And then there were eight.

On Monday night, we'll see the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs tip off. But when you go to watch each game and or check the schedule, you might notice something peculiar. Rather than ensuring every second-round matchup gets the full spotlight and 2.5-3 hours of breathing room in time between games, the schedule is ... staggered. Huh?

For example, on Monday, we have the Philadelphia 76ers visiting the New York Knicks at 8 p.m. Eastern with the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolvesstarting their matchup only 1.5 hours later at 9:30 p.m. Eastern. That means the second half of Knicks-76ers will be in full swing at the same time as the Spurs and Timberwolves are likely still feeling each other out. The same applies to Tuesday night's schedule. The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers rekindle their rivalry at 7:00 p.m. Eastern in the Motor City with the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder starting their duel with the Los Angeles Lakers at ... 8:30 p.m. Eastern.

Uh, sure.

The NBA’s second round schedule by date: pic.twitter.com/lOipaV0gh2

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 4, 2026

All of this is a bit weird, if I'm being candid. I'm sure diehard hoops fans will try to find a way to catch as much of the initial second-round action as possible, but asking folks to keep flipping back and forth or make a conscious decision about which game they'll watch as we cut down the field of NBA title contenders to eight feels so shortsighted. Some of these series could very well be heavyweight, prestigious matchups featuring some high-level basketball in each game.

And I, for one, would've liked to enjoy each game without worrying about flipping to any other on-court action. The second round of the playoffs deserves as much. Thankfully, this overlapping schedule seems to stop as we get deeper into each series.

As for why it's happening now, the NBA typically pays respect to the Central time zone. Because both the top-seeded Spurs and Thunder are in the Central time zone, the league doesn't want to tip off games too late for the home market hosting a game. That would explain why there are more natural scheduling gaps as Thunder-Lakers shifts to Los Angeles in the Pacific time zone, for example.

This NBA scheduling quirk is undoubtedly pretty frustrating. Fortunately, it seems to be fleeting, a minor annoyance before we get into the meat of the conference semifinals.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: NBA playoffs second round schedule is weirdly staggered. Here's why

Pep Guardiola discussed lessons he can apply to next season amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding whether he will stay at Manchester City. Some Blues are concerned he might end his tenure after 10 years at the Etihad with several factors pointing toward a summer exit.

City's manager dedicated a day this week to watching Stockport against Port Vale in League One as a guest of the County owner, and much of his press conference on Friday was devoted to reflecting fondly on his decade in English soccer, including recollections of traveling with his son to watch one of Neil Warnock's teams play.

Guardiola has previously referenced the fact that he has one more year remaining on his contract when questioned about his future, without ever confirming that he will fulfill it. Those close to him observe that he has completed every deal that he has signed, and City's position is and has always been that they would prefer him to remain indefinitely, as per the Manchester Evening News.

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City are pursuing the Premier League and FA Cup to complement the Carabao Cup they have already secured this season, and while a domestic treble could serve as an ideal farewell, Guardiola has already declined similar departure opportunities.

Asked about his mindset heading into the final three weeks of the season, the Catalan mentioned how he has discovered something to implement in the UEFA Champions League next season.

"Last season was 24 hours thinking what will happen at the club if we will not qualify for the Champions League. I felt it a lot. I can't imagine teams who are [trying] to not be relegated because it changes clubs. Players change, financially you can't invest in good players and in the end that is the reason why teams have success," he said.

"This season we won the Carabao Cup, FA Cup final again and still fighting against this Arsenal, so what can I say? It is really good. I would love to go through in the Champions League but the level is higher and it will be good learnings for me for the next season. It will be good for that competition how sometimes you have to approach."

Guardiola's comments regarding next season won't be sufficient to persuade everyone that he'll still be at the helm, though he has already surpassed even his own expectations by remaining at the Etihad this long. Regardless of whether 10 years stretches to 11, the manager credited the player care department and the club for sustaining the conditions that have enabled him to remain at the pinnacle of the sport.

