The Twins sent Joe Ryan to the bump this morning—the Peacock MLB Sunday Wakeup special—hoping for a series split. He lasted all of two batters before leaving with an undisclosed injury. It would be an unexpected bullpen game featuring the worst pen in baseball. My thoughts at the exact moment: how many innings will Kody Clemens need to cover today?

Fortunately, Twins’ bats were not as depressed as the fan base early on, with a Trevor Larnach single and Austin Martin BB paid off by a Victor Caratini RBI knock to put an early run on the board. 1-0 MN.

In the third inning, an in-game interview with Twins manager Derek Shelton revealed it was “right elbow soreness” that regelated Ryan to the bench. Wonderful. That same frame, the Twins loaded the bases (Martin single, Luke Keaschall double, Clemens BB) with two outs, only to see Royce Lewis not enjoy salami—or even a lesser-quality meat—after striking out against Blue Jays SP Trey Yesavage.

Remarkably, the first RP out of the pen for MN—Andrew Morris—tossed 3.2 innings of 2 H, 0 ER ball to keep the contest at the razor-thin 1-0 margin.

MIN finally changed the number in B5 when a Caratini BB was followed by doubles from Keaschall, heretofore-not-needed-on-the-mound Clemens, & Matt Wallner. 4-0 MN!

Toronto got on the board in T6 when Taylor Rogers tried to complete a second consecutive scoreless inning but could not. A Daulton Varsho drag-bunt single allowed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to scamper home, but Rogers avoided any further damage by coaxing a “home run in an elevator shaft” fly out from Tyler Heineman. 4-1 MN.

A ticklish situation—two Jays on the pond—was mitigated in T8 by Kody Funderburk inducing a ground-out.

Justin Topa entered in T9 to try and close this one out—which of course meant clenched cheeks (and not the chewing kind). Another Kazuma Okamoto HR closed the margin to a single run, and an error from Keaschall allowed the tying and go-ahead runs to reside on the base paths. Blessedly, a Lenyn Sosa grounder went successfully from 2B to 1B for a game-ending double play!

Your Final: Minnesota Twins 4, Toronto Blue Jays 3

Seeing their best pitcher exit with injury after recording just one out, the Twins turned to a league-worst bullpen and somehow escaped with the victory. #baseball.

Zach’s Zealot

• Morris: Coming in cold two batters into the game and keeping the defending AL champs off the board into the middle innings.

Zach’s Zombie

• Lewis: 0-4, 2 K, now at .176 BA & .598 OPS on the season.

Egg-cellent Elocution

• SooFoo Fanmirrors my thoughts on Morris’ master class.

Who’s Got Next

• After a travel Monday off-day, the Twins visit the Washington Nationals in D.C. (Tues. night, Wed. night, Thurs. afternoon)—and I’ll be joining them there! I’ll be back in time to cover next Sunday’s slate, but if you don’t hear from me much on the threads until then it’s because I’m seeing the sights of our Nation’s Capital!

The San Diego Padres activated right-handed starter Griffin Canning from the injured list Sunday morning to start in the final game in the series against the Chicago White Sox. Right-hander Randy Vásquez, slated to start on Sunday, will be pushed back to Monday in San Francisco.

The corresponding move for the Padres is to place right-handed starter Germán Márquez on the 15-day injured list with right forearm nerve inflammation, retroactive to May 2. Márquez started on Friday against the White Sox, allowing seven runs on five hits and five walks in five innings pitched. He also got two strikeouts while increasing his ERA to 5.76.

Canning injured his Achilles tendon while pitching for the New York Mets last season. He began the 2026 season with Triple-A El Paso and started five games. He threw 62 pitches in his last start on Tuesday, allowing three hits with no earned runs, allowing a walk with four strikeouts. It was expected that Canning would complete his rehab today with El Paso but is joining the Padres instead.

The injury to Márquez pushes his start to San Diego and Canning could go 70-80 pitches with a natural progression from his last start. Canning features six pitches with his four-seam fastball and slider being dominant. His pitching is ground-ball heavy but he has the repertoire to get swing-and-miss as well.

Márquez, who signed with the Padres in the offseason, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and has struggled to return to his former effectiveness before the surgery. He has started six games for the Padres and has a 3-2 record with his 5.76 ERA. He features a knuckle curve 40% of the time and his 94 mph four-seam fastball 36% of the time. He also flashes a sinker, slider and changeup.

Márquez had two starts allowing no earned runs but allowed at least four earned runs in all the other outings before allowing the seven runs on May 1.

Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick has insisted that the job feels “natural” to him as he addressed his chances of a permanent stay after masterminding a brilliant 3-2 victory over Liverpool.

United sink Liverpool

Kobbie Mainoo was the hero at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon after netting the winner to secure all three points for United against their bitter rivals.

It was a rollercoaster contest for United, who boasted a comfortable 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

However, the Red Devils fell apart after the interval. Amad’s mistake was capitalised on by Dominik Szoboszlai, who made it 2-1. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens made another horrific error while trying to play out from the back, allowing a thankful Cody Gakpo to level the score.

But Mainoo came up big for United, burying a stunning effort into the bottom corner to ensure the spoils were not shared and in the process, secure Champions League football for his side.

In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Carrick was full of praise for his players’ resilience and the calm they showed even after Liverpool restored parity. After the final whistle, Carrick spoke to reporters and addressed the game further. Here’s what he had to say.

Job hopes

Mainoo said that he wants to “die” for Carrick, highlighting just how highly the players think of the legendary midfielder. Asked about the job he is doing and his chances of landing it permanently, Carrick answered, “Yeah, maybe. I think that’s one of the biggest things for me, is trying to get the best out of people, and helping players and giving them the opportunity to go and perform and do what they’re good at really.”

“There’s that side and then there’s obviously being part of it today and seeing this place alive and bouncing at the end is a real joy and a pleasure to be in the position. I think as a group of players, they need a lot of credit for the run they’re putting together and the coaching staff as well, especially for the lot of work that goes on.”

“I’m sitting here answering questions but there’s a lot of good work that goes on beyond me. And the pleasing thing is the spirit and the togetherness of the group, I think to see that camaraderie and looking after each other, it was tested at 2-2 and seeing them sticking in and fighting for each other, that’s what we want, a team to be proud of, and the boys have certainly given us that.”

Top performance

Asked about his side’s performance, Carrick explained, “There was a lot today to be happy with and to be proud of. We thought players available-wise that they would try to overload the midfield and it would be a challenge for us to close the spaces in the middle of the pitch.”

“We have some really dangerous, dangerous forwards but we’re asking them to do a lot of work without the ball as well and that’s part of being a good team. So the way we closed that space and made it difficult for them – they’ve got some fantastic players and they made it difficult for us – but I thought the way we stuck at that especially really pleased me a lot.”

“I have to say, the way supporters got behind us after the two goals, it’s easy after that point to get frustrated or to go the other way a little bit, and I thought again spirit and togetherness shows when it’s a little bit of a challenging time. So to feel that we’ve built that and we’re in a position where we’ll all stick together has really pleased me a lot.”

“It was just two mistakes; Amad and Senne [Lammens] have both been immense for us and offered so much within the group and the team to put us in this position. That building on to the end of the game and the way we stuck at it, bounced back, finished well, players coming off the bench and making a difference, I thought it’s probably that spirit and togetherness for everybody that satisfies me the most really.”

“Natural” feeling

Pushed further on whether he feels he has done enough to land the Old Trafford hot seat, Carrick replied, “It’s been a good run, I think we’ve beat some very, very good teams and it’s been challenging, sometimes we’ve won it in some ways, sometimes we’ve won it in other ways. I love doing what I’m doing, it’s a great position for me to be in.”

“It feels natural if I’m being totally honest, I’m not being blase because it’s a difficult role, but it feels that I’ve been here a long time in different times, on and off, but I can understand what it brings.”

“To be sat in this position is a good position to be.”

On whether he’d be disappointed if he were to be overlooked, Carrick told the press, “We’ll have to wait and see. All we can do… I think when we came in, Champions League to be honest was a little bit in distance. We wanted to try to get back into Europe, so to be where we are and the run the players have put together with three games to spare get is a good achievement.”

“It’s just been a step, though, we’re not over celebrating it. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen, I can only do my best work for the club and the players especially and try and help them as best as we can and see what happens after that.”

Champions League boost

Carrick was asked whether the Champions League helps United’s transfer plans and makes the club a more attractive prospect to targets.

He remarked, “It’s a huge step, don’t get me wrong, for so many reasons, I’m not underplaying it, it is a big step. The signs of improvement and being in a position now where we ware with three games to go, there’s a lot of satisfaction that comes with that, but that can’t be everything, that’s the point I’m making.”

“There’s a lot of credit to the staff and the players for doing that, but we want more of that, we want and expect more of that consistently and that’s the message of let’s try and push on and keep improving, it’s not just to sit back and think: ‘that was alright, that was good, we’ve achieved something’.”

Tight bond

When questioned how he has managed to develop the close bond the team enjoys, Carrick said, “I can only say from what I’ve faced and seen with my own eyes really, and ever since we came back through the doors, I think the boys have responded really well to it.”

“I think it comes from trust as well and how you treat each other and the trust between us and the belief, certainly I’ve got in them and the staff have got in them, and we spoke about that before the game, about how much belief we’ve got in them, so trying to give them that confidence to go and play.”

“They’re really food players and it can be a really good team when we put things in place, and that’s proved to be the case over recent months.”

Sir Alex

Before kick-off, it emerged that former United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, was rushed to the hospital from Old Trafford after he fell ill. It’s believed that the iconic United figure is well and has had precautionary checks.

Carrick stressed that he was informed about the situation and that the incident had affected him.

“I haven’t got any updates, so I don’t know the latest as we stand now, I did hear about it before the game so I was aware before the game. All I can say is I wish him… I was very affected by it, the news, and we just hope he’s alright.”

“I just don’t know the latest, but we hope for him to be in good shape and we wish him all the best. I certainly think, I mean hopefully, the result, when he hears about it gives him a good boost.”

Deeper squad

When it was put to Carrick that the demands of next season necessitate a much bigger squad, he agreed and added, “That’s obviously the next challenge, with being in a position where there’s more games. It’s been a bit frustrating at certain points because we’ve had big gaps between games, so there’s a positive and a negative to that, but certainly the balance of the squad.”

“What it looks like, strength, depth, that’s part of the conversations of anywhere. When I came in I was never going to make decisions just to get to the end of the season, it was always for the benefit of the whole football club moving forward.”

“We’re definitely well aware of what that should and could look like and where we want to try and get to.”

Bruno call

Asked why he took of Fernandes towards the end of the game, Carrick replied, “To be honest, it was just there was a minute or so to go and we thought we’d get Leny on the pitch. Josh had came on, Pat had came on, Amad had came on as well and there was nothing behind that apart from it.”

United are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland.

Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

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Adam Scott will rue a ‘silly thing’ he did on Thursday – playing the wrong ball – but he rallied with an impressive performance on the weekend, including a final-round 8-under 64 on Sunday at the Cadillac Championship, and all but assured he will make his 100^th straight start at a major later this year.

Scott, 45, won at Trump National Doral in 2016, the last time a PGA Tour event was played at the course, but opened with 4-over 76 on Thursday. That included a two-stroke penalty for playing the wrong ball on the eighth hole, a violation of Rule 6.3 (c). 

“It's such a silly thing to do. I think it's the first time I've ever done it in my career. That's probably one of those things everyone ends up doing once,” Scott said on Saturday. “An odd set of circumstances leading up to me not checking it, which I think I've done thousands of times. To take two lumps there was, is tough, especially as you sit here now in the weekend and thinking if you're two better you would be doing so well in the tournament. But golf can be cruel at times.”

He bounced back with a 71 on Friday but struggled with his putting. Past Masters champ and current CBS lead analyst Trevor Immelman serves as a second set of eyes to Scott and suggested a small tweak.

“I was so disheartened after Friday's round, my putting was just so bad,” Scott said. “He noticed a little something with my left elbow I think for quite awhile that we just haven't really focused on it. It gave me something to focus on and probably improved my path and face and all the things that you need to do without really having to stress too much about it. So a few more went in, thank you, Trev.”

Indeed, they did. Scott played a bogey-free weekend for the first time since 2017, posting rounds of 66 and 64 to finish at 11-under 277.

Scott already is in the PGA Championship in two weeks, which would his 99^thconsecutive start in a major but he still had work to do to earn a berth in the U.S. Open in June. Scott’s strong finish at Doral should lock up a spot at Shinnecock Hills next month. Scott entered the week at No. 54 in the Official World Golf Ranking and should be assured being inside the top 60 at the cutoff to make the U.S. Open field. Scott’s streak is surpassed only by Jack Nicklaus, who reached 154 straight starts at majors, a streak spanning from the 1957 U.S. Open through the 1998 U.S. Open. Scott, who won the 2013 Masters, wasn’t sure what to make of his own streak. 

“Part of me doesn't want to be the guy yet who just has all these other things that aren't based around winning events,” he said on Tuesday when asked about potentially reaching 100 straight starts. “I would rather win some stuff, and let's celebrate winning the U.S. Open than just playing in it. I feel like that, but, you know, I can give myself a pat on the back for hanging in there and playing all these events. I think there's some luck in it, but I think I've had generally great advice around me from a physical and training standpoint that's kept me healthy and pretty much injury free. I don't really have niggles and things that are concerning.”

On Sunday, he added: “To win a major I'm going to need to put four days together, not just a weekend coming from behind. I feel like my game is there. I'm doing all the things that I think I need to do to be in that kind of condition. So next week (at the Truist Championship) is important to keep this confidence going and hopefully arrive at the U.S. PGA full of confidence and four good days and you just never know.”

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Adam Scott rallies after penalty at Cadillac, eyes 100th major

Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, making it three consecutive victories to open his Formula 1 campaign. He also became the only driver in history to convert each of his first three consecutive pole positions into race wins, a stat that sits alongside Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, which is not bad company for a 19-year-old. Toto Wolff‘s response? Well he’s keen to keep things low key for his young driver and his upcoming upgrades.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, Wolff was careful not to let the moment run away with him.

“I hope he can continue on this positive slope. Most important is not to be carried away. We have a good car. Hopefully the upgrades work at the next race but he’s a fierce competitor and his team-mate also, who wasn’t happy with the track this weekend. Just important to keep both feet on the track.”

The Upgrade Gap Is Real, and Wolff Isn’t Pretending Otherwise

Mercedes arrived in Miami with little in the shape of upgrades unlike almost every other team on the grid. The sprint race was the first time this season the team failed to lock out the front row or place a car in the top three, while a highly updated McLaren finished first by the hands of Lando Norris.

George Russell was reportedly quite surprised to hear that Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull were all bringing major update packages as soon as Miami, with the Brackley outfit instead waiting for Canada to reveal their suite of changes.

“Sometimes upgrades don’t correlate with the stopwatch, so we need to prove that out,” he said, pouring cold water on the changes his team are bringing to Montreal. “I hope we can. And this is going to be a development race this season. How much can you bring? Are you limited by the cost cap? All of these things will play a role.”

Miami showed that McLaren has emerged as the closest challenger to Mercedes, with Ferrari having appeared the stronger threat at the start of the season. Whether the gamble of holding off changes brings dividends later in the season will be seen in the coming weeks and months.

Antonelli won in Miami despite a poor sprint, a bad race start, and a rival team arriving with a substantially updated car. It ultimately came down to a two-horse battle, but a strategy choice from the Silver Arrows ultimately helped Antonelli cross the line first.

Wolff’s instinct to stay modest suggests he sees a harder season coming than the standings currently imply. Three wins from four races, and he’s already talking like a man preparing for a fight.

The Mariners, suddenly drawing from their depth a month into the season, made a waiver claim today, picking up lefty José Suarez from Atlanta.

Mariners fans likely remember Suarez from his lengthy Angels tenure, from the time he signed with the Angels as a free agent out of Venezuela to 2024. Prior to the 2025 season, the Angels traded him to Atlanta in exchange for injury-prone pitcher Ian Anderson (later DFA’d by the Angels and re-claimed by Atlanta). Atlanta transitioned the short king (listed 5’10”) to the bullpen and edited his pitch mix, dropping his sweeper and tweaking his slider to be shorter and more of a traditional gyro slider, resulting in more whiffs on the pitch.

Command remains an issue for Suarez, something that’s persisted since his days as an Angel. Although he had a solid first season as a Brave, this year has been a struggle, leading to much sturm und drang amongst the Braves fanbase, who are all too happy to see Suarez go. As for how he fits in the Mariners bullpen, that’s a bit of a puzzle; the Mariners have a third lefty (with his own command issues, even) in Josh Simpson, although Simpson has options, where Suarez does not.

However, the Mariners are well-familiar with Suarez, having seen him for so many years in the AL West, so there must be something there the pitching brain trust hopes to unlock. The other bonus Suarez brings is length; as a former starter, he can cover multiple innings if necessary, which it’s been more often than not lately as three-fifths of the Mariners rotation continue to turn in shorter outings.

In a corresponding move, OF Rhylan Thomas was designated for assignment.

The PGA Tour's return to the Blue Monster is almost in the books.

Cameron Young has a commanding lead on the back stretch, but he's in position to earn another big pay day and push his earnings past $10 million for the year with a win at the 2026 Cadillac Championship.

The first-place prize at Trump National Doral is $3.6 million from a $20 million purse, the second of three PGA Tour signature events in a four-week span.

Here's the breakdown of how much money each PGA Tour player will earn from at the Cadillac Championship.

Cadillac Championship 2026 prize money payouts

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Cadillac Championship 2026 payouts, prize money for PGA Tour players

Pakistan Super League final, Lahore

Hyderabad Kingsmen 129 all out (18 overs): Saim 54 (50); Hardie 4-27

Peshawar Zalmi 130-5 (15.2 overs): Hardie 56* (39), Samad 48 (34); Mohammad Ali 3-38

Peshawar Zalmi won by five wickets

Scorecard

Australia all-rounder Aaron Hardie starred with bat and ball as Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen to win their second Pakistan Super League title.

Hardie took 4-27 as Kingsmen were bowled out for 129, then top-scored with an unbeaten 56 as Peshawar chased down 130 with 28 balls to spare.

Having topped the table in the group stage, Zalmi thrashed Islamabad United in the qualifier match before chasing a low total in the final to end their nine-year title drought.

Kingsmen, who reached the final in their first season of existence, were put into bat in Lahore and reached 71-2 shortly after the powerplay.

Their innings took a nosedive from that point, as they lost four wickets for three runs, with Michael Bracewell running out both Irfan Khan Niazi and Kusal Perera.

Saim Ayub offered some resistance, scoring a steady 54 from 50 balls and dragging his side's score into three figures.

He became Hardie's third victim, and the seamer - who had already dismissed opener Marnus Labuschagne and Hassan Khan - then removed Akif Javed five balls later to end the Kingsmen innings with two overs remaining.

While 130 looked a challenging total to defend, Kingsmen had their opponents reeling in the first over as seamer Mohammad Ali dismissed first Mohammad Haris (6) and then Peshawar captain Babar Azam for a golden duck.

Kusal Mendis (9) and Bracewell (4) also returned to the dugout as Peshawar slipped to 40-4.

However from that point Hardie and Abdul Samad (48) steered Peshawar out of trouble, putting on 85 for the fifth wicket.

Ali had Samad caught with five runs required, finishing with figures of 3-38, but Pakistan Under-19 captain Farhan Yousuf finished the match with a four as Kingmen's low total proved too challenging to defend.

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The Alabama Crimson Tide swept the Vanderbilt Commodores during a three game-series in Tuscaloosa this past weekend. 

Crimson Tide star Eric Hines played a massive role in the series victory, as the freshman was excellent at the plate throughout the month of April. Alabama improved their overall record of 32-16 (13-11 SEC) following the three-game set, and the Tide will look to stay red hot against Troy on Tuesday evening.

Here are three takeaways from Alabama’s series sweep over Vanderbilt.

Eric Hines explodes for seven RBI

Hines had one of the best series of his collegiate career against Vanderbilt this past weekend. The freshman went 3-for-8 at the plate with an impressive seven total RBI across the three games.

Hines was credited with a game tying three-run home run in the first game as well, followed by yet another moonshot on Friday evening.

John Lemm continues to shine, crushes two home runs 

Lemm has been excellent both at the plate and defensively for the Tide this season. The catcher went deep twice this weekend, headlined by a walk-off solo home run in Game 1, as Lemm continues to deliver at the plate throughout the second half of SEC play.

Lemm recorded two total RBI against the Commodores, as the talented catcher’s batting average has improved to .268 on the year. 

Matthew Heiberger dominates out of the bullpen

Heiberger played a critical role during Alabama’s victory over Vanderbilt on Thursday evening. The reliever entered the game for Tyler Fay after the starter surrendered four earned runs, as Heiberger was able to record 2.2 innings of scoreless baseball while giving up just one hit. 

Heiberger currently holds a 3.71 ERA on the year, as the reliever has been very reliable in 2026. 

Alabama will be on the road to face Troy on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. CT, as the Tide will look to stay in the win column following the series victory over Vanderbilt.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama baseball takeaways from series sweep vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

After coming up short against Jannik Sinner in the Madrid Open final, Alexander Zverev had something interesting to say about the Italian’s growing rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz.

Few players know them better than Zverev, who has faced both numerous times over the years. He’s spent enough time on court with them to pick up a thing or two about their games.

But his comments after the match might raise a few eyebrows.

Sinner, by contrast, has been flying. He hasn’t lost before the semi-final stage in any tournament this year and now holds an incredible 28-2 record for 2024.

Alexander Zverev shares his view on how Sinner and Alcaraz compare after the Madrid Open

What really stood out, though, was how he separated the field into distinct tiers. Zverev placed Sinner in a league of his own at the top, then put Alcaraz and Djokovic in the next group down – and included himself in that category as well.

Speaking about his position, Zverev said: “Well, I think there’s a big gap between Sinner and everybody else right now. It’s quite simple. I think there’s a big gap between Sinner and everybody else. And I think there’s a big gap between Alcaraz, myself, maybe Novak, and everybody else. I think there’s two gaps right now.

“It’s difficult to say that there’s not a gap between Sinner and everybody else if he hasn’t lost a match in how many Masters events? Since Shanghai. He hasn’t lost a match in almost nine months. I think you have to admit that there’s a gap between him and everybody else, yeah.”

Zverev ended up apologising after the final for what he felt was an underwhelming performance.

Jannik Sinner may be unstoppable without Carlos Alcaraz

Even though Sinner only lost to three different players, he still finished the season with six defeats. That gap can largely be explained by one factor: Alcaraz.

The Spaniard beat him on some of the sport’s biggest stages, winning the Italian Open final, US Open final and that remarkable Roland Garros showdown.

With Alcaraz now confirmed out for the rest of the clay season due to injury, it opens up a clear path for the world number one, who may not face much resistance in the coming months.

Zverev is considered one of Sinner’s main challengers, but after his straight-sets defeat today, it raises questions about whether anyone else on tour can step up soon enough to prevent Sinner from running away with things.

Read more:

Tottenham Hotspur have announced a long list of departing players following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Women’s Super League season. This list includes all-time top scorer Bethany England, alongside Matildas star Charli Grant.

In a move that has shocked many WSL fans, Tottenham have decided against offering skipper Beth England a new contract. The striker’s current deal expires at the end of this WSL season. This was a conscious decision made by the board, who are said to be targeting several young attacking prospects.

The 31-year-old striker joined the Lilywhites after a trophy-laden seven years with rivals Chelsea. She joined the north London outfit in January 2023 for a reported fee of £250,000 — the record for a domestic women’s transfer at the time.

Becoming the captain at the start of the following season, the forward revolutionised Tottenham in her three-and-a-half year spell. Her first season saw immediate success as her goals ensured the side stayed in the top flight. She then spearheaded the club to their first Women’s FA Cup final in the following season.

“I’ll always be a fan of the club and I’ll always be looking out for the club,” said England in her farewell interview. “I want to see my friends do well, I don’t know where I’ll be, what I’ll be doing, but they will have my full support. I’ll be checking in on them and I just can’t say enough thank you to everyone, the fans, the staff, the players.”

Despite 32 goals for Spurs, which makes her their all-time top goal scorer, England is not the club’s sole threat anymore. The summer arrival of Cathinka Tandberg has shaken things up in the attacking third. The young Danish star has scored six WSL goals this season, just one behind her more experienced counterpart.

Embed from Getty Images

Who else is leaving Tottenham Hotspur?

Beth England is not the only confirmed departure, with Spurs making their intention clear ahead of the summer transfer window.

Under Martin Ho, the last two transfer windows have been extremely productive, and this summer looks no different. Alongside England, a whole host of players will be departing north London following the conclusion of the WSL season.

Also departing the club will be Kit Graham, who has been instrumental to the club’s growth. She will leave at the end of the season following the expiry of her contract. The 30-year-old attacker made history in 2019 as part of the first Tottenham side to play in the top-flight.

Embed from Getty Images

In her seven-year tenure, she went on to make 91 appearances, and score 11 goals. Having spent the second half of this season on loan at Ipswich, it is time for pastures new for the history maker.

Amy James-Turner, who returned to England from Orlando Pride in July 2022 will also depart the club. Alongside James-Turner, the club will be saying goodbye to another member of the backline. Swiss international Luana Bühler, who started the FA Cup final alongside James-Turner, will also depart the club.

Charli Grant will also be leaving Tottenham behind, as will Josefine Rybrink, both of whom joined in the winter of 2024. Although the departure list is long, it sparks excitement for Tottenham Hotspur fans ahead of the summer transfer window.

The side currently sit fifth in the league standings and are just three points behind equaling their highest tally in the league. With the arrival of Martin Ho last summer, and new signings who have hit the ground running, next season could see Spurs as the ones to watch.

Related articles from Her Football Hub:

• Man City star Laura Coombs to retire at the end of the season
• Europa Cup: Felicia Schröder on significance of all-Swedish final between BK Häcken and Hammarby
• Millie Bright retirement: How the trailblazer stamped her mark in iconic Chelsea and England eras

NWSL Week 5 saw the full slate of matches take place. Several teams marked important season milestones, two players exchanged braces, and a 10-player side held on for a victory.

Racing Louisville banked a first win for the season, Gotham FC got its first home victory, and Washington Spirit continue the climb at Kansas City’s expense.

Here, we will dive into all the action from NWSL Week 5.

Racing Louisville earns first victory of year, tops Orlando

The visiting side turned the pitch into a shooting gallery, unleashing 27 attempts at Jordyn Bloomer in the Louisville net. And yet, it was Racing that came out on top. Lauren Milliet opened the scoring with a perfect strike from distance at 19 minutes.

The home side held the lead until late in first half stoppage time, when superstar Barbara Banda outran two defenders to slot home for the equalizer.

Racing came out on fire in the second half. Just three minutes in, Sarah Weber rose highest to head in Katie O’Kane’s corner. Then, but two minutes later, the home side increased the lead to two as Milliet notched her brace. Emma Sears put a ball into the middle of the box, and the defender tapped it in for Louisville. Banda matched Milliet with a brace of her own in injury time, but the Pride ran out of time. Racing earns a first victory of this NWSL season.

Spirit nets three in first half, hands Current fourth loss in five

After an heroic Sandy MacIver save on a Croix Bethune breakaway early on, Washington went in to cruise control and easily handled visiting Kansas City. Leicy Santos opened the scoring in the 26th minute, finishing a perfect cross from Trinity Rodman. Rodman doubled the Spirit lead just before half, tucking home a corner that Current keeper Lorena could not handle.

Santos got her second in the 56th minute. After an attack from Sofia Cantore was turned aside, the ball fell to the Spirit midfielder, and she put it in off of Lorena. The Spirit finished the scoring through sub Claudia Martinez in the 75th minute. After her initial attempt was blocked, she followed her shot and blasted home the rebound. Washington is consistently climbing the ranks, and now sits third in the table.

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Gotham dominates Bay all over the pitch, grabs easy win

Gotham enjoyed some home-cooking, scoring their first home goals of the season, and also posting their first win at Sports Illustrated Stadium. After some heroics in net by Bay’s Jordan Silkowitz, the home side finally broke through in the 20th minute. Silkowitz stopped another attack, but she collided with two of her defenders and the ball went in for an own goal by Karlie Lema. Gotham kept the foot on the gas, and were rewarded again in the 40th minute. Rose Lavelle took a cross from Jordynn Dudley and slipped it inside the post to double the Gotham lead.

The home side got an insurance goal through a penalty in extra time. Lavelle was taken down in the box, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Esther stepped up and fired to the left side. Silkowitz got a hand on the shot, but not enough to keep it out.

Gotham continued to dominate when the sides came out for the second half, forcing Silkowitz into several more saves. For Bay’s part, the San Francisco side could only manage one shot on goal all match, an offering that Ann-Katrin Berger was able to stop. Gotham finally gets a long-awaited home win.

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Stars ends losing skid, keeps Legacy from first points of season

The home side got off to a quick start, striking in the 10th minute. Sam Staab’s corner fell loose in the box, and striker Jordyn Huitema poked it home. From that point on, however, Boston dominated the match.

The visiting side controlled possession, field position, and scoring chances. It was only the repeated heroics of Katie Atkinson that kept the Legacy off the board. Aissata Traoré and Nichelle Prince terrorized the Chicago backline, but were unable to find the back of the net. Just before half, Traoré hit the crossbar, and Atkinson made a miraculous double-save to keep the score 1-0.

Boston came out of the break and continued the attack. However, as happens so many times, a team needs only one chance to break the other side. That chance came for Chicago in the 51st minute. The Stars stopped another Boston attack, and sent a long ball out. Ryan Gareis picked it up on the wing and spotted Nádia Gomes all alone in the middle of the pitch. She took Chicago’s second shot of the match, and scored the second goal. The Legacy never stopped pressing and continued to control the play, but could not find the back of the net. The side remains at the bottom of the table, but this match showed attacking ability.

