You have to be winning those major trophies."
If he can help Bayern to a seventh Champions League title and play a leading role for England at this summer's World Cup, Kane would surely have a strong case to become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
2013, 2020... and 2026?
Bayern's attention will now turn to completing the Treble for only the third time in their history after 2013 and 2020.
"In the way we play, we've learned and evolved over the last 12 months," Kane said last month.
"A lot of people forgot it was Kompany's first year last year. We were still learning the way he wanted to play. We were still learning different ideas from him.
"We've really honed in on his ideas now, and for sure we're a better team this year than we were last year."
If Bayern win two more trophies this season, they would become the first European men's team to win the Treble three times.
Rodri has given Manchester City an injury worry for the title race after limping off in their 2-1 win over Arsenal.
The Ballon d’Or winner has a groin problem, which will be examined on Sunday or Monday, as Pep Guardiola waits to discover the extent of the damage.
Rodri, who was replaced by Nico Gonzalez when he went off in the 88th minute, has found his best form of the season in recent weeks as City have recorded four straight wins in all competitions.
They go to Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday and then have an FA Cup semi-final against Southampton on Saturday and could be without Rodri, with Guardiola saying: “The doctors will make tests later or tomorrow.”
The City manager, who had warned the title race would be over if his side lost to league leaders Arsenal, said victory gave his team hope and was pleased they are still alive.
Rayan Cherki opened the scoring for City and, after Kai Havertz levelled following a mistake from Gianluigi Donnarumma, Erling Haaland got a second half-decider.
And Guardiola added: “We have hopes and still extend the chance to fight until the end. We were not in our best, I give a lot of credit to them but we are alive, we are there. Everybody is pushing.”
But Guardiola, whose team remain second but are three points behind with a game in hand on Arsenal, downplayed suggestions they are favourites now.
“Who is top of the league?” he said. “We are not. In goal difference, they are better. Step by step.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he will not be hard to rouse his players from the disappointment of defeat and argued if he cannot motivate them now, he is in the wrong job.
He said: “If I have to pick [up] the players to win the Premier League with five games to go in our hands and [to] be in the final of the Champions League, I think I should be at home. So it's not the case. It's not needed. It's never been needed, even in difficult moments. So we will go again, that's for sure.”
Sixteen teams will compete for what's often said to be the hardest trophy to win in professional sports, but only one can be crowned NHL champion in June.
Our hockey experts will deliver their NHL Playoffs best bets and NHL picks every day from now until the Stanley Cup is presented.
NHL Playoffs best bets for Sunday, April 19
Game
Best bet
Odds
LAK vs. COL
Avalanche -1.5
+105
MTL vs. TB
Lightning moneyline
-163
BOS vs. BUF
Sabres moneyline
-144
UTA vs. VGK
Golden Knights moneyline
-138
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
Sunday, April 19
Kings vs Avalanche Game 1
3:00 p.m. ET, TNT.
Best bet: Avalanche -1.5 (+105 at Kalshi)
The Colorado Avalanche ran over the Los Angeles Kings in the regular season, winning all three meetings by multiple goals while beating them 13-5 in aggregate.
That was par for the course for Los Angeles when facing high-end teams, especially defensively.
Los Angeles lost seven of its last 10 games against Top-10 defensive teams, averaging 1.8 goals and 24.9 shots per game. Generating offense was a massive challenge.
It won’t get any easier for them against the Avalanche, who went 15-3-1 with a net goal differential of +1.79 per game following 2+ days of rest.
Despite dealing with a ton of injuries all season long, the Tampa Bay Lightning still won 50 games and finished 32 goals above Montreal in goal differential.
They have a better underlying profile, a battle-tested roster, and an advantage in goal. That should shine through.
The Buffalo Sabres' skill, team speed, and home-ice advantage should definitely be a factor after 15 years of sitting on the sidelines come playoff time. If Jeremy Swayman doesn’t stand on his head, it’ll be tough for the Boston Bruins to hang around.
Best bet: Golden Knights moneyline (-138 at Kalshi)
The Vegas Golden Knights rank 1st in expected goal share since the Olympic break and seem to be rounding into form under John Tortorella.
Talent was never the question with them — it was just about getting the players back on track. Torts seems to have done that, which will make them difficult to beat at home.
The NHL is a betting buffet — the key is picking the right market for your edge.
Futures: Not only can you bet on the team you think will win it all in the Stanley Cup odds, but you can also wager on Conn Smythe odds. The latter trophy is awarded to the player judged to be the best performer in the postseason, not just in the Stanley Cup Final
Game lines: The spread, moneyline, and total are the bread-and-butter once the playoffs begin. As the postseason rolls on and teams become more risk-averse, lines will get tighter and totals will drop, so bettors can take advantage of swings throughout series one way or the other.
Props: NHL player props will still be going strong all the way until a potential Game 7 of the Cup Final. The most popular markets include anytime goalscorer, player points, assists, shots on goal, and goalie saves.
Same-game parlays: SGPs can be fun, but value varies. Compare the parlay payout to betting legs individually, and prioritize lines you’d play on their own.
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
DALLAS – Coming off the biggest series-opening win in the 25-year history of the Minnesota Wild, their coach wants even more than the 6-1 drubbing the visitors laid on the Dallas Stars in Game 1.
Meeting with the media on Sunday, which was a day off for the team, John Hynes was quick to point out they his team has won one game, not a series and not a trophy, and they will need to get even better from here.
“We prepped for a few days to play Game 1 and we played Game 1 and we got the result we wanted, but we want to continue to get better as the series goes on,” Hynes said. “As we all know, I think it’s important that you stay focused, you don’t get too high after a win, you don’t get too low after a loss. It’s a series.”
American Airlines Center, the site of this series’ first two games, is where Brock Faber made his playoff debut three years ago in a win. On Saturday in the 2026 opener he played a superlative game according to the advanced statistics, but those numbers and algorithms were unnecessary for anyone who watched Faber with the naked eye, and saw a defenseman who – partnered with headliner Quinn Hughes – is emerging into his own kind of stardom.
“I’ve been playing with Brock for 45 games, maybe a little bit more now, and like I’ve been saying, the more we play together the more we’re going to grow together,” said Hughes, who jumped back into the Game 1 lineup after not skating for a week. “And he can pick my brain and he knows where I want the puck and I know where he wants the puck, and just kind of be able to read off each other without having to say anything.”
For Faber, there’s an acknowledgement that they will face a talented and desperate Stars team on Monday night in Game 2, but also an embrace of the coach’s challenge to be even better as the Wild seek to take a 2-0 series lead for the first time in franchise history.
“We played a good game. There’s things we can improve on, right?” Faber said. “A couple bounces don’t go our way, who knows. I thought we deserved to win that game, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to put it in the past.”
Faber has been with the Wild for three full seasons. Hynes, slightly less than that. Unlike an army of Wild fans that sometimes expects the worst, the coach doesn’t have the long-ago memories of two previous playoff series losses to Dallas. He enters Game 2 looking forward, and wanting more.
“It’s this year. It’s our team. It’s a new year. We’re a different team,” Hynes said, heaping praise on the Stars for their talent, which the Wild don’t look past. “We’re not satisfied with winning one game. The objective is to win a series, and last night’s done. It’s over. We’re taking lessons out of it, and we’re gonna be a better team tomorrow.”
📸 Endrick continues to shine for Lyon with goal and assist at PSG
It's fair to say teenage forward Endrick is enjoying a productive loan spell in Ligue 1 with Lyon.
The 19-year-old Brazilian joined the French side on a temporary basis from Real Madrid in January and he has already produced 14 goal involvements in 17 games.
His latest comes in a crunch clash against Ligue 1 leaders PSG, who are in pole position to claim the title.
However, defeat this evening would open the door back up for nearest challengers Lens, and Lyon have delivered an early blow at the Parc des Princes.
It took just six minutes for the visitors to open the scoring and it was Endrick who was played through and unleashed a stunning effort from inside the box.
Fortunately for Lyon, it didn't take them long to double their advantage as Endrick this time turned provider for Afonso Moreira to rifle home a second.
Despite the additions made at the safety spot this offseason by the Indianapolis Colts, adding to this position should remain on GM Chris Ballard's radar heading into the 2026 NFL draft.
The Colts have now signed Nasir Adderly, Jonathan Owens, and Juanyeh Thomas in free agency. Also on the roster is Hunter Wohler, who will also be in the mix for the starting job next to Cam Bynum.
Whether any one of those players can secure the starting role and provide a consistent presence is unknown, but with several players competing for those snaps, the Colts are at least giving themselves options. That uncertainty, however, is also why continuing to add to this room should still be in play.
From Day 2 of the NFL draft and into Day 3, here are five safety prospects who could be of interest to the Colts.
S AJ Haulcy, LSU
Haulcy is an experienced defender with nearly 3,000 career snaps, spending regular time at both free safety and in the box. He's been a sound run defender by PFF's metrics and has had very good ball production in coverage, logging eight interceptions and 10 pass breakups the last two seasons.
S Bud Clark, TCU
Another experienced safety with over 2,700 defensive snaps played. He was one of PFF's higher graded run defenders at this position and has good ball production as well, with 15 interceptions and 20 pass breakups over four seasons.
At Washington State, most of Gushiken's snaps came from the slot, but at Ole Miss, he was moved around more, regularly playing deep, in the box, and at the nickel. In 2025, Gushiken logged one interception, three pass breakups, and held opponents to a completion rate of 59% on 49 targets. For what it's worth, he graded out well against the run by PFF's metrics. The Colts hosted Gushiken on a pre-draft visit.
S Genesis Smith, Arizona
Smith played all over the secondary, but most of his college snaps came at free safety. He's played over 700 defensive snaps in each of the last two seasons and is listed at 6-2, 204 pounds. Smith has had good ball production in his career and allowed a career-low 12.1 yards per catch in 2025. Missed tackles, however, have been an issue at times, with Smith recording a missed tackle rate of over 20%, according to PFF.
S Michael Taaffe, Texas
Taaffe spent most of his college career lined up at free safety. Over three seasons, he's generated seven interceptions and 10 pass breakups. He's done well to limit big plays, holding pass catchers to under 9.0 per reception the last two seasons when targeted. Taaffe's tackling in 2025 was much improved.
Apr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Tarik Muharemovic: Inter set for formal talks with Sassuolo over transfer
Serie A side Inter can lose a host of defenders in the summer. They remain keen on Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic and will soon hold formal talks for the Bosnian.
Get Italian Football News have covered comments from Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali about the defender’s situation. He made it clear that the Neroverdi’s price tag depends on the club that will come forward, with the valuation likely to be high if English clubs move for him.
Pasquale Guarro has now reported that Muharemovic is the top priority for Inter. The two clubs have had informal discussions, with Inter having spoken to Muharemovic’s entourage too. But soon, Cristian Chivu’s side and Sassuolo will hold formal talks as well.
The deal will also involve Juve, who have a buyback clause in the player’s contract. This means Inter may have to pay a bit extra to sign him but they remain keen. They also want an experienced defender but Muharemovic could come in as a replacement for Alessandro Bastoni, who is angling towards Barcelona.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Arsenal's players are “more convinced” than ever that they can win the Premier League despite losing to title rival Manchester City on Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta said.
The 2-1 defeat at Etihad Stadium was a second straight loss in the league for Arsenal and the fourth in its last six games in all competitions.
City trimmed the gap to Arsenal to three points with a game in hand and, for many, is the new favorite for the title, given its own form — Pep Guardiola's team is unbeaten in the league since Jan. 17 — and pedigree as the winner of six of the last eight championships.
However, Arteta felt the nature of his team's performance bodes well for the future.
“I believe today, I believed on Wednesday, I believed a week ago,” Arteta said. "Because I see them every day and I know the level that we have.
“But today, if they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. They were talking about it in the dressing room. It’s a new league now ... everything is still to play for.”
Arsenal struck the goal frame twice, through Gabriel Magalhaes and Eberechi Eze, while Kai Havertz headed over from close range in stoppage time.
“We proved that we are there,” Arteta said. “The reality is (in) the two boxes today was a difference. And that’s what decided the game.”
Arteta doesn't believe he'll need to pick up his players ahead of the final games of the season.
“If I have to pick up the players to win the Premier League, with five games to go, in our hands, and being in the semifinals of the Champions League, I think I should be at home,” he said.
“So it’s not the case. It’s not needed. It has never been needed even in difficult moments. So we go again.”
Spring practice in Austin came to an end yesterday and the roster construction went down to the wire. Three additions to the 2026 roster were made yesterday, one of which is a new high school recruit. Brinley Tita is a three-star EDGE prospect out of Summer Creek High School in Humble, Texas. The late addition comes with an interesting story and clear athletic upside.
2025 Stats: 94 tackles, 22 TFLs, 11 sacks, 3 FFs, 1 FR in 14 games
The 6-2, 225lbs pass rusher held a few offers from Division II and III schools but decided to sign with Cisco Junior College. The plan, like many that go to JUCO to start college, was to play there and hopefully earn an offer to a Division I school next year. Well, LaAllan Clark and Steve Sarkisian expedited that process and he’ll join the Longhorns in the summer.
@BrinleyTita welcome to the Brotherhood!! Let’s get to work !! 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾
As for why Tita didn’t have more interest out of high school, his role could have something to do with it. He played on the interior of the defensive line more than as a pass rusher, where he likely fits going forward. The district champion shot putter brings elite explosiveness to the table that is intriguing if given the time to develop.
I wouldn’t expect Tita to be much more than a depth piece for his first two years in Austin. That being said, there is a clear ability here that could make him a dangerous player in time. Given the open roster spots, this is someone well worth taking a shot on. On top of that, I’d imagine he’s showing up ready to get to work for the only Division I team that took interest in him.
Ryan Blaney hit AJ Allmendinger on pit road on Lap 39 of the NASCAR Kansas Race on April 19.
It was another in a long line of pit road incidents that have plagued Blaney. After the hit Blaney's radio reported his car did not suffer any damage.
Allmendinger was entering his stall as Blaney was pulling out of his pit stall when Blaney turned Allmendinger's car around. Allmendinger fell to last place, two laps down after that pit road incident.
"Our race is done," Allmendinger said on the radio. He is still two laps down nearing the end of Stage 1.
Blaney had pitted because his right-front tire was starting to show cords.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
Martin O'Neill suggests Celtic should extend James Forrest's stay after the 34-year-old winger set up a crucial goal in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren.
Forrest crossed for fellow substitute Kelechi Iheanacho to put Celtic 3-2 up in extra time, with O'Neill's side adding three more goals in quick succession.
Academy graduate Forrest scored on his Celtic debut in 2010 and has made more than 550 club appearances, as well as featuring 39 times for Scotland.
"I would like to keep James for one more year at least and so that he could see his career through at the football club," said O'Neill, who was given charge of Celtic for the rest of the season in January.
"I would be asking the board and I think James would stay for another year.
"He's 34, with just a little burst he's given us something.
"He has changed a number of games for us. He changed the game at Aberdeen. [Benjamin] Nygren scores the goal, but he came on and changed that.
"We scored from him getting the cross at Rangers as well. So, he's definitely played a part."
And O'Neill was slightly mischievous when asked if Forrest, who won his last Scotland cap two years ago, should be in contention for a World Cup spot.
"I used to hate this when other managers were telling me how to run the football club or run international football," said the former Republic of Ireland head coach.
"So, I do not want to have a headline – but why not? Put him in."
In 5 easy steps, learn what proper impact should look and feel like while incrementally adding width and speed to your overall swing.GOLF
You slice. You catch it fat from the fairway. Your game: riddled with a two-way miss. With my plan, that’s all part of your golfing past.
Below, you’ll learn how to nix these errors and get a ton more consistent in your ball striking. It’s a plan that I feel works for everyone — from struggling rec player to the golfers you see on TV each weekend. It’s based on always getting back to a solid impact position, something you can do by rehearsing impact first. Then you’ll be growing the swing to add more speed and power.
In this special edition of GOLF instruction, I’ll show you how to do just that in five easy steps, starting with learning what proper impact should look and feel like while incrementally adding width and speed to your overall swing. They are proven fundamentals that will not only help you, but also give some structure and insight to your regular practice sessions. Guided practice is the best practice, more so than simply swinging for the fences when you’re at the range. Follow along and at the start of the new season, your golfing buddies won’t believe what they’re seeing. Neither will you.
STEP 1: REHEARSE IMPACT WITH A LOWER- CASE ‘y’
A lower-case ‘y’ is what ideal impact position looks and feels like.GOLF
In order to achieve perfect impact, you need to know what it looks and feels like. That’s Step 1 in this learning session. So … with a wedge, follow these steps:
1. With a ball set slightly forward of center, ground your club while setting about 80 percent of your weight on your front foot.
2. Push your tailbone back and rotate your hips 40 to 45 degrees open — as if you’re getting them “out of the way” for the moment you strike the ball.
3. Call this the Holy Grail of impact: Press your hands forward without moving anything else, adding some bend to your trail wrist while keeping your lead arm straight. You know you did it right if your arms, hands and club form a lowercase ‘y’, as you see in the photo above.
4. As you get into these positions, mind your head — set the right side of your face behind the ball. As you’ve probably experienced in your golfing career, moving your head too far in front of the ball tends to lead to a ton of swing misery.
5. Once you’re set, stick a tee between your trail arm and your torso, right in your armpit. Create pressure between your arm and your body to hold the tee in place. Subtle, but this trail arm and body connection is one of the true keys to producing solid strikes, as you’ll learn in Step 2 below.
If you can copy what you see here, you’re on the fast track to better ball striking and lower scores. Practice these impact alignments as much as you can. You can spend time at the range as well as at home grooving this. In the next step, you’ll learn how to guide your swing through this A-plus position.
STEP 2: SWING LOWERCASE “y” TO CAPITAL “Y”
In Step 2, you add the swing motion.GOLF
Once you have nailed the look and feel of a proper impact position in Step 1, it’s time to add some motion to your overall swing. We’ll start small and work into fuller motions in the proceeding steps.
To put this in action: It’s time to reset your lowercase ‘y’ impact position, then smoothly rotate back. The goal here is to transport the lowercase ‘y’ you formed in your mock impact position to a one-third backswing (top photo avove). All you need is a slight shoulder turn and moving a bit of weight from your front foot to your trail foot. Important: Don’t swing past this length at this point in the overall exercise.
Once you’ve set your lowercase ‘y’ mini- backswing, hit the ball, swinging your arms and turning as normal, but cutting off your finish to the point where the club is parallel to the ground (bottom photo above). Check that you’ve posted up solidly on your lead leg. Your wrists will have just a slight re-hinge. This combination of body turn and arm extension is a hallmark of great players. You’ll know you did it correctly when you move from a lowercase ‘y’ to a capital ‘Y’ position.
Big key: Keep the connection between your trail arm and your torso, pinching the tee in your armpit firmly. This is critical to managing your body structure as well as keeping you on plane through the strike.
You’re not looking for big hits here, just solid strikes as you work on your lowercase ‘y’ to capital ‘Y’ motion. If you’re like most of my students, you’ll feel like you’re compressing the ball like never before, even with a “mini-swing.”
Dedicate at least a full range bucket to this drill before even thinking about adding length to your motion.
STEP 3: BUILD AN ADDRESS POSITION THAT FUELS SOLD IMPACT
In Step 3, it’s all about address position.GOLF
Suggestion: Start every one of your practice sessions with Steps 1 and 2. You’ll build the ability to create solid ball-first contact every time.
But knowing you can’t play this game in “drill mode,” it’s now time to build an address position that best allows you to achieve the four key impact fundamentals without even thinking. Here’s what to do, in four easy steps:
1. Stand erect with any iron, hinging your wrist to get the club parallel with the ground while keeping both arms snug against your sides. Put the club level to your belt buckle.
2. Without changing anything else, extend your hands away from your body. Checkpoint: The distance between the butt of the grip and your body should equal the distance between your thumb and pinkie when both splayed.
3. Again, without changing anything else, simply bend from your hips and sole the club against the ground. Think “back straight” and “arms relaxed.” You’re looking good.
4. To complete the process, simply add a bit of knee flex. You’re now in a position that is balanced and ready to dynamically move. Once you’re set, take your trail hand off the club and splay your hand with pinkie and thumb open wide. Use this gauge to make sure the distance between the club and your body hasn’t changed since Step 1 in this drill.
You need to practice these steps to build your great setup. By doing so, you’re in an excellent position to catch it crisp every time.
STEP 4: SWING CAPITAL ‘L’ TO CAPITAL ‘L’
In Step 4, the ‘y’ swings become ‘L’.GOLF
So far this lesson has focused on the main requirements of Tour-level impact with what you need to do at address to make it all possible. But, as every golfer knows, this is a power game. At some point you need to learn how to add speed without losing the fundamentals of impact and setup address in Steps 1 to 3.
Enter Step 4: adding serious mph to your lowercase ‘y’ swing. Easy. To get it right, get into your address posture, but this time with an alignment rod held snug between your hands and whatever iron you’ve chosen to swing.
Get set, take the club back, and now you’re building more length to the swing. You’re using the alignment rod to check your ‘L’ positions and to groove a great swing plane. In the backswing, the ‘L’ should point at or slightly inside the ball target line. On the through swing, it should return back and point at the target line again. When using the alignment rod, move slowly back and through to check your angles. This is not about speed; there’s a reason why this is called the “punisher drill.” If you don’t do it correctly, you will hit yourself with the stick. Go slowly to work on the motion, then you can take the rod away and simply swing the club from ‘L’ to ‘L’. This is where the perfect “snap” release lives — the swish! You can also practice this drill only swinging the alignment stick, and you’ll really hear the speed firing up! If you fight a slice with the dreaded chicken wing through the ball, you’re definitely not doing this!
This is how you begin building speed correctly.
STEP 5: GET YOUR SHOULDERS IN ACTION BY TURNING TO ‘THE WALL’
Step 5 puts it all together.GOLF
The four drills discussed thus far are your fast track to better strikes and more speed. There’s just one more element as you work on each during your training sessions and that’s turn.
A great way to practice this is to set up in your address position [1], with an alignment stick set perpendicular to your target line just inside your trail foot.
As you move from your dynamic address and start building your capital ‘L’ [2], you’re now going to focus on turning both shoulders to the rod while keeping the ‘L’ shape intact [3]. I call this turning to the “imaginary wall.”
Think of the alignment stick on the ground as a thin vertical wall that is running through your trail shoulder at address. Your upper body and lower body are fully coiled to it. As you can see in the picture [3], my lead shoulder and the edge of my trail hip are both stacked over the rod. We’re now in a fantastic spot to let things unleash back through a great impact [4]. This move is a bona fide swing accelerator and usually the one that separates good golfers from those who can really mash it.
Go in slow motion at first if you need to, but once you groove creating that capital ‘L’ in your backswing and moving it all the way to a solid top position with your shoulder and hip turn, the ball won’t know what hit it.
All the while, keep in mind that your primary goal is to deliver the club through a great impact position, no matter how far back your body allows you to turn.
It’s a process — go step by step. Soon, you’ll be striping it better than ever. There’s one more letter to keep in mind: a capital T.
ONE MORE MOVE: MAKE A “T” AT THE FINISH
Form a ‘T’ to finish the swing.GOLF
Practice your impact position, creating the lowercase ‘y’ with your arms, club and hands. Build your swing from lowercase ‘y’ to uppercase ‘Y’. Then, move ‘L’ to ‘L’, stretching your swing by keeping all of these elements intact while finishing the full turn.
We’re now moving on to the full finish: the capital ‘T’. As you turn fully through, your trail shoulder will be closer to the target and you will be fully balanced on your lead leg, with your hands above your lead shoulder. Your body is facing the target. If you do it right, your body and the club will magically form the letter ‘T’ as you see here.
As I tell my players, you’ve done all the hard work in practice that builds a great impact. Now you’ve earned the right to let it go.
Brech Spradley is the owner and director of instruction at Barton Creek Golf Academy in Austin, Texas.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 18: Adam Frazier #20 of the Los Angeles Angels takes the throw as Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres is out on a double play in the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 18, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (14-7) at Los Angeles Angels (11-11), April 19, 2026, 1:07 p.m. PST
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Lancashire's injury woes continued as a James Bracey century helped Gloucestershire stage a spirited fightback on the third day of the County Championship Division Two match at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.
Having already lost seamer Ajeet Singh Dale to a hamstring injury on day one, the visitors had to make a second substitution when Luke Wells suffered a painful shoulder injury diving to prevent a boundary during the morning session.
Harry Singh was introduced in his place, with the go-ahead to bat and bowl, as Gloucestershire advanced their overnight second innings score of 58-3 to 305 all out, a lead of 201.
Bracey hit 114, with 16 fours, and Miles Hammond contributed 82, sharing a fourth wicket stand of 148.
There were four wickets each for James Anderson (4-51) and George Balderson (4-75).
Lancashire were left with 28 overs to bat in the day and closed on 75-3, Keaton Jennings unbeaten on 25, needing a further 127 runs to win.
The Wells injury happened with Gloucestershire's total 124-3 as he tried to prevent a Bracey boundary to fine leg off Anderson. He immediately signalled his distress and team-mates ran to his aid before medical help arrived and he was taken to Southmead Hospital with a suspected dislocation.
The incident compounded a frustrating morning for Lancashire as Hammond and Bracey made steady inroads into their first innings lead of 104, employing sensible shot selection on a placid pitch.
A boundary through the covers from Hammond off Paul Coughlin wiped out the deficit. By lunch, Gloucestershire led by 72, Hammond having gone to a 123-ball half-century with a straight six off Arav Shetty, which also brought up the century partnership.
Bracey followed to fifty off 115 deliveries and was unbeaten on 53 at lunch, with Hammond on 80 and the total 176-3. That became 180-4 soon after the interval when Hammond drove at a wide ball from Coughlin and was well caught low down at backward point by Singh.
The stand with Bracey had occupied 47 overs. But Gloucestershire were only 76 ahead and required another substantial partnership as Tommy Boorman, making his Championship debut, made his way to the wicket.
The 21-year-old was positive from the start, hitting six fours in moving to 38 not out by tea. His exuberance allowed Bracey to go quietly about his business as he completed a rock solid hundred off 200 balls, with 14 fours.
Luke Wells' injury happened as he tried to prevent a James Bracey boundary to fine leg off Jimmy Anderson [Shutterstock]
At tea, he was unbeaten on 108 and, at 276-4, Gloucestershire's lead had grown to a promising 172. They had added just seven to it in the final session when Boorman, on 42, chased a wide ball from Balderson and edged to Keaton Jennings at second slip.
Anderson had been unable to get much response from the third-day pitch, but his perseverance paid off when he pinned Graeme van Buuren lbw for a single to make it 294-6.
With his tail up, the Lancashire captain then bowled Bracey off a bottom edge attempting to pull and followed up next ball by having Henry Brookes caught behind trying to withdraw the bat.
Suddenly, Gloucestershire were 297-8. Soon it was 305-9 when Matt Taylor chipped a high catch to Anderson at mid-on off Balderson, who finished off the innings by bowling Gabe Bell. The last six wickets had fallen for 22 runs.
Lancashire's second innings began badly when Singh was bowled for a duck by a ball from Will Williams that clipped off stump. But Josh Bohannon soon went on the attack and had hit six fours in moving to 31 when bowled middle stump by Bell with the score on 45.
With no addition to the score, Marcus Harris fell lbw to Taylor and Gloucestershire were still in the fight.
Report by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.
Cardiff Devils sealed a fourth Play-Offs Final win as they overcame Sheffield Steelers in Nottingham.
Kohen Olischefski struck early in the opening period for Devils with a power-play effort, the only score before the first break.
Steelers hit back soon after the restart through Kevin Tansey, but as the second period clock ran down, Nolan Yaremko scored twice in as many minutes as Devils seized the initiative.
Ryan Tait replied for Steelers only for Josh MacDonald to restore Devils' two-goal lead and having scored their opener, Olischefski added the fifth to seal victory.
Devils reached the final with a 3-1 win over Glasgow Clan in Saturday's opening semi-final while Steelers beat Manchester Storm 6-0 to earn their spot in the weekend finale.
The Welsh club went into the Play-Off Finals weekend as top seeds after Clan's shock win over league winners Belfast Giants.
Devils reached the final with a 3-1 win over Glasgow Clan in Saturday's opening semi-final while Steelers beat Manchester Storm 6-0 to earn their spot in the weekend finale.
The Welsh club went into the Play-Off Finals weekend as top seeds after Clan's shock win over league winners Belfast Giants.
Glasgow Clan beat Manchester Stormers 3-2 to take third place.
Brandon Halverson will be one up this spring on Igor Shesterkin, the goalie the New York Rangers took two rounds after him in the 2014 draft: He’ll be part of a team taking part in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, at least for a day.
The Tampa Bay Lightning recalled Halverson from Syracuse of the American Hockey League on Sunday morning, hours before the opening game of their first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens and four days after he lost 4-2 to the Rangers in the regular-season finale for both teams. Despite the win, the Rangers (34-39-9) finished last in the Eastern Conference; the Lightning (50-26-6) edged the Canadiens for second place in the Atlantic Division and had the third-best record in the East.
Halverson is 24-11-6 with a .905 save percentage, 2.42 goals-against average and an AHL-leading six shutouts for the Crunch. The native of Traverse City, Michigan, has played in 152 career AHL game between the Crunch, Tucson Roadrunners and Hartford Wolf Pack; he’s 71-54-21 with a 2.67 GAA, .903 save percentage and 12 shutouts.
The recall Sunday was Halverson’s second this week and fourth of the season. The Lightning returned him to Syracuse after he allowed four goals on 21 shots in the loss to the Rangers, dropping his career NHL record to 0-2-0 with a 4.71 GAA and .804 save percentage.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay called up Halverson briefly in early December; he made his third NHL appearance, a six-second cameo, without facing a shot on goal during a 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders on Dec. 13. The Bolts returned him to Syracuse a few days later. The Lightning recalled him again in January, but he did not play.
Halverson can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and his AHL numbers indicate he could be a target of a team like the Rangers that needs to improve its goaltending depth.
Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
The Rangers selected Halverson in the second round (No. 59 overall) in 2014, then chose Shesterkin in the fourth round (No. 118). Shesterkin came to North America from Russia in 2019 and had become one of the NHL’s top goaltenders; Halverson made one appearance in relief for the Rangers in a 6-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 17, 2018.
Ex-Rangers goalie Halverson recalled by Lightning before playoffs
The 30-year-old turned pro with the Rangers organization in 2016-17 after twice playing for the United States at the World Junior Championship — winning a bronze medal in 2016. Shesterkin was taken in the fourth round (No. 118) that year, but the Moscow native opted to remain in Russia and became a star in the KHL until he signed with the Rangers on May 3, 2019, and came to North America for the 2019-20 season.
By then, Halverson was already well-traveled.
He split 2016-17, his first pro season, between the Rangers’ ECHL affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina, and Hartford, then did the same in 2017-18 — with the exception of Feb. 17, 2018. That’s when Halverson backed up Henrik Lundqvist and made his NHL debut after “The King” was pulled in the third period of a game against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre, having allowed five goals on 27 shots.
Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images
Halverson stopped five of six shots in 12:33 of playing time in a 6-3 loss. That appearance made him the eighth U.S.-born goaltender to play for the Rangers. Keith Kinkaid became No. 9 when he played in 2020-21 and 2021-22, and Jonathan Quick, who announced his retirement from the NHL on April 13 after spending the final three seasons of his career with the Rangers, is the 10th.
But Halverson’s career since that night in Ottawa hasn’t gone the way he’d planned.
With Shesterkin under contract with the Rangers, Lundqvist still on hand and then-promising newcomer Alexandar Georgiev also battling for playing time, there was no place for Halverson after he split 2018-19 between Hartford and Maine of the ECHL.
Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images
Instead, he became a free agent, spent most of 2019-20 with Norfolk of the ECHL and played four games for ECHL Wheeling in 2020-21 before a high ankle sprain ended his season.
Halverson didn’t play at all in 2021-22 when he was recovering from knee and wrist surgery (instead, he worked on a farm), then returned to the ice in 2022-23 with Bayreuth in Germany’s second division.
Halverson went to camp in the fall of 2023 on a PTO with Syracuse and won four of five decisions before earning a two-year AHL contract from the Crunch in late November. He ended up splitting time between Syracuse and Orlando, the Lightning’s ECHL affiliate, but excelled at the AHL level, where he was 7-3-3 in 14 games with a 2.18 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and one shutout.
It was the best showing of his professional career to that point. He was named Syracuse’s starter in the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, when he was 3-4 but finished with a 2.19 GAA and .916 save percentage.
Halverson followed that by going 22-11-7 with a 2.22 GAA, .915 save percentage and five shutouts in 2024-25.
On Saturday, April 18, the pair became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA playoff game.
Both playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron, 41, and Bronny, 21, helped their team score a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets.
LeBron James (left) and Bronny James (right) during the April 18 NBA game. Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty
After the game, LeBron spoke with reporters about how it felt to play alongside his eldest son, whom he shares with wife Savannah James.
“There's a lot of crazy things that's been going on this year,” the forward said, per video from ESPN. “I mean, I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game. That's probably the craziest thing that's ever happened to me in my career.”
“It was just so cool to be out there with him,” LeBron continued, adding that Bronny’s brother Bryce, sister Zhuri, mom and grandma all watched the game.
“That's just insane. My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs. That's crazy,” the NBA champ said.
LeBron also made history during the game as the oldest player to record a double-double with points and assists in the playoffs, according to Real App.
He has been with the Lakers for eight seasons since 2018. LeBron previously played for the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On April 6, LeBron appeared visibly frustrated with the second-year Laker after he threw him a bad pass during the team's 134-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Game commentators called out the father-son interaction during the broadcast. "I love that look. That was not just LeBron the veteran, that was also LeBron the dad!" the commentators said. "Watch his look at his son ... bounce pass!"
Bronny James (left), Jabari Smith Jr. (center) and LeBron James (right) during the April 18 NBA game. Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty
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Weeks earlier, the duo made history with the first father-son assist in an NBA game when the Lakers took on the Brooklyn Nets.
At the time, Bronny hit a 3-pointer after a pass from his dad in the second quarter of the game, and the Lakers went on to a 116-99 victory.
Back in October 2024, LeBron and Bronny made NBA history as the first father and son to play together at an NBA game.
Exclusive: Liverpool move one step closer to midfielder transfer
Liverpool have moved one step closer to signing their dream midfielder.
Anfield Watch understands that as well as focusing on bringing in new wingers, Richard Hughes will prioritise midfield reinforcements in the upcoming summer transfer window, especially with uncertainty surrounding several key players.
Curtis Jones could be among those departing, as he approaches the final year of his contract without a clear agreement in place over an extension. His situation increases the urgency for the club to evaluate both its current midfield options and long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, there are still unresolved questions about the futures of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who are both under contract until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Their cases, however, are developing differently. Szoboszlai is making positive progress in talks with the club, and there is a mutual desire to reach an agreement. It is believed and expected that he will sign a new deal.
On the other hand, discussions with Mac Allister have slowed, raising concerns about his longer-term commitment.
External interest is adding another layer of complexity. Mac Allister is being monitored by Manchester United and Real Madrid, and Liverpool would be open to a sale.
Given that there is a possibility Liverpool could lose both Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister, Hughes will have to add at least one if not two new midfielders to Arne Slot's squad.
Depending on how the summer unfolds, there is a strong belief in some Liverpool circles that Trey Nyoni is ready to make the step-up.
If things go as planned, Liverpool want to bring in one experienced and one younger midfielder.
High up on the club's shortlist is Caleb Yirenkyi.
Yirenkyi plays for FC Nordsjaelland and he only turned 20-years-old last month but already has over 40 appearances for the Danish club that has an impressive track-record of producing elite talent who have gone onto do well in Europe's top five leagues.
The young midfielder is the latest talent who came through the Right to Dream Academy, which is one of the leading institutions of its kind in Africa.
Liverpool particularly like the fact that Yirenkyi is versatile and could play in a number of different roles. As well as being able to play as an advanced midfielder, he can play the holding midfield role. Meanwhile, he also plays as a full-back and as a centre-back at times when he is called upon.
There are a host of clubs lining up for his services but Anfield Watch can reveal that Liverpool have moved one step closer to getting their man.
It is understood, Yirenkyi has narrowed his options down to just four clubs.
Bournemouth, Brentford Brighton and Liverpool.
Yirenkyi is believed to be a boyhood fan of the Reds and it is understood that he believes in the long-term project Liverpool envisage for the youngster.
A key factor will be how much playing time the Reds can guarantee him. Yirenkyi is advised by Michael Essien, and it's believed they will prioritise game time when it comes to making their final decision.
Nordsjaelland typically play with a midfield three. In this system, Yirenkyi has been deployed both as the right-sided midfielder in a more box-to-box or no.8 role as well as the deepest midfielder as more of a holding player.
He completes 92.3% of his 61 passes per 90 minutes in the Danish Superliga. He also averages 7.5 passes into the final third, and 1.33 passes into the opposition's penalty area. Both are a decent volume, so he's not making safe and simple passes.
What stands out about Yirenkyi when you watch him play is that when his team is on the ball and he's not in possession, he's constantly scanning.
Watch him play and he's head moves like an owl as he assess the picture and play around him. That's the sign of a high IQ player, and it's why he also does really well under pressure.
When Yirenkyi gets the ball, he has usually already made a split-second decision with the knowledge of what's around him, and he is able to beat the press with either a pass or a clever piece of movement.
Pep Guardiola says Bernardo’s performance against Arsenal was typical of his career at City.
The skipper was again outstanding in the 2-1 win over the Gunners, with one sprint against Kai Havertz that ended with a desperate but successful clearance towards the end of a pulsating clash the highlight of another true captain’s performance.
It was announced on Thursday that the Portuguese will leave City at the end of the current campaign, and the boss was asked what was his feeling towards our No.20 after today’s display.
“Gratitude. If I talk a lot I will cry,” said Pep.
“[I’d like to say] thank you so much on behalf of this club for what you have done. He proves that football starts here [the mind] to the feet.
“That guy is not the fastest, but he knows exactly in every single moment what is required.
“Always he is committed and never injured. Last season defined him, when others were not there always he was there suffering like the first.
“His mentality is important. Always he sees the positive things in life. When you have life in that spirit. He deserves the biggest recognition.
“When you write legend, you have to write it in capital letters. Not just today, every single game in nine years.
“No chance that these years together would have been so special without him. A special player. Wherever he will go, the team will be so lucky to have him”
Guardiola also paid tribute to Erling Haaland, who endured a bruising physical battle with the Arsenal defence - and Gabriel in particular.
“I would not like to be Erling Haaland to battle Saliba or Gabriel,” he smiled.
“I would prefer to read a book. Deal with that, but he handled it. It’s the best two teams in England and I think it was a good advert for football in England.
“I would be satisfied with a draw or defeat. I am an age that when I see what I saw, what can I say? I cannot complain and I am so proud because they are top.”
And of the individual brilliance of Rayan Cherki, whose sublime opening goals set the Blues on their way, Pep added: “Really good. In the second half we could not find him.
Havertz And Mosquera Get 7 | Arsenal Players Rated In Tough Loss Vs Manchester City
Arsenal faced off against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium earlier this evening as they hoped to secure a good result on the road in the Premier League. The Gunners made a slow start to the game and conceded the opening goal in the 16th minute when Rayan Cherki found the back of the net. However, Kai Havertz equalised for Mikel Arteta’s side just a couple of minutes later. Both teams went into the half-time interval with a 1-1 scoreline.
Arsenal conceded their second goal in the 65th minute when Erling Haaland got his name on the scoresheet. The match ended with the Gunners suffering a tough 2-1 loss at the Etihad.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player fared during the clash against Man City.
Raya made a few solid saves at the back but looked a bit shaky on the ball.
RB: Cristhian Mosquera – 7/10
He got stuck in with some crunching tackles and was tidy with his ball distribution.
CB: William Saliba – 6.5/10
Saliba cleared his lines when he could, but would be disappointed after conceding two goals this evening.
CB: Gabriel – 6/10
He made two crucial clearances inside his half but failed to keep Haaland quiet in the second half.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Eberechi Eze of Arsenal takes a shot which hits the post during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
LB: Piero Hincapie – 6.5/10
He performed his defensive duties well and made one decent run with the ball.
CM: Martin Odegaard – 6.5/10
Odegaard created a few inviting chances in the final third, but failed to offer enough protection for his teammates at the back.
CM: Martin Zubimendi – 6.5/10
He anchored the midfield with conviction and was replaced in the 83rd minute.
CM: Declan Rice – 6.5/10
Rice got stuck in with a few solid tackles and made one key chance in the final third.
RW: Noni Madueke – 6/10
He struggled to get into the flow of the game and put in a disjointed performance on the right flank. Madueke was replaced at half-time.
ST: Kai Havertz – 7/10
Havertz was always willing to have a strike at goal and managed to score the equaliser for Arsenal in the 18th minute. However, he wasted a great chance to score late in the game.
LW: Eberechi Eze – 6/10
He was unfortunate to hit the post, but was quiet for most of his time on the pitch.
Chelsea Are Keeping A Keen Eye On This Bournemouth Midfielder: Should Rosenior Snap Him Up?
In a recent report, Fichajes revealed that Chelsea are keeping a keen eye on Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. It has been claimed that the Blues are eyeing a move to secure the services of the English talent this off-season.
Scott’s Impressive Form In English Football
Scott has managed to shine at times with his performances at the heart of Bournemouth’s midfield during this campaign. The 22-year-old has found the back of the net four times and earned one assist in 34 matches for the Cherries this season across all fronts.
The English sensation is currently among the best central midfielders in the Premier League. Thus, Chelsea would do well to lure him to the Vitality Stadium this summer.
His current contract at the Vitality Stadium will run out in the summer of 2028, which could open the door for the Blues to sign him on the cheap later this year.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth is challenged by Idrissa Gueye of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Bournemouth at Goodison Park on February 10, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Should Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior Snap Scott Up This Summer?
Scott is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when required and is a good passer as well.
The English talent can even contribute by scoring and creating a few important goals for his team from midfield. Scott is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as a right-sided wide player or as an attacking midfielder if required. He is already quite familiar with the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Bournemouth.
We can expect Scott to bring more quality and depth to Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior’s midfield department. He has what it takes to nail down a regular first-team spot at Stamford Bridge next season.
At 22, Scott has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy target for the Blues to pursue in the upcoming transfer window. With all things considered, Rosenior would be wise to try everything they can to snap him up at the end of this campaign as he would help the Blues challenge for a top-four spot in the Premier League over the next few years.
The Los Angeles Angels have one of the best players in the sport currently on their roster in Mike Trout. But he's struggled to stay healthy and play at a high level in recent seasons.
That's not been the case this year. He's off to a hot start, as evidenced by his ridiculous series in New York, where he hit five homers against the New York Yankees.
But, after so many years of struggles, it's hard to fully believe in Trout being back to All-Star levels. However, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger is urging Angels fans to believe in Trout's resurgence this season for a few different reasons.
Angels fans urged to believe in Mike Trout's resurgence
"He's back to looking like his MVP-caliber self after making a slight tweak in his mechanics, as he's now slightly stepping back for swinging," Bollinger writes. "He's making contact at an elite rate and has cut down on his strikeout rate while proving plenty of power. He's returned to center field and is running the fastest he has since tearing his meniscus in his left knee in April 2024."
While there are sure to be skeptics about Trout being completely back this season, there are some reasons why believing in this resurgence makes sense.
He's back in center field full-time, which is some great news for Trout's involvement on the team. Add in his sprint speed being at a good level, a sign he's finally healthy, and there are already two reasons to believe in this resurgence.
But it's also important that Trout is swinging as well as he is. His contact numbers are strong, and it translates to production.
He has seven homers and a .974 OPS this season, including the five during the Yankees series. While he's not back to his MVP-level performances, if he can produce at an All-Star level, he'd be more than back for the Angels.
One interesting statistic for Trout so far is that he's hitting the ball harder than he has since 2020. His exit velocity this season is a strong 92.8 mph, which is higher than any season since his 93.7 mph mark in 2020.
Trout is making contact at much better rates than before, is running faster, and hitting the ball harder than he has for some time.
Bollinger want's Angels fans to believe this resurgence is for real, and with how the season has gone thus far for Trout, and the underlying metrics, it's hard not to believe that Trout could be in store for an All-Star season once again.
Bannigan's side will face Derry in the last four after overcoming Cavan on Sunday [Getty Images]
Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan admitted there was a sense of "relief" after his side secured a 0-27 to 2-14 victory over Cavan to reach the Ulster Championship semi-finals.
The Farney men responded strongly after a difficult National League campaign, which ended in relegation without a win, by producing a composed display in Clones to set up a last-four meeting with Derry.
"We've had a very tough league, so there is big relief," Bannigan told BBC Sport NI.
"We've been preparing hard for this since the Galway game and were focused on getting a squad as near to full strength as we could. We weren't quite at full strength, but we were stronger."
Monaghan's fast start proved decisive as they dominated kick-outs and turnovers in the opening half, building a seven-point lead by the break.
Bannigan felt that early control reflected the benefit of competing against Division One opposition during the league campaign, despite the disappointing results.
"The biggest thing we got out of the league was 16 debuts under our belt and big-game experience against Division One opponents," he added.
Bannigan was also glad to have the opportunity to give multiple players their first experiences of the Ulster Championship.
"You saw that today with some of the younger players. Stephen Mooney, Aaron Carey and Louis Kelly all came in and made big contributions."
Mooney, who missed much of the league through injury, was among the standout performers as Monaghan registered a spread of scorers across the team.
"We missed Stephen during the league, so it was great to have him back," Bannigan continued.
"We had a lot of injuries; it's a long list, but it's great to get those players back. They are not all back fully fit yet, but hopefully, two weeks from today, they will be further down the line."
Bannigan acknowledged the difficulties in Clones as his side had to withstand a second-half push from their neighbours, with goalkeeper Rory Beggan making a crucial penalty save from Paddy Lynch to maintain their advantage.
"We're going to have to look at that because they got too many goal chances and Rory did pull off a couple of great saves, but Cavan were always going to come at us," he said.
"They're our neighbours and our oldest rivals, so we knew they would bring it in the second half.
"We still ended up winning the game by seven with 10 different scorers, so you have to be happy with that."
Attention now turns to a semi-final meeting with Derry, who progressed after a comfortable win over Antrim on Saturday.
"Derry are a top, top team and they'll be favourites," Bannigan added.
"But we'll prepare as best we can and try to be ready for them.
"Taking the game on its merits, we have an Ulster semi-final, and us and Derry will be going at it hammer and tongs to try to get to an Ulster final; that's prize enough in itself."
John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin were rivals for many, many years in the AFC North, but Harbaugh seemed to borrow a Tomlin catchphrase when Dexter Lawrence wanted a trade from the New York Giants.
Tomlin famously said that he wanted volunteers, not hostages on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harbaugh apparently doesn’t want hostages either.
Lawrence might have submitted his trade request as a contract negotiation, but the Giants took him up on it.
The Giants traded Lawerence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th pick of the draft. It’s the first time since 2005, when Randy Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders, that a non-quarterback was traded for a top-10 pick.
Losing Lawrence certainly doesn’t help a defense that was soft up the middle last season, especially against the run. But, combined with the fifth pick the Giants already owned, it’s an opportunity to add two important pieces as the Giants try to reimagine their roster under Harbaugh. Hopefully it goes better than the last time the Giants had two top-10 picks.
John Harbaugh of the New York Giants has two picks in the top 10 of this year's draft. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
Lauren Leigh Bacho via Getty Images
Giants have options at No. 5 and 10
In 2022, the Giants drafted fifth and seventh overall. They took edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and offensive tackle Evan Neal. Thibodeaux has been decent, with 23.5 career sacks, and Neal has been a huge disappointment. He struggled his first three seasons, didn’t appear in a game last season and re-signed with the Giants this offseason for a one-year, veteran minimum deal. Whiffing on both of those picks is a reason the Giants have lost 38 games the past three seasons.
Having a double dip in the top 10 of this year’s draft can’t go much worse. The Giants aren’t in the market for an edge rusher, which helps focus their approach. Four of the top 10 picks are likely to be edge rushers or quarterbacks, and the Giants don’t need either.
The Giants do need help just about everywhere else though. There was buzz about oft-injured but talented Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson after the Giants attended his workout late this week. He would fit well alongside Malik Nabers in the offense, helping out second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon are two other receivers expected to go early in the first round.
Jeremiyah Love could be a stronger option with the fifth pick, if he lasts that long. The Giants could use one pick on a skill-position player and another on defense, and Love is exciting. The Notre Dame running back is widely considered the best player in the draft. He’d also be a big help to Dart.
There are offensive linemen, particularly on the interior, that the Giants could consider too. As well as defensive help at positions other than edge rusher.
Giants could look for defensive help
It’s possible that when the Giants go on the clock at No. 5 they have a choice of the top off-ball linebacker (Sonny Styles), cornerback (Mansoor Delane) and safety (Caleb Downs) in the class. There’s also a chance the Giants pick one of those players and the other falls to them at No. 10, giving them a shot to double up on defense. Cornerback stands out as a big need for the Giants entering the draft.
How the Giants approach the draft, with Harbaugh reportedly having taken most of the control over personnel, will say a lot about the franchise going forward. The Giants already have a decent amount of talent, especially for a team that finished as one of the five worst in the NFL last season. The identity of the Giants will be largely shaped with a pair of top 10 picks next Thursday.
The Lawrence trade was bold. The Giants were last in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt allowed, and that was with Lawrence. Even though run defense isn’t Lawrence’s strength, it will be hard to replace him against the run and especially the pass. But the Giants were ready to keep turning the page, and trading a player who wasn’t bought in for the start of the Harbaugh era was a part of that.
Now the Giants have to take advantage of those two top-10 picks, unlike the last time they found themselves in this spot.
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has already turned his attention to the two other trophies on offer (Karl-Josef HILDENBRAND)
Despite sealing their 35th Bundesliga title on Sunday, Bayern Munich put the celebrations, including the traditional beer showers, on ice as they continue to chase a treble this season.
Bayern came from a goal down to beat Stuttgart 4-2 to move into an unassailable 15-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund with just four games remaining.
While images of players chasing each other across the grass holding large glasses of beer are synonymous with Bayern's almost annual celebrations, the club delayed the festivities with Wednesday's German Cup semi-final at Bayer Leverkusen in mind.
Bayern are also through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they face holders Paris Saint-Germain.
Luis Diaz had two assists and Jamal Musiala one in the first-half, but both were subbed off at half-time ahead of the final phase of the season.
"I think it's coming -- yes, it's coming," Musiala told DAZN of the traditional beer shower celebrations.
"I think we're planning a proper celebration, probably at the last home game.
"We're going straight to the changing rooms. I don't think much is going on right now, but definitely for the last game."
Bayern striker Harry Kane, who has two Bundesliga titles and a Supercup since joining the Bavarian giants in 2023, said the celebrations would be sweeter with more silverware.
"I think it's still important to celebrate, and I will with my family and friends and the guys in the players' lounge, but it's a little bit different to last year.
"We weren't in any other competitions, so we had the chance to really celebrate and enjoy a big night together.
"That probably won't happen yet, but we'll find time for that... For now we enjoy tonight, but then obviously the full focus will be on Wednesday."
Before the game, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany told DAZN: "We're now at a stage in this season where we can all live with waiting a little longer before we celebrate."
After the game, Kompany turned his attention to the two other trophies on offer.
"We've had very few losses this season. So many successes are possible. We're going to Leverkusen. We know it's a football match, anything can happen," Kompany said.
"But we simply have the belief that we can do it. That's worth a lot in football."
Joshua Kimmich, who was captain for the match with Manuel Neuer rested, praised his side's ruthless title defence, but warned rivals the Bavarian giants were not done yet.
"The way we won the title was special. We've rarely won as consistently and convincingly as we did this year.
MIAMI – Could Tyler Black be in Milwaukee in short order?
It sure seems possible.
The Brewers 25-year-old prospect returned to Class AAA Nashville on April 19 from a short stay on the 7-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement. With the big-league club’s outfield picture still in flux due to injuries to Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, Black is an option to help out in the short-term.
It was a topic of conversation during the daily meeting between manager Pat Murphy and the front office prior to the series finale in Miami April 19.
“We just talked about it,” Murphy said. “We want to see where he’s at, see his health, because that could help. Hopefully Chourio’s coming quick, [Andrew] Vaughn’s coming quick, Yeli soon after that.”
Black had a strong showing in spring, displaying greater aggressiveness at the plate but played in only five games for Nashville before landing on the injured list. He likely would have already been up with Milwaukee, which had added Luis Matos and Greg Jones to the roster despite not being on the 40-man initially, already otherwise.
Black has 57 career at-bats in the majors to his name and would be used primarily as an outfielder, where he played all but nine of his innings to start the year in Nashville.
Brewers finding more off days for William Contreras
Catcher William Contreras was out of the lineup entirely for a third time through the team’s first 21 games. While that would be normal for most catchers in the majors, it is noteworthy for Contreras, who famously demands to play just about every single day.
A year ago, Contreras appeared in 150 games despite playing with a broken finger. The year before, it was 155. He didn’t take a day off for nearly three months last summer.
The Brewers, Murphy said, are trying to manage his workload a bit differently, a process that has input from Contreras himself.
“That’s not really a change,” he said. “Trying to pick spots where he might go. You might see him go 10, 12 games in a row. But we got to pick spots where we can really get him a good enough rest. Thinking of our upcoming schedule, the number of games in a row, the lack of off-days coming up, this was a great opportunity. I actually took the cue from William.”
With 12 games in their next 13 days following an April 20 off-day in Detroit, Contreras was more than receptive to the idea to get a two-day break.
“I think he’s getting a little less combative about it,” Murphy said. “He understands this is probably best for me.”