"I wouldn't have been 10 years, 10 seasons if I don't have the environment," he added. "Aymeric Laporte - who was another player that helped us incredibly a lot to understand what you had to do from behind, from build-ups, commits, and this kind of stuff - in a newspaper in Spain said, 'City is the best club in the world, you never realise how good they are, how incredibly organized, until you leave.'

"And that is the biggest compliment we can get, that the players can leave and say, 'That place was incredible,' and I have the same feeling. I wouldn't be 10 years, even with good titles if I don't have incredible environment. Now I still have incredible energy, still I'm so good, coming here to work on my day off. Because I realized from many, many details that, I think Aymeric explained perfectly, there are many details that make how the people take care of all of us, the organization, all of us in all details.

"Our families, our little, little details that make my job as a manager, the players, just think about what you have to do. And that's why I am here... of course we're here because we won a lot and that's why they don't fire you because they continue to trust you because you have success but apart from that the club is really, really extraordinary. Extraordinary.

"And I love when Gundo came back from Barcelona and said, 'Man City is top, top.' You know, when that happens, we are in a good way. That's why we are consistently the Champions League for the last 12, 13, 14 years. That's why we are always fighting for the titles, because they are consistent around the tactics, the systems, the players, the managers. You know? It's like a bubble that makes people feel good."

Bringing Matchday 35 to a close is the Olimpico, where Roma are aiming for a fourth straight positive result to stay in touch with the race for fourth place. On the other side, Fiorentina come into this one on a seven-game unbeaten run and want to make the most of their positive momentum to definitively secure safety.

Watch all Serie BKT matches live on OneFootball for just €9.99 a month. Click here to buy the LaB Channel Monthly Pass with no automatic renewal.

🔴 Article constantly updated: for live text coverage, click on the match card above; to comment, click on the speech bubble at the top right.

✅ The OFFICIAL lineups

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Pisilli; Malen

FIORENTINA (4-3-3): De Gea; Dodò, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Ndour, Fagioli, Brescianini; Harrison, Gudmundsson, Solomon.

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

Expected wet weather in the Midwest is affecting the Major League Baseball schedule, with two teams moving up their game times on Monday

The Chicago Cubs announced that their game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field would be pushed up to 7:10 p.m. EDT from 7:40 p.m., while the Detroit Tigers said their game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park would also be moved 30 minutes earlier to 6:10 p.m. EDT.

___

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

Barcelona have confirmed that defender Patricio Pacifico has been ruled out for 12 months after undergoing surgery on a torn ACL.

Pacifico only arrived in the winter transfer window and went on to suffer the injury in a draw against Olot last month.

He is now facing a long spell on the sidelines in what is a huge blow for player and club alike.

Here’s the club’s official statement:

“Barça Atlètic player Patricio Pacifico underwent successful surgery on Monday for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury he sustained during a match against UE Olot on April 19.

“The procedure was performed at the Hospital of Barcelona and was carried out by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of the Club’s Medical Services.

“The expected recovery time will be about 12 months.”

It’s not clear what will happen with Pacificio now. There had been talk Barca had wanted to make his loan deal permanent, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens next.

In the meantime let’s just hope he makes a full recovery.

Get well soon Patricio Pacifico.

After Nottingham Forest put three past Chelsea to boost their hopes of survival, Vitor Pereira praised his side’s resilience and gave an update on injured Morgan Gibbs-White.

Nottingham Forest took home three crucial points to put themselves six points above the relegation zone with their win in West London.

Taiwo Awoniyi opened the scoring early, heading home at the back post from Bilane Dakwa’s cross past Robert Sanchez. Igor Jesus converted not long after from the penalty spot, after Malo Gusto pulled Awoniyi’s shirt in the box, and put Forest in the driving seat at Stamford Bridge.

Pereira’s side picked up where they left off in the second half, as Awoniyi got his second, putting away a cross from half-time substitute Morgan Gibbs-White.