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Courage go down to 10, hold on to defeat Dash

This very even match saw plenty of runs from both sides, with either team having control of the pitch at times. The visiting Courage sent several efforts toward Jane Campbell, and she stopped them all. On the other end, Lisa Boattin’s long distance effort struck the bar just past Kailen Sheridan’s outstretched hands, but stayed out. Neither side was able to break through until late in the first, when North Carolina struck.

An excellent long ball from Manaka Matsukubo sprung Ashley Sanchez on the left side. She came into the box, then beat Campbell to the far side for a 1-0 Courage lead. Houston had some forays in the Carolina end, but Sheridan turned aside the only shot on target. In the 78th minute, the Courage found themselves down a player as Ally Schlegel was sent off for a high tackle. The Dash could not capitalize on the advantage, however, and the visitors took the three points.

San Diego roars back from down two goals to top Denver

The most exciting match of the week saw newcomer Denver jump out to an early lead, only to see table-toppers San Diego come all the way back for the victory.

The match started off tremendously for the home Summit in the 15th minute. Melissa Kössler continued her banner season for Denver, taking a perfect feed from Yazmeen Ryan and slotting home. The goal was Denver’s first at home this season, and Kössler’s fourth. 16 minutes later, Kössler took on the role of play-maker. She spotted Tash Flint alone in the box, and fed a perfect ball to the England international. Flint’s first drive was thwarted by defender Kristen McNabb, but the midfielder determinedly followed up and headed home for a 2-0 Summit lead.

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The second half saw the visitors come out firing. Just four minutes after the restart, Lia Godfrey and Kimmi Ascanio ran a give-and-go to perfection, with Godfrey finishing to halve the lead. The Wave did not have to wait long to get the equalizer. Just eight minutes after the first, San Diego struck again. Godfrey struck a beautiful corner into the center of the box, and Kennedy Wesley headed it directly home.

The Wave completed the comeback in the 65th minute. Dudinha made a blazing run past the Denver defense and came down the goal line. She tried to center, the ball struck defender Carson Pickett, ricocheted immediately into the goal, and San Diego had the winner. The expansion Summit continues to impress, but this one will sting for a while.

Portland hands Angel City second straight loss after perfect start

The Thorns keeps motoring up the table, while Angel City has hit a roadblock. The first half of this match was exciting, with both Angel City’s Angelina Anderson and Portland’s Mackenzie Arnold making important saves. The two sides produced several great chances, but neither one could find the back of the net. The scoring would have to wait some time before the sides could get on the board.

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For the first 30 minutes of the second half, both sides had several attempts that were turned aside. The breakthrough came in the 75th minute. The host side could not clear Portland’s first corner, and the ball bounced ever closer to goal. Finally, Pietra Tordin got her head on it, giving the Thorns the lead. That scoreline remained until extra time, when the visitors got their second. Angel City could not clear from center, and Sophia Wilson was able to connect from distance at 95 minutes. Just three minutes later, Angel City used a quick restart to halve the lead. Emily Sams found a streaking Prisca Chilufya who crushed home from right in front. Unfortunately for the home crowd, time ran out and Angel City fell for the second straight match.

Utah roars out to early lead, trounces Seattle

It is early yet, but Utah is quietly having an excellent season. After dropping the first two matches, Royals remains undefeated in four, including a current three-match win streak. The latest victim? The Seattle Reign.

The fans barely had a chance to sit when the visiting side struck first. Just 48 seconds into the match, Mina Tanaka stole the ball in the Seattle box. She passed back to Paige Cronin, and Utah’s striker put it top bin past Claudia Dickey. The Seattle faithful had little time to recover, as Utah doubled the lead just six minutes later. Following a corner, the ball came outside the box to Narumi Miura. Her rising shot took a deflection and went beyond the reach of Dickey, and the Royals were cruising.

Then, just before the half, Utah put the match out of reach. In the 45th minute Ana Tejada spotted Cloé Lacasse wide open in the box. She calmly fired home, and the visitors went in with a 3-0 lead. Seattle came close once with Maddie Mercado striking the crossbar late, but could not finish. Mia Justus and Mandy McGlynn combined for Utah’s second straight clean sheet, moving the Royals to fifth in the table with a game in-hand on all the teams above.

NWSL Week 5 results in full

Racing Louisville 3-2 Orlando Pride

Washington Spirit 4-0 Kansas City Current

Gotham FC 3-0 Bay FC

Chicago Stars 2-0 Boston Legacy

Houston Dash 0-1 North Carolina Courage

Denver Summit 2-3 San Diego Wave

Angel City 1-2 Portland Thorns

Seattle Reign 0-3 Utah Royals

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PITTSBURGH — An epic pitchers’ duel between Pirates’ Braxton Ashcraft and the Reds’ Chase Burns wasn’t settled until both pitchers were out of the game, with Pittsburgh defeating Cincinnati 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park. 

With the win, the Pirates (19-16) completed the weekend sweep of the Reds (20-14).

Scoring Plays

Bottom 8th, 1-0 PIT: The scoreless tie was finally broken when Oneil Cruz delivered a two-out RBI single to center field off Tony Santillan (1-1). Konnor Griffin, who doubled high off the center field fence, raced home to score.

Key Moments

The Reds had runners on second and third with one out in the eighth following Jose Trevino double off Braxton Ashcraft. Matt McLain hit a tapper to third baseman Nick Gonzales, who threw home to retire Spencer Steer, who broke from third on a contact play.

The Pirates then brought in Gregory Soto (3-0) from the bullpen, and the left-hander struck out TJ Friedl on a 3-2 pitch for the third out of the inning.

Player of the Game

Braxton Ashcraft worked a career-high 7.2 innings and scattered four hits. He walked a pair of batters, struck out six and needed only 82 pitches to get through his outing.

Stat to Know

The Pirates improved to 46-21 (.687) against the Reds at PNC Park since the start of the 2018 season. Sunday’s win gave Pittsburgh its first sweep of Cincinnati at PNC Park since winning all four games from April 20-23, 2023.

Notable Performances

• Braxton Ashcraft: 7.2 innings, four hits, no runs, two walks, six strikeouts, 82 pitches/56 strikes
• Oneil Cruz: 2 for 4, one RBI, one steal
• Konnor Griffin: 1 for 3, one double, one run

Noteworthy

• Braxton Ashcraft had never exceeded seven innings in his professional career (both minor leagues and majors).
• Konnor Griffin extended his career-high hit streak to six games with a double in the eighth.
• Reds starter Chase Burns worked a career-high seven-scoreless innings and struck out seven batters. He now has a 0.45 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against Pittsburgh.

Up Next

The Pirates will travel to Arizona to start a three-game series against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday night. RHP Bubba Chandler (1-3, 4.97 ERA) will be on the mound for Pittsburgh opposite LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (2-0, 3.03 ERA). First pitch: 9:40 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh, MLB Network/93.7 The Fan.

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The post Pirates Complete Sweep of Reds in Epic Pitchers’ Duel; Cruz Comes Through appeared first on Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

Bennett Durando: Shams Charania just went on Inside the NBA and confirmed some tidbits from our @denverpost reporting on the end of the Nuggets’ season: David Adelman’s job is considered safe, but changes to the roster are coming this summer as Denver navigates first-round exit amid payroll dilemmas.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Nuggets expected to make roster changes after first-round elimination

Justin Martinez: Shams Charania says Luka Doncic will miss the start of Los Angeles' series against OKC. He's being evaluated on a week-to-week basis for his Grade 2 hamstring strain.

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Reporting on ABC Inside the NBA Tip-Off Show -- new updates on Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic, Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and the Denver Nuggets' future: pic.twitter.com/MPjLnQoPUq

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2026

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Luka Doncic considered week-to-week, will miss start of second round against OKC

ESPN: Anthony Edwards will miss the start of the Wolves' second-round series against the Spurs, but there is growing optimism he could push his way back into the lineup in the coming week, possibly as early as Games 3 or 4, league sources told @Shams Charania.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Anthony Edwards will miss the start of the Wolves' …

Rothesay County Championship, Division One, Utilita Bowl (day three)

Glamorgan 536-7 dec: Carlson 209, Ul Hassan 143; Prest 2-37

Hampshire 214 & 118-5: Albert 36; Van der Gugten 2-31

Hampshire (1 pt) trail Glamorgan (7 pts) by 204 runs with five wickets remaining

Match scorecard

Mason Crane returned to haunt Hampshire as Glamorgan strode towards their first County Championship Division One victory in 21 years.

Bottom-placed Hampshire were rolled for 214 and, having been asked to follow on, crumpled again to end the day on 118-5.

Leg-spinner Crane, who was involved at the Utilita Bowl from 2012 to 2024, was exemplary in three first-innings wickets before picking up another in the second.

Fast bowler Timm van der Gugten also picked up six wickets in the day, as teenager Ben Mayes' first Championship half-century was a rare positive in a horror day for the hosts.

Toby Albert and Nick Gubbins had made batting look as easy as Glamorgan had earlier in the match, during their 16 on-and-off overs on day two.

But day three proved a nightmare from beginning to end for Hampshire, as they capitulated in five hours of batting misery.

Albert was leg before to the third ball of the day, to set the tone, with Gubbins edging behind having only added one to his overnight score – both falling to the metronomically accurate Van der Gugten.

Zain ul Hassan – flying high after his maiden professional century – struck next when he pinned Fletcha Middleton in front before Crane entered with three overs to go before lunch, and turned a good morning into a great one.

He had left the ground the previous evening smiling while watching his beloved Arsenal on his phone.

It appeared Bukayo Saka's magic had rubbed off on him as he shot out Tom Prest and Ben Brown before the interval and then Kyle Abbott afterwards.

Crane took 86 first-class wickets for Hampshire but left to pursue greater opportunities at Glamorgan in 2024.

• Carlson hits 209 for Glamorgan against Hants
• Glamorgan pair in big stand against Hampshire

Prest's dismissal, lbw going back, was Crane's first red ball wicket at the Utilita Bowl for 1,080 days, his second followed seven balls later when Brown – who had already been dropped – edged to slip.

Before Crane's googly could see off Abbott, Van der Gugten ploughed through Felix Organ and Scott Currie – Hampshire losing five wickets in 54 balls either side of lunch.

It fell on 18-year-old Mayes to give the innings some respectability, scoring a fine maiden first-class fifty with flowing strokes.

He added 43 with Codi Yusuf but could not haul Hampshire anywhere near the follow-on target as Ul Hassan and one-ball, one-wicket hero Kiran Carlson rounded things out.

It all had a sense of deja vu for Hampshire. They only claimed 12 batting points in 2025 – the joint lowest in the country – and only have one in four matches this season.

It also did not help that leading scorer Jake Lehmann had returned to Australia for personal reasons and the highly-experienced Liam Dawson missed this match with an abdominal injury.

Hampshire were immediately asked to bat again, with their 322-run deficit, and got as far as the second over before Gubbins shouldered arms at Jamie McIlroy and was bowled.

Van der Gugten added his fifth and sixth of the day when Prest edged behind and Mayes chopped on, while Albert fell into Ryan Hadley's trap to hook to deep square.

Crane joined the second-innings party as another wrong-un pinned Middleton leg-before to complete a 15-wicket day for Glamorgan.

Report by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.

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Glamorgan bowler Mason Crane, playing against his former side, said: "It was a pretty amazing day really with 15 wickets in the day. It was a massive shift in the field and an amazing effort from the guys. Everyone put their hand up and delivered today. It is not far off the perfect day.

"It is always nice to do well full stop, but I haven't played a lot here since I left. It was nice to get some wickets. I feel like I've bowled pretty well for a couple of games now. I was unlucky last week so to get a few rewards is great, plus to contribute to a day like that is pretty cool.

"It is quite a while ago since I left here. I am so settled in at Glamorgan now. I am just chuffed we've had a good few days and can finish it off tomorrow. We have played some really good cricket and we deserve to be in this position.

"We have to be prepared to win this game right at the end. We'll be happy to go all day tomorrow if that is what it takes. Hopefully we'll have another day like today where we are as relentless and we can come away with the win."

The Los Angeles Rams made the decision to decline cornerback Emmanuel Forbes’ fifth-year option after the team spent big money on the secondary.

The Rams’ two biggest offseason moves were aimed at helping the backline, with a big trade for star corner Trent McDuffie and the signing of Jaylen Watson.

The two former Chiefs are brought in to give Los Angeles more depth and quality at cornerback, bumping down a player like Forbes into a role the team is more comfortable with.

Forbes’ fifth-year option was worth $12.6 million, a high price for a corner who has never lived up to his first-round draft pick status.

The Rams picked up Forbes from the waiver wire after he was cut from the Washington Commanders after just one year and change.

While Forbes has been serviceable with the Rams, he has not been nearly good enough to warrant that high price tag.

The cornerback ranked 93rd out of 114 qualified cornerbacks last season per PFF, and he was credited with 16 missed tackles, good for the third most in the NFL.

However, he has made some plays and, in a depleted secondary, has held down a regular spot in the rotation.

Now, Forbes gets the chance to really cement himself as a valuable piece for a contending team without being asked to do too much.

He will figure into certain packages and give either Watson or McDuffie a breather when needed, still giving him chances to earn himself a noteworthy deal in free agency, or at the very least, establish himself as an NFL player.

The post Rams Decline Fifth Year Option For Defender appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Yankees are AL's best team by a wide margin according to MLB execs and scouts originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees are 22-11, and have one of the best starts to the season of any team in Major League Baseball this year. They're atop the American League, and only behind the Atlanta Braves for the best record in all of baseball.

Aaron Judge and Ben Rice have been two of the best hitters in the sport, and the pitching staff has been elite as well. And neither Carlos Rodon nor Gerrit Cole has come back yet, either.

Amid such a strong start, USA Today's Bob Nightengale shared that MLB executives and scouts believe that the Yankees are far and away the best team in the AL this year.

Yankees called best team in AL by execs and scouts

"MLB executives and scouts believe that the New York Yankees are the best tea min the American League, and there's not another team particularly close," Nightengale writes.

This is some very high praise for the Yankees this season. They came into the season as a top World Series contender despite not changing much about the roster.

But, so far in 2026, they look like one of the best teams in baseball. They are 22-11, own a positive 57 run differential, and have Rice and Judge putting up truly MVP-caliber numbers so far this season.

In the American League, who can compare to the Yankees? The 20-12 Tampa Bay Rays aren't far behind the Yankees, but they lack the superstar presence of the Yankees roster, and their six-run differential isn't nearly that encouraging.

More: Aaron Judge makes baseball history never done before by Yankees player

The Detroit Tigers at 17-17 have a positive 12-run differential, which is the top mark of any team in the AL, not the Yankees. They're clearly one of the best teams in baseball, and the rest of the American League is, for the most part, a middle-of-the-road team.

The Toronto Blue Jays have a ton of injury issues, the Boston Red Sox fired Alex Cora, the Houston Astros are a disaster with their pitching staff, and every other team isn't nearly inspiring.

MLB executives and scouts believe the Yankees are far and away the best team in the AL. That isn't that far-fetched. Their competition hasn't been great, is banged up, or lacks the star power of the Yankees.

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Arizona’s doomed season began with a 6-game losing streak. It played just below .500 ball for the next two months, but the last two weeks its been back to how it started.

The Wildcats lost 11-5 at Kansas on Sunday afternoon, getting swept for the second time in Big 12 play. Arizona (16-30, 7-17 Big 12) has lost six in a row while the first place Jayhawks (37-11, 20-4) have won 10 straight and remained unbeaten at home in conference play.

The UA offense had its best performance of the weekend, finishing with eight hits including the first career home runs by freshman Cash Brennan and senior Dom Rodriguez. Brennan and Beau Sylvester both had two hits.

But the pitching side did not do its part. Luc Fladda, who was named Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Week after his 11-strikeout start against Kansas State last time out, lasted only 3.1 innings and allowed eight runs. Corey Kling followed and gave up three over the next 3.2 innings before Garrett Hicks threw a clean 8th.

Arizona returns home for its final four games at Hi Corbett Field, hosting New Mexico State on Wednesday and then last-place Houston over the weekend. The Wildcats are fighting for the final spot in the Big 12 Tournament.

The Kansas City Royals are going for a road sweep today in the Pacific Northwest, yes, you read that right a ROAD sweep. Last night, the Royals once again snatched a clutch victory in extras from the Seattle Mariners, allowing the Royals to win their third series this season and their first on the road. Shades of the 2024 season is starting to come up these Royals, as they are starting to show signs of the team people projected them to be preseason.

Kris Bubic gets the start this afternoon. Bubic had a rollercoaster ride of a start in Sacramento to start the road trip. He went 5 innings allowing 4 hits, 1 run, walking 4 but striking out 6, on 96 pitches. That game was the only one the Royals won in Sacramento.

The Royals have already clinched a .500 road trip with back-to-back victories, in fact all three wins this week have been in 10 innings, it’d be nice if they could take this one in the regular nine innings.

The starters behind Bubic are the same as it has been all series. Carter Jensen catches again today, while Salvy is the designated hitter, but this is the same starting lineup as the first two games, so some consistency from Q.

On the other side, it’s been a rough go for the Mariners. They came into this series at .500 but have dropped two heartbreakers. They also lost Cal Raleigh for unknown soreness these last two games, and their closer Andrés Muñoz blew a save last night.

Anyways, righty Luis Castillo gets the ball today for Seattle. The 33-year-old is having a rough go to start the season. He has a 6.35 ERA over 28.1 innings this season. His last start in Minnesota was not great. He surrendered seven hits, seven runs and two homers in just 5 innings of work.

Behind him, is a different starting lineup than we’ve seen the first two nights in Seattle.

The Royals sit at 14-19 and winners in 6 of their last 8 games. Can they complete a road sweep today and a winning trip out west? They come into today 2 games out of the final wild card spot and 3.5 games behind the division leading Guardians, who they start a four-game series with tomorrow night at the K. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m. CT, the game can be streamed on Royals.TV.

Julian Alvarez would be a perfect deal for Liverpool to try and get over the line

Julian Alvarez has been one of La Liga's most in-form players this season.

Even though the 26-year-old doesn't play in an attacking-team, he's still managed to catch the eyes of most major clubs around the world.

This season alone the Argentinian international has played 48 games and has contributed to 29 goals across all competitions.

Indeed, his best position is as a centre-forward but, during his time with Manchester City, there were occasions when he'd be used on the left.

But, since Arne Slot seemingly wants to start with two strikers whenever possible, Alvarez would be a perfect addition.

And now, an update from Spanish outlet MARCA has revealed Atletico Madrid's asking price for their star attacker.

"The relationship between the club and the player is excellent; Julián is very settled in Madrid with his family and has shown no desire to leave," they wrote.

"Although FC Barcelona is closely monitoring the situation, a transfer seems highly unlikely, as Atlético values ​​the Argentine at around €100 million."

Liverpool have a lot of decisions to make this summer

Every area of Liverpool's team could do with a new player or two being added to it this summer.

But, after their massive spending last term and the fact that they already have a small squad as it is, it's unclear how much change is actually going to occur.

There are several things that the Reds need to figure out before the transfer window opens such as who their prime targets are and what they want to achieve from the window.

Obviously, no matter who is brought in to replace Salah, it's unlikely that they'll have as much of an impact as the Egyptian King.

However, with someone such as Alvarez who has already had Premier League experience, the time it takes him to adjust will probably much shorter.

He's also been playing regular Champions League football since his exit from the Etihad so, if Slot and Richard Hughes are going to spend around €100 million on a new attacker, there isn't really going to be a better option for them than the Argentinian.

NFL may decide to open Broncos' 2026 season off with a predictable primetime bang originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, the calendar shifts to May, which means the next big event on the NFL calendar is the release of the schedule for the regular season. 

That generally takes place in mid-May, and an exact date should be announced soon. It's one of those things that fans look forward to and the NFL does a great job of mapping out the offseason to keep fans intrigued and engaged. 

We know which teams the Denver Broncos will face in 2026, but the release of the schedule will give us the answer to when those games will take place, and that's when fans start to get really excited, as it allows them to forecast how the season might go. 

Denver Broncos' 2026 opponents

Home: Chiefs, Chargers, Raiders, Bills, Dolphins, Jaguars, Seahawks, Rams
Away: Chiefs, Chargers, Raiders, Patriots, Jets, Steelers, 49ers, Cardinals, Panthers

Who will Broncos face in Week 1 of 2026 season?

If the Broncos open the season at home, there is a can't-miss opportunity for the NFL to kick the season off on a high note. 

In last year's divisional round, the Broncos and Buffalo Bills played in one of the most memorable games of the season. The game went to overtime with the Broncos winning 33-30, but it didn't end without some controversy. This play remains hotly debated by both teams' fanbases. 

JA'QUAN MCMILLIAN INTERCEPTION

BUFvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/S3yuoRu30c

— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026

Ruled an interception by Denver defensive back Ja'Quan McMillian, every fan of the Bills will tell you that it was a catch by Brandin Cooks. In the end, it led to the Broncos getting the game-winning field goal and ending Buffalo's Super Bowl hopes. 

But the excitement didn't last long for Broncos Country. Shortly after the game ended, the team was notified that Bo Nix broke his ankle on one of the final plays of the game and would miss the rest of the postseason. That ultimately cost the Broncos their chance to get to the Super Bowl. 

The Broncos and Bills are expected to be two of the top teams in the AFC again this season and it would be a huge way to kick off the year. The NFL could put this game as the season opener on Sunday Night Football and that should be considered a strong possibility. 

HOT READ:Broncos predicted to replace starting cornerback in early 2027 mock draft

The Broncos have not opened a season on Sunday Night Football since the 2014 season. If you're predicting who the Broncos will face in Week 1, the Bills have to be considered one of the favorites. 

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“The way I fight, it's exciting. It's entertaining.”

Marwan Rahiki picked up his second stoppage win in two months and believes he is just getting started. #UFCPerth

Complete Main Card Results ➡️ https://t.co/toXKeYREALpic.twitter.com/y6jjRpB4qW— UFC News (@UFCNews) May 2, 2026

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — NBA top rookie Cooper Flagg got a fast ride on the track Sunday before the NASCAR race in Texas with another 19-year-old, Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch.

A week after being named the NBA Rookie of the Year, the Dallas Mavericks' 6-foot-9 forward was the honorary pace car driver for the race in Texas.

But several hours before leading the 38-car field to the green flag at the 1 1/2-mile track, Flagg was the passenger in that 2026 Chevrolet Corvette. It was driven then by Zilisch, who is in his first full Cup season with Trackhouse Racing after winning 10 races in NASCAR's second-tier series last year.

“We got going pretty fast, and I think half the ride I was more scared of what was going on,” Flagg said. “I've never been in a car going that fast, so it was pretty cool.”

Zilisch was driving well over 100 mph while giving Flagg an up-close look at the track.

So what do a couple of 19-year-old guys talk about while going around the track?

“I don’t know much about racing, but I think just being able to connect on the fact that we’re both young in our respective sports ... that was really cool, and to be able to talk to someone that’s going through a lot of similar things at a time in your life," Flagg said. "There’s just not many people that have been through this type of stuff at this age, so I think it was cool to connect on that.”

It was the first time Flagg, who was born and grew up in Maine, has been to any NASCAR track. But his parents in 1999 started going regularly to races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with Tony Stewart being their favorite driver.

Flagg said his parents, who were with him, hadn't been to a NASCAR race in a while since they got busy following him and his two brothers. During their visit to Texas, they got to meet personally with seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, four-time champ Jeff Gordon and owner-driver Denny Hamlin.

Flagg set a host of records as an NBA teenager and edged his former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel for the NBA rookie award announced last Monday. Flagg was the first rookie since Michael Jordan, now a NASCAR owner, in 1984-85 to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba and AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing

Championsip leader Kimi Antonelli overcame a suboptimal start to win his third consecutive Formula One race this season at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Mercedes driver started from pole position, but had a slow reaction once the lights went out and was overtaken by the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc and the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.

But throughout the race, the Italian fought back and retook first place for good on lap 29.

Antonelli struggled with his rear tyres, but managed to hold off defending champion Lando Norris in the McLaren.

"The start was not as bad as yesterday, it was a bit better," he said referring to Saturday's sprint race, in which he started in second, but didn't get away particularly well and lost positions. He eventually finished fourth, but was demoted to sixth after a penalty.

"The team did a great strategy. We did a massive undercut and we managed to bring it home even though it was not easy."

Antonelli became the first driver to convert his first three pole positions into wins.

"This is just the beginning. The road is still long. We are working super hard and the team is doing an incredible job," he said.

Norris, who won the sprint race on Saturday, finished in second, claiming his first podium at a Grand Prix this year. Team-mate Oscar Piastri clinched third place after overtaking Leclerc in the final lap.

The race

Antonelli's slow start left him sandwiched between Leclerc and Verstappen. He then locked up, allowing Leclerc to take the lead, while Verstappen spun and lost several positions.

The Italian had dropped to third by lap six, when the safety car was deployed after Isack Hadjar crashed his Red Bull into the wall and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly had the same fate after contact with the Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson. The three of them abandoned the race.

Norris took the lead from Leclerc after the safety car left the track as Antonelli remained third.

But the Italian executed a perfect pit stop plan to stay ahead of Norris after the later pitted for fresh tyres on lap 29.

He complained about struggling with the rear tyres, with Norris following close but the title holder still couldn't make a move and had to settle for second.

"I'm gutted to miss out on a win here in Miami, I think it was possible today," Norris said.

"We just got undercut - no excuses other than that. We got undercut, we should have boxed first. Kimi did a good job. Hat's off to Mercedes and Kimi, they drove a good race."

Behind the two of them, Piastri was fiercely chasing Leclerc and his hard work paid off in the final lap when he finally passed the Ferrari car.

Shortly after the overtake, Leclerc spun. He managed to keep the car out of the wall, but lost positions to George Russell and Verstappen.

"It's not been the most straightforward of weekends. I had to make a few overtakes at the end of the race. It was a pretty late charge, but it's very tricky around here, especially in these conditions, so thanks to the team," Piastri said

This was the first F1 race since the Japanese GP on March 29. The season was forced into an unplanned break after races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

There was speculation whether the Miami race would also be cancelled due to the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms, but F1 bosses and governing body FIA decide to move the start time forward by three hours.

So much of Juventus’ first four games out the March international break was about them taking advantage of the opportunity right in front of them. They got the help from other teams who were playing their direct rivals for fourth place, and they got the result to take care of their own business as they quickly flipped the entire situation in their favor after things looked so bleak heading into the break.

The last two games, though?

Not as great — and especially this time.

Juventus lined up against a Hellas Verona team on Sunday that had known for the past 48 hours that it was officially relegated to Serie B. But when it comes to that, you wouldn’t have known. Not because Hellas Verona were all that great during their last trip to Turin for at least one season. Instead, it was because Juventus, a team that got more help from Napoli the day before in their scoreless draw against Como, looked about as ineffective in front of goal as we’ve seen in a good amount of time. It didn’t matter how many shots they actually had — oh, and they had plenty of chances! — it was because outside of Dusan Vlahovic’s free kick in the 62nd minute, Juventus were either frustrated by their own actions or what Lorenzo Montipò was doing in goal.

The end result was a maddening 1-1 draw with the 19th-place team in Serie A, a club that has barely won since Christmas and have looked virtually inept in attack over the past couple of months.

But leave it to Juventus, in a game that had virtually everybody thinking three points were the only thing that could come out of it, to both let the first-shot-on-goal curse strike again and fail to score much at all against a team that has been relegated and is one of the worst defenses in the league.

It’s the kind of performance that has you seriously questioning whether they can finish in the top four even though they will still be in fourth place even if Roma beat Fiorentina on Monday night. But when they had the chance to pull even with Max Allegri’s AC Milan on points and go into third on goal differential, Juventus went out and did whatever the hell you want to call their showing against Hellas Verona.

(That’s also the second draw against Verona this season. Considering how bard they are, that’s not exactly something Juventus should be happy about both now and when the season is officially over.)

Juventus finished with 29 shots against Hellas Verona. For much of the game, only a slim number of those were on frame, giving Montipò a relative reprieve despite all of the pressure directly in front of him. Outside of the Vlahovic free kick that tied the game and maybe gave us a momentary glimmer of hope for a win, Montipò looked awfully close to going fully Sorrento and keeping just about everything he had to save out of the goal. He got some pretty good defending in front of him, of course, but it also helped that Juventus were up to their usual (bad) tricks when it comes to try to break down an extremely low block and finishing like they were back in their first full day of training after a couple of weeks completely away from kicking a ball.

It was the kind of performance you might excuse in the very early parts of the season.

But when you’ve got the door open to move into third place and greatly improve your chances of qualifying for the Champions League in the final month of the season? Yeah, not so much.

And to do all of this in front of your home fans, too? In the penultimate home fixture of the season? Not good.

This is 100% a draw that feels like a loss. Juventus had room for error when it comes to their standing in fourth place, but you sure would have liked to see that still in play come the final couple weekends of the season when you’ve got Fiorentina and Torino on the schedule. Instead, that room for error is now basically gone and the final three games of the season now swing back to all being must-win so that Roma or Como don’t pip you right before the finish line arrives.

This wasn’t Hellas Verona playing that much out of their mind that they snaked a point off Juventus. This was the same old song and dance we’ve seen from this club over the last few years — they just sometimes can’t help but be their own worst enemy at extremely important times. They dug their own hole against Hellas Verona on Sunday and they couldn’t figure a way fully out of it.

You just can’t help but think of the alternative to what actually played out. Juventus could have been in third place with a win. Instead, they’re now going to be barely hanging on to fourth place if Roma beat Fiorentina. That is quite a swing for a team that just seemed to be doing so much right only a few weeks ago.