Craig Yoho begins rehab assignment
The Brewers also sent right-handed reliever Craig Yoho on a rehab assignment to Nashville. Yoho suffered a right soleus (calf) strain in late March and hasn’t appeared in a game yet.
Pep Guardiola could win a seventh Premier League title in 10 seasons at Manchester City (Darren Staples)
Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City's vital 2-1 victory over Arsenal has only given his side "hope" in the Premier League title race as they look to hunt down the Gunners.
City are three points behind the leaders but have a game in hand and would go top for the first time this year if they beat struggling Burnley on Wednesday.
Guardiola's men are now favourites for a seventh league title in his 10 seasons in Manchester, with momentum very much in their favour.
Arsenal have lost their last four games in domestic competitions, including the League Cup final to City last month.
But even if City win at Burnley, the sides will only be level on points with five games remaining.
"We are there, but the reality is what? Who is the top of the league? We are not. Who has the better goal difference?
"So, step-by-step. But of course we've got hope to still extend the chances to fight in the league."
Erling Haaland struck the winner 25 minutes from time in a game of fine margins.
Arsenal hit the post twice in the second half, either side of Haaland's strike, and also missed two glorious chances through Kai Havertz.
Rayan Cherki's sensational solo run and finish had given City an early lead that was almost immediately wiped out when Havertz charged down an attempted clearance by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But it was Bernardo Silva who earned rave reviews from Guardiola in the week he announced that he will depart at the end of the season after nine years at the Etihad.
"You have to write the word legend in capital letters for him, not for today but for every single game during nine years," added Guardiola.
"He is a special player. Wherever he will go, the team will be so lucky!"
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (OL24) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles are always looking to the future during the NFL Draft. Howie Roseman could look to a developmental SEC offensive tackle to replace Lane Johnson in the first round this year.
Mock drafts never know quite what to do for the Philadelphia Eagles in any year. 2026 is no different. Howie Roseman’s team could go in a plethora of directions, particularly if they plan to trade A.J. Brown sometime after the draft.
Replacing a franchise legend may be in the cards for Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni.
Eagles choose Lane Johnson replacement in latest mock draft
Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling was the pick at 23rd overall for the Eagles in the latest first-round mock draft from A to Z Sports.
“The Birds have shown some interest in these developmental, physical tackles. Freeling fits the profile they have liked in the past and can be the incumbent replacement for Lane Johnson after 2026.” – A to Z Sports
Freeling is the third-ranked OT in this year’s class, according to NFL Draft analyst Kyle Crabbs. With a late first-round grade, this selection by Philly lines up both need and value when it comes to the Georgia Bulldogs prospect.
“Freeling will check all the stereotypical boxes for a left tackle. He's got experience on the right side, too. But as a one-year full-time starter, his forecast calls for plenty of projection. He's essentially a 90th percentile athlete for offensive tackles across the board but his stunning size, length, and twitch do come with some costs. He's got a high center of gravity that requires vigilance in both the run game and when mirroring in protection. It tests his punch placement at times, too - which can create some frustrating misses at the point of attack. But one thing is for certain: he's on the fast track. Freeling has played more and more over his three seasons and took massive strides in 2025.” — Crabbs
Monroe Freeling has ELITE size, length, and athletic traits and deserves to be the first LT off the board pic.twitter.com/EcOF7wa4Gw
Freeling is a ceiling play in the first round. His incredible size and athleticism will be tempting for Philly if he lasts until the back half of round one.
The Eagles have been connected to many offensive tackles expected to go early in this year’s draft, and Freeling is one who many think could go in the top 20. With that, the Birds could be forced to make a move up via trade. For a player who may not have a role as a rookie, that is a bit of a risk.
On the flip-side, 2026 may be the swan song season for Lane Johnson. He’s had an unbelievable career for the Eagles and will be a future Hall of Fame member. Johnson did consider retirement early this offseason and dealt with multiple injuries in 2025, though.
It has been eighteen years since the Miami Dolphins last won their division and 26 since they claimed a playoff victory.
Yes, it's the brutal truth- the Fins have only one postseason win, this millenium. So there is no mystery was to why owner Stephen Ross, and his top brass, blew it all up this offseason. Head coach Mike McDaniel was sacked. General manager Chris Grier mutually agreed to part ways with the team. How mutual that actually was, well, unless you're actually inside the front office, you don't really know, but officially speaking, he was not fired.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was also released, and we all saw that coming after his notorious self-own of a press conference during the season.
Tagovailoa infamously told the media that Miami lacked leadership from a players perspective. Yes, if he only he (the handsomely paid franchise starting quarterback) knew somebody who could do something about that.
His exit meant a dead cap hit of $99.2 million, and you know what means? Yes, it is hard reset time on the Florida Turnpike. Let's take a look at what Miami might do with their second pick, in the first round, at the 30th overall selection.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
NFL Mock Draft Database has a Consensus NFL Mock Draft which indicates the most common player projected at every single slot. Johnson leads the way at #30, with 14% of the mocks out there projecting him. One thing that almost always seems to be changing with the Dolphins is the name of their home stadium. Not far behind is the depth chart of their defensive backfield.
There will be a ton of overhaul from 2025 to 2026, in a multitude of position groups, including the secondary. This is both a good value and a needs based pick here for the Dolphins.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The main point of this draft, for the Fins, is stacking talent and not forcing it when it comes to filling needs. If Johnson isn't the pick, then maybe going Rocky Top is the answer. Hood opted out of the Music City Bowl, to focus on his predraft preparation process, and that certainly paid off for him. Hood originally committed to Michigan State, before beginning his college career at Auburn. He then transferred to Colorado, before finally ending up at Tennessee. The well-traveled cornerback has lacked gaudy statistics at every stop of his career.
He's not a first round prospect due to statistical production; its his measurables and innate talent that sets him apart.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
The Phins top needs are wide receiver, pass rush, pass defense and offensive line. Honestly, there are needs everywhere, but shoring up the pass defense, by spending picks on both pass rushers and defensive backs, should be the paramount concern in 2026. Parker is an interesting prospect, as his draft stock seems to be rather volatile. Still, he's versatile, with the ability to play multiple positions and to generate pressure from all of them.
When it comes to their trajectory, the Vancouver Canucks are in an interesting situation. On one hand, their potential is bolstered by a crop of talented young players all in their early 20s. On the flip side, their supposed ‘veterans’ are, for the most part, still slightly under 30, though the younger ‘veterans’ all have a good chunk of NHL games under their belt.
Max Sasson is one of a couple players who don’t quite fit into either of the two categories. While the 25-year-old did play in 29 games with the Canucks last year, he spent the majority of his time with the Abbotsford Canucks and played a key role in the team’s Calder Cup run back in June. The 2025–26 season was his first full stint in the NHL, during which he put up 13 goals — tied for sixth-most on the team — and six assists in 66 games. Having said that, since the start of the 2024–25 season, Sasson has played in some of the most games of all current Canucks; 162 in both the NHL and AHL.
A full off-season to properly rest and train will go a long way for him personally, Sasson explained during Friday’s end-of-season media availability.
“Last summer, I got home on July 1, and I was back here like August 20-something. So using this full off-season to obviously, you hear the answers that train and which obviously, 100%, I’m going to use this to be more mobile. I think there’s areas of my game that I can clean up with my wall play, my puck touches. I also think I can transform myself with this long off-season into more of a, I say NHL third-line body, where you’re not getting pushed off the puck as easy.”
One distinct characteristic of Sasson’s game through his first two NHL seasons has been the speed he can exhibit while cutting into the O-zone. It’s something that, despite being so noticeable, the forward believes he can still work on for the coming season.
“I want to continue to work on my speed. I don’t think you can ever be fast enough.”
Sasson’s speed went on full-display towards the back-end of the season, when he was moved to wing after playing mostly at centre. This slight shift in position is something that the forward isn’t entirely opposed to as his career progresses — if anything, he’s intrigued by it.
“I played a little bit of it last year here, but for the majority of my three seasons, I’ve been a centre, but yeah, I think I have embraced it. And I think there are chances for me to use more of my speed, especially maybe not having to work as hard in the D-zone, and maybe using my energy to push the pace up-ice and getting more foot races. Do I see that as a path forward? Honestly, I feel comfortable with both. However, I think in the second half, the majority of games were at the wing, and I think I proved that I probably can be a pretty good winger in this league.”
Jan 19, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Max Sasson (63) skates against the New York Islanders in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The mental side of the game is another part that Sasson is planning on working on during the off-season. Keeping focus on what’s going on internally is something that, he admitted, he has noticed more at the NHL level.
“I feel a lot of times that when guys are thinking a lot, and they have a lot going through their mind, you can see it on the ice. And when a guy’s playing free and playing with confidence, it’s very noticeable.”
Despite picking out a few things he’s hoping to work on this off-season, Sasson acknowledges that everyone on the team needs to put in the work in order for the team to keep themselves on the path to future success. Sure, Vancouver may be in the rebuilding stage of their process, but as Sasson said, that shouldn’t stop them from coming into training camp with a healthy level of compete.
“No player in here is thinking rebuild. We’re all going to train our butts off this summer and come into camp and try to compete for a playoff spot. But when you hear rebuild, I think you can think of some excitement and look around the league at some of the teams that have done it. And you know, you see Willy (Willander), you see Zeev, you see Öhgy (Öhgren), you see all these really young players. That should be exciting for fans to see, because the potential is endless with these guys. I think when, if [a rebuild]’s done right, you can be one of the best teams in the league.”
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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The final night of WWE's. flagship event takes place Sunday, April 19, and it will try to punctuate a big showing to cap off the weekend following night one. There will be a great chance when the main event of WrestleMania takes place with the epic showdown between CM Punk and Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Before that happens, the night will start with arguably the most anticipated match in Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi. Plus, the Demon Finn Balor returns, Trick Williams makes his WrestleMania debut, Rhea Ripley faces Jade Cargill and ladders will be out for the Intercontinental Championship.
Follow USA TODAY Sports for all of the action from night two of WrestleMania 42:
When is WrestleMania 42?
WrestleMania 42 night two is on Sunday, April 19, taking place after night one happened on Saturday, April 18.
WrestleMania 42 night 2 start time
WrestleMania 42 night two starts at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT.
How to watch WrestleMania 42 night 2
The first hour of WrestleMania 42 – the first two matches – will be on ESPN and ESPN's streaming service.
Afterward, WrestleMania 42 will stream exclusively on ESPN's streaming service. Viewers can sign up for a subscription to the site here, which starts at $29.99 a month.
ESPN's service is available through select cable and TV packages, including:
If your cable or TV package includes the ESPN streaming service, you can figure out how to activate it here.
Internationally, WrestleMania will be available on Netflix in most markets.
Where is WrestleMania 42?
WrestleMania 42 takes place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders.
WrestleMania 42 night 2 match card
Matches not in order
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (on ESPN)
Intercontinental Championship ladder match: Penta (c) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. JD McDonagh vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio (on ESPN)
Demon Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
United States Championship match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
WWE Women's Championship match: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
World Heavyweight Championship match: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
When is WrestleMania 42 preshow?
The WrestleMania 42 preshow begins at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT.
How to watch WrestleMania 42 preshow
The preshow will be available to stream for free on YouTube and WWE's social media channels. It will also be available to stream on ESPN's streaming service.
As we head into another week of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, all 30 clubs have now played at least 20 games. There are quite a few teams on hot streaks right now and one club in particular that is frigid cold. As the weekend action nears its conclusion, we’re going to try and project what happens on the MLB schedule this week.
Let’s dive into our bold MLB predictions for the upcoming games this week.
Carson Benge Hits First HR Since Opening Day
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
This prediction certainly isn’t about numbers. After all, the New York Mets entered Sunday on a 10-game losing streak, and rookie outfielder Carson Benge has gone 68 plate appearances since last homering on Opening Day. What’s particularly concerning is that he’s collected just one extra-base hit (double) in his last 62 plate appearances and put up an abysmal .140/.210/.158 triple-slash line in that span. However, we’re rolling with the gut call here that Benge’s power drought comes to an end this week with a home run at Citi Field against either Simeon Woods Richardson (Wednesday) or at some point in the three-game homestand against the Colorado Rockies. The Mets will win that game, too.
Shota Imanaga Gets 10+ Ks in Consecutive Starts
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
With the Chicago Cubs without three starters—Justin Steele, Matthew Boyd, and Cade Horton—there’s even more pressure on the shoulders of Shota Imanaga. This past week, he was lights-out against the Philadelphia Phillies with 11 strikeouts and just 3 hits allowed in 6 innings. Facing the same team in consecutive starts isn’t ideal, but the Phillies’ lineup does have the fifth-highest strikeout rate in MLB (24.3 percent) since April 5. We think another gem is coming from Imanaga this week.
Shohehi Ohtani Homers, Throws 5 Hitless Innings
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In his major-league career, Shohei Ohtani boasts a .930 OPS with 10 home runs against the San Francisco Giants, and he’s hit 4 home runs at Oracle Park in 58 career at-bats. Not only do we see the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ two-way star going deep this week in San Francisco, we also think he’ll make it through 5 hitless innings against the Giants lineup.
Starting pitching has carried the Cleveland Guardians this season, demonstrated by the fact that the team entered Sunday with the third-lowest rotation ERA (3.00) in baseball. Fortunately for the Guardians’ lineup, there’s a “get right” series to open the week against a Houston Astros pitching staff that has a 6.80 ERA (worst in MLB) this month. We think Cleveland sweeps the Astros at home and then goes into Toronto and takes the three-game series, coming out of the week with a 5-1 record that strengthens their positioning atop the AL Central.
Aaron Judge Homers Twice vs Boston Red Sox
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Aaron Judge is going to have some fun this week at Fenway Park. He gets a three-game series against a Boston Red Sox pitching staff that has allowed the fifth-most home runs (26) in baseball this season, just as many as the Colorado Rockies (25). While he hasn’t hit for a high average at Fenway (.217) in his career, he still has 12 homers at this ballpark, with 3 of those coming last season. Maybe it’s a two-homer game, but we’re more inclined to say Judge homers in two of the three games at Fenway.
Edmonton Oilers fans can breathe a little easier knowing Leon Draisaitl will play in their first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, but the question remains when, exactly.
Draisaitl has been back skating with the team during practice ahead of the series opener, but he and coach Kris Knoblauch have yet to confirm whether he'll play in Game 1.
"That's up to the doctors to say that he's ready to play, he's not at risk of damaging something, so we'll wait for that," Knoblauch said after Friday's practice.
Added Draisaitl on Sunday: "We'll see how it feels tomorrow, and then, yeah, we'll make a call from there."
While Edmonton didn't have him in the homestretch, the offense has continued to roll along. They're going into the playoffs showing there are other names the Ducks need to pay attention to besides Connor McDavid.
The Oilers must respect Anaheim's offense, which has four 20-goal players, including Cutter Gauthier, who scored 41 times.
That said, Edmonton finished the regular season with six players who cracked the 20-goal mark. McDavid led the way with 48, followed by Draisaitl (35), Zach Hyman (31), Jack Roslovic (21), Evan Bouchard (21) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Roslovic nearly matched the career-high 22 goals he scored in 81 games last year with the Carolina Hurricanes. He played 69 games in his first season with the Oilers.
"I take a lot of pride in being able to bring in scoring from a top-six forward role, a depth role, just really trying to be a Swiss army knife in the lineup," Roslovic said. "It's a lot of great talent here, obviously, it goes without saying that it takes everyone to get individual accolades."
Beyond the 20-goal scorers, Matt Savoie scored a hat trick in the regular-season finale to bring himself up to 18 goals, while Vasily Podkolzin has 19.
The rest of the roster picking up the slack in production at the right time will add a fresh dynamic to this team come Monday night, with or without Draisaitl.
Watch the video column up above for more.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Shreyas Iyer is 66 runs away from reaching 4,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain likely to achieve the mark in the upcoming match in IPL 2026 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Mullanpur on Sunday.
In 138 matches and 136 innings, Iyer has scored 3,934 runs at an average of 35.12 and a strike rate of 135.37, including 30 fifties, with a highest score of 97 not out.
This season, he has scored 203 runs in four innings at an average of 67.66 and a strike rate of 187.96, with three fifties and a top score of 69 not out.
For Punjab Kings, he has made 807 runs in 22 matches and 21 innings at an average of 53.80 and a strike rate of 178.14, with nine fifties and a best of 97.
Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, with 8908 runs in 265 innings at a strike rate of 133.43.
Punjab Kings, who are at the top of the table, will rely on their batting when they face Lucknow Super Giants. PBKS are the only unbeaten team so far, with four wins from five matches, while one match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was washed out. They have a net run rate of +1.067.
The side has won nine of their last 11 matches while chasing since the 2025 season, including a recent win over Mumbai Indians.
Lucknow, currently seventh in the points table, are reeling from back-to-back losses, but the return of Pant in Sunday's match will be a relief for them. The LSG skipper had suffered an elbow injury in their previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Erling Haaland scored the winner in the 65th minute to settle a thrilling contest after the Gunners went agonisingly close to taking the lead.
Eberechi Eze struck the inside of the post just a couple of minutes before Haaland held off Gabriel to volley City into the lead.
It leaves City three points behind Arsenal in the title race and with the chance to go top for the first time this season on Wednesday night.
And, after Kai Havertz missed a golden chance to equalise in stoppage time, it means the title race will go right down to the wire. Here are five talking points from Man City’s 2-1 win over the Gunners.
Erling Haaland’s ripped shirt symbolises Man City’s win
Three years ago it was the sight of Erling Haaland’s long hair flowing behind him as he celebrated the final goal of Manchester City’s thumping 4-1 over Arsenal that summed up how Pep Guardiola’s side had ripped apart Mikel Arteta’s challengers. Three years later, the sight of Haaland’s ripped undershirt, following his latest grappling duel with Gabriel Magalhaes, that symbolised another defining victory.
City were not rampant this time. Arsenal went away from that bruising defeat in April 2023 and returned stronger, physically and mentally. And yet, Haaland was still able to hold off Arsenal’s biggest and most important defender as he fired the winning goal to settle a colossal clash. Following Jeremy Doku’s surge into the box and Nico O’Reilly’s flick across goal, Haaland pounced on the chance as he held off Gabriel to volley in. In a fascinating tactical duel, City had the muscle to take a step closer to the title.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Should Gabriel have seen red card for Haaland head butt?
So, turns out Gabriel was a little bit frustrated by being beaten to the ball by Haaland for the winner. In the 83rd minute, there was another flash point between the pair after Gabriel fouled Haaland from behind and the striker pushed the defender away from him when he got back to his feet.
Gabriel reacted by putting his head towards Haaland’s and they stood for a moment with their foreheads touching. But Gabriel then made a second movement and pushed his head towards Haaland’s for a second time. Haaland did not respond, as team-mates from both sides broke them up, but Gabriel was extremely fortunate that Haaland did not go down as it would likely have ended up as a red card for violent conduct.
Instead, both players were booked by referee Anthony Taylor for the altercation, while Pep Guardiola was also cautioned for his appeals. The Manchester City manager could be seen acting out a heat butt on the touchline.
The incident was checked by VAR, according to the Premier League Match Centre. “The referee’s call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent.“
With a title race that is this close, however, Gabriel staying on the pitch and avoiding a three-game ban for violent conduct could be crucial. “He can thank Haaland a lot, Gabriel, for not going down and holding his nose,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Was this the moment Arsenal could have won the Premier League?
Mikel Arteta fell to his knees. In a title race of the finest margins, Kai Havertz’s header in stoppage time was the golden chance Arsenal had to take to keep the title race in their hands. Instead, Havertz headed over the top of the bar to leave Arsenal knowing they could be knocked off top spot for the first time since October on Wednesday night.
It wasn’t the only chance Arsenal had in the second half. In fact, they had two brilliant opportunities when the match was level at 1-1 earlier - which, given how an Arsenal victory could have knocked City out of it, may have been even more critical to the outcome of the title. A counter-attack saw Martin Odegaard slipping Havertz through on goal with just Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat. But the goalkeeper stood tall and made a redemptive save, given his earlier error. Arsenal had a four-on-two but could not capitalise.
A couple of minutes later, Eberechi Eze hit the inside of the post with a curling shot from the edge of the box, the rebound off the woodwork skirting across the face of goal. That was how close Arsenal came to taking charge of the title race and getting their hands on a first league trophy in 22 years.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Did Arsenal’s kick-off force Donnarumma’s blunder?
Almost 14 years to the day since from Fernando Torres’ goal for Chelsea against Barcelona, the early stages of Manchester City vs Arsenal gave us “Gary Neville at Camp Nou: The Sequel”. In the first few minutes, David Raya’s heavy touch from a goal-kick that almost rebounded into the net off the charging Erling Haaland, left Neville shaking his head and asking “what the hell” the goalkeeper was doing.
Then, just moments after Rayan Cherki’s stunning goal, Neville was at it again. The Etihad was still bouncing and there appeared to be no danger at all when Mathues Nunes went back to Gianluigi Donnarumma from a throw-in. But after Kai Havertz closed him down and the deflection looped up and into the empty net, Neville and Peter Drury were left with an all-timer of an “OOOAAAAH”.
Pep Guardiola stood with his hands on his head in disbelief. He had been asking his goalkeeper to go long before then, with Arsenal pressing well. Interestingly, Arsenal went into the corner straight from kick-off, rugby union style, in an attempt to pin City back following Cherki’s opening goal. Nunes then obliged by throwing back to his goalkeeper.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
‘Special’ Rayan Cherki evokes Messi with stunning goal
Lionel Messi had an ability to make even the greatest defenders look a bit silly. See, for example, his goal against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League semi-finals that twisted Jerome Boateng inside out and reduced a towering World Cup and Champions League winning centre-back into a meme for the rest of his career.
It wasn't quite as humiliating, but what Rayan Cherki just did to Gabriel Magalhaes, the best centre-back in the Premier League this season, wasn’t too far away, either. Starting his run from outside of the box, Cherki twisted right and left and slipped past Gabriel’s outstretched foot as he entered the box. That just doesn’t happen to Gabriel, but this was a special goal.
The manner Cherki then wriggled away from Declan Rice and slid his finish under William Saliba and away from David Raya was sublime as well.
James Forrest set up Kelechi Iheanacho's header as Celtic pulled away from St Mirren [SNS]
Cometh the hour, cometh the legend, clink-clanking his way on to the Hampden pitch, dripping with silverware from one of the most storied Celtic careers and, now, with the prospect of even more. James Forrest - 35 years young in July - helped turn Sunday's madcap Scottish semi-final in Celtic's favour. Evergreen, in every sense.
It turned into an absolute rout in breakneck speed but Celtic were reeling when it went into extra-time, the favourites surrendering a 2-0 lead against a St Mirren side who have looked them in the eye all season and shown zero fear.
It was 2-2 and St Mirren had the momentum, then Forrest started to play. Thirteen league titles, eight Scottish Cups, five League Cups and an incalculable amount of hunger to add to his total. Twenty-six winners' medals and he continues to play with the hunger of a guy who has won nothing.
The goal that broke open the semi was Celtic's third and, though it was nodded home by Kelechi Iheanacho, it was masterminded by Forrest's energy and accuracy and craft in getting to the line and dinking a cross to his striker.
It was the goal that unsettled St Mirren, the goal that facilitated the deluge that came; three more followed in the next three minutes. Forrest was involved in the one that made it 4-2 as well, Luke McCowan driving another stake into St Mirren's heart.
Forrest tried to make things happen - and did. He was aggressive when Celtic had lapsed into timidity. He was full of verve when too many of his team-mates were toiling. He was the spark. He lifted them all and helped carry them through a day that was brutally tough for a long time and then unimaginably easy for the rest of it.
He's a bit-part winger these days and for many other days that went before. He's started seven games this season, 11 the season before and single figures for the two seasons before that. Part of that was influenced by injury but in other part it was down to the arrival of shiny new wingers who haven't been anything like as shiny as Celtic hoped.
Expensive, too. Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha are the latest two but, for years, Forrest has counted them in and counted them back out again - Marian Shved, Luis Palma, Marco Tilio, Nicolas Kuhn, Liel Abada. Some successful, some not, some others who just disappeared into thin air. That is far from a complete list of Celtic's wide men in recent times. Regardless, Forrest remains the constant, the great survivor and the enduring influencer.
O'Neill v Lennon another thrilling plot twist
How fitting it is that a season that has thrown up more plot twists than Agathe Christie's collected works will have one last thriller to round it all off?
Martin O'Neill versus Neil Lennon in the Scottish Cup final in May. The icon most probably managing Celtic for the very last time against his one-time captain, the player he bought, nurtured, depended on and protected in a glorious era. Back to the future they go.
The temptation in all of this is to say that you couldn't make it up - this meeting of Celtic greats - but we've known for a long time that Scottish football is a place of infinite wonders where anything is possible and believable.
Dunfermline Athletic manager Neil Lennon and Celtic counterpart Martin O'Neill will be back at Hampden and in opposing dugouts on 23 May [SNS]
St Mirren did their darndest to change the storyline. Everything is degrees of sweatiness for Celtic these days and this was another deeply uncomfortable afternoon before the floodgates were forced open and St Mirren washed away.
At the break, when leading 2-0, it looked like a rare thing of late was going to happen - a Celtic stroll. They'd taken the lead when St Mirren goalkeeper Ryan Mullen delayed a clearance and was suckered by Daizen Maeda sneaking up on his blindside like a lion sizing up an unsuspecting antelope. The outcome could not have been uglier for St Mirren or prettier for Maeda.
He got them off to a flyer and Celtic looked sharp. They hit the woodwork twice, they had a danger about them for a little while. St Mirren lost Mullen to injury and had to replace him with the only fit option, 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius, playing in his first senior game. No pressure, son.
St Mirren found plenty in adversity. Tempo, aggression, work-rate. They pushed Celtic back, hustled them and harried them, lived in their face and watched them struggle.
Mikael Mandron made it 2-1 then 2-2 and they deserved it. Celtic were like a boxer on the ropes, ahead on points and hoping to see out the final moments by covering up as best they could. They got caught. Into extra time it went. And into orbit went Forrest's impact.
Lennon was there to see it. Dunfermline will be underdogs in the final but given that his own team have already beaten Hibs, Aberdeen and Falkirk on their way back to Hampden and haven't conceded a goal to any of them, then he can't have witnessed too much to scare him.
The goal-fest was Celtic at their most ruthless but it was unlike them this season. If they could deliver that kind of efficiency and class in front of goal for the reminder of the season then it's conceivable they would motor on to a double.
There'll be huge encouragement in Iheanacho's performance, a dangerous weapon and the best tool Celtic have for the run-in. His two goals were timely, to put it mildly. Winger Maeda, for all his phenomenal work-rate, is not the centre-forward Celtic need right now.
O'Neill has many things to ponder. What an end game awaits. Five league games and one cup final, the last act against one of his greatest leaders of the past.
They shared a television gantry at the end. Laughing and joking, the mood will be a little more intense the next time they meet.
23XI Racing will lead the NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup for the race at Kansas Speedway in April. Tyler Reddick won the pole for the 2026 AdventHealth 400 at Kansas this weekend. Denny Hamlin will join Reddick on the front row for Sunday afternoon's event. It is Reddick's third pole position of the 2026 season.
Ty Gibbs and Kyle Larson will follow the two drivers on the second row. Most notably, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Corey Heim, Josh Berry, Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, and Connor Zilisch all start 20th or worse for Sunday's event. It was a relatively smooth qualifying session.
The full NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup at Kansas in April 2026 is below!
NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup at Kansas (April 2026)
Ohio State and head coach Jake Diebler continue to acquire talent and pieces for next year's basketball team.
Ohio State added another experienced piece to its overhauled backcourt when Duquesne guard Jimmie Williams announced his commitment to the Buckeyes. This will be a sort of homecoming for the 6-foot-5 native from Solon, Ohio. He looks to bring his all-around game, and more importantly, another proven scorer to a roster that still has many questions to answer this offseason.
Williams averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in what was his breakout season for Duquesne. He played in 33 games and shot 46.3% from the field and 33.9% from 3-point range. His stats profile ultimately earned him a place on the third-team All Atlantic 10. Before he got to Duquesne, Williams played for both South Florida and Wallace State, where he was an NJCAA All-American and one of the most decorated players at the junior college level.
NEWS: Duquesne transfer Jimmie Williams has committed to Ohio State, source told @TheFieldOf68.
The 3rd-Team All-A10 selection averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for the Dukes this season. pic.twitter.com/hhWZFkun6p
For Ohio State, Williams fits a clear need. The Buckeyes have already lost several pieces to the team that lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season. That has left coach Jake Diebler with significant work to do in reshaping the roster, especially in the backcourt. Ohio State has been able to add some talent, notably Cal guard Justin Pippen and Kentucky forward Andrija Jelavic, but it still needs to bring significantly more bodies if it wants to contend in the top tier of the Big Ten Conference next season.
Williams can give the Buckeyes a veteran option who can handle the ball, score, rebound, and create turnovers, all traits Ohio State would welcome.
Williams decision to return to his home state gives Ohio State a player who knows the region and one who has participated and excelled at all the different levels of college basketball. His background and ability will give Jake Diebler a key piece in navigating one of the most important portal periods of the modern era.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Sunny on X:@thesunnyv
It's not too late: Liverpool must reverse course and keep star player
Liverpool, it's not too late. You must reverse course and keep Sunday's star player.
Curtis Jones was the best player on the pitch for the Merseyside derby. The only Scouser in the Liverpool team played a strange right-back/centre-midfield hybrid role but did it expertly.
Jones had 36 more touches than any other player on the pitch and completed an incredible 94 per cent of his passes. That was, quite amazingly, the highest success rate and the most attempted passes.
He won the majority of his duels, completed 10 passes into the final third and was a massive contribution towards the winning goal. Liverpool would not have won this one without Jones.
Which is why it's insane that he's set to leave the club. There is absolutely no talk around a new contract for the player, who enters the final year of his deal this summer.
In fact, Jones nearly left last January and Inter were confident of getting him. Really, only Liverpool's injury crisis stopped a deal from getting done.
It's a ridiculous situation - Liverpool's most controlling player, a homegrown one, and someone who wants to play for the Reds.
But it's far from too late. The club have got to figure out what they've got here and get a deal done. Jones should not leave.
Curtis Jones: Situation Summary
Season Stats and Transfer Status
As of 19 April 2026, Curtis Jones has made 44 appearances across all competitions, providing two goals and two assists. Despite maintaining an elite 92% pass completion rate, the 25-year-old has struggled for consistent game time, managing only 12 Premier League starts under Arne Slot. With his contract set to enter its final year and negotiations reportedly stalled, Jones is widely expected to leave his boyhood club this summer. Aston Villa have emerged as frontrunners, preparing a "concrete move" to keep him in the Premier League, while Inter Milan and Tottenham also remain interested.
Injury and Team Context
Jones recently returned to action for the Merseyside derby on 19 April, having recovered from a groin strain that kept him out of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG. His potential departure is part of a broader midfield overhaul planned by Sporting Director Richard Hughes, aimed at funding moves for targets like Eduardo Camavinga. With club icons Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson also confirmed to leave, Jones’s exit would mark a significant shift in Liverpool’s homegrown core.
A Noah Caluori-inspired Saracens gave their Prem play-off hopes a much-needed boost with a 13-try 85-19 victory over a wretched Sale Sharks at the CorpAcq Stadium.
The flying winger equalled the five tries he scored against the Sharks in the reverse fixture back in October, extending his lead at the top of the league's try-scoring charts to seven scores.
Sale were a shadow of their earlier selves in defence, conceding six first-half tries to Rotimi Segun, Tom Willis, Rhys Carre, Fergus Burke and a brace for Caluori as the visitors dominated all aspects of the game.
The Sharks finally got on the board through Tom O'Flaherty and Asher Opoku-Fordjour after the break, but further scores from Caluori, Charlie Bracken, Nathan Michelow, Max Malins and Ben Earl ensured their largest ever defeat in the league.
With Sale out of play-off contention, a win was vital for Saracens to have any chance of catching Exeter Chiefs, 14 points ahead in fourth at the start of the day, and their intent was clear from the first whistle.
Having made an initial foray into Sharks' territory, Segun was fed by Olly Hartley before stepping back inside to leave would-be tacklers Gus Warr and Rob du Preez clutching at thin air.
Sale's defensive frailty was exposed once again with Malins breaking through the home defensive line with ease before the ball went through the hands allowing the Caluori to dot down for his first.
Mark McCall's men sensed blood and, following another period of Saracens pressure in the Sale 22, Willis bounced through an initial tackle before stretching out to score.
Sale, still looking for their first league win of 2026, were stunned, dominated at the breakdown in the absence of the Curry brothers and Dan du Preez.
Rhys Carre used his textbook power to score in the first half [Getty Images]
Unable to slow Saracens' quick ball, they conceded a fourth try to Carre, the prop powering over after a well worked line-out move.
Burke soon added a fifth, escaping yet another poor tackle attempt to kick ahead and regather close to the posts.
On the verge of half-time, the tries just kept on coming. With the tiring Sale defence in disarray, Malins fed Calouri on the wing to dive over Warr's despairing tackle to leave Sharks boss Alex Sanderson with much to consider at the break.
With the game gone, Sale knew they had to score next to restore any semblance of pride.
Following quick hands in the midfield between Ernst van Rhyn and Ethan Caine, the ball ended up in the hands of O'Flaherty, who bounced through three defenders to stretch over.
But it did not take Saracens long to reassert their dominance.
Bracken added a seventh before Caluori took over the game, intercepting du Preez in midfield for his hat-trick score before adding a further two tries in the corner as Sale's missed tackle count reached 40.
With Sale's defence a non-entity at this point, Michelow spun through as Saracens crossed the 70-point mark before Malins got Sarries' 12th score, diving on the ball after O'Flaherty dropped it in his own 22.
Earl then bagged yet another Saracens score in between Sale consolations from O'Flaherty and Opoku-Fordjour to cap a historic afternoon for Mark McCall's men.
The result leaves Saracens in sixth, five points below Bristol in fifth while Sale stay seventh, with very little chance of being able to catch those above them.
Sale: R du Preez; O'Flaherty, Louw, Ma'asi-White, Roebuck; Ford, Warr; Opoku-Fordjour, Caine, Harper; van Rhyn (c), Bamber, Vermuelen, Gilmore, Dugdale.
Florida women's basketball head coach Tammi Reiss announced that TCU Horned Frogs transfer Taliyah Parker has signed with the Gators, giving the Orange and Blue a lengthy, versatile guard.
The 6-foot-1-inch rising junior is no stranger to starting new. After one season with the Texas A&M Aggies, Parker transferred to TCU for the 2025-26 season and appeared in 20 games for the Horned Frogs before an injury cut her season short and forced her to miss the NCAA Tournament.
Parker's freshman year at Texas A&M showed the same pattern of promise interrupted by injury. She averaged 5.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in 18 minutes before missing the back end of the season. When she was healthy and on the floor, she was capable of big nights, including a career-high 14 points against Syracuse and 13 points at LSU.
Parker arrived in college as the No. 60 overall recruit and the No. 6 player in the state of Texas in the class of 2024, according to ESPN HoopGurlz. She led South Grand Prairie High School to the 2024 UIL 6A State Championship game on a team that went 33-4, earning All-State honors along the way.
Staying healthy has been the challenge, and Florida will be banking on a fresh start being exactly what Parker needs.
Reiss made clear she has no doubts about what Parker can do when she is right.
"I'm so happy to welcome Taliyah (Parker) to our Gators family," Reiss said. "She is an incredible athlete on both sides of the ball, and possesses speed, size and length. She has an explosive first step and has the ability to really attack the rim.
"Taliyah is a three-level scorer with the ability to face up and play with her back to the basket. She is fantastic in transition with her speed and explosiveness, and a very intelligent, hard-working, team oriented, competitive young woman. Taliyah brings such a positive light and energy to any room she walks into.
"I'm thrilled that I get to coach her and help her find her joy and the success she is looking for on the court."
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The Premier League is set up for another thrilling run-in after Manchester City beat Arsenal to set up a fascinating last month of the title race.
The Gunners travelled to the Etihad on Sunday with a six-point lead at the top of the table but that has now been cut to just three points, and with City holding a game in hand Mikel Arteta’s side could see their lead wiped out by Wednesday.
Arsenal are bidding to finally end their 22-year wait for a league title but they could well face a shootout for this season’s trophy, with goal difference potentially deciding the destination of the title.
City denied Arsenal the title in both 2023 and 2024, and now the Gunners will feel they need five wins from their remaining five games in order to win the league for the first time since 2004.
However, City will likely feel the same, and with six games left of their campaign, here’s how the crucial run-in is shaping up.
Arsenal
Played: 33 | Points: 70 | GD: 37
Remaining fixtures:
25 April - Newcastle (H)
2 May - Fulham (H)
10 May - West Ham (A)
17 May - Burnley (H)
24 May - Crystal Palace (A)
Toughest game? With the trip to Manchester City out of the way, there’s one fixture that stands out with just five more league games to go. The visit of Newcastle next week looks tough on paper, though with the Magpies faltering of late, the Gunners could well find a victory more easily than they have in the past against Eddie Howe’s side. Indeed, it may prove that the game against relegation-threatened West Ham proves more difficult.
Final straight? While the loss to City is damaging, Arsenal can only try and win all of their final five games now, and they can be confident of doing so. In May, they will play Fulham and Burnley at home. Mid-table Fulham and Crystal Palace will likely be in ‘nothing to play for’ territory while 19th-placed Burnley could well be down by the penultimate weekend. West Ham, though, will be fighting for their lives. Still, the Gunners might not have to play a top-half team in May.
Toughest game? Pep Guardiola’s side have hit their purple patch and the win over Arsenal closes the gap to just three points with City having a game in hand. However, City have a potentially far more difficult run-in than Arsenal, and a final-day game at home to Aston Villa could be a tough end to the season if everything isn’t already decided by then.
Final straight? On paper, much tougher than Arsenal’s. Brentford and Bournemouth are in the mix for European qualification over the final weeks of the season and City have to play them both in their final three games. Then, they host Aston Villa on the final weekend of the season. Will Unai Emery’s side have Champions League qualification wrapped up by then, or will they face a late fight to get into the top-five? City could do with hoping Villa get to the Europa League final that midweek.
Verdict?
Arsenal’s fixtures look more favourable than City’s, particularly in their final stretch, but the result at the Etihad means momentum has swung in City’s favour, and Pep Guardiola’s side look in ominous form as they chase a seventh title under the Spaniard.
A resurgent Babar Azam scored his first century in 67 T20 innings in Peshawar Zalmi's thumping 118-run victory over Quetta Gladiators.
Former Pakistan captain Babar's T20 game has come under scrutiny in recent years, no more so than this winter when he scored 91 runs across six matches at the T20 World Cup.
He also struggled in this winter's Big Bash - he scored 202 runs at a strike-rate of 103.06 and was retired out in one match - but has found form in the PSL with scores of 87 not out and 71 not earlier in the tournament.
He only faced one dot ball in his knock against Quetta but also hit six fours and four sixes in making exactly 100 not out in 52 balls.
The right-hander reached his 12th T20 hundred and his third in the Pakistan Super League off the final ball of the innings and roared in delight.
Zalmi's 255-3 was the third-highest total in PSL history. Sri Lanka batter Kusal Mendis also hit 83 from 44 balls.
Zalmi continued their dominance throughout the chase by taking wickets throughout. Quetta were 82-7 and limped on until 18.1 overs before being bowled out for 137.
The win extends unbeaten Zalmi's lead at the top of the table to five points with two matches to go.
Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal: City win potential title decider
Manchester City are now arguable favourites for the Premier League title, following a 2-1 win over league leaders Arsenal at the Etihad this afternoon.
Rayan Cherki opened the scoring for City with a wonderful goal, before a moment of madness saw Kai Havertz net an equaliser just 107 seconds lateer.
However, Erling Haaland stepped up and fired past Raya in the second half to seal all three points for the Citizens and sparking the title race into life ahead of the remaining few games.
As It Happened
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta found a way to get Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard into the same starting XI in 2026 for this crucial clash, with Viktor Gyökeres dropping to the bench. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola named an unchanged side from Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Chelsea last time out.
David Raya nearly cost his side in the opening minutes when his pass clattered into Erling Haaland, but luckily for the Spaniard, the ball flew back out to the wing. City hit the post seconds later when Cherki saw his shot deflect off Gabriel and onto the woodwork.
Arsenal earned themselves back-to-back corners in the sixth minute, but Cristhian Mosquera couldn’t keep his header on target. It was the hosts who found the opener in style on the 15th minute, when Cherki danced through the Arsenal defence and picked out the bottom corner with his right foot.
Their lead didn’t last long, however, as Havertz pounced on a loose touch from Gianluigi Donnarumma and found the net for an instant equaliser. Haaland looked to get his side back in front ten minutes later, but his shot was uncharacteristically wayward.
Bernardo Silva was next up to try and get a shot away, but some great recovery work from Declan Rice meant the ball went behind for a corner, which was dealt with comfortably. Mosquera was shown the first yellow card of the game in the 35th minute for a foul on Jérémy Doku.
Abdukodir Khusanov did well to nick the ball off Havertz’s toes shortly before half-time, putting the ball behind for a corner that Haaland subsequently cleared. Antoine Semenyo sparked into life in the 41st minute when his fierce strike was blocked by Piero Hincapié, bringing the first 45 to a close with nothing to separate the two sides.
Arsenal made one change at the break, with Gabriel Martinelli replacing Noni Madueke. The Citizens looked to take the lead early in the second half, but neither Khusanov nor Haaland could find the target. Minutes later, Rodri found Semenyo in behind the Arsenal defence, but the winger’s first touch let him down.
Donnarumma somewhat made up for his earlier error on the hour mark when he made a huge save to deny Havertz, before the rebound was cleared off the line by Nico O’Reilly. They somehow came even closer moments later, when Eze struck the upright from the edge of the area.
Marc Guehi was shown a yellow card in the 60th minute for a foul on Rice, but then up stepped Haaland, who fired past Raya to give his side the lead yet again with 25 minutes remaining. A tussle between the Norwegian and Gabriel saw the Manchester City forward have to change shirt after his was ripped by the Brazilian.
Gabriel saw his header rebound off the post in the 72nd minute, with the rebound going out for an Arsenal corner, which was well defended. Arteta made further changes following the corner, with Ben White and Leandro Trossard introduced to replace Mosquera and Eze.
White was involved straight away, but his cross could only find the gloves of Donnarumma. Gabriel arguably should have been sent off in the 83rd minute, after him and Haaland went face-to-face on the halfway line, and Gabriel seemed to push his head into Haaland; both were booked for the altercation. Pep Guardiola was also shown a yellow card for his reaction to the incident.
Both sides made changes in the 84th minute, with Cherki’s game coming to an end, when he was replaced by Phil Foden and Gyökeres replacing Martin Zubimendi. Savinho was also introduced shortly after, replacing Doku. Rodri was substituted due to injury in the 89th minute, with Nico González his replacement as City looked to see out the final minutes.
Arsenal applied pressure on the City goal as the game entered seven minutes of additional time; however, what looked to be a great cross was cut out by Bernardo Silva, who beat Gyökeres in the air. As the Gunners entered “last chance saloon” territory, Havertz came incredibly close with a header that went over the bar by millimetres.
Semenyo was withdrawn deep into injury time, with Nathan Aké coming on to help sure up the City defence for the final moments. The Dutch defender did just that and headed away a cross from Rice, to secure a vital and potentially title deciding win for Manchester City.
Official | Bayern Munich secure 35th Bundesliga title with home win over Stuttgart
Bayern Munich’s 4-2 win over VfB Stuttgart enabled the German record champions to clinch their 35th Bundesliga title. The Bavarians were able to officially secure the Meisterschale in front of their hometown fans on Sunday afternoon. Having secured the 2025/26 Bundesliga crown, Bayern have now finished first in the German top flight in 13 of the last 14 years.
The crowd at the Allianz Arena were quieted early when Stuttgart’s Chris Führich initially put the Bavarians behind with a 21st-minute 0-1 opener. The mighty German giants nevertheless quickly responded by scoring three goals in the space of six minutes before the first half was out.
Goals from Raphaël Guerreiro, Nicolas Jackson, and Alphonso Davies between the 31st and 37th minutes enabled Bayern to head into the tunnel with a 3-1 halftime lead. With the issue essentially beyond all doubt, the party was on all across the stadium and in the famous SüdKurve.
Harry Kane – who once again did not start in a league fixture – came on at the half and added a fourth goal in the 52nd-minute. As expected, the chorus of famous German footballing anthem “Oh wie ist es schön” rang out in the stands at the Allianz Arena as full time approached.
A late consolation goal from Chema Andres naturally didn’t dampen spirits much.
Bayern Munich’s 35th title never in much doubt
Vincent Kompany’s FCB arithmetically clinched the title on matchday 30, but the 2025/26 Bundesliga title race was declared effectively over after Bayern defeated their nearest challengers Borussia Dortmund on matchday 24 at the end of February. For many Bundesliga journalists, Bayern’s record breaking undefeated streak at the beginning of the season made it fully clear that this year’s Bayern couldn’t possibly be dethroned this year.
Bayern won their first 16 competitive fixtures this year before drawing Union Berlin on matchday 10 in November. A 18-match unbeaten run would come to an end when Arsenal defeated Bayern later that month. Bayern would not lose in the Bundesliga until their Bavarian neighbors Augsburg upset them at home on matchday 19 in late January.
Still alive in both the DFB Pokal and UEFA Champions League, there’s plenty more history for Kompany’s FCB to chase. Kompany’s team already secured the Franz Beckenbauer DFL Supercup, beating last year’s Bundesliga runners up Stuttgart away on the league’s on the “soft opening weekend” before the Bundesliga campaign officially started.
Bayern’s dominance in the league is somewhat underscored by the fact that they haven’t won the domestic cup since Hansi Flick’s side defeated Leverkusen at the end of the 2019/20 season. Flick’s team also secured the UCL crown later that same year; the last time that Bayern took European Club Football’s ultimate prize.
Sep 24, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) fields a ground ball against the Athletics in the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Houston Astros (8-14) look to salvage the finale of this three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals (12-8) at Daikin Park.
Astros starter RHP Mike Burrows (1-3, 6.55 ERA), who pitched in the NL Central for the Pirates last season, will surprisingly make his first career appearance against the Cardinals today opposite LHP Matthew Liberatore (0-1, 4.29 ERA).
TODAY’S ASTROS STARTER: RHP Mike Burrows, who’s making his fifth start of the season, was acquired from the Pirates this offseason as part of a three-team, six-player trade in which the Astros sent OF Jacob Melton and minor leaguer RHP Anderson Brito to the Rays, while the Rays sent IF Brandon Lowe, OF Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery to the Pirates.
Burrows impressed this Spring, making five starts and posting a 1.50 ERA (3ER/18IP) while allowing a .200 opponent batting average with 17 strikeouts.
VS. THE CARDS: This series is a matchup of former division rivals, who spent 19 seasons together in the NL Central from 1994-2012…overall, the two teams have played each other 724 times, with the Astros going 336-386…these teams also have postseason history, with the Astros going 7-6 vs. the Cards in the playoffs.
The two clubs faced off in back-to-back NLCS in 2004-05 with St. Louis taking the ‘04 NLCS in seven games and Houston winning the ‘05 NLCS in six games.
BLISTERED!: Last night, LF Yordan Alvarez hit a 3rd inning double with a 117.8 MPH exit velocity, marking the Astros hardest-hit ball of the season and the second hardest hit in the Majors so far in 2026 (Oneil Cruz, 119.0 MPH double, April 16 vs. WSH).
Alvarez’s ball was also the second hardest-hit ball of his career (117.9 MPH groundout on Sept. 6, 2019 vs. SEA).
DOWN IN CORPUS: The Astros had a pair of rehabbing players working down at Double A on Friday night.
OF Zach Dezenzo (right elbow sprain) went 0x1 with a HBP in a start at DH, while LHP Bennett Sousa (left oblique strain) tossed 1.2 scoreless innings on Friday night, striking out five.
HARRIS REPORTS: OF Dustin Harris (#37), who was acquired off waivers from Chicago (AL) yesterday, has joined the Major League club today.
Harris has appeared in six Major League games for the White Sox this season, hitting .250 (3×12) with a .438 OBP.
MORE ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have recalled RHP Jayden Murray from Triple-A Sugar Land and have placed OF Joey Loperfido on the 10-day IL with a right quad strain (retro to April 18).
Additionally the Astros have acquired IF Braden Shewmake from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor leaguer RHP Wilmy Sanchez. Shewmake has played his entire 2026 season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees minor league system.
THE ORDER: The Astros have used 22 different batting orders in their 22 games so far this season. Only LF Yordan Alvarez has started every game in the same spot in the lineup (second).
MVP CALIBER: LF Yordan Alvarez ranks first in the AL in extra-base hits (16), total bases (60), RBI (20), OPS (1.274), SLG (.789) and OBP (.485), ranks second in batting average (.342), tied for second in doubles (7), tied for third in runs scored (18), and fourth in walks (19).
AGENT SMITH: According to Baseball Savant, RF Cam Smith has played like one of the best all-around Major League players in 2026, ranking in the 100th percentile in fielding range (OAA), 98th percentile in bat speed, 97th percentile in sprint speed and 92nd percentile in barrel percentage.
On the season, Smith is hitting .257 (19×74) with three homers, 10 RBI and an .802 OPS in 22 games.
BEHIND THE DISH:C Christian Vázquez is hitting .375 (12×32) with a .444 OBP, four doubles, two homers and 10 RBI in 10 games.
He’s made just eight start at catcher, yet already has thrown out four baserunners attempting to steal.
HARD TO HIT: RHP Kai-Wei Teng, just the second Taiwanese-born player to appear with the Astros in their history, has held opponents to 6×41 on the season for a .146 opponent average.
Overall, Teng has gone 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA (3ER/11.2IP), a 0.86 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 11.2 innings in relief.
KID TAKEOVER: Kids will take over Daikin Park today with a Future Astros parade happening pregame, which will be shortly followed by Kreinhop Elementary performing the National Anthem.
Kids Run the Bases, presented by Olshan Foundation Solutions will take place following the game for kids in attendance ages 5-12.
THE ROAD AHEAD: The Astros are concluding a six-game homestand today in which they hosted the Rockies (2-1) and Cardinals (0-2).
They’ll hit the road again after today’s contest for a quick three-game road trip to Cleveland beginning tomorrow.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1964 – RHP Bob Bruce throws the first immaculate inning in club history in the 8th inning of a 6-1 loss to the Cardinals. Bruce is the first of nine pitchers in club history to accomplish the feat.
He’s since been joined by LHP Pete Harnisch (1991), LHP Mike Magnante (1997), LHP Randy Johnson (1998), RHP Shane Reynolds (1999), RHP Brandon Backe (2004), RHP Will Harris (2019), RHP Luis Garcia (2022) and RHP Phil Maton (2022).
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, April 19, 1:10 p.m. CST
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Manchester City x Arsenal - Highlights, Summary and Match Report
Incidents: The story of the match
1':
The match begins
Manchester City leads Arsenal 1-0. Rayan Cherki scores for Manchester City with a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the left corner, assisted by Matheus Nunes.
16':
GOAL Manchester City: Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) scores!
Rayan Cherki scores goal number 4 in the competition (27 matches)
The match is now 1-1 as Kai Havertz scores for Arsenal with a right-footed shot from inside the six-yard box, placing it to the left side of the center of the goal.
18':
GOAL Arsenal: Kai Havertz (Arsenal) scores!
Kai Havertz scores goal number 1 in the competition (8 matches) Kai Havertz scores goal number 34 for his team (106 matches)
Erling Haaland scores for Manchester City with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the left corner. The match stands at 2-1 in favor of Manchester City.
65':
GOAL Manchester City: Erling Haaland (Manchester City) scores!
Erling Haaland scores goal number 23 in the competition (31 matches) Erling Haaland scores goal number 158 for his team (192 matches)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 08: Joey Cantillo #54 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on April 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Turin, Italy - April 6: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus Fc during warm up before the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on April 6, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
MATCH INFO
When: Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Where: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy.
Official kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. local time in Italy and across Europe, 7:45 p.m. in the United Kingdom, 2:45 p.m. Eastern time, 1:45 p.m. Central time, 11:45 a.m. Pacific time.
Online/Streaming:Paramount+, Amazon Prime USA, DAZN USA, fuboTV, Fox One, Fox Sports app, FoxSports.com (United States); DAZN Canada; fuboTV Canada (Canada); DAZN UK (United Kingdom); DAZN Italy, Sky Go Italia, NOW TV (Italy).
Other live viewing options can be found here, and as always, you can also follow along with us live and all the stupid things we say on Bluesky. If you haven’t already, join the community on Black & White & Read All Over, and join in the discussion below.
Bayern München x Stuttgart - Highlights, Summary and Match Report
VfB Stuttgart struck first at the Allianz Arena, with Chris Führich opening the scoring on 21 minutes after being played in by Bilal El Khannouss. Bayern München, however, responded swiftly and took control of the contest before half-time, showing the sharpness and attacking quality reflected in their numbers.
Raphaël Guerreiro levelled matters on 31 minutes from close range, assisted by Jamal Musiala, before Nicolas Jackson put Bayern ahead just two minutes later following a rapid break set up by Luis Díaz. Alphonso Davies then made it 3-1 in the 37th minute, again with Díaz involved, as the hosts turned the game around in emphatic fashion.
Harry Kane added Bayern?s fourth on 52 minutes to put the result beyond doubt, capping a dominant performance from the league leaders. Bayern finished with 28 shots, 66% possession and 11 corners, while their expected goals total of 4.13 underlined the extent of their superiority.
Stuttgart did manage a late reply through Chema Andrés in the 88th minute, assisted by Atakan Karazor, but it was only a consolation. The visitors finished with 11 shots and 34% possession, unable to contain Bayern?s relentless pressure once the home side found their rhythm.