Speaking after the match, the Forest boss praised his team’s “confidence” and “resilience” to get the result, in between the two legs of their Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa.

“This team is resilient, this team is playing with confidence,” Pereira said. “They are playing united, with organisation and with ambition to win the games. We came here, not to draw, but to try to win the game.”

Both sides were forced into two changes after two heavy collisions: Zach Abbott clattered into debutant Jesse Derry in the first half, with both players down for a long time receiving treatment; and Gibbs-White came off just after his assist following a collision with Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez.

Pereira had intended to rest Gibbs-White ahead of Forest’s trip to Villa park in midweek for the second leg of the semi-final, and was forced to retire the winger after just 20 minutes on the pitch.

“I’m waiting, I’m not a doctor. Gibbs-White has a deep cut on his eyebrow so we’ll see but he’s a fighter, he has a strong mentality,” the manager said following the match. “I hope our medical team can work magic, because he’s a very important player for us.

“I said to him you don’t need to head the balls, you just need to play, so we’ll see,” he continued, and added that he was confident the England international would be able to feature again on Thursday: “He’s speaking normally, he remembers everything, the only thing is to manage the pain.”

Manchester United clinched all three points on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Liverpool in what was a topsy-turvy affair.

With the victory, United guaranteed their place in next season’s Champions League and completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 2015–16 season.

For the first time in nearly a decade, United appear to be in a more stable position than their bitter Merseyside rivals, and the upcoming transfer window will give them the opportunity to increase the gap even further. 

Manchester United plotting Micky van de Ven swoop

Known as Tottenham Hotspur’s “speed machine” in defence, Micky van de Ven has been on Liverpool’s wishlist since his Wolfsburg days.

According to The Boy Hotspur, Liverpool see him as the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk. However, United have now entered the race to sign Van de Ven, “shifting the balance of the transfer market.”

The 25-year-old Dutchman was initially viewed as a face of Spurs’ future project, but their stunning collapse has disrupted all plans.

The 6’4″ defender is now facing an uncertain future in north London despite having more than three years remaining on his contract.

Manchester United in pole position to sign Liverpool target

It is claimed United have identified Van de Ven as the “ideal candidate” to reinforce their backline.

Furthermore, United are reportedly prepared to allocate £55–60 million to get the deal over the line for the Netherlands international, who is also on Real Madrid and Bayern Munich’s radar.

It is understood that United’s financial power makes them the “strongest contender”.

“United supporters are already dreaming of a Van de Ven–Martínez partnership,” the report adds.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have supposedly already begun exploring replacements and are thought to be leading the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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Defeating the defending NBA champions will be a big challenge for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. And accomplishing that feat could become even more difficult for the Lakers if Oklahoma City Thunder star center Jalen Williams is healthy to play.

Williams sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during Game 2 of the Thunder’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns on April 22. Oklahoma City said Williams’ status would be evaluated weekly.

The recovery time for Williams’ injury is projected to last about 12.4 days, according to certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts’ InStreetClothes database. Game 1 of the Lakers’ game against the Thunder will be 13 days since Williams suffered the injury.

Therefore, Williams could be ready to return to the Thunder in time for Game 1, which is scheduled for Tuesday at the Paycom Center.

If Williams does not return for Game 1, he could be back for Game 2 on Thursday or Game 3 on Saturday.

Williams averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field in 33 regular season games. During the first two games of the Thunder’ first-round series sweep, Williams shot 61.5% from the field and averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 26 minutes.

Regardless of Williams’ status for Game 1, the Thunder will be a tough team for the Lakers to overcome. Adding Williams back into the mix will only make advancing to the Western Conference Finals even more difficult for Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The post Thunder Star Could Return From Injury in Game 1 Against Lakers appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Finally, the Guardians will play an AL Central team for the first time since early April when they played… also the Royals… and took a three-game series.