The more things change … or something like that. I don’t know at this point. It’s hard to figure it all out.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• Bad. Very, very bad.
• Really is amazing how this club can look good against clubs that are around them in the table and then just look completely off it against some of the worst teams in the league. Truly amazing two-sided nature.
• An xG of 2.48 and you only put a handful of shots on target. Come on!
• Final three games of the season and we’re still wondering how the heck Juventus might actually be able to score goals. It’s another one of those years, I guess.
• Amazing what a free kick taker who can actually take direct free kicks can do, huh? Maybe if Vlahovic could stay healthy for more than five minutes in 2026 he would help this team out even more than some of us think he can.
• Gleison Bremer looked absolutely great in the opening 33 minutes of Sunday’s game. Then that big mistake of his at the back directly led to Hellas Verona getting a goal out of nowhere in the 34th minute.
• Not like Michele Di Gregorio helped all that much on Hellas Verona’s goal, either. Quite the juxtaposition for Di Gregorio after he was awarded Juventus’ MVP award for the month of April prior to kickoff.
• Just cover your near post, man. It’s not that difficult to do!
• For as good as Vlahovic’s free kick was, the entirety of Jonathan David’s performance felt like the opposite. Just a frustrating day for a forward who just didn’t have it this weekend.
• How in the hell was Roberto Gagliardini not sent off at some point of this game? It could have been for going studs up against David. It could have been for a couple other yellow card-worthy tackles that got called for fouls but nothing more than that. Either way, the is a guy who should not have been on the field for the entire 90 minutes. But these are Serie A referees we’re talking about here, so nothing else really needs to be said.
• As much as the overall performance frustrated the living hell out of me (and you), I couldn’t help but have a sarcastic kind of chuckle when the play-by-play man on Paramount was talking about how Luciano Spallettit’s second-half changes clearly show he was going for the win. Yeah, because he was just going to settle for a draw against an opponent that’s been relegated and Champions League qualification is at stake. Funny how that might change how a manager thinks, huh?
• But seriously, though, what was the point of bringing on Fabio Miretti as the first sub off the bench not named Vlahovic? I know it was just a couple of months ago that I was talking about Miretti deserving more minutes, but not now. He has looked a shell of that player from January and February. He added nothing to Juventus’ overall showing after coming on. And yet he was the second option off the bench? I don’t get it.
• It also just felt like Spalletti was a little slow to react to how the game was progressing. He used three of his five subs in the final 15 minutes or later. He’s usually pretty good with these types of things and reading when he should make his subs. Sunday didn’t feel like one of those instances.
• I know Edon Zhegrova hasn’t had a very good season because of (insert multiple reasons you want here), but that man has also had some crap luck in front of goal. That was a great save from Montipò to put the cherry on top of an overall frustrating-as-hell performance from Juventus.
• I miss Khephren Thuram being consistently good like he was last season. That man has regressed and I’m having trouble figuring out why it is.
• The count stats might say Kenan Yildiz had a good game, but this was quite the tame performance from Juventus’ best player. It’s easy to get why — he’s been battling this knee injury for nearly a month now and we’re just at the point in the season where a player who has logged as many minute as he has can easily be exhausted by it all. That’s not an excuse, of course, but trying to apply some logic here.
• Turn off the Juventus stream and flip to the Miami Grand Prix and there goals Charles Leclerc’s shot at a podium. Hell of a day for John Elkann-owned sporting properties.
• Maybe that’s a sign to just shut the laptop and go enjoy the outside. Can’t be any worse than Juventus’ finish against Hellas Verona, right? (The answer is a clear-cut no because that was bad.)
• What else is there to say? Well, not much. Let’s go have some food. And drinks. Yes, let’s have both.

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli held off McLaren's Lando Norris in a race-long battle to win the Miami Grand Prix and take a commanding championship lead.

The 19-year-old Italian's third win in a row moves him 20 points - not far from a clear win - ahead of team-mate George Russell, who finished fourth on Sunday, behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

Antonelli prevailed in a gripping race, initially staging a three-car fight also including Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, before the race distilled down to a tussle between the Mercedes and Norris.

The long-threatened rain, which had caused the race start to be brought forward by three hours, never materialised, apart from a few spots mid-race, and the grand prix ran its distance in dry conditions.

The key stories in Miami were:

• Another win for Antonelli, who has won three of the first four races to put pre-season favourite Russell in the shade and became the first driver to win from his first three poles
• A revival for McLaren after upgrades this weekend and a strong drive from Norris
• A full-on race for Max Verstappen, including a rare mistake, a fightback and some on-the-edge racing
• Many examples of the "yo-yo racing" that has characterised this new season and has split opinion

Antonelli overcomes another poor start

Antonelli took this win despite another poor start - he has now lost places off the line in all four grands prix and both sprint events this season.

His Mercedes was swamped by Leclerc's fast-starting Ferrari from fourth on one side and Verstappen on the other on the run to the first corner.

Verstappen went to the inside, but ran deep and as he fought to retain the lead, Leclerc squeezed him at Turn Two, and the four-time champion lost control on the kerb, spinning a full 360 degrees with the entire field behind him.

He quickly regained control but had dropped to 10th place and now out of the fight for victory, a blow on a weekend on which Red Bull appeared to return to competitiveness.

That left Leclerc leading from Antonelli and Norris, and the yo-yo fighting began, caused by varying rates of battery charge.

Antonelli took the lead on lap four, only for Leclerc to pass back a lap later, before a safety car was sent out after two separate accidents on lap six.

Isack Hadjar crashed his Red Bull on his own at the final chicane and Pierre Gasly's Alpine was tipped into a somersault by Liam Lawson's Racing Bulls at the final corner.

The battle at the front continued after the restart, when Norris took second from Antonelli and then quickly passed the Ferrari to take the lead.

Antonelli passed Leclerc a lap later and the Mercedes and McLaren began to edge into a fight on their own.

Norris led confidently, both drivers waiting for rain that was predicted shortly before half-distance, but when it began to look as if it would not come, Mercedes jumped first.

Antonelli was brought in for fresh tyres on lap 24, but Norris waited a further three laps, with McLaren still wary of the weather.

It was the decisive point of the race. Antonelli gained enough time on his fresher tyres to be ahead when Norris came out of the pits.

Although the McLaren sat within a second of the Mercedes for many laps, and Antonelli battled with some gearshift issues and overheating rear tyres, the Mercedes driver held off Norris and eased a couple of seconds clear in the final laps.

"We got undercut, no excuses," Norris said. "We should have boxed first. As a team we have to be happy, I am gutted to miss out on a win. It was possible today. Didn't have the pace to get back past him at the end."

Strong weekend for McLaren

Norris was left to rue the pit stop decision. "How did we not win this?" he said over the radio. "We can make it easier for ourselves."

But this was a strong showing from McLaren, who introduced a major upgrade package this weekend, which brought them right into the fight with Mercedes.

Leclerc was brought in on lap 21 for his stop, and complained over the radio that he had not been consulted.

The decision did drop him down the field and force him to fight past slower cars. He regained third, but then lost it again to Norris' team-mate Piastri on the penultimate lap as he began to struggle for grip.

Leclerc then spun on his own on the last lap, shortly after Piastri had overtaken him, and lost two further positions into and out of the final corner, as first Russell and then Verstappen came past him.

Verstappen pitted under the safety car for his fresh tyres, hoping the gamble would pay off. It dropped him to the back, but with some aggressive overtaking and the others pitting in front of him, it put him in the lead mid-race.

But he was never going to hold on with his worn tyres, and he slipped down. Still, fifth was a decent result after his early error, which was followed by some very aggressive racing that prompted complaints from some of his rivals.

Leclerc slipped back to sixth, ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, whose car was damaged in a first-lap clash with Alpine's Franco Colapinto.

The Argentine took eighth, ahead of the Williams cars of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon.

Verstappen faces an investigation from the stewards for crossing the white line on pit exit, while Russell is under investigation for separate incidents with both Leclerc and Verstappen.

Top 10

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

2. Lando Norris (McLaren)

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

4. George Russell (Mercedes)

5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

8. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)

9. Carlos Sainz (Williams)

10. Alex Albon (Williams)

• Drivers' championship standings
• Constructors' championship standings

What's next?

Formula 1 stays in North America for the next race, at Canada's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, in three weeks' time, from 22-24 May.

• The remarkable life of Zanardi, a 21st century hero who inspired millions
• Can you name every location to have hosted a US F1 race?
• Andrew Benson Q&A: Send us your questions

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Aaron Hardie’s brilliant all-round performance led Peshawar Zalmi to its first Pakistan Super League cricket title since 2017 with a five-wicket win over newcomer Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final on Sunday.

Hardie grabbed 4-27 to bowl out Hyderabad for a below-par 129 all out in 18 overs with Saim Ayub (54) scoring a fighting half century. Hardie then hit a fluent 56 not out off 39 balls and anchored Peshawar to 130-5 in 15.2 overs in front of a packed crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.

Peshawar, which won the toss and chose to chase, had slumped to 40-4 inside the first five overs after losing its captain and tournament top run-scorer Babar Azam for a golden duck while Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell also fell for single-digit scores.

But Hardie, who smashed nine fours, then combined in a match-winning stand of 85 runs with Abdul Samad (48), who missed out on his half century before holing out in the deep when Peshawar needed only five runs for victory.

Peshawar was favorite for the title after it lost only one game in the tournament with Babar equaling Fakhar Zaman's PSL record of 588 runs in one edition of the tournament.

Hyderabad, led by Australian Marnus Labuschagne, had a fairytale run in the tournament when it came back strongly after losing its first four league games and also knocked out both former champions Multan Sultans and Islamabad United in the playoffs.

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

Despite a 3-1 defeat away at Basel on Saturday, FC FC Thun have still made history by winning the Swiss Super League for the first time - with their title confirmed the following day while watching from home.

Their title was sealed after St Gallen were beaten 3-0 at home by Sion, a result that left them 11 points behind Thun with just three matches remaining. The gap is now mathematically unassailable, sparking celebrations for the newly crowned champions.

It’s a slightly unusual way to win the title, especially as Thun have gone through a trickier spell in recent weeks, losing four of their last five league games. But their earlier consistency proved crucial in building a lead that their rivals simply couldn’t close.

What makes the achievement even more impressive is the context. Thun only returned to the top flight a year ago and began the season with one of the smallest budgets in the league. Few expected them to be in contention, let alone lifting the trophy.

A strong start to the campaign set the tone, and they managed to maintain their position at the top despite increased pressure as the season went on.

Alongside their historic league title, FC Thun have also secured qualification for the Champions League for the first time since 2005, marking a remarkable turnaround for the club.

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard was sent off during the club’s 1-1 draw at Wolves on Saturday, and the red card has sparked a heated argument over how football’s rules work in the heat of a physical game. Referee Paul Tierney checked the pitchside monitor before deciding that Ballard had pulled Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare’s hair, an act currently labelled as violent conduct.

Rooney and Logan question Sunderland red card ruling as hair-pull debate divides football

That call left Régis Le Bris‘ side with 10 men for most of the match, and they eventually gave up a second-half equaliser after a tough defensive stand. Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, former England captain Wayne Rooney called the decision “ridiculous” and said the rule itself has to change.

Presenter Gabby Logan added that the current rules are a bit of a muddle, noting that not every hair-pull involves the kind of malice or force the law assumes. Rooney doubled down on the physical side of the game, arguing that grabbing hair during a jump or a scuffle is often just an accidental part of a contact sport, and that sticking strictly to the rulebook leads to some nonsensical results.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, former England captain Rooney was critical of the interpretation. “That’s why I didn’t grow a ponytail when I was playing,” he said. “I just can’t believe that I’m sitting here talking about players getting sent off for pulling hair. I think it’s ridiculous. I think if that’s the rule, the rule has to change because it’s getting absolutely ridiculous.”

Presenter Logan also highlighted the lack of clarity within the current framework. “Because there is a grey area,” she said. “There has to be some nuance. And of course, at the moment, it sits in violent conduct. And there will be some that are violent, but not all.”

Rooney added that the physical nature of the game made such incidents difficult to judge consistently. “When you’re playing, it’s a physical game, and you do grab onto the shirt. You’re trying to get the upper hand on your opponent. And sometimes if there’s a big flock of hair there, you’ve got to grab it at some point. So, yeah, I just think it’s ridiculous.” (Via Sunderland Echo)

Does the hair-pull rule actually make sense in the context of modern football?

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Dan Ballard of Sunderland congratulates Romaine Mundleduring the Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light on December 14, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Rooney and Logan are right to speak up, though there is more to the story than what usually gets covered in a quick Saturday night TV chat. The Premier League and Football Association usually just react whenever a controversial call happens, and this Sunderland incident is a perfect example.

Ballard did pull Arokodare’s hair; no one is arguing that. What is really up for debate, though, is whether that should be treated the same as a headbutt or a stamp. Violent conduct leads to a three-match ban, meaning Sunderland lose a vital defender at a huge moment in their first season after promotion.

That punishment feels way over the top for what actually happened on the pitch. Football already makes a distinction between a handball that stops a goal and one that doesn’t, so the game is capable of being flexible. Using that same common sense for hair-pulling, and separating a deliberate tug from accidental contact during a tackle, isn’t just fair; it’s common sense. Until the IFAB or the FA steps in, referees will keep making calls that satisfy no one, and teams like Sunderland will be the ones paying the price.

The Las Vegas Raiders just freed up more playing time for rookie defensive end/edge rusher Keyron Crawford.

The Las Vegas Raiders surprised many people in the 2026 NFL Draft. They did so by drafting the amazing class they did, and by taking Keyron Crawford in the third round.

It didn't shock people because he's a bad player who shouldn't have been taken in the third round. He's a great player who could have been taken late in the second. It shocked people because the Raiders had far more pressing needs on their board, with players available who could fill them. Instead, they went with an edge rusher who likely won't even play the most at his position, at least, not until the end of the year. Well, that was the initial thought. Now, his path to playing more just got a bit easier.

On Saturday, the Raiders made a flurry of roster moves. They signed S Devyn Perkins, OT Niklas Henning, TE Patrick Gurd, and OT Kamar Missouri. Then, they waived DE Charles Snowden, OG McClendon Curtis, TE Matt Lauter, and OG Layden Robinson. The surprising one here is Snowden, who started 18 games for the Raiders over the last two seasons.

This comes as a surprise because you'd think they would just keep him as depth. Given his experience, he could be a great depth piece. But this opens up playing time for Crawford, who can be a legit pass rush ace on defense.

Kayron Crawford has insane potential as a pass rusher

Crawford's path to football was unconventional; he didn't start playing until his senior year of high school. Despite that, last year, many considered him a more promising prospect than teammate Keldrick Faulk, a first-round pick. He has insane potential, and tools the Raiders could tap into even this year.

Over the past two seasons, Crawford's pass rush win rates increased-from 15.8% on 152 snaps in 2024 to 19.7% on 240 snaps in 2025-ranking just behind Rueben Bain, David Bailey, Romello Height, Akheem Mesidor, and Derrick Moore, according to Tristen Kuhn. These numbers help explain why the Raiders are so high on him. Now, there is one less person standing in his way.

BOSTON -- The smile on Philadelphia 76ers big man Andre Drummond's face was apparent. He was just a part of a historic 3-1 rally as he helped the Sixers pull off the feat for the first time in franchise history after a Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics on the road.

Drummond played an important role as the backup center throughout the series and he knocked down four of the six triples he put up during his time on the floor. The aforementioned smile was due to the fact that for the first time in his 14-year career, he had won a playoff series.

Yes, Drummond had made the playoffs with the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets in the past, but had never been gotten past Round 1 before. He had also made the play-in with the Chicago Bulls before they fell short in those contests. As he now prepares for Round 2 against the New York Knicks, he talked with Sixers Wire about finally getting past Round 1.

"Hyped," Drummond started. "I'm excited. This is new territory for me. I’ve never been out of the first round. I've had plenty of chances there, but this is my first time being out. I'm happy, obviously. It’s really cool, but not satisfied. Looking forward to the next round playing against a team that knocked them out two years ago. So, I’m excited to be a part of something bigger than me. I'm excited to be part of a great season. We turned it around."

Drummond and the Sixers certainly turned it around. After a miserable 2024-25 season in which injuries ravaged the roster, they have bounced back with a big season and are headed to Round 2 for the first time since 2023. The Knicks knocked them out in the first round in 2024 before not making the playoffs in 2025.

As far as the Knicks are concerned, Drummond isn't ready to reveal all the secrets just yet, but he knows he and the Sixers are going to play as hard as they can.

"You know, I can't really give you that, because I don't know if they’re watching," Drummond laughed. "But for us, we're gonna come out and we're gonna play our game. Play to the best of our ability, and come out with some wins."

Game 1 is set for 8 p.m. EDT on Monday in New York.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers' Andre Drummond reacts to 1st playoff series win after Game 7

78 Years of Solitude (Part 3)

– byMario Crescibene

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Beneath an elevated highway in the south of Medellín, a skate park is already in motion. Skaters drop in from every side of the concrete bowl, cutting lines that should end in collisions, yet somehow no one crashes into each other. Wheels grind and boards clack against the lip, smoke from blunts and cigarettes curling aimlessly under the lights. The park is 4 Sur, and tonight we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of Rodeo Skateboard — the best skate shop in Medellín.

I find an open space on some large concrete steps overlooking the bowl that serve as stands. The park is already packed even though it’s still early in the night. Bodies press in on either side of me as more people slowly arrive. I’m not exactly sure when I got here, but that is how time moves in the city of eternal spring. It drifts and disperses just like the smoke from the blunts.

Above me, fluorescent lights run in long lines along the underside of the highway, illuminating the concrete park below, every surface covered in graffiti. Cartoon characters share the walls with spray-painted rats scurrying across the ramps, the unofficial mascot of 4 Sur. A green creature painted on the lip of a circular mound just below me watches the bowl with bloodshot eyes. One can only imagine what he was smoking. Tags piled on tags, a whole painted pantheon on display under the concrete sky.

The skate park stretches further than it looks. Bowls feed into bowls, rails and obstacles populating the space between. A ramp flows into a curve that rides all the way up a wall to the underside of the highway, a challenge to anyone brave enough to try and touch the ceiling. A cement island rises in the middle of it all, skaters gliding to the top to chill and smoke as they watch their fellow rats below. Because the painted rats scurrying across the walls are not just a mascot. They are a self-portrait. Here in 4 Sur, that is what the skaters call themselves. Las Ratas.

One of the Ratas on the cement island finishes his cigarette and gets up, dropping into the bowl. He flows effortlessly through the skate scene, coming out the other side right in front of me. He flicks his board haphazardly into the air with his back foot. It spins beneath him as he floats in the air suspended above it, then lands on it again without breaking his rhythm. Before I can register what just happened, two more skaters cross in front, one grinding the rail and the other balancing on his rear two wheels.

Every part of the park is its own microcosm, endless tricks unfolding all at once. It looks like chaos as boards fly through the air in every direction. A kid bails near the lip and his deck shoots sideways across the concrete, yet somehow the skater behind him reads it before it lands and carves around the loose board, never breaking his line. There is no verbal communication between the ballistic poets. They read each other’s movements, nobody ever flinching. They are fearless.

I stop trying to track the routes. With so many Ratas scurrying through the park it is futile to make sense of the mayhem. But like a unified heart, there is something lying beneath the madness that ties everything together — the skaters tapping into the same collective consciousness. They do not think or plan before they flow through their routes; they commit to them in the moment. There are no halfway lines. No second guesses. No skater pulling up at the lip of the bowl to calculate or re-calibrate.

It hits me how stark the contrast is between the punks flying through the bowl with reckless abandon and the Guardians’ offense. These rebels on wheels weave as if controlled by a manifest destiny that calls for complete surrender. Yet leading up to the series against the Athletics, the Guards have looked like they are attempting to manifest destiny itself when they swing their bats. The Ratas let the bowl pull them through it, present in the moment, but the Guards keep trying to muscle the moment into submission.

I get up and cross to the other side of the park, walking the perimeter of the bowl. I pass people drinking beer and sharing cigarettes, leaning against the railings, everyone watching the show unfolding just inches away from them. A skater grinds alongside a group of spectators, none of them flinching. They have a faith in their fellow concrete creatives that I admittedly still lack as I desperately swerve through the pack trying not to knock into anyone.

The far end opens into a wider space beyond the ramps with smaller features. Tables have been set up along the edge, stacked with t-shirts, hats, stickers, and posters printed for the 10th anniversary of Rodeo Skateboard. Behind one of the tables, a man stands with his arms folded, holding court: Juan, the owner of Rodeo Skateboard.

He is short in stature and unassuming, but despite his long grey beard and longer hair, there is something timeless to his mystique. A skate warlock. He is surrounded by a pack of his disciples, passing bottles around, leaning in to share heroic stories and valiant crashes, brandishing scars and old wounds, while others come over to the dais to congratulate Juan on 10 years with warm hugs. Without Juan, the skate scene in Medellín is not what it is today. He is the Rat King, and tonight is his night.

I wait for an opening and step in to make my tribute, commenting on the great event. He nods with a large grin, eyes glinting with the satisfaction of a man watching his decade of success play out before him. But it’s getting late, I tell him. “I think I’m going to head home.”

He shakes his head wildly. “You can’t leave now! The night is just getting started. Solo quince minutos más.” He pulls a blunt from behind his ear, lights it, and passes it to me without a word.

“Fine. Fifteen minutes more,” I acquiesce as I take the blunt. I can’t say no to Juan, and I can never say no to a blunt.

A whoop goes up from the bowl behind me. I turn to see someone wrapping a rail in cloth and dousing it in what could only be lighter fluid. A lighter sparks, and the rail catches ablaze, a line of fire running the length of it. A queue forms for the first competition of the night as one rider after the next steps to the top of the run to demonstrate their skill and cojones.

The crowd presses tighter as people rush over to claim a good view, leaning in, voices rising in shouts of support for those who ride the full length of the flaming rail. Someone drops in, carrying his speed across the concrete, and ollies onto the rail. Fire erupts on either side of his board as he slides through the flames and lands on the other side, the fire spitting off his trucks.

The crowd erupts, and Juan tosses a t-shirt that sails through the air and into the outstretched hand of his champion. Another challenger is already at the top of the route ready to prove his mettle, the rail still burning, and goes without hesitation the moment the line clears. For an hour there is no pause between the landing of the last rider and the commitment of the next.

Six thousand kilometers away in Sacramento, the Guardians are beginning to find their own rhythm. After weeks of grinding at the plate, the bats have finally come alive. Something in that Northern California air, maybe. Or maybe they are starting to tap into the collective consciousness of the local skate culture, letting the moment carry them instead of fighting it.

A guy sits down on a concrete bank next to me, lighting a cigarette. He looks out at the rail and then over at me, nodding in the universal acknowledgment between strangers who have ended up on the lip of the same bowl. I nod back. He offers me a cigarette, but I refuse. Just blunts for me.

“Primera vez aquí?” he asks.

“Primera vez en un evento así,” I say. “Pero he estado en el parque antes.”

He grins knowingly and tells me his name as we fist bump. He has been skating at 4 Sur for years. He points out a few of the riders in the line and tells me which ones to watch. As the competition continues he talks about Juan with a reverent respect, and the legend that is Rodeo Skateboard. But as the flaming rail begins to finally go out I order an Uber and tell him that it’s getting late and that I should really be heading home. I have an article I have to write.

He laughs, smoke curling out of his mouth, and shakes his head. “No, hermano. Solo quince minutos más. Lo mejor todavía no ha comenzado.”

I relent and cancel my Uber. Fine. Fifteen minutes more.

As if on cue, Juan drags a metal hoop out from behind the tables and props it upright at the bottom of one of the smaller ramps. He goes through the same ceremony of wrapping it in cloth, dousing it in lighter fluid, and setting it ablaze. The flames have barely begun to rise before someone is already approaching at full speed. He ducks his head as he kicks his board into the air in an ollie that threads through the burning circle, and comes out the other side landing clean, his wheels squealing off the cement as he curves to avoid the crowd that continues to press in from every direction.

Another t-shirt sails through the air as Juan marks his approval. One Rata after the next makes dastardly attempts to clear the ring of fire. Juan is laughing, gazing on in pure delight from behind his table, throwing out shirts and prizes as fast as the punks can earn them. To his side, a group of roadies begins to set up amps and a drum set, preparing for the first band of the night.

Within minutes a thrash metal band tears into their first song at full volume filling 4 Sur with their audio assault. The guitar comes screaming in, distortion overloaded. The bass drum hammers double-kicks, cymbals crashing over the crowd in waves. The singer, shirtless, belts out lyrics I can’t understand, his grunts and rants coming out in a language all their own — more of a growl than a song. He swings the microphone wildly in a wide circle over his head by the cord, the cable carving the air around him like a lasso, and on every downbeat he yanks it back into his mouth just in time to scream the next line.

A mosh pit opens in front of the stage and I force my way to the center. While the riders in the bowl miraculously never crash, in the mosh pit it’s the antithesis. Bodies slam into each other, possessed by the same energy possessing the maniac at the mic. A shoulder catches mine and spins me sideways. I push back into someone else, the pit absorbing me and spitting me back out without breaking its rhythm.

Despite the body blows nobody falls. And just like out on the bowl, nobody hesitates. Everyone throws themselves at everyone else with a reckless abandon and a complete faith that they will be caught and thrown back in. There is no thought in any of it. No one is calculating angles. No one is bracing. The body decides, and the body commits.

The band finishes their set with one last barrage, the singer screaming into the mic one final time before letting it fall. A roar goes up as hands raise in a salute of gratitude for the savage display. Sweat drips off everyone in the pit as the band gives way for the next group. I look at my phone. It’s late. I put the phone back in my pocket.

Solo quince minutos más, I tell myself.

The next band starts setting up where the thrash band just was, rolling out congas and a timbale set while trumpet players warm up off to the side. The energy of the park transforms before they have played a single note. People who were recklessly throwing themselves around in the pit just a minute ago eagerly rearrange themselves to find dance partners, brushing the sweat off their faces and catching their breath as the band begins their set.

The count comes in on the timbales, the horns hit on the downbeat, and the whole park drops into a salsa rhythm at once. A couple starts dancing in the space next to me, the woman spinning out under her partner’s arm and rolling back in, their hands sliding behind each other’s backs without breaking the rhythm. Beside them another woman dips low under her partner’s arm and comes back up laughing. The mosh pit has become a dance floor without anyone announcing it, and out on the bowl the punks are still skating.

The salsa beat moves me, my hips finding their Latino flair, my shoulders shaking to the rhythm of the music. A woman next to me grabs my hand and we fall into step, her body reading mine before either of us has said a word. She spins out under my arm, and I am pulling her in again before any thought arrives. She twirls into my waiting arms, the pure joy of instantaneous improvisation written across her face.

The night is no longer something happening in front of me; it is now flowing through me. I am no longer an observer of some external phenomenon. I am experiencing it. We all are. The salsa band creating the soundtrack for the night as the dancers and Ratas in the bowl move to the same flow. The endless night continuing to unfold as one chapter evolves into the next. And as the Guardians find their flow in Sacramento, I’ll be here. Me and my Ratas de Medellín.

Charles Leclerc‘s final lap at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix was not a tidy one. After clipping the wall and limping around with a damaged Ferrari, he lost fourth place to both George Russell and Max Verstappen in the closing moments. He now faces a stewards’ hearing that covers multiple alleged offences simultaneously.

The stewards confirmed they will investigate Leclerc for continuing to race in an unsafe condition.

On top of that, he is separately under scrutiny for making minor contact with Russell on the final lap and for leaving the track multiple times and allegedly gaining an advantage. That is three investigations from one chaotic last tour of the Miami International Autodrome.

Sky Sports F1‘s Martin Brundle wasn’t ready to throw Leclerc under the bus for any of it.

“He got it home didn’t he. He had four wheels on it, all pointing roughly in the right direction,” Brundle said. “You can’t just go ‘I bumped the wall, I will park it and get out of the way’. George Russell’s car was every bit as unsafe and he carried on.”

The Wider Stewards’ Queue Is Long

Leclerc isn’t the only one with explaining to do after Miami.

Russell has been noted for moving under braking, while the Russell-Verstappen contact in the latter stages of the race is also under investigation.

Verstappen is also under investigation for supposedly crossing the white line at the pit exit after his stop, a four-time world champion who had already spun on the opening lap and fallen down the order, with FIA officials set to take a closer look once they had more information from the full 57-lap race distance.

The Russell-Leclerc contact happened at Turn 17 on the last lap, the same corner where Russell then squeezed past to snatch fourth. Whether the stewards view Leclerc’s battered Ferrari as a genuine safety hazard or as a car that was damaged but still under reasonable control will be the core question. And Brundle’s point about Russell continuing in a similarly compromised state will be hard for the stewards to ignore when making that call.

Leclerc had hit the wall and was visibly limping around in those final laps, which is precisely why he became such easy prey at the end. The argument that a damaged car should always be parked is a reasonable one on paper. In practice, F1 drivers nurse battered machinery home regularly, and the line between “unsafe” and “damaged” has always been a judgment call. Sixth place 0 where Leclerc ultimately wound up – beats a retirement.

Whatever the stewards decide, the real headline from Miami still belongs to Kimi Antonelli, who won the race for Mercedes ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The rest was paperwork.

The Georgia Bulldogs are projected to have one of their transfers be a high draft pick again in the 2027 NFL draft. During the 2026 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck with the No. 65 pick in the third-round. Beck played his final year of college football with the Miami Hurricanes and came painfully close to winning a national championship.

In next year's draft, Pro Football Focus projects that Georgia transfer pass rusher Damon Wilson will go even earlier than Beck. Wilson, who spent the 2025 college football season with the Missouri Tigers, transferred to Miami this offseason.

Wilson is a former elite recruit and is coming off a breakout season with Missouri. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound pass rusher posted nine sacks, 23 tackles and an interception during the 2025 season with the Tigers. Wilson is looking to be even more productive at Miami.

The Hurricanes have big plans for Wilson, who is taking over after Miami defensive linemen Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. went in the first-round of the 2026 NFL draft. Wilson is projected to be No. 31 pick in the 2027 draft, where he'd land with the Buffalo Bills.