Incidents: The story of the match
VfB Stuttgart leads 1-0 against FC Bayern München. Chris Führich scores with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box into the bottom right corner, assisted by Bilal El Khannouss with a through ball.VfB Stuttgart takes the lead 1-0 against FC Bayern München. Chris Führich scores with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box into the right corner, assisted by Bilal El Khannouss with a through ball.Raphaël Guerreiro scores for FC Bayern München with a right-footed shot from very close range into the high center of the goal, assisted by Jamal Musiala. The match is now 1-1 against VfB Stuttgart.The match is now 1-1 as Raphaël Guerreiro scores for FC Bayern München with a right-footed shot from close range to the top center of the goal, assisted by Jamal Musiala.FC Bayern München 2, VfB Stuttgart 1. Nicolas Jackson scores for FC Bayern München with a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner, assisted by Luis Díaz after a fast break.FC Bayern München 2, VfB Stuttgart 1. Nicolas Jackson scores for FC Bayern München with a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the left corner, assisted by Luis Díaz after a fast break.FC Bayern München 3, VfB Stuttgart 1. Alphonso Davies scores for FC Bayern München with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the high center of the goal, assisted by Luis Díaz.FC Bayern München 3, VfB Stuttgart 1. Alphonso Davies scores for FC Bayern München with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the top center of the goal, assisted by Luis Díaz.Harry Kane scores for FC Bayern München with a left-footed shot from close range into the left corner. The match stands at FC Bayern München 4, VfB Stuttgart 1.Chema Andres scores for VfB Stuttgart with a right-footed shot from outside the box. The match score is now FC Bayern München 4, VfB Stuttgart 2.Chema Andres scores for VfB Stuttgart with a right-footed shot from outside the box into the top left corner, assisted by Atakan Karazor's header. The match score is now FC Bayern München 4, VfB Stuttgart 2.VfB Stuttgart scores to make it 4-2 against FC Bayern München. Chema Andres shoots with his right foot from outside the box into the top left corner, assisted by Atakan Karazor's header.
Oregon’s Katie Flannery, left, and pitcher Lyndsey Grein catch Iowa’s Mariah Myers off base at Jane Sanders Stadium in Eugene April 5, 2026 | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Both Diamond Duck teams are in action in conference play today. First up Baseball takes on Illinois at 11 AM and then Softball takes on Washington at 3 PM
Shaquille O'Neal won't be trying to influence the next wave of NBA stars.
With one of college basketball's best freshman classes in recent memory, the number of one-and-done talents like Duke's Cameron Boozer, BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, UNC's Caleb Wilson and others are expected to come together for a class to rival the NBA Draft classes of both 1996 and 2003. Despite a deep pool, Shaq won't be reaching out to any of them to give advice.
The reason why the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar is staying away is rather simple. O'Neal revealed to the New York Post that he no longer texts any former or current players in the league and enjoys not being involved.
"I don’t like athletes or superstars because they’re a--holes," O'Neal said.“I denounced myself from being a celebrity about 10 years ago because those people are weird. I’m not weird." He went on to say, “I want to be a regular guy.”
As an analyst for Inside the NBA, O'Neal takes it seriously and just wants to be removed from the game on a personal level. While he'll never fully get away from the game, it's clear there will be no "Shaq Attack" motivation for the next generation.
However, O'Neal dropped an interesting nugget for any of the up-and-coming players willing to listen. “We talk about the NIL, what’s going on now. People always go for the money first, but you have to have the education on how to manage the money,” he said.
Shaq is one of the biggest faces of the game, past or present. The four-time NBA champion is the only player in league history to have his jersey retired by three different franchises.
Former world number one Mark Allen fought back from an "absolutely embarrassing" first session to beat China's Zhang Anda 10-6 and move into the last 16 of the World Championship.
Northern Ireland's Allen trailed 5-3 after Saturday's first session at the Crucible without making a break of 50, and spent the evening having "some drinks with my mates, a few more drinks, some bets and watching the football".
But on Sunday he looked a different player.
The 40-year-old produced a magnificent clearance of 140 to start his recovery, following that with a break of 109.
His third century in five frames came with a 129 to move one away from victory, which he sealed with a break of 81.
Zhang, who has lost in the first round on all six Crucible appearances, scored only 42 points in the last six frames as Allen stormed through.
Three-time champion and 2025 runner-up Mark Williams, 51, cruised into the next round thanks to a 10-4 win over 22-year-old Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify.
Williams led 6-3 after the first session and Kowalski - the same age as the Welshman's oldest child - took the first frame, but breaks of 65 and 115 left the veteran one frame from the win, which he took by winning the 14th frame on the black.
"He is a cracking potter and with a little bit of experience he is definitely one to watch out for," said Williams.
"He started off like a train and it could have been 2-0. I won 10-4 but it was closer than the scoreline suggests.
"I missed a few easy balls, a few long ones by three feet, and the older you get the more you miss easy balls. I've won a ranking tournament at 51 and that's more than I could have dreamed of.
"I love being out there, I love competing and I can still pot anything on the table - and miss some easy balls."
Next up for Williams is 2013 runner-up Barry Hawkins, who won 10-4 against Wales' Matthew Stevens.
'Drinks, bad food and football'
After his win, Allen said: "I was so frustrated yesterday - I've been doing things so well on the practice table, being in the gym and eating well.
"After that match yesterday I just went out and had a few drinks and a burger.
"I thought, 'I can't play any worse than yesterday'. I was so down on myself, I didn't want to talk to anyone.
"So I went out, had a few bets and watched the football with my mates. A bit of bad food, slept really well and played much better."
Allen, who will play 2024 champion Kyren Wilson or 19-year-old Stan Moody in the last 16, said: "Yesterday was absolutely embarrassing, very frustrating and I was completely gutted with my performance.
"I came in today with less expectations, but when you're out there you realise how much you want it and the fire in your belly comes back.
"I can't have many more sessions like I did yesterday. I got away with one. It's not good enough at this level.
"That second session was decent, but I've been here for 20 years and I would like to think there's been better ones.
"I need to be doing that every time I play here. Ronnie [O'Sullivan], [John] Higgins and [Mark] Selby produce that type of session every time."
Allen reached the semi-finals of the World Championship in 2009 and 2023 and has won two-thirds of snooker's Triple Crown - the Masters in 2018 and the UK Championship in 2022.
He has won 12 ranking titles and had a three-month spell as world number one in 2024.
"I'm not going out drinking on Wednesday. I just felt something needed to change. If I hadn't done that I would have imploded," said Allen.
"I want to be world champion. It will be a disappointing career for me if I look back and I haven't won it.
"I just want it so much. I would rather have that feeling than not care. You want to win the World Championship - that's why you start to play as a 12-year-old."
Carter fights back against Higgins
Four-time winner Higgins from Scotland made a blistering start against two-time runner-up Ali Carter, leading 4-0, with the Englishman only potting 14 balls and scoring 37 points.
But it flipped around after the mid-session interval with Carter, helped by breaks of 91 and 74, winning five frames to secure a 5-4 advantage before Monday's second session.
China's Ding Junhui holds a 7-2 lead over England's David Gilbert after a dominant opening session.
Gilbert, 44, a two-time semi-finalist, won two qualifying matches but did not score a point in four of the nine frames and collected only 83 points in the final seven frames.
Ding, who lost in the 2016 final, made breaks of 94 and 100 and is only three frames away from sealing a last-16 tie against compatriot Zhao Xintong, the reigning champion.
'It's going to be like a ping pong table'
Hawkins led 7-2 after the first session against Stevens, with the Welshman winning the first two frames on Sunday to close the gap to three, before Hawkins pulled away to win it 10-4.
Both players were unhappy with the table two conditions. Stevens said: "The conditions were really tough. A few people said the cushions are a bit bouncy, but it's the same for both players.
"It's the worst I felt [here]. It spoiled the game a bit and the conditions were really disappointing."
Hawkins said: "It was no good at all. I don't like slating the conditions and the fitters do a great job. The cushions - they [the balls] are coming off so much quicker than they are coming in and it's so hard to control the cue ball and you have no confidence in your cueing.
"I don't know what it's going to be like for those on Tuesday. It's going to be like a ping pong table."
A statement from the World Snooker Tour read: "There are always challenges in providing the best possible conditions for players as there are many factors which affect this.
"Our dedicated team of table fitters work tirelessly in delivering the best possible conditions and they are constantly monitoring the tables.
"We have systems in place where players can give feedback after every match."
Xiao Guodong is in front 7-6 against fellow Chinese player Zhou Yuelong.
The arrest occurred in Athens-Clarke County. Branch -- a 5-9 slot wideout with hopes of hearing his name called during next week's NFL Draft -- was handed two misdemeanor charges of obstruction. He tallied the most catches in a single season in Bulldogs history last year.
Here's what we know thus far about Branch's arrest, as well as how it could impact his draft stock.
Branch was booked in an Athens-Clarke County jail early Sunday morning on one count of obstructing public sidewalks/streets - prowling and one charge of obstruction of a law enforcement. Both charges are misdemeanors. Branch was released two hours later, posting bonds totaling $39.
Branch was back in Athens for the Bulldogs' annual spring game. He is projected to be a second-round pick in next week's draft.
What did Zachariah Branch do?
Branch was arrested early Sunday morning and handed two misdemeanor charges: one count of obstructing public sidewalks/streets - prowling and one charge of obstruction of law enforcement. At the time of this article's writing, it's unclear what prompted Brach's interaction with Athens-Clarke County police -- a police report has not been made public yet.
Branch is widely considered to be a Day 2 prospect. NFL Mock Draft Database -- a repository that aggregates mock drafts from various publications -- has him listed as the No. 66 overall player in its rankings, pegging him as a likely third-round pick.
TSN's Vinnie Iyer has the Commanders selecting Branch in the third round (No. 71 overall pick) in his latest mock draft. Here's what he wrote detailing Branch's fit on Washington's roster.
"The Commanders need to get more dynamic in the slot to help Terry McLaurin and Branch offer more as a big playmaker with some outside upside."
Ipswich and Middlesbrough drew 2-2 to keep the Championship promotion race bubbling [Getty Images]
The race for the second automatic promotion place in the Championship will be defined by what happens in the next 10 days, according to Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and his opposite number at Middlesbrough, Kim Hellberg.
With the sides sharing a 2-2 draw in a pulsating match at Portman Road on Sunday, Ipswich have sneaked back into second spot on goal difference from Millwall and one point ahead of Southampton.
Potentially crucially, they also have a game in hand on their rivals.
"We have three away games in six days to finish the season so it's going to take an incredible effort from everyone to see if we can bring it back here [to Portman Road] for the final game," said McKenna.
Ipswich have found life on the road difficult so far this season, with only eight wins from their 20 games, and visit Charlton on Wednesday before heading to West Brom next Saturday and a potentially season-deciding game at fourth-placed Southampton on Tuesday, 28 April.
"We've had periods where we've had some good away results - we've won at the team who are going to win the league this year but we know we've had results against teams where games have got away from us," added the Northern Irishman.
"We've shown a lot this season in taking steps forward, so to go and have to get results from three away games in six days we will need to take another step forward if we want to be successful."
Ipswich have three away games from their remaining four matches [BBC Sport/Getty Images]
We have to win the next two games - Hellberg
Middlesbrough have to win their next two games according to Kim Hellberg [BBC Sport/Getty Images]
From being two points ahead of promoted Coventry City at the top of the Championship in mid-February, Middlesbrough now find themselves three points short of second place.
A seven-game winless run has left Hellberg's side as outsiders for that second spot behind Ipswich, Millwall and Southampton.
"We need to look at the next two games and try to win them to still have a chance to play for automatics in the last game or have momentum to take into the play-offs," he said after the final whistle at Portman Road, where his side led 2-1 before Jack Clarke's late penalty.
"It is tough because at 88 minutes we were in a position where we were in with everyone else but there are still twists and turns. We're not out of it but we wait for the next two games and see where we are."
Hellberg took charge on 26 November following Rob Edwards' move to Wolves and won his first four matches, but a wretched run which has accrued only four points from a possible 21 has left them playing catch-up.
"The expectation of us being in the top two of the division is because we have been very, very good as a football team and I don't think anyone had those expectations at the start of the season," the Swede said.
"When I arrived I felt we were in a good position but there were a lot of teams in that sort of position. We have been good and built the belief we could do it but we have had some tough results and we have tried to keep our heads, which is tough.
"The performances can get worse, you go away from what you are good at and start doing something else, and we have dealt with that."
Millwall have never been promoted to the Premier League since its inception in 1992 [BBC Sport/Getty Images]
Having missed out on the play-offs on the final day of last season there was always a feeling Millwall could get themselves into the top six - but there is a bigger prize in the offing with three games remaining.
Victories over Southampton, Middlesbrough and Hull City as well as twice holding Ipswich, show they have the credentials to get over the line - and even missing out on second would not be a negative, according to boss Alex Neil.
"I think it's overwhelmingly positive for where we're sitting and how we're looking at the remaining matches," he said.
"The only team in the league that's won more games than us this year is the team that's going to win the title."
After sweeping aside QPR on Saturday the Lions are left with a trip to 17th-placed Stoke and games against Leicester and Oxford, who could already be relegated by that point.
"I've been saying to the lads, whatever we need to do is what we need to focus on, we can't affect what happens elsewhere," Neil told BBC Radio London.
"We've got Tuesday to tackle (at Stoke) and again we have to do our bit. If we don't it doesn't matter."
Southampton the coming force
Southampton have the distraction of an FA Cup semi-final in amongst their run-in [BBC Sport/Getty Images]
"I think it's on. Going back two or three months I didn't think we were getting close to the play-offs but I was wrong, and here we are talking about direct promotion. We just have to keep winning."
Having been relegated alongside Ipswich at the end of last season, that game at St Mary's in 10 days' time now seems to hold the key to the promotion race.
Ten days to decide the destination of second place or will it be a final day showdown?
NEW YORK — You can start the official countdown to Aaron Boone’s most difficult decision. No, we’re not talking about whether Ben Rice should be hitting against lefties (he finally is) or if Anthony Volpe deserves to be re-installed as the everyday shortstop (it’s a done deal).
The real intrigue is what happens to Will Warren when Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return from the injured list. That verdict is getting closer. Give it another month, tops, and suddenly Boone will have a serious numbers problem in his rotation.
Two of his three back-end starters will be sent to the bullpen. One stays put. So take your pick: Warren, Ryan Weathers or Luis Gil.
Not so difficult, you say? Warren is the most talented of the three. He proved it again on Saturday against the Royals, tying his career-high with 11 strikeouts in a 13-4 blowout. Warren should be the runaway favorite to stay right where he is.
But Boone’s selection process isn’t one-dimensional. The Yankees’ bullpen is unreliable and needs as much help as the rotation, if not more. Warren would be an excellent choice to stabilize the eighth inning in a way that neither Jake Bird nor Camilo Doval has been able to do.
Boone saw enough during the Angels series, when his relievers combined to allow 14 runs in 18 innings. The Yankees managed to split the four games with the Angels, but they were lucky to not get swept. As one scout said, “There’s something missing with that team right now. They’re just not the Yankees.”’
But the Yankees caught a break when they welcomed the Royals for the weekend. No MLB team has a worse record than Kansas City. Staggering into the Bronx on a six-game losing streak, the Royals were just what the Yankees needed. Talk about wrong-way momentum: The Royals are 0-10 against the Bombers dating back to October 2024.
More? The Yankees have beaten the Royals in 20 of their last 21 series since 2015. That’s a 54-18 slaughter. So it was no surprise to see the Royals getting carved up again on Saturday. They were down 7-0 by the fourth inning, with no activity in the bullpen. The game was already over. The rest of the afternoon turned into Warren’s personal showcase.
“What’s stood out to me is how much swing-and-miss (Warren) is getting with his fastball,” Boone said after the game. “He’s got a unique delivery and (arm) slot that allows that to play. He’s a better pitcher now than he was last year and the end of last year, and he keeps growing.”
Warren doesn’t throw as hard as Cam Schlittler, and he lacks Cole’s ability to out-think hitters. But Warren’s been blessed with a staccato, hard-to-time delivery, a short-arm motion — think dart thrower — and movement to both sides of the plate.
Best of all, Warren throws strikes, which fuel his impenetrable self-confidence. Boone is right: Warren is growing up before our very eyes. My hunch says the manager will reward Warren with a rotation spot for now. But another number crunch awaits later this summer when Clarke Schmidt comes off the injured list. That will be Boone’s toughest call.
In the meantime, enjoy The Will Warren Show. The Royals were caught looking on five of the 11 strikeouts, helpless against Warren’s superpower. It’s that last-second wind-shear movement that freezes opponents. Although he’s too modest to gloat — “If I can … throw three pitches and get three ground balls, I’d love that” — Warren is evolving into an even more complete pitcher than Schlittler.
That’s bad news for the rest of the American League, especially if the Yankees emerge from the weekend with a renewed killer instinct. It’s worth noting that Saturday’s rout was their first in weeks. Fourteen of the Yankees’ first 20 games were decided by two runs or fewer. The law of averages demanded a blowout.
The Yankees took care of that with a five-run third inning against Royals starter Noah Cameron. That’s when Cody Bellinger hit the first of his two home runs on the day — and of the season, actually — which addressed one of Boone’s other red flags.
The lineup has been especially vulnerable against left-handed pitching. They’ve lost four of their last six encounters against southpaws. Bellinger is the first to admit he’s been a big part of the problem. A .176 average (3-for-17) represents a steep drop-off from 2025, when Bellinger batted 0.353 against them.
But Boone nevertheless kept Bellinger and Ben Rice in the lineup to face Cameron. The dividends were everywhere: Bellinger went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and Rice blasted his seventh home run over the right-field wall in that third-inning explosion. It’s hard to imagine Boone sitting either slugger against Cole Ragans, another lefty, on Sunday.
All in all, it was the kind of afternoon that sends fans home happy and lets a manager grab a decent night’s sleep. The Yankees haven’t had many of those in April.
“We’re a talented team that can win in many different ways,” Bellinger said. “Obviously, these games are more ideal, right? But I like where we’re at. We’re feeling good, we’ve got a lot of baseball left, and we’re just going to keep on rolling.”
MADISON – Trey Autry grew up seeing basketball at the “highest level.”
His father, Adrian, spent 15 years on the Syracuse staff (including three years as the head coach), was on Seth Greenberg’s Virginia Tech staff before that and now is an assistant at Virginia.
Now, the younger Autry is relishing the opportunity to compete at the highest level himself after transferring from George Washington to Wisconsin and making the jump from the Atlantic 10 to the Big Ten for his senior season.
“Wisconsin has a great winning tradition,” Autry said in a Zoom call with reporters April 19. “They’re in the tournament all the time. … At the end of the day, I wanted to live a [childhood] dream and make it into the NCAA Tournament.”
Autry, a 6-foot-4 guard, has a skill set that should fit well with the Badgers’ offensive scheme for several reasons. Autry’s 2.5 3-pointers made per game ranked fifth in the Atlantic 10, and his 38.5% 3-point percentage was 14th in the league. (It was almost identical to John Blackwell’s 38.9% for the Badgers.)
He now joins a team that attempted 1,131 3-pointers and made 409 of them in 2025-26 – easily program records in both cases. The only high-major team to attempt more 3-pointers than UW’s 32.3 was Alabama with 35.9.
“They took 1,200,” Autry said. “Not opposed to taking 1,300.”
Autry will be on a team that includes other capable 3-point shooters such as returners Austin Rapp and Nolan Winter. Fellow transfer portal addition Eian Elmer hit a whopping 42.9% of his 3-pointers for Miami (Ohio) in 2025-26, and international addition Owen Foxwell hit about 34% of his 3-pointers last season in Australia’s National Basketball League.
“Doing a lot of research, the spacing and the shooting that they have and being able to get downhill and then create shots for other people – that’s something that I’m really excited to be a part of,” Autry said.
Autry also gives Wisconsin the coveted college basketball experience that last year’s senior transfers such as Nick Boyd, Braeden Carrington and Andrew Rohde had. Autry appeared in 100 games and made 68 starts in his time with the Revolutionaries.
That’s in addition to the intangible experience and knowledge he gleaned from his coaching father.
“I still call him after my games and kind of ask him what he sees and how he can help me,” Autry said. “So it’s definitely been something that’s a blessing.”
UW announced Autry’s signing April 17 – the first of three portal signings so far with another three roster spots open. UW then signed Elmer and former Hofstra forward Victory Onuetu on April 18.
Wisconsin got some help from a pair of players who are no longer wearing cardinal and white. Boyd and Blackwell – yes, Blackwell, the ex-Badger star currently in the transfer portal – both endorsed the program.
“They both spoke very highly about Wisconsin and about Coach [Greg] Gard,” Autry said. “Spoke highly about all the coaches, the fan base. … Being able to hear great things from two good friends was something that was really exciting and really encouraging.”
Boyd and Autry have the same agency. Blackwell competed against Autry at the AAU level, and the guards have stayed in touch as the once-underrecruited Blackwell blossomed into the coveted transfer portal player he now is.
Now, Autry has a chance to be the one to “continue to add to the winning culture.”
“Continue to keep having those winning seasons and great seasons that they have,” Autry said.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 18: Brice Turang #2 of the Milwaukee Brewers rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins in the fifth inning of the game at loanDepot park on April 18, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After losing six straight games, the Milwaukee Brewers have rebounded quite nicely, ripping off four consecutive wins, back-to-back series wins, and are searching for their first sweep since the opening series of the season.
The Brewers have gotten great results out of their starting rotation through this winning streak and will have their Opening Day starter on the bump to try to extend it.
It’ll be a battle of the incredibly tall, young flamethrowing phenoms on the mound today. The 6’7” 24 year old Jacob Misiorowski is starting for the Crew while the Marlins have 6’8” 23 year old Eury Perez on the bump.
Misiorowski has a 3.32 ERA through his first four starts of the season with 33 strikeouts in 21.2 IP. Last time out, he allowed two runs in 5.1 IP against the Toronto Blue Jays. Perez has a 5.40 ERA through his four starts this year and last time out he allowed three earned runs in 4 IP against the Braves.
It’s a very Sunday afternoon lineup for Pat Murphy today. There’s no William Contreras and no Sal Frelick in the order. Garrett Mitchell will lead off and DH today. That means the outfield consists of Greg Jones, Brandon Lockridge, and Luis Matos. Gary Sanchez is behind the dish. David Hamilton and Luis Rengifo make up the left side of the infield.
Can the Brewers make it five wins in a row? Perez has struggled a bit this year, but with two phenoms on the mound, it’s sure to be a fun game to watch.
In less than a month, the CBA was signed, sealed and delivered, expansion teams in Toronto and Portland had their drafts, free agency took place and the WNBA draft happened.
Will all the movement mean a shift at the WNBA standings this season? Can the Las Vegas Aces repeat as champions? We like their chances.
With that said, it may have been tough to keep track of all the the roster moves in a truncated period of time. USA TODAY Sports has you covered with complete training camp rosters for every team and our first power rankings of the season.
1. Las Vegas Aces
2025 record: 30-14 (WNBA Finals champions)
Guaranteed contracts: Dana Evans, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, NaLyssa Smith, Stephanie Talbot, A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young
The defending champion Aces are the team to beat. Las Vegas retained its entire starting lineup from last year's championship run and are in prime position to run it back. The franchise kept Big 3 of A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, who are all got seven-figure deals under the new CBA after leading the Aces to three WNBA titles in four years. The big paydays, however, won't sacrifice Las Vegas' depth. The Aces re-signed Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd, who were key contributors off the bench last season, and added defensive specialist Brianna Turner and shooter Stephanie Talbot. Catch the Aces if you can.
2. New York Liberty
2025 record: 27-17 (lost in first round of 2025 playoffs)
Training camp contracts: Pauline Astier, Raquel Carrera, Derin Erdoğan, Marine Fauthoux, Alexandra Fowler, Rebekah Gardner, Marine Johannès, Anneli Maley, Ugonne Onyiah, Ashley Owusu, Ny’Ceara Pryor, Han Xu
The Liberty lost one Sabally, but gained another in the offseason. After Nyara Sabally was selected by the Toronto Tempo in the expansion draft, New York landed her older sister Satou Sabally, one of the biggest names available in free agency. Satou Sabally will team up with the Liberty's trio of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, who limped to the finish line last season due to injuries. Stewart, Ionescu, Jones and Sabally have a combined 19 WNBA All-Star nods. And it shouldn't take long for Sabally to gel with her new teammates, as she played with Ionescu in Oregon. It remains to be seen if the Liberty re-sign Natasha Cloud, but first-year head coach Chris DeMarco will have plenty with which to work.
3. Atlanta Dream
2025 record: 30-14 (lost in first round of 2025 playoffs)
Non-guaranteed contracts: Isobel Borlase, Te-Hina Paopao, Angel Reese, Taylor Thierry
2026 draftees: Indya Nivar, Madina Okot
Training camp contracts: Maite Carzorla, Bella Fontleroy, Stephanie Jones, Sika Koné, Laila Phelia, Paige Robinson, Holly Winterburn, Sacha Washington
The Dream kept their core players in free agency bringing back four starters (Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Bri Jones and Jordin Canada) and the 2025 Sixth Player of the Year (Naz Hillmon) as it pursues the franchise's first championship. The Dream had franchise-best 30 wins and No. 3 seed in the playoffs last season and hope to build on that success. The Dream did lose veteran center Brittney Griner in free agency, but acquired Angel Reese, one of the WNBA's best players (and rebounders), via trade. Adding Reese to the roster boosts Atlanta's offensive profile and adds a strong defender to the Dream's stacked roster. If Atlanta can get over the playoff hump, it has a great chance to make it to the WNBA Finals.
4. Indiana Fever
2025 record: 24-20 (lost in the semifinals of 2025 WNBA Playoffs)
Training camp contracts: Megan McConnell, Kayana Traylor, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Development player: Justine Pissott
Injuries were major storyline in Indiana last season. Caitlin Clark was limited to 13 games, yet the Fever were one win away from the team's first WNBA Finals appearance since 2012. That was due in large part to Kelsey Mitchell, who took a big step last season and averaged a career high 20.2 points en route to a first-team All-WNBA selection. Indiana's ceiling will again be contingent on the team's health. Clark looked close to 100% for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she walked away with MVP honors. Aliyah Boston remains a steady presence and hasn't missed a game in three seasons. The Fever re-signed Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham and added Monique Billings to its frontcourt. Indiana also added Ty Harris in free agency and drafted Raven Johnson for some much-needed guard depth (especially after last year).
Training camp contracts: Rae Burrell, Emma Cannon, Jihyun Park, Julie Vanloo
Development player: Laura Ziegler
The Sparks are in a season of change after losing three starters (Rickea Jackson, Azurá Stevens and Julie Allemand) and several bench pieces during the offseason. However, they have remained committed to winning sooner rather than later by retaining veterans Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby. Los Angeles also made noteworthy moves in free agency by signing Nneka Ogwumike, who previously spent 12 seasons with the franchise, and Ariel Atkins, who came over in the Jackson trade. The Sparks might need some time to gel with the new starters and figure out what Cameron Brink's role (after she started 15 games in 2024, but none last year after returning from injury). Still, they easily have one of the WNBA's most intriguing lineups this season and could compete for a playoff spot.
6. Minnesota Lynx
2025 record: 34-10 (lost in the semifinals of 2025 WNBA Playoffs)
Guaranteed contracts: Nia Coffey, Napheesa Collier, Natasha Howard, Dorka Juhász, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams
Training camp contracts: Amaya Battle, Emma Cechova, Antonia Delaere, Eliska Hamzova, Ra Shaya Kyle, Jade Masogayo, Saylor Poffenbarger, Reigna Richardson, Jaylyn Sherrod, Sakima Walker
The Lynx took a major hit this offseason and lost key pieces − forwards Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton and Jessica Shepard − that contributed to Minnesota's franchise-best record. The injury statuses of Naphessa Collier (ankles) and Kayla McBride (eardrum) are also unknown as season approaches. Minnesota added Natasha Howard to provide some size inside for the Lynx and picked up an elite passer in Olivia Miles in the draft. Still, the Lynx's success will come down to Collier's availability after she had surgery on both ankles.
7. Phoenix Mercury
2025 record: 27-17 (swept in WNBA Finals)
Guaranteed contracts: Valériane Ayayi, Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, Sami Whitcomb
Training camp contracts: Jillian Alleyeneberty, Noemie Borchant, Quionche Carter, Shay Ciezki, Maggie Doogan, Kara Dunn, Yarden Garzon, Lauren Jensen, Lee Seul Kang, Kyara Linskens, Morgan Maly, Jaime Nared, Jovana Nogic, Ashten Prechtel, Aisha Sheppard, Kathryn Westbeld, Kiana Williams
The offseason was not kind to the Mercury. While Phoenix did retain several starters, including Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, it lost Satou Sabally. Phoenix spent two seasons pursuing Sabally and needed a three-team trade to complete the deal − and then had her for one season. The Mercury, who made it to the WNBA Finals last season, likely have an uphill battle getting back. The question becomes who will step up in Sabally's absence and can they make it to the postseason without her? It wouldn't be shocking to see the Mercury later attempt a midseason trade to help their chances.
Golden State set a WNBA record for the most wins by an expansion team in its inaugural season, thanks to its one-two punch from Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton. Thornton's All-Star season was cut short due to a knee injury, but she's set to return after working out with Team USA basketball in the offseason. Burton is also returning. They'll be joined by defensive specialist Gabby Williams, who personifies the Valkyries' brand of gritty basketball. Williams led the league in steals per game (2.3) and total steals (99) last season. The Valkyries traded Flau'jae Johnson (selected No. 8 overall) to the Seattle Storm for Marta Suarez (No. 16th), who led the Horned Frogs in 3-point shooting last season.
9. Chicago Sky
2025 record: 10-34 (missed the playoffs)
Guaranteed contracts: Rachel Banham, DiJonai Carrington, Skylar Diggins, Azurá Stevens, Courtney Vandersloot, Elizabeth Williams
Non-guaranteed contracts: Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, Jacy Sheldon, Hailey Van Lith, Maddy Westbeld
Training camp contracts: Sidney Cooks, Jordan Hobbs, Megan Nestor, Sydney Taylor
All signs pointed to a rebuild in Chicago following Angel Reese's departure via trade. However, the Sky maintain they are in "win now mode" and made a splash in free agency with moves that elevate the struggling franchise into a possible contender. Adding veteran help from Skylar Diggins, Azurá Stevens (who won a title with the Sky in 2021) and DiJonai Carrington says Chicago plans to play fast on both ends of the floor. Getting Rickea Jackson in a trade and drafting Gabriela Jaquez indicates the Sky are banking on both to be glue players. It remains to be seen if the additions will work, but Chicago at least tried to remain competitive after significant turnover.
10. Dallas Wings
2025 record: 10-34 (missed the playoffs)
Guaranteed contracts: Awak Kuier, Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, Jessica Shepard, Alanna Smith
Training camp contracts: Grace Berger, Alysha Clark, Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, Amy Okonkwo, Kyla Oldacre, Shyanne Sellers, Odyssey Sims, Grace Sullivan, Li Yueru, Costanza Verona
Despite Paige Buecker's stellar Rookie of the Year campaign, the Wings finished at the bottom of the standings. After allowing the second-most opponent points per game last season, the Wings made moves to shore up the interior with the addition of Alanna Smith, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, and Jessica Shepard. Dallas selected Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick of the WNBA draft to add depth at the guard position alongside Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. First-year head coach Jose Fernandez's tenure is off to a good start.
11. Washington Mystics
2025 record:16-28 (Missed the playoffs)
Guaranteed contracts: Shakira Austin, Michaela Onyenwere
Training camp contracts: Nyla Harris, Mya Hollingshed, Christeen Iwuala, Kamaria McDaniel, Madison Scott, Alex Wilson
Development player: Darianna Littlepage-Buggs
The Mystics have made it clear they are building their team through the draft. The team used six picks to have plenty of options when constructing a roster that will be viable for the future and mesh with veterans Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron and Georgia Amoore. Washington managed to get UCLA teammates Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalić, plus Ole Miss star Cotie McMahon, in the first round. The Mystics then found great value by selecting Texas guard Rori Harmon in the third. There's a high chance every draft pick won't make the final roster, but Washington has set a solid foundation moving forward.
Non-guaranteed contracts: Isabelle Harrison, Aaliyah Nye
2026 draftees: Teonni Key, Kiki Rice
Training camp contracts: Elizabeth Balogun, María Conde, Lexi Held, Laura Juškaitē, Kitija Laksa, Dara Mabrey, Nikolina Milić, Madison Rocci, Kristy Wallace
With head coach Sandy Brondello leading the charge, the Tempo will, at minimum, be competitive. Brondello brings a winning culture to Toronto and that should help a team that will be figuring it out along the way. Veterans Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes could be one of the top-scoring backcourt duos in the league.
13. Seattle Storm
2025 record: 23-21 (lost in first round of 2025 playoffs)
Training camp contracts: Jalyn Brown, Jaelyn Brown, Zia Cooke, Rennia Davis, Mackenzie Holmes, Elle Ladine, Beatrice Mompremier
Seattle isn't in win-now mode. The franchise signaled a full rebuild following the departures of Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike. Instead, the Storm are playing the long game with a stash of young talent, including Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam and Flau'jae Johnson. Seattle signed Stefanie Dolson and Natisha Hiedeman to provide a veteran presence.
2026 draftees: Taylor Bigby, Nell Angloma, Gianna Kneepkens, Charlisse Leger-Walker
Training camp contracts: Raegen Beers, Madison Hayes, Shey Peddy, Mamignan Touré, Harmoni Turner
The Sun won 11 games last season, but it wasn't for lack of trying. Connecticut plays tough defense and can score enough points to keep up with teams in most games. Finishing matchups was a major issue, and that will have to change if the Sun don't want the same result. Newcomers Brittney Griner and Kennedy Burke are the only players who have won a championship, and the team will need their leadership.
Training camp contracts: Chloe Bibby, Maya Caldwell, Emily Engstler, Jordan Harrison, Teja Oblak, Kamiah Smalls, Peyton Williams
Development player: Frieda Bühner
It's hard to know what Portland will develop into with so many new faces and only three players with more than five years of experience. It could be a rough first season, despite franchise player Bridget Carleton leading the group and plenty of athletes with international experience.
There were fireworks in the sky and hope in the air that the Toffees could close to within two points of their neighbours, Liverpool.
There was also a tifo proclaiming them as “The Originals”, a jibe at their rivals, given they were founded first.
They hoped a victory could seriously boost their chances of European qualification in their first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Yet when Virgil van Dijk rose to head home the winner in the 100th minute, the stadium turned into a sea of empty blue seats apart from one corner, which was celebrating wildly.
The visiting supporters’ first trip to their neighbours’ new home would end perfectly for them.
Not only did they put a pin in the ballooning optimism around Everton, but they strengthened their own hopes of ensuring they will still qualify for the Champions League despite a season of unexpected struggle for the side soon to relinquish its Premier League title.
Liverpool’s Curtis Jones mimes crowning Mohamed Salah as he celebrates (PA)
Van Dijk ran off in celebration after heading home Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time corner and held a finger to his ear. The home fans had been silenced, and he was letting them know he could no longer hear their jeers.
It was a moment in which Liverpool reasserted their dominance over their local rivals. They remain far from being a dominant force in the Premier League this season, though.
It wasn’t a performance that shows they’re on their way back to their best, but it was a result – and a momentum-building moment – which puts them closer to ensuring they will play against the best sides in Europe again next term.
They’re now seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea with five games to go and, given the London club’s form, Arne Slot’s side are in a seriously strong position.
Liverpool celebrate victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium (PA)
“Of course, that’s very important because we are, as ever, focused on qualifying for the Champions League,” said Slot when asked about how big it was to extend the gap on Chelsea.
“But the lead-up to this game, it wasn’t as much about the league table, it was also about representing Liverpool.
“Four days ago, we paid our respects to the enormous tragedy that happened at Hillsborough. We also used this for the game today because it’s a privilege to represent this club.
“Today, the players showed what it means to represent this club.
Everton’s Beto (second left) celebrates scoring their side’s first goal (PA)
“To beat Everton in their first game in the new stadium after the week we had is an enormous compliment to everybody involved in Liverpool FC.”
A first-half goal for Liverpool from soon-to-be-departing Mohamed Salah – his ninth and final Premier League strike in the Merseyside derby – had somewhat dampened the atmosphere that had been built on with a strong start in the game from Everton.
The fact that it came moments after VAR rightly ruled out an opener from Iliman Ndiaye only diminished the mood further. The stadium announcer had proclaimed that as the first-ever Merseyside goal to be scored here, but he didn’t mention the honour for Salah when he netted after a fine pass from Cody Gakpo.
Yet when Beto turned home a cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to level the game in the 54th minute, all the early optimism surged back into the stadium.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal (Getty)
Last February, James Tarkowski scored a stunning late equaliser in the final derby at Goodison Park. That night, the Grand Old Lady shook, and it felt as if the home side could find a winner here; then this new stadium would have a real test of its foundations.
The fact Liverpool had to bring on third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman for just his second appearance because Giorgi Mamardashvili, who later went to hospital with what Slot called a “wound”, was injured by Beto’s boot as he scored the equaliser, only added to Everton’s expectation.
When the fourth official displayed 11 minutes were to be added on, there was still a belief that the moment could come, but it would go the other way. When Tarkowski scored that goal last season, Liverpool were 30 points ahead of Everton. Van Dijk’s winner moves them eight clear, which, while the Reds have regressed, shows the progression of David Moyes’ team.
The Toffees remain just a point behind sixth-placed Chelsea, albeit with Brentford, Bournemouth and Brighton also above them in the race for European places.
“The players have been told I thought they did a great job in the main, there were periods when Liverpool had control, but there were long periods when we had control as well,” said the Everton manager.
“The players done a good job, but there were no rewards today.”
Instead, the rewards went to Liverpool. There will be no silverware for them this season, but there might be a chance to at least put some shine on a campaign lacking bright moments like this one.
TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 17: Head Coach Luke Loucks of the Florida State Seminoles talk with the media during the post game press conference after the game against the Boston College Eagles at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 17, 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Eagales 80 to 72. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Twelve months ago, Luke Loucks took his first-ever head coaching job and transitioned from the NBA into college basketball. He had only a few weeks to hire a staff, learn the roster, and get prepared for the portal before it opened. With a first-year head coach and a roster made up of mostly mid-major players, most outlets picked Florida State to finish at the bottom of the ACC.
Instead, Loucks proved the general public wrong and delivered a proof of concept for what his tenure at Florida State can hold.
FSU finished the 2025-26 season on a tear, winning 10 of its final 13 games and finished three inches shy of defeating Duke in the ACC tournament. Instead of being a program in question, Seminoles basketball is on the rise, with people from all over the country calling.
What a difference a year makes.
“We get a lot of calls from a lot of different people,” Loucks told the local Tallahassee media at his end-of-season press conference about the excitement around his program. “Especially when you (start gaining) steam and winning games and building a real program that people want to be a part of…Currently, you have agents reaching out to us, and not vice versa.”
However, the head coach will need to bring in multiple players from the portal to replace the six seniors leaving, including do-it-all point guard Robert McCray V, and other players departing the program, to maintain its trajectory.
“I could see anywhere from three to five (portal pickups). Some of that will be dependent on how much money I can raise. I’m not just going to fill a team with players just to fill a team with players. You have to bring in impactful players that can help you win, and that are about the right things.”
We’ll be tracking all the moves FSU men’s basketball makes this offseason including portal pickups, departures and returning players.
The portal officially opened on Tuesday, April 7, with official visits beginning on the 10th. The 21st marks the closure of the transfer portal window with the 30th serving as the final day of the recruiting period.
FSU basketball: Portal additions
Guard Shon Abaev (Cincinnati)
Guard/forward Kameron Taylor (UNC Asheville)
Guard Anthony Robinson II (Missouri)
Guard Amare Robinson (Tallahassee State College)
Forward Sebastian Rancik (Colorado)
FSU basketball: Portal departures
Guard Cam Miles
Quick analysis: Miles saw his playing time dwindle as the year went on and did not see action in either ACC tournament game. His departure is not a surprise, as he began the year in the rotation and quickly fell out of it, while he holds multiple years of eligibility remaining.
Forward Shah Muhammad
Quick analysis: Muhammad became an impactful, veteran leader for a Florida State team that was thrown together at the beginning of the year. The senior also held his own when asked to suit up, but, like Miles, he was not a consistent rotational piece. It is unclear whether he has eligibility left to keep playing college basketball.
Guard Martin Somerville
Quick analysis: Somerville turned into FSU’s sixth man this year and became Florida State’s best ball handler besides Robert McCray V. The sophomore carried the Noles at multiple points during the season, including dropping 23 points against Virginia Tech and recording seven assists in round one of the ACC tournament. If Somerville does not end up withdrawing from the portal, Florida State will need to replace its two best ball handlers.
Bass Jr., a four-star recruit, averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.2 steals as a junior. He set the Windermere Prep school record for most points scored in a game, 43, during the 2024-25 season.
Bass Jr. (6-5, 190) played in the NBPA Top 100 Camp in the summer of 2025. He played in the invitation-only 2025 Pangos All-American Camp and the 3SSB circuit All-American Camp in 2025. He averaged 13.7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist on the 3SSB AAU circuit.
Paul (6-7, 225), a four-star recruit, averaged 13.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals during his junior season at Calvary Christian Academy. Playing with SOH Elite this spring, Paul averaged 16.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks on the Under Armour AAU Circuit. During the 2025 UAA Session I, Paul was a standout as he was named as the Defensive MVP and to the All Session I First-Team.
He played in the prestigious NBPA Top 100 Camp in the summer of 2025.
Ponder (7-0, 285) averaged 9.8 points and 9.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks while shooting .500 from the field as a junior at West Oaks Academy during his junior season.
Ponder, a four-star recruit, played in the 2025 Nike/Slam New York vs. New York game and in the NBPA Top 100 Camp during the summer of 2025. Ponder was the MVP of the Grind Session All-Star game in 2025. He led Team Breakdown to back-to-back national championships on the New Balance P32 circuit.
Four-star guard Martay Barnes
BEFORE FSU: Consensus four-star prospect…rated as the Class of 2026’s No. 2 combo guard and the No. 10 overall prospect from Florida in Rivals Industry Ranking…ranked as No. 7 nationally at his position and No. 12 overall in Florida on 247Sports Composite…tabbed as No. 60 overall recruit and No. 7 prospect from Florida by ESPN…led Academy of Central Florida to 2026 SIAA state championship…recorded 14.3 points, 3.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in the 3SSB Circuit with the Austin Rivers SE Elite…averaged 19 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.4 steals, and shot 34% from the 3-point line in the 2025-2026 Grind Session…scored 17 points in the semifinal of the Grind Session Men’s World Championship…scored 32 points against New School on December 20, 2025…reclassified to Class of 2026 and committed to Florida State in February of 2026.
Guard JD Jones
BEFORE FSU: Four-year starter…scored 1,762 career points, the second-highest total in school history…four-time all-region selection…team captain his senior season…named region’s Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year…first-team all-conference and all-region…led Phoenix Country Day School to 25-2 record and into the semifinal round of the state championship bracket…opened state tournament with 28 points in first-round victory…scored 20 points to help Eagles to win in quarterfinal round of state tournament…helped Phoenix Country Day to 20 wins and a state semifinal appearance during his junior season and into the quarterfinal round of the state tournament as a sophomore…named region’s Player of the Year his junior year and was back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior…son of three-time NBA champion James Jones, who is currently the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations.
Bayern capitalize on Dortmund's stumble to win 35th Bundesliga title 🏆
Bayern Munich were crowned champions of the Bundesliga for a 35th time on Sunday following a 4-2 victory against Stuttgart.
Earlier in the weekend, bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund handed the Bavarians a golden opportunity to lift the Meisterschale after dropping all three points at Hoffenheim.
So when the time came at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, Bayern's stars pulled out all the stops despite conceding first. Chris Führich initially scored from a tight angle 20 minutes in, erasing any clean sheet hopes.
Vincent Kompany then had four individual scorers strike to secure yet another title for the serial winners.
Raphael Guerreiro linked up with Jamal Musiala for the equaliser before Nicolas Jackson made things 2-1 only two minutes later. Luis Diaz then cooked up his second assist of the night as Alphonso Davies' deflected shot went in for three goals in seven minutes.
Coming out after the break it was still all Bayern, with star striker Harry Kane redirecting the ball home following some pinball in the area. The Englishman now has 51 goals in the German top flight this season alone.
A late strike from Chema Andres later turned things 4-2 but the title celebrations were already starting in Munich.
Bayern have scored 109 goals in the Bundesliga campaign and still have four games remaining.
Following the Bundesliga crowning, the club is chasing their treble dreams. Up next are the DFB Pokal semi-finals and Champions League semi-finals.
There are more questions for Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal boss and his men could not find answers for dominant Manchester City in an enormous 2-1 affair at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The game more or less handed the title race driver's seat to City or at least made this race all about goal difference, though City will feel better equipped to run up the goals despite Arsenal's easier run-in.
Arteta is going to be asked about so much, from leaving Viktor Gyokeres out of the Starting XI — and not playing him at all — to not manufacturing much attack at all (Arsenal scored by pressing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a huge error).
And we'll have his answers here. The title race is not run but a win or even a draw would've put Arsenal into an incredible position. Instead, it's more nervy and unknown territory.
Mikel Arteta reaction — What did Arsenal manager say after titanic clash at Manchester City?
We'll share all of Arteta's words as soon as he speaks from the Etihad Stadium
Virgil van Dijk scored his 25th Premier League goal for Liverpool [Getty Images]
In a season to forget, those Liverpool fans situated in the corner of the Hill Dickinson Stadium will never forget this afternoon on the banks of the River Mersey.
As Virgil van Dijk headed in a 100th-minute winner, the 3,000 Liverpool supporters went wild.
Yet again, Liverpool had snatched an injury-time winner against their local rivals. For the sixth time in Premier League history to be precise.
In this fixture last season, it was Everton celebrating an added-time equaliser when James Tarkowski scored in the last ever Merseyside derby held at Goodison Park.
Now, no matter what happens, Liverpool will always have the bragging rights of the first derby at the Hill Dickinson.
For one afternoon in the Merseyside sunshine, they will not have cared one jot about the struggles they have endured this season.
Everton came into this game with real belief but it was Liverpool who defied the early storm to take a surprise lead through Mohamed Salah and they deserve credit for their work on set-pieces in training, which came to fruition when Van Dijk got on the end of Dominik Szoboszlai's corner to exploit an Everton weakness that had been identified in the days leading up to the game.
Crucially, Arne Slot's side now look set to secure Champions League football for next season and the Dutchman had two of his most senior players to thank for one of Liverpool's biggest victories this season.
"At the end of the day, it's the players who have been brilliant for such a long time for Liverpool Football Club that have come up with the goods. It's Virgil van Dijk again, it's Mohamed Salah who has managed to do it again and break Everton hearts," said Pat Nevin on 5 Live.
"That goal has probably given Liverpool what they need - and what they need is Champions League football. They're going to bring in a lot of players next season - yes, the name of Liverpool Football Club means a lot and that will drag a lot of players to them, but the Champions League helps. It really helps and I think they'll get that after that moment from Virgil van Dijk," Nevin added.
When it comes to days like this, the result trumps everything but Slot and Liverpool will be aware of the scale of the task that lies ahead.
That they look to set to secure Champions League football is primarily because Chelsea have lost their last four Premier League games and none of the chasing pack are likely to catch up with Liverpool, who have lost 10 league games this season.
If the hierarchy choose to stick with Slot, then there are clear questions. Can this Liverpool team adopt an actual identity? What needs to be done defensively? How do you get the best out of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak? And perhaps above all, how do Liverpool live without Salah?
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: "Not being in a Champions League spot is a catastrophe for Liverpool and that win today goes a long way to putting them in it.
"I think every win for Liverpool is important at the moment, by hook or by crook - it doesn't matter how they do it because the pressure is on.
"They are not playing well and they do look disjointed. They gave up chances today and they were second best in the first half."
Salah's first-half goal was his ninth in a Merseyside derby - in the Premier League era, no player has more, with only Steven Gerrard level with the Egyptian - and his 257th for Liverpool.
"There will be a lot of words coming out of my mouth in the next couple of weeks about him. But he's so important for us, on and off the pitch," Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
"He's an outstanding team-mate to have, we've been through everything together, high and lows. He will still be important for the last five games we have to play.
"It will be emotional for him and his family for sure but us as well because he means a lot to me, to the team and the fans of course. But first, we still have a job to do. He knows it, that's the main focus."
With a seven-point lead over Chelsea, Brentford and Bournemouth and five games remaining, Liverpool's job of securing Champions League football may well be achieved in the coming weeks.
For Slot, that will at least be an "acceptable" campaign as he suggested earlier in the season. And it may well be enough to give him the chance to go again this summer. His current deal as Liverpool boss expires next summer.
"My players did what I was hoping they'd do, what I expected they'd do and give Everton a big fight," Slot told Match of the Day.
"In the end, scoring is a joy to see because our away fans were brilliant today. A good day for the red side of Liverpool."
Not a good season but certainly a good day indeed - a day that will live long in the memory for the red half of Merseyside.
Bayern Munich's players celebrate after scoring the equalizing 1-1 goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between FC Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart in Munich, southern Germany, on April 19, 2026. (Photo by Karl-Josef HILDENBRAND / AFP via Getty Images) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO | AFP via Getty Images
Bayern Munich used a mixed lineup to put together a complete effort against VfB Stuttgart as the Bavarians clinched their 35th Bundesliga title with a 4-2 victory.
The win locked up Bayern Munich’s second consecutive title (Bayer Leverkusen won the crown in 2023/24) and the club’s astounding 13th Meisterschale in 14 years.
Bayern Munich took a bit to get going and even fell behind against Die Schwaben, who received a terrific goal from Chris Führich. However, the Bavarians were able to explode for three goals in a six minute span to pull away from the visitors as Raphaël Guerreiro, Nicolas Jackson, and Alphonso Davies all scored to deflate what was a spirited effort from VfB Stuttgart.
From that point, Bayern Munich was in complete control of the proceedings and cruised to the title-securing victory. On a day where the team needed to get work complete early and then take a bit of a respite to get rested, the squad executed the plan to near-perfection.
Harry Kane added a second goal for good measure and effectively seal the title.
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…
Juventus & Bayer Leverkusen Keen On Freiburg Star Eyed By Inter Milan If Move For Tottenham Hotspur Goalkeeper Fails
Noah Atubolu has become one of Europe’s most coveted goalkeepers, and Inter Milan, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen are all tracking the Freiburg shot-stopper as the summer window approaches.
Inter’s interest in Atubolu is well-established, with the 2002-born German considered a backup option should their primary pursuit of Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario encounter difficulties.
According to Fussballdaten, via FCInterNews, Tottenham have also added Atubolu to their own wishlist, potentially as a rival or eventual successor to Vicario himself.
Furthermore, Juventus are pushing hard. The Bianconeri want to reshape their goalkeeping department and their scouts have filed positive reports on the Freiburg number one.
Juventus & Inter Target Atubolu Modern Profile Drives €30-35m Freiburg Valuation
Indeed, the scouting reports across Europe are consistently glowing.
Atubolu combines exceptional composure in one-on-one situations with outstanding distribution, functioning effectively as an outfield player in possession.
His aerial dominance and command of the penalty area also bring enormous security to the defenders in front of him.
Therefore, Freiburg are preparing for his departure, but on their own terms. The club are demanding between €30 and €35 million, above his current market value of around €20 million.
However, growing interest from multiple elite clubs is pushing that figure upward by the day.
For Inter, Atubolu represents a contingency rather than a priority. Vicario remains the plan, but with competition fierce, having a credible alternative identified is simply good planning.
Eliminated from the Champions League and nine points adrift of Barcelona in La Liga, the final seven games of the season represent little more than damage limitation for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side.
World Cup eyes in the dressing room
According to Diario SPORT, a significant portion of the Real Madrid squad currently has their attention fixed firmly on this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
With collective honours no longer attainable, individual ambitions have taken centre stage, and the priority for many players is simply to arrive at the tournament fit and healthy.
That creates a delicate situation for Arbeloa. More than half of his squad have received international call-ups at some point this season.
Arbeloa must play a balancing act in these final few matches. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
For several of them, these final seven league games represent their last opportunity to impress their respective national team coaches ahead of the summer.
Players such as Carvajal, Mastantuono, Huijsen and Camavinga all fall into the category of those needing to make a late case for inclusion.
Meanwhile, others, including Bellingham, Vinicius, Mbappe, Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler and Rudiger, are considered certainties for their nations provided they avoid injury.
And therein lies the problem. For those already assured of their World Cup place, the incentive to push through any physical discomfort in meaningless league fixtures is minimal.
The risk of aggravating an injury in a dead rubber will always outweigh the reward, and Arbeloa will be well aware that some of his biggest names may not be fully committed to throwing themselves into every challenge over the coming weeks.
Bayern crown Bundesliga title with comfortable win over Stuttgart
Bayern Munich are Bundesliga champions for the 13th time in 14 years after a big win over Stuttgart sealed Meisterschale with four games to spare. The record champions will now aim for completing the treble as they await semi-final clashes in the DFB-Poka and Champions League.
Stuttgart converted the first big chance of the game into the opening goal when Bilal El Khannouss combined well with Chris Führich in the midpoint of the first-half. The winger, who returned to Julian Nagelsmann's squad in last month's international break, ended his mini-goal drought with his first since the 3-3 draw with Heidenheim in February.
Bayern's response was a three-goal performance inside six minutes. Raphael Guerreiro, Nicolas Jackson, and Alphonso Davies – who all didn't start the midweek game against Real Madrid – showcased Bayern's squad depth by netting the quickfire goals.