The Guardians are 18-17, 12th in team wRC+ at 99 (what a difference a weekend can make!), 23rd in baserunning runs above average at -0.9, 10th in Defense at -1.1, ninth in starting pitcher ERA at 3.79 (4.26 FIP), and 18th in bullpen ERA at 4.18 (4.03 FIP).

The Royals are 15-19, 23rd in team wRC+ at 94, 11th in baserunning runs above average at 0.5, 9th in Defense at 0.6, 14th in starting pitcher ERA at 4.01 (4.16 FIP), and 27th in bullpen ERA at 5.03 (4.89 FIP).

On paper, the Guardians look like the better team, but it’s close. The key would seem to be to get into the Royals’ bullpen as early as possible and take advantage of opportunities from that point on.

MATCHUPS:
Game One: Michael Wacha, RHP 3.13 ERA (3.93 FIP) vs. Tanner Bibee 4.08 ERA (4.36 FIP) 7:40PM ET
Game Two: Noah Cameron, LHP 5.40 ERA (4.47 FIP) vs. Gavin Williams 2.70 ERA (3.89 FIP) 7:40PM ET
Game Three: Cole Ragans, LHP 5.29 ERA (6.81 FIP) vs. Joey Cantillo 3.67 ERA (4.43 FIP) 7:40PM ET
Game Four: Seth Lugo, RHP 2.68 ERA (2.64 FIP) vs. Slade Cecconi, RHP, 6.56 ERA (5.84 FIP) 2:10PM ET

The Royals’ offense is led by Kyle Isbel 121 wRC+, Jac Caglianone 109 wRC+, Bobby Witt Jr 108 wRC+, Maikel Garcia 108 wRC+, Carter Jensen 106 wRC+ and Lane Thomas 105 wRC+.

The Guardians’ hitters feature Chase DeLauter 162 wRC+, Daniel Schneemann 147 wRC+, Austin Hedges 127 wRC+, David Fry 126 wRC+, Angel Martinez 116 wRC+, Rhys Hoskins 113 wRC+, Jose Ramirez 110 wRC+ and Brayan Rocchio 108 wRC+. It will be a big week for Hoskins and Fry to continue to dominate lefties and for Angel Martinez to get it going from that side, as well.

I would very much appreciate the Guardians finding a way to win at least two of the first three because that Lugo-Cecconi series ender looks like a HORRIBLE matchup. I know Stephen Vogt is paid to say he isn’t worried about Cecconi, but I am not and I am worried. I am confident he can be a good reliever if asked to, and we may be approaching the time where that ask needs to be made. Hopefully, saying all this means this is the series he will turn it around.

Everton vs. Man City live score, stats, highlights, result, analysis as Guardiola's men play catch-up in Premier League title race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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• Everton vs. Man City score
• Match stats
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• Reaction
• Upcoming games for both sides

HILL DICKINSON STADIUM, LIVERPOOL – Manchester City are once again playing catch-up in the Premier League title race as they visit Everton.

Pep Guardiola's men went top of the table on goals scored when they beat Burnley 1-0 in their most recent league match on April 22. Arsenal have played two Premier League games in the interim period, as City dealt with an FA Cup semifinal date against Southampton, and have won them both.

There is therefore little margin for error as Pep Guardiola's side face up to their first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton are winless in three matches, but the congested nature of this season's Premier League table means a first win over City since January 2017 would put them firmly in the hunt for a European place.

MORE:Predicting Arsenal's title run-in vs. Man City

Everton vs. Man City live score

Referee: Michael Oliver

Predicted starting lineups:

Everton (4-2-3-1 right to left): Pickford (GK) – O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko – Garner, Gueye – Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Armstrong – Beto

Man City (4-1-3-2, right to left): Donnarumma — Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly — Rodri — Cherki, Silva, Doku — Semenyo, Haaland

Everton vs. Man City highlights, key incidents

Goals, highlights and other key incidents will be posted here after the match begins at 8 p.m BST (3 p.m. ET)

Everton vs. Man City match stats

Match stats will be updated at halftime and fulltime.