PFF has some concerns about Wilson's ability as a run defender, but adds that his "pass-rushing production is undeniable" after a productive 2025 season. A lot can change in a year. Wilson and the rest of the nation's top college football players have to prove things on the field before they can cement their status as 2027 first-round picks.

Other Georgia transfers with a shot to be first-round picks in 2027 include Oregon defensive tackle Bear Alexander and Indiana cornerback AJ Harris.

What PFF said about Damon Wilson

Wilson takes over following first-round selections Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor after transferring from Missouri. He still has question marks as a run defender, but his pass-rushing production is undeniable — 54 pressures and eight sacks last season.

Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X, or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia transfer projected to be first-round pick

The Golden State Valkyries just cut the rookie they received in a controversial draft-night trade.

On Saturday, the Golden State Valkyries waived Marta Suárez, the No. 16 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, whom the team acquired on draft night last month from the Seattle Storm alongside a 2028 second-round pick in exchange for Flau’jae Johnson, the No. 8 pick.

Draft-Night Drama

The Valkyries were scrutinized for the trade with many perceiving the return of two second-round picks for Johnson, projected to go in the top six in many draft boards, as weak. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the trade during the draft ahead of the No. 17 pick, and audible gasps were heard on the ESPN broadcast. 

After the draft, Golden State GM Ohemaa Nyanin told ESPN that she made the deal with Seattle before the picks were made: “This had nothing to do with Flau’jae or any specific athlete selection.”

Once the Valkyries were on the clock to select the No. 8 pick, Seattle informed them of their decision to select Johnson. 

“We didn’t think that she would be available at that point,” Storm GM Talisa Rhea said after the draft. 

Asked by reporters after the draft about her decision, Nyanin avoided the question, saying she was too “exhausted” to explain her rationale. She was also asked whether the move had salary cap implications, but said she does not “talk or comment about salary cap.” 

Following the Money

However, the decision to waive Suárez is another sign that the cap may have factored into the trade.

The Valkyries have 10 players under contract, according to Her Hoops Stats. With two open roster spots remaining, Golden State has about $816,490 left—and this does not include the $380,219 owed to 2025 draft pick Justė Jocytė.

The team would be left with one full-time roster spot remaining and less than $450,000 in cap space for the 2026 season. Suárez would have made $270,000 this year, meaning she would’ve fit under the team’s cap this year. But Golden State still has Laeticia Amihere and Kaitlyn Chen, two players on last season’s roster, under training camp deals.

Bigger Priorities?

The Valkyries may also be considering the future. All-star forward Kayla Thornton and key rotation piece Tiffany Hayes will be free agents next year, and the team may want to re-sign them, or they could try to lure another star in free agency. 

Golden State already showed its ability to attract stars in free agency this offseason, when it signed All-Star Gabby Williams to a three-year, $3.75 million contract.

The post Valkyries Cut the Player They Acquired in Flau’jae Johnson Deal appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza told the media he will not be visiting the White House with his former team, the Indiana Hoosiers, to meet President Trump.

Mendoza says he doesn’t want to make a bad impression on his new teammates.

“As a rookie, I don't think that's a good look. I gotta prove myself. I can't miss practice."

Some fans understood where Mendoza was coming from; others didn’t, and they made it clear how disappointed they were in him. 

“His family immigrated…

A little appreciation to miss practice once won’t kill him.”

His family immigrated…

A little appreciation to miss practice once won’t kill him.#Ungrateful

— Xavier Mackman (@HoopAntics) May 3, 2026

“I love politics I LOVE POLITICS give me a person who I can debate with or chat with any day. But even I, if I were Fernando, I wouldn't say this stuff, ever. Why not just save it for your private conversations now? He's literally the #1 pick. With great power comes great responsibility.”

I love politics I LOVE POLITICS give me a person who I can debate with or chat with any day. But even I, if I were Fernando, I wouldn't say this stuff, ever. Why not just save it for your private conversations now? He's literally the #1 pick. With great power comes great…

— a n o n (@nymNYGnyr) May 3, 2026

This kid is turning out to be a total douche at every turn

— JustARegularGuy (@JustARegGuy77) May 3, 2026

A lot of other fans appreciated Mendoza’s dedication to his team.

“Why? Who would criticize him for that. The dude is the number 1 pick. He is absolutely right.”

Why? Who would criticize him for that. The dude is the number 1 pick. He is absolutely right

— Digger310 (@idiocracy310) May 3, 2026

“He's got a good excuse.  He's trying to make his bones in the NFL and it's good that he's taking it serious.”

He's got a good excuse. He's trying to make his bones in the NFL and it's good that he's taking it serious.

— Jenny (@LuckyOptimist) May 3, 2026

The right move. Gotta keep practicing

— DemPicks (@SolidPicks88) May 3, 2026

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fernando Mendoza faces criticism after skipping White House visit

Hundreds of picks filed in during the 2026 NFL Draft, but the New Orleans Saints may have uncovered the biggest steal of the draft by signing edge rusher Michael Heldman from Central Michigan as an undrafted free agent. While he may not have the same level of hype as the drafted players, his college production speaks for itself. He is a strong candidate to secure a spot on the 53-man roster and could make an immediate impact.

The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner highlighted Heldman as a player to watch. He is not simply a developmental prospect with significant room for improvement — the Saints may be acquiring a polished and pro-ready defender right from the start.

"A complete edge in the MAC, Heldman (6-4, 268) had a dominant 2025 at Central Michigan (10 1/2 sacks and 16 1/2 tackles for loss)," Baumgardner wrote. "A savvy run defender with powerful hands, Heldman is an ascending talent who could surprise."

Heldman has the prototypical frame for a modern NFL defensive end at 6-foot-4 and 268 pounds. He's technically sound, which had plenty of scouts interested during the pre-draft process. His 10.5 sacks in 2025 were, in part, also thanks to his relentless motor.

As the Saints look to bolster their defensive front with the potential departure of Cameron Jordan looming, Heldman will be a name to watch. If he can adapt quickly to the next level, his dominance in the MAC could translate into becoming a consistent contributor in New Orleans. Don't be surprised if Heldman is brought up plenty of times as the 2026 NFL season approaches.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: The Athletic argues Michael Heldman is Saints' biggest UDFA sleeper

Carlos Prates put the welterweight division on notice at UFC Fight Night 275 with a complete annihilation of Jack Della Maddalena.

Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was impressive from start to finish against Della Maddalena (18-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC), who he picked apart from the bottom up with a dazzling display of striking en route to a third-round TKO at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

The Brazilian has been a knockout machine since he debuted in the octagon in 2024. He's put away everyone aside from Ian Machado Garry, who beat him in a competitive decision in April 2025. Since that fight he's rebounded with highlight wins over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and now Della Maddalena, whose toughness allowed Prates to show off the depth of his striking arsenal. And what an arsenal it was.

Following the win, Prates made his case for a welterweight title shot, laying out a roadmap of either challenging pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev or avenging his loss to Machado Garry with gold on the line. It seems like a good plan should Makhachev vs. Machado Garry come to fruition for UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia.

At this point, there's nothing more appealing for Prates in this division than a fight for the belt. He's smoked two of the past four 170-pound titleholders, and now it's time to see if he can get ahold of it for himself. Makhachev is seemingly a stylistic issue for him, but it's inarguable that Prates would also be capable of knocking him out.

There's been some calls for Prates to fight undefeated Michael Morales in a true No. 1 contender bout, but honestly, Prates deserves better at this point. He has nothing left to prove in terms of that opportunity, while Morales is arguably lacking another signature win to make himself undeniable.

He's going to have to find it elsewhere, though, because the Prates that showed up Saturday is championship caliber.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Perth matchmaker: Who's next for Carlos Prates after win?

Liam Lawson has explained that he "lost the gearbox" before colliding with Pierre Gasly during the Miami Grand Prix.

While the Alpine driver attacked Williams' Alex Albon and fought off Lawson, the Racing Bulls driver lost control at Turn 17 and clipped the rear of Gasly. The nudge caused the Frenchman's car to flip before it crashed into the barriers. 

Fortunately, Gasly was OK, but both he and Lawson were out of the race. 

"Yeah, it sucks for both of us, obviously," Lawson told the media after the race. "I just went into the last corner, and when I braked, I lost the gearbox and I went to neutral.

"So I basically had no gears, and I couldn't stop, so it's not something I've had before. Obviously, it's quite a big issue for us and it's what meant we had to retire the car, but it's a shame because it's obviously taken out Pierre as well."

The incident came after a strong first lap for the New Zealander. He started 11th on the grid and was up into ninth by lap four.

"Yeah, we haven't really been quick enough this weekend and we had a good start," Lawson added.

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

"First lap was really, really good, made up a lot of places and was well inside the top 10 and fighting the balance a lot at the start of the race, which is why I was actually defending so that's quite frustrating and obviously a mechanical to take us out is disappointing. Hard luck."

Lawson currently sits 10th in the drivers' standings with 10 points, and Gasly is ninth with 16 points. 

Kimi Antonelli went on to win the Miami Grand Prix after starting from pole position. The Italian was joined on the podium by McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third, respectively.

Photos from Miami GP - Sunday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Chandan Khanna / AFP / Getty Images

Rain at the Hard Rock Stadium

Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

George Russell, Mercedes

Brett Farmer / LAT Images via Getty Images

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Nico Hülkenberg, Audi F1 Team

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Kym Illman / Getty Images

Lando Norris, McLaren

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Rafael Nadal and Jon Rahm visit the Aston Martin F1 Team garage.

Alex Bierens de Haan / LAT Images via Getty Images

Cam'ron with the Audi F1 Team R26 on the grid.

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Mark Thompson / Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Hector Vivas / Getty Images

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

George Russell, Mercedes, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

Clive Mason / Getty Images

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

George Russell, Mercedes

James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images

Lando Norris, McLaren

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Lando Norris, McLaren

Sona Maleterova / Getty Images

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Rafael Nadal waves the checkered flag for Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Rebecca Blackwell / POOL / AFP via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates after winning

CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Peter Fox / Getty Images

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Mark Thompson / Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Hector Vivas / Formula 1 via Getty Images

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and Mercedes man George Russell have all been summoned to the stewards at the end of Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix.

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli defeated McLaren's Lando Norris to take his third consecutive grand prix win, expanding his championship lead on Russell to 20 points.

F1 Miami GP: Kimi Antonelli defeats Lando Norris to grab hard-fought win

Behind the duo and third-placed Oscar Piastri, the likes of Verstappen, Russell and Leclerc fought out a thrilling battle for fourth, with Russell ultimately prevailing.

But all three will have to report to the stewards for various potential infractions which could yet alter the end result.

Verstappen will have to report to the stewards for crossing the pit exit line after his only pitstop. A five-second time penalty would drop the Red Bull driver to sixth behind Leclerc.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes

But Leclerc is also under investigation for both leaving the track and gaining an advantage, and for continuing with a car in a potentially unsafe condition after he survived a scary spin in Turn 3 on the final lap. Leclerc avoided a huge accident as he lost control over his Ferrari but still tapped the wall on exit and appeared to damage the front-left steering arm.

The Monegasque driver then cut several corners as he slumped to sixth behind Russell and Verstappen. Leclerc will also be investigated for tagging Russell at the Turn 17 hairpin.

Finally, Russell is being looked at for making contact with Verstappen in their final lap battle, with the Red Bull driver reporting: "I think he hit my tyre" as he tried to survive on old hard tyres.

Photos from Miami GP - Sunday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Chandan Khanna / AFP / Getty Images

Rain at the Hard Rock Stadium

Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

George Russell, Mercedes

Brett Farmer / LAT Images via Getty Images

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Nico Hülkenberg, Audi F1 Team

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Kym Illman / Getty Images

Lando Norris, McLaren

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Rafael Nadal and Jon Rahm visit the Aston Martin F1 Team garage.

Alex Bierens de Haan / LAT Images via Getty Images

Cam'ron with the Audi F1 Team R26 on the grid.

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Mark Thompson / Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Hector Vivas / Getty Images

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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George Russell, Mercedes, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes

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Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

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Pierre Gasly, Alpine

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Pierre Gasly, Alpine

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Pierre Gasly, Alpine

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Franco Colapinto, Alpine

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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes

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Rafael Nadal waves the checkered flag for Andrea Kimi Antonelli

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates after winning

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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MLB clubs eyeing Athletics' 31-homer catcher as potential trade target originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Athletics have been a team with plenty of eyes on them in recent years, except for the wrong reasons from a fan's excitement perspective.

They traded Mason Miller at last year's deadline, and the new San Diego Padres closer has been elite since leaving the A's roster. And this year, the Athletics might be parting with another elite player.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, there is plenty of interest from teams around Major League Baseball to trade for 31-homer catcher Shea Langeliers.

MLB clubs eyeing Shea Langeliers trade

"Teams in need of catching help are paying close attention to the Athletics and Shea Langeliers," Nightengale writes.

The Athletics aren't going to simply part with Langeliers, their star catcher, who's continuing to perform at a very high level this season.

However, he's 28 years old, under contract for $5.25 million in 2026, and will need a massive contract extension very soon. He's a free agent after 2028, and the A's might look to move him now if they can't find an extension.

Teams around baseball with a need behind the plate surely would love to acquire Langeliers this season. Of course, the odds of such a deal are minimal.

More: Reds' Elly De La Cruz makes baseball history not done in last 126 years

Recently, the Athletics have been investing a ton into their lineup, with Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Buttler, Brent Rooker, and Tyler Soderstrom getting big deals.

Nick Kurtz and Langeliers are next in line, and those are their two best hitters. This season, Langeliers has an MLB-best 45 hits with 10 homers and a .336 average and 1.017 OPS. Last year, he hit 31 homers, and the year before that, he had 29 homers.

Langeliers is one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball, and he's drawing plenty of interest in a trade already this season.

Even if the odds are slim, the A's part with him, this report from Nightengale is worth keeping in mind, as teams around MLB are interested in acquiring the star Athletics catcher.

More MLB news:

• Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award
• Aaron Judge makes baseball history never done before by Yankees player
• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Pete Crow-Armstrong is still struggling to hit well for the Cubs
• Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox

The Denver Broncos waited a long time to make their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft due to the Jaylen Waddle trade. 

In the end, the Broncos had a solid draft and addressed several areas of need, so things are looking great in the Mile High City. 

Running back was a big area to address, even with J.K. Dobbins back, and Denver solved that by selecting Washington Huskies RB Jonah Coleman in the fourth round at No. 108 overall. 

Coleman was viewed as a sleeper in this class, so the Broncos might have landed one of the steals. 

Chad Reuter of NFL.com named some Day 3 picks who could compete for starter snaps, and he had Coleman on the list.

Dobbins is injury-prone and has been for the past few years, and 2025 seventh-round pick RJ Harvey was a decent fill-in, but he projects more as a change-of-pace back. 

"J.K. Dobbins returns for Denver in 2026, but he's only played more than 10 games once in the last four seasons. Coleman could find himself starting for a chunk of the year, bouncing off defenders in the open field while RJ Harvey plays the change-of-pace role in the Broncos’ rushing attack," Reuter wrote. 

NFL Draft expert Todd McShay also called Coleman an "impact" player. 

Love these last two picks - IDL Gracen Halton (49ers) and RB Jonah Coleman (Broncos). Both impact players as rookies.

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) April 25, 2026

Coleman began his college career at Arizona, spending two years there, before following head coach Jedd Fisch to Washington. 

In 2024, Coleman had the best year of his college career, rushing for 1,053 yards with 10 touchdowns on 193 carries. 

In 2025, he had 156 carries for 758 yards and 15 scores, so while his yards decreased, he had 15 touchdowns - which was what he had combined in 2023 and 2024. 

Broncos potentially got a steal with RB Jonah Coleman out of Washington 💎

Denver's RB room is looking NICE:

⭐️ JK Dobbins
💨 RJ Harvey
💥 Jonah Coleman#BroncosCountry x #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/VWXttiF2c5

— SleeperBroncos (@SleeperBroncos) April 25, 2026

Reports state that Coleman reminds the Broncos of Dobbins for several reasons, so learning from the former Ravens star is a smart move in the long run for Denver. 

As it stands currently, as long as Dobbins is healthy, he should begin the season as RB1, but Coleman should slot in as RB2 unless Harvey stuns everybody in camp. 

Dobbins' injury woes are a concern once again, but the good news is this: If Dobbins misses time, Coleman is capable of being an every-down back. 

The Broncos had to wait a bit due to trading away lots of picks in the Waddle trade, but grabbing Coleman on Day 3 looks like a home run for Sean Payton and the franchise. 

There is 2 million dollars up for grabs at the American rodeo this year. All three regional finals are complete, and the rosters are set for Championship weekend. 5 contestants from each regionals (15) are the contenders going against the top 5 in the world from last years PRCA/WPRA Standings. If the contenders can beat the best in the world, then they will walk away with at least their piece of 2 million dollars. 

The West Regional Finals was the last of the three to advance some of those contenders. In the tie-down roping it got fast. Only 5 would come out of Las Vegas and head to Arlington to the Championship weekend. Cory Solomon, 10 time NFR Qualifier, was the best. He ended up as the event winner. 

Cory has had an amazing career spanning over a couple of decades. The Texas cowboy is now 36 years old, but still in the top of the world. 

In a recent social media post after winning a round at the San Angelo Stock Show and rodeo, Cory said, " I haven’t felt this good in years." 

Currently in 2026, he sits in the top 35 of the standings. 2023 was the last year that Solomon made the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. However, Vegas has been considerably well to him, including now the American Rodeo held there too. 

He started off his week with second place in the first round with an 8.18. Consistency was important. He made another second place run in the second run getting slightly faster with an 8.13. Solomon was sitting number 1 in the aggregate to secure that finals spot. 

Cory was a 7.73 in the final round of the West Regionals to claim the event title. Now he will head to Arlington to Globe Life Field once again where he will be competing as a contender, with a 2 million dollar opportunity. He has made it this far, but there are still 14 other contenders, and 5 of the best PRCA cowboys today standing in his way. 

The other 4 tie down ropers advancing from the West Regional Finals are California talent K.C Miller, 3x World Champion Tuf Cooper, 2x NFR Qualifer Dylan Hancock, and college standout Lane Webb. These 5 will join with a talent packed group of guys to compete for the 2026 American Rodeo title May 22nd and 23rd. 

Cal Raleigh will not return to the Mariners lineup Sunday.

The Mariners look to prevent a sweep against the Royals. The pitching staff blew a strong performance by the lineup on Friday, and the lineup blew a strong performance by Emerson Hancock last night. After an up and down April, they have started May on the wrong foot.

As has Raleigh, who is out of the lineup for a second straight day. Kate Preusser reported this morning that Raleigh is dealing with general soreness in his “side.” He is not on the injured list for now, and the team is simply being cautious with their top slugger in the early days of a long season.

Jhonny Pereda is up in his place and will get his first start with the Mariners in the series finale. For a primer on Pereda, Zack Mason has you covered in our preseason 40 in 40.

Rob Refsnyder leads off against Royals lefty Kris Bubic. Connor Joe is also in the lineup today; he’s been absolutely crushing the ball lately.

Luis Castillo gets the start. He got obliterated his last time out.

In other Mariners news, the team has claimed left-handed reliever José Suarez off waivers from Atlanta.

Lineups:

Game information:

Game time: 1:10

TV: Mariners TV, with Aaron Goldsmith and Dave Valle, with Angie Mentink as field reporter

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.

The Los Angeles Rams waited until the sixth round to add a wide receiver in the draft, but they got a good one in CJ Daniels. He was one of Miami’s top weapons last season during its run to the national championship game, showing reliable hands and the ability to make tough catches in traffic.

He’s exactly the type of receiver the Rams like to have on offense, and he’ll get a chance to compete for starting snaps right away. Pre-draft scouting reports paint a good picture of Daniels’ game, explaining what he does well and where he can improve.

Here are two breakdowns from revered draft analysts.

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Daniels has a tremendous feel for creating catch opportunities with varied route tempo, body control and late separation tactics. He will struggle against a quality press and might need to be schemed into releases against certain corners. Daniels excels in putting himself between the throw and the defender, winning contested catches at a high rate during his time at LSU (2024) and Miami (2025). He’s confident, crafty and focused, but he’s average after the catch and unlikely to help on special teams, so his road to a roster spot will be challenging.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

Daniels doesn’t have a true difference-making trait, but his package of skills is easy to appreciate. He has quality size and foot quickness with gliding movements to attack coverage. Whether wide open or double covered, he frames the ball with the same focus and prides himself on doing whatever is asked of him within the offense. Overall, Daniels might lack explosive speed, but he creates separation with crafty instincts and finishes with dependable ball skills. He projects best inside as a “big slot” in the NFL, who can rely on his awareness and toughness to be productive.

Daniels isn’t going to wow anyone with explosiveness or speed, but he runs good routes and has strong, reliable hands. That’ll help him on throws over the middle and in the red zone, where it can be tight quarters and close coverage.

Even though he’s a sixth-round rookie, he’s someone to watch this summer.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Scouting reports for new Rams WR CJ Daniels

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick talking to Sky Sports post-match about whether he's proud of their performance: "Yes, in some ways the work that has been done, the way the players have played, we can take a lot from it. Qualifying for the Champions League felt off in the distance at one point. It's not something we celebrate really, we just want to finish high up in the league."

On why the team were so good today: "Good players and good staff definitely help. The connection we have as a group, overcoming change and difficult challenges. We're just trying to do the right things and players have taken everything on so well, we want to finish the season strong."

On being a threatening side: "We scored a lot of goals, we have scored in the past five games. Our focus has been out of possession work. We try to put our strength in the game, we started the game well. I'm just as pleased with the way we finished the game. Two setbacks could have knocked us but the players were quality, and we came out on top."

Refocusing after conceding: "We go back to belief, which is tested in those moments. Players want to work hard for each other. The tactics is one side and mentality is another. It gets you through difficult times."

On still improving: "In our league it is encouraging to see how we've done so well, we want to keep improving, and we can't underestimate what the players have done."

On what's next: "It's not about what I like or not like, it's not in my control, everything has gone so well. We know the situation, and we still want to get better and see what happens next."

On Benjamin Sesko's injury: "He's been carrying a shin problem for some time, he got pushed and caught the bit that's been causing him some problems."

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, speaking to BBC Sport: "Never an easy game against Liverpool, glad to come out with a win. Liverpool are a good side, we didn't come out as sharp as we should have [in the second half], but we came away with a win."

On his goal: "It's nice to be back among the goals, I haven't scored for a while."

On securing Champions League football: "It was a huge goal for us to get the Champions League, but the season isn't over yet, we're not letting our foot off the gas."

On signing a new contract: "It's a blessing, happy to commit my future to the club I've been at all my life."

Did you know?

• Under Michael Carrick (including in 2021), Manchester United have won eight of their nine Premier League home games (L1). Carrick is only the sixth manager – and first English manager – to win 8+ of his first nine home games in the competition, and first since Antonio Conte in 2016-17 (also 8/9).
• Since Ruben Amorim departed as Manchester United manager in January, no player has more Premier League goals than Benjamin Sesko (9 goals).

Hear more from Michael Carrick on BBC Sounds

Even signing a contract worth millions may not have been the highlight of Kobbie Mainoo’s week. The poster boy for the Michael Carrick revolution at Manchester United capped the transformation in both his fortunes and theirs with a goal whose significance was as much emotional as financial.

United clinched their return to the European elite. “Qualifying for the Champions League felt off in the distance at one point,” said Carrick. He has made it a reality. And though a draw was all his side required, the winner Mainoo drilled in completed a double over Liverpool, ensured a comeback from Arne Slot’s side that was simultaneously inspired and illogical was in vain, and gave United further reasons to appoint Carrick. “I love doing what I am doing,” he said. “It feels pretty natural.”

He looks a natural fit. He has been on quite a run. He has beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and now Liverpool. “We have beaten some very, very good teams,” Carrick said. He can feel the manager for the big occasion. Mainoo can save his goals for them. He has only struck eight times for United, but they include a winner in a Manchester derby that doubled up as an FA Cup final and now a decider against Liverpool. For a Mancunian and a United fan, each has come with a resonance. “I used to dream of times like these,” he said.

He has gone from marginalised to magnificent, aided by Carrick’s backing. “You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch,” said Mainoo. With each game, it renders it still more ridiculous that Ruben Amorim did not rate him. Amorim, and his misguided tenure, can look more and more of an aberration.

Even on a day when United’s thoughts turned to Sir Alex Ferguson, who was taken to hospital after feeling ill, this was a game to offer echoes of his reign, full-blooded entertainment with plenty of attacking. Ferguson, you sense, would have enjoyed this. “Hopefully the result gives him a good boost,” said Carrick. To cite one of Ferguson’s more famous quotes, Liverpool may not have been knocked off their perch by United this season but they have lost twice to them. It is a simple explanation of why they are separated by six points.

Liverpool still need four to be sure of their place in next season’s Champions League. In a performance of two halves, they offered contradictory conclusions. They were shambolic at the start, mounted a comeback seemingly out of nothing and yet suffered an 18th defeat of the season. When their supporters chorused “champions” after half an hour, they had rarely looked less like them. Yet a depleted group showed a spirit.

They exposed some vulnerabilities in Carrick’s team; and yet, as has often been the case of late, United camouflaged them with victory. It was, remarkably, a third 3-2 win of his brief reign. It was greeted rapturously.

This is a club that has regained its self-confidence. Old Trafford was rocking. A buoyant side made a fast start, perhaps fittingly given the crowd included Usain Bolt.

They were two up inside a quarter of an hour. Whereas Liverpool lost Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak to injury, United welcomed back a forward, in Matheus Cunha. Another with a flair for the major stage, the Brazilian had already scored against Arsenal and Chelsea. Now for Liverpool.

He struck at the second attempt, after his first shot was blocked by Ryan Gravenberch, bobbling in a shot from the edge of the box. The third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, continuing to deputise for the injured Alisson, was soon beaten again.

“United deserved to be 2-0 up,” said Slot. “They have a lot of strengths but two are definitely the set piece and the counter-attack and we fell in that trap. Then everything we have done before deserves a lot of criticism.”

Slot felt the second should have been ruled out but first found fault with his side. Woodman parried Bruno Fernandes’ header on to Benjamin Sesko’s thigh and it went in. Replays suggested it flicked his fingers but the Slovenian survived a VAR check. “If it was a touch, it should have been disallowed,” said Slot. “But the second goal we didn't concede because of a handball, we conceded it because we lost the ball in a stupid position and we lost a few big moments afterwards in duels. We have to first look at ourselves.”

But since Amorim’s January sacking, no one has more Premier League goals than Sesko. Yet the game turned in part when the Slovenian went off at half-time with a shin problem. His replacement, Amad Diallo, was only on for 90 seconds before he misplaced a pass, Dominik Szoboszlai ran 50 yards and slotted a shot past Senne Lammens.

It was an illustration why Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s player of the year; at times, this has been a one-man, valiant effort to transform games and a season. He was the inspiration for a fightback, first with a goal then an assist. Yet Lammens contributed, too, with an awful pass to Alexis Mac Allister. He found Szoboszlai who gave Cody Gakpo a tap in. Stuck on 49 Liverpool goals for 12 games, he brought up his half-century.

United’s superiority had been almost embarrassing in the first half. They risked losing in the second. In a redemptive moment, Lammens hooked the ball off his line after Virgil van Dijk met Szoboszlai’s free kick. Liverpool threatened to go from ragged to rampant.

But they offered little control either. “If you are 2-2 coming back from 2-0 down you should at least come out with a draw,” Slot said. “Two setbacks could have knocked us,” said Carrick, but United responded. And while Szoboszlai was catalytic for Liverpool, Fernandes was similarly influential for United. Perhaps the difference was that he had more of a supporting cast. And when Mac Allister miscued a clearance, Mainoo drilled in a shot from the edge of the box. “A great finish for them,” rued Slot. And it is shaping up as a fine end to the season for United, Mainoo and Carrick, too.

Bo Bichette played 716 games at shortstop during seven standout MLB seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays.

But when he signed a three-year, $126 million free-agent deal to join the New York Mets in the offseason, Bichette knew he would have to change positions.

That’s because the Mets already had one of the game’s best shortstops in Francisco Lindor. Bichette moved over to third base and prepared for life at the hot corner.

MORE: Braves forced to send superstar back on IL amid MLB’s best start

Like so many aspects of the New York Mets’ 2026 season, things haven’t gone as planned. Lindor is out with a left calf strain. Then, on Saturday, Lindor’s backup, Ronny Mauricio, fractured his thumb.

When the Mets shared their lineup for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, Bichette was back at his familiar shortstop position.

Mets, Bichette start poorly

On Sunday, the Mets officially placed Mauricio on the 10-day injured list and recalled third baseman Vidal Brujan from Syracuse.

Bichette, who took over for Mauricio at shortstop at the end of Saturday’s extra-inning loss to the Angels, is off to a slow start. He is slashing .237/.276/.319 with two home runs and 15 RBIs. Bichette has made just two errors at third base.

After Saturday’s game, Bichette embraced the move back to shortstop.

“Whatever the team needs,” he said, per ESPN.

The Mets, too, are struggling to say the least. New York owns baseball’s worst record at 11-22, two games worse than their nearest competitors in the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox.

What it means for Mets

Ultimately, the Mets want to get Lindor back in the lineup and return Bichette to third base. Lindor is expected back later this month or in early June.

Until then, New York will turn to Brett Baty, who is in the lineup on Sunday, and Brujan at third base. Baty has played 248 games at the position during his five seasons with the Mets. First baseman Mark Vientos has third-base experience as well.

From shouting out Mark Daigneault on YouTube to being on the opposite sideline, JJ Redick has come a long way in just a handful of years. The Oklahoma City Thunder will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a Round 2 series in the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Both NBA head coaches had unconventional upbringings. Daigneault spent years discovering his voice as a head coach in the G League. Meanwhile, Redick took the ESPN media personality route first before diving into the highly prestigious job with zero coaching experience.