Guerreiro, who will leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season, was the first to do so when he benefitted from a slick play by Jamal Musiala on the left wing. Luis Diaz provided the assists for the next two goals, although with some help from Finn Jeltsch and Jeff Chabot.
Guerreiro intercepted Jeltsch's misplaced pass before a typical unselfish play from Diaz to spot the better-positioned Jackson for the second goal. Chabot was rather unfortunate a few minutes later when he deflected Davies’ shot into his own net. The Canadian international scored his first goal of an injury-riddled campaign on the momentous day.
Musiala hit the sidenetting on the stroke of half-time, but Bayern were already on the verge of sealing back-to-back league titles. Vincent Kompany still introduced Harry Kane and Michael Olise at the start of the second-half in place of Musiala and Diaz.
England's captain only needed seven minutes to leave his mark as he scored from a rebound after Alexander Nübel denied Leon Goretzka. Bayern's loanee thwarted the midfielder with another brilliant save at the hour mark. Joshua Kimmich and Olise were next to try their luck as Bayern edged closer to a fifth goal.
At the other end, Jonas Urbig, who played ahead of Manuel Neuer in goal, made a great save with his leg when Bilal El Khannouss had a one-on-one chance. Olise followed that up with another nonchalant moment, but fellow substitute Maximilian Mittelstädt made a goalline clearance.
With 15 minutes left to play, Bara Ndiaye was handed a home debut by Kompany. Ten minutes later, Deniz Ofli comes on for his Bayern debut. There was still some time for Stuttgart's second goal as substitute Chema Andres made the scoreline respectable for the Champions League hopefuls.
Since the gap between Bayern and Dortmund grew to 15 points with only four games left to play, Bayern sealed their 35th German championship victory. Their focus will now turn to progress for a first DFB-Pokal final since 2020 as they face Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. Stuttgart will stay in fourth, but they will also have a chance for cup glory with a home game against Freiburg the following day.
Forest boss Pereira hails hat-trick hero Gibbs-White as true leader
Vitor Pereira has praised Morgan Gibbs-White for leading by example as Nottingham Forest fight against relegation.
Gibbs-White scored the first hat-trick of his club career to help Forest recover from a goal down and beat Burnley. The midfielder’s treble turned the game around at the City Ground, after Zian Flemming’s opener for the visitors.
Gibbs-White’s goals, and a fourth from Igor Jesus in stoppage time, secured a 4-1 win that moves Forest five points clear of the Premier League’s relegation places.
Pereira praised Gibbs-White as a true leader, highlighting his leadership through performances and not words. The 26-year-old has been in terrific form with six goals in his last six league appearances.
“He is leading by example. I know a lot of [captains] that speak and speak but it proves nothing,” the Forest boss said to Sky Sports.
“I didn’t feel he was his best level in the first half but he did fantastic in the second half.
“Even when we are in bad moments we feel the energy from supporters and we create spirit in the team to face problems. The second half was a big example that we are alive and ready to fight until the last game to reach our target.”
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Chicago Cubs during a game at Tropicana Field on April 06, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Salah equals Merseyside Derby record with Everton goal
It was perhaps written for Mohamed Salah to have a big say in his final Merseyside Derby.
The Liverpool forward opened the scoring as Liverpool won 2-1 at Everton on Sunday, in the first-ever Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Salah swept in an opener following Cody Gakpo’s brilliant through pass. Everton equalised through Beto, before Virgil van Dijk’s late winner for Liverpool in stoppage time.
Salah’s goal extended his Premier League record against Everton to nine goals in 15 games, equalling the record for the most-ever Merseyside Derby goals in the Premier League era.
In his final appearance in the fixture, Salah levelled Steven Gerrard’s haul, achieved in twice as many fixtures (30).
“It feels great. The most important thing was to help the team to settle down and feel more confident,” Salah said to Sky Sports at full-time.
“We knew before the game it was going to be tricky, difficult, and I’m glad we were able to win it.”
After a dominating display of basketball after the turn of the calendar year, the Charlotte Hornets — for reasons unknown — reverted back to their immature, frustrating and irresponsible ways during the play-in tournament.
LaMelo Ball grabbed the ankle of Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo as he was in the air, causing the 6-foot-9 big man to fall on his back and miss the rest of the game, which the Hornets won.
Ball, who should have been ejected, stayed in the game, which left a sour taste in the mouths of NBA observers.
One game later in Orlando, the Hornets completely imploded. Miles Bridges, a man with a stark and dark history of violence, was seen clearly hitting Magic guard Desmond Bane when both of them were on the floor, fighting for a loose ball.
Once again, the call turned in favor of Charlotte, with Bridges staying in the game, only this time, no advantage seemed to matter.
The Hornets could barely produce points, and their defensive symmetry was entirely nonexistent.
For a team that so many favored to make the playoffs, sympathy turned — and quickly — due to the return of its bad habits and general lack of maturity.
2025-26 finish
Record: 44-38, 9th in the Eastern Conference. Eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament.
Highlight of the season
The in-season turnaround showed this team does have the technical capabilities to achieve more than what has otherwise been expected of them, which only makes the end to the season so disappointing. The Hornets went 33-16 from Jan. 1 on, outscoring opponents by an average of 10.2 points per game, signaling considerable upside.
Players signed for next season
LaMelo Ball
Miles Bridges
Josh Green
Grant Williams
Brandon Miller
Kon Knueppel
Tre Mann
Tidjane Salaün
Liam McNeeley
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Sion James
Key free agents
Coby White (UFA)
Moussa Diabaté (Non-guaranteed)
Projected salary
$142,124,695
Projected draft picks
Nos. 14 & 17
Draft focus: While the Hornets did find success at the center position with both Diabaté and Kalkbrenner this season, they can afford to think bigger. Should Michigan’s Aday Mara be available, his 7-3 frame should be enormously attractive for this young team, particularly from a defensive perspective.
Roster-building tools
The team is currently projected to have access to the full non-tax MLE if it re-signs Coby White, which seems to be the plan. The Hornets have virtually all of their key players under contract and clean books. They're in good shape financially.
Needs and goals
The Hornets need an adult in the room. There has to be a culture change within the locker room, and it likely starts by removing Bridges to some extent. Loading up on cheap veterans, with high locker-room and leadership value, should be of the utmost importance.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 19: The tarp is shown on the infield prior to the game between the New York Yankees against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Yankees are eyeing a series sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon, and first pitch of the expected matchup between southpaws Ryan Weathers and Cole Ragans was supposed to be 1:35pm ET. Unfortunately, the weather isn’t cooperating.
Even before the Yankees revealed their starting lineup for Sunday, they posted at 10:25am ET that they didn’t expect the game to start on time due to the inclement weather forecast. Indeed, that has come to pass, as at 12:58pm ET, they said that the game would begin in a rain delay.
We’ll wait this out with anyone watching—or even in the stands on your phones—and let you know when any updates get reported! The Yankees have an interesting lineup today with the scorching-hot Ben Rice leading off at DH despite the same-handed lefty Ragans on the bump. Manager Aaron Boone has said that he’s confident in Rice against any kind of pitcher, which he’s probably earned at this point. Giancarlo Stanton’s 1-for-22 slump encouraged him to start both Rice and lefty-masher Paul Goldschmidt, who will man first. Also, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is getting a day off amid his awful start to 2026, with Ryan McMahon returning to the lineup at third after a couple days off and the surging Amed Rosario in Jazz’s spot at second.
We are officially in a rain delay. Updated information will be provided as it is received.
Florida State softball (36-7, 12-3) is looking to bounce back after a tough weekend at Stanford. The Seminoles fell to a sweep from the Cardinal, the program’s first in ACC play since 2011. Now, they will continue to be tested with a good North Carolina team. The Tar Heals are 31-11 and 9-9 in the ACC, coming off a series loss to Duke, but were able to take one game from the Blue Devils.
New Tar Heels
Raegan Jennings ( @ Texas Tech): .358 BA / 45 R / 72 H / 40 RBI / 12 BB
MC Eaton ( @ Virginia): .332 BA / 77 R / 148 H / 25 HR / 134 RBI / 41 BB
Emily Legette ( @ Virginia Tech): .328 BA / 18 R / 44 H / 24 RBI / 10 BB
2026 Top 5 player
Michele Tarpey ( @ NC State): .310 BA / 73 R / 111 H / 15 HR / 70 RBI / 36 BB
Kendall Frost ( @ ECU): 3.83 ERA / 166.1 IP / 195 H / 117 R / 51 BB / 104 SO / .295 B/AVG
Carly Maxton ( @ NC State): 4.08 ERA / 152.2 IP / 155 H / 116 R / 73 BB / 115 SO / .254 B/AVG
Key Returners
Sanaa Thompson: .490 BA / 65 R / 75 H / 13 HR / 36 RBI / 16 BB
Lexie Roberts: .409 BA / 48 R / 47 H / 11 RBI / 20 BB
Kenna Raye Dark: 4.12 ERA / 52.2 IP / 60 H / 38 R / 19 BB / 40 SO / .275 B/AVG
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 29: Manager John Schneider #14 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on during the third inning in game one of a split doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 29, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Toronto Blue Jays dropped their series versus the Arizona Diamondbacks with a loss on Saturday, marking the team’s sixth consecutive series loss in the early season.
And while the Blue Jays can remain optimistic about a turnaround and even a trip back to the World Series, it seems like a significant bullpen change might be in order soon.
“Jeff Hoffman surrendered a grand slam in the eighth inning of Saturday’s 6-2 loss, which is all Blue Jays fans will be talking about this weekend,” Keegan Matheson wrote for MLB.com. “The Blue Jays had every opportunity to win this one late, but Hoffman’s inning blew up the back end of the game. This comes after he blew a save last time out when he walked three batters.”
Toronto Blue Jays Manager John Schneider Offers 4-Word Response On Jeff Hoffman’s Role
In his first season with the Blue Jays last year, Hoffman endured an up-and-down campaign that included giving up a lead to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series. And so far, his second season hasn’t been much better.
Hoffman has a 7.71 ERA, with 13 hits allowed and 20 strikeouts in less than 10 innings so far. But while Saturday’s brutal outing might serve as the final straw for some Blue Jays fans, the team appears to be sticking with him in the closer’s role.
“I have a lot of confidence in Jeff Hoffman,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after the game, per The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. “I feel for him right now because he’s going through it. I get it; when you’re in that spot, it gets magnified, and that’s part of it. He’s man enough to handle it.”
Regarding the specific role of closing out games, the skipper added a clear, four-word summary of how he views the beleaguered pitcher amid his struggles.
Toronto Blue Jays Star Max Scherzer Sends Jeff Hoffman Message After Arizona Diamondbacks Game
Hoffman took ownership of the team’s loss on Saturday and he told reporters that he feels healthy and plans to work on his command. In the meantime, a prominent teammate joined the manager in offering his public support.
“We all believe in him,” future Hall of Fame starter Max Scherzer told reporters, according to Bannon. “We all love him. We all believe he’s going to figure it out and get big outs for us. That’s never going to change.”
But as the Blue Jays look to turn a losing season around before it’s too late, Hoffman will have to improve if they are to avoid making that change for much longer.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
As Germany prepares for the World Cup, Julian Nagelsmann's side will likely have to make do without Serge Gnabry, who has suffered a torn adductor muscle in his right thigh.
On Saturday, Bayern Munich announced that Gnabry experienced a significant injury setback, which will see him miss the remainder of the campaign and possibly the World Cup.
"The attacking midfielder has suffered a tear of the adductor muscle in his right thigh. This was the result of an examination by FC Bayern's medical department."According to Bild, Gnabry's injury will keep him on the sideline for the next two to three months.
"I feel very sorry for Serge. This is particularly bitter news at the end of the season, with so many big and important matches coming up," Germany boss Nagelsmann said in an interview with SID.
"I told him that we in the national team are all behind him. We will all support him in the best way possible so that he can get back on the pitch as soon as possible."
Often a polarizing figure in recent years for Bayern Munich, Gnabry has starred in the No. 10 role for manager Vincent Kompany this season.
In 42 matches across all competitions for the Bavarians, the 30-year-old has produced an impressive 23 goal contributions (10 goals and 13 assists).
For the German national team, Gnabry had an outstanding World Cup qualifying campaign, accumulating four goal contributions in six matches. Since receiving his first senior team call-up in November 2016, Gnabry has scored 26 goals in 59 caps.
Germany will be in Group E in the upcoming World Cup. In the group stage, the four-time champions will take on Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
The Cardinal men's gymnastics team won the 2026 National Collegiate Men's Gymnastics Championships in Champaign, Illinois, to continue the longest streak in NCAA history, with the university having one team winning a national title in the NCAA team championship in 50 straight academic years.
The streak dates back to Nov. 28, 1976, when the Cardinal men's water polo team defeated UCLA 13-12 for a national championship. The streak includes 126 national championships across 19 unique sports.
The national championship in men's gymnastics was the 11th in program history, with eight of them coming under current head coach Thom Glielmi.
Stanford's 50-year streak is the longest in NCAA history, well ahead of Kenyon, which had a 31-year streak between 1979 and 2010 across three sports. Penn State, which won 13 championships between 2006 and 2019 across six sports, was the last active streak outside of Stanford.
With 138 total national championships in 20 unique sports, Stanford extended its lead over UCLA (126 in 21 sports) for the most in college sports history. The 20 team titles are also second to the Bruins' 21 team titles for the most ever.
Stanford's 50 straight years with national titles by numbers
During the run for the Cardinal, 19 different programs have won at least one title, while six have won 10 or more during the run. Women's tennis has won 20 team titles in the last 50 years. Men's tennis has 15 in that span.
In the 2018-2019 and 1996-97 academic years, the Cardinal won six titles in the same year. In 1996, 2003 and 2019, Stanford won multiple titles on the same day in multiple sports.
While the Cardinal have had multiple championships in a single academic year, there have been years where one sport saves the day with the lone championship in the season. Here's a look at the years the streak was saved by one sport.
Mar 22, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack forward Tilda Trygger (18) posts against Vermont Catamounts forward Anna Olson (24) during the second half at James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | William Howard-Imagn Images
Washington added one of the elite players in the transfer portal yesterday with the addition of NC State transfer Tilda Trygger. The 6’6 forward from Sweden averaged 10.6 points and 7.0 rebounds last season as a true sophomore.
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) April 18, 2026
Trygger was one of the most highly sought after players in the transfer portal. She was rated as the #13 overall transfer by ESPN and #18 by CBS Sports.
As a freshman at NC State she 6.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game on 27% 3-point shooting. Those marks improved across the board as a sophomore and she was able to stretch out her shooting efficiency to hit 33.9% from outside while improving as a rim protector to block 1.3 shots per game.
Trygger should fit seamlessly into the starting lineup for the Huskies in place of the graduating Yulia Grabovskaia. She has similar size to play center but is more of an outside threat than Graboyskaia which should allow the Huskies to play more of a 5-out lineup without sacrificing size as they did when McGaughy slid to center last season.
This is the second pickup of the offseason in the transfer portal for Washington along with 6’2 wing Macey Huard from Oklahoma State. More reinforcements will be needed as UW has lost 3 bench players via transfer and also lost several seniors to eligibility but only has a single incoming freshman. Washington was rumored to also be in the mix for star Penn State center transfer Gracie Merkle (19.2 pts, 8.2 reb) and 5-star local freshman Oliviyah Edwards but we’ll see if the addition of Trygger takes them out of those races who will both command high NIL figures.
Washington now has one of the better quartets in the country with Sayvia Sellers (18 pts, 3.9 ast. 35% 3pt), Avery Howell (14.2 pts, 8.3 reb, 43% 3pt), 5-star sophomore Brynn McGaughy (9.3 pts, 4.3 reb), and now Trygger. That should allow Washington to continue to improve under head coach Tina Langley who signed an extension this offseason that makes her one of the 15 highest paid coaches in the country.
Two years ago, the Boston Celtics were about to begin a playoff run that would end with them raising a record 18th NBA championship.
Two years later, Jayson Tatum, one of the centerpieces of that team, enters the postseason with a much different perspective.
“I think more of a sense of gratitude than ever,” Tatum said. “Not that I took it for granted. But when something is taken away from you, it just means a little bit more.”
It was 48 weeks ago that the Celtics’ title defense was upended after Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks.
It’s been a little over a month since the six-time All-Star’s return to the court after just shy of 10 months of rehabilitation. That, coupled with an overachieving Celtics team that earned a No. 2 seed playing in all but 16 games without the star, have again put Boston into championship contention.
That quest begins Sunday against a Philadelphia 76ers team that will open the series without big man Joel Embiid, who is still recuperating following an appendectomy on April 9.
“We’ve just got to take it one day at a time, don’t take anything for granted and just come out ready to go every single night,” said Celtics star Jaylen Brown, whose career efforts in points (28.7), rebounds (6.9) and assists (5.1) have carried the team in Tatum’s absence.
Tatum said the nine-year partnership he’s had alongside Brown is the reason he’s enjoyed so much success so far during his career.
“Nobody’s successful by themselves,” Tatum said. “It takes a group, it takes a village and a lot of this is like, where you were drafted. The teammates you’ve gone to war with. So I’m thankful, tenfold, for that. ... Getting injured just kind of made me cherish each moment.”
Maxey’s resurgence
The 76ers are also in a mode of reflection heading into the postseason.
Tyrese Maxey called Kyle Lowry last May and made a promise to the veteran guard who is expected to retire at the end of the season.
Yes, the Sixers were coming off a 24-win season, but Maxey vowed the Sixers would return to the playoffs.
After beating Orlando in the play-in game, the Sixers are indeed back, in large part because of Maxey. Maxey was voted an All-Star starter for the first time this season and carried the Sixers in large stretches with Embiid sidelined by various injuries and Paul George out with injuries and a 25-game suspension for flunking a drug test.
Maxey had to reflect after that Orlando win on that phone call.
“I said there’s no chance that I’m going to not be in the playoffs next year,” Maxey said.
Maxey, who became the Sixers’ career 3-point leader this season,- was the third option behind Embiid and James Harden the last time the Sixers and Celtics met in the playoffs in 2023.
The 76ers held a 3-2 semifinals series lead against Boston before dropping Game 6 at home and were crushed in Game 7 on the road.
“The mentality is definitely different,” Maxey said. “I mean, back then I was still attacking and still being aggressive but it’s a different situation. For me, it’s going to be a lot of film the next couple of days. A lot of film, breaking it down, get back in the gym probably Friday, a lot of getting to my spots and where I like to make shots and where I can get to. And then just read the game.”
Playoff debut
V.J. Edgecombe is ready for his first NBA playoff game at the site of his impressive league debut.
The Sixers rookie had a wildly successful first season after the Sixers made him the No. 3 overall pick in the draft out of Baylor.
Allen Iverson held the Sixers’ record with 30 points in his debut in 1996.
Edgecombe’s 14 first-quarter points were also the most ever for a player’s first NBA quarter. That record had been held by LeBron James, who scored 12 in 2003.
Edgecombe finished the season with an average of 16.0 points in 75 games.
Edgecombe dunked on — and got in the face of — Jalen Suggs for a 73-62 lead in the play-in game. Edgecombe was whistled for taunting and officials had to separate the teams.
Sixers fans went wild, just as they have all season for Edgecombe.
“I love Philly fans, man,” Edgecombe said. “I’m going to be so honest, man, it was loud. The intensity, the physicality, it was great. That’s the type of game I live for. Physical, the crowd’s involved. I couldn’t ask for a better, like, debut-kind of playoff experience, kind of. It was great. I enjoyed every moment of it.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
The defending NBA champions open as the top seed in the Western Conference for the third straight year when the Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Phoenix Suns in the opening game of the first round of the playoffs today.
With a quirky offense and thorn-in-the-side defenders like Dillon Brooks, Phoenix could cause headaches for the defending champs.
However, my Suns vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks call for OKC to solve the puzzle and roll to a solid cover.
Suns vs Thunder prediction
Suns vs Thunder best bet: Thunder -13 (-110)
The Oklahoma City Thunder had the best defensive rating in the NBA and allowed the second-fewest points, despite not playing at an exceedingly slow pace. The Thunder essentially took the last week of the regular season off, benching 10 rotation players.
That means a team that struggled with injury all year has had 11 days of rest.
Prior to the season-ending shutdown, OKC was clicking. The Thunder had won seven straight, going 5-2 ATS before their skeleton crew dropped the last two regular-season contests.
The Phoenix Suns were the last team to make the field, beating Golden State on Friday in the play-in tournament. Phoenix won two of five against OKC this season, going 3-2 ATS, including going 2-1 ATS in Oklahoma City.
However, one of those games was the regular-season finale, where both teams rested their starters and key bench players. There's a good chance some of the players who participated in that Suns win will even suit up for this series.
The Suns' fluid, pass-intensive offense is something the Thunder didn't see every day, and Phoenix had a top-10 defense. OKC has done well against the Suns' D this season, however, averaging 125 points in the four games where starters played.
That's six points above their season average and 14 more than Phoenix allowed. They also held the Suns to 106 points, more than a half-dozen below Phoenix's average.
Suns vs Thunder same-game parlay
OKC ranked 16th in the NBA in pace this season. Phoenix won't be trying to speed things up—it ranked 24th in pace. Last season, the Thunder turned up the defensive pressure in the postseason.
Scoring dropped by eight combined points per game in the first-round series and seven points per game in the Thunder's entire playoff run.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP performer against the Suns this season. He averaged 30 points per game and hit half of his three-point attempts. He also hit 51% of his two-point shots, an area where the Suns were weak this season, allowing opponents to shoot .556 on the inside.
Suns vs Thunder SGP
Thunder -13
Under 215.5 points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 29.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dishing and Swishing!
SGA has also dished out 7.3 assists per game against the Suns this season. He had 33 assists in four April games. Getting plus odds on a 6.5 assist cutoff seems like a gift.
Jalen Green was blazing hot during the play-in games, scoring 35 and 36 and hitting eight treys against the Warriors. Getting plus odds on him also seems out of whack.
Isaiah Hartenstein averaged 9.2 rebounds this season and averaged 10.3 in games when he played at least 20 minutes.
Suns vs Thunder SGP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 29.5 points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 6.5 assists
Jalen Green Over 2.5 made threes
Isaiah Hartenstein Over 8.5 rebounds
Suns vs Thunder odds for Game 1
Spread: Suns +13 | Thunder -13
Moneyline: Suns +561 | Thunder -800
Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5
Suns vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the Team Total Under in 17 of their last 24 games at home (+9.05 Units / 33% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Thunder.
How to watch Suns vs Thunder Game 1
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Suns vs Thunder latest injuries
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Three years after The Courier Journal published "Safer Sidelines," an investigation that shined a light on often-preventable athlete deaths, Kentucky has made incremental changes.
Meanwhile, three more high school athletes died and another suffered potentially irreparable harm.
Not only are athletes still collapsing and dying across the commonwealth, it's happening at a similar rate dating back to the 1970s, with one-fifth of all known high school athlete deaths in Kentucky occurring in just the last six years.
Deaths never investigated
Safer Sidelines highlighted a concept in sports medicine know as the 4Hs.
That refers to the four leading causes of death in athletes: head (trauma), heart (sudden cardiac arrest), hemoglobin (blood) or heat.
Nobody knows for sure how many athletes have died in the state of Kentucky, or nationally, or who they all were. There is no national public database that includes their names and the circumstances of their deaths.
The Courier Journal has been compiling one, based on news reports that date back to 1909, the earliest published report the paper could find.
That data and the paper's own reporting shows in the last 10 years:
Heart in 2022: Knott County Central football player Aaron "Mick" Crawford died from sudden cardiac arrest while helping a neighbor during the historic Eastern Kentucky flooding. (While his death is classified by the state as a "flood victim," because he was an athlete that suffered a cardiac-related event that could have been detected if schools required prevention measures like heart screenings, such as an EKG or echo, he is included in the Deadly Games database.)
Of those six deaths, five occurred on school property. Yet there is no law that requires a school district to investigate what happened that day around the sidelines.
Rep. Kim Moser, R-Taylor Mill, and Rep. Shane Baker, R-Somerset, are both state legislators with athlete deaths in their districts. During the 2025 General Assembly, they filed a bill that would require the state to investigate deaths or serious physical injuries that occur on school property, including during athletic events.
"Honestly, it’s heartbreaking. A situation like this could happen to anyone’s child," Baker told The Courier Journal after filing the bill. "You never anticipate losing one of your most precious gifts when they suit up and put that uniform on."
The bill never went beyond being assigned to a committee.
The legislators again filed the bill in 2026 — on the final day proposed legislation could be filed. It went nowhere.
Moser reassured parents who have lost athletes that she is committed to working on the bill against next session, pending primary election results.
While these deaths all occurred outside Jefferson County, the Louisville area isn't immune. That bill could have impacted athletes like Trinity High football player Nathan Rader.
On July 31, 2024, the junior offensive lineman collapsed from heat stroke.
To find out what happened that day, his family filed a lawsuit in February 2024 claiming the school and its athletic trainers were negligent in their response that day when they never aggressively cooled Rader, as is required by Kentucky High School Athletic Association policy and state law.
More than 30 minutes after Rader's collapse, his core temperature was still at 107.5 degrees. He may have long-term health complications.
Lawyers representing all parties began to conduct depositions this year, per court records.
One piece of legislation did pass related to athlete health and safety. Kentucky became one of the first five states to pass legislation regarding an Athletic Training Compact. The legislation is akin to bar reciprocity for lawyers practicing in multiple states, except it allows license reciprocity for athletic trainers licensed in one state to practice in other compact-member states without needing additional licenses.
The legislation has also passed in Alabama, Kansas, South Dakota and Virginia, with Nebraska awaiting a governor signature. Six other states — Delaware, Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio and Oklahoma — also have similar legislation being considered by their legislators, according to the Board of Certification for The Athletic Trainer.
Kevin Brown, president of the Kentucky Athletic Trainers' Society, worked to get the legislation passed in a state that borders seven others.
"The AT Compact offers athletic trainers, especially living on the borders of Kentucky-Indiana or Kentucky-Ohio, the opportunity to work in multiple states, which then offers increased athlete safety because it offers a larger pool of athletic trainers to cover games," Brown said. "So games that may have previously gone uncovered in the past due to staffing will now have more access to athletic trainers."
Expanded access to AEDs
In 2023, the state legislature passed a law that said AEDs were required in schools "as funds became available."
Since then, schools who applied for funds when they first became available in 2025 could "assess their needs and choose to apply if desired" in 2026, according to Kentucky Department of Education documentation.
Yearly AED landscape analysis surveys have shown that some schools statewide increased the number of AEDs in their district, but the survey only takes into account how many AEDs a district has, not where they're located or if they're accessible to athletic programs after school hours.
It's unclear if the funding for the trust fund was supported by the previous biennial budget. A review of this year's budget and one-time expenditure bills showed no funds for an AED or defibrillator trust fund. Moser did not immediately return a request for clarification on the trust fund's funding.
Despite the increased access, a Somerset mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit in March that claims district employees "failed to render appropriate aid" to her son, James "Wes" Phillippe, after he collapsed March 3, 2025.
"An AED was open and directions were given but the AED was not utilized on Phillippe," the lawsuit states. "From the initial actions of (an employee) to the beginning of CPR, a total of 11 minutes had passed."
EMS arrived at least eight minutes after the call to 911.
Phillippe died. He was 15.
'Athletic trainers ... can save lives'
Two years after reporting Safer Sidelines, The Courier Journal also started a "saves" database, documenting each time an athlete, spectator or even official who experienced a medical emergency received aid and survived. Because of health privacy laws, that database is currently unpublished. But it shows responsive actions — mostly by athletic trainers and other medically-trained personnel, such as paramedics — led to at least 11 saves so far this year nationally, including at least five high school athletes and several of fans and umpires at high school athletic events, including in Kentucky.
West Jessamine High athletic trainer Dean Geary has watched from the sidelines for nearly 40 seasons. On Feb. 19, he ran outside the basketball gym just before tipoff to assist a fan who collapsed, providing CPR.
Legislators spoke of his quick response on the House Floor during discussion of the AT Compact bill.
Rep. Kevin Jackson, R-Bowling Green, said: "Athletic trainers are vital members of the health care team. … Just in the past two weeks here in Kentucky we've had two incidents."
He spoke of Northcutt's early February death, which the coroner told The Courier Journal was a result of a pulmonary embolism. Autopsy results are still pending. Then Jackson spoke of the save by Geary in Jessamine.
Jackson said: "Athletic trainers on campuses can actually save lives."
Stephanie Kuzydym is an enterprise and investigative sports reporter, with a focus on the health and safety of athletes. Reach her at skuzydym@courier-journal.com or@stephkuzy.
Everton manager David Moyes speaking to Sky Sports: "I thought the players played great today, they didn't get the result they deserved. We deserved more from it than we did. They did a great job. Disappointed with the last goal but in the main the players did a brilliant job.
On the disallowed goal: "The game was quite chaotic. In that period, it looked like a good goal for me but we trust the people that they got it right. We're not here to make any excuses, we should have got more, we didn't."
On Jarrad Branthwaite's injury: "It doesn't look great, it caused problems because we had already made a couple of subs so we were down to our last one. Jarrad was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch, I thought he played so well."
On losing to Liverpool: "There's no shame in how we performed today, we're playing against one of the teams in the league who expect to be challenging for Champions League and trophies. I think we gave them a good run for their money. I want this team to always be competitive. They didn't have it their own way."
Did you know?
Everton's David Moyes has won just four of his 41 Premier League games against Liverpool (D10 L27). His points-per-game rate of 0.54 against the Reds is his lowest against any opponent in his managerial career in the competition.
Beto has scored in three (or more) consecutive Premier League appearances for just the second time, after a run of four in a row in February 2025 - which also included a goal at home to Liverpool.
Castleford Tigers lifted themselves off the bottom of Super League in style as they put in one of the performances of the season to beat Wigan Warriors.
The visitors led through Krystian Mapapalangi when he touched down within five minutes but Dayon Sambou put in an acrobatic finish to level for Wigan.
Zach Eckersley tipped the game in the hosts' favour but Jack Ashworth and Mapapalangi combined to hit back after the break.
The Tigers kept up the momentum as George Lawler went over as they saw out a memorable win which lifted them to 11th in the table.
Prior to Sunday's result, Wigan had won in 14 consecutive meetings with Castleford, whose most recent win against them came six years ago - a 16-12 victory at The Jungle in February 2020.
But it is almost nine years since they defeated the Warriors away from home, when they claimed a 38-20 Super 8s win in September 2017.
The result was Wigan's third successive Super League defeat and despite a promising showing with Sambou and Eckersley's scores, it was Castleford who dominated much of the 80 minutes.
Wigan, without Harry Smith and Sam Walters through suspension as well as front rower Ethan Havard because of injury, were stunned when Castleford led early on following a flowing set, with Mapapalangi exchanging passes with Jason Qareqare before running in.
The hosts almost responded through Jai Field soon after but Mikaele Ravalawa showed incredible strength to wrestle him out of bounds before he could get the ball down.
Sambou's sensational score was the pick of the first half, as he worked onto Eckersley's offload, absorbed Qareqare's tackle and outstretched his arm to ground the ball in mid-air before he went into touch.
Sambou and Eckersley linked up again shortly after, this time as Sambou beat Qareqare in an aerial battle. He tipped Jack Farrimond's kick to the corner into the path of Eckersley, who touched down for his fourth try in as many meetings with the Tigers.
Castleford's response after the break came via a clever pass from Tom Weaver as he sent Ashworth through to spin to the line under pressure from the hosts' defence.
The visitors were not done there and Mapapalangi raced down the wing as Castleford kept up the pressure, eventually receiving the ball again and chasing his own kick to ground his second try of the afternoon.
Cas asserted themselves further when Lawler powered over the line and could have put the gloss on a thumping win when Weaver went in, but his score was chalked off for obstruction in the build-up.
Even after putting together the Lawrence trade post, running a late-night post-Lawrence era 7-round Giants mock draft, then sleeping on it, my head is admittedly still spinning a bit.
Dex is now an ex
I am going to bullet points some of my thoughts on this trade.
The Giants had set their asking price for Lawrence as a first-round pick, and other assets. NOBODY thought they could get a top 10 pick in this draft for a soon-to-be 29-year-old nose tackle coming off a season that wasn’t up to his standards. Some people I talked weren’t even sure the Giants could get a first-round pick. Getting No. 10 is a huge win for the Giants. It speaks to Cincinnati’s desperation to add an impact defensive player and try to capitalize on quarterback Joe Burrow’s Super Bowl window.
Speaking of Super Bowls, I know there are Giants fans out there thinking about the Super Bowl titles won by ex-Giants Saquon Barkley, Leonard Williams, and Julian Love. If Lawrence joins that list, good for the Bengals. And for him. It shouldn’t matter. Lawrence had reportedly made it clear he did not want to be a Giant any longer, The Giants did the best thing they could for themselves, and made the right move.
This is a win for John Harbaugh. A potentially massive distraction from his first offseason/training camp is removed, a message is sent to the locker room that if you aren’t fully committed to his program Harbaugh won’t be afraid to show you the door, and he gets a second top-10 draft pick to continue re-shaping the roster into what he wants it to look like.
Don’t underestimate the salary cap impact. The deal removes Lawrence’s $18.5 million in base salary from the Giants’ books. The 10th overall pick will be a $5.7 million cap hit. So, the Giants gain nearly $13 million in cap space in the trade. As of Sunday, Over The Cap shows the Giants with $18.437 million in cap space. They should now be able to entice free agent defensive tackle D.J. Reader with a nice offer. Maybe Shelby Harris, too. Or, even Calais Campbell.
Speaking of Reader, BBV’s Chris Pflum jumped into my ‘Slack’ Sunday morning to say he expected Reader to be a Giant before the draft begins. I am not s0 sure about that. I think a Reader signing is highly likely, especially with some financial wiggle room. I wonder, though, if the Giants hold off on that until after the draft. Signing Reader before the draft might cost New York the fourth-round compensatory pick it is expected to get in 2027 for losing Wan’Dale Robinson. Maybe a handshake deal now that gets announced post-draft when free agent signings no longer count against the compensatory formula. That might depend on how competitive Reader’s market it.
In my post-Lawrence trade mock draft, I moved down from No. 10 to No. 25 and selected Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. Thanks to research by David Syvertsen of Ourlads we know that the Baltimore Ravens NEVER selected a defensive tackle in Round 1 during Harbaugh’s 18 seasons as head coach. Syvertsen’s breakdown:
First rounder: Never Second rounder: Two times Third rounder: Four times Fourth rounder: Two times Fifth rounder: Two times Sixth rounder: One time Seventh rounder: Never
I am stunned by that considering how much Harbaugh preaches the importance of the offensive and defensive lines.
I think I sure would love to end up looking smart on this one.
I am surprised by the contract extension Lawrence signed with the famously-stingy Bengals. After all the talk about him drawing a “line in the sand” about what he would accept I figured it would be more than a one-year extension that would pay him $28 million in 2028. I expected some type of adjustment or bump in his contract for 2026 and 2027.
The Bengals’ perspective on the Lawrence trade, expressed by SB Nation’s Cincy Jungle, is interesting. It is also more or less what I expected — trying to show Burrow that they are doing everything they can to field a winning team.
John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen
There is a lot of chatter around the idea that the Giants might fire Schoen after the draft, bringing in a GM of Harbaugh’s choosing and kicking off a restructuring of the front office.
Well, hold the phone on that idea for a minute. Or, a few minutes. Or, however long it takes you to go read the fantastic piece Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated did after an exclusive sit down with both men in East Rutherford.
Oh, You’re back. Good. Breer’s piece certainly does not leave the impression that Harbaugh is in a hurry to have Schoen’s key card to 1925 Giants Drive revoked.
By the way, I LOVE this quote from Harbaugh. I might frame it and put it on my wall:
“Life is best understood looking back. So you look back—this is what it was—and I don’t really have any big regrets. But it’s best lived going forward.”
Now, some further thoughts on Schoen:
The general manager did not “chase off” Lawrence. Schoen gave Lawrence a generous four-year, $90 million contract in 2024 that made Lawrence the league’s third-highest paid defensive tackle. It’s not Schoen’s fault that Lawrence was overweight last season and did not play to his usual standards. If he had done so, and not reportedly expressed the desire that he would rather be elsewhere, perhaps the Giants would have torn up his contract and given him a new one.
This will be the third time in five drafts that Schoen has had multiple first-round picks, the second time he has had two in the top 10. I can’t find a time in the modern era when a GM has had two top-10 picks twice. Schoen got Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal with picks 5 and 7 in 2022, and Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart with picks 3 and 25 last year. The Neal miss still haunts the Giants. Let’s hope they don’t suffer a similar fate this time around.
The Arizona Cardinals are preparing for the 2026 NFL draft and have been evaluating all the quarterbacks. It appears they will draft one at some point. While all the attention has been on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and how the Cardinals seem to be the most likely team to get him, he is not the only quarterback they have done extensive work on.
The Cardinals were one of several teams with which Payton met extensively.
He is a very intriguing prospect because of his size and athleticism.
He is nearly 6-3 and weighs 232 pounds. He has speed and agility, running the 40 in 4.56 seconds and posting a 40-inch vertical leap.
He also has a strong arm and can make all the throws. He is expected to be a Day 3 pick. Analyst Todd McShay raves about him as a prospect.
If the Cardinals don't draft Simpson early, Payton might be an option later on to at least have in the quarterback room beyond 2026.
The Cardinals have one selection in every round, so keep an eye on where Payton goes and if he is available on Day 3 when the Cardinals pick in the fourth round.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Herbert (14-6) took on promising debutant Mandel
Nallo (14-4) in a lightweight clash at Canada Life Center in
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on Saturday. Nallo hurt Herbert early
on with head kicks, even partially dropping him with a right hand.
However, Herbert survived the onslaught and returned favour by
dropping the Canadian with a right hand. While Nallo managed to
return to his feet, “The Black Country Banger” dropped him again
with a clean combination and rained brutal ground-and-pound to
secure the finish.
Herbert admits that his game plan went out of the window in the
wild affair that lasted barely over two minutes. Herbert claims he
had decided to win when he entered the Octagon against Nallo. Even
when Nallo hurt Herbert early, the Englishman knew he would come
from behind and get the win unless he was knocked out cold.
‘I Just Had the Will’
“I have never had a fight like that before, crazy fight,” Herbert
told the UFC. “I got dropped like three times. I got dropped about
three times, come back and got a win… Game plan went out of the
window. What was in my head was, ‘I have come here to get a win.’
So when he was hitting me, I just knew I was gonna go and get a
win. I was waiting for my opportunity, I cracked him and he went. I
still had my wits about me when he was hitting me. But I just had
the will. I made a decision when I got in there, I was gonna win.
So when he hit me and kept on dropping me, he had to put me clean
out, because if he didn’t put me clean out, I was gonna come back
and get a win.”
Herbert is now 2-2 in his last four outings and rebounded from a
split decision loss against Chris
Padilla with the win over Nallo.
David Moyes “worried about” Jarrad Branthwaite after Merseyside Derby
The first Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium ended on an extremely bitter note for Everton fans. Not only did the Blues lose in the 10th minute of added time, they also lost young defender Jarrad Branthwaite to what seems to be another serious hamstring injury.
The home fixture against Liverpool was only Branthwaite’s 10th Premier League appearance of the season after persistent hamstring issues of late. He even underwent an operation to fix the issue in October and spent a long time on the sidelines.
Branthwaite was seen clutching his right hamstring in the closing stages of the 2-1 loss to Liverpool before being stretchered off the pitch. The centre-back, who was replaced by Michael Keane, covered his face with his shirt to hide his emotions.
When asked whether he’s had any update on Branthwaite at the end of the contest, David Moyes told Sky Sports, “No, but I’m worried but we have not got any results.
"It doesn't look great, it caused problems because we had already made a couple of subs so we were down to our last one. Jarrad was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch, I thought he played so well."
Juventus emerge as favourites to sign Barcelona star this summer
Barcelona are planning to make at least 2-3 additions to Hansi Flick’s squad this summer, but there will also be players moving on. Mrarc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado and Robert Lewandowski have all been mentioned as possible departees, and another that could be on the way out is Roony Bardghji.
It’s been a perplexing season for Bardghji, who joined Barcelona last summer from FC Copenhagen. He’s only made 23 appearances, with the vast majority of those coming from the bench, but when he has featured, he’s largely impressed. But with Lamine Yamal ahead of him, it will always be tricky for him to nail down a consistent starting spot.
Because of this, and the fact that he’s publicly expressed his frustration at a lack of minutes this season, Barcelona are considering letting him go in the summer. Already, he’s attracted a lot of interest, and according to MD (via ED), the team that are currently at the front of the queue is Juventus.
FC Porto and AS Monaco are also following the Sweden international, while Real Betis are hoping to take advantage of their good relationship with Barcelona to seal a deal, should Bardghji become available. Los Verdiblancos tried to sign him last summer, but 2026 could end up being their time instead.
Barcelona would need to replace Bardghji if he leaves
It would make sense for Barcelona to part ways with Bardghji this summer, given his unhappiness at a lack of prominence this season. However, they must ensure that they remain in control of his future, given that he has a lot of potential to be a very good performer in the years to come.
However, it would also represent a risk, as Barcelona would need to secure a replacement. Lamine Yamal cannot afford to play every minute of every match, and while Raphinha is natural a right winger, he has been nowhere near as impressive on that flank compared to how he has been on the left.
Gags Tandon: “That goal will still endure long after this season has ended”
Merseyside Derby Drama Defines Liverpool Season
Liverpool’s chaotic campaign found clarity, if only briefly, under the floodlights as Everton were edged in a Merseyside derby that will linger long in the memory. In a season riddled with inconsistency, this was a reminder of what still pulses through this squad: resilience, quality and the ability to seize a defining moment.
Drawing from the original source, the emotion of the occasion was unmistakable. As Gags Tandon put it, “Today, I’m just smiling and enjoying myself because I know that that goal and that game will endure long after this season that we’ve just had.” That sentiment captures the essence of derby football. Form dissolves, narratives blur and history is written in moments.
For Liverpool, that moment came late, delivered with authority and symbolism. Against an Everton side buoyed by confidence, the Reds showed enough grit to stay alive in the contest before striking decisively.
Van Dijk Stands Tall in Key Moment
When the decisive moment arrived, it was fitting that Virgil van Dijk rose above the chaos. His towering presence has defined Liverpool’s modern era, and here he delivered once more. In a match where control was fleeting, his intervention provided certainty.
Tandon highlighted the enduring nature of the moment: “That VVD header is going to feed generations… this game is that big.” It was not just a goal, it was a statement. In a derby steeped in history, Van Dijk added another chapter that will be replayed, retold and revered.
There is also a poetic edge to it. Amid constant discussion about transition and evolution at Liverpool, it was the established core that delivered. Experience, composure and quality converged when it mattered most.
Everton Threats and Liverpool Response
Everton did not simply roll over. They targeted Liverpool’s vulnerabilities, particularly with balls in behind, and caused sustained problems. The defensive lapses that have plagued Liverpool this season were again evident.
Tandon did not shy away from that reality: “At times it was weak. At times it was poor. But hey… for once, we did show some fight.” That fight proved decisive. Even when Everton looked capable of taking control, Liverpool found a response.
There were glimpses of attacking cohesion too. Quick combinations, incisive movement and flashes of technical quality hinted at a higher ceiling. As noted in the original source, “It’s a lovely, lovely passage of play… a glimpse into what this team can do.”
Yet the inconsistency remains. Moments of fluency are still too rare, and Liverpool’s inability to sustain control continues to undermine their broader ambitions.
Season Context and What Comes Next
This result does not rewrite Liverpool’s season, but it reframes it, if only slightly. The derby sits apart from the wider narrative, a self-contained chapter of pride and rivalry.
Tandon captured that separation perfectly: “Derbies… sit outside the grand narrative of the season.” Liverpool may still be searching for identity, cohesion and direction, but on this day, none of that mattered.
There is also a deeper message. Despite the flaws, the squad retains significant quality. Tandon emphasised this point clearly: “We have some bloody good players… and someone… is going to come along and get the best out of them.”
That belief is not unfounded. Performances like this, even imperfect ones, demonstrate that Liverpool are not far from rediscovering their edge. What they require is consistency, structure and a clearer tactical framework.
For now, though, this is about the moment. A late winner, a towering Van Dijk header and a derby victory at Everton’s ground. In a difficult campaign, it is a reminder of why football still captivates.
Liverpool may not have solved their problems, but they have claimed a memory that will endure.
The Celtics will begin their quest for a 19th NBA championship when they face the 76ers in Game 1 of their first-round series.
By clinching the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed well before the end of the regular season, Boston secured home-court advantage and was able to rest key players down the stretch. Philadelphia, meanwhile, had to fight its way out of the Play-In Tournament in order to clinch a postseason berth.
The Celtics will certainly have an overall talent advantage in the series opener, as Sixers star Joel Embiid is listed as out on the team's injury report. The former NBA MVP underwent surgery on April 9 after being diagnosed with appendicitis, and he is still recovering.
Still, Boston cannot overlook a Philadelphia squad led by All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who averaged a career-high 28.3 points per game during the regular season.
Follow along right here for live updates from Game 1 between the Celtics and 76ers.
Celtics vs. 76ers score
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2
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F
76ers
18
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25
Celtics
33
31
31
Celtics vs. 76ers live updates, highlights from Game 1
(All times Eastern)
3:20 p.m. — The Celtics and 76ers have pulled most of their starters out of the game with six minutes left.
3:10 p.m. — Jayson Tatum drives to the rim for an easy layup, extending the Celtics' lead to 30 points with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
End of third quarter: Celtics 95, 76ers 71
3:05 p.m. — Jaylen Brown scores 16 points in the third quarter, and the Celtics hold a 24-point lead.
3 p.m. — The Celtics have crushed the 76ers in the 3-point battle. Boston has made 11 3-pointers in Game 1, while Philadelphia has just three 3-point field goals.
2:50 p.m. — After the 76ers attempt to cut down the deficit, Jaylen Brown and Nikola Vucevic respond with back-to-back 3-pointers. Celtics 79, 76ers 58 with six minutes left in the third quarter.
2:40 p.m. — Neemias Queta rolls to the rim and throws down a two-handed dunk to start the second half, but he quickly picks up his fourth foul on a Paul George drive. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla sends out Nikola Vucevic, and Queta heads to the bench.
Halftime: Celtics 64, 76ers 46
2:20 p.m. — A dominant first half for the Celtics. Jayson Tatum has 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals in 19 minutes.
2:05 p.m. — The Sixers are struggling offensively — and that's putting it lightly. They are shooting under 30 percent from the field and have connected on just two of their 15 3-point attempts.
1:55 p.m. — Andre Drummond gets hit with a technical foul after arguing a goaltending call, and Payton Pritchard sinks the free throw to push the Celtics' lead to 20 points.
1:50 p.m. — Now the Celtics will have to monitor the foul situation. Jaylen Brown, Neemias Queta and Nikola Vucevic each have two fouls early in the second quarter.
End of first quarter: Celtics 33, 76ers 18
1:40 p.m. — What a quarter for Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. Boston walks to the bench with a 15-point lead. Tatum has 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
1:30 p.m. — The 76ers are already dealing with foul trouble. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond each have two fouls with four minutes left in the first quarter.
1:20 p.m. — A fadeaway jumper from Jaylen Brown and transition layup from Jayson Tatum give the Celtics an early 15-7 lead. Sixers coach Nick Nurse feels a big run coming, so he calls a timeout.
76ers: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George, Adem Bona
12:30 p.m. — The Celtics have a clean injury report ahead of Game 1, but the 76ers will be missing a huge piece of their starting lineup. Joel Embiid remains out after undergoing surgery for appendicitis on April 9.
12:15 p.m. — It will be a whiteout for Game 1 in Boston.
Celtics vs. 76ers will air on ABC. The game will also be available to stream on the ESPN app.
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Celtics vs. 76ers Game 1 start time
Date: Sunday April 19
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Celtics vs. 76ers is scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 19. The game will be played at the TD Garden in Boston.
‘So important for us’ – Virgil van Dijk lauds ‘outstanding teammate’ after Merseyside derby win
Virgil van Dijk was keen to praise one ‘outstanding’ Liverpool teammate after the Reds’ dramatic victory in the Merseyside derby on Sunday afternoon.
The Dutch defender is the headline act from his club’s first visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium after he netted the winning goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time to greatly enhance our chances of Champions League qualification.
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LFC’s first derby at Everton’s new home ground is also Mo Salah’s last appearance against our local rivals, with the Egyptian departing at the end of this season, and he marked the occasion with the opening goal in the first half after a superb assist from Cody Gakpo.
It took him to 257 goals in a Liverpool shirt, and as he and Van Dijk spoke to Sky Sports after full-time, the skipper was keen to heap heartfelt praise on his long-time teammate.
Van Dijk heaps praise on ‘outstanding’ Salah
The 34-year-old said of Salah: “There will be a lot of words coming out of my mouth in the next couple of weeks about him, but he’s so important for us, on and off the pitch.
“The appreciation sometimes come when players are gone but we appreciate him so much. He’s an outstanding teammate to have. We’ve been through everything together, high and lows. He will still be important for the last five games we have to play.
“It will be emotional for him and his family for sure, but us as well because he means a lot to me, to the team and the fans, of course; but first, we still have a job to do. He knows it; that’s the main focus.”
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Van Dijk’s comments are spot-on
These words were typical of Van Dijk – keen to show his appreciation for a fellow Liverpool legend in Salah, but also to remind him (and everyone else) that the Reds still have a vital mission to complete in the final five weeks of the season.
With Champions League qualification still to be secured, our upcoming fixtures won’t be treated as a mere celebratory tour for the 33-year-old. That moment will come at Anfield on the final day of the season after out match against Brentford.
Thanks to the goals from the two long-serving stalwarts today, though, LFC now have a seven-point cushion over their nearest pursuers for a top-flight finish, and nine points from the next five games will guarantee our place in Europe’s primary club competition for 2026/27.
The best parting gift that Salah could give to the fans who love him so much would be one final burst of goalscoring form to propel Liverpool into the Champions League once again for next season, and he’s now netted in consecutive top-flight games (and wins) for the Reds.
The appreciation from Van Dijk towards the Egyptian King will be shared by every single Kopite throughout the globe.
Video: Old Donnarumma fault is costly in Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal howler
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma confirmed his greatest weakness with a howler that allowed Arsenal to equalise against Manchester City.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City apologises after miss kicking his clearance straight to Kai Havertz of Arsenal (not pictured), who scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The former Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star is one of the best shot-stoppers in the sport right now, but his biggest problem has always been playing the ball with his feet.
It was inevitable this might become an issue when joining Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a side known for playing out from the back and using their goalkeeper as an added sweeper.
Donnarumma always struggled with his feet
Donnarumma had improved recently with this part of his game, but the old errors returned at the worst possible time, just after City had taken the lead in the Premier League top of the table showdown with Arsenal.
He was under pressure from Kai Havertz, took a far too heavy touch, and then kicked his clearance onto Havertz, the ricochet taking it into the empty net.
The Italian looked distraught as his teammates tried to console him, but it is hardly the first time that his difficulties with the ball at his feet have proved costly.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City looks dejected after miss kicking his clearance straight to Kai Havertz of Arsenal (not pictured), who scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The Seattle Mariners have been hot and cold as of late, with a five-game losing streak, a four-game winning streak, and back to a four-game losing streak. Despite their offseason spending to bring in a big bat like first baseman Josh Naylor (five years, $92.5 million), the Mariners offense has not been great.
The Mariners have the third-worst team batting average in Major League Baseball (.214) and are in the bottom six in OPS (25th, .656). Even though the offense is not quite where it needs to be, the Mariners' starting rotation has proven to be elite.
The Seattle Mariners' starting rotation has returned to being elite
The Mariners' starting staff has shown it's one of the best in Major League Baseball, with the seventh-best starters' ERA (3.27) and tossing the most innings (129.1). The Mariners also have five quality arms to throw at opposing teams, led by their ace, right-hander Logan Gilbert (4.03 ERA).
Right-hander Bryce Miller is another quality arm in the rotation, but is currently on the injured list with an oblique strain. According to MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer, the Mariners depth played a significant role last season due to injuries, but they may have a “logjam” this season with everyone mostly healthy.
That's not to say this wasn't true in 2025, but that group saw significant injuries to Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo. And in '26, they may actually have a logjam. When Miller (oblique strain) returns from the IL -- penciled in for one month from now -- Seattle could have a pressing decision to face on the group, especially given the emergence of Emerson Hancock, who at this rate, isn’t going anywhere. Overall, the Mariners' rotation entered the weekend leading the sport with 3.1 WAR, per FanGraphs,” said Kramer.
If the Mariners are to make it to the American League Championship Series again and ultimately the World Series, the offense needs to figure things out.
🤯 All set for the title? Bayern put VfB in their place
Do conceding goals make FC Bayern Munich angry? Apparently so.
After VfB Stuttgart had taken a 1-0 lead at the Allianz Arena (21st minute), Bayern quickly shifted up two gears.
Within six minutes, Raphael Guerreiro (31st), Nicolas Jackson (33rd), and Alphonso Davies (37th) completely turned the game around. Stuttgart were firmly put in their place, and as things stand, Bayern are the new German champions for the 2025/26 season.
Will Howard fans won't be thrilled with Mark Madden's recent comments, as the ever-outspoken media personality called on the Pittsburgh Steelers to release the 2025 fifth-round quarterback and draft his replacement in this year's draft.
On Saturday, Madden urged the Steelers to target Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft and then cut ties with Will Howard.
"Howard’s ceiling is NFL backup," Madden wrote. "That’s why the Steelers should draft Penn State’s Drew Allar with, say, one of their three third-round picks. Then cut Howard. Don’t waste his time. Allar’s ceiling is NFL starter."