Everton vs. Man City talking points, analysis

The section will be updated at fulltime.

Everton vs. Man City reaction

Post-match reaction from David Moyes and Pep Guardiola will appear here

Everton vs. Man City team news

Everton team news

• Having discovered some form, Beto suffered a head injury against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago and missed out last week due to concussion protocols, but he should return.
• The Toffees are also without Jarrad Branthwaite, who was forced off through injury against the Reds and his season is over.
• Manchester City loanee attacking midfielder Jack Grealish is also unavailable for the rest of this season due to injury. He would have been ineligible tonight in any case.

Man City team news

• Man City rotated last weekend but they should return to more or less a full-strength side with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland to come back in.
• 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri remains a doubt and it could well be that Wembley hero Nico Gonzalez partners Bernardo Silva in the middle of the park.
• In defence, Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined for the hosts, with Ruben Dias also still a doubt as he works his way back to full fitness.
• .

Everton vs. Man City upcoming schedules

Everton upcoming fixtures

Man City upcoming fixtures

There has been a lot of discussion about what the Pittsburgh Steelers will do as it pertains to their group of edge rushers. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith combine for over $62 million against the cap in 2026, and rising star Nick Herbig is due for an extension or the Steelers will have to watch him hit the open market in 2027.

Many thought the Steelers would manufacture a trade ahead of the draft to send Highsmith elsewhere, which would then elevate Herbig to the No. 2 edge rusher role and open the door for an extension to get done quickly. Instead, all three remain on the roster, but Herbig is still without a long-term deal. And while that concerns many fans, Herbig’s agent Joe DiBendetto made it clear that Herbig wants to remain in Pittsburgh.

“He’s learning from Alex [Highsmith] and T.J. [Watt] from Day One,” DiBendetto told Breiden Fehoko. “Without getting into too much of the nuances that is ongoing, Nick wants to be a Pittsburgh Steeler for life, and I hope that we can make that happen.”

As it currently stands, the Steelers have a projected $66 million in cap space in 2027, giving them more than enough money to get a long-term deal done with Herbig. The Wisconsin product had 7.5 sacks in 2025 and has 16 total for his career.

Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

• Steelers have one of NFL’s most difficult schedules in 2026
• Steelers running out of patience with Aaron Rodgers
• Steelers linebacker targets for 2026 and 2027 seasons
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Marlins' Otto Lopez, Xavier Edwards remain under MLB radar originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Marlins have a secret.

It's a good one.

Despite garnering limited headlines and social media posts, the combination of shortstop Otto Lopez and second baseman Xavier Edwards continues to develop into one of the MLB's top duos.

While the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge and Ben Rice entered Sunday's matchups with a combined bWAR (3.5), the Marlins' teammates amassed a 3.4 rating.

Marlins' Otto Lopez, Xavier Edwards developing into top MLB duo

Along with talent and chemistry, Lopez and Edwards are displaying a unique blend of baseball instincts to make plays few expect. 

Leading the San Francisco Giants, 9-3, in the bottom of the sixth inning April 25, Casey Schmitt reached on a one-out single. Next batter Jung Hoo Lee executed an infield hit on a ball fielded athletically by a charging Lopez. Schmitt ventured too far off second base and Lopez pivoted and threw a replay to Edwards, who tagged out Schmitt, who slammed his fists on the Oracle Park infield dirt. 

"I didn't think I had a chance to get Schmitt at first, so my second thought was to check on X right behind me," Lopez told MLB Network. "The throw was right on the runner.

"It was perfect."

Lopez entered Monday's matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies at loanDepot park as the Marlins' leading hitter, posting a .341 batting average. Edwards ranked second at .336. The duo has combined for nine stolen bases.

Lopez and Edwards delivered an early-season message. Despite trailing the Yankees, 9-6, in the ninth inning and connecting on a routine grounder to second baseman Jazz Chisolm Jr., Lopez hustled to beat the lackadaisical throw to first. He later scored on Edwards' single. The Marlins lost, but the secret should be out.