Now, the Thunder and Lakers will square off as two of the final eight teams. The Thunder enter the Round 2 series as the heavy favorite. The reigning NBA champions have sat atop the throne all year and look primed to go back-to-back. They completed another ho-hum Round 1 sweep over the Phoenix Suns.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are playing with house money — in a sense. They beat the Houston Rockets in their Round 1 matchup in six games. All without Luka Doncic, who remains out with a hamstring strain. Los Angeles enters as the underdog and with zero stress to win this one-sided matchup.

Daigneault has been impressed with Redick's coaching job. He's made the NBA playoffs both years. Now, he's won a playoff series without their MVP candidate. That's not something you can take for granted. LeBron James stepped up, but role players like Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard stepped up as the absolute-best version of themselves.

"I first got to know him when he was doing TV, because they'll do production meetings. So I've had sit-downs with him. I've enjoyed my time with him. I have kept in light contact with him since he got the job," Daigneault said. "But I think he's done an exceptional job in, obviously, a high-profile market, with a high-profile team. He's just put his head down and put his team in positions of advantage on both ends of the floor. He's done a great job navigating a lot of different situations. And I have high respect for his coaching."

The Thunder should come away with a Round 2 series win — especially if Doncic misses most of the playoff matchup. They've had the Lakers' number all year. But that doesn't necessarily mean that's how the series will play out. As we've seen with the Boston Celtics' Round 1 exit, playing the game on paper doesn't mean it'll automatically translate to the court.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Ahead of Lakers-Thunder series, Mark Daigneault shows JJ Redick respect

Dusan Vlahovic came off the bench for his first goal of 2026 to rescue a point for Juventus against relegated Verona, but it’s a missed opportunity to go third.

The Bianconeri hoped to make the most of Como, Napoli and Milan dropping points, with Kenan Yildiz back in the starting XI after two games as a substitute and Dusan Vlahovic ready for the bench, leaving only Arek Milik and Juan Cabal out of action. A victory here would’ve put the Old Lady in joint third with Milan. Hellas were already doomed to relegation this weekend, with Nicolas Valentini suspended, Gift Orban frozen out for an altercation with a fan, and Armel Bella-Kotchap, Cheikh Niasse, Daniel Oyegoke, Suat Serdar and Daniel Mosquera injured.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC is challenged by Jean-Daniel Dave Lewis Akpa Akpro of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Francisco Conceicao tested Lorenzo Montipò at the near post, then the Kenan Yildiz pull-back for Jonathan David was intercepted, and Andrias Edmundsson threw himself in the path of the David angled drive.

A corner was not cleared very far, so the Pierre Kalulu cross back in was flicked onto the crossbar off Gleison Bremer’s head on 26 minutes.

Manuel Locatelli saw his strike deflected just wide, then the midfielder was perhaps harshly booked for simulation when going down in a coming together with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus FC in action against Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Moments later, Verona took the surprise lead when Bremer was caught napping passing out from the back, intercepted by Domagoj Bradaric and rolled across from the left for Kieron Bowie to sweep in. It was all the more remarkable considering Juve had kept four consecutive clean sheets before that gift.

The Scotland international nearly got another when deflected over by Lloyd Kelly, while Edmundsson made another decisive block on Andrea Cambiaso.

Dusan Vlahovic was thrown on for Khephren Thuram after the restart and Juve moved to 4-4-2. A couple of crosses were a little too high for the Serbian, but he got them on level terms and ended his 180-day goal drought by bending a free kick around the Verona wall and into the near bottom corner. Remarkably, it was also the first direct free kick scored by Juventus in Serie A this season.

Akpa Akpro risked an own goal intercepting the Conceicao pull-back to turn over from four yards, but Montipò made two extraordinary reaction saves in the space of a minute, both to deny Conceicao from point-blank range at the back post.

Conceicao also drilled wide from the edge of the area, while Jeremie Boga couldn’t surprise Montipò at the far stick on an Edon Zhegrova cross.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Bremer of Juventus FC is challenged by Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Boga saw his curler intercepted by a Hellas chest in the six-yard box, but Edon Zhegrova was unlucky in stoppages when his angled drive thumped the base of the near post and hit the goalkeeper on the back, but ricocheted back out.

It means both Juve’s games against Verona ended 1-1 this season, dropping four points overall in these fixtures.

Juventus 1-1 Verona

Bowie 34 (V), Vlahovic 62 (J)

The D-backs have lost the first two games of the series – albeit by just a pair of runs in each, a significant improvement over the losses in Milwaukee by 11 and 12 runs. There’s therefore the specter of a sweep at the hands of Chicago. It’s actually the first time since the opening series in Los Angeles that the D-backs face this possibility, entering the final game of a real series without a win [I’m discounting the two-game set in Mexico City for this purpose] It has now been more than two weeks since Arizona either won a series or consecutive games – both of those happened against Toronto on April 18.

They’ve gone 3-8 since that point, but haven’t actually lost that much ground in the NL West. The Rockies actually have the best record since then. Although everybody in the division are below .500, with Colorado’s 6-7 mark the least woeful. As noted in a comment on yesterday’s recap, the entire division is on a losing streak of three games or more, the first time that has happened to any division in baseball history. Put another way, the NL West have a collective losing streak of nineteen games in a row. With everyone playing outside the division again today, it could potentially reach 24 games, before they start facing each other on Monday. Somebody’s gotta win, right? RIGHT?

Daniel Sturridge has said it is ‘worrying’ that, after almost two full seasons with Arne Slot in charge, Liverpool still don’t have a clear ‘identity’ under the Dutchman.

Premier League winners 12 months ago, the Reds have now lost 11 top-flight matches this term after going down 3-2 to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, leaving themselves too much to do after falling 2-0 behind inside 15 minutes.

Roy Keane bluntly remarked that, in the first half at Old Trafford, LFC played like ‘a bad five-a-side team‘ – the sort of withering put-down in which he specialises, but the performance before half-time was simply unacceptable.

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Sturridge: Liverpool lack a clear identity under Slot

Speaking on Sky Sports after full-time, Sturridge lamented the lack of a clear identity under Slot after two years of his reign at Liverpool.

The former Red striker said: “It is worrying. For me, what’s concerning is the consistency of the counterattacks they’re conceding. No-one really in the midfield or the attack is stopping the play higher up on the pitch.

“The identity is not there. They need to build a team that is in Arne’s identity but right now I’m not quite sure what that is. We knew with Jurgen. With Arne, we’ve seen a possession-based team who are slightly more methodical. When you look at the statistics of the team this year, the stats are way down across the board.

“You want phases of play. Right now, there’s not any phases of play for Liverpool. It’s quite one-on-one.”

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

However, Sturridge later added that he’d like Slot to be given the chance to fix the issues in his team for next season, stating: “They can get Champions League football, regroup, decide on the framework, decide on the players who are with you. You’ve got to give the man a chance to implement the philosophy.”

What exactly are Liverpool under Slot?

The pundit’s concerns about Liverpool on the counterattack are quite pertinent, with the Reds all too easily cut open by Man United this afternoon, most crucially in the lead-up to Benjamin Sesko’s controversial goal.

It’s one thing for players to be culpable of mistakes on the pitch, which Alexis Mac Allister was with his slack pass to give away possession. It’s another to continually deploy a tactical setup which is ridiculously easy for opponents to punish.

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Within a few months we knew what LFC were under Klopp – a high-pressing, hard-working, all-action outfit which could be defensively suspect but were committed to outscoring the opposition. Two years into Slot’s reign, what are his Liverpool side, exactly?

Sturridge may be pleading for the board to keep faith in the 47-year-old to ‘implement his philosophy’, but should that not already have been drilled into his team by this stage of his tenure in charge?

The Reds should do enough to qualify for the Champions League, which’d likely be enough to keep the Dutchman in a job, but the scrutiny over his position will no doubt continue into the summer after a truly dismal sophomore season at the helm.

The first World Title defense is where champions are truly forged, and Nadaka Yoshinari just passed this grueling test with flying colors.

At ONE SAMURAI 1 this past Wednesday, April 29, the reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion successfully retained his 26 pounds of gold, outpointing familiar foe Songchainoi Kiatsongrit by unanimous decision over five hard-fought rounds inside the historic Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

The 25-year-old entered the bout as one of the finest pound-for-pound strikers alive, carrying a staggering 40-bout winning streak into the ring. He delivered the victory, but Songchainoi made sure it was anything but easy.

The Thai challenger arrived with a score to settle, and his familiarity with Nadaka’s game made this rematch far more competitive than their first encounter. Songchainoi landed sharp overhand rights, grounded the fight in the clinch, and forced the defending king to earn every single minute of the victory.

While proud to retain his belt on home soil, Nadaka was candid about being caught off guard by his longtime rival’s evolution.

He said:

“This was my first title defense, and it was a rematch with Songchainoi, whom I had fought once before. Since I had won by KO in our last fight, I went into this with an image of delivering an even better performance and winning in a dominant, champion-like fashion.

“However, Songchainoi’s speed in entering and exiting, the speed of his punches, and the hardness of his bones were all more powerful than I had imagined.”

Songchainoi was a completely different fighter from the man Nadaka had stopped years prior. His speed, power, and timing were all drastically sharper, and the Eiwa Sports Gym product found himself barely slipping combinations that arrived with far more venom than anticipated.

However, Nadaka steadied himself in the championship rounds, leaning on his elite ring IQ to reclaim control. Though he walked away with his hand raised, the Japanese superstar acknowledged there was plenty left to work on.

He said:

“I took some hits from his punches, and they really hurt, and there were moments where I felt a bit discouraged. But that’s where my mental strength came in.

“I kept my spirits high, and despite the accident of being cut and bleeding, I’m proud that I was able to get back to the pace I wanted from the middle of the fight onwards. Still, I’m far from being a finished product, and this match left me with many points to reflect on.”

Nadaka Draws Inspiration From Takeru, Vows To Become Muay Thai Icon

Nadaka couldn’t watch the night’s historic main event from ringside, but there was no chance he was missing compatriot Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa’s crowning moment.

The legendary Japanese striker brought down the curtain on his career in the most poetic way imaginable, stopping Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon in the fifth round to claim the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.

The Ariake Arena erupted, and Nadaka watched in awe from the back as his compatriot proved, one final time, exactly what it means to transcend the sport.

The atomweight Muay Thai king said:

“I actually had to watch Takeru’s match on a monitor because of my post-fight medical check, but I watched closely. I felt that a ‘superstar’ is someone who truly fulfills their role in the main event, draws the crowd in, and has the power to make the arena explode. That is why they are stars.

“Honestly, looking at my performance today, I don’t think I’m at that level yet. It made me realize I need much more skill.”

Witnessing Takeru exit professional competition on his own terms fired something up in Nadaka.

The 34-year-old leaves kickboxing as one of the greatest Japanese fighters to ever compete, and with Takeru gone, Nadaka deeply feels the weight of what comes next. Honoring the legacy of the “Natural Born Krusher” means raising his own standard every single time he enters the ring.

Nadaka concluded:

“For a fighter, it’s not about what you say, it’s about showing it through your performance in the ring. Seeing Takeru today, I thought he was so cool, and it made me want to become an icon for Muay Thai as well.

“Although I successfully defended my belt for the first time as a ONE World Champion, I know I can’t be satisfied yet. I need to change my mindset and my approach to become that kind of star.”

Source

The Miami Dolphins were set to make their first pick in the 2026 NFL draft at No. 11 overall, but after a trade, they actually picked at No. 12 and took Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.

Ahead of the draft, Proctor worked extensively with the team at OL Masterminds and was even featured in some of their content, where he shared some of his goals for his NFL career.

"It's definitely such a blessing out there and to be known as one of the top guys," Proctor said. "It's the top of the top. It's been my dream. It's been the ultimate goal of everybody here. Working at Sports Academy, [the goal] is to go to the NFL. Now that it's right there, it's so exciting to me. Greatness, what it means to me, is being around those like-minded people, like Coach [Nick] Saban, being around Duke [Mayweather], other first-round picks, training with them... I want to be an All-Pro. I want to be All-Rookie team. I want to be a Hall of Famer by the time it’s all said and done. Obviously, I want to go win a Super Bowl with my team.”

After starting 39 games at left tackle for the Crimson Tide over the last three years, Proctor is set to begin his NFL career at left guard, with the Dolphins having Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson at left and right tackle, respectively.

If Proctor plays the full year at left guard, he'll have a strong chance to make the All-Rookie team. Olaivavega Ioane will probably be his biggest challenge, but the Dolphins' first-round pick should be in contention.

As far as the rest of the accolades and accomplishments go, he'll have to really prove himself. There were already many people questioning his draft position, so he should have some extra fuel on that fire. And, if he's part of the group that ends Miami's Super Bowl drought, he'll be remembered forever.

More Dolphins: Former Dolphins WR attempting NFL comeback with NFC North team

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins OL Kadyn Proctor reveals extremely high goals for NFL career

The 2026 Formula 1 season is four rounds old and already the sport is planning its escape from it. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem used the Miami Grand Prix weekend to confirm what many in the paddock had been expecting: V8 engines are coming back to Formula 1, and the manufacturers don’t really get a veto.

“It’s coming, oh yes, it is coming. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of time. In 2031, the FIA will have the power to do it, without any votes from the power unit manufacturers,” he told reporters, per Reuters.

The V8 was ditched for a V6 turbo-hybrid in 2014 , a decision driven by the automotive industry’s push toward electrification and a desire to attract manufacturers like Audi and Honda.

The 2026 ruleset deepened that commitment with a near-50:50 split between combustion and electric energy, which has significantly changed the racing with battery management being key. The result has been messy enough that just four rounds into the 2026 campaign, tweaks have already been made to reduce the reliance on energy harvesting and increase safety.

The V8 Timeline Is Already Set

Ben Sulayem’s target is 2030 – one year before the current engine regulations reach their formal end. The math on how that happens is pretty basic. A change can be made for 2030 if a super-majority of four of the six manufacturers vote in favour. Otherwise, the FIA can force through the switch for 2031.

Ben Sulayem claims the manufacturers are broadly on board, though he’s comfortable either way.

“You will hear about it very soon. It will not be something like now, which is a 46-54 split. There will be very minimal [electric] power,” he said. The new V8s would retain some electrification – just nowhere near the current formula’s near-equal weighting between combustion and battery power.

Why V8 and not V10? Ben Sulayem has an answer.

A return to V10 engines has been ruled out, mainly because they are no longer relevant to road cars. He described the V8 as “the most popular and easiest to work with,” adding that its sound is incredible while the mechanics of it isn’t overly complex, and it’s of course a lighter option of engine.

After his V10 idea was dropped last year, Ben Sulayem outlined an idea to move to V8s in 2029 or 2030 instead, with more standard components and sustainable fuels as the point of appeal for engine manufacturers.

The FIA president was blunt about what happens if manufacturers drag their feet. “I’m targeting 2030. One year before the maturity [of the regulations]. It will happen. But let’s say the manufacturers don’t [vote for it], then one more year and it will be done. It’s not a matter of, ‘Do I need their support?’ No, it will be done. V8 is coming.”

Why the Manufacturers Are Less Opposed This Time

The automotive industry is no longer so keen on fully electric cars, and F1’s engine suppliers are now open to the idea of increasing emphasis on combustion power once again.

That’s a big change from just a year ago, when Ben Sulayem raised the idea of V8s returning to F1 but manufacturers were not in favour, particularly with it being so close to the changes for 2026, so the concept was put on the backburner.

Talks are already underway about the 2027 power unit regulations, with a move towards a 60-40 split between combustion and electric power being mooted ahead of the next full rules change in 2031.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also identified cost-cutting and weight reduction as priorities for the next cycle of rules, and there is alignment between F1 and the FIA that the engine needs to be simpler and more traditional, while still retaining enough appeal for engine manufacturers.

The 2026 regulations were designed to make F1 relevant to an industry sprinting toward electrification. That industry has since changed its mind, and the FIA is using that reversal as cover to do what Ben Sulayem wanted to do all along. Whether he gets it done in 2030 or 2031 is almost beside the point. The V6 hybrid era has a confirmed end date, and the sound you remember from 2006 to 2013 is scheduled for a comeback.

After nine years in Cleveland with the Browns, tight end David Njoku is still trying to find a home for the 2026 NFL season, even after visiting the Baltimore Ravens last month.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Njoku is scheduled to visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday. Njoku is one of the few big-name remaining free agents who have yet to find a home. He has been ranked No. 76 on PFT's list of this year's top free agents.

Last season in Cleveland, he had 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. For his career, he has 384 catches for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns.

The Chargers could use a weapon at the tight end position to help quarterback Justin Herbert be more successful when it comes to winning playoff games. Currently, the tight ends on the roster for Los Angeles are Oronde Gadsden and Charlie Kolar.

Njoku is 6-foot-4 and can help protect Herbert, who takes too many sacks in the pocket.

In Cleveland, the yards per catch for Njoku have dropped off, but Los Angeles could be a stop to revitalize him in the passing game.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: David Njoku is scheduled to visit Chargers on Monday

São Paulo and Bahia have announced their lineups for this Sunday’s match (3), at 4 p.m., for the 14th round of the Brasileirão.

With MorumBIS hosting a The Weeknd concert, the match will be played at Estádio Cícero de Souza Marques, in Bragança Paulista.

Globo (for São Paulo, Bahia and Pernambuco) and Premiere will broadcast it. And you can check the main information in the card below.

The teams are close in the standings. São Paulo are fourth with 23 points, while Bahia are sixth with 21.

São Paulo lineup 📋

After rotating the squad in the Copa Sudamericana (0-0 against Millonarios), coach Roger Machado is back to fielding his strongest lineup.

He makes just one change from the 1-0 win over Mirassol in the last round, with Alan Franco replacing Rafael Tolói.

The big news is Lucas’ return — he starts on the bench.

Rafael; Lucas Ramon, Alan Franco, Sabino and Wendell; Danielzinho, Bobadilla and Luciano; Artur, Cauly and Calleri.

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

Minter Praises Rookie Urgency Early in Camp

It's only the rookie minicamp, but the early signs are exactly what the Ravens wanted to see. From effort to attention to detail, Jesse Minter has already seen encouraging flashes from his rookie class.

When discussing his first impressions, Minter emphasized that the players expected to stand out are already doing just that and bringing the right mindset.

“Yes, I think the guys that you hope and want to look really good have done that. So, they've sort of met just that initial hope and expectation of what you kind of want Vega [Ioane] to look like coming off the ball or Zion [Young] to look like striking a sled or lining up across from people. So, it's a rookie minicamp in May, and we're not really in full gear. So, we're trying to be smart from a physicality standpoint. But I really just enjoyed the guys’ urgency, like their eagerness to want to learn, their eagerness to want to get better. They learn how we operate going from drill to drill and doing the different things that we try to do. So overall, I’m really pleased with the whole group. But especially just the guys that you want to look really good have looked really good, and so that's a great start for them.” 

For the Baltimore Ravens, early impressions only go so far, but the urgency and responsiveness shown by rookies like Vega Ioane and Zion Young provide exactly the kind of foundation the coaching staff hoped to see. As practices ramp up and the physical demands increase, sustaining that same energy and attention to detail will be the real test—but for now, it’s a promising start for a class expected to contribute sooner rather than later.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens rookies show eagerness, strong start at minicamp

BERLIN (AP) — St. Pauli lost 2-1 at home to Mainz to edge closer to Bundesliga relegation, with Wolfsburg hoping to take advantage later Sunday.

Phillip Tietz and Phillipp Mwene scored in the first half for Mainz to secure its place in the division next season with no concerns about relegation. Mainz had been bottom of the table with nine defeats from 13 games when it appointed Urs Fischer as coach in December.

Wolfsburg was playing at Freiburg later and could move above St. Pauli into the relegation playoff place by avoiding defeat.

The bottom two are relegated automatically, while the team that finishes third from bottom has a two-leg playoff against the third-place finisher from the second division to determine which plays in the Bundesliga next season.

Also Sunday, Haris Tabaković scored late for Borussia Mönchengladbach to clinch its survival with a 1-0 win over second-place Borussia Dortmund.

Two rounds remain after this weekend.

Bayern Munich has already won the title with four rounds to spare. Schalke clinched promotion back to the division on Saturday.

___

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

In the end, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics made the right choice.

With Tatum suffering knee discomfort before Boston's Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics decided to protect their franchise player's future and sit him down — particularly given his miraculous return from an Achilles injury — rather than unnecessarily push him and risk everything. Yes, it has to sting that the Celtics blew a 3-1 series lead and lost a home Game 7 to one of their biggest rivals. Yes, it sucks that this was the Tatum and Jaylen Brown era Celtics' first opening-round defeat in half a decade. (And yes, it reflects very well on Philadelphia's Joel Embiid for playing through a knee injury of his own.)

But these Celtics are a big-picture franchise that has proven they still have a lot of meat on the bone in their status as NBA title contenders in the coming years. And that big picture necessitated keeping an uncomfortable Tatum out, even if it meant a season-ending defeat (in what was supposed to be a transitional year) that much more likely. Hard decisions like this are critical, even if they're not easy to stomach in the immediate moment.

In his end-of-year availability on Sunday, Tatum explained the circumstances behind his getting ruled out of Sunday's Game 7. He noted that his knee discomfort was not serious and was more of a "day-to-day" variety.

So, if the Celtics had beaten the 76ers in Game 7, we likely would've seen Tatum play at some point in the second round. And potentially right away. Ouch.

Jayson Tatum on his knee injury:

“It was definitely a day-to-day thing … It wasn't a long term thing. Like, I know for a fact I would have been able to play if we made it to the second round.”
-@CLNSMediapic.twitter.com/wyS0fimJYe

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) May 3, 2026

The Celtics made the right decision to look out for Tatum after what he's endured over the last year. Full stop. This wasn't an ordinary case of knee discomfort for a superstar who hadn't played full-time professional basketball for 10 months before this past March. You have to approach such injuries with an abundance of caution. It doesn't matter if your season is on the line if playing on an injury might endanger the next five years.

Still, if another few shots had gone in for the Celtics on Saturday, we may never have been discussing what could've been for Tatum and Boston this season. They couldn't get a break. Oh, well, at least this will give the Celtics the appropriate amount of time to regroup and let Tatum finally return to full strength come this October.

That's certainly something to really look forward to for those in Celtics green.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jayson Tatum says he would've played again if Celtics had won Game 7

One of the biggest questions coming out of the L.A. Rams draft was not who they drafted, but who they didn’t draft: The Rams did add a receiver in the sixth round, long after the league tends to stop finding starters, but where L.A. would have to turn for depth at the position next season remains unanswered.

Given that Davante Adams is 33 and was already banged up at times in 2025, and that Puka Nacua is a receiver who lays his body on the line with practically every catch, it’s more likely than not that the Rams will need to lean on backups at some point to to help lift Matthew Stafford through his age-38 season.

On the current depth chart, who would that be if the Rams need a starting receiver for a game, a month, or longer?

Jordan Whittington, 25, season 3

Whittington actually had more production as a rookie in 2024 than he did in 2025:

• 22 catches for 293 yards in year one
• 18 catches for 171 yards in year two

He provides additional value as a kickoff returner and Whittington had two catches for 35 yards in L.A.’s playoff win over the Bears.

The list of receivers in the entire history of professional football to be late draft picks (6th round in this case) who did not breakout in the first two seasons to then become reliable starters is extremely short. Maybe it happens once a decade?

Through 36 career games, Whittington has yet to score a touchdown and he only averaged 9.5 yards per catch last season.

Whittington was already in the perfect place for a receiver of his caliber: He’s about a WR4.

Even if you compare his case to someone like Josh Reynolds, there’s a former Rams receiver who improved in his second season and by the time he was Whittington’s age had already become a starter and scored nine career touchdowns. And that’s just Josh Reynolds.

If Whittington had to start for a 4-game stretch or something, the Rams would survive. He’s probably already maxing out as someone who gets about one target per week.

Konata Mumpfield, 23, season 2

Seventh round picks who turn into quality NFL receivers are predictably even more rare than sixth round picks. In fact, getting 92 yards out of Mumpfield as a rookie last year in itself is pretty remarkable.

Not quite as much as Tez Johnson (322 yards, 5 TDs) of the Bucs but Mumpfield wasn’t going to get many opportunities in L.A..

Mumpfield isn’t the biggest (6’1, 188) and certainly not the fastest (4.59) so it was not by accident that the league passed on him over 240 times. Hanging onto a role at all this year will be a major win for Mumpfield. He’s not likely to fill in for any starter if someone goes down, perhaps nothing more than mid-game or one start.

The Rams probably expect that their rookie sixth rounder is already ahead of Mumpfield on the depth chart.

C.J. Daniels, 24, rookie

The increasing commonality of 24 and 25-year-old rookies because of NIL and transfer portal will be hailed by some as a win for both levels. I think it’s an omen. A bad sign, and some have argued that most day three picks this year should have gone undrafted if it were not for NIL payments that kept the usual day 3 picks from entering the draft this year.

Only time will tell.

Daniels spent six years on college football teams between Liberty (so far back that he spent TWO seasons with Malik Willis), LSU, and Miami.

If he had played a decade earlier, Daniels would have gone to Liberty and then his eligibility would have run out in 2023 and maybe he’s in kind of the same boat if he had entered the draft after that season: 1,067 yards, 10 touchdowns.

The biggest difference would be that then Daniels would be 22 instead of 24.

He was the number three receiver in Miami last year, so could he really be the number three receiver on an NFL team? Aren’t number three NFL receivers usually number one college receivers?

The plan for Daniels, as it would be any sixth round pick, would be to throw him into a practice setting and just see what happens. It worked for Puka. (No, Daniels is not Puka.)

Good news for Daniels is that with competition like Whittington and Mumpfield for now, he might have a legitimate shot of working his way into the fringes of the game day depth chart.

However, if the Rams sign a veteran free agent, and there are plenty out there, then this whole depth chart shifts down a spot and we may not see much of any of these players in 2026. Which, if Sean McVay runs as much 12 and 13 personnel as he’s expected to, would be the case anyway.

That’s only if Puka and Adams are available though, which is hard to believe for 17 games.

How many games will Puka and Adams play?

Nobody knows the answer to that question, but there are reasons to be wary of L.A.’s ability to stay on the field:

• Puka Nacua exited at least 3 games last season with an injury, but luckily no injury was serious
• Puka missed 6 games in 2024
• Puka has checked in and out of rehab
• Puka is trying to convince the Rams to give him a contract extension, which could lead to a holdout or a hold-in
• Davante Adams turns 34 in December
• Adams missed 3 games last season
• Adams missed 3 games in 2024
• Adams is the oldest projected starting WR in the NFL next season

For context that Rams fans would get right away: Cooper Kupp is a year younger than Adams and he played in all 20 possible games last season.

Kupp may not be as good as Adams, but the Seahawks prepared for his potential absences or loss of skill by re-signing Rashid Shaheed. Will the Rams now add a veteran receiver to prepare for the same with Adams?

More Rams receiver depth;

• Xavier Smith
• Brennan Presley
• Tru Edwards
• Tyler Scott
• Mario Williams

The Rams would have a hard time replacing Puka and Adams with anybody, so it’s not like that’s going to be good news regardless, if either of them miss time. However, who steps up will be an interesting competition to watch over the next four months.

Jordan Whittington is the favorite, but C.J. Daniels might not be so far behind that he couldn’t catch him by September.

USA TODAY Sports covered the record-setting distribution payments made by the Big Ten to its member schools, which highlights the strength and financial health of the conference.

While the magnitude of revenue distribution to each school is certainly notable, there were other interesting metrics disclosed in the Big Ten's revenue announcement for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Perhaps one figure that went largely unnoticed is the $5 million the Big Ten invested in officiating technology during that period. In an age where technology is used more than ever to confirm calls on the field of play, the capital directed towards this area of sports is certainly something to keep in mind when thinking about the business of sports.

Big Ten generates astronomical $1.37 billion for schools in media revenue https://t.co/yTf9b1PbuA

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 2, 2026

For context, this expenditure would likely not include compensation for officials on the field of play. It's been estimated that college football officials earn somewhere between $3,000 to $5,000 per game, for example.

While much of the budgetary focus in college sports has shifted to NIL package offerings, it's important to remember that power conferences spend a pretty penny to ensure that games are legislated accurately.

Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Big Ten spent $5 million on new officiating technologies

Rothesay County Championship, Division One, Uptonsteel Grace Road, Leicester (day three)

Nottinghamshire 490: Slater 178, Clarke 97, Duckett 77; Green 7-112

Leicestershire 308 & 215-7: Tattersall 61, R Patel 53; Stone 3-34

Leicestershire (4 pts) lead Nottinghamshire (8 pts) by 33 runs with three wickets remaining

Match scorecard

Nottinghamshire will expect to close out a second win of the season and potentially go top of the Division One table with Leicestershire facing a tough challenge to avoid defeat in their County Championship clash at Uptonsteel Grace Road.

Forced to follow on 182 in arrears after they were bowled out for 308 despite a defiant century from Stevie Eskinazi in reply to Nottinghamshire's 490, Leicestershire threatened to subside in three days after collapsing from 99 without loss to 131-6 in their second innings.

They recovered enough to stave off an innings defeat thanks to Jonny Tattersall (61) and Ben Green adding 81 for the seventh wicket but Tattersall was out just before the close.

After Olly Stone added 3-34 to his first-innings 5-68, Leicestershire's lead is just 33 runs.

But for Eskinazi's efforts in enabling a recovery from 112-7, last season's Division Two winners might have already been reflecting on a second home defeat of the season.

The former Middlesex batter - who was later out for a second-innings duck - batted for just short of five hours before he was dismissed for exactly 100, with New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel contributing a career-best 62 to a ninth-wicket stand of 120.

Their partnership - a ninth-wicket record for Leicestershire against Nottinghamshire - had been the feature of the morning, suggesting the home side would at least not lose without a fight.