Madden went on to argue his case using a scouting report from NFL.com that Allar looks the part of being “assembled in a quarterback factory."
While Allar has terrific upside, many within the Steelers organization have expressed confidence in Howard in the uncertain quarterback situation they find themselves in.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Brentford U21s 2 Swansea City U21s 2: Laidlaw and Donovan strike as Bees win PDL title at Gtech Community Stadium
Brentford Under-21s were crowned Professional Development League winners on Sunday afternoon as they drew 2-2 in their final league game of the season against Swansea City Under-21s at Gtech Community Stadium.
Under the sunshine, the young Bees took the lead thanks to Ethan Laidlaw. After conceding early in the second half, they responded when Romelle Donovan levelled with a well-taken free-kick. Julian Eyestone also featured in the game.
The west Londoners made a superb start, taking the lead with their very first attempt on goal. A cleverly rehearsed corner routine paid off as Laidlaw slipped in behind a crowd of players and finished from close range, the ball taking a slight deflection on its way in.
Despite the early pressure from the home side, the young Swans equalised on eight minutes as a fast counter saw Thomas Searle find the onrushing Morgan Bates who swept the ball into the corner of the net past Julian Eyestone.
The home side remained the team in charge and Donovan was finding joy on the right side of the pitch. The winger went close with a fierce shot which only just went wide of the post.
Laidlaw looked certain to grab his second of the game as he surged towards goal but a last-ditch tackle from Searle prevented his brace.
Donovan had another effort at goal this time from close range but Milo Robinson was positioned well to deflect the shot over the bar.
The Swans took the lead early in the second period as Bates grabbed his second of the game, directing a towering header from a corner beyond the reach of Eyestone.
It did not take long for the home side to even the scoreline as Donovan struck a fantastic free-kick on the edge of the box past Joseph Collins in the Swansea net.
The winger could have grabbed his second soon after as his mazy run resulted in a firm shot which was saved well by the feet of Collins.
There was huge pressure being sustained by the Bees on the Swansea goal as Andre Grey smashed a shot against post.
Josh Stephenson was next to miss a chance as he miscued a header when unmarked in the box following a great delivery from Donovan.
Laidlaw also went close but he failed to make contact from a cross into the box.
The game would end in a draw but that point was enough to secure the PDL title for the Bees.
Brentford will now look ahead to the PDL playoffs as they look to retain their title and be crowned PDL champions.
WWE had set themselves a low bar with last year's disappointing WrestleMania. Yet as far as this year's WrestleMania 42 opening night is concerned — which saw WWE return to the scene of the crime Saturday in Las Vegas — the world's biggest wrestling promotion pulled off the most unlikely of feats: They somehow managed to limbo right under it.
What can we say in defense of that Night 1 main event? Well, it was at least slightly different than last year. Having reflected on the infamous Travis Scott debacle of 2025, WWE opted to shoehorn most of its celebrity action into the pre-match section. In fact, Pat McAfee even got a full entrance before either of the championship competitors, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, earning himself a predictably subdued response. That was until Jelly Roll popped up. Indeed, given Jelly Roll's slimmed down physique and the physics of his high-flying bump, McAfee could plausibly claim to be the first athlete to have their life saved by Wegovy.
After that, though, things just got weird. A slightly slower pace is to be expected during these bigger title matches — particularly when they feature men in their 40s — but some of the minutes of Rhodes and Orton walking around outside of the ring Saturday night felt pitifully low energy. If WWE commentator Michael Cole hadn't already confirmed those online rumors about Orton nursing a sore back, this would have confirmed it.
There were snippets of 'Mania-worthy drama throughout the final hour. The sight of both men hitting each other's finishing moves — including Orton's clean-looking Cross Rhodes — got a cheer. There was a suitably dramatic RKO when the champion was caught mid-air attempting a Cody Cutter toward the end. But the cup wasn't exactly in danger of spilling when it came to drama on WrestleMania 42 Night 1, and worse, the narrative was all over the place. After his soppy promo on Friday's "SmackDown," Rhodes was once again positioned as the savior of pro-wrestling. Yet he wrestled most of the match as the heel, drawing boos from the crowd and even resorting to a testicle kick after the ref bump. It felt like a return to 2024 Cody Rhodes — i.e. the babyface champion who seems in denial about his own ruthless side.
Orton's arc was even more nonsensical. In the build-up to 'Mania, WWE had gone big on this new alliance between Orton and McAfee, with hints that "The Viper" would end up being the prize stud for some kind of kayfabe TKO alliance — presumably winning his 15th world championship in the process.
Instead, we had a string of inexplicable double-turns from "The Viper", culminating in Orton delivering a surprise RKO to McAfee. Sticking it to the TKO lackey may have got a cheap pop from the crowd, particularly from those in the $200 cheap seats, but it still didn't make sense. Why maximize Orton's popularity if you're just going to have him lose five minutes later — and to the guy who was meant to be the actual babyface here?
Then came the final pivot, as Orton finally delivered the dreaded punt kick that WWE has been teasing for some months now, leaving Rhodes with the biggest headache on the Vegas Strip. In fairness to the creatives on this one, it did hit pretty hard — even if Rhodes had already been bleeding for some time — but it wasn't enough to save the night.
Pat McAfee (R) attacks Cody Rhodes before the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Rhodes and Randy Orton during WrestleMania 42 Night 1.
Ethan Miller via Getty Images
We've been calling the end of WWE's hot streak for years now. But we shouldn't shy away from labeling last night's WrestleMania 42 opener as what it was: A disappointment. And the problems weren't just confined to the main event. If anything, the whole show felt uninspired from the off.
Sure, Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre delivered, while Seth Rollins and Gunther knocked it out of the park as hoped. On a smaller show, the latter match could've saved the entire evening. On the first night of 'Mania, though, it just felt slightly bittersweet: A reminder of what pro-wrestling should look like. Perhaps it's not a coincidence that was the match to receive the least creative output over the past few weeks.
Who knows, maybe WrestleMania 42 will be another WWE stadium show saved by its second night. But right now, that's looking less and less likely. To rehash a joke going around on social media, perhaps it's time to rethink those "three most deadly letters in sports entertainment." After last night, they should no longer be R-K-O, but T-K-O instead.
The Yankees announced a trade prior to Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals.
The club has acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Wilmy Sanchez from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor league infielder Braden Shewmake.
Sanchez, 22, began the season in Double-A ball, pitching to a 1.29 ERA in five games. He has a career 3.80 ERA across five minor league seasons.
Shewmake, 28, was claimed off waivers by the Yankees from the Royals in February. He hit .176 for the Yankees during spring training, but showed off a decent glove.
He slashed .250/.314/.313 with five runs, two doubles, one RBI and one stolen base in 10 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilke-Barre this season.
Sonny Styles had an excellent Ohio State career, and he's about to move on to the NFL. His career has been full of highlights and big plays, yet the one I think of most about him is a play I feel far too few appreciate. On Jack Sawyer's legendary scoop-and-score, Styles ran down Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner and blocked him all the way down the field to stop him from catching Sawyer.
That's the kind of play that highlight reels and fan videos don't really notice––but it's also the type of play that NFL scouts love. It shows precision, attention to detail, and incredible top-end speed in a late-game high-stakes situation. That play alone is probably worth a few draft spots to Styles, and he's already towards the top of the board.
Sonny Styles, Linebacker
Draft Projection: high first round
Like fellow Buckeye linebacker Arvell Reese, Styles is going to be an early pick off the board. In fact, Reese and Styles are almost certainly the top two linebackers off the board, and almost certainly in that order. Some mock drafts have Styles over Reese, but the majority don't.
They are both fast, aggressive, powerful linebackers with amazing football instincts. Both will likely be top five picks, top ten at likely worst. Styles is not falling out of the first round. Styles spent a year further in college than Reese did, which perhaps indicates not quite as much top-end talent, but he's still pretty close. NFL teams are going to love Styles, and he's going high in the draft.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — After Rayan Cherki's moment of magic came Gianluigi Donnarumma's moment to forget.
In what could be a crucial incident in Manchester City's Premier League title-race showdown with Arsenal on Sunday, Donnarumma took too long to deal with a back pass and saw his attempted clearance charged down by Kai Havertz and rebound into the net in the 18th minute.
It came less than two minutes after Cherki had given City the lead with a brilliant weaving run into the box before finishing off with a shot that went in off the post.
The score was 1-1 after 30 minutes.
Donnarumma joined City at the start of the season as a replacement for long-time goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, who was renowned for his excellent work with the ball at his feet.
Donnarumma is much weaker in that department and was comforted by his City teammates after the mistake.
DETROIT,MICHIGAN-December21: Quarterback Will Howard (18) of the Pittsburgh Steelers tosses the ball during warmups ahead of an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, December 21, 2025. (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Will Howard got to live the dream of every college prospect last April when he heard his name called by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft. What likely wasn’t in his dream, though, was making less money than he did in college.
In a recent piece for The Athletic, Howard told David Ubben that he is making less money with the Steelers than he did at Ohio State. Howard told Ubben that his NIL deal included a Ford Bronco, an apartment, and money that was in the seven-figures. Howard’s current deal with the Steelers pays him roughly $1.1 million per year.
Howard wasn’t the only 2025 rookie to make this claim. Riley Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts said that he is making less money with the Colts than he did at Notre Dame.
Since the NIL era began, top college stars have been able to make millions of dollars, which is a very good thing and long overdue. It is crazy, however, that when they reach the pinnacle of their chosen profession, many of them are taking initial pay cuts to go from college football to the NFL.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
One day after receiving news that former Kentucky combo guard Jasper Johnson decided to commit to the Oregon Ducks, Dana Altman and his staff are set to host San Jose State transfer point guard Colby Garland on Sunday in their continued search to find their next point guard. Sam Kayser first reported the news.
Garland had a strong 2025-26 campaign with the Spartans, leading the team in points (20.3), assists (4.6) and steals (1.1) on his way to being named to the Mountain West Conference Third Team. He scored 42 points and dished out 10 assists combined in two MWC tournament games.
The lefty point guard began his career at Drake, where he contributed off the bench as a freshman. He then transferred to Longwood, averaging just over 12 points and four assists per game. The Arkansas native blossomed into a star as a junior at San Jose State, finishing second in the conference in scoring despite commanding the opponents' top defender.
Having already landed the commitments of Johnson, San Francisco forward Tyrone Riley, Boise State forward Andrew Meadow and San Diego State's Pharaoh Compton, Garland's visit is paramount towards potentially adding another piece to the puzzle at a ball-handling position.
Jackson Shelstad left a significant vacancy at that spot when he entered the transfer portal, and the Ducks struck out on Hofstra Pride transfer point guard Preston Edmead on Saturday, who committed to NC State just days after visiting Eugene. Garland would be a tremendous consolation prize, as he brings a strong resume of experience and production.
Garland has just one season of eligibility remaining, making his potential commitment a short-term solution to the Ducks' point guard position — yet a needed one, as the current roster is bereft of a primary ball-handler.
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.
Monaghan produced a largely dominant display to see off local rivals Cavan 0-27 to 2-14 in their Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final at St Tiernach's Park.
In a high-tempo derby marked by aggressive pressing and clinical long-range shooting, the Farney men controlled large stretches to secure a semi-final meeting with Derry on 2 May.
Having built a 0-15 to 0-8 half-time lead, the hosts were forced to fend off a spirited Cavan comeback in the second half.
Tiarnan Madden and Darragh Lovett both scored goals for the visitors, while Rory Beggan saved a Paddy Lynch penalty.
Beggan also scored five points for Monaghan, as did Stephen Mooney, while man of the match Dessie Ward struck 0-4.
Gabriel Bannigan's side quickly imposed themselves, with their dominance around kick-outs and turnovers proving decisive against a Cavan team that struggled to establish rhythm early on.
Monaghan's superiority in that area laid the platform for a spread of scorers, with Ward and Beggan influential from distance, while Mooney consistently found space inside.
The hosts struck three two-pointers in the opening period alone and maintained a high conversion rate, in contrast to Cavan, who relied heavily on Paddy Lynch's placed balls despite a number of missed frees at key stages.
The Farney men were relentless from the throw-in, with Mooney opening inside a minute before Aaron Carey and Ward extended the lead. Monaghan repeatedly disrupted Cavan's restarts with a well-drilled zonal press, turning over possession high up the pitch and converting efficiently.
Ward's early two-pointer underlined that control, and although Cameron Dowd struck the crossbar during a goal chance, Monaghan continued to build a commanding lead as David Garland and Beggan added further scores.
Cavan struggled to gain any foothold in the opening quarter, registering just one score in the first 13 minutes, and although Lynch and Oisin Brady helped reduce the deficit briefly, Monaghan's ability to win primary possession and dictate tempo remained evident.
Beggan's two-point free and a Karl Gallagher effort stretched the margin further, and despite late scores from the Breffni men, Monaghan went in at the break with a deserved seven-point advantage.
Cavan fightback falls short
Paddy Lynch had a second-half penalty saved by Rory Beggan [Getty Images]
Monaghan quickly reasserted control after the restart, but Cavan showed renewed intent with scores from Lynch and Emmanuel Shehu, before Tiarnan Madden's goal briefly reignited the contest.
A major turning point followed when Rory Beggan produced a crucial penalty save from Lynch, preserving Monaghan's cushion.
Although a late goal from Darragh Lovett kept Cavan within touching distance, Monaghan's game management, combined with Beggan's influence from restarts and placed balls, ensured they closed out the game with authority.
Cavan finished with 14 men following substitute Favour Shehu's late red card.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris, speaking to Match of the Day: "Disappointed because we had the opportunity to win the game, just with this one-v-one with Habib [Diarra]. But the opposite way, we conceded the late goal.
"We showed good character and resilience, some good quality at times, but we felt the strength of Aston Villa and they created many chances. A bit too much to be competitive at the end of this game."
On starting the first and second half poorly: ""We didn't start well, first or second half. When you concede a goal straight after half-time it's always difficult. At 3-1, with only one goal, you can change the dynamic and know it's possible. Our team won't give up."
On Diarra's chance: "It's a one-v-one. I'm not sure it's the best decision, but it is what it is. You need to accept the output of the action because the goalkeeper was good as well."
"We are learning, we are still a newly promoted side and going away to Villa is a tough place. Ups and downs. We played with our identity until the end, took risks."
Did you know?
Sunderland only conceded 3+ goals in a match in one of their first 20 games of this Premier League season (0-3 v Man City), but have since conceded 3+ times in five of their last 13 matches.
Chris Rigg (18y 305d) became the third youngest player to score for Sunderland in the Premier League, after Michael Bridges (18y 117d in November 1996) and Connor Wickham (18y 212d in October 2011). He also equalled Michael Bridges in 1996-97 for the most Premier League starts for Sunderland while aged 18 or younger in a single campaign (10 each).
Sport London e Benfica 0 Brentford Women 10: Cheatley and Phillips hat-tricks as Bees hit double figures
Brentford Women hit ten past Sport London e Benfica in a 10-0 win in their penultimate game in the London and South East Premier division at Rectory Park.
Alissa Down opened the scoring and Freya Worsley scored a brace before Ashley Cheatley recorded an 18-minute hat-trick from the bench. Captain Maddie Phillips then also scored a hat-trick with Paula Holguin rounding off the double-figure win against the 10-player Benfica.
Renai McCrea broke forward from left-back to create the Bees' first real sight of goal, but curled her effort over the bar after a good touch and set from Maï Louvrier.
Louvrier then had a chance herself on 12 minutes after Chelsie Berry found her on the edge of the box. The midfielder shifted the ball away from a defender and fired a right-footed strike that Amanda O'Neill held on to well.
Carly Williams' side were beginning to find their flow and Worsley got on the end of an excellent team move a quarter of an hour into the game. Makeba Black switched the ball perfectly to Becca Teale, whose cross was met by Worsley's head but O'Neill denied her the opener again.
In the previous league meeting between the sides, Down scored a goal of the season contender. In this clash, she may have scored an even better goal. On 20 minutes, she spotted the keeper off her line and lifted the ball over her from 40 yards out to give the Bees the lead.
Five minutes later and the west Londoners had a second. Louvrier had an effort saved from the edge of the box but Worsley was quickest to react to tuck home the rebound from close range.
Just before the half-time whistle, Berry forced an excellent save from O'Neill; her strike from the edge of the box curled toward the bottom corner but the Benfica goalkeeper got down just in time to tip it round the post and Brentford went into the break 2-0 up.
Those changes worked instantly; on 54 minutes the Bees had a third. It was a brilliant team goal as Black split Benfica open with an excellent pass to Katie Gilligan on the right, whose perfect cross was turned home by Worsley for her second of the day.
Cheatley then hit a quick-fire double, on 55 and 57 minutes. First she drove into the box from the left and bent an expertly placed finish into the bottom corner. Then, two minutes later, Teale slid her through one-on-one and she was equally cool to tuck home her second and Brentford's fifth.
Black had a great chance shortly after as Worsley, on a hat-trick, was unselfish to lay her off inside the area, but the centre-half lifted her strike just over the crossbar.
Then, just 18 minutes after coming off the bench, Cheatley completed her hat-trick, sending O'Neill the wrong way with her eyes and finding the bottom-left corner with plenty of time to decide, making it 6-0.
Williams' side were rampant and had a seventh when skipper Maddie Phillips scored her fourth goal in four games from close range with a powerful strike.
Following Phillips' strike, Benfica were reduced to 10 as O'Neill was forced off with an injury, and with no substitutes available, midfielder Rhia Benjamin adopted the gloves. The Bees capitalised as Holguin juggled the ball around her defender and finished comfortably to make it eight.
On 83 minutes, Phillips doubled her tally for the day with the west Londoners' ninth, finishing well from range after a set back from Worsley, before the captain completed her hat-trick with a powerful strike from the spot three minutes later.
It was a ruthless display from Brentford in their penultimate game in the LSE Premier, before they head to Millwall Lionesses on Sunday 3 May (2.30pm kick-off BST) for their final fixture of the season.
A spicy start to Manchester City's massive home match with Arsenal saw the hosts go in front through a sensational Rayan Cherki moment only to give level terms right back to their Etihad Stadium visitors.
Man City's dribbling wizard managed to beat not one but two Premier League Player of the Season contenders and a third if you're of the ilk that David Raya should be in the discussion.
Cherki, who had already seen an attempt dink off the inside of the post, got the ball in the 18 and cut left to beat Gabriel Magalhaes and slithered right back onto his path, avoiding Declan Rice to roll the ball to the right of Raya for a 1-0 lead.
But it was 1-1 soon, as a Man City throw-in to Gianluigi Donnarumma saw their keeper stall under pressure from Kai Havertz and hit an attempted clearance off the lunging German's foot and over the goal line.
Some start to the biggest game of the season.
Rayan Cherki goal puts Man City on front (video)
COME ON, CITY. ️ Rayan Cherki makes an EARLY statement in a crucial match for the title race. pic.twitter.com/o8xcBjsNd7
LOS ANGELES — Sei Young Kim had an eight-stroke lead with five holes left Saturday at El Caballero Country Club in the JM Eagle LA Championship. She ended up needing to get up-and-down from off the back of the 18th green to salvage a two-shot advantage.
“Oh, wow, it feels like roller-coaster,” the 33-year-old South Korean said.
Her late meltdown with four straight bogeys gave two-time event winner Hannah Green and others who thought they were playing for second a chance Sunday in the final event before the first women’s major of the season.
“It’s golf. It can be happen again,” Kim said. “It’s learn and then learn and learn. Mistake and then learn. Hopefully, success end of the day tomorrow.”
Kim shot a 1-under 71 to get to 15-under 201. Green, the 2023 and 2024 champion at Wilshire Country Club, had a 67 to join Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (67), Jessica Porvasnik (68) and Ina Yoon (71) at 13 under. Former UCLA star Patty Tavatanakit was another stroke back after a 67.
“I’m just going to go out there and play golf,” Tavatanakit said.
The tournament is being played at El Caballero for the second straight year because of course renovations at Wilshire. The Chevron Championship is next week in Houston for the first of the five women’s major tournaments.
A shot ahead entering the day, Kim birdied the par-5 first and all the other odd-numbered holes on the front nine, running in a 20-footer on the par-3 ninth for a seven-stroke lead. She pushed the lead to eight before falling back with the bogeys on Nos. 14-17.
“Every hole is downwind starting 15 until the 18,” said Kim, who hit into the water on 16 going aggressively at a difficult pin. “I was struggling with the downwind today.”
She won the BMW Ladies Championship last year at home in South Korea for the last of her 13 LPGA Tour titles.
“I’m very confident, but I just keep doing what I’m doing the last couple days,” Kim said. “That’s what I can do the best. So we’ll see tomorrow.”
Green has three worldwide wins this year — the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore on the LPGA Tour and the Women’s Australian Open and Australian WPGA in her home country.
“I don’t really know where they put the pin locations for tomorrow, but I’m sure they’ll be tricky and there will be some holes that will probably play easy,” Green said. “I’ve noticed the last two days the wind is kind of switched at times so that will be tricky to manage. The ball is going far off the tee.”
Amateur Asterisk Talley was tied for 23rd at 7 under after a 69. The 17-year-old Talley is playing her first event since losing the lead on the back nine in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
During the round, the tournament purse was increased by $1 million to $4.75 million, with JM Eagle CEO Walter Wang announcing the move during an interview on Golf Channel.
The new purse is the highest on the tour outside of the major championships and the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. The winner Sunday will get $712,500, up from $562,500.
Arne Slot's side had lost their four previous away games in all competitions and, although a draw would hardly have been a bad result, there is no understating how big this win was for Liverpool.
It was fitting that two of the most senior players stepped up in a fixture that is always one of the biggest of the season.
Salah offered a reminder, not that it was ever needed, of his class. The Egyptian scored in his first Merseyside derby in 2017 and has now scored in his last.
Van Dijk's goal was the result of an Everton weakness identified by Liverpool set-piece analyst Lewis Mahoney that was targeted all game.
The sight of the players enjoying themselves with the travelling support was a positive sight for Liverpool, given the struggles they have endured their season.
From here on, Liverpool should secure Champions League football and there is no doubt that this win will live long in the memory.
Dana White is trying his best to secure the best treatment possible
for Canadian mass shooting victim Maya Gebala.
Gebala’s name has been in the
UFC Octagon for the past few months. Gebala, 12, was shot in
the head and neck during one of the deadliest mass shootings in
Canadian history in Tumbler Ridge this past February. White reached
out to the family, offering help, when he heard the news. Gebala’s
parents want to provide her with the best medical care possible,
likely in the U.S. While it was recently reported that Gebala will
be treated in Los Angeles, White claims that the procedure is not
as simple as it seems. While the UFC head honcho has stepped in to
help with his team, he seems annoyed with the complications
regarding treating Gebala in the U.S. However, White promises that
he and his team are working on it.
Not as Easy as it Sounds
“I saw it on the news, and I reached out to the family,” White said
at the UFC Winnipeg post-fight press conference. “I
would like to help in any way that I can. And obviously, the
situation that she is in – when you are a parent, you want the best
possible care… They wanted to give their daughter the best chance
they could. And there are some great places in L.A., there’s a
great place in Houston, there’s a great place in Seattle. So we’re
still sort of working through all that. It’s not as easy as it
sounds, where some guy with money jumps in, and everything just
happens. It’s not that easy. It would be f—-ing disgusting to know
how hard it really is. So me and my team have been working on
it.”
Eight people were killed in the shooting at Tumbler Ridge,
including the mother of the suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar.
Rootselaar, who is a biological male but identifies as a woman, had
previously been banned from ChatGPT in 2025 due to the nature of
his conversations with the bot. Gebala’s parents have sued OpenAI
for failing to notify Canadian Police about the threat Rootselaar
potentially posed.
Mojave (Nev.) head football coach Wes Pacheco announced on Sunday morning that he’s stepping down from his position, according to a social media post.
Pacheco announced his resignation after six seasons at the helm of the Rattlers, putting together a 29-22 overall record from 2020-2025.
“I have officially stepped down as Head Coach of the Mojave Football Program,” Pacheco said in his social media post. “Thank you to Principal Cole for giving me the opoortunity make an impact on the lives of Mojave Student-Athletes. I am grateful and blessed to have labored through a 6-year journey of successes, failures, life lessons, character building and growth with the student-athletes myself and my coaching staff have served. I will forever love my Mojave Family, the Mojave Community and believe in the notion that SUCCESS can be attained by showcasing character, treating everyone with respect, and always have the courage to dream big and trust that “ATTACKING THE HARD WORK” & “HIGH MOTORING EVERYTHING” can yield SUCCESS that you want to achieve in life!”
During Pacheco’s half dozen seasons leading Mojave, his best record came in the 2024 season when the Rattlers finished with a 12-1 record. Located out of North Las Vegas, Mojave had to compete against the likes of national high school football powerhouse Bishop Gorman during the regular season.
Mojave ended the last season with a 4-6 record and as the state’s No. 23rd ranked team, according to the final 2025 Nevada High School Football Massey Rankings.
More about Mojave High School
Mojave High School, located in North Las Vegas, NV, is a dynamic public high school that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and community involvement. Home of the Rattlers, MHS offers a wide range of academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities. With a strong commitment to student success, Mojave emphasizes leadership, college and career readiness, and a supportive school culture that prepares students for life beyond graduation.
How to Follow Nevada High School Football
For Nevada high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Silver State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across Nevada.
The 2026 NFL draft is days away, and we have another Arizona Cardinals seven-round mock draft simulation. They made several trades, got an offensive lineman and a quarterback. They ended up with 10 selection and added a 2027 draft pick as well.
Here are the players they got.
Round 1, No. 16 overall: Utah OT Spencer Fano
Round 2, No. 33 overall: Alabama QB Ty Simpson
Round 2, No. 38 overall: UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence
Round 2, No. 52 overall: Georgia Tech G Keylan Rutledge
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
The Dodgers drafted Ward, 28, in 2019, and he has spent the entirety of his career within the Dodgers’ organization. The slugger has been fantastic over the past several years, but hasn’t yet made his MLB debut due to the Dodgers’ stacked roster.
He has been one of the best hitters anywhere in MiLB over the past two seasons, hitting 70 homers and driving in 226 runs during that period.
Ward is off to another good start in 2026, posting a 1.020 OPS through 18 games with four homers and 14 RBIs.
Feb 22, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Ryan Ward against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Why Did the Dodgers Promote Ward?
After his blistering season in 2025, the Dodgers added Ward to their 40-man roster, and kept him on the roster into the regular season. While he didn’t break camp with the Dodgers, Ward spent most of spring training with the team and remained in a good mindset while the team ramped up for the regular season in Arizona.
“To me it’s like, ‘Okay, you’re going to get your opportunity, you better be ready.’ So [I’m] really taking advantage of all this time and getting myself into the best spot possible to earn that opportunity,” Ward said.
“…I love the sport, I appreciate it more than anything. But I’m trying to control what I can control … keep your feet where they are, focus on what’s at hand.”
As he’s on the 40-man roster and is the only other other first baseman on said roster, it’s no wonder the Dodgers called Ward over anyone else.
Previously an outfielder, Ward has spent 11 of his 18 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City at first base this season.
Will Ryan Ward Start on Sunday?
Ward will make his MLB debut Sunday, as the Dodgers have him slated to start against the Colorado Rockies for the third game of their four-game series at Coors Field.
He will play first base and bat seventh as he looks to take advantage of the hitter friendly park and make an impact with the MLB squad. The Dodgers lost the second game of the series, and will look to regain the series lead with a win Sunday.
LA’s third game against the Colorado Rockies comes Sunday at 12:10 p.m. PT.
Are you excited to finally see Ryan Ward with the Dodgers?
Hawaii’s lone senior stole the show on senior night.
Vladimir Kubr, who had appeared in three matches in his two-year Rainbow Warriors career, earned a thunderous ovation when he was the last starter announced pregame.
The 6-foot-3 setter from Torrance, Calif., who had three rotations in the back row before he was substituted out for Tread Rosenthal, led Hawaii to a 10-3 lead and had the entire bench, and crowd, on their feet during UH’s 25-15, 21-25, 25-14, 25-16 victory over No. 18 Cal State Northridge on Saturday night.
A Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center crowd of 8,223 saw Hawaii (26-4, 9-1 Big West) unexpectedly drop a set before securing the school’s second outright Big West Conference regular-season championship.
Kubr returned to the court in the fourth set with UH ahead 20-10 and finished out the match with two more assists. He was then honored in a post-match ceremony.
“I did not know Charlie was going to do that, but it made everything better,” Kubr said about getting the start. “It’s more than I even asked for and I feel like I played pretty good too so that makes it even better.”
Kubr served the first five points of the match in. Hawaii’s Justin Todd had a chance to cash in on an errant pass for a kill for a 6-0 run but hit the ball long.
UH challenged the play just to see if they could keep Kubr going from the service line.
“I was excited,” Kubr said. “Honestly it was weird because I knew if I played well, my brother Tread would come in and I’d support the team so no nerves. Nothing to lose.”
Hawaii coach Charlie Wade said he had made the decision to start Kubr weeks ago. Hawaii winning Friday night’s match to secure the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament had no bearing on his decision to go with the senior tonight.
“I actually told Tread on the road a couple of weeks ago and I had decided before that,” Wade said. “(Vlad) is a special guy. I had never done that before and since he’s the only senior, it was a little easier, and it was nice to get a little run and he gave us a big spark.”
Adrien Roure tied a career-high with 17 kills and Hawaii tallied a season-high 14.5 blocks against the Matadors (12-14, 0-10).
Kainoa Wade added 13 kills and hit .579 with six digs and three blocks in his second straight start.
Louis Sakanoko added seven kills and tallied a season-high six blocks.
Rosenthal finished with 36 assists, seven digs and six blocks.
Jalen Phillips had 10 of his 15 kills in the second set to lead CSUN.
“Credit to Jalen Phillips, had 10 kills in that second set, and they switched the libero to the outside and he came in and had two aces,” Charlie Wade said. “Really on us just getting a little sloppy hitting some balls out. It’s a good reminder that if you’re going to make 10 to 12 errors, it’s game on against any team in the country.”
Hawaii didn’t slow down once Kubr was taken out in the first set. Hawaii recorded 8.5 blocks in the set and gave up only five kills to the Matadors, who hit minus-.143.
Junior Kai Taylor, who hadn’t appeared in a Big West this season, subbed in for set point and served a rocket that was overpassed into an easy Roure kill to end it.
Hawaii didn’t mess around in the third set after CSUN tied the match and was up 10-3 for the second time. Justin Todd had a back-to-back aces during a six-swing turn at the service line and Roure and Kainoa Wade combined for 10 kills.
UH got aces from Rosenthal and Roure to prompt the Matadors to call a quick timeout down 5-1 in the fourth set. CSUN took its second timeout down 11-4 after its third attack error of the set and couldn’t do much else.
Hawaii closed out the night hitting .363.
Roure, who had finished with double figures in kills and hit more than .211 in only one of UH’s first eight Big West matches, combined for 26 kills against the Matadors and hit .424 on Saturday after hitting .313 on Friday.
“Even on the nights he hasn’t scored well, he has served well, received well, but nice to see him get on track again offensively,” Charlie Wade said.
The Rainbow Warriors will next play in the first semifinal of the Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship on Friday against the winner between UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego in Irvine, Calif., at 2 p.m. Hawaii time.
The reloading of the Hawaii basketball roster began with a plan.
After their appearance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the Rainbow Warriors entered the offseason seeking to replace six seniors and two rotational players testing the free agent market. Associate head coach Brad Davidson, who coordinated the offense and was an influential recruiter the past five years, accepted an assistant’s job at USC.
First item was to secure renewed pledges from guards Tanner Cuff and Isaiah Kerr. Cuff was projected to be the ’Bows’ opening-night point guard before suffering a torn ACL during a preseason practice. Kerr emerged as facilitator, outside shooter and aggressive defender. He clinched two victories by forcing at-the-buzzer misses.
The ’Bows won the 2026 Big West Tournament with the league’s oldest roster. They sought to attack the NCAA transfer portal early while the NIL market was stable and panicky recruiters from rebounding programs did not drive up compensation packages.
Similar to the past two recruiting classes, the ’Bows prioritized adding talent at the point and post. They signed point guard Jaden Matingou of Division II Point Loma Nazarene. Chance Trujillo, who finalized his written commitment to UH on Saturday, played the point, off guard and wing at Utah Tech the past season. The ’Bows also signed 6-11 Houran Dan of Seattle University and 6-9 Zack Davidson of Northern Arizona.
Matingou hopes to follow Kerr, who previously played at Chico State, in the trend of Division II players making successful jumps to Division I. Matingou led the PacWest with 4.3 assists per game. Trujillo brings deep-shooting skills to an offense that values space and pace.
“Dunkin’ Dan” grew up in Neimenggu, also known as Inner Mongolia, which is an autonomous region of China. Dan played for China’s national team in the FIBA U19 World Cup, where he scored 10 points in 18 minutes against the United States.
Davidson, who began his career at Montana, averaged 14.6 points in the first 14 games of the 2025-26 season. But he suffered two separate injuries to his right foot and, after playing in two more games, sat out the rest of the season. He said he has healed.
Because of back and leg ailments, Marcus Adams Jr. a 6-8 forward/wing, was limited at Arizona State the past season. But the ’Bows were familiar with Adams’ skills. With Cal State Northridge in 2025, Adams averaged 19.5 points in two victories against UH.
Each of the seven (and counting) newcomers has a tie to UH, the staff or Hawaii. Guard/wing Scotty Belnap, who recently completed a two-year church mission, and Davidson were teammates at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif. Belnap has known UH head coach Eran Ganot and assistant coach Gibson Johnson since the eighth grade. Davidson used to accompany his father on business trips to Hawaii.
Guard Tiger Cuff, who completes a church mission in June, is the younger brother of Tanner Cuff. This will be the first time the brothers, who are five years apart, will be basketball teammates.
Adams has played against UH twice in the Stan Sheriff Center in 2025 — with CSUN in March and ASU in November. During a Hawaii vacation the last summer, Adams had a drawing of a hibiscus tattooed on his right arm.
Matingou has competed against Hawaii Hilo, Chaminade and Hawaii Pacific in PacWest games. It was the friendship between his mentor, pro basketball player James Nunnally, and UH assistant coach Rob Jones that led to the Matingou’s recruitment.
“The more I learned about the program, the more I fell in love with it,” Matingou said. “I realized it was going to be the right fit for me.”
Last summer, Dan said, “I toured Hawaii with my girlfriend. It was pretty good, very nice. I loved it, actually. … Every Asian loves Hawaii.”
Isaac Finlinson, who was a starting wing for UH the past season before entering the portal, strongly recommended the ’Bows to Trujillo. Finlinson and Trujillo were Snow College teammates two years ago. Trujillo also played in the UH-hosted Rainbow Classic the past November. Trujillo said he knows the Cuff brothers from growing up in Utah, and has played against Adams.
“I’m excited to get to work with them,” Trujillo said. “I think we can form some chemistry and have a lot of synergy throughout the season.”
INCOMING RAINBOWS
PLAYER
POS.
HT.
PREVIOUS / NOTES
Marcus Adams Jr.
F/W
6-8
Arizona State; 16.5 ppg for CSUN in 2024-25
Scotty Belnap
G
6-5
Mater Dei HS (Calif.); Completed 2-year church mission
Tiger Cuff
G
6-6
American Fork (Utah) HS; Completes 2-year church mission in June
Kailani Tong-Matthews of Kamehameha became the first ILH bodyboard champion on Saturday in 1-3 feet of occasionally glassy surf at Ala Moana Bowls on a cloudy Saturday afternoon.
In an inaugural season of surfing as a state championship sport in any state, crowning the first ILH individual champions with Diamond Head as background was absolutely classic.
For Tong-Matthews and her fellow champions, the season has been as much about passion and fun as it is about legacy. Just a few hours earlier, the sophomore hauled in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Arialyn Lee to give the Warriors a 12-0 lead against Damien. Kamehameha went on to a 26-7 win and is 7-0 in Interscholastic League of Honolulu flag football action.
In the water, Tong-Matthews posted a 12.93 point total to edge Punahou’s Chloe Cloward (11.86).
“I feel very blessed and happy. I’m surprised. At first, in my heat, I wasn’t really doing well, but I kept pushing forward,” Tong-Matthews said.
She has been on the longboard “since I was a baby.”
“Bodyboarding is my favorite because I can do it with all my friends,” she said. “I do 360s, Rollos, cutbacks and sprays.”
Flag football wasn’t a youth sport for her.
“I started in January. I do it for fun,” Tong-Matthews said. “Shout out to my dad (Dominic) for supporting me.”
Cloward was outstanding. The freshman had already won the shortboard championship with a score of 11.43, ahead of ‘Iolani’s Kaya Pestana (9.73) and Buffanblu teammate Kenzi Nakamura (9.14).
“I feel great. I’m really stoked to have won today for shortboarding,” Cloward said. “The stakes were higher at this contest. I’ve done at the past ones, but my highest opponent, this is her home break, so I was a little more nervous.”
Puaiohi DeFries of Kamehameha (15.13) edged Kaya Pestana of ‘Iolani (14.67), Warriors teammate Joie Kaiu (13.00) and Punahou’s Liya Seibel (8.70) for the girls longboard championship. The three have been friends for years, jumping into the water at Queen’s Beach during the pandemic and learning to longboard as their mothers watched close by.
“When we all started surfing together, Joie would always bug me, ‘Let’s go surf! Let’s go surf!’ Our moms took us. We were out there seven days a week. We would do our (online) homework in the morning at the beach, then we would go out and surf,” DeFries recalled. “We got lucky. We were blessed with the best moms.”
Eventually, their love for surfing combined with a love for competition.
“Me and Joie started to push each other out of our comfort zones. We started doing surf club at our school,” DeFries said. “We started entering competitions at Queen’s at 12 or 13. We got first and second. It was an online contest. You had to submit a video of yourself.”
‘Iolani senior Ace Arizumi notched another achievement in his stellar two-sport spring season. Arizumi won the ILH boys shortboard championship with a score of 17.26, ahead of Punahou’s Na‘u Shepherd (11.84).
“I was just waiting for the good ones (waves). It’s a left (at Bowls), so my back side snap. The main thing is just completing all my waves, not falling,” Arizumi said. “I’m happy that it’s officially an ILH sport. I’m looking forward to Maui.”
Formalized surfing for your school has its benefits.
“It’s so much fun surfing Bowls with only six people. If there was no contest, there would be 40, 50 people,” Arizumi said.
Arizumi also plays baseball for the Raiders, as did his father, Donn. Surfing as a hobby versus surfing for One Team added some fuel to Arizumi’s tank.
“I’m practicing my turns. It’s more focused, especially if there’s a contest coming up. You try to make all your waves so you can’t fall,” he said. “I do contests year round. I did the Hawaii Surfing Association contest, all amateur for 18-under kids. Now I’m 18, so I’m starting to do QSWSL. The first one I’m doing is in June over here at Bowls.”
Pacific Buddist Academy senior Liam Antipala finished with a 13.26 to outscore Kamehameha’s Rylee Pang (11.6) and ‘Iolani’s Parker Churchill (10.43) for the boys bodyboard title.
“Bodyboarding runs in my blood. My father (Harry) was a national body-boarder,” Antipala said. “It was very challenging conditions. Some heats it was on shore and east wind, and very crumbly. In other heats, it was a big surge and waves all heat. Certain heats, there would be nothing. My strategy was to differentiate myself from the competition. It’s about the size of the maneuver and how you execute it. There’s the El Rollo, a simple barrel. There’s the ARS (air roll spin), kind of Rollo mixed with a 360 in the air. There’s regular back flips and inverts and forward airs and reverse airs. I only used a couple of those today.”
Mid-Pacific junior Kala Kukea won gold in the boys longboard division with a score of 14.93, ahead of Punahou’s Mala‘e McElheny (10.54), Kamehameha’s Paoakalani Topping (9.44) and ‘Iolani’s Arizumi (9.10).
“I feel happy. I’m really grateful we get to surf for school now, for an ILH sport. It’s a beautiful day and the waves are so fun out there,” Kukea said.
Kamehameha won the ILH girls team title and Punahou won the boys team championship.
“We’re fortunate to have a really, really good coach (Jason Shibata) who makes us go out into anything. You have to learn (to score points) in any conditions,” DeFries said. “The key is having a really good wave selection, completing your wave, and being really critical with your skills. Nose rides and turns. Today was pretty good. This is prime time. We got really lucky with the wind. It kind of calmed down today.
The Hawaii softball team swept a doubleheader against UC San Diego on Saturday in San Diego.
In the first game, Kayara Tuiloma batted 3-for-4 with a homer, two runs and four RBIs as Hawaii rallied late for a 10-5 victory.
Jamie McGaughey homered and drove in two runs, and Carys Murakami scored twice for the Rainbow Wahine, who scored nine unanswered runs from the fifth through seventh innings.
In the second game, Taryn Irimata pitched a five-hitter with two walks and nine strikeouts in Hawaii’s 1-0 victory.
Milan Ah Yat homered in the second inning for the Rainbow Wahine, who swept the three-game series.
Hawaii (23-18, 15-6 Big West) has won six of its last seven games.
Callie Howard pitched a five-hitter for UC San Diego (18-25, 7-14).
The Hawaii baseball team made all the right moves in Saturday’s 5-3 victory over Cal State Bakersfield at Hardt Field on the CSUB campus.
From crafting a starting lineup of seven right-handed hitters and a switch hitter to rolling with right-handers Hekili Robello and Brody Martin-Grudzielanek, head coach Rich Hill found effective combinations as the Rainbow Warriors evened the three-game series at a win apiece.
“That’s the name of the game,” Hill said in a telephone interview. “Find a way to win.”
Robello allowed three runs in 62⁄3 innings. Martin-Grudzielanek, who made the move to closer a week ago, earned the seven-out save.
“Brody was great at the end,” Hill said.
With Roadrunners at the corners with two outs in the eighth, Hill made a mound visit with the intent of calming Martin-Grudzielanek. It turned into a brainstorming session.
“He was the one who brought it up to me on the mound,” Hill said. “He said, ‘I think I can pick this guy off.’”
Martin-Grudzielanek picked off pinch runner Taison Miller at first base to end the eighth inning.
“I thought that pickoff move was super athletic,” Hill said. “He’s a converted shortstop.”
In protecting a two-run lead in the ninth, Martin-Grudzielanek was instructed to go with the sizzle and not the breaking pitches.
“It’s a high spin-rate fastball that’s tough to see,” Hill said. “Guys have a hard time finding it. We just stuck with that and it ended up being good.”
Martin-Grudzielanek relinquished a leadoff single to open the CSUB ninth, then struck out the next three.
The ’Bows entered having scored a run in back-to-back losses.
‘You score one run in 18 innings and get shut out, everything’s on the table,” Hill said of not starting left-handed-hitting Draven Nushida, Christan Hoffman and Kody Watanabe. “I wanted to see what that right-handed lineup looked like.”
Hill praised CSUB’s left-handed starter, Ethan Minaker.
“I thought their guy did a good job, actually,” Hill said. “He’s got that really good changeup and a low batting average against righties. I wasn’t super convicted about it once the game started. We were able to flip it to the lefties (later in the game).”
The ’Bows scored the game’s first run on Kamaehu Sanchez’ RBI double.
The ’Bows added two more in the fifth when Tate Shimao was plunked with the bases loaded and Evan Rolbiecki followed with a run-scoring fielder’s choice.
The ’Bows added insurance runs in the seventh when Ben Ziegler-Namoa dashed home from third on a wild pitch and Shimao scored on Nushida’s opposite-field single to left. Nushida had worked the count to 3-0 when he was given the green light to swing away. Nushida, who entered as a pinch hitter and then moved to left field, made a catch off a sprint to quell a Roadrunner threat.
“He had a big play at the (left-field) line that won’t show up in the box score,” Hill said.
Hill also said the ’Bows benefited from a pregame meeting “where we talked about everything. We called it ‘leave evidence.’ That’s the way the world works. You tie purpose to the process.”
CSUB head coach Jordon Banfield, who was ejected on Friday night for vehemently protesting a called strike, was not in a cheery mood following Saturday’s game. Three Roadrunners were picked off.
“We lost the game, and it’s a disappointing one,” Banfield told ESPN+ after the game. “It’s one I’m not going to say we should have had, but certainly could have had.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I will need tomorrow to take a day off and recover. I am so happy. 90 minutes we played how we wanted to perform. We conceded two goals in a crazy minute, we lost our minds.
"Until minute 75, we were playing a very good match. The last 20 minutes with extra time, things changed because they scored two goals. Sometimes we need to show our heart and our passion, and enthusiasm. All or nothing. It's very important to me those three points."
On conceding twice in one minute: "Normally we are organised, it's our first objective. We try not to lose our position and after the first goal, we lost our focus, and they used their threat to score the third goal. They had other chances to score the fourth goal and we would have lost the match.
"Always there are things we must improve and analyse. The league is so tight, and we are there to achieve. One point is tough and today was the example."
Aston Villa matchwinner Tammy Abraham, speaking to Sky Sports: "I think we got too relaxed and made a few mistakes and Sunderland punished us. They are a good team.
"As a striker, watching Ollie [Watkins] today, he was staying alive in the box and when I came on I told myself to do the same thing. Luckily for me, I was in the right place at the right time.
"We are a team that believes in ourselves. We are doing so well this season, we just have to carry on with the confidence."
On the fans: "They're the best. I was lucky to be here in the promotion years, so I knew all about them and every game they bring us confidence and support us day in and day out. I love them."
Did you know?
Ollie Watkins scored after just 1:38, the fastest goal for Aston Villa in the Premier League this season.
Tammy Abraham's winner, assisted by Lucas Digne, was the first time Aston Villa have scored a 90th-minute winner in a Premier League game with two substitutes combining to score it.
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22) lines up during action against the Wyoming Cowboys, with Dec 30, 2023 marking the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. McNeil-Warren contributed in the secondary during the postseason matchup between Toledo and Wyoming. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
You are not far away from learning who the Minnesota Vikings draft in Round 1 this offseason. The club has the 18th pick and will render a verdict on Thursday night. So to make sure you’re prepared, it’s time to peek at the leading contenders to turn purple that night.
Seven names. One pick. Thursday is here.
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = Vikings’ most likely draft pick), here’s the list.
The Prospects Most Firmly in Play for Minnesota at No. 18
The long offseason journey is close to a grand reveal.
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) walks with teammates during the Vol Walk before Tennessee’s home opener against ETSU, Sept 6, 2025, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, moving through a crowd of fans as part of the pregame tradition that builds energy ahead of kickoff in the Volunteers’ early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
7. Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
Turning 21 this year, Hood could be the answer to Minnesota’s decade-long search for a successful rookie cornerback drafted to effectively fill the position. Ranked No. 35 on the Consensus Big Board, Hood aligns with the Vikings’ history of drafting in this range, as seen with Donovan Jackson at No. 39.
His ability to play outside cornerback makes him a particularly valuable prospect, with the potential to contribute as a starter immediately.
6. Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
If Minnesota considers trading back 5–12 spots, McDonald is a stable, reliable option. A true run-stopping nose tackle, he could fill the void in the defense left by the departures of Linval Joseph and Dalvin Tomlinson. McDonald is a “safe” pick.
At No. 31 on the CBB, trading with a team like Miami at No. 30 could yield additional Day 2 draft capital while still allowing the Vikings to secure McDonald.
SB Nation‘s Michael Peterson on McDonald and the Vikings’ fit: “With the way the Vikings want to play defense under Brian Flores, they’ll need big bodies to plug up as many holes as possible so as not to get burnt by well-timed runs into some of their pressure packages.”
“McDonald is the best at doing just that while still having the strength to push the pocket when needed. He likely won’t be a three-down player immediately at the next level, but I can easily foresee him being able to re-work his body, transform some of the bad weight into better mass, and become an all-around menace in the middle.”
5. Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
With T.J. Hockenson’s contract potentially extending through the 2027 free agency period, Sadiq’s long-term fit becomes particularly appealing.
If Sadiq is the highest-rated player available at No. 18, the timing aligns well for a future-oriented selection. At 21 years old, Sadiq offers a combination of pass-catching and blocking abilities and meets all the necessary physical requirements.
4. Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
McCoy is projected to be selected before Minnesota’s pick, making his acquisition less likely. Widely regarded as the CB2 in this draft class behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane, he is generating Top 15 buzz.
The 20-year-old McCoy, currently recovering from a torn ACL that will sideline him for the 2025 season at Tennessee, specializes in outside cornerback duties, similar to Hood.
3. Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
The departures of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who collectively accounted for over 1,300 defensive snaps last season, create a significant void on the defensive line, typically necessitating addressing the position in the draft.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) stands on the field before the game against NC State, Sep 21, 2024, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, preparing during pregame warmups as he readies for a key conference matchup with expectations centered on his impact along the defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
If Minnesota remains at No. 18 and seeks to bolster the interior, Woods emerges as a logical and impactful choice.
2. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
A strategic trade down could create an opportunity to select McNeil-Warren while simultaneously acquiring additional premium draft capital.
With safety projected to become a pressing need if Harrison Smith retires, McNeil-Warren offers a combination of size, range, and a proven ability to generate turnovers. While the selection of safeties in Round 1 is often debated, his overall profile makes a compelling case.
SI.com‘s Justin Melo wrote about McNeil-Warren to Minnesota this week, “Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is among the more commonly mocked players to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 18 overall. Does McNeil-Warren not warrant consideration here?”
“We’re not convinced Thieneman is the consensus No. 2 safety on every draft board. The Vikings are almost certainly in the market at the position, with 14-year mainstay Harrison Smith available in free agency. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores preaches physicality and violence in the defensive backfield, and McNeil-Warren would fit his scheme like a glove.”
1. Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
Those who closely follow mock drafts have frequently seen Thieneman linked to Minnesota. Parallels to Harrison Smith continue to emerge, and the timing aligns well with Smith’s career trajectory. Smith might retire; he might be back for one more season. Nobody knows.
Purdue defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) speaks with teammate Joseph Jefferson II (32) after a Notre Dame touchdown, Sep 14, 2024, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana, reacting to the play during a difficult game as the Boilermakers regroup following a scoring drive by the Fighting Irish. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin/Journal and Courier-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Initially viewed as a Round 2 prospect, a strong Combine performance has elevated his stock, and the connection between Thieneman and Minnesota continues to gain momentum.
If you ask the general population who will end up with the Vikings on Thursday night, most will say Thieneman.
The Indiana Fever reported for 2026 training camp on Sunday and Caitlin Clark immediately addressed her status for the upcoming season.
The star guard told reporters that she is “100% healthy” after quad, groin and ankle injuries limited her to only 13 games last year. But Clark and Fever head coach Stephanie White have talked about being cautious with how many practice reps she goes through early on in training camp as she works her way back.
“I’m a person that doesn’t want to sit out a single rep, like I want to be in there every single time” Clark said, via the Indianapolis Star’s Brian Haenchen. “But I think just being a little bit smarter with my body… whether that’s recovery, whether that’s precourt treatment, whatever it is.”
“I was talking to (Stephanie White) a little bit, and I’m the person that doesn’t want to sit out a single rep. I want to be in there every single time. … None of that has changed, but just being a little bit smarter with my body. …” pic.twitter.com/U2eLdTi2Vl
Clark added that training and playing with the USA women’s basketball team during the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in March was a good experience, competing against the best players in the sport.
“You want to rise to the level of the people around you and then you also want to beat them, get on the court and compete,” she said.
While preparing for the World Cup qualifiers, Clark admitted that trying to work through her injuries rather than rest and recover properly may have resulted in her playing when she wasn’t fully healthy.
In her 13 games for the Fever last season, Clark averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5 rebounds per game. She shot 28% on 104 3-point attempts.
Stephanie White asked by myself and @RomeovilleKid about the planning for Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell after injuries last year: pic.twitter.com/unkpy0BEp1
“She doesn’t have to be out there every rep, just being mindful,” White said (via Tony East). “Every year that she gets older, she understands the cadence is a little bit different.”
White added that Clark taking it slow also provides an opportunity for the Fever to work in players that they added in free agency, including guard Tyasha Harris and forwards Myisha Hines-Allen and Monique Billings. Indiana also drafted South Carolina guard Raven Johnson with their first-round selection in the WNBA Draft.
Several Fever players dealt with injuries last season, including Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham. Forward Aliyah Boston also sustained a leg injury during the Unrivaled playoffs, but is apparently ready to go for camp.
Indiana finished 24-20, making the playoffs as the sixth seed. The Fever defeated the Atlanta Fever in the first round before losing to the eventual league champion Las Vegas Aces.
Runs have been hard to come by for the Boston Red Sox this year, especially lately.
The Red Sox's slumbering offense has looked lifeless at Fenway Park so far this weekend, mustering just two runs and nine hits in 19 innings over the first two games of their series against the Detroit Tigers. Granted, eight of those innings were against reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, but still.
Boston's averaging just 3.95 runs per game this season, tied for 20th in baseball. It's also half a run below the MLB average of 4.45.
A big reason for the Red Sox's offensive woes is their lack of power. They rank 2 6th in slugging percentage at .340 and dead last in home runs with 12 entering play on Sunday.
The Red Sox are now dead last in the major leagues with 12 home runs.
Surprisingly, Boston's power outage has only gotten worse despite warmer weather and spending more time at Fenway Park. After cracking eight homers over their first seven games, the Red Sox have gone deep just four times over their last 13 games, contributing to their 6-7 record during that span.
This isn't a new problem for Boston, either. The Red Sox ranked 27th in home runs following the Rafael Devers trade last season and did not add significant power during the offseason, so the early results aren't surprising.
In FanGraphs' ZiPS preseason projection model, Boston was the only MLB team that didn't have a single batter projected to hit 20 home runs this year. So far, those predictions have proven accurate.