"The type of personality we have, we're just aggressive any time we get a chance," Lopez said. "We take it."

Pistons vs. Cavs schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After Sunday's double Game 7 slate, both the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers walked away to decide their second-round matchup.

Despite falling into the feared 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic, Cade Cunningham and his Pistons powered through to win three straight games. From Games 5-7, Detroit's star averaged 36.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. If he can limit his turnovers, Detroit should be on a collision course for its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2008.

Cleveland started the series hot, taking the first two games at home. However, Toronto was able to equalize back at home during Games 3 and 4. The home team went on to win every game that series, which could bode badly for a team that doesn't own home-court advantage for being the higher seed. The Cavaliers' main route to victory involved limiting Cunningham's involvement in the game. The Magic series showed that victory can come if he turns the ball over frequently. Let's not forget that Orlando had the Pistons on the ropes in the first round, but a historically bad shooting performance during the second half of Game 6 saw them blow the series.

During the regular season, Detroit and Cleveland each won two games apiece. At home this season, the Pistons boasted a 35-10 record and shot 48.6% from the field.

The winner of this series will take on whoever comes out of the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers series in this year's Eastern Conference Finals.

Here's what you need to know to watch Detroit vs. Cleveland, including broadcast information and start times.

Pistons vs. Cavs schedule

* If necessary

Where to watch Pistons vs. Cavs: TV channel, live stream

• TV channels: NBCSN, NBC
• Live streams: DIRECTV | Peacock | Prime Video

The Pistons vs. Cavs series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the NBC networks and Peacock, and Prime Video. 

Games on NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. 

Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video or Peacock — for games on those platforms.

NBA Playoffs bracket 2026

Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.

NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025

Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason. 

* Can move up depending on earlier series

Related Links

• Latest NBA news and rumors
• Full 2025-26 NBA schedule and scores
• How to bet on the NBA
• The GOAT Debate: Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James

The Chicago Sky have signed three-time All-Star Natasha Cloud to a one-year, $550,000 deal, sources briefed on the contract told The Athletic. The Sky also waived Hailey Van Lith, the team announced.

Cloud won a WNBA Championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019 and is a three-time All-Defensive team member, but spent much of the offseason unsigned after starting 41 games for the New York Liberty in 2025.

Van Lith, the Sky’s No. 11 pick in 2025, struggled in her rookie season, playing just 12.4 minutes and averaging 3.5 points.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Chicago Sky, WNBA, women's sports

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Under-pressure Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Albert Riera is set to remain in charge for Friday’s Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund, according to Bild.

Doubts over the Spaniard's future intensified after a 1-2 defeat to Hamburger SV at the weekend – a result that reportedly prompted a crisis meeting at the club.

Captain Robin Koch was among those involved in the discussions, where it was ultimately decided that Riera will remain in charge for at least the Dortmund fixture, the report claims.

One key factor behind the decision is said to be that board member for sport Markus Krösche doesn't have time to find a permanent replacement before Friday’s match, while he's not keen on appointing an interim coach for the final two games of the season.

However, it's already considered certain that Riera will not remain in charge beyond the current campaign.

Bild has named Alex Meier, Friedhelm Funkel and Adi Hütter as candidates to replace him.

It was a massive weekend in Aggieland, with several marquee events happening at once, but for the Texas A&M baseball team, the momentum didn’t carry over. The Aggies dropped their first SEC series since March and closed the week with a 2–2 record.

Texas A&M opened the week with a hard‑fought win over a strong Tarleton State squad, a Texans team that owns victories over Texas and Baylor and currently sits atop the WAC standings. Head coach Michael Earley knew the midweek matchup wouldn’t be easy, but the Aggies handled business and shifted their focus to a talented Auburn Tigers team coming to town.