Nottinghamshire had their East Midlands neighbours eight down and a daunting 344 behind with 16 overs remaining on day two, yet it took until lunchtime on day three for them to claim their final two wickets.

Eskinazi's hundred was his third century for Leicestershire since moving from Middlesex last September and his second of the season.

Ajaz stayed with Eskinazi for two hours, totting up 11 boundaries. There was important support too from Josh Hull, the tall England pace bowling prospect, who is not yet at a level to contribute heavily in runs but stayed at the crease for 71 minutes, in which time Leicestershire advanced from 266-9 to a second batting point and Eskinazi to exactly 100 from 190 balls before he nibbled at one from Lyndon James to be caught behind.

• Stone masterclass helps Notts tighten grip on Foxes
• Slater puts Notts on top against Leicestershire

Nottinghamshire's seam attack had been made to work for longer than anticipated. Nonetheless, with a fresh bowler at his disposal in James Hayes, now confirmed as injury replacement for Brett Hutton, sidelined with a calf strain, skipper Haseeb Hameed enforced the follow-on.

For an hour and a quarter, there were few signs of an early breakthrough. Rishi Patel and Jake Weatherald, naturally positive, found the boundaries regularly, Patel in particular. He moved to 53 from 62 balls with his ninth four.

But the tide began to turn when all-rounder James removed both openers in the space of five deliveries. Patel, defending, nicked to first slip; Weatherald, shaping to cut, was caught behind off a steepling top edge.

The two had shared a partnership of 99 runs for the first wicket. It was a solid start but one that rapidly unravelled as another incisive spell by Stone claimed three wickets in the space of 21 balls.

Bowling from the Bennett End, at which he had proved so effective on day two, Stone's away movement had Ian Holland caught at third slip and Lewis Hill at first slip, before he brought one back to have Eskinazi leg before, having seen him dropped at first slip moments earlier.

At tea, Leicestershire were 131-5, still 51 in arrears, and suffered another setback at the start of the final session as Ben Cox missed his sweep attempt and was leg before to the left-arm spin of Liam Patterson-White.

But Green and Tattersall, who was caught at first slip off Patterson-White in the day's penultimate over after batting for almost two and a half hours, at least ensured Nottinghamshire would need to bat a second time.

Report by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.

• Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

Punjab Kings went down to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad in the IPL on Sunday.

Washington Sundar & Sai Sudharsan guide GT to a four-wicket win. 

In this article, The Sporting News tracked the IPL 2026 match and provided the live win probabilities for each team.

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

Live scorecard:

GT vs PBKS IPL 2026: Win probability and toss result

After 19.5 overs, GT are 167/6

Sundar plays a fantastic knock of 40 runs from 23 balls to inspire GT to a four-wicket win. PBKS came close, but they fell just short.

After 16 overs, GT are 128/4

PBKS are clawing their way back into the match. Sudharsan has departed, and it is Sundar & Tewatia at the crease. 

After 11 overs, GT are 92/2

GT are sticking to the basics, and they are acing the chase. Sudharsan is playing a matured innings and he should stay until the end.

After 6 overs, GT are 58/1

GT have lost Shubman Gill early. However, Buttler and Sudharsan are steadying the chase. 

After 20 overs, PBKS are 163/9

PBKS end well as they put up a respectable total in Ahmedabad. However, GT should still fancy their chances.

After 16 overs, PBKS are 126/4

A special innings from Shedge (57 off 29) has helped PBKS get back into the match. They will be looking at 160 from this point with Jansen still at the crease. 

After 10 overs, PBKS are 51/5

Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera have departed, and PBKS find themselves in a deeper hole. 

After 6 overs, PBKS are 35/3

PBKS struggle at the start as they lose their top order and managed to score just 35 runs in the powerplay.

Toss: GT captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to field first.

MORE: Visit Cricket News for all the latest cricket coverage and opinion

GT vs PBKS: Playing XI

GT playing XI: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar

Impact subs: Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Kulwant Kejroliya

PBKS playing XI: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Subs: Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Musheer Khan, Mitch Owen

GT vs PBKS IPL 2026: Win percentage

GT vs PBKS IPL 2026 odds

*All odds via Dafabet.

Dafabet

BEST ODDS AND OFFERS

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At some point this offseason, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was running.

Nix took to Instagram on Friday evening to share eight photos and one video from this spring. "Good times flying by," Nix captioned his post. The ninth and final slide on Nix's Instagram post was a video of him running, and he looked to be healthy following a season-ending ankle injury during the NFL playoffs in January.

However, the video is not dated. Nix posted it on Friday, but it's unclear when the footage was filmed. It is presumably a video from earlier this spring because Nix just underwent a cleanup procedure on his ankle last week, and it's hard to imagine him doing full-speed sprints just days after a cleanup procedure. We don't know Nix's ankle status, though, so it's impossible to say exactly when the footage as filmed without Nix's own confirmation.

Bo Nix’s latest Instagram post includes a video of him running: https://t.co/iYR2Joy1Lgpic.twitter.com/mQquUUZQpg

— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) May 1, 2026

NFL Network has reported that Nix is expected to be ready to go at or near the start of training camp, which typically begins in late July. Broncos fans will hope to see Nix healthy and fully recovered this summer.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL news: Bo Nix (ankle) shares Instagram video showing QB running

Ebbw Vale got revenge over Newport to secure their place in the Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) final with a 18-14 win.

Having been beaten by the same opponents in last year's final - and in the SRC Challenger Shield this campaign - Ebbw Vale were forced to come from behind after failing to score in the first half.

Newport forward Josh Skinner put his side ahead in the first five minutes, touching down after a dominant driving maul.

That try was the only score of the first half, as Newport took a 7-0 lead into the break.

In the second half it was Ebbw Vale's turn to score early, again through a driving maul, with Corey Lewis scoring a try after 48 minutes.

Wing Fin Baker restored Newport's lead with seven minutes left to play, as the reigning champions looked set to reach the final once more.

But with just over 90 seconds remaining, full-back Dylan Edwards collected a cross-field kick before scoring to send Ebbw Vale through instead.

On Saturday, Llandovery beat Cardiff 30-22 at the Arms Park to book their place in the final.

The Blue and Blacks went into the semi-final on a six-game winning streak that had seen them pip Ebbw Vale to first place in the table.

They enjoyed two victories against the Drovers in the regular season, but the 2024 champions took the spoils in a tight game to ensure stalwart scrum-half Lee Rees will get the chance to sign off with silverware.

Llandovery were 14-0 up after 10 minutes thanks to tries by wing Aaron Warren and centre Kian Abraham.

Cardiff responded to level through centre Osian Darwin-Lewis and flanker Ben Fry, who was taken off on a stretcher after being injured in the process of scoring.

The hosts led for the first time swiftly after the restart when hooker Alun Rees went over from a driving line-out only for the Drovers to hit back through Abraham after a line break and dummy.

Fly-half Ioan Hughes converted and his boot proved to be the difference, with three penalties in response to one from opposite number Harri Wilde.

Month after signing a $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, NFL quarterback Malik Willis found himself in the spotlight for an unexpected reason.

The Dolphins deal marked a major step in his career after previous stints in the league, and his arrival in Miami brought increased attention both on and off the field.

That attention shifted to baseball when Willis threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Miami Marlins faced the Philadelphia Phillies last Friday. The moment quickly became a talking point online.

Fans react as Malik Willis struggles with ceremonial first pitch

Willis’ throw before the Marlins’ 6-5 loss to the Phillies drew widespread reactions on social media. The pitch missed its target significantly, prompting a wave of comments on X.

“I’ll never understand why a quarterback can’t throw a baseball. It’s different but not that different,” one user wrote.

Others responded with humour. “What do you mean? That’s a 15-yard gain on the right side,” another fan posted ironically.

“Seems like we’re seeing this all the time now, otherwise good athletes who throw a baseball poorly,” read another comment, while a fourth person added, “Good thing this guy’s career doesn’t depend on being able to throw a ball with accuracy…”

Malik Willis offers simple explanation after viral moment

Willis addressed the situation briefly via Instagram after the game. His explanation focused on a single moment during the throw, as he wrote: “I slipped.”

Replays from different angles appear to support that claim. His plant foot visibly moved as he released the ball.

However, it remains unclear how much that slip affected the final result.

Read more:

DENVER (AP) — The Atlanta Braves placed star right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. on the 10-day injured list because of a strained left hamstring on Sunday.

The Braves owned the best record in baseball at 24-10 entering Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. But they'll have to get by for now without one of their top players.

Acuña left Saturday night’s game in the second inning. He was attempting to run out a ground ball before he pulled up about halfway down the base path and grabbed at his hamstring.

The five-time All-Star and 2023 National League MVP is batting .252 with two home runs, nine RBIs, 17 runs and a team-high seven steals. He had played in all 34 games after a torn ACL he suffered in May 2024 limited him to a combined 144 games over the past two seasons.

The Braves activated right-hander Spencer Strider from the injured list prior to Sunday's start. The 2023 All-Star was set to make his season debut after being sidelined with a strained oblique. The Braves optioned right-hander Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Gwinnett following Saturday's game to make room for him. They also selected outfielder José Azócar's contract from the minor league club on Sunday with Acuña going on the injured list.

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

Record-breaking Armagh marched into their fourth successive Ulster Senior Football final with an astonishing 3-33 to 0-14 victory over Down at St Tiernach's Park - a result which condemns the Mournemen to Tailteann Cup football this summer.

In scoring 42 points, Armagh broke the record for the highest single-team score in an Ulster SFC match, a mark they set in last week's quarter-final win over Fermanagh.

Aiming to back up that win in Enniskillen, Kieran McGeeney's side again displayed the scoring power in their ranks and were 2-12 to 0-7 clear at half-time, with Tomas McCormack and Conor Turbitt both grabbing goals.

Down were unable to conjure a response as Armagh strolled to victory, with Turbitt scoring a superb third goal for his side.

Having come through an an intense battle with Donegal last week, Down were unable to produce a similarly inspirational performance and wilted in the face of Armagh's power and precision in front of a 27,423-strong crowd at Clones.

Down's sense of dejection was only deepened by missing out on a place in the All-Ireland series following Westmeath's extra-time win over Kildare in the Leinster semi-finals.

Armagh, whose most recent Ulster title came back in 2008, will face Monaghan in the 17 May decider - their first final meeting since 1938 - after the Farney's heart-stopping extra-time win over Derry on Saturday.

Down fade after early promise

Going into Sunday's game at Clones, Down faced the challenge of emulating the emotion and intensity that carried them to a stirring win over holders Donegal in Letterkenny.

And for the first 10 minutes, they seemed to have unlocked the formula once more, with an early marker laid down by Daniel Guinness and Odhran Murdock, two of the outstanding performers from the Donegal game.

After Murdock rose highest to win the throw-in, Guinness scampered clear and split the posts.

A Pat Havern free, Guinness' second score, Shane Annett's effort and a superb point from influential Mourne skipper Murdock - which he scored after launching his side's attack with a turnover at the other end - had Down 0-5 to 0-2 in front.

Armagh, in contrast, struggled to find their range during the opening exchanges. While their first two scores came from Oisin Conaty and Conor Turbitt, they were guilty of three bad wides during Down's ascendancy.

But after a score from the excellent Jarly Og Burns was followed by Andrew Murnin kicking the Orchard's fourth wide, Armagh decided enough was enough, and after captain Aaron McKay showed exceptional grit to win a breaking ball and send his side down the field, Tomas McCormack sidestepped Peter Fegan and beat Ronan Burns with a low drive into the net.

While Og Burns and Guinness traded scores after the goal, Armagh stormed clear with an unanswered 1-8.

Their second goal will be a painful part of the Down post-mortem as Darragh McMullen won a kick-out from Blaine Hughes - who replaced Ethan Rafferty before throw-in - rounded the stranded Mourne keeper Burns and pumped the ball in for Turbitt, who shrugged off Ryan McEvoy to palm into the unguarded net.

While Havern knocked over the final score of the half, Down looked a spent force by the interval, with Armagh's tally of six fisted points evidence of the ease with which they had cut into the Mourne defence.

Monaghan were able to overturn a sizeable half-time deficit against Derry but there was no such resurgence from Down on Sunday.

In truth, after Turbitt, Murnin, McMullen (two-pointer) and Jason Duffy further stretched Armagh's advantage, the second half was something of a non-event.

The highlight was the manner in which Turbitt took his second goal, plucking the ball out the air before turning Liam Kerr and rifling a dead-eyed shot into Burns' bottom right-hand corner.

Turbitt's goal sent the Down fans heading for the exits.

Had they stayed, they would have only witnessed more pain for their side as Armagh continued to clip over scores with remarkable efficiency, managing 1-17 during their second-half procession.

While Monaghan showed courage and character to stun Derry on Saturday, based on how Sunday's semi-final unfolded, it will take a Herculean effort for them to stop Armagh ending their 18-year wait for a return to the provincial summit.

Teams and scorers

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Peter McGrane (0-1), Aaron McKay, Paddy Burns; Joe McElroy, Tiernan Kelly (0-1), Jarly Og Burns (0-4); Jason Duffy, Andrew Murnin (0-3); Greg McCabe, Darragh McMullen (0-2, 1x2p), Tomas McCormack (1-2); Oisin Conaty (0-5), Conor Turbitt (2-5, 3f), Cian McConville (0-3, 1f)

Subs: Oisin O'Neill (0-4, 1x2p) for McCabe (51), Daniel Magee for Murnin (52), Gareth Murphy for McElroy (56), Thomas Galvin for Turbitt (59), Aaron O'Neill (0-2, 1x2p) for Conaty (60 mins)

Down: Ronan Burns; Peter Fegan, Pierce Laverty, Callum Rogers; Caolan Mooney, Shane Annett (0-1), Daniel Guinness (0-4); Odhran Murdock (0-1), Ryan McEvoy; Miceal Rooney, Ceilum Doherty, Pearse McPolin; Adam Crimmins, Pat Havern (0-2), John McGeough.

Subs: Liam Kerr (0-2) for McGeough (26), Jamie Doran for Crimmins (HT), Ryan Magill (0-2) for Rooney (40), Barry O'Hagan (0-2, 1f) for Havern (47), Finn McElroy for McPolin (55), Tom Close for McEvoy (62).

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare)

Attendance: 27,423

Mainz and Borussia Mönchengladbach secured their place in the Bundesliga after their respective wins on Sunday afternoon.

Mainz secured a spot in the top tier for an 18th straight season and left St Pauli deep in the mire after a 2-1 away win.

Gladbach, meanwhile, claimed a 1-0 home victory against second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who are already qualified for the Champions League next season.

Haris Tabaković scored the winner in the 88th minute. His goal was initially ruled out, but the decision was overturned after video review.

Later on Sunday, second-bottom Wolfsburg visit European hopefuls Freiburg in eighth.

Mainz to 'celebrate tonight'

Phillip Tietz opened the scoring early on when Mainz pounced on a St Pauli mistake in their own half and Sheraldo Becker laid on the assist.

Left wingback Phillip Mwene then further silenced the Millerntor with the second from close range before half-time. Abdoulie
Ceesay's goal for the home side came too late.

Mainz were bottom when former Union Berlin coach Urs Fischer took over in December, but the Swiss has masterminded their surge up the league and they now sit 10th with two games left.

"I think we've played a super second half of the season," man-of-the-match Tietz told DAZN. "We will celebrate tonight."

Hamburg-based St Pauli remain third-bottom in the relegation play-off spot having not won in eight games and are six points from safety with an inferior goal difference.

They travel to RB Leipzig next Saturday and finish up at home to fellow strugglers Wolfsburg. A relegation play-off now looks St Pauli's best option.

"We deserved to lose," St Pauli defender Hauke Wahl said. "Phillip Tietz made the difference for Mainz."

Bottom side Heidenheim drew 3-3 at champions Bayern Munich on Saturday and now live to fight for another weekend.

St Pauli are a point above 2009 champions Wolfsburg (25), who fill the two automatic relegation places along with Heidenheim (23).

Losing unexpectedly in the postseason always stings even the most veteran players, and for Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White, their 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs first round series loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. After the 109-100 defeat at TD Garden this past Saturday (May 2), White said that the exit "really sucks."

"You always think you're going to play for a long time," said the Colorado native. "And it ends so quickly ... super proud of the guys for an amazing year, and I'm thankful and blessed to be a part of this team but it just sucks." With star Boston forward Jayson Tatum on the bench with knee soreness, it was imperative for White to snap his series shooting slump for the Celtics to have a shot at beating the resurgent Sixers.

And while the Colorado - Boulder alum did hit several timely treys, he also went 9-of-26 from the field and 5-of-16 from beyond the arc, joining Boston offensive mainstays Jaylen Brown (12-of-27) and Payton Pritchard (5-of-13) as the primary culprits behind another inefficient outing of Celtics offense that would ultimately doom Boston.

"Shooting is obviously a big part of the game," said White, "but it's not the only part of the game. And I think there's a lot of different ways to impact it, winning, and helping us win games even if you aren't making shots."

"But obviously shooting is a really big part of the game, and I think we got a lot of good looks. We just didn't knock them down, especially down the stretch there. So, I've got to go to the gym this summer and come back better."

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Derrick White vows to come back better as a Celtics shooter next season

Which team has won most PSL titles? Full list of champions and winners in Pakistan Super League history originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars are the most successful teams in PSL history with three titles.
• The Pakistan Super League began in 2016 and has produced five different champions.
• Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi have each won the tournament once.

Islamabad United & Lahore Qalandars lead the pack with three championships

The Pakistan Super League was launched in 2016 to bring top-tier T20 franchise cricket back to a country that had been starved of international cricket for years.

Over nine seasons, five different teams have lifted the trophy.

No team has dominated the PSL quite like Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. Islamabad won the very first edition in 2016.

They came back to claim the title again in 2018 and added a third crown in 2024, making them the only franchise to win three PSL titles.

Karachi Kings ended a long wait for their supporters when they won in 2020. Lahore Qalandars, despite years of near misses, finally broke their duck in 2022 and backed it up with two titles in 2023 and 2025. 

PSL All-Time Winners Table

To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Live results, scores, highlights from Louisiana's LHSAA Select Division III softball championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Calvary Baptist Academy [Shreveport, LA] Cavaliers will be playing for Louisiana's LHSAA Select Division III state championship Sunday afternoon.

They might also be playing for a national title as they enter the game ranked No. 2 in the latest MaxPreps national rankings.

They need to win the state title first to have a chance at the national accolades that likely won't be known for several weeks. The Cavaliers are ranked behind the Barbers Hills [Mt. Belieu, TX] Eagles for now, and the Texas playoffs won't be resolved for several more weeks.

The championship game was originally scheduled for Saturday, but inclement weather in Louisiana pushed the whole state tournament back a day. First pitch for the championship game is now set for 1 p.m. EST/12 p.m. CST local.

HOW TO WATCH: Calvary Baptist Academy vs. Parkview Baptist on the NFHS Network.

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Refresh for updates

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THIRD INNING

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Calvary Baptist is unable to get on the board, and they head to the fourth. It's still 0-0.

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Calvary Baptist has its second two-out single of the day, so they've got another runner on board.

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Parkview Baptist unable to break the ice in the top of the third. They head to the bottom still scoreless.

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SECOND INNING

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Calvary Baptist is unable to get any runs in, and they head to the third still knotted up at zero.

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Parkview Baptist unable to get on the board in the top of the second, and we head to the bottom of the frame with Calvary Baptist at the plate.

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FIRST INNING

__________

Calvary Baptist also comes up empty, and we head to the second inning still scoreless.

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Top of the first, Parkview Baptist comes up empty. It's tied at zero headed to the bottom of the opening frame.

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Coming soon! Game time is set for 12 p.m. CST local!

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How can I watch Calvary Baptist Academy vs. Parkview Baptist?

• Date: 12 p.m. CST local, Saturday, April 4
• WATCH:Live on the NFHS Network

Commanders listed among likeliest landing spots for free-agent WR Adam Peters knows well originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Washington Commanders have added to their wide receivers room this offseason, but the team still has more work to do.

The Commanders reunited with Dyami Brown and Treylon Burks, and they inked Van Jefferson in free agency. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Antonio Williams was taken in the third round to further bolster the room behind No. 1 target Terry McLaurin.

But none of those wide receivers are a legit No. 2 option, and it remains to be seen if Brandon Aiyuk will ever get cut by the San Francisco 49ers so the Commanders can scoop him up. Even if that happens, Aiyuk is hardly a sure thing himself after not playing at all last season.

In order to remedy the situation, the New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy thinks general manager Adam Peters and Co. could turn to former 49ers wideout, Jauan Jennings, who remains available on the open market.

Word is that Jennings, 28, overpriced himself in a market where five receivers secured at least $14 million per year, including his 49ers replacement Mike Evans. A physical run blocker, Jennings totaled 55 catches for 643 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 games.

Jennings already is visiting the Vikings, the Raiders didn’t draft a pass catcher for No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza until the sixth round, and the Commanders need a No. 2 receiver.

As Dunleavy notes, it's clear Jennings did not get what he was looking for on the open market, hence his availability at this late stage in free agency.

Putting that aside for now, Jennings, who was with Peters when he was in San Francisco, would be just what the doctor ordered for the Commanders.

Jennings had a down season in 2025, posting 643 yards, but he also scored nine touchdowns, showing just how deadly he can be in the red zone.

Even with those lackluster numbers, which were likely at least partly a result of his dealing with several injuries during the season, Jennings would've had the second-most receiving yards if he was on the Commanders in 2025.

For Jennings' best season, we have to go back to 2024, when he notched a career-high 975 receiving yards to go along with six touchdowns. Those numbers show Jennings is capable of being a very good No. 2 in an offense.

If the Commanders can secure Jennings and Aiyuk and combine them with McLaurin, they'll be good to go for the 2026 campaign.

Things have changed rapidly for the UCLA Bruins under new head coach Bob Chesney. After a few pedestrian recruiting classes in a row under DeShaun Foster, the Bruinsare back in the Top-10 for this 2027 recruiting class.

Everyone has taken notice of the new-look Bruins. Chesney took James Madison to the College Football Playoffs out of the Sun Belt Conference, and now he’s in Los Angeles, and has seemingly reinvigorated UCLA’s donors to contribute to help the Bruins reach greatness on the gridiron.

UCLA has also decided to stay at the Rose Bowl for at least another season. Quieting another storm that could have arisen for the program with a forced move to SoFi Stadium. In other words, UCLA has their swagger back. Even former players are feeling the change.

Former Bruin and longtime Minnesota Viking linebacker Anthony Barr reacted to a list of the top 2027 recruiting classes that has UCLA at No. 4, behind just Oklahoma, Texas A&M and USC.

“This reminds me of something.” Barr tweeted Saturday evening.

This reminds me of something https://t.co/Gwq4fIY7an

— Anthony Barr (@AnthonyBarr) May 3, 2026

Barr was a Bruin from 2010-2013, playing in 50 games and registering 23.5 career sacks before getting drafted ninth overall by the Vikings. Barr, the Los Angeles native, was a part of a pretty stellar recruiting class himself, with his UCLA 2010 class being ranked No. 10 in the nation. 

The results weren’t immediate for Barr and the Bruins, with the team going just 4-8 in 2010 and then 6-8 in 2011. What happened next is what UCLA is looking for, with the 2012 Bruins going 9-5. Barr and the Bruins wrapped up his college career with a 10-3 season that ended with a win in the Sun Bowl.

With the amount of transfers that Chesney has brought in for the 2026 team, the expectation is that UCLA won’t have to wait two more seasons to crack .500, but Chesney’s efforts in adding talent is catching the eyes of former UCLA stars.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Former UCLA star Anthony Barr reacts to the Bruins recruiting success

The UFC's return to Australia on Saturday flipped the script on the event from a week prior.

UFC Fight Night 274 in Las Vegas a week ago tied a record with 11 decisions at an event that otherwise would have been largely forgettable, anyway. But at UFC Fight Night 275 in Perth, the highlights came with regularity. 

UFC Fight Night 275 had seven stoppages in 13 fights at RAC Arena, including four first-rounders. Check out the UFC Perth finishes in the video above. And which was the best one of the night? Vote in our poll below.

UFC Fight Night 275 finishes

• Carlos Prates def. Jack Della Maddalena via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 3:29
• Quillan Salkilld def. Beneil Dariush via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:29
• Marwan Rahiki def. Oliver Schmid via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:47
• Brando Pericic def. Shamil Gaziev via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 3:44
• Junior Tafa def. Kevin Christian knockout (elbows) – Round 1, 2:42
• Wes Schultz def. Ben Johnston via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 1:50
• Kody Steele def. DomMar Fan via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 3:56

Hearts will host Rangers tomorrow afternoon in a potentially title-deciding clash at Tynecastle. The Jam Tarts currently sit top of the table, four points ahead of tomorrow’s opponents and level on points with Celtic following their win over Hibernian this afternoon.

Rangers will likely feel as though they have to be perfect from here on out if they are to lift a historic 56th Scottish Premiership title come the end of the season…and even a 100% record for the remainder of the season may not be enough due to the points difference. You certainly get the sense that these next two fixtures, Hearts and Celtic away, will define their season.

Hearts, meanwhile, will be a fingertip away from the title if they win tomorrow at a sold-out Tynecastle. That result would see them move seven points clear of Rangers and three clear of Celtic with just nine points left to play for. Derek McInnes’ side have led from the front for the majority of the season, and will now need to keep their cool in the next four games to finish the job.

The Hearts has manager issued somewhat of a rally to the fans ahead of tomorrow’s clash. “We just want Tynecastle to be in its full glory, to be honest. We want it to be even better than it’s been. To the supporters, bring your scarves, show your colours, give it laldy. Let’s go and make it a proper night. We’ll be determined to get the right result.”

Meanwhile, Danny Röhl has insisted that his side “still believe” they can go on and win the league this season following a disappointing loss at home to Motherwell last weekend. These two sides have already met three times this season, with Hearts winning the first two and Rangers claiming the third back in February thanks to a hat-trick from Youssef Chermiti at Ibrox, one of the greatest days of Röhl’s tenure so far.

Tomorrow’s game will take place at 5:30pm (UK time).

Some of the games between April 27 and May 3 have gone down in history. But, most of all, we all remember the Biancocelesti winning the first silverware of the Cragnotti era in 1998.

Matches of the Week

Date: Sunday, April 29, 2001Location: Stadio Olimpico, RomeFixture: Roma Lazio 2-2 Lucas Castromán equalises with twenty seconds to go to salvage pride and at least put the rivals’ title hopes in some doubt.

Date: Sunday, April 30, 2017Location: Stadio Olimpico, RomeFixture: Roma Lazio 1-3 A Keita Balde brace and a Basta goal allow Lazio to beat Roma despite ridiculous refereeing.

Date: Sunday, May 1, 2016Location: Stadio Olimpico, RomeFixture: Lazio Inter 2-0An early goal by Klose and a late Candreva penalty completes Lazio’s double on Inter.

Date: Sunday, May 1, 1994Location: Stadio Luigi Ferraris, GenoaFixture: Sampdoria Lazio 3-4An entertaining and high scoring game goes Lazio’s way and Signori’s brace hails him top Serie A scorer for second year in a row

Date: Sunday, May 2, 1915Location: Campo della Farnesina, RomeFixture: Lazio Sporting Pisa 4-2In a match which saw very violent clashes between players, Lazio manage to win and now lead the Semifinal Group.

Match In Focus

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 1998Location: Stadio Olimpico, RomeFixture: Lazio Milan 3-1, Coppa Italia Final, Second Leg 

Today was the return leg of the final. Only many years later would someone come up with the bright idea of going back to playing a one match final in the capital.

The away match was won by Milan 1-0, on the 8th of April at San Siro. Lazio had dominated for most of the match and showed they were the better team. However Milan’s keeper Sebastiano Rossi had a great game making several decisive saves and even got the assist for Milan’s winner. In the last minutes of the match when Lazio were still vowing their missed opportunities Rossi gave the ball a massive hoof upfield, it bounced near the Lazio penalty area where George Weah, thanks to a defensive mix up between Paolo Negro, Alessandro Nesta and Luca Marchegiani, headed the ball over the Lazio keeper and into the net. An unexpected win for Milan and a thoroughly undeserved defeat for Lazio. All was not lost however.

Milan had a slight advantage but Lazio had already proved they were just as good as Milan, if not better. There was also an underlying feeling among Lazio fans that this was our time, our moment to win.

A great crowd of 70,000 (7,000 Milanisti too) and a marvellous atmosphere welcomed the two teams onto the field. Lazio were without Matias Almeyda, Beppe Pancaro, José Chamot and Alen Boksic while Milan were missing Leonardo and Zvonimir Boban. Lazio played with Roberto Mancini and Gigi Casiraghi up front while Milan answered with Dejan Savicevic and George Weah.

The first half started at a slow pace. Milan were satisfied with their lead and Lazio weary of conceding an away goal. Lazio however attacked more and had a first chance with Pavel Nedved. On a cross from Diego Fuser, the Czech brought the ball down well and from an angle was one-on-one with the keeper but pushed it just too far allowing Rossi to anticipate him. Lazio’s next chance was clearer when Casiraghi chested down a Vladimir Jugovic cross and again from an angle got a low shot which Rossi saved with the help of the post. Milan were kept under control especially by Alessandro Nesta, in fine form, the “Diavolo’s” only chance came on a Weah close range shot on a Ibrahim Ba low cross but he was slightly too far forward and, challenged by two defenders, his effort went high. On the half hour mark Savicevic went off injured and was replaced by Kluivert. Halftime score Lazio 0 Milan 0. A first 45 minutes which satisfied the visitors far more than the hosts.

The second half started with a bang. In the first minute Demetrio Albertini was fouled by Alessandro Grandoni at the edge of the box for a free kick. The Milan midfielder took it and his low, powerful shot went through the wall and beat Luca Marchegiani to his right. Lazio 0 Milan 1. The Rossoneri were two up on aggregate and now Lazio needed three unanswered goals to lift the cup. Milan became even more defensive in the 50th minute and replaced an injured Kluivert with a midfielder, Giampiero Maini. For Lazio Guerino Gottardi came on for Grandoni, a seemingly small detail at the time but which would soon prove crucial.