If the Red Sox want to start scoring more runs and turn their season around, they need to start hitting the ball over the fence with more regularity. With how good pitchers and defenses are nowadays, it's tough to score runs without the long ball in the modern game.
The NCAA approved Wednesday changes to the Division I college golf transfer portal dates, effective immediately.
The Division I Men's and Women's Golf Oversight Committee submitted a proposal earlier this year to discuss changing the dates for student-athletes to enter the transfer portal. The committee filed an amendment to rule 13.1.1.4, which reads as follows: specify that an undergraduate student-athlete may initiate notification of transfer Dec. 1-15 or a 15 consecutive-day period beginning the day after the conclusion of the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Golf Championships, respectively.
The Division I Council approved the changes this week. The dates for the women's transfer portal are now open May 28-June 11 with the men's portal opening from June 4-18.
There remains a portal window open from Dec. 1-15, as well.
During its February filing, the Oversight Committee said the old timing of the 30-day notification of transfer period raised concerns related to preserving the integrity of the Division I Men's and Women's Golf Championships. Modifying the notification of transfer window maintains the integrity of the championships and allows all student-athletes to conclude their seasons before engaging in activities related to transferring. The Oversight Committee says reducing the duration of the window is supported by data from the NCAA Transfer Portal, which confirms most student-athletes whose name are entered into the transfer portal complete the process in an expedited manner.
And now, those dates have been finalized. Previously, the women's portal was set to open May 6 and close June 4. The men's portal window would have opened May 13 and closed June 11.
“I’m loving this job” – Oliver Glasner speaks on Crystal Palace exit
Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner: Full Commitment Until the Final Whistle
Oliver Glasner has made it clear that, despite announcing his upcoming departure, his focus at Crystal Palace remains unwavering. With his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, the Austrian coach has addressed concerns about motivation with a calm assurance that reflects his management style.
In January, Glasner confirmed his intention to step away from Selhurst Park once the season concludes. Yet, rather than creating uncertainty, the decision appears to have sharpened clarity within the squad. Results on the pitch suggest a side still fully aligned with their manager’s demands.
Commitment Driving Palace Momentum
Palace’s recent performances underline a team still pushing forward with purpose. Having already secured their first major trophy under Glasner by lifting the FA Cup in 2025, the club now finds itself chasing further success in Europe. Progress to the Conference League semi finals signals that belief remains intact.
Glasner addressed his mindset directly, stating: “For me it’s easy because I’m doing this job, because I’m loving this job and then it’s always 100 per cent.”
Photo: IMAGO
That sentiment captures the tone around the club. There is no sense of drift or distraction. Instead, there is a manager intent on ensuring standards do not slip, even as his tenure approaches its conclusion.
Standards Set by Leadership
Glasner’s comments offer insight into his personal philosophy. He continued: “As soon as I feel I can just give 99 per cent, I would leave and then maybe retire or whatever.”
It is a straightforward message, one that resonates in a dressing room that has delivered both domestically and in Europe. Maintaining intensity across multiple competitions is no small task, yet Palace have managed it with consistency.
He reinforced his responsibility to the club, adding: “I think this is what every player, every fan, and everybody, every employee of Crystal Palace deserves, that the manager, that I give 100 per cent. That’s what I am always doing and so that is really easy for me.”
That clarity of purpose has helped avoid the uncertainty that often surrounds outgoing managers. Instead of looking ahead, Glasner has kept attention firmly on the present.
Next Challenge at Selhurst Park
Following their European success, Glasner allowed his players a brief moment to enjoy the achievement, granting them time off in Florence after securing their semi final place. It is a calculated move, balancing reward with the need to reset quickly.
Attention now turns back to Premier League duties, with a crucial fixture against West Ham at Selhurst Park. Facing a side battling relegation adds another layer of intensity, and Palace will need to match that urgency.
For Glasner and Crystal Palace, the objective remains clear. Finish the season strongly, compete on all fronts, and ensure that this chapter ends with the same commitment that has defined it.
Former VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. has committed to Tennessee out of the NCAA transfer portal, On3 has learned. He’s regarded as one of the top shooting guards in the current transfer portal cycle.
Hill averaged 15.0 points, 2.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds this past season for the Rams. Overall, he spent two seasons at VCU, appearing in 59 games over that stretch. However, Hill only started two games this season despite averaging 25.1 minutes per game and being the team’s leading scorer.
He exploded onto the scene as a sophomore after a modest freshman year. During his first season on campus, the Portland, OR native averaged 3.4 points per game over 6.2 minutes. He was limited to 23 games during the 2024-25 season as well.
Before college, Hill was unranked according to the Rivals Industry Rankings, which is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. After a stellar sophomore season at VCU, however, he’s became a highly-touted guard in the current portal class.
Hill will join a Tennessee team coming off its third-straight trip to the Elite Eight with a 25-12 record and a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. It was the sixth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance for the Vols under head coach Rick Barnes.
The NCAA transfer portal window for men’s basketball officially opened on April 7, remaining open for 15 days. Thousands of college basketball players have entered their names into the portal since it opened, looking to find their next program.
Hill, however, made his intention to hit the portal early on April 3. Now, he’s off to Knoxville for what hopes to be a productive junior season in Knoxville.
Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16)drops back to pass during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Athan Kaliakmanis has had a busy off-season, participating in several senior showcases, taking part in Rutgers pro day, and now visiting several NFL teams with the hopes of being drafted later this week. On The Banks’ Greg Patuto wrote in early March that Kaliakamnis had taken several NFL top 30 visits to teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders, and the Las Vegas Raiders. Since that article, Kaliakmanis has received interest from and has visited a few more teams.
One team that has shown interest in Kalikmanis recently is the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles already have several capable quarterbacks on their roster, including starter Jaylen Hurts and backups Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee. However, the Eagles have shown interest before in keeping their quarterback room filled with talent they can develop, as they drafted Kyle McCord in 2025. McCord has since moved on to Green Bay, leaving a spot on the roster for something similar with Kaliakmanis.
Keeping with the local teams, Kaliakmanis has also had pre-draft local visits with both the New York Giants and Jets. The Giants’ roster has Jaxson Dart as the starter and Jameis Winston as a capable backup, with Brandon Allen listed as the third string. Allen has appeared in 19 games during his 6-year career, throwing for 1,889 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Winston has a long injury history, and Dart showed a sort of recklessness last season that could have the Giants thinking they need some more security at the quarterback position. Adding someone like Kalikmanis gives the Giants another quarterback on the roster they can develop into a quality backup if need be.
The Jets, on the other hand, need a lot of quarterback help. Geno Smith struggled a lot in Las Vegas, and he is expected to be the Jets’ starter next season. Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe have not shown a lot on tape to prove they can be secure backups, meaning that the Jets could be looking to add multiple quarterbacks in the offseason because they not only need a quality starter, but quality backups and third-stringers as well. Kaliakmanis might be one of those quarterbacks, especially if the cards fall a certain way, and they can add him without using a draft pick.
He has also met with the Broncos and the Bears ahead of the NFL draft. Both the Bears and Broncos are in similar situations, where their starting quarterback situation is set, and they are likely just looking to add someone they could develop into a quality backup in case they need one.
Last season, Kaliakmanis had his best season in college, throwing for 3,124 yards and 20 touchdowns. The hope is that he can stick with his upward development and use the flashes he showed last season to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
No. 8 UCLA softball won both of their games against California in their doubleheader at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday to advance to a 41-5 overall record.
The Bruins' batters were on fire throughout both games, which lead to blowout wins to close out their four-game stretch against non-conference opponents. UCLA limited the Golden Bears to five innings in both games with the three pitchers stepping on the mound giving up eight hits in both games combined.
Game 1: UCLA won 13-5
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Brynne Nally and freshman left-handed pitcher Natalie Cable pitched in the first game and gave up five hits, a walk and five runs with one strikeout. UCLA scored in four of the five innings and had sent five of their runners home in the first two innings.
After scoring one run in the first, freshman utility Jolyna Lamar hit a homer to left field in the second and senior infielder Jordan Woolery smacked a three-run homer to close out the second. Woolery kept the scoring alive in the fourth with a two-run homer.
The Golden Bears attempted to come roaring back in the top of the fifth with five runs, but the Bruins growled louder with a six-run inning to close out the game.
Game 2: UCLA won 9-1
Senior right-handed pitcher Taylor Tinsley took control of the mound in game two and defended her home field valiantly. Tinsley gave up three hits and a walk for a run, but threw three strikeouts over the five innings.
The Bruins batters also excelled against California's pitching staff with 10 hits leading to nine runs with eight of their nine runs coming from home runs.
Sophomore outfielder Rylee Slimp started the home run bonanza in the bottom of the first and Woolery followed with a two-run homer of her own. Sophomore infielder Kaniya Bragg crossed home plate for the final run in the first and she was the only Bruin to not score off of a home run.
California had a home run in the top of the third, but in the bottom of the third UCLA sent Woolery back up to bat for her second homer of the game and fourth of the day. Following Woolery's feat, redshirt junior centerfielder Alexis Ramirez hit a two-run homer and then freshman infielder Bri Alejandre smacked another to left field.
Senior utility Megan Grant batted the last home run of the day in the bottom of the fourth to conclude the enthusiastic outing for the Bruins.
What's next:
The Bruins will head to Seattle to take on the No. 20 Washington Huskies at Husky Softball Stadium on Friday with an anticipated start time of 7 p.m. PT.
According to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, teams are planning on making a call to the Jets to inquire about a trade for wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Robinson does note, however, that there isn't any indication the Jets are willing to trade the star wideout, but with some of the moves New York has made since last season, nothing should be considered off the table.
"That said, I definitely got a sense when I was working on the All-Juice Team and speaking to a lot of front offices that Wilson is going to draw some 'check-in' calls before, during or after the draft from teams that miss out on a preferred wide receiver target," Robinson reported.
In the three years prior, the former No. 10 overall pick showed he can be a No. 1 wide receiver after three straight seasons with over 1,000 yards despite a poor quarterback situation in two of those three campaigns.
If given a better situation under center, Wilson could be propelled to new heights.
Why Jets could trade Wilson
Should the Jets trade Wilson?
No, because New York is likely to be bringing in a young quarterback, either this year or next, and the team needs all the help it can get for that player. Right now, New York needs to add a wide receiver, not subtract one.
But nobody thought the Jets would deal Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner before the trade deadline last year, yet those two deals happened. The trade of Jermaine Johnson was relatively surprising, also.
As a result, nothing should be considered impossible in New York.
Eagles, Commanders, Chiefs could have interest
All three teams have or could have a need at wide receiver.
When it comes to the Eagles, trade rumors have swirled around A.J. Brown the entire offseason and if they do end up trading him, a replacement is needed.
In Kansas City, the Chiefs are lacking depth behind Rashee Rice. The jury is still out on Xavier Worthy after a disappointing 2025 campaign and the depth behind those two isn't great.
The Commanders still haven't addressed their need for an upgrade across from Terry McLaurin and there's no telling if Brandon Aiyuk is ever coming to Washington. Even if he does, relying on him as a No. 2 is risky.
All three teams will almost certainly explore their options in the 2026 NFL Draft, but if nothing comes to fruition, a call to the Jets could be the next order of business.
Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 is over, and Cody Rhodes is still Undisputed WWE Champion after surviving Randy Orton, Pat McAfee and all the chaos around him. Even so, Rhodes did not get the final word. Orton stood tall to close the night after laying him out in a post-match attack.
What made it even stranger was the crowd reaction. Despite everything he did, Orton was still cheered by fans in attendance, while McAfee was booed heavily and looked like the easy target coming out of the segment.
That is part of what made the ending feel so off. WrestleMania main events are supposed to deliver a definitive payoff, but this one closed on a cliffhanger that felt more confusing than compelling. For a match and segment that already struggled to hit the moment, it was a flat and unusual way to end Night 1.
How did we grade the main event? Here is the full grade, reaction and breakdown of what happened during the main event.
What happened in Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 Night 1
The storied rivalry between Rhodes and Orton awkwardly involved McAfee throughout. Once the match began, though, he was immediately taken out by Rhodes and the other celebrity involved, Jelly Roll. Once the real match between Rhodes and Orton took place, things fell a little flat. Orton was selling the effects of an injured back before the match, and Rhodes took advantage.
As the match went on, Rhodes even used his opponent's finish on him, hitting an RKO on Orton. Later, Orton returned the favor, nailing the champion with a Cross Rhodes.
One of the key moments of the main event was Rhodes almost embracing his dark side and seemingly turning heel in the middle of the match against the sinister Orton. Although Orton was billed as the heel in the match, he had fan support all night. The ending saw Rhodes poke Orton’s eyes, causing him to accidentally hit the referee with an RKO. With the official down and out, McAfee made his return to the ring with a referee shirt — Orton had Cody down for a pin at that point, but McAfee's count was slower than Orton expected, and Rhodes was able to kick out and keep the match going.
Orton, now upset with the daytime ESPN host, hit McAfee with the RKO. While Orton was looking down at the now downed McAfee in the ring, Rhodes had the opening he needed to hit the Cross Rhodes on Orton, pin him and retain the title. The capacity crowd booed the result, but cheered once again when Orton recovered after the match and hit Rhodes with the title.
Orton then hit Rhodes with his famous punt to the head, leaving Rhodes laying and bloody in the ring to end the show.
Grade: D+
Why Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton earned this WrestleMania 42 main event grade
The match was in trouble before the bell even rang. The entrances for Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Pat McAfee dragged on longer than any other match on the card, making the whole thing feel bloated right out of the gate.
Then came the payoff, and it barely made sense. WWE spent all that time hyping McAfee helping Orton, only for Orton to turn on him after one bad count. It felt rushed, confusing and completely unearned. Before the match could even find a rhythm, it was already at the finish.
That was the problem with the entire main event; it felt more like a performance than a fight. Rhodes never fully leaned into the heel turn, the pre-match nonsense took up too much space, and the pacing was so slow that the match never came close to feeling worthy of the spot.
The booking did not help either. The structure was clunky, the aftermath was messy, and instead of ending Night 1 with a bang, WWE gave fans a main event that just fell flat.
How Giorgi Mamardashvili incurred game-ending injury sums up Liverpool’s hapless season
Giorgi Mamardashvili had his first Merseyside derby appearance cut short after sustaining an injury in trying to prevent Beto from scoring Everton’s equaliser early in the second half.
The 25-year-old has started Liverpool’s last six matches in deputising for the stricken Alisson Becker, but he could now be joining his fellow goalkeeper in the treatment room after being forced off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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It duly meant that Freddie Woodman was summoned from the bench for his first Premier League appearance for LFC, and the manner in which the Georgia international suffered his body blow sums up his club’s hapless season.
How did Mamardashvili suffer his injury against Everton?
In the 54th minute, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a cross from the left that Beto finished to the net to bring Everton level.
In vainly running out to try and prevent the goal from being scored, Mamardashvili appeared to be caught by both the goalscorer and Andy Robertson, who had gotten back to try and thwart the Toffees striker.
The goalkeeper immediately required treatment on the pitch and left on a stretcher, with Woodman duly taking his place for the remainder of the match.
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Mamardashvili injury sums up Liverpool’s hapless season
The circumstances in which Mamardashvili got injured were indicative of what a truly miserable and soul-destroying season this has been for Liverpool.
That he was accidentally caught by (seemingly) both Beto and Robertson just summed up the extent of the Reds’ misfortune, particularly with Alisson already sidelined, and it turned out that Arne Slot needed to call upon one of the two ‘keepers he had on the bench this afternoon.
It remains to be seen just how seriously the Georgian has been hurt and how long he’ll be out of action for, but it now seems likely that Woodman – whose only appearance for the Reds came in a Carabao Cup loss to Crystal Palace six months ago – will feature in our upcoming matches.
The 29-year-old has made more than 250 senior career appearances and has experience of Premeir League level, and it now looks as though Liverpool will be reliant on him in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
You can view Beto’s equaliser (and the subsequent injury to Mamardashvili) below, via @SkySportsPL on X:
EUGENE, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 6: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks in action during a game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry needs to address some offensive roster holes in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
But with the Browns holding two first-round picks, possibly three if Berry trades out of the No. 6 overall selection, the focus could shift to the defensive side of the ball as the hours tick by on Thursday night.
Berry recently pointed out how teams are now employing three safeties more often, especially if they have what Berry referred to as “hybrid defenders.”
Depending on how the middle part of the first round plays out, Berry may be tempted to add that third safety in Oregon’s versatile Dillon Thieneman.
Dillon Thieneman is a SS prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.71 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 41 out of 1388 SS from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/uMt3jEG1Bxpic.twitter.com/tBvcdpGtlC
Savvy three-year starter with NFL size, speed, and alignment versatility. Thieneman is an extension of his defensive coordinator, aligning and adjusting the secondary to motion and pre-snap shifts. He’s an instinctive, rangy safety who can roll down into big nickel or robber positioning. He has a good feel for play design and route concepts in zone, but has average change of direction to match breaks in man. He’s not a big thumper near the line, but he rushes into the action with a relentless pursuit that should allow him to keep stacking high scores in the tackle columns. Thieneman checks important boxes for teams looking to add versatile playmakers in the secondary.
A one-year starter at Oregon (and three-year starter overall), Thieneman was a hybrid safety in former defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi’s scheme and wore a variety of hats (deep middle, robber, nickel, etc.). A productive post-safety at Purdue for two seasons, he transferred to Eugene for his junior season and earned a 2025 All-America nod for the Ducks, with both of his interceptions clinching victories late in a game (Penn State and Washington). He collected more than 300 combined tackles in three college seasons and averaged 7.9 tackles per start.
With his open-field athleticism, Thieneman has a lot to offer in the NFL because of his versatility, making plays over the top in coverage or downhill versus the run. He shows impressive range and anticipation from the deep half of the field, as well as the intelligence to understand what opponents are trying to do. Although he doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, he can guard both sidelines and sort through routes. He can clean up some things in the run game, too — he has a nose for the ball and doesn’t hesitate flying to the contact point.
Thieneman reminds me of Justin Reid because of his scheme-friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender. He projects as a durable NFL starter and has versatility that should appeal to a variety of defensive structures.
In answering a question about S Caleb Downs, GM Andrew Berry spoke about the NFL transitioning to a three-safety league and defenses becoming more “positionless.”
Cleveland has been using three safeties increasingly, but this is also a notable answer with many mocks projecting… pic.twitter.com/55JQp4tDJR
The Browns are set at one safety position with Grant Delpit, and while they tendered restricted free agent Ronnie Hickman, it was only for one year, which does not scream “you are our guy long term.”
With teams increasing their use of three safeties, finding a versatile player like Thieneman would seemingly be on the team’s radar, especially when the Browns are on the clock later in the first round.
Browns Player Drafting Could Impact
Christopher Edmonds, Donovan McMillon, and Daniel Thomas would all be on the list of safeties sweating from more than the summer heat in training camp and the preseason.
Priority: Medium-high
What are your thoughts on Dillon Thieneman? Do the Browns need to add another safety with a high draft pick? Let us know in the comments!
Rancik started in 26 of his 29 appearances for the Buffaloes this past season. The 6-foot-11 standout averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 28.1 minutes per game. He shot 40.4% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc.
As a true freshman in the 2024-25 campaign, Rancik averaged 5.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per contest. Rancik chose Florida State over several other suitors in the portal, most notably Kentucky.
Sebastian Rancik played high school basketball at JSerra Catholic (CA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 111 overall player and No. 21 power forward in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.
At the time of his commitment to Florida State, Rancik was the No. 30 power forward in On3’s 2026 Transfer Portal Player Rankings. Rancik is the fourth transfer who has committed to FSU this offseason. In contrast, six Seminoles have entered the portal since the end of the season.
The Seminoles are entering their second season under head coach Luke Loucks. The 36-year-old HC led Florida State to an 18-15 overall record and a 10-8 mark in conference play this past season.
FSU ultimately suffered a season-ending loss to Duke in the ACC Tournament. After the game, Loucks reflected on his debut campaign at the helm of the program.
“I’m going to keep saying this, as we build this program, I would sign up seven days out of seven to coach guys like this, that care about the right things, that fight, especially when it’s tough, and that care about each other,” Loucks said. “… Once you get out of this present moment, hopefully — I know I will — all those guys in the locker room will look back at this year and have some pride about it.”
The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opened on April 7 and closes on April 21. The new 15-day window was enacted following a recommendation by the men’s basketball oversight committee. Athletes don’t have to commit to a new school by the April 21 deadline.
A full night of boxing and mixed martial arts ended well after 11 p.m. on April 18, with Micky Scala of Mesa making quick work of opponent Braulio Lopez with a knockout shortly into the first round of boxing in the main event.
Scala basked in the cheers from a large group of fans in gray T-shirts bearing his logo. He celebrated a homecoming, with his previous three fights in New York state and his next one there, too, as he fulfills a contract with a promotion there.
Saturday's inaugural Fight Club PHX delivered knockouts, a bloody slugfest that went the full six rounds, and a crowd of what looked like several hundred people who were treated to a different kind of atmosphere for fights. All 10 of the bouts took place either in twilight or under the night sky outdoors at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix.
In between office spaces, beneath second-floor decks, tall buildings and beneath lighted palm trees, seats surrounded the octagon and boxing ring set up adjacent to shops and eateries.
It wasn't the most ideal of outdoor spaces for optimal views for everyone who attended, but the fights themselves moved quickly and were action-packed. All seven boxers with local ties came away victorious, supported by a savvy crowd such as those that support bigger-name promotions that come through a few times a year.
"It exceeded my expectations," said event promoter John Lennon of Northstar Sports Advocates.
"I didn't think as many people would come, to be totally honest. There's a market for boxing and MMA in Phoenix and I want to elevate the sport for both."
Former boxing champion Shawn "Showtime" Porter made the rounds, welcoming fans to the event as an ambassador. The heat dissipated as night fell, and a mariachi band kicked off the boxing card.
Every fighter got an entrance with a ring announcement, and the bouts were scored by certified judges, giving Fight Club PHX a professional feel with the opportunity to shine for the locals trying to make a name for themselves in the sport.
And shine several did.
Before Scala's easy win, Andrew "Eso" Mendez of Chandler scored a 29-second TKO with a 10-count over Jeremiah McCoy at super lightweight. Siupeli Anau of Phoenix, a former Arizona Cardinals and Northern Arizona defensive lineman, won his heavyweight bout over Herman Cavazos Tellez with a stoppage after two rounds.
"All praise to God," Mendez (2-0) said. "We've been working our (expletive) off in the gym day in and day out to perform like this."
Farid Ngoga, a super welterweight fighter, moved to 12-1 with his TKO of the Pacific Northwest's Gerardo Esquivel at 2 minutes, 4 seconds of the second round.
The fight of the night was Phoenix's Edward Ceballos (16-5-1) against journeyman Dennis Contreras of Guadalajara, Mexico, at lightweight. The two battered each other and drew a lot of blood, but it was Ceballos who won a unanimous decision.
At one point, the two were exchanging punches near the judges and splattered blood on the score sheets.
Mesa’s Micky Scala makes his way to the ring for the main event at Dight Club PHX. pic.twitter.com/yRTMTDkTgC
Isaac "El Mero Mero" Chavez (10-0) of Phoenix also had a large following of fans, and he rewarded them with a unanimous decision of 60-54 on all three judges' scorecards after six rounds.
"I appreciate everyone who came out to support," Chavez said in his post-fight interview.
Narek Hovhannisyan (3-0) scored a third-round stoppage over Darel Harris in the first fight of the boxing card.
Loai Abushaar took all three rounds to win the MMA main event before the boxing portion of Fight Club PHX started. He was happy there was a cage in which to fight.
"I thought I was going to be fighting in a boxing ring, to be honest," Abushaar said. He'd won six straight fights in the first round with stoppages until going three rounds on April 18.
"It lets me know that I have the heart to go three rounds," he said of his win.
Toyota Leads at 6 Hours of Imola Halfway MarkRudy Carezzevoli - Getty Images
Halfway through the 6 Hours of Imola, the No. 8 Toyota TR010 leads over the No.51 Ferrari 499P that started on pole. Toyota took the lead following a drive-through penalty for the No. 12 Cadillac V-Series.R late in the second hour of the race.
The Cadillac was leading as the front row starters cycled through their pit stops. Starting second, Brendon Hartley dropped to third as the No. 50 joined its sister Ferrari up front with Miguel Molina taking second place in the opening corner.
Will Stevens in the No. 12 Cadillac V-Series.R originally took the lead following the first safety car period. Stevens passed the No. 50 Ferrari of Miguel Molina for third on the track and then inherited the lead as the No. 51 Ferrari and No. 8 Toyota cycled through their pit cycle. Nick Cassidy, new to the World Endurance Challenge in the No. 93 Peugeot, ended up stuck in the gravel to bring out the second safety car period.
Stevens in the No. 12 and Nicklas Nielsen, who recently started his first stint in the NO. 50 Ferrari were both handed drive-through penalties for yellow flag infractions.
At halfway, Stevens runs 15th, and Nielsen runs 16th, both 45 seconds behind the leading Toyota and Ferrari.
Toyota looks to back up its Bahrain victory from last year, when the No. 7 GR010, updated and rebranded as the TR010 over the winter break, ended Toyota's winning drought, while the No. 8 locked up a Toyota 1-2.
While Toyota looks at momentum, so does Ferrari, as it seeks to back up its first home victory in Imola last year and its championship.
The first half of the race has been run in the sun, but that may change as storms are being forecast in the area in the final two hours.
The No. 10 Garage 59 McLaren 720s GT3 Evo has had a dominant start in the LMGT3 category, first pulling away to a three-second advantage and cycling back to the lead through pit stops. The McLaren leads the No. 69 WRT BMW M4 GT3 EVO of Anthony McIntosh and the Ford Mustang of Stefano Gattuso.
Nottingham Forest reached the Europa League semifinals in midweek but now they must focus on a huge Premier League game in their scrap to stay in the top-flight as they host struggling Burnley on Sunday.
For live updates and highlights throughout Nottingham Forest vs Burnley, check out PST's live blog coverage below.
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Burnley live, stream link and start time
Kick off time:9am ET Sunday (April 19) Venue:City Ground — Nottingham TV Channel: Peacock Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
Nottingham Forest vs Burnley live score: 3-1
Zian Flemming 45+2', Morgan Gibbs-White 62', 69', 77'
Nottingham Forest vs Burnley live updates — by Nick Mendola
Burnley subs
Jaidon Anthony goes off, as do Flemming and Florentino Luis.
Into the fray are Loum Tchaouna, Armando Broja, and Josh Laurent in the 84th minute.
Morgan Gibbs-White hat trick goal — Nottingham Forest 3-1 Burnley
Ryan Yates chops a desperation cross from near the corner flag toward the top of the 18.
Gibbs-White climbs and somehow heads all the way across goal for 3-1.
Morgan Gibbs-White goal — Nottingham Forest 2-1 Burnley
Omari Hutchinson drives down the right side and spins a cross over a sea of players to the back post.
Gibbs-White is going to need technique and he has it in good supply with a terrific volley to make it 2-1 in the 69th minute.
Sels again
Lyle Foster gets space to snap a left-footed volley from close range but Sels slaps it out for a corner kick in the 65th minute. Foul during the attempt and it goes the other way.
Burnley sub
Lyle Foster replaces Marcus Edwards.
Morgan Gibbs-White goal — Nottingham Forest 1-1 Burnley
Nikola Milenkovic wins a huge header and James Ward-Prowse's bid to stop the ball with a header only puts it backward onto the path of Morgan Gibbs-White, who does not miss his chance to level the line from in-tight.
Martin Dubravka injury
The Clarets keeper climbs his own player to punch a free kick and goes head over heels to hand hard on his back.
Is it a head injury, back, leg? After some time on the pitch, he's able to keep going though it didn't look that way at the jump.
Halftime — Nottingham Forest 0-1 Burnley
Well, that was unexpected.
Five total shot attempts between the sides in the first half and the only two on target were both property of Burnley.
Forest are just not there, and Murillo's injury is hanging over the proceedings. Potentially a big result for Spurs and West Ham.
Zian Flemming goal — Forest 0-1 Burnley
A Quilindschy Hartman pass somehow bounces through a number of Forest defenders and Flemming is there to whip it across goal and inside the far post for his ninth of the season.
Murillo injury
The Forest back is going to limp off in the 42nd minute and that's a big question mark for this game and the Tricky Trees' goals both domestically and abroad.
Jair Cunha will come into the game to take his place.
Sels gets low
James Ward-Prowse and free kicks are still a big deal, and Burnley have the first real moment of danger as the veteran tries a dangerous, huge free kick that swings around the wall and toward the far post.
Matz Sels scurries to his right to slap it away from the side netting.
Sloooow start
To say this game is still waiting for its moment is being kind.
Almost 20 minutes into the affair and waiting for a proper shot attempt.
Nottingham Forest vs Burnley preview — by Joe Prince-Wright
Nottingham Forest reached the Europa League semifinals in midweek but now they must focus on a huge Premier League game in their scrap to stay in the top-flight as they host struggling Burnley on Sunday.
Vitor Pereira's side beat FC Porto 1-0 on Thursday (2-1 on aggregate) to reach the semifinals of the Europa League where they will face Midlands rivals Aston Villa (they drew 1-1 at home against Villa last weekend). But in the league they sit just a few points above the relegation zone heading into this weekend and their main aim is to stay in the top-flight, even amid the lure of European glory and a spot in the Champions League.
Burnley will be relegated soon as Scott Parker's side have had a really tough season back in the Premier League as their status as a yo-yo club continues to frustrate their fans. Burnley lost 2-0 against Brighton last weekend and if other results go against them, they could be relegated as soon as Wednesday when they host Manchester City.
Nottingham Forest team news, focus
Chris Wood is finally back from injury for the final few weeks of the season and that will ease the pressure on Igor Jesus up top. Morgan Gibbs-White has been putting in some great displays but Callum Hudson-Odoi was injured in the midweek win against Porto which is a blow. Murillo and Elliot Anderson should be fit to feature and Forest will keep it tight at the back and will whip in plenty of crosses and press Burnley high early.
Burnley team news, focus
Parker's side are playing for pride and they never truly give up, but there has just been a lack of quality in the final third in key moments all season long. Burnley are missing Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni, Hannibal, Connor Roberts, Josh Laurent and Jordan Beyer through injury, while Axel Tuanzebe is a doubt.
Nottingham Forest vs Burnley prediction
This is a must-win game for Forest in their hopes of staying in the Premier League and boosted by their big midweek win, they will get over the line. Nottingham Forest 2-0 Burnley.
It's the final countdown toward the impending NFL draft on Thursday night and teams are scrambling through the final minutes of getting their big boards ready.
When it comes to the Houston Texans, they will have a big decision to make with the 28th overall pick. Depending on how the board falls, Houston could go several directions at multiple positions. The Texans could also pull off the Nick Caserio special and trade away the pick for extra compensation on Day 2.
Following a prominent free agency, three names rank above all else in Houston. The defensive line, offensive tackle and interior offensive line are all needs that must be addressed heading into the draft. But Caserio has stated for years that the Texans won't go for need and will instead attack the draft with a best-player-available approach.
So, when looking at the 28th pick, who would be the ideal selection if Houston stands pat?
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski identified an ideal pick for every team in the first round of the draft. While the offensive line must be addressed on Day 2, it's no surprise that Houston's defensive background came into full swing behind DeMeco Ryans, thus netting the franchise Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, who is arguably the most-mocked player to the Texans down the stretch.
"Ohio State's Kayden McDonald is the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's highest-rated defensive tackle," Sobleski wrote. "He's also a true nose tackle. He served as the tip of the spear for the Buckeyes' loaded defense during the 2025 campaign.
He can do the same in Houston. A talented widebody capable of resetting the line of scrimmage, making stops in the backfield and collapsing the pocket on occasion will only make Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter even more effective."
Already viewed as a fan favorite to land in Houston, McDonald has to visit Reliant Stadium since the NFL combine for a top-30 visit. He also met with the Texans for a formal interview at the combine and followed up with the staff at Ohio State's Pro Day late last month.
A native of Texarkana who later moved to Georgia, McDonald might not fit the typical mold of what DeMeco Ryans has historically searched for in defensive tackles, but perhaps that's promising since variety could only bolster the defensive front. More than anything, the Texans need productive players. Enter McDonald, who was the anchor to one of college football's best run defenses last season under longtime NFL defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
The Texans need a long-term running mate up the middle to pair with the recently extended Anderson. Even though he's not the ideal fit for Ryans' defense as a three-tech, the Texans have needed a difference-maker in the run game with 1-tech potential, so perhaps the switch is a welcome addition beyond 2026.
The NFL is moving full steam ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams have begun offseason workouts and are finalizing their draft boards in preparation for Thursday night.
One of the sport’s greatest spectacles consistently delivers unforgettable moments and stories. Prospects who have worked their entire lives to hear their names called will finally see that work rewarded.
However, some teams repeatedly set their picks up for failure. As a result, those inspiring stories quickly turn into “draft bust” labels. For several franchises, fans should temper expectations for a variety of reasons.
Giants fans should feel excited about this opportunity. Still, many can’t help but wonder whether Schoen’s regime will once again get in its own way.
Feb 3, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken, second left, poses with managing and principal partner Jimmy Haslam, left, managing partner JW Johnson, second right and managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson during an introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cleveland Browns
The Browns may have landed a strong 2025 draft class, but their overall track record remains shaky. While they struck gold in rounds two through four last year, consistency has been a problem.
Now, general manager Andrew Berry faces pressure to replicate that success. His earlier draft classes underwhelmed before last season’s breakthrough.
Ownership’s push for the Deshaun Watson trade—one in which Berry played a significant role—also continues to loom over the franchise.
The Browns appear to have momentum, but can they sustain it? Fans will once again hold their breath in 2026. The team owns two first-round picks, but that only matters if they can finally break from their history and capitalize on both.
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Buffalo Bills
The only contender on this list, the Bills operate under general manager Brandon Beane. Simply put, his track record as a talent evaluator raises concerns.
Some fans argued the team should have fired Beane instead of head coach Sean McDermott, especially amid reports that McDermott privately criticized the roster construction.
Despite that, Beane remains in charge and appears to face little pressure. While he has made some solid selections, quarterback Josh Allen stands as the defining pick that continues to justify his tenure.
Bills fans have reason for optimism. As long as Allen is under center, the team will remain competitive. Still, a lingering question persists: how might the front office undermine a championship-caliber roster?
The No. 1 UCLA Bruins baseball team strung together four runs in the sixth inning to win the second game of the series against Minnesota 6-4 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The Bruins sent six pitchers to the mound during the nine inning affair and they held their own with four hits and four walks leading to four runs. The pitching staff tagged eight strikeouts over the game as well. UCLA's batters continued to struggle against the Golden Gophers pitching staff, but they managed 10 hits for six runs this time around.
Falling behind
Minnesota struck first off of an RBI groundout in the top of the first. UCLA had a hit of their own, but it led no where, as they fell behind 1-0 after the first inning.
Ice cold
Both teams couldn't get a runner across home plate in the next four innings, but UCLA had an opportunity despite having only two baserunners over that stretch. In the bottom of the third, the Bruins had the bases loaded, but had three straight outs to keep them off the scoreboard.
Heating up
UCLA changed their scoreless status with two hits, helping junior outfielder Dean West make it home to tie the game up at 1-1.
On fire
In the top of the fifth, the Bruins gave up a two-run homer, but UCLA's bats responded ferociously. The Bruins redshirt junior outfielder Payton Brennan started the bottom of the fifth win a home run and UCLA had three more hits to get three more runners home for the Bruins first lead of the game.
Smooth finish
After a scoreless seventh, Minnesota inched closer in the top of the eighth with a home run. UCLA kept the distance with West rushing to home for his second run of the game in the bottom of the eighth. The Golden Gophers couldn't get on base in the ninth and UCLA earned their second win of the series.
The Bruins will play their series finale at Jackie Robinson Stadium on Sunday and are anticipated to start at noon PT.
VALKENBURG, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 19: (L-R) Romain Gregoire of France and Team Groupama - FDJ United, Kevin Vauquelin of France and Team INEOS Grenadiers, Matteo Jorgenson of United States and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Mattias Skjelmose of Denmark and Team Lidl - Trek, Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe compete during the 60th Amstel Gold Race 2026 - Men's Elite a 257.2km one day race from Maastricht to Valkenburg / #UCIWT / on April 19, 2026 in Valkenburg, Netherlands. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A.J. Russell started for Hickory, throwing two shutout innings while striking out three. Louis Marinaro struck out two in a scoreless inning.
Dewar Tovar was 3 for 5 with a triple and a homer. Paulino Santana had a hit and a walk. Yolfran Castillo was 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. Marcos Torres had a pair of hits and a walk. Josh Springer had a pair of hits and a walk. Hector Osorio homered.
Dylan McLean went five innings in his start for Frisco, allowing a solo homer and striking out six. Wilian Bormie allowed a two run homer in two innings, walking two and striking out one.
The rise of Real American Freestyle (RAF) over the last few months has been fun.
Airing on FOX Nation, RAF has found a niche and gained popularity. Their events are drawing sizable crowds, and by all accounts, the athletes are cashing serious checks. RAF is giving a stage to hotshot collegiate wrestlers, wrestlers actively pursuing Olympic greatness, and UFC fighters with prior wrestling experience. It offers a little something for everyone, and there have been some very entertaining matchups in the promotion’s short lifespan.
The problem is the erratic matchmaking.
There are lots of great matchups on every RAF card, but there’s also a trend developing that shows RAF doesn’t understand how to utilize its older UFC talent. Popular stars like Clay Guida have been brought in and sacrificed to top-tier young wrestlers. The idea of putting over a young athlete off the back of an established name isn’t new, but it’s not going to make fight fans tune in either.
Last night’s main event between Urijah Faber and Arman Tsarukyan was downright absurd and unnecessary. Faber is a 46-year-old former Bantamweight. Tsarukyan is widely regarded as one of the very best Lightweights alive, and he’s in his athletic prime at 29 years of age. A Master of Sports in wrestling, Tsarukyan is very decorated and skilled on the canvas.
He does not need further advantages.
There was never a case made for how Faber — older, smaller, and further removed from the game — could actually upset Tsarukyan. The matchup was met with a collective eye roll, not anticipation. The actual bout was as one-sided as expected, except it carried with it an added element of danger when Tsarukyan bulldozed Faber off the mats and into the commentary booth.
That could have been very bad, and it’s not like the win actually built any hype for Tsarukyan.
What’s peculiar here is RAF occasionally matches its UFC talent very well. Chad Mendes vs. Michael Chandler from RAF 03, for example, was a great booking of a retired ex-UFC star. Chandler was a little bigger, sure, but the two were at least comparable in age and experience, which made for a much better match (highlights here). If you want to put an established UFC star against a top young wrestler, at least give the UFC fighter a size advantage to create a little intrigue.
At 46, Urijah Faber should be rolling with a top-ranked 125-pound wrestler, a fighter from his own generation, or a modern fighter without the same collegiate background. I would love to watch Faber show off his wrestling skill against Scott Jorgensen or Sean O’Malley. Arman Tsarukyan, conversely, could wrestle the likes of Colby Covington or a recent All-American of roughly his size, as he’s in top form and perfect for that kind of challenge.
Pitting the two against each other never made sense, and that kind of mismatch will hold RAF back in the long run.
For the latest wrestling-related news and notes click here.
A Bayern side counting down the days until being crowned Bundesliga champion hosts Stuttgart, firmly established in the Top 4, in a new edition of the Südderby.
The teams take to the Allianz Arena today with these lineups:
BAYERN MUNICH: Urbig; Stanisic, Ito, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Guerreiro, Musiala, Luis Díaz; Jackson.
NEW DELHI: Former South Africa cricketer Dale Steyn on Sunday said Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win over Chennai Super Kings could prove to be a turning point for the Ishan Kishan-led side in IPL 2026. Sunrisers Hyderabad, who last won the IPL title in 2016, their only triumph, defeated five-time champions CSK by 10 runs in a thriller on Saturday.
With this victory, SRH also climbed into the top four of the standings.
Speaking about SRH’s win on Star Sports, Steyn said, "This victory of SRH against CSK shows that they are back to their best after a slow start to the season."
Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen starred with the bat to power SRH to 194/9, and the bowlers responded strongly to restrict CSK to 184/8, with Eshan Malinga picking up 3/29 in four overs.
"At the mid-innings break, I was having a chat with Heinrich Klaasen, and he told me he felt Sunrisers were probably 10 or 15 runs short of where they needed to be. He said a huge bowling effort would be required to secure the win. That is what Sunrisers went out and did," Steyn said.
"You could see they fielded extremely hard. They took tough catches. They were committed to the cause. When they finally won, I was watching Heinrich Klaasen fielding at long-off. He turned to the crowd, pumped his chest, and held the SRH badge to say, 'Thank you for backing us, we're back in this'.
"This could be the turning point for them now, where they just keep climbing up the points table," the former South Africa star said.
During the discussion, Steyn, who has represented SRH in the past, also highlighted Malinga’s performance at the death and Klaasen’s consistency.
"When CSK needed to play big shots, the pinpoint yorkers came in from Malinga, right on the block hole. It was a fantastic bit of death bowling from SRH at the back end.
"The first ball he bowled, where he got Gaikwad out, he rushed him with the bouncer. There were a lot of length balls being bowled at that point and runs were flowing. Then, he surprised Gaikwad with the bouncer and got his wicket.
"I thought he bowled well, managed his lengths well, and as the ball got a bit older and started to tail, he managed to hit the block hole. It was a fantastic piece of bowling by this young lad from Sri Lanka," Steyn said.
After Abhishek’s explosive start at the top, Klaasen provided the innings with the required momentum in the middle overs.
On Klaasen’s batting, Steyn said, "Klaasen knows he has the potential to clear the ropes easily and up his strike-rate whenever he wants. He is such a boundary hitter, a powerful hitter. This season, he has played incredibly well and held the innings together for Sunrisers.
"Whenever they get into a little trouble and lose a couple of wickets, Klaasen is always there, standing like a one-man army to bail them out and get them to good scores.
"He is also wearing the Orange Cap now. With his consistent batting performances, he truly deserves to be the holder of that cap this season."
The New York Mets find themselves at a crossroads after a brutal 10-game losing streak that has reshaped the outlook of their 2026 season. What once looked like a competitive campaign in the Major League Baseball has quickly spiraled into questions about roster construction, clubhouse morale, and long-term direction.
Losing streaks happen over a 162-game season but ten straight defeats expose deeper issues. For the Mets, the problems have been layered. Starting pitching, expected to anchor the team, has struggled with consistency, often putting the bullpen in difficult positions early. Meanwhile, the offense has failed to deliver in key moments, leaving runners stranded and compounding frustration.
Still, history suggests a turnaround isn’t impossible. Baseball’s long season allows for dramatic swings, and teams have rebounded from similar stretches to remain competitive. The question is whether this Mets roster has the internal stability and leadership to stop the slide before it defines their year.
One factor working in their favor is talent. Even amid the skid, flashes of individual performance hint that this is not a roster devoid of capability. If the pitching staff can stabilize and the lineup regains timely hitting, a course correction could come quickly. Often, ending a losing streak requires just one well-rounded win to reset momentum.
Mets face defining stretch as skid threatens to derail season
However, time is becoming a real concern. Extended slumps early in the season can create a standings gap that’s difficult to overcome, especially in a competitive division. The Mets must also consider the psychological toll—confidence can erode quickly during prolonged losing stretches, affecting decision-making and execution on the field.
Managerial decisions will play a critical role in the coming weeks. Adjustments to the lineup, bullpen usage, and even clubhouse messaging could determine whether the Mets steady themselves or continue to slide.
For now, the Mets’ season hangs in the balance. The next stretch of games won’t just determine whether they snap the streak—it will reveal whether this team has the resilience to contend or if this skid is a sign of deeper issues that could define their year.
Scan shows injury, but Estêvão should be fit for Copa, says site
News to reassure Chelsea and, above all, the Brazil National Team!
According to information from ge, medical tests carried out this Saturday (18) ruled out a muscle tear in forward Estêvão’s right thigh.
The diagnosis showed only a mild injury, removing the risk of him being left out on the eve of the 2026 World Cup.
Also according to the TV Globo website, the English club’s medical department expects the 18-year-old to return to training within 15 to 20 days.
With this outlook, the player should be recovered before May 18, the date set for coach Carlo Ancelotti to announce Brazil’s official 26-man squad for the World Cup.
🤕 Scare in the Premier League
The scare happened last Saturday (18), in the match against Manchester United.
Just 12 minutes into the first half, after bursting forward at speed toward the opposing goal, Estêvão felt his thigh muscle.
The player left the Stamford Bridge pitch visibly shaken emotionally, fearing the worst.
🩺 CBF Monitoring
The athlete’s initial despair had a clear reason: a recent history.
At the start of this year, Estêvão suffered a similar problem, but in his left leg. The setback kept him in the medical department for 25 days and left him out of Ancelotti’s squad for the March friendlies against France and Croatia.
Now, with a much milder diagnosis, the Brazil National Team coaching staff and the Italian manager himself can breathe a sigh of relief.
They are already in direct contact with Chelsea to monitor the forward’s clinical progress and timeline for returning to European pitches, with full focus on preparation for the World Cup.
Apr 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) celebrates with center fielder Alek Thomas (5) after hitting a grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Team News
Corbin in the clutch! Carroll belts 4th career slam to lift D-backs to series win
Since April 4, the bullpen has allowed 12 earned runs in 46 innings, that’s a 2.35 ERA.
“They’ve been really good,” Carroll said. “It seems like whoever comes out of that gate is ready to go from pitch one and is attacking hitters, and it’s been really fun to play behind them. Those guys got a tough job, and so it’s a huge credit to them that they’ve been taking care of business the way they have so far.” https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/corbin-carroll-s-grand-slam-leads-d-backs-to-win-over-blue-jays
Corbin Carroll’s grand slam lifts Diamondbacks to series win over Blue Jays
“We talk about building innings here,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “I think we’ve been very efficient with runners in scoring position so far this season, and the right guys in the right spot came up. I thought the Marte at-bat — I loved how Vargas got on. I loved AT’s base hit — but I thought the Marte at-bat was critical to load the bases for the next two guys. Corbin deserves the credit, but the rest of the guys built the inning for him and that’s what we stand on.”
D-backs Teammates React to Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s Incredible ACL Return
Dave McKay (first base and outfield coach): “It was unbelievable seeing him at Spring Training, doing the things that he was doing. As a matter of fact I had to force him stop doing our drills. He’d come out when we do our drills, and there were certain things that we couldn’t have him do. He was insisting, finally I had to get the trainers and say get this guy out of here.”
Today Felix Reyes 8/9/2023 Wes Wilson 9/8/1998 Marlon Anderson 7/17/1988 Ricky Jordan 9/14/1949 Ed Sanicki 4/19/1938 Heinie Mueller 4/21/1898 Bill Duggleby https://t.co/qyZKICSGov
Munetaka Murakami’s seven home runs are the most of any Japanese-born player in his first 21 MLB games
He has two more than any other Japanese-born player in first 21 MLB games, ahead of Shohei Ohtani, who had five in his first 21 games as a hitter https://t.co/Drl72e8e29
1997 – A major league game is played in Hawaii for the first time. The San Diego Padres, who gave up three home games to further baseball relations and to allow renovations at Jack Murphy Stadium, play host for a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals at spacious Aloha Stadium. The Cardinals win both games, 1 – 0 and 2 – 1.
The oldest English word is ‘town’.
This is one of the oldest words in the English language that is still in use. The first dictionary took note of this in 1755.
Tomato ketchup was used as medicine for 16 years.
Whether you love it or hate it, this condiment once had a place in the world beyond hotdogs. However, you’d be surprised to know that ketchup only had tomatoes in it starting 1834. Before, ketchup was made with a mix of fish and mushrooms. When Dr. John Cooke Bennet added tomatoes to the mix, he claimed that the antioxidants gave it a medicinal property. He had a pill salesman turn his tomato ketchup into pills and claimed it could treat diarrhea, indigestion, jaundice, and rheumatism.
oan of Arc convinced Charles VII she could lead his armies with no experience. She routed the English, survived a 60-foot escape leap from a tower uninjured, was falsely accused of heresy, and burned at the stake, all between the ages of 17 and 19. She was guided by voices only she could hear.
The sound made by the Krakatoa volcanic eruption in 1883 was so loud it ruptured the eardrums of people 40 miles away, traveled around the world four times, and was clearly heard 3,000 miles away. That’s like standing in New York and hearing a sound from San Francisco.
Four-star defensive line recruit Karlos May is down to five schools, per Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett. At 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, May is a massive defensive lineman that could instantly make an impact at any program he signs with.
An Alabama native, May is widely regarded as one of the top players at his position from the class of 2027. The rising star has Ohio State, Ole Miss, Florida State, Auburn and Georgia listed as his top five schools.
Georgia remains in the mix for the coveted recruit. May will continue narrowing down his options as he nears his commitment. A commitment from the talented lineman would be a massive win for the Bulldogs.
May is ranked as the No. 20 defensive lineman and the No. 178 overall player from the class of 2027, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He is ranked as the No. 9 player out of Alabama, as Georgia is expected to stay in hot pursuit of the talented big man moving forward. May has been excellent during his time at Ramsay High School (Birmingham, Alabama). He missed his sophomore season in 2024 due to an injury, but returned in 2025.
The four-star defender recently when on visits to Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss and more. May described his visit to Georgia as "great" and that he "can't wait to be back" in Athens.
Georgia continues to target some of the top playmakers from the class of 2027. May could commit to the Bulldogs in the future, as coach Kirby Smart and his staff are expected to continue their pursuit of the four-star lineman.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered their playoff opener against the Houston Rockets knowing they would need more than LeBron James to step up.
With both Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic unavailable, JJ Redick’s side lacked key offensive options. That created an opportunity for someone else to take control.
Luke Kennard answered that call, delivering a performance that not only secured the win but also placed him alongside a rare piece of franchise history.
Luke Kennard delivers rare LA Lakers playoff display vs Houston Rockets
Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images
Kennard produced a flawless shooting display from beyond the arc, making five three-pointers without a single miss.
According to StatMuse, he became the first Lakers player to record at least five made threes without missing in a playoff game since Robert Horry in 1997.
His impact went beyond efficiency, finishing as the game’s top scorer with 27 points while adding four rebounds and three assists.
That contribution proved decisive, especially with Kevin Durant absent, giving the Lakers an opportunity they capitalised on in Game 1.
Injuries mean Luke Kennard’s role remains crucial
Doncic is still expected to miss the second game against the Rockets as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury.
He has not been ruled out for the remainder of the series, but a potential return for him is only projected later in the duel depending on his progress.
Reaves is also not expected to feature against the Rockets, leaving the Lakers short of key creators.
That situation increases the importance of Kennard maintaining his form as the series continues.
Unai Emery: Man United eye Aston Villa boss after Alex Ferguson praise
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is high on Manchester United’s list of candidates to become permanent head coach after talks were held with intermediaries, according to a new report.
Sir Alex is a fan
Emery has transformed the Villans since taking charge in October 2022, after the Birmingham side paid £5.2 million to trigger a buyout clause in his contract with LaLiga hotshots Villarreal.
The Spanish tactician, who enjoyed previous spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, has helped solidify Villa as a European contender and one of the top sides in the Premier League, despite having a budget that is often dwarfed by their rivals.
Signings such as Morgan Rogers, bought for an initial fee of £8 million, or Youri Tielemans, captured on a free transfer, have become some of the division’s finest operators under Emery’s tutelage, while existing players like John McGinn and Ezri Konsa have enjoyed similar ascensions.
Similarly, even United rejects like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have found refuge in Birmingham and seen their form improve with Emery’s guiding hand.
It is a testament to the 54-year-old’s approach, both on and off the pitch, that he is able to consistently extract performances from his squad which are greater than the sum of its cheaply assembled parts. This extends back to his time with Villarreal and Sevilla, where Emery enjoyed unprecedented levels of success in Europe with both clubs, winning the Europa League four times – once with Villarreal, beating United in the final in 2021, and three times on the trot with Sevilla.
Sir Alex Ferguson is certainly a fan, with The Athletic revealing the legendary Scot is “known to admire [Emery’s] qualities as a manager” as the Spaniard has been “proposed to United at different stages in the past.” Similarly, Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s former director and confidant of Old Trafford’s chief executive Omar Berrada, is also a supporter of his compatriot’s abilities in the dugout.
Now, as per a report by TEAMtalk, Emery is once again on the radar in M16 after being “contacted” by “intermediaries [who] are actively promoting [his] availability” this summer. Real Madrid are understood to also be “closely monitoring” him as Los Blancos conduct their own hunt for a new head coach after caretaker Alvaro Arbeloa has failed to impress since taking the reins from Xabi Alonso midseason.
Villa are not worried
Sources at Villa Park indicate their executive structure is “aware” of this growing interest, but “remain confident of retaining their manager” beyond the current campaign. “Emery is under contract until 2029 and the club’s upward trajectory – including the prospect of regular Champions League football – makes an exit far from straightforward, and Villa insist he is staying put.”
The Villans are currently fourth in the table, with the top five teams securing qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season thanks to England’s strong coefficient. They are three points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool and, more crucially, seven clear of Chelsea in sixth.
Emery’s men are also in the driving seat in, naturally, the Europa League after their 7-1 aggregate demolition of Serie A side Bologna set up a semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest. SC Freiburg and Braga go head to head on the other side of the draw, meaning Villa are comfortably the favourites to secure their manager’s fifth triumph in the tournament – which also secures a place in next season’s Champions League.
Final Thoughts
It will be a difficult mission to prise Emery away from a direct rival, even if the “elite coach” himself is open to swapping Birmingham for Manchester. While conversations have only taken place through middlemen, the direction of travel suggests the interest stems from Emery’s camp originally.
The Spaniard is one of a selection of names INEOS are considering after the primary targets, such as Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Luis Enrique, have all ruled themselves out of the running by committing their future to their current positions.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, set to be available after the World Cup in North America this summer, is another frontrunner. Recruitment director Christopher Vivell is understood to be a strong advocate of the 38-year-old coach, having previously worked together during their shared time at the Red Bull organisation.
Premier League-proven options like Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner are also being eyed, though neither possesses Emery’s track record at the top level of club football. It would be a major risk to pick either at the cost of letting interim boss Michael Carrick, whose hopes of securing the job full-time were boosted by last night’s pivotal win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Emery appears to tick many of the boxes INEOS are looking to fill with a new hire – and the Spaniard has the influential voice of Sir Alex advocating his case in the halls of power at Old Trafford.
Barcelona are gearing up for a huge summer, but before the transfer window opens, they have a number of contract situations to resolve. The big one centres on Robert Lewandowski, but another whose current deal expires in June is Andreas Christensen.
The last two seasons have been desperately difficult for Christensen, who has made only 23 appearances since Hansi Flick took over as Barcelona head coach. On the whole, it has not been because of selection decisions that he has not played, but rather, he has regularly been struck down by injury woes.
Christensen suffered back-to-back Achilles tendon issues last season, and in December, he was diagnosed with a partial ACL tear. He is close to returning from the latest setback, but even if he fails to do so before the campaign ends, he may not have played his last match as a Barcelona player.
In recent weeks, Barcelona presented a renewal offer to Christensen’s representatives. They are keen for the Denmark international to stick around for next season at least, although he would need to take a significant pay cut to do so – and at this stage, this is something he’s not comfortable with, as per MD.
Christensen wants improved contract offer
Christensen may have turned down Barcelona’s first offer, but he hopes that an agreement can be reached in the coming weeks. He has instructed his representatives to continue negotiating with the Catalan club, and he hopes that the next proposal will include a much better financial package than the last.
A number of clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and even La Liga are keeping tabs on Christensen, but the 30-year-old has made it clear that he is prioritising a new contract with Barcelona. He and his family are very settled in Catalonia, although they will be forced to relocate if an agreement cannot be reached before the end of June.
What “sources” have told top Chelsea writer about why Liam Delap can’t score
Liam Delap is struggling massively in his first season at Chelsea, and there’s already speculation about his future.
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Liam Delap was given the chance to lead the line yesterday when Joao Pedro pulled out injured.
The England striker toiled up top and ultimately made it 20 consecutive games without a goal. That was despite the fact that he was facing a team without its four best centre backs.
Johnson on Delap’s weak excuse for bad form
Simon Johnson in the Athletic makes the excuse for the striker that sources have told him “lack of regular starts is something Delap has found hard to adjust him.”
Sadly, that’s never going to be an excuse for a striker. You’re always going to have to come in and make the most of your opportunities. Nobody is going to play you week in, week out if you’re not scoring.
Johnson’s piece speculates that, with Emmanuel Emegha arriving in the same position this summer, Chelsea could sell the young England striker. The cheap price we bought him for should make it possible to do that without losing out on the deal.
Perhaps it would be best to just cut our losses.
In other news…
Liam Rosenior is losing his own dressing room, and has lost most of his supporters too. It’s hard to see how he turns this around now.
The World Cup is coming soon. And it's quickly becoming a pain in the posterior for the 13 teams playing in stadiums that will be commandeered for intercontinental soccer.
Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal recently reviewed some of the practical impacts of FIFA bigfooting the various venues where fútbol will be played. This week, for example, the Jets and Giants will move their annual draft parties away from MetLife Stadium to Manhattan.
In all, 13 teams are impacted by the World Cup: the Cowboys, Jets, Giants, Falcons, Chiefs, Texans, 49ers, Chargers, Rams, Eagles, Seahawks, Patriots, and Dolphins.
For the teams that have employees at the stadiums hosting World Cup games, many will be moved. Those who are staying put will be subject to FIFA credentialing to get into their workplaces. And the Giants will start training camp in West Virginia, since MetLife Stadium will be hosting the final match on July 19 on a grass field that will need to be removed and replaced with one of the worst artificial surfaces in the entire league.
That last part still has to be the most galling for NFL players. Owners with stadiums that don't have grass have bent over backwards to do whatever had to be done to placate FIFA. Their regular employees, however, will still be stuck with a lesser (and far cheaper) playing surface.
The various sacrifices involuntarily made by the players and other team employees should prompt FIFA to give them all a phony, made-up award. Especially since FIFA has already done that, for far less.
Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was thrown into the Merseyside derby at Everton after an injury to Giorgi Mamardashvili left the Reds down to their third-choice goalie.
Woodman, 29, joined Liverpool last summer on a free transfer from Preston North End. It was his first appearance for Liverpool in the Premier League, and only his second since making his Liverpool debut in the 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this season.
A former England youth international, Woodman started his career with Newcastle United but made just nine appearances for the club, with loan spells at Hartlepool, Crawley, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Swansea and Bournemouth.
He joined Preston in 2022 and made 138 appearances for the club before joining Liverpool at the end of his contract last season. His father, Andy Woodman, is a former professional goalkeeper and was a coach at Arsenal, among other clubs.
Woodman is also the godson of former England manager Gareth Southgate, who former a close bond with Woodman’s father when they played together at Crystal Palace.
Earlier this season, Woodman explained why he made the decision to join Liverpool, even when first-team opportunities appeared limited. “I’ve played consistently over the last five or six years, albeit in the Championship and a few Premier League games,” he told the club’s website.
“I wanted to keep playing and I’m only 28, but there was a conversation in the summer where Liverpool came up. I had other options but my dad said to me, ‘How do you turn down Liverpool? You just can’t do it.’
“I’m very happy with my decision because l get to work with the best players in the world and I get to work up close with Ali and Giorgi, who are top goalkeepers who I think are only going to make me better and help my development.”
Confirmed Lineups: FC Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart
FC Bayern will be crowned champions if they avoid defeat at home against Stuttgart on Sunday. Following Dortmund’s back-to-back defeats, Vincent Kompany’s side now have their first chance to seal the Meisterschale. Stuttgart need three points to regain their spot in third after RB Leipzig’s impressive win in Frankfurt.
However, Deniz Undav isn’t part of the traveling squad due to accumulated yellow cards. Ermedin Demirovic will also start this one on the bench as Tiago Tomas was handed a rare start. Although it’s crucial to wrap up the title at home, Kompany opted for several changes with the midweek cup clash against Bayer Leverkusen on his mind.
Serge Gnabry joined Lennart Karl and Tom Bischof on Bayern’s absentees list with injuries. Harry Kane and Michael Olise start on the bench after their midweek heroics in the Champions League, while Jonas Urbig will start between the sticks.
Violent riots by the traveling Stuttgart fans caused unrest and damage as their Bayern ultras confronted them, according to Bild. Several hundred officers were deployed to bring the situation under control.
Here are the lineups for the game that could seal the league title for the 2025/26 season.
An Ironman Texas participant is dead after swimming and then drowning in Lake Woodlands on Saturday morning, officials said.
According to the Woodlands Fire Department, crews responded to Northshore Park, located at 2505 Lake Woodlands Dr., at about 7:30 a.m. on Saturday after a call about a lost swimmer in the lake.
Authorities said that multiple boats were used in the search for the victim, including a boat with side-scan sonar, which helps search the water during low-visibility conditions. At about 8 a.m., the sonar "detected a target," and it was later determined to be the victim, who had sunk about 10 feet, according to officials.
Officials said the North Montgomery County Dive Team was called to assist in the recovery of the victim. First responders said they recovered the victim at about 9:40 a.m., who was then pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim's body was taken to the medical examiner, according to authorities, with the identity of the victim still unknown.
Authorities explained that swimming is normally not allowed in Lake Woodlands due to the "zero visibility" in the water, with exceptions made for some special events. Officials said there was a large number of people in the water at the time, with support watercraft nearby who were able to assist quickly.
In a social media post, Ironman officials confirmed the victim was a participant in Saturday's triathlon, with the incident occurring during the swimming portion of the race.
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said it was notified of the drowning and is currently investigating the incident.
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 12: Florida State Seminoles forward Chauncey Wiggins (7) during the ACC Men's basketball tournament between the Florida State Seminoles and the Duke Blue Devils on March 12, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Portal season is well underway, and that means lots of player movement. We’ll do our best to keep up with it here. As of April 17th, Pitt seems to have made the most moves, but Louisville may have gotten the best result overall.
As far as what has worked as what hasn't, the core of this lineup has yet to really make much of an impact. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber have showed off their power thus far, with four and six home runs, respectively. But, both of them have been struggling overall. Harper is currently batting at .270, and Schwarber is flaunting a .211 batting average.
One of their more hopeful pieces in this lineup, Alec Bohm, has really been on a cold streak in 2026. In 69 at-bats, he is batting an abysmal .145. Certainly not the expectation they were hoping for the third-baseman.
For the rotation, it has been the Christopher Sànchez show. Despite only having a 2-2 record, he is amongst the league leaders in Earned Run Average, at 1.59. But, that has just about been it as Jesús Lazardo has an ERA of 7.94 and Taijuan Walker's ERA is a 9.16. If this team wants to be consider a serious contender in the National League, the rotation has to be fixed sooner, rather than later.
With a "D-" grading, it makes complete sense. This team is not at the tipping point of failure, but they are flirting with it.
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 19: Harry Kane of Bayern Muenchen celebrates as he scores the goal 4:1 during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on April 19, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Initial reactions and Observations
BAYERN MUNICH ARE CHAMPIONS OF THE BUNDESLIGA FOR 2025/26
Stuttgart kept it up and made sure Bayern weren’t going to get away with the win that easily.
The team looked mostly solid, but putting the starters on was an eyebrow raiser for sure.
That’s all, everyone! Bayern are German champions for the second season running, and they’re not done yet. They play Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal in midweek then Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals of the Champions League. Be sure to join us for those!
90+4’ — FULL TIME! BAYERN MUNICH ARE CHAMPIONS OF THE BUNDESLIGA FOR THE 2025/26 SEASON!!!!
90+2’ — Urbig makes another save. Then another one shortly after.
90’ — Much like the first half, three minutes added on.
88’ — Bayern concede again. But they’re out of reach now surely.
85’ — Josip Stanišić makes way for Deniz Ofli.
80’ — Josip Stanišić fumbles his shot but it goes off a Stuttgart player and behind for a corner.
76’ — Bara Sapoko Ndiaye replaces Raphael Guerreiro.
73’ — Olise’s finesse off the corner was cleared off the line. Another corner kick.
72’ — Olise’s freekick is deflected out for a corner kick.
70’ — Urbig saves a 1v1 shot from close range!
62’ — Konrad Laimer replaces Alphonso Davies.
52’ — TOR! Harry Kane immediately makes his presence known by tapping the ball into the net after Stuttgart make a mess of the corner.
48’ — Olise crosses the ball and Jeff Chabot nearly sliced it into his own goal.
46’ — The second half has begun!
Halftime Substitutions:
Bayern: Harry Kane (IN)/Jamal Musiala (OUT) , Michael Olise (IN)/Luis Díaz (OUT)
Stuttgart: Luca Jaquez (IN)/Finn Jeltsch (OUT)
Halftime Observations
Bayern started a bit sloppy but as usual when they went behind, they responded brilliantly. Evident in the second leg match against Real Madrid.
Props to Stuttgart for actually trying to attack Bayern, even succeeding in scoring a goal.
Jackson, despite his goal, is still a headscratcher with his decisions in attack.
Musiala and Davies are slowly getting back to their best.
45+4’ — Halftime!
45+3’ — Díaz goes again. Still no goal.
45+1’ — Musiala tries to force the ball in at the near post but he could only shoot at the side netting.
45’ — Three minutes added on.
44’ — Díaz shoots and the ball goes behind for a corner again.
40’ — Davies goes forward again, but Nübel is there to collect the ball after Davies’ heavy touch.
37’ — TOR! Díaz does well inside the box and Alphonso Davies shoots, which takes a deflection off a defender and over Nübel! Bayern is now 3-1 up!
33’ — TOR! Bayern break down the right this time, and Díaz crosses it across to Jackson who makes no mistake and scores Bayern’s second goal! According to Derek Rae, 95 seconds eclipsed between Guerreiro’s and Jackson’s goals.
31’ — TOR! Musiala runs down the left and crosses it for Guerreiro who knocks the ball home.
28’ — Jamal Musiala tries to curl one in but his shot deflects behind for a corner.
23’ — Joshua Kimmich tries his luck from distance but his shot misses the mark.
21’ — Bayern go behind. Raphael Guerreiro lost his man.
16’ — Jackson wastes a good scoring opportunity for Bayern.
13’ — Bayern get several chances but the ball is cleared away each time.
12’ — Stuttgart shoot from distance but Jonas Urbig saves comfortably.
10’ — Kim Min-jae’s header off a corner is saved by Nübel.
6’ — Luis Díaz is one on one with Alexander Nübel but he blazes his shot high.
5’ — Stuttgart go on the attack but they fumble their chance.
1’ — Jackson get’s an early chance but he’s flagged for offside
Kickoff! — Let’s get this done!
Lineups are out! Bayern appears to be lining up with a semi-rotated team for Stuttgart.
Bayern Munich is inching ever closer to winning a second Bundesliga title in a row when they take on Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena. The Bavarians had just kicked Real Madrid out of the Champions League, which set up a reunion with current Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain. The first leg is set for the end of the month.
Bayern heads into this match on 76 points, while Borussia Dortmund is on 64. If Bayern wins and Dortmund loses, Bayern are champions because the gap between the two teams would theoretically be 15 points (79 to 64). Yes, there are five matches left and if Bayern were to lose each one of them, their sheer goal difference (+78 to +31 before kickoff) is unlikely to be overhauled. Dortmund would need to win each remaining game by at least nine goals.
If Dortmund avoids defeat (which would put them at 65 points for a draw or on 67 points for a win), then all Bayern needs to do is to match the result of Die Schwarzgelben in their match against Freiburg. Basically, the gap between the two teams must be more than the maximum number of points that can be taken from the remaining matchdays.
Update: Dortmund lost 2-1 to Hoffenheim, which means at least a draw will be enough for Bayern to win the Meisterschale.
Match Info
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Date: Saturday, 19 April 2026
Time: 5:30 PM Local time | 11:30 AM EST | 8:30 AM PST
Bayern wins 3-1 with goals from Nicolas Jackson, Luis Díaz, and Jamal Musiala.
It’s Bayern time.
While waiting for the match, do consider listening to the latest episode of Bavarian Podcast Works (more on that below) or you may read the selected reads below:
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Real American Freestyle (RAF) continues to make waves in the combat sports space, this time with the signing of a current UFC champion.
Just three weeks prior to his UFC 328 title defense against Sean Strickland, middleweight titleholder Khamzat Chimaev has inked a deal with RAF for a future appearance on the wrestling mat.
RAF announced the news during Saturday's RAF 08 event in Philadelphia, playing a video package teasing Chimaev's future debut, which does not have a date or location announced at this time.
— Real American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) April 19, 2026
Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) will make his debut sometime in the aftermath of his May 9 grudge match with Strickland (30-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC), which takes place at Prudential Centre in Newark, N.J. (Paramount+).
RAF has utilized a number of UFC standouts for its events, from Arman Tsarukyan to Colby Covington to Aljamain Sterling and many more. This is the first signing of an active UFC champion, however, and some wondered how that would go over with the UFC brass.
UFC CEO Dana White was asked about the Chimaev's signing, as well as other UFC fighters, competing for RAF. He appeared to have no problem with any of it.
"Good for them," White said at Saturday's UFC Fight Night 273 post-event news conference in Canada. "I hope it works out for them."
After a 13-8 loss to the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday night, the Washington Huskies have now lost four straight games and seven of their last eight after clawing their way back to .500 on the year.
In what has become a familiar sight in most of the recent losses, coach Eddie Smith's team fell behind early and was unable to recover. First baseman Randy Seymour was the catalyst for the Spartans, going 3-for-6 with 5 runs batted in and a pair of runs scored behind a two-run home run in the first inning, and a three-run blast in the second.
Michigan State racked up 15 hits in the contest off Washington's pitching staff, but Casen Taggart tried to keep the Huskies in a game with a three-run homer in the second inning to cut the lead to 6-4. However, by the time designated hitter Khamaree Thomas hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning, the Spartans were in full control with a 13-5 lead.
Despite a strong day from left fielder Jackson Hotchkiss, who went 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored, including his 12th home run of the year, the Huskies were unable to claw their way back into the game.
Jackson Thomas took the loss for the Huskies, after he was able to make it through just 2 innings of work, letting up 6 runs on 7 hits with 2 strikeouts along the way as he dropped to 1-4 on the year. Gunnar Nichols and Jaxson Gore didn't fare much better in relief, as the pair surrendered 7 runs on 7 hits over the next 3 innings.
Starter Aidan Donovan earned the win for the Spartans, his third of the year, after giving up 6 runs on 10 hits with a walk and 3 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.
The Huskies dropped to 16-22 with the loss and 7-10 in Big Ten play, and they'll look to avoid being swept on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. PT.
Former Wisconsin basketball guard Daniel Freitag committed to Oregon State on Saturday.
Freitag reentered the transfer portal earlier this month after one season at Buffalo. The former top high school recruit excelled with the Bulls, averaging 33.2 minutes, 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. That season followed one year at Wisconsin, during which Freitag appeared in 14 games and tallied two points, four rebounds and three assists.
247Sports' transfer rankings reflect the former Badger's resurgent sophomore season. The service lists him as a four-star recruit and ranks him as the No. 141 overall transfer and No. 28 point guard.
Freitag is set to join an Oregon State program that went 17-16 in 2025-26. The Beavers, who recently joined the West Coast Conference after the Pac-12 broke up, are looking for their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021.
Buffalo transfer guard Daniel Freitag has committed to Oregon State, he told @On3. ⁰⁰The 6-2 sophomore averaged 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Another big time get for Justin Joyner. https://t.co/P2CLLLO2iqpic.twitter.com/TqZiwtRskN
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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 04: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell (7) falls into the stands after he robbed his third home run of the game in the 9th inning of the MLB game between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels on April 4, 2026 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Mariners have dug themselves a hole.
The Mariners have played 22 games this year, or about 13.5% of the 2026 season. They are 9-13 and in fourth place in the AL West. They’ve had losing streaks of four games and five games and haven’t looked particularly competent against anybody but the free-falling Astros. It’s a less than ideal start for a team that was considered the favorites in the American League on Opening Day.
Where do things stand?
The Mariners are still the favorites to win the AL West, but they’ve lost about 14% from their division odds, according to FanGraphs. The Rangers, in turn, have added about 14% to their odds to win the division, after starting 11-10. Most of that movement is the Rangers three-game sweep of the Mariners in Arlington last week. The ongoing series this weekend is tied 1-1 ahead of Sunday’s rubber match. It’s suddenly a massive game for the Mariners, in the scenario where the two teams are tied 5 1/2 months from now.
The projections are still quite bullish on the Mariners overall. They hold the second best World Series odds in the American League and the fourth best odds in the majors. They haven’t really bottomed-out or experienced any major injuries to deter the projections. They also aren’t alone in their slow start: the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Phillies and Mets have each started out several games below .500 despite strong projections. This is just kind of how it goes. Even great teams tend to play poorly at some point each season.
But as Dan Szymborski recently pointed out for FanGraphs, teams can play themselves out of the postseason with a bad April. With fairly even competition in the American League this year, a few extra losses early puts pressure on an outsized win streak later in the year. To some extent, the Mariners have used up one of their allowable skids right out of the gate. I wouldn’t say they’re far behind, but they are indeed behind.
The good news? The Mariners aren’t necessarily playing too bad. Their offense has been middle of the pack with a 96 wRC+, and their pitching has been elite, leading the league in FIP and WAR. This certainly isn’t their top gear, but Base Runs estimates the Mariners record at 12-10. They’ve been “unlucky,” in other words.
What the heck are Base Runs? You’re likely familiar with run differential, which gives us a clue about a team’s quality by looking at how many more (or less) runs they score than their opponents. Base Runs takes this a step further and estimates a team’s quality based on their performance in individual at bats. One way to think about it is five doubles in an inning and five doubles scattered across a game provide the same amount of information on a team’s true talent, according to Base Runs. It turns out this works quite well, and Base Runs is one of the essential metrics for, “Is my team playing good or bad?”
Right now, the Mariners are playing OK. They’ve bested their opponents by Base Runs in most games this year, including a few they ultimately lost. Plus, Base Runs is agnostic on Jo Adell’s Big Night — there’s a very real world where the Mainers are 13-9 right now.
Of course, by “very real world,” I mean no such thing. The Mariners really did lose those games, and they really do have to make up that ground. And there are legitimate reasons for concern. The lineup has struggled, though it’s more complicated than that. The Mariners leadoff and 5-9 hitters have posted a 122 wRC+ — third best in the majors. But their 2-4 hitters have posted a a league-worst 53 wRC+. That’s pretty much the difference between the Mariners and their potential so far. Those spots have been occupied by Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor, a trio that was projected among the best in the majors. You could look at this one of two ways: 1) these guys are pretty much locks to wind up well above average, and surely their best days are ahead of them, or 2) they’re wasting a narrow window of everything else going right.
The other notable hangup isn’t unexpected. The Mariners defense is just plain bad. I mean, it’s “too early to say anything definitive about 2026,” but they were really bad last year, so I expect as much. I am encouraged by Cole Young’s new range, but that seems to be offset by Brendan Donovan playing out of position (and maybe hurt).
That’s all to say:
The Mariners were supposed to be good and they’re still supposed to be good
The Mariners have played OK and better than their record indicates
They haven’t bottomed out but the pressure is on
I’ll check in on these figures again at the 40-game mark in three weeks.
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 05: Seydou Dembele of Mali celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup match between Mali and New Zealand at Aspire Academy on November 05, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Chris Ricco - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images
Barcelona are being tipped to land another Malian wonderkid and win the race for highly-rated youngster Seydou Dembele.
A new ‘exclusive’ from Africa Foot, states that Dembele had been expected to join Chelsea but is now heading to Barcelona instead to sign a contract.
Dembele impressed at the Under 17 World Cup in Qatar for Mali, scoring two goals and grabbing four assists for the team at the tournament.
The teenager is known for his dribbling ability, vision and eye for goal.
Diarra had then been expected to go on the first-team’s pre-season tour in the summer but missed out due to injury. However, Diarra remains highly regarded and it’s hoped that he could make the breakthrough at some point in the future.
Scottie Scheffler has been the number one golfer in the world for 153 consecutive weeks now.
Scheffler has dominated the sport over the past few years and has 20 PGA Tour wins to his name since February 2022, including four major championships.
Harman has had plenty of success himself throughout his career, with four PGA Tour wins under his belt including his famous triumph at The Open Championship in 2023.
Brian Harman is a gritty competitor but it goes without saying that he is not on the same level as Scottie Scheffler.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
That’s no disrespect to Harman, 99.9 per cent of PGA Tour players aren’t in the same league as the 29-year-old world number one either.
What Brian Harman thinks of Scottie Scheffler as a golfer
Harman fired a third-round 63 to vault himself back into contention at the RBC Heritage on Saturday.
Scheffler posted a score of 64 and is sitting one shot ahead of Harman heading into the final round, but three behind the leader, Matt Fitzpatrick.
Harman made a guest appearance in the Sky Sports commentary booth after his third round, and responded when asked what he thinks of Scheffler as a golfer.
“I’ll tell you what he doesn’t get enough credit for,” Harman said.
Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images
“It’s inside of 100 yards.
“He sure does hit it to tap-in range a lot.
“And his short game is so good. You know, you play with him, and he just kind of pars you to death for a while, and then all of a sudden, you know, he gets on a little bit of a run, and he’s winning the golf tournament.”
Scheffler has done exactly what Harman said this week on Hilton Head Island. After a slow and steady start, he now sits second on the leaderboard heading into the final round at Harbour Town Golf Links on Sunday.
Scottie Scheffler’s superpower is his consistency
Scheffler’s remarkable consistency is what makes him so good.
He hasn’t finished outside the top 25 in any tournament since August 2024!
And this week at the RBC Heritage marks Scheffler’s 72nd cut in a row – only another 73 to go to beat Tiger Woods’ long-standing record!
He always limits his mistakes and plays an incredibly patient brand of golf.
Then when he catches fire, he usually takes full advantage.
Scheffler will be chasing his 21st PGA Tour win in four years on Sunday at the RBC Heritage and that in itself is genuinely incredible.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 1, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
If the latest mock draft roundup is any indication, just about everyone thinks the Detroit Lions will go offensive tackle with their first-round pick on Sunday. As a reminder, of the 72 mock drafts that Erik Schlitt looked at over the past week, 70 of them had the Lions selecting an offensive lineman. Take away the three that slotted guard Vega Ioane to the Lions, and that’s 67-of-72—or 93%—who expect Detroit to take a tackle.
Whether a tackle will be the best player on the board at 17 overall is debatable—and truly unknowable—right now. However, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has said time and time again that they do not prioritize positions in the draft. They take who they deem is the best player. Whether that’s actually true or not is up for debate, too, but Holmes’ has made it clear that’s the company line.
“I’ve always said the reason why we always go (for) the ‘best player available’ approach is because there is only one draft, and the roster’s going to change every single year,” Holmes said this past week. “Every single year it’s going to be new needs, contracts are going to expire, things are going to happen. So, what may not seem as an immediate, ‘I need this right now or this year,’ that might not be the case for the next year. So, that’s what’s been our approach on that. But you know, there’s times where you might—it lines up.”
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Do you agree with Holmes’ pure ‘best player available’ approach?
My answer: There are obvious exceptions, but I do actually believe this remains the best draft strategy no matter where the team is in their roster health. The obvious exceptions are drafting a quarterback when you don’t need one, and—for a team like the Lions right now—drafting a running back high when you already have an RB1.
Otherwise, I think it’s a sound strategy. As Holmes outlined, needs can change in a hurry and are very much year-to-year. There is no greater example that the Lions’ safety room from 2025 to 2026. Last year after Kerby Joseph signed his extension, it looked like the Lions’ were headed for a decade of top-tier safety play with Joseph and Brian Branch holding down the fort. Then, Joseph missed most of the 2025 season with a concerning knee issue and Branch suffered a torn Achilles that will likely impact his 2026 availability.
Beyond that, if you just target the best players the draft has to offer, things tend to have a way of working out. Good NFL coaching can adapt to have a surplus of talent at a specific position, whether that means adopting new personnel packages, finding creative ways to getting your best players on the field, or splitting the workload in a way that maximized efficiency.
Don’t get me wrong, when the Lions are as close as they are, the temptation to add “the final piece” is there. But I find the idea of a final piece more fantasy than fact. There are a million different things that can influence whether a team wins a Super Bowl or not, and relying upon a rookie to get you over the top is a pretty foolish approach.
All that said, do I still want the Lions to draft an offensive tackle early in this year’s draft? Yeah, absolutely. It’s a short and long-term need, and I think there should be a talented player or two at the position with Pick 17. But if Holmes doesn’t feel the same about the talent available there, I would have no problem with him pivoting.
What are your thoughts on best player available? Is it too strict of a strategy? Does your draft strategy have to change at different points of roster talent? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
BERLIN, GERMANY - APRIL 29: Roy Makaay of Bayern Munich showers his team mates Owen Hargreaves and Bixente Lizarazou with beer after winning the DFB German Cup final between Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Olympic Stadium on April 29, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) | Bongarts/Getty Images
Thanks to another Borussia Dortmund collapse (this time, a 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim), Bayern Munich only needs one point to clinch the Bundesliga title when it takes the pitch against VfB Stuttgart.
If the Bavarians get that point, there will not be a celebration per Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia):
Bayern are not planning any big celebrations should they secure the title today. The traditional beer showers and trophy handover will only take place after the final matchday against Köln. Today, the players will only wear special shirts celebrating the title and then have a quick meal with family and friends afterwards. The focus will immediately shift to Wednesday’s DFB Pokal semifinal against Leverkusen, as everyone at the club is determined to reach the first final since 2020.
BFW Commentary
Bayern Munich has had a different mentality this season than in some years past. In many ways, winning the Bundesliga is not representative of finishing the job, but finishing one part of the project. With the DFB-Pokal and Champions League still in play, that mindset could come in handy.
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…
One of the biggest names behind the UFC broadcast has been keeping an eye on wrestling’s newest promotion.
Real American Freestyle made its debut last year and hasn’t looked back. Their eighth event is set for Saturday night in Philadelphia.
The card, like others this year, features a number of big names from the MMA world. And one of them has caught Joe Rogan’s attention with his undefeated start to the season.
Teddy Ash, who holds a 16-8 record in MMA, also competes under Unified MMA and holds a grappling win over Michael Bisping at a recent Karate Combat event. In RAF, he is undefeated through three matches this year, all ending with stoppages. He continues that run despite suffering losses in LFA and PFL last year.
Ash also challenged Josh Neer at Ares FC 18 in February but lost by submission (kimura). Speaking about Ash on his podcast, Rogan noted.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Joe Rogan Impressed By Arman Tsarukyan’s RAF Performances
Before Merab Dvalishvili steps into the cage for a rematch against Henry Cejudo, who he fought at UFC 298, the co-main event will see Arman Tsarukyan making his fourth appearance with the promotion.
The lightweight has kept busy on the wrestling and grappling circuits while waiting to find out when he’ll be back in action for the UFC.
Tsarukyan recently picked up his third straight win in RAF with another victory over Georgio Poullas and will look to keep that streak alive against Urijah Faber on April 18.
And one person who’s already taken notice is Rogan, who singled out Tsarukyan as the standout performer under the Real American Freestyle banner so far.
“Dude, the guy that I’m most impressed with in that (RAF) is Arman,” Rogan said on his JRE MMA Show.
“I can’t believe how good he is as a wrestler. Who’s the guy he tech fall’d? Lance. Bro, Lance Palmer is a legit wrestler. Bro, Arman is legit.”
“Even Georgio, you watch those videos he does… Arman is a f—ing bad man, dude. He is a bad man,” Rogan added. “If you want a fight for Ilia (Topuria) at 155 (pounds), that’s a very interesting fight.”
Tsarukyan has stayed active since missing out on an immediate title shot following his win over Dan Hooker last November.
The Kansas City Royals (7-14) will try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees (12-9). The Royals have lost six consecutive games, including a 13-4 decision to the Yankees on Saturday. Starting pitchers are Cole Ragans for Kansas Cityvand Ryan Weathers for New York.
How to watch Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees
Merseyside derby injury forces Liverpool to debut third goalkeeper 🧤
Following Everton's equalizer after the break on Sunday, Liverpool's bad luck has doubled.
Second-choice goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretchered off after suffering an injury during a collision for Beto's tying goal.
Such a scene has forced the Reds into a unique substitution.
Freddie Woodman, who has never played in the Premier League for Liverpool before, is now between the sticks.
What a moment this is for the 29-year-old, regardless of how this result turns out at full-time.
With Alisson already injured and Mamardashvili's injury appearing serious, manager Arne Slot will hope the debutant can find his confidence. He may play for the remainder of the campaign.
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, highlighting his evolution as both a batter and a leader over the past two years. Ashwin believes Iyer is steadily growing into a captain whom players trust and look up to, crediting his leadership style and consistent performances with the bat as key factors behind Punjab’s success.
Iyer’s leadership journey gained prominence last season when he guided PBKS to their first IPL final in 11 years. His standout knock of an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 not only underlined his batting class but also showcased his ability to deliver under pressure. The win marked PBKS’ first-ever successful 200-plus chase against Mumbai in IPL history.
This season, Iyer has carried that momentum forward. With four wins in five matches (along with one washout), Punjab Kings currently sit atop the IPL 2026 points table.
Creating a ‘Brotherhood’ Culture
Ashwin pointed out that Iyer’s biggest strength as a captain lies in the environment he has created within the team.
"Just the comfort that he is creating around the team, to say, we will have a brotherly conversation. It's a brotherhood here. At the end of the day, I have played in teams where there is always that layer that you can't... You are just not able to go up to the captain or the coach and say, 'I will deliver this for you'. And it's happened,'' Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut programme.
"Just the fact that he has kept it simple like how it is being done in your gully or in your tennis-ball game back home, where we do this all the time with our captain or with our friend. That atmosphere is amazing. And I think the way he is batting, he is growing into the role of a leader that the players are looking up to, which is a lethal combination," Ashwin added.
Iyer’s excellent batting form has further strengthened his captaincy. The right-hander has scored 203 runs in five matches this season at a blistering strike rate of 187.96, including scores of 50, 69* and 66 in his last three innings.
According to Ashwin, Iyer’s presence at the crease is now intimidating bowlers.
"His sheer presence (at the crease) is terrifying the bowlers in many ways. And how has he done that? His appetite to be able to upskill himself is sensational. I've played cricket for quite an amount of time. I've interacted with a lot of cricketers, not many have the appetite to be able to leave what they're good at and explore areas where they're weak. You would have seen a lot of careers pan out where people have not worked on their weaknesses at all," he concluded.
Freshman Braylon Mullins nailed the biggest shot in UConn Huskiesmen’s basketball history during this year’s NCAA Tournament.
With the Huskies trailing the Duke Blue Devils 72-70 and the clock ticking down, Mullins intercepted a deflected pass near mid-court. He passed to Alex Karaban, who sent the ball right back to Mullins.
The Indiana native fired up a 35-foot shot from next to the March Madness logo. It swished through the net with 0.4 seconds left to give UConn an improbable 73-72 win and a berth in the Final Four.
On Saturday, April 18, Mullins made a decision on his future that may result in more magic for the Huskies.
According to On3 college basketball reporter Joe Tipton, Mullins will return to UConn for his sophomore campaign.
The 6-foot-6 Mullins started 29 of the 33 games he played, averaging 12 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He connected on 33.5 percent of his 3-point attempts.
UConn finished 34-6 after falling in the national title game to the Michigan Wolverines. Led by head coach Dan Hurley, the Huskies won national titles in 2023 and 2024.
Meanwhile, the ESPN NBA draft big board ranked Mullins as the 17th-best prospect for the 2026 draft.
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning 3-pointer against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
“Teams will be eager to see more of him on the ball in predraft workouts as they assess what else he can bring offensively beyond his gravity as a shooter,” ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote before Saturday’s announcement. “There’s also a real opportunity to go higher in the 2027 draft, which is currently lighter on top-end talent, if he returns to what would presumably be a heavily featured role for the Huskies.”
Finally, UConn got more good news on Saturday. Former Duke guard Nikolas Khamenia committed to the Huskies out of the transfer portal. The 6-foot-8 Khamenia played 38 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 5.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1 assist. His role increased late in the season after Duke suffered injuries to Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II.
Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as Pep Guardiola's side have given themselves a wonderful opportunity to win the Premier League title.
Rayan Cherki's magical goal gave City an early lead but just moments later Gianluigi Donnarumma's howler saw the ball fly off Kai Havertz to give Arsenal a gift an equalizer.
City huffed and puffed in the second half and they finally broke through as Erling Haaland finished clinically moments after Donnarumma had denied Havertz on the counter.
Arsenal pushed hard for what would have been a big equalizer late on but Gabriel's header hit the post and Havertz headed a glorious chance over late on.
With the win City move on to 67 points for the season, three points behind leaders Arsenal. But crucially City have a game in hand against Burnley on Wednesday which if they win they go to the top of the table with five games of the season to go.
Manchester City vs Arsenal score: 2-1
Cherki 16', Haaland 65'; Havertz 18'
Manchester City vs Arsenal live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Havertz heads over!
Trossard whips in a brilliant cross and Havertz sends his header inches over. He should score. What a chance!
Seven minutes of stoppage time remaining
The board goes up and there are seven extra minutes. Arsenal are pressing high.
Gabriel has lost the plot and is lucky to be on
Gabriel fouls Haaland and he then squares up to the latter as they put their heads together. Gabriel seems to nudge his head towards Haaland and a yellow card is dished out to both. Gabriel is lucky there. That probably should have been a red card.
Gabriel hits the post!
A free kick to the back post finds Gabriel and his header hits O'Reilly and comes off the post as City somehow scramble it clear.
Haaland puts City ahead!
Doku beats his man on the left and plays the ball in to O'Reilly who tries to find Rodri. He can't finish but Haaland is behind him to put it home. City's fans, players and Guardiola go absolutely bonkers. Man City 2-1 up with just over 20 minutes left to play.
THIS IS HAALAND'S HOUSE. ️ The Etihad ROARS with Erling Haaland's strike for the Man City lead. pic.twitter.com/y12n6X92iJ
Arsenal are buoyed by that counter and they come forward again through Eberechi Eze. He works the ball onto his left foot and his brilliant low effort curls past Donnarumma but spanks the post and comes back out. So close to a second for Arsenal. What a final 30 minutes we have coming up here.
Donnarumma comes up big to deny Havertz!
Guehi is caught on the ball and Arsenal break rapidly. Eze to Odegaard to Havertz and he's in, but Donnarumma denies him at the near post. Big save. Arsenal cough up a great chance to go ahead on the counter.
Semenyo almost gets in, then Doku denied
Poor first touch from Semenyo as he looked to be in on goal. Raya slipped too. Moments later City win the ball back high but Doku's shot is straight at Raya.
Haaland hits the post after a corner causes chaos!
Bright start to the second half from City. A corner isn't cleared properly and Khusanov's shot is blocked. The ball drops to Haaland and he looks certain to score, but the ball hits the outside of the post. He looks upset with himself. He has to hit the target there.
Martinelli on for Madueke at half time
Sub at the break for Arsenal as Gabriel Martinelli is on for Noni Madueke. Eze has gone to the left wing and Martinelli is on the right.
Half time thoughts — Brilliant game with City just edging it
This was a stunning first 45 minutes. So many great individual moments and the intensity was so high. Cherki the standout player and his stunning goal should have settled City down, but Donnarumma's howler just 107 seconds after Cherki's goal gifted Arsenal an equalizer. City have created more and look dangerous, but Arsenal will be very happy with the scoreline.
Hinacpie blocks Semenyo’s shot, then Silva’s corner almost flies in
Cherki with a great run and pass to Semenyo and his drilled shot is blocked bravely by Hincapie. City pushing to go ahead before half time. A corner from Bernardo Silva is cleared off the line by Arsenal but the ref blew his whistle for a foul on Mosquera.
Haaland and Gabriel scrapping on the floor
This is an intense, high-quality game and every single player is out there scrapping for every single yard on the pitch. Gabriel and Haaland are on the floor and scrapping to get up. It is a proper heavyweight clash.
City are clicking through the gears
The hosts are starting to pick gaps in Arsenal's press and Haaland plays in Bernardo Silva but Arsenal clear for a corner.
Things have settled Haaland overhits a pass to Semenyo
Erling Haaland is in through the middle but he overhits his pass to Semenyo, who was clean through, and a huge chance goes begging for City.
A howler from Donnarumma and Arsenal are level!
What is going on!? A throw in from Nunes back to Donnarumma sees the City goalkeeper take too long on the ball and his clearance smashes the foot of Kai Havertz and loops up and goes into the far corner. It's 1-1! Guardiola looks stunned. Arsenal can't believe their luck. What a start to this game.
AN ABSOLUTE HOWLER FROM DONNARUMMA.
Gianluigi Donnarumma takes too long on the ball and Kai Havertz deflects his clearance into the net! pic.twitter.com/vssGLW2uTC
That is sensational from Rayan Cherki! After being found on the edge of the box by Antoine Semenyo, the French magician dances past three challenges with this left foot and then shifts the ball onto his right foot and slots the ball in off the far post. What a goal. City deserve it after their start.
COME ON, CITY. ️ Rayan Cherki makes an EARLY statement in a crucial match for the title race. pic.twitter.com/o8xcBjsNd7
City are struggling to get into their rhythm now as Arsenal are pressing high up the pitch. The Gunners are pushing very high and taking risks, and it looks like City didn't expect it.
City hit the post through Cherki!
David Raya gives the ball away cheaply as Arsenal overplay, and it causes chaos. Jeremy Doku gets in down the left and his cross is flicked towards goal by Erling Haaland, then the ball drops to Rayan Cherki. His rebound takes a deflection off the arm of Gabriel and sends Raya the wrong way but hits the inside of the post and then goes straight back to Raya who gratefully claims it. City want a penalty kick but VAR checks and Gabriel's arm was in a natural position. Wow. What a start.
HOW HAS THIS STAYED OUT?!
Rayan Cherki's shot deflects off the post before falling into the grateful hands of David Raya. pic.twitter.com/i4wNWywtEV
Ruben Dias is out but Nico O'Reilly is fit to play which is a big boost. City have a very settled team with Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi forming a great partnership at center back. Veterans Rodri and Bernardo Silva are key in midfield with their ability to win, keep the ball and dictate the tempo of the game vital to feeding the front four. That quartet have been sublime with Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku causing havoc and then there's Erling Haaland up top who looks hungry to deliver in the big moment and will relish the scrap with Arsenal's physical center backs.
Arsenal team news, focus
Bukayo Saka is out injured who is a huge blow as he's been sorely missed in recent games. Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori are injury doubts too, while Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are definitely out. All of that means that Cristhian Mosquera is likely to start at right back with Piero Hincapie at left back. The trio of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze will start in midfield and the latter could provide the key to getting Arsenal away on the counter and keeping hold of the ball. Leandro Trossard could start on the right if teenager Max Dowman isn't handed the spot on the right if Saka and Madueke aren't fit to go, while Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz will start up top and Gabriel Martinelli will likely be on the left for his defensive abilities.
Manchester City vs Arsenal preview
Pep Guardiola's City have been surging in recent weeks as they beat Arsenal in the League Cup final, are nine Premier League games unbeaten and are now six points behind league leaders Arsenal heading into this game and have a game in hand at Burnley on Wednesday. Soon City could be level on points and even ahead of Arsenal on goal difference as Guardiola's side have hit their best form of the season at the perfect time. Just like they usually do. They won 3-0 at Chelsea last weekend and it could have been more as Guardiola has a settled, confident team and his front four is flowing magnificently. City are usually exceptional in April and May and that trend has continued.
Arsenal can feel City's breath on their neck and Mikel Arteta’s side lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth last weekend and are looking to avoid back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time since December 2023. Arsenal look nervous and have run out of steam as they've won just one of their last five games in all competitions. They have reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals where they will face Atletico Madrid over two legs but that will further stretch their injury-hit squad and impact their title race over the next few weeks. They will surely play for a draw at City and hope for the best from set pieces and counters at the other end.
Manchester City vs Arsenal prediction
This is going to be an intriguing tactical clash and City will dominate from the start with Arsenal trying to be stodgy and hit them on the counter. But in-form City will have too much for Arsenal and will take a huge step towards going top of the table soon. Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal.
How to watch Manchester City vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time Kick off time:11:30am ET Sunday (April 19)
Hoffenheim boss optimistic about Kramarić extension
As reported by Bild, TSG Hoffenheim and Andrej Kramarić are moving closer to an agreement over an extension of the striker’s contract beyond the summer.
“The discussions are going well and in the right direction. We want Andrej to be here next season as well," Schicker told the German tabloid, adding that he's hopeful of “being able to make an announcement soon.”
Kramarić, who has spent more than 10 years at Hoffenheim, reaffirmed his strong connection to the Bundesliga club.
“I only know that I have already written a beautiful story here. I am happy and feel very comfortable here," said the 34-year-old, who added that the final decision ultimately lies with the club's management.
Kramarić provided another strong reminder of his value on Saturday, scoring twice from the penalty spot to earn the Sinsheim-based side a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.
DOUBLES — Cadence Daniels and Cassidy Daniels, Glacier def. Flora Alt and Liz Aakre 6-1, 6-1; Miley Fritz and Reid Sanders, Glacier def. Tia Lyons and Breyana Washington 6-2, 6-0; Quinn Berkram and Amelia Bender, Glacier def. Brooklyn Houghton and Liliana Corbett 6-0, 6-0; Avery Bender and Parker Speer, Glacier def. Payton Campbell and Bella Rodriguez 6-1, 6-0.
Glacier boys 7, Great Falls 1
SINGLES — Seth Woldtvedt, Great Falls def. Weston Heller 6-1, 6-3; Ty Rogers, Glacier def. Jayce Riggins 6-4, 6-7 (5), 1-0 (4); Ty Sherrill and Brandtly Kelsey, Glacier win via default.
DOUBLES — Colton Mantovani and Ethan Ronngren, Glacier def. Carson Derr and Breadon Sturges 6-4, 6-2; Josh Klippenstein and Axel Rauscher, Glacier def. Dillon Derr and Max Hale 6-4, 6-4; Isaac Weaks and Conner Salmonsen, Glacier def. Israel Swanson and Jaricho Jay 6-1, 6-3; Will Danielson and Zephir Heller, Glacier def. James Charles and Ben Palmer 6-2, 6-1.
DOUBLES — Eli Crist and Howard Daniel, CMR def. Kippenstein and Rauscher 6-1, 6-0; Conner Sherman and Nick Stomach, CMR def. Weaks and Salmonsen; Lawrence Hoven and Kale Waldenberg, CMR def. Kelsey and Sherrill 6-2, 6-1; Danielson and Z.Heller, Glacier def. Jack Pinski and Blake Katz 6-3, 7-6 (7).
CMR boys 8, Flathead 0
SINGLES — Daniel, CMR def. Rowen Alexander 6-1, 6-4; Batungbacal, CMR def. Badge Busse 6-0, 6-0; Davidson, CMR def. Storm Lister 6-0, 6-0; O’Leary, CMR def. Joel Jones 7-5, 6-4.
DOUBLES — Crist and Daniel, CMR def. Kolbe Gherkiere and Sunny Miller 6-0, 6-0; Sherman and Stimac, CMR def. Alex Miller and Ole Bridge 6-1, 6-0; Waldenburg and Horen, CMR def. Logan Allery and Oliver Eklund 6-2, 6-1; Pinski and Katz, CMR def. Brooks Munday and Daniel Bessen 6-2, 6-2.
DOUBLES — Weymouth and Habel, CMR def. Nina Paris and Sienna Blanchard 6-0, 6-1; Engel and Wasilewski, CMR def. Courtney Preble and Camilla Olmsted 6-0, 6-3; Riphenburg and Hansen, CMR def. Marianna Gadja and Urszula Gadja 6-1, 6-0; McRady and Legg, CMR def. Kayla Hansen and Ashlyn Sykes 6-1, 6-1.
Great Falls girls 6, Flathead 2
SINGLES — Woods, Great Falls def. Goff 6-4, 6-7, 10-8; Bailey, Flathead def. Ward6-3, 6-1; Moore, Great Falls def. Schallenberger 6-1, 6-1; Fitzpatrick, Great Falls def. Glewwe 6-3, 3-6, 10-8.
DOUBLES — Alt and Aakre, Great Falls def. Paris and Blanchard 7-5, 7-6, 12-10; Preble and Olmsted, Flathead def. 1-6, 7-5, 10-7; Houghton and Corbett, Great Falls def. Gadja and Gadja 6-0, 6-1; Campbell and Rodriguez, Great Falls def. Hansen and Sykes 6-2, 5-7, 10-7.
DOUBLES — Derr and Sturges, Great Falls def. Gherkiere and A.Miller 6-3, 6-1; D.Derr and Hale, Great Falls def. S.Miller and Bridge 6-0, 6-3; Swanson and Jay, Great Falls def. Allery and Eklund 6-0, 6-1; Charles and Plamer, Great Falls def. Bessen and Munday 6-2, 6-4.
WHITEFISH — Not the home opener the Bulldogs hoped for, but the rebound the Wolfpack needed.
Max Weber hit a crucial two-run double as Glacier defeated Whitefish 5-3 in high school baseball Saturday at Smith Fields.
The win comes a day after Glacier suffered its first loss of the season, a 15-0 defeat to Missoula Sentinel.
“We responded exactly how I asked them to respond,” Glacier coach Erik Brink said. “That speaks volumes. I hate to say that games are a big deal when you lose them, but I think (Friday) night may have done something for us.”
Glacier broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth as Teagan Dixon singled on a bunt. Ryne Gillette scored from second as the throw to first ended up in the dirt.
From there Beau Schulz took over.
Schulz put in four strong innings of relief on the mound, allowing just one run on three hits — all coming in the seventh.
“It’s always a good day when I am on the bump,” Schulz said. “My defense was there, they played really well.
“You have to keep your composure, even if you walk a guy you just have to focus on the next batter, focus on each pitch.”
Glacier added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh as Weber’s single to right field capitalized on a pair of walks that started the inning.
Whitefish had its chances in the bottom of the seventh.
Reed Boyer and Carter Godsey opened the frame with singles. With two outs, Reyd Hobart singled to drive home Boyer and put runners on the corners for Drew Queen.
Schulz got Queen to ground to second for a game-ending fielder’s choice.
Whitefish held a 2-1 lead in the third after a Tait Orme double to left that scored Luke Dalen.
Glacier responded with a safety squeeze from Ethan Kim that scored Brady Buckmaster to tie the game in the fourth.
“We have taken advantage of (aggressive baserunning) just because we are starting to get the timing down,” Brink said. “They are starting to get good jumps, starting to get good reads.”
Glacier now prepares for the first Crosstown matchup of the season against Flathead at ABS Park Tuesday with first pitch set for 5 p.m.
Whitefish teammates celebrate with Luke Dalen (10) after Dalen scored on Tait Orme's RBI double in the third inning against Glacier at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Glacier pitcher Brady Lewellen (27) delivers in the first inning against Whitefish at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Whitefish's Tait Orme (9) connects on an RBI double in the third inning against Glacier at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Glacier shortstop Kyler Croft (11) fields a ground ball against Whitefish at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Whitefish centerfielder Luke Dalen (10) makes a leaping catch on a line drive against Glacier at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Whitefish's Luke Dalen (10) steals second base as Glacier second baseman Beau Schulz (7) awaits the throw at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Whitefish pitcher Logan Stewart (23) delivers in the first inning against Glacier at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Glacier third baseman Max Weber (10) fields a ground ball against Whitefish at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Whitefish third baseman Tait Orme (9) throws to first base after fielding a ground ball against Whitefish at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Glacier's Ryne Gillette (13) connects on a double in the fifth inning against Whitefish at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Whitefish's Finn Ryan (34) celebrates with Luke Dalen (10) after Dalen scored on an RBI double by Tait Orme in the third inning against Glacier at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Glacier third baseman Max Weber (10) throws to first base in a game against Whitefish at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Whitefish pitcher Reed Boyer (22) delivers against Glacier at Smith Fields on Saturday, April 18. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 03: International film and television star and the world’s most famous amphibian, Kermit the Frog performs for “A Capitol Fourth,” live from Washington, DC, airing Sunday on PBS July 04, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Capital Concerts) | Getty Images for Capital Concert
Hey everyone, here’s your open thread for Sunday!
MMA ADJACENT
The internet is wild.
TOTALLY OFF TOPIC
There’s another Godzilla movie coming out.
GAME TIME
A music quiz, today.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Last night’s action: Adam looks at UFC Winnipeg — FULL STORY
Burns: Alexander discusses the career of Durinho — FULL STORY
Jits: Anton is covering the ADCC West Coast Trials — FULL STORY
LSU baseball hoped to bounce back after dropping Game 1 to Texas A&M, but LSU fell short again on Saturday, losing 7-2 and dropping the series in the process. William Schmidt got the start and the Aggies offense remained hot. A&M didn’t have any issues seeing Schmidt’s pitches as they chased him from the game after 5.1 innings. He gave up seven runs on seven hits, striking out four and issuing four walks.
Another SEC series has gone down the drain as LSU has now lost four out of its six conference series. LSU will get a chance to try and avoid the sweep on Sunday before taking on New Orleans on Tuesday. Next week, LSU heads to Starkville to face Mississippi State.
Here are three takeaways from LSU baseball's loss to Texas A&M on Saturday.
For the second night in a row, Steven Milam hit a solo homer to put LSU on the board. Unfortunately, he was only one of five total hits against the Aggies. The Tigers struggled to hit the ball in Game Two.
Bullpen did not allow a run
Three up, three down & a pair of Ks for @Marcos_Paz5
The bullpen performed well for the Tigers tonight. The bullpen combined to pitch 3.2 innings and did not give up any runs on three hits, four strikeouts, and one walk. All of the runs allowed came against William Schmidt.
LSU has now lost four out of six SEC series this season. It has been a cacophony of errors that has led us here. Injuries, errors, walks, and bad hitting at times have put LSU in a bad situation this season. Jay Johnson said it was his fault that the team was underperforming, but that is a hard pill to swallow.
The build toward WrestleMania 42 has been a sloppy, occasionally desperate and nonsensical mess. But underneath the chaos of last-second celebrity involvement and the general malaise beyond it is a two-night extravaganza for which some of the world's most talented wrestlers have saved their best.
WrestleMania won't have to be too crazy to exceed expectations after a frustrating run-up. Fortunately for fans looking to escape streaming personalities or hastily injected talk show hosts, the second night of the event is better aligned for pure wrestling, er, sports entertainment. Roman Reigns gets the chance to end another season at the top of the federation. Trick Williams awaits a minor coronation. Jade Cargill will have the chance she can be more than just an incredible look in the ring.
So who's fighting on night two in Las Vegas? We don't know the exact order yet, but we know who'll be performing and have a rough idea what the lineup will look like, starting with a match that allows Brock Lesnar to leave the arena before anyone else.
1. Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
2. Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams for the WWE United States Championship
3. Penta (c) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio in a ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
4. Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
5. Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women's Championship
6. CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship
How to watch WrestleMania 42 night 2
The first two matches will be on ESPN. Then? You can stream the rest on ESPN's streaming service.