The Lazio crowd still believed, urging their team forward and the Biancocelesti threw caution to the wind and attacked furiously. They were soon rewarded. In the 55th minute a long ball by Giorgio Venturin found Mancini with space in the area, “Mancio” domesticated the ball perfectly and slid it across to an unmarked Gottardi who beat Rossi. 1-1 and the stadium became a cauldron, a crazy comeback could still be possible.

Only three minutes later Gottardi, on a Mancini assist, was clumsily kicked in the air by Paolo Maldini. The foul started on the edge of the box but the dynamic of the move made Guerino go sprawling several metres into the area. For the referee Treossi it was a penalty. Jugovic stepped up and with a fierce low shot sent Rossi the wrong way. Lazio 2 Milan 1. The Stadium was on fire and Milan were groggy. Lazio still needed one more but there was still half an hour to go.

A few minutes later Casiraghi went agonisingly close hitting the post with only the keeper to beat. In the 65th minute Lazio had a corner, the ball was not cleared properly and fell to Negro whose shot was saved but not blocked by Rossi and Nesta was the quickest to slot the ball in for the 3-1. The stadium passed the safety test and didn’t collapse despite the wild scenes which followed the captain’s goal. Lazio now had 25 minutes to defend their dream.

At this point Milan had to attack and threw striker Maurizio Ganz on for Ba. One goal would be enough for the Rossoneri to snatch the trophy. They had a Christian Ziege freekick saved by Marchegiani and endless crosses into the area but Lazio, despite the fans obviously holding their breath every time the ball even went over the halfway line, held firm and kept Milan at bay.

Ten minutes from time both Fuser and Marcel Desailly were sent off for squabbling and kicking but tactically nothing changed. It was Lazio who came closer to scoring. After a perfect counterattack Jugovic incredibly did not find the net with a seemingly impossible to miss close range header. Lazio’s fears were only delayed a fraction longer as Treossi soon after blew the final whistle. Lazio had won a trophy after 24 years!

From the Scudetto of 1974 there had been: Tommaso Maestrelli‘s illness and death, Luciano Re Cecconi‘s tragic end, the 1980 betting scandal and subsequent relegation punishment, the Giorgio Chinaglia President era of shattered dreams, six years in total of Serie B, the nine-point deduction and playout to avoid the third tier, city rivals winning things and playing a European Cup Final (fortunately they lost) – but then in the 90’s things got gradually better for the long-suffering Lazio fans and now finally it was time to celebrate… Lazio had won!

In Memory: Maurilio Prini

Maurilio Prini was a very modern winger for his time. He was very fast so was able to cover both attack and defence. It may seem obvious now, but in the 1950s, at least in Italy, the players more or less stayed within their given space of movement. But then came Fulvio Bernardini, former Lazio and Roma star player, who revolutionized Italian football.

In Florence, he invented a more elastic wing-midfielder system than the classic one, with players changing positions depending on who had the ball. Furthermore, they were told not to pass directly to their teammates but in a free space so that the latter could reach the ball before their opponents; a more modern approach.

Fiorentina won a scudetto in 1956 and reached the final of the European Cup a year later, beaten by the great Real Madrid of Alfredo Di Stefano. Prini was a fundamental player in that team so when Bernardini came to manage Lazio in the summer of 1958, he brought Maurilio with him.

It was an immediate triumph as Lazio eliminated Roma in the group phase and Juventus in the semi-final. On Wednesday, September 24, 1958, the Biancocelesti beat Fiorentina 1-0 with a Prini goal, winning their first ever silverware.

Maurilio Prini died in Florence on April 29, 2009. He made a total of 86 appearances for Lazio, with 11 goals, between 1958 and 1962.

Birthdays this Week

• Valerio Fiori, 27-4-1969, goalkeeper, Italy, 130 appearances (1988-93)
• John Hansen, 27-4-1924, forward, Denmark, 27 appearances, 15 goals (1954-55)
• Diego Pablo Simeone, 28-4-1970, midfielder, Argentina, 136 appearances, 18 goals (1999-03)
• Fabio Liverani, 29-4-1976, midfielder, Italy, 165 appearances, 10 goals (2001-05)
• Christian Manfredini, 1-5-1979, midfielder, Italy, 136 appearances, 9 goals (2002-09)
• Aldo De Pierro, 3-5-1923, defender, Italy, 38 appearances (1943-46)
• Astutillo Malgioglio, 3-5-1956, goalkeeper, Italy, 25 appearances (1985-86)
• Ferenc Nyers II 3-5-1927, forward, Hungary, 38 appearances, 14 goals (1948-50)

This Article Was Written by Dag Jenkins & Simon Basten from Lazio Stories. More Information on the Above Matches and Players can be found on LazioStories.com.

Liverpool Advance Adam Wharton Talks As Summer Rebuild Begins

Wharton Interest Signals Early Liverpool Intent

Liverpool’s summer is already beginning to take shape, and Adam Wharton appears to be at the centre of their next major rebuild. According to Marca, Liverpool are in “advanced talks” to sign the Crystal Palace midfielder, with Real Madrid also credited with interest in one of the Premier League’s most elegant young operators.

For a club that spent heavily last summer, the idea of another significant outlay will not pass without scrutiny. Liverpool’s reported £440m investment was designed to accelerate a new cycle under Arne Slot, yet this season has not carried the authority or consistency many expected. Sitting fourth before their trip to Old Trafford, Liverpool are close to securing Champions League qualification, but the wider mood still feels restless.

That is why Wharton matters. This is not merely about another talented player. It is about balance, control and giving Slot the specific midfield profile he wanted when he first arrived at Anfield.

Marca’s report says Liverpool are “closing in on their first signing of the window,” which suggests a club unwilling to drift into the summer. That is wise. The best recruitment work is often done before the market becomes frantic.

Midfield Control Has Become Priority

Wharton, still only 22, has been described in the original article as a “superstar,” and while such labels can feel heavy, there is substance behind the excitement. He plays with calm. He receives under pressure. He sees angles early. He has that rare quality of making difficult football look unhurried.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool have long admired him, according to the report, and there is also the suggestion that “the player also wants to join the Merseysiders if given the opportunity.” That line will encourage supporters, because player desire can be decisive when several major clubs circle.

Manchester United are also mentioned among the competition, while Real Madrid’s presence gives this story an extra layer. If Liverpool are genuinely ahead of Madrid for a young midfielder of Wharton’s profile, it would reflect both ambition and urgency.

The fee, though, will be substantial. The article claims “a deal could cost around £80m or even more,” while later suggesting that “£60m isn’t cheap by any means.” Either way, Crystal Palace will not surrender such a player cheaply. Wharton has Premier League experience, European pedigree and age on his side. Those qualities inflate price, and rightly so.

Slot Could Unlock Gravenberch Again

When Slot arrived at Liverpool, he wanted a specialist No 6. Martin Zubimendi was the obvious target, but when that move did not materialise, Ryan Gravenberch was reshaped into a deeper, more controlled midfielder.

To Gravenberch’s credit, he adapted. Yet adaptation is not always optimisation. The Dutchman’s best qualities at Ajax were his carrying power, physical stride and ability to surge through midfield. Asking him to sit permanently can limit that natural dynamism.

That is where Wharton becomes compelling. The article argues that “the need for a specialist number six has grown, and Wharton would be able to fill that role perfectly, while also freeing up Gravenberch to go back to being his all-action best self.”

That point feels central. Wharton could give Liverpool a calmer base, allowing Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and others to play with greater freedom. He would not need to dominate headlines every week. His value would come in rhythm, positioning and decision-making.

Photo IMAGO

Transfer Fee Must Match Liverpool’s Plan

There are still questions. Curtis Jones’ future is described as uncertain, while Mac Allister has been linked with a move away after what the article calls “a below-par campaign from the Argentina international.” Liverpool cannot allow too many midfield pieces to move at once without risking instability.

Wharton would represent a long-term investment, but also an immediate tactical correction. At 22, he fits the age profile. With Premier League experience, he reduces adaptation risk. With technical poise, he suits the demands of a possession-heavy Liverpool side.

The mention of Jeremy Jacquet, “who has already signed,” adds to the sense that Liverpool are trying to front-load business. That should please supporters. Too often, clubs lose time chasing deals in late August. Liverpool need certainty, clarity and conviction.

If Wharton becomes the first major move of the window, it would tell a story. Slot wants more control. Liverpool want more security. The midfield needs a conductor as much as a runner. Wharton may be expensive, but if he gives Liverpool structure for the next six years, the fee could soon look like the cost of proper planning.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this is exactly the sort of rumour that feels both exciting and necessary. Adam Wharton looks like a player built for the next phase of this midfield. Calm, progressive, brave in possession and already tested in the Premier League, he ticks many of the boxes supporters have been discussing all season.

The key attraction is what he could do for the whole structure. Ryan Gravenberch has done a job as a deeper midfielder, but many fans still believe his best football comes when he can carry the ball and influence games higher up the pitch. Wharton arriving as a specialist No 6 could release him, while also giving Mac Allister and Szoboszlai better protection and clearer roles.

The fee will cause debate. £80m is serious money, particularly after last summer’s huge spend. Yet supporters will remember Liverpool missing out on Zubimendi and then spending months trying to solve that problem internally. If Wharton is the player Slot really wants, then the club should not drift.

Liverpool need a summer of precision, not noise. Wharton would be a statement of planning, not panic. For many fans, that is the most encouraging part.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has revealed the reason behind Benjamin Sesko’s half-time exit in the 3-2 victory over Liverpool.

United ease past Liverpool

United have booked their spot in next season’s Champions League after securing all three points against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring after just six minutes as he fired home from the edge of the area, having seen his initial effort blocked.

Sesko doubled United’s advantage shortly after Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman diverted a Bruno Fernandes delivery onto the thigh of the Slovenian striker, who turned it in from a couple of yards out.

It looked like the Red Devils were on track for a comfortable win but Amad’s mistake early into the second half was punished by Dominik Szoboszlai, who arrowed a low strike into the bottom corner of Senne Lammens’ goal. Lammens then turned possession over carelessly while trying to play out from the back, with a grateful Cody Gakpo all too happy to score and make it 2-2.

But Kobbie Mainoo had the last laugh, powering a stunning shot beyond Woodman to restore United’s lead and win it for his side.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Carrick hailed his players’ resilience and fighting spirit. Carrick also revealed that he took off Sesko during the break as an injury precaution.

Carrick’s remarks

Asked whether he was proud of the team’s performance, Carrick answered, “Yes in some ways the work that has been done, the way the players have played, we can take a lot from it.”

“Qualifying for the Champions League felt off in the distance at one point, it’s not something we celebrate really, we just want to finish high up in the league.”

On why United were so good, Carrick explained, “Good players and good staff definitely help. The connection we have as a group, overcoming change and difficult challenges. We’re just trying to do the right things and players have taken everything on so well, we want to finish the season strong.”

He continued, “We scored a lot of goals, we have scored in the past five games. Our focus has been out of possession work. We try to put our strength in the game, we started the game well, I’m just as pleased with the way we finished the game, two set backs could have knocked us but the players were quality, and we came out on top.”

On his players refocusing after conceding, Carrick remarked, “We go back to belief, which is tested in those moments, players want to work hard for each other. The tactics is one side and mentality is another. It gets you through difficult times.”

“In our league it is encouraging to see how we’ve done so well, we want to keep improving and we can’t underestimate what the players have done.”

The 44-year-old coach said about Sesko, “He’s been carrying a shin problem for some time, he got pushed and caught the bit that’s been causing him some problems.”

Asked what’s next, Carrick detailed, “It’s not about what I like or not like, it’s not in my control, everything has gone so well. We know the situation and we still want to get better and see what happens next.”

United are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland.

Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

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Nyck de Vries insists he was not to blame for a multi-car collision in Sunday’s Berlin E-Prix after Nick Cassidy labelled him an “idiot” over team radio.

In an intense pack-style Formula E race at Berlin, Cassidy and de Vries were fighting for third place when they came to blows at Turn 6, forcing both of them immediately outside the top 10. The incident also involved Sebastien Buemi and Edoardo Mortara, with all four cars converging at the tight hairpin.

Citroen driver Cassidy was fuming in the immediate aftermath, telling his team on the radio: “This De Vries is such an idiot, man. Why does he drive like this? We’re four-wide under braking and he moves. It’s funny he gives me shit about Imola [where Cassidy made a mistake on cold tyres] and says he never makes a mistake in WEC." 

De Vries, however, disputed that version of the events, pointing to how Buemi triggered a chain reaction that ended with him pushing Cassidy wide.

Showing an onboard video of the clash to Motorsport.com, the Mahindra driver said: “The incident wasn't really between us, it was on the inside. Seb Buemi came in hot, and he hit Edo, and Edo hit me, and I hit Cassidy.

“I'm here on the outside, Seb is here, and Seb just... So, I don't really understand why…

“The contact is between Seb and Edo, and then myself and Cassidy. We were just four wide, we were just... It's wide enough, but I guess I was just in this sandwich.”

A tight battle for space as three cars enter the corner, forcing Nyck de Vries to retire in Round 8 🫣@Hankook_Sport#BerlinEPrix#FormulaEpic.twitter.com/mFgt96wAOT

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) May 3, 2026

Replays showed Cassidy and de Vries banging wheels while braking, before a separate clash between Buemi and Mortara at the apex sent Mortara into the path of his team-mate de Vries, who then pushed Cassidy wide. 

The incident forced de Vries to retire with suspension damage, dealing another blow to him in what has been a challenging season so far.

De Vries has also come under fire for his driving standards this year, most notably after running team-mate Mortara wide at the start of the Sao Paulo season opener. However, he hasn’t always been at fault, and was unlucky to pick up a 60-place grid penalty in Jeddah after Mahindra replaced several parts on his car.

Buemi suggested he was hit from behind before he made contact with Mortara, which ultimately triggered the sequence of events.

“I had the feeling I was on the inside but I feel like I got touched and then I touched the other guys. I need to see better,” he told Motorsport.com.

Pressed further if another driver hit him first, he said: “I have the feeling, yeah. But I don't know who hit what first. When you drive four wide at some point, it's bad.”

Cassidy initially emerged unscathed from the four-way incident, albeit with his race severely compromised, before another clash with Buemi later in the race left him with a damaged front wing.

The Kiwi could not appear for his post-race media commitments after being selected for routine anti-doping tests.

Formula E Berlin E-Prix: Mitch Evans scores remarkable Race 2 win from 17th

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Now that the dust is settling on the 2026 NFL Draft class, the San Francisco 49ers‘ roster is starting to come into focus. For a team that traded out of the first round, the 49ers have taken a lot of heat for their eight-man draft class. Yet, some of those selections could lead to tough decisions when general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan put together the team’s final 53-man roster.

One of the players the 49ers did draft was Indiana running back Kaelon Black in the third round with the 90th overall pick. Could his arrival lead to the departure of another recent 49ers draft pick?

Recently, The Athletic‘s 49ers insider Vic Tafur suggested that running back Isaac Guerendo “seems like he is buried (on the depth chart) and will be looking for a new team.” Tafur doesn’t suggest that the 49ers will trade Guerendo, but we’d imagine a respectable offer would lead to a deal.

The 49ers just selected Guerendo with the 129th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He started three games as a rookie and appeared in 16 overall, recording 420 yards and four touchdowns on 84 attempts. But last year, he appeared in 14 games and didn’t receive a carry. As Tafur noted, he’s buried, and Black’s arrival won’t make life any easier on Guerendo in the RB room.

The 49ers have starter Christian McCaffrey, and backups Jordan James, Black, Guerendo, Patrick Taylor Jr., and Sincere McCormick. While McCaffrey is the team’s workhorse, the 49ers are looking for another back who can give their All-Pro weapon a breather, and they may be ready to admit that Guerendo isn’t the solution they’ve been seeking.

Related: San Francisco 49ers Connected to Pro Bowl Pass Rusher

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We will keep track of every Brewers roster move here.

Last updated 5/3/25

If you are on a mobile device, this table is best viewed in landscape mode.

*Denotes player not on active roster

**Denotes player on non-60-day IL

***Players on 60-day IL are not counted toward 40-man roster but are included in this table

Transactions

5/3/26 – Brewers recalled RHP Logan Henderson from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Easton McGee optioned to Triple-A Nashville

5/1/26 – Brewers placed RHP Brandon Woodruff on 15-day IL (right shoulder inflammation); RHP Easton McGee recalled from Triple-A Nashville

4/29/26 – Brewers placed LHP Angel Zerpa on 15-day IL (left forearm tightness); LHP Brian Fitzpatrick selected from Triple-A Nashville

4/24/26 – Brewers recalled 3B Tyler Black and LHP Shane Drohan from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Carlos Rodriguez optioned to Triple-A Nashville; OF Luis Matos designated for assignment

4/23/26 – Brewers activated RHP Craig Yoho from 15-day injured list; Yoho optioned to Triple-A Nashville

4/18/26 – Brewers recalled RHP Carlos Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Coleman Crow optioned to Triple-A Nashville

4/17/26 – Brewers recalled RHP Coleman Crow from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Easton McGee optioned to Triple-A Nashville

4/14/26 – Brewers placed OF/DH Christian Yelich on 10-day IL (left groin strain); LHP Rob Zastryzny moved from 15-day IL to 60-day IL (left shoulder strain); OF Greg Jones selected from Triple-A Nashville

4/10/26 – Brewers recalled RHP Easton McGee from Triple-A Nashville

4/9/26 – Brewers optioned LHP Shane Drohan to Triple-A Nashville

4/6/26 – Brewers placed LHP Jared Koenig on 15-day IL (left elbow sprain); LHP Shane Drohan recalled from Triple-A Nashville

4/3/26 – Brewers signed SS Cooper Pratt to an eight-year contract, selected Pratt from Triple-A Nashville, and optioned him to Triple-A Nashville; OF Steward Berroa designated for assignment

3/31/26 – Brewers activated OF Luis Matos; C Jeferson Quero optioned to Triple-A Nashville

3/30/26 – Brewers traded cash considerations to the San Francisco Giants for OF Luis Matos; LHP Sammy Peralta designated for assignment

3/28/26 – Brewers placed 1B Andrew Vaughn on 10-day IL (left hamate fracture); C Jeferson Quero recalled from Triple-A Nashville

3/26/26 – Brewers placed OF Jackson Chourio on 10-day IL (left hand fracture); OF Blake Perkins recalled from Triple-A Nashville

3/25/26 – Brewers placed OF Steward Berroa on 10-day IL (right shoulder strain), RHP Craig Yoho on 15-day IL (right calf strain), RHP Quinn Priester on 15-day IL (right thoracic outlet syndrome), and LHP Rob Zastryzny on 15-day IL (left shoulder strain); RHP Easton McGee optioned to Triple-A Nashville

3/24/26 – Brewers traded RHP K.C. Hunt to the Tampa Bay Rays for RHP Jake Woodford; OF Akil Baddoo placed on 60-day injured list

2/16/26 – Brewers signed free agent IF Luis Rengifo

2/14/26 – Brewers signed free agent C Gary Sánchez

2/9/26 – Brewers traded 3B Caleb Durbin, UTIL Andruw Monasterio, UTIL Anthony Seigler, and a draft pick (No. 67 overall) to the Boston Red Sox for LHP Kyle Harrison, UTIL David Hamilton, and LHP Shane Drohan.

1/21/26 – Brewers traded RHP Freddy Peralta and RHP Tobias Myers to the New York Mets for RHP Brandon Sproat and SS/2B/OF Jett Williams

12/13/25 – Brewers traded RHP Nick Mears and OF Isaac Collins to the Kansas City Royals for LHP Ángel Zerpa

12/11/25 – Brewers signed free agent OF Akil Baddoo

11/18/25 – RHP Brandon Woodruff accepts qualifying offer

11/4/25 – Brewers decline mutual options on 1B Rhys Hoskins and LHP Jose Quintana; both players become free agents; Brewers decline club option for C William Contreras; Contreras remains with team as he enters his second arbitration year this offseason

11/3/25 – C Danny Jansen’s mutual option declined by Brewers, RHP Brandon Woodruff’s mutual option declined by Woodruff; both players become free agents; RHP Freddy Peralta’s club option for 2026 picked up by Brewers; RHP Coleman Crow added to 40-man roster

11/2/25 – RHP Shelby Miller, LHP Jordan Montgomery, and RHP Erick Fedde elected free agency

9/28/25 – Brewers activated LHP DL Hall and RHP Trevor Megill from 15-day injured list; RHP Erick Fedde designated for assignment; RHP Carlos Rodriguez optioned to ACL Brewers

9/24/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Carlos Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville; LHP Bruce Zimmermann designated for assignment

9/21/25 – Brewers recalled LHP Robert Gasser from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Brandon Woodruff placed on 15-day injured list (right lat strain)

9/20/25 – Brewers selected LHP Bruce Zimmermann from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Joel Payamps designated for assignment

9/17/25 – Brewers activated RHP Nick Mears from 15-day injured list; LHP Jose Quintana placed on 15-day injured list (calf strain)

9/9/25 – Brewers activated 1B Rhys Hoskins from 10-day injured list; RHP Chad Patrick recalled from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Carlos Rodriguez and IF Anthony Seigler optioned to Triple-A Nashville

9/8/25 – Brewers activated RHP Grant Anderson from 15-day injured list; RHP Craig Yoho optioned to Triple-A Nashville

9/5/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Carlos Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Nick Mears placed on 15-day injured list (back tightness)

9/3/25 – Brewers selected the contract of RHP Joel Payamps from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Shelby Miller placed on 60-day injured list (right elbow UCL sprain)

9/1/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Craig Yoho from Triple-A Nashville; IF Joey Ortiz activated from 10-day injured list

8/30/25 – Brewers activated LHP Robert Gasser from the 60-day injured list; activated OF Jackson Chourio from the 10-day injured list; optioned LHP Robert Gasser and OF Brandon Lockridge to Triple-A Nashville; IF Oliver Dunn designated for assignment

8/29/25 – Brewers activated LHP Rob Zastryzny from the 15-day injured list; RHP Easton McGee optioned to Triple-A Nashville

8/27/25 – Brewers transferred RHP Logan Henderson from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list; RHP Erick Fedde signed as a free agent; RHP Trevor Megill placed on the 15-day injured list (right flexor strain)

8/25/25 – Brewers placed RHP Grant Anderson on the 15-day injured list (right ankle tendonitis); RHP Chad Patrick optioned, RHPs Tobias Myers and Easton McGee recalled from Triple-A Nashville

8/24/25 – Brewers optioned RHP Carlos Rodriguez, RHP Chad Patrick recalled from Triple-A Nashville

8/22/25 – Brewers placed SS Joey Ortiz on the 10-day injured list (strained left hamstring); 1B/OF Jake Bauers activated from the 10-day injured list

8/20/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Carlos Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Tobias Myers optioned to Triple-A Nashville; RHP Chad Patrick returned to Triple-A Nashville after doubleheader

8/18/25 – Brewers reinstated OF Isaac Collins from the paternity list; IF Tyler Black optioned to Triple-A Nashville; RHP Chad Patrick designated as 27th man for doubleheader

8/17/25 – Brewers reinstated OF Blake Perkins from the bereavement list; OF Steward Berroa optioned to Triple-A Nashville

8/16/25 – Brewers placed LHP DL Hall on the 15-day injured list (oblique strain); RHP Grant Anderson recalled from Triple-A Nashville

8/15/25 – Brewers placed OF Isaac Collins on the paternity list, OF Blake Perkins on the bereavement list, and optioned RHP Grant Anderson to Triple-A Nashville; RHP Jacob Misiorowski activated from the 15-day injured list, OF Steward Berroa and UTIL Tyler Black recalled from Triple-A Nashville

8/8/25 – Brewers placed RHP Logan Henderson on the 15-day injured list (right elbow inflammation); RHP Shelby Miller activated from the 15-day injured list; RHP Tobias Myers recalled from Triple-A Nashville

8/7/25 – RHP Easton McGee optioned to Triple-A Nashville

8/3/25 – Brewers placed RHP Jacob Misiorowski on the 15-day injured list (left tibia contusion); RHP Logan Henderson recalled from Triple-A Nashville

8/1/25 – Brewers placed OF Jackson Chourio on the 10-day injured list (hamstring strain); OF Brandon Lockridge activated

7/31/25 – Brewers designated RHP Elvis Peguero and LHP Bryan Hudson for assignment

7/31/25 – Brewers traded a PTBNL and cash considerations to the Arizona Diamondbacks for RHP Shelby Miller and LHP Jordan Montgomery

7/31/25 – Brewers traded LHP Nestor Cortes, SS prospect Jorge Quintana, and cash to the San Diego Padres for OF Brandon Lockridge

7/29/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Easton McGee, optioned RHP Craig Yoho to Triple-A Nashville

7/28/25 – Brewers traded IF prospect Jadher Areinamo to the Tampa Bay Rays for C Danny Jansen; Jansen added to active roster and C Eric Haase designated for assignment

7/28/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Craig Yoho, optioned RHP Tobias Myers to Triple-A Nashville; LHP Rob Zastryzny returned from rehab assignment at Triple-A Nashville (remains on IL)

7/26/25 – Brewers activated OF Sal Frelick from the 10-day injured list, optioned 1B/3B Tyler Black to Triple-A Nashville.

7/20/25 – Brewers placed 1B/OF Jake Bauers on the 10-day injured list (left shoulder impingement), retroactive to July 19; UTIL Tyler Black recalled from Triple-A Nashville

7/18/25 – Brewers activated LHP Aaron Ashby from the paternity list, recalled OF Blake Perkins from Triple-A Nashville; OF Sal Frelick placed on the 10-day injured list (left hamstring strain), retroactive to July 15

7/13/25 – Brewers optioned RHP Easton McGee to Triple-A Nashville, reinstated OF Blake Perkins from 60-day IL and optioned to Triple-A Nashville; OF Drew Avans designated for assignment

7/11/25 – Brewers placed LHP Aaron Ashby on the paternity list, recalled RHP Tobias Myers from Triple-A Nashville

7/9/25 – Brewers traded cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers for OF Steward Berroa; Berroa optioned to Triple-A Nashville and RHP Elvin Rodriguez designated for assignment

7/7/25 – Brewers placed 1B Rhys Hoskins on the 10-day injured list (sprained left thumb), recalled 1B Andrew Vaughn from Triple-A Nashville

7/6/25 – Brewers activated RHP Brandon Woodruff from the 60-day injured list, optioned RHP Chad Patrick to Triple-A Nashville, and moved OF Garrett Mitchell to the 60-day injured list (left shoulder surgery)

7/1/25 – Brewers designated OF Daz Cameron for assignment, placed LHP Rob Zastryzny on the 15-day injured list (rib stress reaction); 2B Anthony Seigler selected, RHP Easton McGee recalled from Triple-A Nashville

6/16/25 – Brewers activated OF Daz Cameron from the paternity list, optioned OF Drew Avans to Triple-A Nashville

6/13/25 – Brewers placed OF Daz Cameron on the paternity list, recalled OF Drew Avans and RHP Grant Anderson from Triple-A Nashville

6/13/25 – Brewers traded RHP Aaron Civale to the Chicago White Sox for 1B/OF Andrew Vaughn; Vaughn optioned to Triple-A Nashville

6/12/25 – Brewers selected RHP Jacob Misiorowski, optioned RHP Easton McGee to Triple-A Nashville, and moved RHP Brandon Woodruff to the 60-day injured list (right shoulder surgery)

6/10/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Easton McGee, optioned RHP Grant Anderson to Triple-A Nashville

6/8/25 – Brewers claimed OF Drew Avans off waivers from Athletics, optioned Avans to Triple-A Nashville

6/1/25 – Brewers reinstated LHP Jose Quintana from 15-day IL, designated LHP Tyler Alexander for assignment

5/26/25 – Brewers reinstated LHP DL Hall from 60-day IL, optioned RHP Logan Henderson to Triple-A Nashville

5/23/25 – Brewers reinstated LHP Aaron Ashby from 15-day IL, optioned RHP Carlos Rodriguez to Triple-A Nashville

5/22/25 – Brewers reinstated RHP Aaron Civale from 15-day IL, recalled RHP Carlos Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville; RHP Joel Payamps designated for assignment, RHP Easton McGee optioned to Triple-A Nashville

5/18/25 – Brewers selected RHP Easton McGee, optioned RHP Tobias Myers to Triple-A Nashville; LHP Connor Thomas moved to the 60-day injured list (left elbow arthritis)

5/16/25 – Brewers traded cash to the New York Yankees for LHP Rob Zastryzny, optioned RHP Elvis Peguero to Triple-A Nashville

5/14/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Tobias Myers & RHP Logan Henderson, optioned LHP Bryan Hudson to Triple-A Nashville; placed LHP Jose Quintana on 15-day injured list, retroactive to 5/11 (left shoulder impingement).

5/11/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Elvis Peguero, optioned RHP Tobias Myers to Triple-A Nashville

5/9/25 – Brewers recalled LHP Bryan Hudson and 3B Andruw Monasterio from Triple-A Nashville; 3B Vinny Capra designated for assignment

5/8/25 – Brewers optioned RHP Elvin Rodriguez to Triple-A Nashville

5/3/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Elvin Rodriguez, optioned RHP Craig Yoho to Triple-A Nashville

4/26/25 – Brewers selected the contract of OF Daz Cameron, placed OF Garrett Mitchell on the 10-day IL (left oblique strain); OF Blake Perkins moved to the 60-day injured list (right shin)

4/24/25 – Brewers reinstated RHP Tobias Myers from IL, optioned LHP Bryan Hudson to Triple-A Nashville

4/21/25 – Brewers selected RHP Craig Yoho, optioned RHP Logan Henderson to Triple-A Nashville; LHP Nestor Cortes moved to the 60-day injured list (left elbow strain)

4/17/25 – Brewers recalled 3B Caleb Durbin, optioned 3B Oliver Dunn to Triple-A Nashville

4/15/25 – Brewers recalled RHP Logan Henderson, optioned RHP Elvin Rodriguez to Triple-A Nashville

4/11/25 – Brewers recalled LHP Jose Quintana, optioned RHP Elvis Peguero to Triple-A Nashville

4/8/25 – Brewers reinstated RHP Nick Mears from IL, added RHP Quinn Priester to active roster; LHP Connor Thomas placed on 15-day injured list (left elbow arthritis)

4/7/25 – Brewers traded LHP Grant Wolfram to the Baltimore Orioles for OF Daz Cameron and cash considerations

4/7/25 – Brewers traded OF Yophery Rodriguez, draft pick, and PTBNL to Boston Red Sox for RHP Quinn Priester; LHP Grant Wolfram designated for assignment

4/6/25 – Brewers placed LHP Nestor Cortes on the 15-day injured list (left elbow flexor strain); LHP Grant Wolfram recalled from Triple-A Nashville

3/31/25 – Brewers placed RHP Aaron Civale on 15-day IL (strained left hamstring); RHP Grant Anderson recalled from Triple-A Nashville

3/28/25 – Brewers traded OF Brewer Hicklen to the Detroit Tigers for cash considerations

3/27/25 – Brewers announced Opening Day roster: Place seven players on IL, DFA OF Brewer Hicklen, and select RHP Chad Patrick

3/10/25 – Brewers optioned RHP Grant Anderson, RHP Logan Henderson, RHP Carlos Rodriguez, RHP Chad Patrick, LHP Grant Wolfram, and C Jeferson Quero to Triple-A Nashville

3/5/25 – Brewers signed free agent LHP Jose Quintana; LHP DL Hall moved to the 60-day injured list (left lat strain) to open a 40-man roster spot

2/12/25 – Brewers signed free agent LHP Tyler Alexander; LHP Robert Gasser moved to the 60-day injured list (Tommy John surgery) to open a 40-man roster spot

1/17/25 – Brewers signed free agent RHP Elvin Rodríguez; RHP J.B. Bukauskas DFA’d to open a 40-man roster spot

1/2/25 – Brewers traded LHP Mason Molina to the Texas Rangers for RHP Grant Anderson; LHP Tyler Jay DFA’d to open a 40-man roster spot

12/13/24 – Brewers traded RHP Devin Williams to New York Yankees for LHP Nestor Cortes and IF Caleb Durbin

12/12/24 – Brewers signed free agent LHP Grant Wolfram

12/11/24 – Brewers purchased contract of LHP Connor Thomas from St. Louis Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft

11/22/24 – LHP Hoby Milner non-tendered, elected free agency

11/19/24 – RHP Logan Henderson and RHP Chad Patrick selected from Triple-A Nashville, added to 40-man roster

11/4/24 – 1B Jake Bauers and RHP Bryse Wilson cleared waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A Nashville; they both elected free agency

11/4/24 – RHP Frankie Montas declined his mutual option, electing free agency

11/4/24 – C Gary Sánchez’s mutual option declined by the Brewers, making him a free agent

11/4/24 – RHP Colin Rea cleared waivers and the team declined their club option on his contract, making him a free agent

11/4/24 – Chicago Cubs claimed LHP Rob Zastryzny off waivers

11/4/24 – New York Mets claimed RHP Kevin Herget off waivers

10/31/24 – RHP Joe Ross, LHP Wade Miley, and SS Willy Adames elected free agency

Carlos Sainz has been a man under pressure all season. Williams is running at the back of the midfield, Sainz’s two points are the only ones the team has scored so far in 2026, and Miami wasn’t exactly the clean weekend the team needed. It got messier when Max Verstappen got involved.

During the early section of the race, a near-miss between Sainz’s Williams and Verstappen’s Red Bull prompted an immediate angry response on team radio. “What the f*** was that?” Sainz demanded. His engineer Gaetan replied simply: “We’ll report.” That wasn’t enough for Sainz, who made his feelings clear: “I think he pushed me off. He thinks he can do whatever he wants just because he’s racing in the midfield.” Gaetan’s response, “That’s a long race, a long race,” was about the most diplomatic thing said between them all afternoon.

Verstappen in the Midfield Is a Different Animal

Verstappen has said Red Bull halved the gap to the leading pack with the upgrade package it brought to Miami, but the three-time world champion is still nowhere near where he’s used to racing. He called the new 2026 cars “anti-racing” and likened them to Mario Kart, while strongly hinting after the last race that he was seriously considering walking away from the sport at the end of 2026.

A frustrated Verstappen stuck in the pack is a very different proposition from the one cruising at the front with a second of clear air.

Sainz’s frustration is understandable, however.

Only moments before this, the Alpine of Pierre Gasly was flipped after contact with Racing Bull’s Liam Lawson, who later retired with damage received by the hit. This followed Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar hitting the wall at Turn 14 after he skimmed the inside of Turn 13, breaking his suspension arm and leaving him angered, thumping his steering wheel in annoyance.

The coach, a foreign national in his 50s living in Israel, was released under restrictive conditions after questioning at the Lev Tel Aviv police station.

A foreign coach in Israel’s top soccer division was questioned by police on Sunday on suspicion of allegedly sexually harassing a taxi driver in Tel Aviv, police said.

The suspect, a man in his 50s who is a foreign national living in Israel, was summoned for questioning after a complaint was filed over the weekend, police said.

According to police, officers opened an initial inquiry after receiving the complaint, questioned the suspect on Sunday morning, and released him at the end of the questioning under restrictive conditions. The investigation is ongoing.

Israeli media identified the suspect only as a senior foreign coach employed by a top division soccer club. His name has not been cleared for publication.

According to reports, the complaint was filed by a taxi driver who alleged that the coach made sexual remarks toward her during a ride in Tel Aviv last week. Several outlets reported that the incident took place late Thursday night or overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, after the coach had allegedly left a bar or nightlife venue in central Tel Aviv.

The driver alleged that the coach was drunk during the short ride, made repeated comments of a sexual nature, and left the taxi without paying, according to reports.

Mako published what it said was the driver’s account to police, in which she said the ride lasted roughly six minutes and that the coach asked to be driven to his home in north Tel Aviv. She alleged that during the ride he made sexual propositions and comments toward her, and that when he got out of the taxi he did not pay the fare, which she estimated at around NIS 50.

Suspect denies memory of incident

The coach denied having any memory of the incident, according to several reports. KAN reported that he told investigators he did not remember what had happened, while Mako reported that he said he had been drinking and that the incident may have been “a big misunderstanding.” Sport5, citing N12, reported that the coach said after questioning, “I don’t believe I said or did this. I don’t remember. I drank a lot.”

Ynet reported that the restrictive conditions included an order distancing the coach from the complainant, and that police intend to hold a confrontation between the coach and the driver. Mako also reported that police were expected to confront the parties because the case currently hinges largely on the competing accounts, and that investigators were checking whether the taxi had an active dashboard camera.

The coach’s club has not yet publicly announced a decision regarding his employment. However, multiple sports outlets reported that the club was examining the matter and that his position may be in jeopardy. Ynet reported that the coach missed the team’s training session because of the investigation and that his assistants ran the session instead.

Police emphasized that the case remains under investigation.

Motorsport events, such as Formula One, often go fully booked on race weekends as fans look forward to experiencing the thrill of Grand Prix racing. However, that could get in the way of those who just want to sit back and savor the race. 

After all, not every fan in the stands shares the same energy, as age, physical condition, and personal preference mean that what excites one person can frustrate another.

Something similar happened during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, when F1 fans, who traveled from the UK for the race, found their views blocked during the sprint race, despite paying a high ticket price.

One of them expressed their ordeal on Instagram, asking F1 and the Miami GP organizers if they could help. Despite having a seat for the race, the experience left them deeply disappointed.

The Pregnant Woman Was Unable to Stand for Long

As highlighted in the Instagram reel, the fan from the UK remained seated during the Miami GP sprint race, but when the cars passed by, others around them stood up to watch, disregarding the seated audience.

The fan highlighted how those who stood up in front of them blocked their views entirely, turning a fun experience into a frustrating one. As the cars zipped by, all that the fan was able to do was hear them.

Of course, the fan could have stood up with the crowd every time the F1 cars sped by, but the point they make is that not everyone can stand for long, such as the pregnant woman with them, who ended up not watching the race. 

The fan went on to compare the Miami GP with F1 races hosted in Europe, revealing they had not experienced anything like what they went through at the Miami International Autodrome. 

The fan emphasized that nobody should go through such an experience, hoping that the organizers would do something to prevent people from blocking others. The Instagram post read:

"Flew from the UK for the Miami GP and paid for seats we couldn’t actually use. Everyone stood the whole race, so we had zero visibility.

"We’ve been to other races like Spanish Grand Prix and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and never experienced anything like this.

"One of us is pregnant and physically couldn’t stand for long periods just to try and see.

"Surely this isn’t the experience fans should have.

"Just hoping this can be made right.

"@f1 / @f1mia can you help?"

     View this post on Instagram           

A post shared by mood (@mood.touchyoursoul)

Hopefully, the Miami GP organizers take note of this incident and perhaps make arrangements to ensure seated fans' views are not blocked by those who stand.

Miami GP Rescheduled Due to Threat of Thunderstorm

Guessing Headlights reported how a Florida law pushed F1 and its governing body, the FIA, to reschedule the event. The race was to take place on May 3, 4 p.m. Eastern Time. But with rain on the radar, the event was rescheduled to take place on the same day at 1 p.m.

This was done according to the weather forecast, which suggested rain and thunderstorms mid-afternoon. An earlier race would mean F1 could avoid heavy rain, though nothing is guaranteed when Florida's weather is involved.

Florida laws require sports events to pause when the sound of thunder is heard. A resumption is only allowed after 30 minutes have passed since the most recent clap of thunder or lightning strike.

With the previous schedule, the race was to begin at 4 p.m. and end by around 6 p.m. However, a pause due to a thunderstorm could have extended the event beyond sunset, and a lack of natural light could have caused other complications.

Red Sox Giving Marcelo Mayer 'Chances' In Key Spots originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Marcelo Mayer is expected to be a key part of the Boston Red Sox for years to come, so interim manager Chad Tracy wants to see how he fares against lefties.

Mayer is a left-handed batter who hasn’t gotten many chances to face left-handed pitching. Yet, Tracy is giving him those chances, and the Red Sox’s interim manager has been impressed with how he’s fared.

“He looks confident,” Tracy said of Mayer, via MLB.com. “We're giving him a couple chances here and there against lefties in spots where maybe you move and pick the right spots. Doesn't mean it's always going to happen, but he looks confident. 

“He's swinging the bat well. He's taking good bats. He's mostly staying off stuff out of the zone. He's ready to hit fastballs when they're in the zone. It's been a little bit better part of the week now. The at-bats have really improved. So hopefully, keep him moving in the right direction.”

Mayer is hitting .286 in seven at-bats vs. left-handed pitchers with one home run and three RBIs, as he’s showing he can be an everyday player for the Red Sox.

If Mayer can continue to hit lefties well, it will be hard for Tracy to keep him out of the Red Sox’s lineup on a daily basis.

Boston will conclude its three-game series against the Houston Astros on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. ET as the Red Sox look for the series win.

More MLB: Red Sox Insider Reveals Strange New Clubhouse Vibe Without Alex Cora

Dani Ceballos is one of the many players who could find themselves on the chopping block as Real Madrid gear up for a massive overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Spaniard has not made a telling impact at the Santiago Bernabeu after returning from a loan spell at Arsenal many years ago. Although he has shown sparks of brilliance, he has been bogged down by injuries and a lack of consistency.

Now that his contract is expiring soon, Real Madrid are ready to secure his exit in the coming summer.

Ceballos dreams of Real Betis return

According to Defensa Central, Ceballos’ dream is to return to Real Betis, the club he considers his true home, and he is prepared to lower his salary demands to make it happen.

The midfielder has had a torrid final stretch at Real Madrid. Neither Xabi Alonso nor Alvaro Arbeloa have shown faith in him this season, with Arbeloa going as far as dropping him from the squad entirely following a reported fallout between the two in recent weeks.

End of the road for Ceballos at Real Madrid? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The decision has cost Ceballos valuable minutes he was counting on as a showcase for potential suitors.

Real Madrid want at least €10 million for his sale, with his contract running until June 2027. The club are keen to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

However, given his lack of playing time in recent seasons, convincing clubs to meet that valuation will not be straightforward.

Ceballos himself has only one regret. In 2023, he had the chance to leave as a free agent and return to Betis, but chose to sign a contract extension after being promised a bigger role.

That promise never materialised, and he is now determined to prioritise his football above all else this summer.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has promised to end the ongoing 13-year hiatus of V8 power units from Formula 1 by 2031 at the latest.

The V8 was ditched for a V6 turbohybrid in 2014 and F1 has now entered its third regulation cycle since the electrified power units were introduced. However, the 2026 ruleset is proving contentious.

That’s because of the move towards a power unit that has a near-50:50 split between combustion and electric energy, which has significantly changed the racing with battery management being key.

There are various reasons as to why this has caused problems, and just four rounds into the 2026 campaign tweaks have been made to reduce the reliance on energy harvesting - and to increase safety.

Talks are now underway about the 2027 power unit regulations, with a move towards a 60-40 split between combustion and electric power being mooted, ahead of the next full rule change in 2031.

“It’s coming. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of time,” Ben Sulayem told Reuters. “In 2031, the V8, the FIA will have the power to do it, without any votes from the PUMs.

“That’s the regulations. But we want to bring it one year earlier, which everyone now is asking for. “

Start action

To introduce V8s for 2030, four of the six power unit manufacturers - Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, General Motors, Audi and Red Bull - must vote in favour of the change, otherwise the FIA can force it for the following year.

This is not the first time Ben Sulayem has called for the return of the louder and more powerful engines witnessed in previous years, as 2025 saw him raise the idea of V10s coming back to F1 - last used in 2005

But manufacturers were not in favour, particularly with it being so close to the changes for 2026, so the concept was put on the backburner to make this year’s rules a success.

Speaking about why now V8 and not V10, Ben Sulayem said: “You get the sound, less complexity, lightweight. You will hear about it very soon and it will be with a very, very minor electrification.

“I’m positive, they want it to happen. But let’s say the manufacturers don’t approve it, the next year it will happen. In 2031 it’s done anyway. It will be done. V8 is coming.”

Yet the constant involvement of power unit manufacturers is one of the reasons why the current ruleset has inherent flaws, as they were decided in 2022 when the automotive industry was set on electrification.

As a result, the championship went down that road to persuade the likes of Audi and Honda. But now with the industry no longer so keen on fully electric cars, F1’s engine suppliers are open to the idea of an increase in emphasis on combustion power once again.

Regardless, F1 and its governing body have both recently confirmed that it must no longer be dictated by the automotive industry for its next rules cycle in 2031. 

Why OEM involvement has caused vast problems for F1 and the FIA

FIA agrees with F1: "We cannot be hostage to automotive companies"

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

The Atlanta Falcons landed arguably one of the biggest steals in the 2026 NFL Draft by taking Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round. However, just because Terrell was a projected first-round pick -- and A.J. Terrell's little brother -- doesn't mean he's guaranteed a starting job this season.

In 2025, fourth-round pick Billy Bowman Jr. won the team's starting nickel job out of training camp. The Falcons secondary has come a long way since then, and they won't have to rely on Terrell until he's ready. Aside from Atlanta's newest cornerback, the team had a new starting nose tackle in Maason Smith.

The Falcons also said goodbye to starting inside linebacker Kaden Elliss. We expect free-agent addition Christian Harris to replace Elliss this season, although Troy Anderson and rookie Kendal Daniels should be in the mix as well.

As for James Pearce Jr., he's expected to avoid legal troubles, although the NFL could still suspend the Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. Other than that, we don't expect any major changes on defense.

Check out our starting lineup projection for the Falcons defense, including Pro Football Focus grades for each player.

Falcons starting defense with PFF grades

• DL Zach Harrison: 63.8
• DT Maason Smith: 49.1
• DL Brandon Dorlus: 63.4
• EDGE Jalon Walker: 71.6
• LB Divine Deablo: 77.7
• LB Christian Harris: 54.8
• EDGE James Pearce Jr.: 56.2
• CB A.J. Terrell: 57.7
• CB Mike Hughes: 58.6
• NB Billy Bowman Jr: 49.8
• S Jessie Bates III: 64.5
• S Xavier Watts: 72.4

Defensively, the team traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars, acquiring Maason Smith in a rare player-for-player trade of two former second-round picks. Since the Falcons didn't add any potential Day 1 starters in the draft. Sixth-round pick Anterio Thompson should provide depth behind Brandon Dorlus this season.

While rookie Avieon Terrell should be in the mix for Atlanta's starting nickel job, we think he'll begin on the outside as the backup for Mike Hughes. However, Bowman's recovery from his Achilles injury could be a factor.

Falcons special teams with PFF grades

• K Nick Folk: 91.3
• P JakeBailey: 75.1
• LSLiam McCullough: 68.3

As you can see, the Falcons have two new starters, including the NFL's most accurate kicker in Nick Folk. Atlanta also signed veteran punter Jake Bailey. Meanwhile, long snapper Liam McCullough returns for another season.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Post-draft starting lineup on defense

Celtics urged to cut ties with Jaylen Brown, steal Warriors' top $175 million trade target originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

On Saturday, the Boston Celtics did something only 14 teams have done in NBA history: surrender a 3-1 playoff lead. 

The Celtics had full control of their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, but ultimately collapsed and entered the offseason earlier than expected. The 18-time NBA champions’ short playoff run suddenly made a summer trade involving one of their key assets more likely. 

CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn believes Jaylen Brown could be that asset. Specifically, Quinn floated the idea of the Celtics swapping Brown for the Warriors’ presumed top offseason trade target.

“(Giannis) Antetokounmpo is two years older than Brown,’ Quinn wrote Saturday. “He's also a much bigger injury risk. This isn't as simple as pairing two megastars and waltzing to the Finals.”

“If Boston hadn't just lost in the manner in which it just did, this would be a pretty easy ‘pass’. “In practice, blowing a 3-1 lead to the 76ers would force almost anyone to reexamine their identity.”

“The best version of a hypothetical Antetokounmpo-Celtics team would be better than the existing one because Giannis is a more impactful player than Jaylen Brown, and the better your best player is, the less you tend to need elsewhere.”

It may be worth exploring a potential Antetokounmpo-Tatum partnership in Boston. Entering the playoffs, trading Brown for Antetokounmpo likely wasn’t anywhere near the Celtics’ radar.

The Celtics earned the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and undoubtedly had the potential to go the distance. 

However, a second consecutive Eastern Conference-less postseason finish with Brown as a monumental contributor could change the organization’s stance on the made-up trade scenario. As a do-it-all 6-foot-11 forward who’s an elite transition scorer, change of pace extraordinaire, and physically-imposing defender, Antetokounmpo would be must-see TV in a Celtics uniform. 

More importantly, the 10-time All-Star would give the Celtics higher odds of returning to the NBA Finals at this stage of his career, which makes him an ideal trade target for the Celtics this summer.

More NBA news:

• Warriors urged to reunite with $54 million NBA champion forward who was replaced by Kevin Durant

• Nuggets trade idea swaps Aaron Gordon for $186 million ex-Lakers superstar, NBA champion

• Warriors predicted to cut ties with Draymond Green, acquire $133 million Nuggets NBA champion

Getafe 0-2 Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano left the Coliseum in rude health after their battle with Getafe, making it three wins out of four, and providing ‘peace of mind’ that Inigo Perez sought ahead of their Conference League semi-final return leg with Strasbourg. Jose Bordalas’ side forfeited their European spot in the process, in an uncharacteristic performance which led to a second straight home defeat.

An edgy game began to unfold early on, with Rayo manager Inigo Perez audible in his irate instructions for his team. The away side surprised somewhat with a three at the back defensively, and a front four in attack, with Pathe Ciss dropping and pushing up into midfield accordingly. That seemed to confuse the Getafe defence, who found Alemao and Sergio Camello breaking free on more than one occasion.

The first real chance of the game came after 25 minutes, when Jorge de Frutos robbed Davinchi and then sent Pach Espino, the opposite winger, through on goal, but he was unable to sort his feet out to get a strike off. It was nearly 15 minutes until the next one arrived. With Rayo breaking out, a Getafe mistake allowed Camello to race clear of the backline. Goalkeeper David Soria was retreating, seeing that his defence was closing on Camello, but the Rayo striker was one step ahead in both senses, taking his shot early. Curving it around the off-balance Soria early from 30 yards out, it nestled into the bottom corner.

Until that point, Getafe had largely been restricted to set-piece opportunities, but it was a swirling ball to the back post moments later that Luis Vazquez headed off the corner of the goal. Los Azulones were unable to get to grips with Rayo seemingly outnumbering them at the back and up front. That much was evident when first Alemao broke clear in stoppage time, then de Frutos forced a save from the loose ball, and Camello poached the rebound for a second. It was eventually ruled out for handball, but it was notable that Rayo were first to all three.

Getafe made to rue missed penalty

After the break, Jose Bordalas made changes, and Getafe looked to build up some momentum with an early set piece straight into the arms of Augusto Batalla. Moments later it was Rayo that had the first chance of the second period though, Camello giving Luis Milla the slip, before laying in de Frutos. The Spain forward just dragged his shot wide of the far post though.

Los Azulones had their route back into the game just after the hour mark though, when Batalla slammed into Vazquez. Mauro Arambarri stepped up, firing low to Batalla’s right, but La Liga’s pantomime villain in gloves got two strong hands to it. Even if Getafe had spent most of the second period in Rayo’s half, making much of the running, they never quite managed to close the backdoor. Substitute Carlos Martin snuck behind the now high Getafe backline, but a brilliant sliding challenge from Domingos Duarte got there just before his shot did.

In the 73rd minute though, Gerard Gumbau found Martin’s new strike partner, Randy Nteka on the edge of the box. Turning and using Martin’s run in behind as a dummy to work more space, Nteka set his blinkers on goal, and rasped a brilliant strike in off the underside of the bar that Soria had little hope of stopping.

Beyond Rayo’s ambitious and pacy attacks that caused Getafe issues throughout, the strange sensation was that the away side were stronger in the challenge, grittier, and smarter in their work. Normally those are the traits that separate Getafe from their opponents, but the almost invariably irritated Perez will have to allow himself some satisfaction when he arrives home this evening.

The result lifts Rayo eight points clear of the relegation zone (Sevilla are yet to play) with just four games to go. Perez no doubt has had a difficult job ensuring his side maintain their focus on La Liga amid their historic European run, but will now feel safety is at most a victory away. Celta Vigo’s win over Elche means Getafe drop to 7th, with a trip to face Real Oviedo on the agenda next Sunday.

Manchester United, eventaully, picked up a dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford this afternoon. Securing their spot in the Champions League for next season.

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring after just six minutes, before Benjamin Sesko doubled United’s advantage shortly after. However, a rampant start to the second-half from Liverpool saw them get the game back level thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.

The winning goal came in the 77th minute, when Kobbie Mainoo’s volley found the bottom corner in front of the Stretford End, his first Premier League goal since May 2024.

As It Happened

Manchester United started well, but Bruno Fernandes’ cross couldn’t find Sesko’s head. It didn’t take long for them to find the opener, however, with Cunha’s volley picking out the bottom corner on the second attempt, giving his side the lead after just six minutes. Gakpo looked to level for Liverpool straight away, but he didn’t get the desired contact on his header.

Sesko doubled the hosts’ lead in the 13th minute, throwing his body at the ball to bundle it home after a save from Freddie Woodman. A dubious VAR check for a potential handball followed, but the goal rightfully stood. Gakpo came close again 10 minutes later, he shifted the ball onto his right foot on the edge of the area before firing narrowly wide.

Casemiro was perhaps lucky to avoid a yellow card shortly before the half-hour mark, when he brought down Curtis Jones with a late sliding tackle in the middle of the park. Fernandes nearly made it three for the Red Devils just moments later, but his half-volley flew wide.

United applied further pressure for the remainder of the half, but they couldn’t find the net, meaning they went in at the break two goals to the good. Michael Carrick made one change at half-time, with Sesko replaced by Amad Diallo.

Szoboszlai got Liverpool back into the contest almost instantly in the second half, driving through the defence before calmly slotting the ball through a defender’s legs and into the bottom corner. Luke Shaw was shown the first yellow of the match minutes later, following a foul on Jeremie Frimpong.

Bryan Mbuemo was denied by the woodwork in the 53rd minute, following a rapid attack from the home side. Instead, it was Liverpool who drew level through Gakpo after they capitalised on a mistake from Senne Lammens. Andy Robertson was withdrawn following the goal and replaced by Milos Kerkez.

Kerkez was straight into the action, putting in a fantastic sliding tackle to halt Mbuemo on the edge of the area. Lammens somewhat recovered from his earlier mistake in the 67th minute, when he made a close-range reaction stop to prevent the visitors from taking the lead. The end-to-end nature of this game continued when Fernandes’ free-kick found Casemiro, but the Brazilian’s header was straight into the arms of Woodman.

Both managers made changes with 15 minutes of regular time remaining, with Patrick Dorgu replacing Mbeumo and Frimpong making way for Rio Ngumoha, who now becomes the youngest player to have represented Liverpool in this fixture’s history. It was Carrick’s side who took the lead once again shortly after, when Mainoo’s volley rolled into the bottom corner in front of the Stretford End.

Fernandes was added to the referee’s notebook in the latter stages of the game for a fierce foul on Szoboszlai. Ngumoha came close to restoring parity at the other end of the pitch, cutting onto his right foot before flashing the ball wide. Gakpo also fired goalwards in the final 10 minutes, but his effort was easily dealt with by Lammens.

Gakpo was shown a yellow card in the 85th minute for a foul on Casemiro, before Joshua Zirkzee was introduced to proceedings, replacing Cunha. Arne Slot’s final roll of the dice saw Federico Chiesa replace Ibrahima Konaté for the five minutes of injury time; however, it was not enough to rescue a derby day point.

Incidents: The story of the match

Manchester United Official Line-ups:

Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha

Liverpool Official Line-ups:

Freddie Woodman, Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Andy Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo

1':

The match begins

6':

GOAL Manchester United: Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) scores!

Matheus Cunha scores goal number 9 in the competition (31 matches) Matheus Cunha scores goal number 9 for his team (33 matches)

14':

GOAL Manchester United: Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) scores!

Benjamin Sesko scores goal number 11 in the competition (30 matches) Benjamin Sesko scores goal number 12 for his team (32 matches)

Dominik Szoboszlai scores, making it 2-1.

47':

GOAL Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) scores!

Dominik Szoboszlai scores goal number 6 in the competition (33 matches) Dominik Szoboszlai scores goal number 28 for his team (144 matches)

56':

GOAL Liverpool: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) scores!

Cody Gakpo scores goal number 7 in the competition (33 matches) Cody Gakpo scores goal number 50 for his team (177 matches)

Kobbie Mainoo scores, making it 3-2.

77':

GOAL Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) scores!

Kobbie Mainoo scores goal number 1 in the competition (25 matches) Kobbie Mainoo scores goal number 8 for his team (99 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match

Manchester United beat bitter rivals Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford. Here are our player ratings from the game.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Senne Lammens 3 – Had nothing to do in the first half, but made a big mistake for Liverpool’s equaliser, passing the ball straight to an opposition player before Cody Gakpo easily buried it into the back of the net.

Diogo Dalot 6 – Solid defensively. Went about his job with minimal fuss.

Harry Maguire 6 – Great block to keep Florian Wirtz’s effort from troubling Lammens, although it came at some personal expense as it struck him squarely on the head. Mostly ok but should have perhaps engaged Dominik Szoboszlai in the run-up to his goal.

Ayden Heaven 7.5 – Didn’t look one bit out of place in a charged contest. An astute performance and has barely put a foot wrong since stepping into the team.

Luke Shaw 6.5 – Rendered Liverpool’s right side ineffective. Superb cross for goal.

Casemiro 6 – His swansong rolls on! Battled hard in midfield and was a threat on goal, especially coming close in the second half when he got on the end of a cross from Bruno Fernandes, but he couldn’t quite beat the goalkeeper.

Kobbie Mainoo 9 – Masterclass! Excellent finish to restore United’s advantage, to cap off what was a sensational display in the middle of the park. Liverpool were no match for him. The very picture of signature calm and composure.

Bruno Fernandes 7 – Brilliant cross into the path of Benjamin Sesko for United’s second of the game. At the heart of United’s attacking forays, and unlucky not to get an assist.

Bryan Mbeumo 4 – Started brightly but his level dropped as the game proceeded. Multiple heavy touches and poor passes. Can’t get out of his current bad patch of form.

Matheus Cunha 8 – Another massive goal in a big game! Broke the deadlock with a composed finish. A constant threat on the left, and his hold-up play was superb.

Benjamin Sesko 7.5 – Showed great desire and determination for his goal. His 11th of the campaign.

Substitutes

Amad 2 – Gave the ball away almost immediately upon his introduction at the interval, leading to a Liverpool goal. Another who is in torrid form.

Patrick Dorgu 6 – Nice to have him back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Positive when he was brought on, breaking into the box and looking to cross the ball.

Joshua Zirkzee 5 – On for the dying embers.

Leny Yoro 5 – Same as Zirkzee

Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

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After the Phillies delivered a one-hit offensive outburst on Saturday, they’ll try to get the bats going on Sunday in game three of their four-game series in Miami.

Jesus Luzardo gets the ball for the Phillies. The former Marlin hasn’t had a great season so far, but he’s coming off a strong start of seven shutout innings.

The Marlins counter with journeyman Chris Paddack. The righty is 0-4 with a 6.11 ERA in his first season in Miami.