Longtime Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball head coach Greg Gard has once again put together a team that should thrive from long range.
After adding Miami (OH) wing Eian Elmer, the Badgers' projected starting lineup includes five players who all have tremendous three-point percentages.
Currently, Wisconsin is looking at a lineup that includes Owen Foxwell, Trey Autry, Eian Elmer, Austin Rapp, and Nolan Winter.
CBS Sports National College Basketball Writer Isaac Trotter highlighted just how good those five have been from distance. Last year, all five attempted at least three three-pointers per game, with George Washington transfer Autry leading the way at 6.4 attempts.
Autry's 38% from distance is the second best out of this starting rotation. The only player he trails is Elmer, who shot 43% on 4.9 attempts a season ago. Wisconsin's incoming freshman point guard, Foxwell, shot 35% on 3.8 attempts.
Badger fans are no strangers to Rapp or Winter, and it's not like either has been afraid to throw up a three-pointer. In the 2025-26 season, Rapp shot 36% on 5.3 attempts per game while Winter was 33% on 3.1 attempts.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. This will be Game 1 of the Round 1 NBA playoff series between the two squads.
Like the last two years, the Thunder enjoyed a week off. That's what happens when you're the first seed. They waited around for the play-in tournament to finish to figure out who grabbed the eighth seed. As usual, there were four possibilities.
Meanwhile, the Suns grabbed a playoff spot with a 111-96 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday. Jalen Green erupted for 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting. He shot 8-of-14 from 3. Devin Booker had 20 points and eight assists.
The Thunder are fully good to go. Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) is out.
Meanwhile, the Suns could be without a couple of key pieces. Mark Williams (foot soreness) is questionable. Grayson Allen (hamstring strain) is questionable.
Tipoff from Oklahoma City is set for 2:30 p.m. CT.
The Oregon Ducks continue to have an embarrassment of riches at tight end. From Terrance Ferguson to Kenyon Sadiq, and now to Jamari Johnson, the Ducks once again think they have the best hybrid receiver along the line of scrimmage in college football.
Although his confidence and energy are tremendous, Johnson might not agree with that title yet. The redshirt junior tight end had a minimal impact at Louisville before popping in the second half of the season for the Ducks. He finished with 32 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns for the Ducks, nearly matching Sadiq in yardage (560) with nearly 20 fewer receptions (51).
“I feel like I got something to prove," Johnson said in his first media availability after Oregon's second scrimmage of the spring. "You know, for me personally, I feel like I haven't really done anything in college football. So I feel like this year is that year for me to show everybody what I'm about.”
Johnson might be underselling himself a bit. In the College Football Playoff, he turned into a security blanket for Dante Moore, making nine catches and scoring two touchdowns in the Ducks' three games against James Madison, Texas Tech and Indiana.
The Ducks welcomed Penn State transfer Andrew Olesh and true freshman Kendre Harrison to the tight end room this spring, as well as Markus Dixon, who transferred to Eugene in the offseason and is making the full-time switch back to tight end after playing defensive end at Clemson.
After earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention last season, Johnson is the lone returning contributor at tight end for the Ducks. It's a role he's ready for, and one that Dan Lanning has seen first-hand this spring. Still, there is some pressure not only to coach the newest Ducks on the pond, but to replace the biggest one of all in Sadiq, who is expected to become a first-round pick in the NFL Draft in less than a week.
“Obviously, with Kenyon leaving, somebody has to step up and be a leader in the room," Johnson said. "Me being one of the older guys, it just happens to be me, and I just accepted that role. And I kind of like it, getting these young guys going, getting them in the playbook, and just getting them used to college football. So it's been fun.”
There are plenty of mouths to feed in the Oregon offense, but Johnson's big frame and ability to get open and run through defenders could make him one of the most important targets for Moore. While many NFL scouts were watching Sadiq, some said that Johnson stood out as potentially the better overall player.
Johnson is expected to be on the NFL Draft radar this fall, but his focus remains in Eugene. Not only to help the Ducks win a national championship, but to perfect his craft and prove to himself that he's worthy of such lofty praise.
“I wouldn't say I'm not ready for the NFL," Johnson said. "That's pretty much what I'm getting at. I have a lot of stuff to work on. Footwork and hand placement, blocking in the run game, and raw details getting to the right depth, just touching up everything I can. So when I get to the NFL, there's none of those problems, those little problems. It's just the big problems I have to fix.”
Johnson turned down the NFL in the offseason to make his mark on college football. The Ducks have built a reputation for developing tight ends in recent years, which means the best days could still be ahead for the 6-foot-5 star. Johnson will get to turn loose next Saturday in the team's spring game, teasing what could be in store for the Ducks in the fall.
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.
Sean Payton made several changes to the Denver Broncos' coaching staff this offseason.
The notable changes include Davis Webb replacing fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, Ronald Curry replacing fired wide receivers coach Keary Colbert, and Robert Livingston essentially replacing defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard, who left to become defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills.
Payton was asked about the new arrivals while speaking at the NFL's annual league meeting in Arizona last month.
“We have a handful of [new] guys, and that’s part of the deal," Payton said. "Robert, obviously locally, coming right from Colorado. [We have] a lot of background with him, Vance [Joseph] certainly and a number of us on the staff, if we didn’t know him, we knew others that worked with him.
"Then Ronald Curry, of course, who played at North Carolina, was a two-sport athlete. It’s pretty amazing. He was good… He was great at basketball. He was one of these guys that… Slam dunk champion. I’ve had Ronald. He’s a fantastic coach. He became available after, and right away, we had a chance to bring him in. You guys will love him. Then there are a handful of other coaches that are filling in spots, either guys have been promoted or guys have had opportunities elsewhere. So that’s part of the deal.”
Before serving as CU's defensive coordinator from 2024-2025, Livingston worked with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2012-2023, overlapping with Joseph from 2014-2015. Curry is a former NFL wide receiver who coached under Payton with the New Orleans Saints from 2016-2021. So while they are new additions to the staff, the Broncos are already very familiar with both coaches.
After reaching the AFC Championship last season, Payton and Co. will resume their Super Bowl aspirations in 2026.
Bell is a 6-foot-9, 346-pound offensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft class. The Mississippi native helped Miami reach the national championship game last season in a losing effort to Indiana. Following his senior year at Miami, Bell declared for the draft. He was one of 319 prospects invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Bell was also one of the top prospects evaluated at Miami’s highly anticipated pro day this year.
The 21-year-old Bell has exceptional footwork and mobility for his size. Bell ran the 40-yard dash in 5.36 seconds at the combine. As for his performance in 2025 for Miami, Bell did not allow a sack on the year. He also allowed only nine total pressures last season.
The Patriots’ offensive line has room for more talent. New England has expressed confidence in Will Campbell as their starting left tackle despite his lackluster performance in the Super Bowl at the end of last season. Alijah Vera-Tucker’s presence in New England creates a paradigm shift on the offensive line. Jared Wilson is set to man the center position, with Vera-Tucker slated to play left guard next season.
Bell is not projected to be a first-round pick in this year’s draft. However, the Patriots will likely have the chance to select him as early as Day 2 of the draft, if he satisfies what the Patriots desire in an offensive lineman for the foreseeable future.
Internacional and Mirassol face off this Sunday (19) at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre.
The match, valid for the 12th round of the Brazilian Championship, will be broadcast live on the Premiere channel.
Colorado sits in 14th place (13 points) and is defending a five-match unbeaten run, coming off a draw in the Gre-Nal.
The big challenge for Paulo Pezzolano’s team is to break its poor run at Beira-Rio, as it is tied for the worst home record in the championship.
Meanwhile, the São Paulo side is stuck at the bottom of the Brasileirão table (6 points) and comes into the match on a run of six straight defeats in the competition, in addition to a recent setback in the Libertadores.
The focus now is to begin an immediate recovery to escape the relegation zone.
Absences
Inter will have problems in defense: Mercado and Bernabei are suspended, forcing Victor Gabriel into central defense and Bruno Gomes to fill in at left-back.
On Mirassol’s side, head coach Rafael Guanaes and midfielder Eduardo are serving suspensions after a commotion in the last round; the team will be led by assistant coach Ivan Baitello.
The team will have the return of starters who were rested midweek, but it lost forward Negueba due to a serious injury.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 04: Felice Herrig leaves her gloves in the center of the Octagon after announcing her retirement during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Zuffa LLC
HIGHLIGHTS
A former UFC title challenger left his gloves on the canvas Saturday night after a brutal finish in Canada.
One of the welterweight division's most entertaining fighters admitted before the fight he didn't want to be "that guy" — and kept his word.
His exit hands a rising contender one of the biggest wins of his career and shifts the division’s balance of power.
Gilbert Burns called it a career on Saturday night in Winnipeg. Burns, a former UFC title challenger, took a rough TKO loss to Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Winnipeg. After the fight, Burns called it a career in an emotional post-fight speech surrounded by his family.
Burns has lost five fights in a row and the last two defeats have come by way of nasty finish.
How Did Gilbert Burns' Career End?
When you take a look at the way Cub Swanson and Michael Chiesa's careers ended earlier this year and compare it to the way Burns' career has ended, it is easy to see that the former two had the much happier send-offs.
Burns had a solid run, but he probably should have called it a career two fights ago. Malott dropped him with a right hand in Round 3 and finished him with ground-and-pound at 2:08, prompting Burns to tell the crowd "I think that's it… I've had a great career" before leaving his gloves on the canvas in the traditional retirement gesture.
He entered UFC Winnipeg on a four-fight losing streak against top-10 opposition, having dropped bouts to Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, Sean Brady, and Michael Morales.
What Made Gilbert Burns Special?
In his prime, Burns had a combination of dangerous striking and elite jiu-jitsu. As he aged, his skills seemed to dull and the losses started to rack up. Burns turns 40 in July and his decision to walk away was a wise one.
At his peak, he ran through names like Tyron Woodley, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, and Demian Maia on his way to a welterweight title shot against Kamaru Usman — a career arc that cemented him as one of the most legitimate contenders the division has produced.
He was rarely in a boring fight, and that walk-forward, trade-big-shots style made him a fan favorite at both lightweight and welterweight throughout his 30-fight UFC career.
What's Next After Burns' Retirement?
Burns has done podcast work with Renato Moicano on the Show Me the Money podcast. I'd expect that to continue. On the other side of the main event, Malott's back-to-back wins over Kevin Holland and Burns put him firmly in the ranked welterweight conversation — anything short of a top-10 opponent next would be a disservice to what he's built.
The welterweight division loses one of its most familiar faces, but Saturday night in Winnipeg made clear it has a worthy successor ready to fill that space.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
LSU gymnastics held a lead heading into the final rotation of Saturday's national championship but ultimately fell short. Oklahoma claimed its second-straight title with a 198.1625 final score and the Tigers came in second at 198.0750.
Kailin Chio scored a perfect 10 on vault during the second rotation and Konnor McClain hit 9.95 on bars during the third rotation, getting LSU into first place with a 49.6125 total score. The Sooners went into the final rotation in second.
The Tigers ended the afternoon on beam. A fall by Lexi Zeiss put them behind and the Sooners capitalized. Faith Torrez scored a 9.95 on floor to seal the victory for Oklahoma. LSU finished with a 49.475 on beam.
Chio finished second to Oklahoma's Lily Pederson in the all-around. The sophomore posted a 39.7 and took home the vault title. McClain clinched shares of bars and beam titles.
The first Tiger in school HISTORY to score a perfect 10 on vault at the NCAA Championships.
LSU performed the best on bars to take a brief lead heading into the final rotation. The Tigers scored a 49.6125, led by McClain's 9.95, thanks to four scores of 9.9 or higher.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 18: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets looks on after scoring during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets fell to the Cubs 4-2 to drop their tenth straight. Mark Vientos got Mets on the board early with a towering solo homer off Jameson Taillon in the second, but the lead was short lived, as Freddy Peralta yielded a monster shot of his own to Ian Happ in the bottom of the inning. The score stayed knotted at one run apiece until the sixth when Peralta issued two consecutive two-out walks and then Brooks Raley came in to face Moisés Ballesteros. The Cubs pinch hit Carson Kelly for Ballesteros and Kelly hit a three-run homer on the first pitch he saw from Raley and that ended up being the difference in the game.
Jorge Polanco was placed on the injured list prior to yesterday’s game with a right wrist contusion. Catcher Hayden Senger was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Polanco on the active roster.
Jay Jaffe of Fangraphs takes a look at elements that stand out about the Mets’ collective slump and tries to explain exactly what is going on with the offense.
The Braves bested the Phillies 3-1 behind a dominant performance from Chris Sale. Atlanta improves to an NL East best 14-7, while the Phillies fall to 8-12.
More bad news for the Phillies: J.T. Realmuto was removed from the game yesterday due to lower back tightness.
Better news for the Phillies: Zack Wheeler will make one more rehab start on Sunday and then rejoin the Phillies’ rotation next weekend in Atlanta.
The Phillies made some roster moves yesterday, placing closer Jhoan Duran on the injured list with an oblique strain. Righty Seth Johnson was recalled to replace Duran on the roster. The Phillies also optioned Otto Kemp to Triple-A and called up Felix Reyes, who homered in his first career at-bat to plate the Phillies’ only run in yesterday’s contest.
Given Taijuan Walker’s struggles in Philadelphia and the Braves’ hit rate with marginal players, Battery Power wonders what would happen if the Phillies decided to part ways with Walker and the Braves picked him up to bolster their injury-riddled pitching staff.
The Nationals fell to the Giants 7-6 in twelve innings yesterday in DC. The Giants bullpen bent but did not break in extras and Matt Chapman provided the go-ahead RBI knock for San Francisco.
Nationals outfielder James Wood tweaked his offseason routine in the weight room and it is yielding results in this early season.
The Nationals optioned reliever Paxton Schultz to Triple-A Rochester yesterday.
The Marlins lost as well, defeated 5-2 at the hands of the Brewers in Miami. Brice Turang drove in three of the Brewers’ five runs and Brandon Woodruff earned the victory for seven strong innings of work.
One positive for the Marlins is that Kyle Stowers, who had been sidelined with a hamstring strain to start the season, will be activated from the injured list and make his season debut today.
Around Major League Baseball
Former Met José Buttó had surgery on Friday to repair an axillary artery in his upper right arm that had been causing him arm fatigue. He will need approximately 5-6 months of rehab before returning to pitch for the Giants.
The Dodgers lost to the Rockies 4-3 yesterday, but Shohei Ohtani extended his on-base streak to 50 games, tying him for the third-longest such streak in franchise history.
Every team—yes, even the Mets—has at least one early-season development they can hang their hat on. MLB.com’s beat writers run through them for each team. For the Mets, it’s the continued dominance of Nolan McLean.
The Diamondbacks signed infielder Andrew Velazquez to a minor league deal. They also activated Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who is back from a long rehab from a torn ACL, from the injured list yesterday. Luken Baker was designated for assignment to make room for Gurriel on the roster.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
On a new episode of Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World Series, Brian Salvatore and Chris McShane tried to stay optimistic in the face of the Mets’ worst losing streak in two decades.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 2005, the Mets hit a whopping seven home runs against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. If the 2005 Mets can do that, maybe today is the day the 2026 Mets can break out of their slump. Please?
The Boston Celtics have built their teams in a number of ways over the decades, but few if any methods have born more fruit than through the NBA draft. The best players to suit up for the Celtics have, by and large, come to Boston either through being taken directly in the annual event, or via trades made that night.
And it is not just the top stars who have been picked up by the Celtics via the draft. Countless members of the storied ball club's alumni have been taken by the team, and some schools are better represented than others. We can see blue blood programs and some very small schools both delivering top talent to Boston's rosters over the years, so we decided to take a look at which players came from which schools overall.
So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Celtics out of BYU.
Joe Weight - position unknown
Draft year and position: ninth round (first pick, 63rd overall), 1949 BAA Draft
Seasons at BYU: two
Seasons played with Celtics: did not make the team
Danny Ainge - guard
Draft year and position: second round (eighth pick, 31st overall), 1981 NBA Draft
Seasons at BYU: four
Seasons played with Celtics: eight (and two titles)
Greg Kite - center
Draft year and position: first round (21st pick, 21st overall), 1983 NBA Draft
Seasons at BYU: four
Seasons played with Celtics: five (and two titles)
Michael Smith - forward
Draft year and position: first round (13th pick, 13th overall), 1989 NBA Draft
Seasons at BYU: four
Seasons played with Celtics: two
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
It was another year at Wembley Stadium for the Sidemen charity match [Sidemen]
A sold-out Wembley Stadium watched the Sidemen FC charity match on Saturday, which raised £6.2 million – and provided plenty of memorable moments.
The YouTube Allstars beat Sidemen FC in a penalty shootout, following a 10-10 draw at full-time.
It was the seventh edition of the exhibition and this year saw the teams mixed up with members of the Sidemen playing for both sides.
The Sidemen - a seven-strong group that includes content creators, musicians and boxer KSI - have more than 140 million YouTube subscribers between them.
Organisers say the money will go to Bright Side and M7 Education - charities linked to the group.
They added over two million watched the livestream on YouTube, less than last year, though it was the highest amount of money ever raised.
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Sidemen's Ethan Payne feels the event is popular because it's "so not serious".
So from Tinie Tempah's half-time show to a burning yellow card, here are some of the best, "not serious" bits.
Actual magic
Fire on the pitch by Max Fosh [Sidemen YouTube Livestream]
Producing "magic on the pitch" is a phrase often used by commentators to describe the very best footballers.
Last year, YouTuber Max Fosh was given a yellow card, which he then shredded.
This year when he was booked, the 31-year-old wowed the 90,000 crowd by turning referee Mark Clattenburg's card into flames - a trick he's still yet to explain.
Magic.
A half-time show Written In The Stars
Tinie Tempah provided some nostalgic hits during his half-time show [Sidemen]
Whether it's the Super Bowl or the World Cup final this summer, a big sporting event and a half-time show tend to go hand in hand.
After AJ Tracey and KSI in 2025, this year was the turn of Tinie Tempah.
Walking from the dressing room to the pitch, the 37-year-old performed some of his biggest hits including Written In The Stars and Pass Out.
While the performance was a hit with some of the older fans in attendance, not everyone knew the songs, with one fan writing on social media: "My little brother watching the Sidemen match and not knowing who Tinie Tempah is…"
Sunglasses on the pitch?
Niko channelled his inner Matheus Cunha [Sidemen YouTube Livestream]
Scoring a goal at Wembley and not having a memorable celebration isn't really an option if you're a content creator.
Angry Ginge, real name Morgan Burtwhistle, copied a man who scored at Wembley plenty of times.
The I'm A Celebrity winner brought out his inner Wayne Rooney - and not just with his header to open the scoring for the YouTube Allstars.
He recreated Rooney's boxing celebration, which the legendary striker did against Tottenham Hotspur in 2015.
Not to be left behind, Niko Omilana from the Sidemen team scored a volley and then performed the "surf celebration" made popular by Manchester United's Matheus Cunha.
It included the signature tiny shades.
Cunha scored the winner against Chelsea later in the day and performed the same celebration - without the shades.
Managers under pressure
Victory for the YouTube Allstars [Sidemen]
Managers normally prepare their players to be at their best in a high-pressure shootout.
But just picture Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola or Arne Slot adding to the stress of their jobs and stepping up for their team.
Well, keen to show leadership by example, the first ones to step up in this charity match were the bosses.
Calfreezy, whose real name is Callum Leighton Airey, from the Allstars and Jack Joseph of the Sidemen.
Calfreezy showed his team how it's done, smashing his penalty into the net, while Jack Joseph hit the bar - which set the tone for his team as they lost 4-1.
Cue big celebrations.
Could this be the last one?
The seven members of the Sidemen - Olajide 'JJ' Olatunji (KSI), Simon Minter (Miniminter), Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa), Tobit 'Tobi' Brown (TBJZL), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), Vikram Singh Barn (Vikkstar123), and Harry Lewis (W2S) - have had billions of views globally.
But the group don't see fan pressure as a negative with Ethan saying "it's good to live up to that expectation".
"Because we do something great every year and it's what motivated us to keep doing it," he says.
Vik adds: "Pressure is nice because it makes diamonds."
Some fans have also been wondering if this might be the last Sidemen charity match - with all that it takes to organise it.
"We built this all ourselves," Vik says.
"We all started off as kids with an ambition and a hobby and this shows how far we can go.
"There will be more matches. That's for sure," he says.
[BBC]
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.
CM Punk enters his second straight WrestleMania main event. (Credit: Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE via Getty Images
WWE WrestleMania 42 is halfway done after an underwhelming and disappointing Saturday night that featured the return of Paige and a confusing main event between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. But WWE is only halfway home.
Although WrestleMania Saturday featured big title wins for popular stars like Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan, it has been widely panned for its short match lengths, strange booking and overload of commercials. WWE will be looking to rebound on Sunday with a memorable night inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Among the biggest attractions for WrestleMania Sunday are CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship and a clash of two titans in Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi.
WrestleMania Saturday fell far short of expectations, not because of the performers’ themselves but due to the pacing and booking of the show. But now, all eyes fall on WrestleMania Sunday as WWE attempts to clean up its self-induced mess from the lackluster Night One.
WWE WrestleMania 42 will feature four championship matches on Sunday. Here are the confirmed matches (in random order):
World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi
Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh vs. Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Rey Mysterio
Below are some key notes and tidbits for Sunday’s WrestleMania 42 PLE:
Asuka vs. Iyo Sky was reportedly once set for WrestleMania 42, but instead, it looks like that match will take place at Backlash instead.
Lesnar vs. Femi will kick off the action as the first hour airs on ESPN, with the idea being that it will get a lot of eyeballs on a big match.
Reigns has headlined every WrestleMania since WrestleMania 37, even doing so twice at WrestleMania 40. This will be his 11th WrestleMania main event, the most all-time.
Ripley has dominated WrestleMania in similar fashion. This will be her seventh consecutive title match at WrestleMania, with all but one of those bouts being for world titles.
Williams and Zayn are rumored for a potential double turn, with Williams turning face and Zayn going heel.
Lesnar reportedly could retire later in 2026, meaning this may be his final WrestleMania match.
Balor has not won a WrestleMania match since Wrestlemania 36.
WWE WrestleMania 42 Predictions For Sunday
World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) Vs. Roman Reigns
When Reigns battles Punk in Sunday’s main event, it will be one of the most unpredictable matches at WrestleMania 42.
While Punk has been a tremendous World Heavyweight Champion, it would be a surprise to see Reigns lose his third straight WrestleMania match. What’s more, Reigns appears to potentially be on the verge of rejoining forces with The Usos as the original Bloodline, which could play out in his favor.
What’s likely is that either Reigns gets helps from the Usos to win the world title, or one of the Usos betrays him to help Punk. It’s a slight lean to the former but could easily go either way. In today’s WWE, its main event finishes are often overbooked, and that should hold true here as well.
Prediction: Reigns
WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) Vs. Rhea Ripley
The WWE Women’s title rivalry between Cargill and Ripley has been one of the most disappointing feuds in route to WrestleMania 42.
Ripley and Cargill simply don’t have great chemistry while Cargill’s new stable along with Michin and B-Fab feels like a midcard level act. Although Cargill vs. Ripley may be surprisingly good at WrestleMania 42 itself, Cargill has really underwhelmed as champion as a character and talker.
Of course, Ripley is arguably WWE’s most pushed women’s star, and though Cargill could benefit from a win over “The Eradicator,” the women’s world title picture would be better off with the wildly popular Ripley as champion.
Prediction: Ripley
United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) Vs. Trick Williams
Zayn vs. Williams has been one of WWE’s most underrated WrestleMania 42 rivalries, and the story is simple: Zayn is on his way down while Williams is on his way up.
The outcome of this match at WrestleMania 42 should be simple, too, and that’s Williams winning the United States Championship for his first title win on the main roster. Williams has quickly become one of WWE’s most popular stars, but it’s unlikely that he enters the main event scene so quickly after his main roster debut.
A US title win at WrestleMania would be a great stepping stone to bigger and better things to come for Williams, and WWE is likely going to go all in on a reported double turn for both stars as the crowd continues to boo the once beloved Zayn.
Prediction: Williams
Brock Lesnar Vs. Oba Femi
Sometimes in pro wrestling, the simplest story is also the best story. Exhibit A: Lesnar vs. Femi.
It’s not as if WWE has created some sort of jaw-droppingly original feud between these two behemoths. It’s just that WWE fans have completely bought into anything and everything the two giants have done in their handful of interactions on Raw.
This is a story of Goliath vs. Goliath, and the Goliath who’s 20-plus years younger should win at WWE WrestleMania 42.
Prediction: Femi
“Demon” Finn Balor Vs. Dominik Mysterio
WWE seems to be slowly but surely dismantling The Judgment Day, and Mysterio vs. Balor at WrestleMania 42 should take another step in that direction.
Balor is already in full-blown babyface mode after being exiled by his former faction, which has lost a lot of star power over the past couple of years. The most sensible booking move at WrestleMania 42 is for Balor to get his revenge on Mysterio, pick up the win and create more cracks in the stable’s foundation.
The Judgment Day already has plenty of those cracks, and at WrestleMania 42, Balor will add a few more.
Prediction: Balor
Ladder Match For The Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) Vs. Rusev Vs. JD McDonagh Vs. Dragon Lee Vs. Je’Von Evans Vs. Rey Mysterio
There is really no story in the Intercontinental title ladder match. It’s essentially WWE’s waying of giving fans a spot-filled car crash on a card that will be more storyline-driven.
That’s all fine and dandy, too. The ladder match should be a ton of fun, and there’s a case to be made for virtually every star in the match winning it. Penta could very well leave WrestleMania still the champion while Rusev could be reinvigorated with a win and someone like Dragon Lee has earned a potential title win, too.
This WrestleMania feels like a great time and place to focus on new talents. The newest in this match is Evans, who could leave WrestleMania with his first title win. But Penta’s done well as champion and should hold onto the title for a bit longer.
Prediction: Penta
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson is eager to join his Formula 1 rivals in contesting other racing championships, with Supercars being one series he’d “love” to try.
Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll are two drivers to have gone GT racing this year after growing frustrated with the 2026 F1 regulations, and Lawson was mooted for something similar.
Australian outlet MotorRacing 360 reported that the Kiwi had been approached by teams in Supercars to contest the forthcoming New Zealand-based rounds in Taupo and/or Christchurch.
This would have been possible due to F1’s enforced April break, but Lawson thinks entering Australasia’s premier touring car series is something for later in his career.
The 24-year-old told media including Motorsport: “I landed in New Zealand, and my phone was blown up with, like, ‘oh Liam, you're racing Supercars next week’ and I was like, ‘I didn't even know I was racing Supercars next week’.
“So, I don't really know how everybody else seems to know that I'm racing a supercar next week. But yeah, it was a very cool idea.
“It's obviously a series that I've grown up watching and I would love to do it at some point for sure. Obviously, when my life is not so focused on one thing, maybe, and I can actually put the time in to prepare for it would be cool. But yeah, obviously no real truth to that one.”
Supercars
Supercars
It would add to the various other championships Lawson has entered, having finished runner-up in both DTM (2021) and Super Formula (2023), plus winning the 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix.
When asked further if he’d like to try more racing outside of F1, he replied: “Definitely, I've done it in the past and loved it. I think always having that level of adaptability is good, I'm lucky that I've had the opportunity to do that since I was very young.
“Supercars, especially, is something I've grown up watching and I think the series is amazing. They do such a good job to keep the cars raw, they still have V8s naturally aspirated, they have sequential gearboxes which they're not going away from, they're not going towards paddle shifts and other things.
“They're managing everything themselves and I think that's just such a cool thing and the racing has been really, really good as well. So I like the series a lot, it's something I would love to do. I've driven the car a couple of times and just had a blast.
“But other series as well, I did DTM a few years ago and enjoyed it. Hated the way it ended,” referring to how he lost the title to Maximilian Gotz on the final day, “but I enjoyed the season through the year and getting to work with a different team in a very, very different series.
“[A driver can] be a bit more aggressive, throw some dive bombs, slam some doors, stuff like that, something we can't do too much in Formula 1. So it was good fun, I'm always trying to do stuff like that even if it's in different sports, I'm riding a dirt bike a lot as well and enjoying it.”
As the Celtics and 76ers prepare to add another chapter to their rivalry, one question is hanging over the first-round series: Will Joel Embiid be available for Philadelphia?
The former NBA MVP remains sidelined after he was diagnosed with appendicitis on April 9. He underwent emergency surgery in Houston before a road game against the Rockets, and he missed the final three games of the regular season as well as the 76ers' win over the Magic in the Play-In Tournament.
Here are the latest updates on Embiid's status.
Will Joel Embiid play vs. Celtics in 2026 NBA Playoffs?
Embiid is listed as out on the Sixers' official injury report (post appendectomy surgery recovery), so he will not play in Game 1 against the Celtics.
"I'm preparing for Sunday's game, and I know he's not playing in that one," 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. "So, that's all. We're just, like, zeroed in on trying to see, can we go in there and get ready to battle and fight and execute as best we can?"
While Philadelphia hasn't released a full recovery timeline, a report from ESPN's Shams Charania suggested that Embiid may be sidelined for multiple games.
"He's very much in the recovery phase of this," Charania said. "Once you recover, then you have to have a separate rehab part of the process as well. So, this is a serious issue that Joel Embiid had a week ago. He's still trying to recover."
Shams:
"Sixers are preparing for battle against the Celtics without Joel Embiid at least to start the series" pic.twitter.com/sdeTQ3Jskk
With Embiid out of the rotation, the 76ers will lean on the center duo of Andre Drummond and Adem Bona. In Philly's Play-In Tournament victory, Bona was part of the starting lineup, but he only played 16 minutes. Drummond made a huge impact off the bench, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in 31 minutes.
Jackie Robinson (#42) at Ebbits Field shortly after breaking baseball's color barrier. (Photo by Focus On Sport/Getty Images)
Focus on Sport via Getty Images
Seventy-nine years ago this past Wednesday, Jackie Robinson went out to first base at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn and became the first Black man to play major league baseball. These facts are well-known and well-trod. So, too, is the story that Branch Rickey told Robinson that they had to win with hitting, running, and fielding, and that he was looking for a ballplayer “with the guts not to fight back” against the racial abuse, taunts, and violence he would encounter. One need not be a baseball historian, or even a baseball fan, to appreciate and honor the legacy of Jack Roosevelt Robinson.
And yet, every year since 1997, on April 15th, in ballparks all across our great land, we do just that, with MLB’s official “Jackie Robinson Day.” Since 2004, players on every team wear Jackie’s #42 on the back of their jerseys, and they do so in Dodger blue. Pregame festivities include remembrances of the great Dodger and civil rights leader, and special care is taken to make sure that Jackie’s memory is not lost to any generation.
Citi Field has the same facade as the old Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Getty Images
There is no place where the celebration of Jackie is bigger or more heartfelt than at Dodger Stadium. While the Dodgers don’t always play at home on this particular day (as recently as 2014 they played in San Francisco), the schedule-makers do attempt to make that happen. And this year was a perfect alchemy, with Los Angeles playing the New York Mets, who play at CitiField in Queens, which has an entrance that is designed to evoke Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.
Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York.
Bettmann Archive
Prior to the game, both the Mets and the Dodgers gathered in the Centerfield Plaza, where a statue of Jackie Robinson is located, and listened to the words of Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. There is no one better to discuss the Negro Leagues and the history of the Black player in baseball. Kendrick reminded the assembled players that “the social advancement of America can be tied directly to Jackie’s breaking of baseball’s color barrier…that it wasn’t just a part of the Civil Rights Movement, but the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.”
Back in the ballpark, the players – and essentially all MLB players on this day – took batting practice sporting t-shirts and sweatshirts that read: “Breaking Barriers” with the years of Robinson’s career on either side of the logo.
Denzel Clarke of the Athletics wore a "Breaking Barriers" t-shirt prior to the start of the game against the Rangers on Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Once the players had completed their pre-game routines in Los Angeles, Sonya Pankey Robinson, Jackie and Rachel Robinson’s granddaughter, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Mookie Betts (himself a leading voice for increasing Black representation in baseball). Unfortunately, Rachel Robinson (age 103), who continues to be the guiding force for the Jackie Robinson Foundation that she established in 1973 shortly after her husband’s death, was not in attendance at Dodger Stadium Wednesday night.
The home team took the field wearing Brooklyn Dodgers hats, and proceeded to beat the visiting Mets by the score of 8-2. Shohei Ohtani continued his early-season dominance, throwing six innings, striking out ten, while allowing just two hits (both to MJ Melendez), and his first earned run of the season.
Prior to the game, José Mota, the son of Dodger legend Manny Mota, who broadcasts Dodger games for SportsNet LA, told Forbes.com that in 1948, his father, just ten year’s old at the time, first saw Robinson play. During spring training in the Dominican Republic, and Mota and some other boys climbed a mango tree to look inside the ballpark and watch baseball’s first “colored” player get ready for his sophomore season. That spring in the DR was special for Robinson, in that it was the first time that he stayed and swam in the same hotel as his teammates.
On Tuesday night, ESPN’s Buster Olney had a chance to speak with the older Mota, MLB’s all-time pinch-hit king, who told the reporter that Robinson was his hero.
On October 15, 1972, twenty-five years after his first appearance in a MLB game, the baseball establishment recognized the importance of the achievement, and Robinson gave a speech prior to Game 2 of the World Series in Cincinnati. He concluded his remarks that day with this famous line:
“I am extremely proud and pleased to be here this afternoon, but must admit that I am going to be tremendously more pleased and more proud when I look at that third-base coaching line one day and see a Black face managing in baseball. Thank you very much.”
Those words would carry even more import insofar as Robinson died of a massive heart attack just nine days later. Two and half years after Robinson said those words, on April 8, 1975, future Hall of Famer Frank Robinson managed his first game for Cleveland, breaking yet another color barrier. Rachel Robinson threw out the first pitch.
While today the Dodgers and MLB hold the icon in the highest regard, ‘twas not always thus. In fact, in 1969, barely a decade after he retired, Los Angeles issued his #42 to Ray Lamb, a 40th round draft pick. The right-handed pitcher made his MLB debut on August 1, 1969, and immediately gave up a double to Joe Torre. Lamb ultimately pitched three inning and gave up one run in what one might view as a righteous Dodger loss to St. Louis. The Dodgers retired Robinson’s #42 in 1972, followed by the rest of the league on the 50th anniversary – April 15, 1997.
The statue of Jackie Robinson that sits at the “front door” of Dodger Stadium has three different quotes attributed to the man:
“There’s not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.”
“I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
Statue of Jackie Robinson at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage)
WireImage
Today, the question of freedom still pervades our polity, and we know from history that many people did not like Jackie Robinson – the man or the player. But, the arc of time has allowed Robinson to accrue a level of respect rarely seen outside of world or religious leaders. The impact his achievements and triumphs had on the lives of others is unquestioned. And, the results of Jackie’s feats, performances, and words and deeds – those that were celebrated at Dodger Stadium and fourteen other ballparks Wednesday night – confirm for all time that Jackie Robinson lived an important life.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Joey Spallina of the Syracuse Orange is present during an NCAA men's lacrosse game at 1952 Stadium in Princeton, United States, on February 27, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Syracuse Orange came ready to party on Saturday evening in the JMA Dome.
It was their final regular season Dome game, Senior Day and Joey Spallina’s pursuit of history, and they were ready to celebrate all of it.
And while they did exactly that in their 14-7 win over the Colgate Raiders, it wasn’t without a fair share of party crashing from the evening’s guests.
Colgate brought their trademark frenetic style to the party and used it to play the role of aggressor for a good chunk of the night, especially in a first half when their 10-man ride caused four failed clears and 10 turnovers from the Orange.
It was a bit of a messy performance from ‘Cuse, who were perhaps having a little too much fun at their own party. There were the turnovers and clears, another wildly inconsistent night on face-offs, and a defensive performance that gave up a lot of open looks and was fortunate to not give up more given how many pipes the Raiders pinged.
To be honest, though, none of that matters all that much. Because, in the end, the night belonged to Joey Spallina and his senior classmates, who celebrated their big night in the most Syracuse lacrosse way possible: by flying high and electrifying the Dome with highlight-reel play after highlight-reel play.
The seniors made more of their day that any year in recent memory. Joey led the way with a big, seven-point performance on two goals and five assists as he ended up picking the perfect night to surpass Mike Powell’s program-record of 307 career points.
Michael Leo and Finn Thomson teamed up for a huge night of their own, with both scoring four goals and adding an assist for five points each. They balanced it perfectly, with Michael scoring all four of his goals in the first half and Finn tallying all of his in the second half. Luke Rhoa had a strong game, as well, finishing with three points on a goal and two key assists in the third quarter when the outcome of the game was still very much in doubt.
The defensive seniors were no slouches themselves, led by Jimmy McCool’s 10 saves and .588 save percentage. In front of him, Riley Figueiras had three caused turnovers and three ground balls, while Billy Dwan had two CTs and two GBs. (also, it’s probably important to keep in mind that Jimmy and Riley have a year of eligibility left even though they’re members of this senior class).
With ‘Cuse already possessing a 1-0 lead just a couple minutes in, Joey tied Mike Powell’s record with his first point of the day on an excellent bit of hustle on the ride. With the goalie out of the cage and the defenders trying to clear the ball, Joey got up in the grill of one of their poles, who tried to pass backwards out of it. But Joey’s effort was too much, as he picked off the pass and immediately deposited the ball in the empty net for the goal and his program-tying 307th career point. It was a very appropriate way to tie Mike, given that Joey’s spent his career giving as much hustle as possible to create turnovers on the ride. His latest CT helped him touch the points record.
A few minutes later, Leo made what was the first of a handful of highlight-reel plays when he caught a transition pass from Jayden Kittelberger right in front of the crease. With his back initially facing the goal and his body still moving across the front of the crease, Michael pump faked a backwards-facing shot between his legs before spinning around on the run and finishing high for a 3-0 lead that had some dirty flare to it.
Colgate would answer with back-to-back goals to bring it within one, but with three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Joey and Michael decided they’d had enough of waiting and connected on an appropriately spectacular goal that officially broke the record as Joey’s 308th point of his career.
After Bogue Hahn underhand flipped him the ball, Joey ran up from GLE on the right side and threw a bold BTB pass to Michael, who was running diagonally across the right side in the opposite direction. Michael received the pass and instantly threw an opposite-handed BTB shot in to beat the goalie and finish off the historic moment.
The goal was perfect in so many ways, acting as a literal manifestation of what makes Orange lacrosse unique. All in one, the goal showed off skill, precision, intelligence, feel, touch and an audacious cockiness to believe that you could pull off such an amazing sequence. That belief is what turned Syracuse lacrosse into the legendary program its been for decades, and it was the perfect program record-setter for the Gary Gait-coached, modern-day No. 22.
It was also pretty sweet that Joey got to execute the moment with roommate Michael Leo as his family watched on; a very cool moment that will live long in the memory and be replayed for years to come.
Actually, they enjoyed the moment so much, they thought they’d try something similar just a few minutes later. With just seconds left in the first quarter, a little role-reversal saw Michael operating from X and hitting Joey with a pass out in front of goal that he finished off with a beautiful BTB goal of his own.
Through one quarter, the Orange had a 5-2 lead and were flying on the back of three vintage ‘Cuse goals.
The early second quarter saw SU take a four-goal lead when Luke Rhoa finished off a dish from Finn Thomson with an absolute hammer from about 16-17 yards deep. Speaking of appropriate, it wouldn’t have been a proper Senior Day without Rhoa connecting on a deep blast.
After all that excitement, the Orange offense went quiet for much of the rest of the half while Colgate got a couple back to make it a 6-4 game with a little over five minutes left in the second. But a little over a minute later, Michael Leo scored his fourth goal of the game when he got his defender hung up, and then threw in a little pump fake to gain an advantage as he came up from X to give SU a 7-4 lead at the break.
After the Raiders made it 7-5 early in the third, the Orange started to take control with goals from Finn and fifth-year senior Greg Elijah-Brown on the man-up. Both goals were finish nicely on the back end of beautifully placed skip passes from Luke Rhoa, not usually a player known for his passing skills. But he put them on display in a crucial spot to help ‘Cuse regain a four-goal advantage midway through the third.
It became a five-goal advantage thanks to yet another special moment for Joey and the entire Spallina family. In a moment of transition, Jake Spallina ran the field and settled in the crease area for a potential attack. The moment became a reality when Joey hit Jake with a skip pass and Jake finished it off to give the Orange their biggest lead of the night at 10-5. It was an incredible moment between brothers on a night of celebrating not only the student-athletes, but also the families that helped get them to where they are today.
Even down by five late in the third, Colgate refused to give in to all the positive ‘Cuse vibes filling the JMA Dome on Senior Night. The Raiders scored two goals in 50 seconds to make it 10-7 and send the game to the fourth quarter with an air of doubt still lingering despite all the exciting moments for the home team.
The first five minutes of the fourth were very back-and-forth, but the final 10 minutes of the game left absolutely no doubt as to who would celebrate last on this night. The Orange scored all four goals in the final frame, which included Finn scoring a natural hat trick as well as Joey assisting three in a row after the first goal.
Joey did not assist the first goal of the quarter because that goal belonged to Finn Thomson. If Joey’s record-setting goal earlier in the night was the perfect distillation of the flare that he and the senior class have revived in the program during their time, then Finn’s first fourth quarter tally perfectly exemplified who he is as a player and the kind of impact he can make.
Finn, who clearly decided that nobody could tell him ‘no’ on his senior night, took a ridiculous 16 shots during this game, and none of them were more positively-ridiculous than this goal. It started with Finn scrapping for a loose ball and dragging it on the ground into his possession, something that he’s done so well over the years to help gain extra possessions. Finn’s known for his gorgeous and slick stick skills, but he is as active in the ground ball and hustle departments as any ‘Cuse offensive player, and this goal reflected that.
As soon as Finn scooped up the GB into his stick, he immediately unleashed an absurd, whip-like BTB shot from way over on the football hash-mark, a crazy finish that he slotted just inside the far pipe in an absolutely perfect display of Finn’s precision finishing.
The goal was so audaciously good, that Colgate goalie Andrew Lehrman dropped to his knees and brought his head down to the turf he was in such disbelief at what Finn had just slipped past him.
Finn also scored the next two, both of which were assisted by Joey, before Payton Anderson tallied the final goal of the night with Joey picking up his fifth and final helper in the process.
All in all, and for so many reasons, it was a special night in the Dome filled with lots of emotional and flashy plays that made for a thrilling atmosphere if not a beautifully played and executed game of lacrosse on ’Cuse’s part.
The bottom line is that SU is going to have to play a much tighter game next Saturday if they’re going to have any chance of beating the fortress that is the No. 1 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They rarely make mistakes, and they punish those that do.
But that’s next week’s problem. On this night in the Dome, the Syracuse Orange came to party, and they put on one heck of a blowout bash for their seniors.
Sep 27, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood (8) scores a touchdown after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
On her latest Making Monsters podcast, Taylor Doll is joined by Ryan Sylvia of Rocky Top Insider to chat about the Tennessee Volunteers’ prospects available in this draft. Several defensive players are mocked or linked to the Bears, including both corners Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood. They also discuss EDGE Joshua Jospehs and a couple of other Vols who look to be drafted next week.
But it’s the physical Hood (5’11 5/8″, 193 lbs), who seems to be on Bears’ fans’ minds of late.
The Vols weren’t expecting Hood, a redshirt sophomore who transferred from Colorado, to be as good as he was, but some injuries led to him having a bigger role in 2025, and he thrived when his number was called.
“Colton Hood went from someone where you’re just going to be a bridge guy,” Sylvia said, “We’re going to have you come in here and kind of hold things down at one of the corner spots till Jermod (McCoy) gets back, and be more of a rotational piece — to cornerback one. You have the toughest assignment, and you need to go out and make a big play or shut down against that side of the field every single snap. And that’s exactly what he did.”
Give Taylor’s show a listen in either of the embeds below, and let us know your thoughts on Hood or some other Volunteers ending up in Chicago.
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Here’s Taylor’s full schedule for her NFL Draft series. If you missed any, just scroll through the 2nd City Gridiron feed to catch up!
ONE WEEK until the draft. 12 episodes down, 5 episode to go.
17 pods, 19 schools, over 55 prospects!
make sure to check out my Draft Series as we get to know a ton of new prospects. pic.twitter.com/z96HB9m62q
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 14: Shortstop Mauricio Dubon (14) of the Atlanta Braves in the dugout during the Tuesday evening MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins on April 14, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The NL East leading Atlanta Braves, who have yet to lose a series this season, are five games atop their division. Last season, they fell five games back after the first seven games. This season so far they are outrunning their xwOBA by .008 points. Last year, they were behind .007. This year the Braves are second in BABIP compared to last year’s fifteenth.
Last night as FOX explained at great length, detail, and repetition without anyone asking or caring, the Braves scored three unearned runs in the third inning without hitting it very well in that inning. I mean, the Braves out-xBAed the Phillies .194 to .148 for the game. They also picked up four walks to the Phillies’ one, so they likely out-xwOBAed them as well. Ronald Acuña sozzled a pitch barrled at 107.6 MPH, 33 LA, and .890 xBA in a stadium the size of a postage stamp with nothing to show for it. Felix Reyes’ home run weighed in at .170 xBA. So I don’t know if they really lucked into anything last night. Their pitching was simply outstanding.
But the feels around the Braves have turned a 180 on last season. So is this season the complete opposite of 2025? I’m down. 2025 was miserable. It can’t be too different. The Braves lost their entire starting rotation by the first week in June last year. This year they lost five starting pitchers in Spring Training. As long as the game results are the opposite of 2025, call us lucky or whatever. Just call us Division winners.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 18: Corbin Carroll #7 of the Arizona Diamondbacks runs the bases after hitting a grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at Chase Field on April 18, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Blue Jays 6-2. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees were one of the first teams in action yesterday, and quickly set about making the Royals one of the first teams out of action. It all turned into the Yanks’ first big blowout of the year, as they smoked KC with four homers in a 13-4 score. Huzzah! The only downside was that rain forced Paul Skenes from the game early in Pittsburgh to help the Rays win a 13-inning marathon, staying a half-game up on New York for first place in the AL East.
Here’s what else was going on among notable teams around the Junior Circuit.
Detroit Tigers (11-10) 4, Boston Red Sox (8-12) 1
After losing a 1-0 pitchers’ duel in extras on Friday night, the Tigers at least felt confident that they could continue the excellent pitching yesterday since they got to sic Tarik Skubal on the Red Sox. The two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner didn’t exclusively throw zeroes like All-Star teammate Casey Mize, but he did register his 20th career 10-strikeout game across six innings of one-run ball.
That one run was part of a good escape job too, as he got a double-play ball with the bases loaded and no one out. Isiah Kiner-Falefa then flew out and that was the end of Boston’s best chance to cause damage. The Red Sox did get back-to-back singles to begin the sixth, but Skubal then struck out Willson Contreras and Trevor Story before retiring Wilyer Abreu on a grounder to end his day.
The Tigers’ hitters missed out on opportunities against Brayan Bello too, but they converted enough to carry the day. Bello loaded the bases in the first on singles by Kevin McGonigle and Colt Keith as well as a walk to Riley Greene, and then threw four wide ones to Kerry Carpenter for the game’s first run.
Carpenter struck again in the fourth, this time in more emphatic fashion.
A Wenceel Pérez walk and a Javy Báez double followed, and both runners came around to score on a Jake Rogers sac fly and an RBI knock from McGonigle. Detroit was up 4-0 and never looked back. The Boston bullpen shut them down upon Bello’s departure in the fifth, but they squandered their chances and their old friend Kenley Jansen converted the save in the ninth — the 481st of his career, third all-time for those who recall him recently passing Lee Smith.
Houston Astros (8-14) 5, St. Louis Cardinals (12-8) 7
The Yankees’ biggest nemesis of the 2015–25 decade might be punted to “Other Games” in short order. It’s getting late early out there in Houston. Lance McCullers Jr. made a mess of things from the word “go,” plunking the first two batters of the day and walking Jordan Walker with one out to set the stage for Nolan Gorman. The DH lined one into right, plating a couple runs.
The Cardinals shook off a solo homer by Jose Altuve and countered with a dinger of their own in the third. Gorman had singled in the previous at-bat, so Houston-area native Masyn Winn’s first long ball of 2026 was a two-run shot to make it 4-1, St. Louis.
Blasts from Burleson and José Fermín gradually added to the Cardinals’ lead. They needed the padding because Houston almost made a furious comeback in the ninth, as a clout from Shay Whitcomb changed it from 7-2 to 7-5 in the blink of an eye.
Closer Riley O’Brien had to enter to restore sanity, and he did, inducing a grounder from Altuve and fanning Alvarez to polish off the win. Houston is now 3-12 since sweeping the Red Sox in the second series of the year. Two of those wins were against the Rockies.* Yeah.
*Okay fine, Saturday was not the best day for a Rockies drive-by, as they actually beat the Dodgers, 4-3. Good for them!
The Astros’ saving grace might be that the actual AL West favorites are right there with them near the cellar. The .500 Angels are in third, and the Rangers and A’s are tied for the lead at a not-so-mighty 11-10. Go Sactown, I guess.
The Mariners at least avoided a share of last place by knocking the Rangers down a peg after getting blanked in the series opener on Friday. Although starter George Kirby was not particularly efficient, big-league veterans would’ve appreciated the way he grinded through 5.2 innings of one-run ball. A Josh Jung homer was the only damage despite six other hits—including a comebacker from Jung that struck his tuchus—and two walks.
That was enough for a win in the box score for Kirby, as the M’s offense came to play against a struggling Nathan Eovaldi. Julio Rodríguez’s RBI knock plated J.P. Crawford to make it 1-0, Seattle, three batters into the ballgame. Dominic Canzone drove in two with his own ribbie single in the fourth and Luke Raley had a quick counterpunch to Jung’s homer with a majestic solo shot.
By the bottom of the eighth, the lead was 7-1. Like with St. Louis, however, Seattle needed to smash the ol’ “break closer glass in case of emergency” shield because Cole Wilcox was not up to the task. Andrés Muñoz entered with two outs in the ninth and Brandon Nimmo the tying run at the plate with the bases jacked.
Strike one, strike two, foul ball, strike three swinging. Easy save for the two-time All-Star anyway, who got 38 last year.
The Jays’ status as defending AL champions gives them a longer leash than Houston in this upper area of Rivalry Roundup, but boy, are they testing it. A slew of injuries and regression has them behind the Astros and leading only the Royals, White Sox, and Mets* for baseball’s worst record. Woof.
*Ten-game losing streak for the Amazins now, by the way. Now that’s a Woof. Bad scene all around.
Max Scherzer gave Toronto a chance to win against the team that drafted him way back when some of their current players were toddlers at best. It was a needed return to normalcy for Mad Max, who left before the third in each of his previous two starts but stayed in for six innings on Saturday. Although the D-backs got two runs on a Geraldo Perdomo single and an Alek Thomas double, they registered just three hits otherwise against him. The slumping Kazuma Okamoto got off the mat for an RBI single in the sixth to get Scherzer off the hook for the loss and drive Zac Gallen from the game in a 2-2 tie.
From that point on, however, Toronto could only muster a few bases-empty singles. Arizona suffered no such issues. Hoffman’s nightmare beginning to 2026 continued, setting this one on fire with 13 pitches before recording an out. Thomas and Ildemaro Vargas led off the eighth with singles, Ketel Marte reached on a walk, and Corbin Carroll had liftoff:
Hoffman’s season ERA sits at 7.71 across 10 games.
Other Games
Cleveland Guardians (12-10) 4, Baltimore Orioles (10-11) 2: Skubal and Paul Skenes both pitched today, and so did MLB’s current strikeout leader. Yes, it’s surprisingly Gavin Williams leading the pack as the Guardians’ 26-year-old starter is really putting it together thus far following an encouraging 2025. He fanned 11 Orioles on Saturday to move to 40 on the season, his lone mistake a Leody Taveras solo shot. The O’s actually only gave up three hits, but one was a three-run blast by Bryan Rocchio against Dean Kremer and the other was an insurance-run solo shot by Bo Naylor off Albert Suárez. Cleveland reliever Hunter Gaddis coughed up a homer to Gunnar Henderson as well, but much to the Ghost of Earl Weaver’s chagrin, the three-run homer beat Baltimore. Cade Smith struck out the side to end it.
Conor McGregor continues to negotiate with the UFC on his return to action and it appears talks are heading in a positive direction.
With rumors swirling that the former two-division champion could return as early as UFC 329 on July 11, which serves as the conclusion of International Fight Week 2026, UFC CEO Dana White seems happy with the way things are going. While he stopped short of announcing a deal was done, White confirmed that talks are good with McGregor as the two sides attempt to finalize his first fight back in five years.
“It’s looking good,” White said about McGregor’s return at the UFC Winnipeg post-fight press conference. “Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.”
McGregor has continuously teased plans to compete again on social media, especially after putting his full focus back on a training camp to prepare for a fight. No opponent has been named, but Max Holloway remains a popular choice for McGregor’s return and Holloway has mentioned on several occasions he’d like to run it back with his one-time foe.
It appears McGregor has done his best to set aside outside distractions, including settling a lawsuit with former friend and teammate Artem Lobov over profits from the sale of his Proper No. 12 whiskey brand. McGregor has also remained a constant supporter for BKFC after he became a part owner in the bare-knuckle outfit but he’s made fewer trips to live events as he gets ready to fight again.
If he competes in July, McGregor will attempt to return to the win column after suffering back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier, which includes the devastating broken leg that ended their trilogy in 2021 and put McGregor on the shelf for an extended period of time.
McGregor was supposed to return in 2024 for a fight against Michael Chandler, but a broken toe knocked McGregor off the card. He’s repeatedly stated he plans to compete again and the comeback could be closer than ever.
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