Weather has been a recurring issue at Blue Bell Park this season, and once again, Friday’s opener was pushed to Saturday, creating a doubleheader. A&M had been solid in doubleheaders recently, but that trend ended abruptly. Auburn ran away with Game 1 and edged out a nail‑biter in Game 2 to clinch the series. The Aggies avoided the sweep with a strong response in Game 3.

The schedule won’t get any easier from here, but Texas A&M remains a clear postseason team. The real question now is whether they can stay in the NCAA Tournament hosting picture as they close out the regular season.

Below is the updated USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll Top 25.

Others Receiving Votes

Jacksonville State 58; Cincinnati 19; Oklahoma State 14; Miami (FL) 12; UTSA 6; California Baptist 6; Wake Forest 3; UC Santa Barbara 3; Kent State 3; Michigan 2; Liberty 1;

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M stays at No. 7 in the USA TODAY poll after series loss

Yesterday, the Raiders wrapped up their rookie minicamp. In so doing, they locked in all of their undrafted free agents. It was a whopping 20 they added when all was said and done. With such a large number of undrafted rookies on the offseason roster, you'd have to figure the odds of a few of them cracking the regular season roster is pretty good.

1. Tyler Duzanski, LS, Penn State

Duzanski was considered the number one long snapper in the country. The only other long snapper on the Raiders offseason roster is Alex Ward who was released last season by the Rams. I'd say Duzanski is a shoo in for being the Raiders' next long snapper.

2. Xavien Sorey Jr, LB, Arkansas

The Raiders came into this draft desperately in need of depth at linebacker. And then they didn't take any. Sorey joins the team with a pretty good shot at making the roster for that reason alone. But he was also ranked as a late round draftable player. The Georgia transfer put up big number at Arkansas the past two years. He has the makings of a solid depth player and standout special teamer.

3. Kansei Matsuzawa, K, Hawaii

The Japanese-born kicker makes for a great story as he didn't pick up a football until age 19 after coming to Oakland to watch a Raiders game. Now at the age of 27, he was the most accurate kicker in college football last year and got the call from the team that inspired his journey. He will get every opportunity to be the kicker for this team, competing with NFL veteran Matt Gay who the past two seasons has missed more field goals outside 50 yards (11) than he's made (seven).

4. Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana

There's a fourth running back spot up for grabs on this team. And if all things are equal, it would be a cool thing for Fernando Mendoza to have one of his Indiana teammates in Las Vegas with him. He was in the shadow of fellow back Kaelon Black, but Hemby put up 1120 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He is a one-cut-and-go back which works well in the zone blocking scheme. He also offers return abilities.

5. Chase Roberts, WR, BYU

The Raiders have a quantity over quality thing happening at the wide receiver spot. Which means it may not take much for Roberts to find a way onto the roster. Dane Brugler gave him a draftable grade as the 39th WR prospect in the draft.

6. Gary Smith III, DT, UCLA

Another position the Raiders needed in this draft was nose tackle. They selected Brandon Cleveland with their final pick at 229 overall in the seventh round. Smith is also a nose tackle and the spot is wide open if he can take it. He was considered draftable as the 26th DT on Dane Brugler's board.

7. EJ Williams, WR, Indiana

Another Hoosier joining the Raiders. I'd imagine he got the Mendoza seal of approval and the Raiders made the call. One thing is for sure; no one on this Raiders team is going to be more in sync with Mendoza right away than EJ Williams. That should help him hit the ground running. He his also 6-3, 203 so if he can perform as an X receiver type, the Raiders could use him.

8. Jacob Clark, QB, Missouri State

The Raiders like Clark enough to sign him over Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson who had a draftable grade. With Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza taking the top two QB spots, the third QB spot will be available. I think the team knows what to expect from Aidan O'Connell. And it ain't much. If they see potential in Clark, it could be worth it to hold onto him to find out if he can develop.

9. Cian Slone, EDGE, NC State

The Raiders cleaned some house at edge rusher recently, trading Tyree Wilson during the draft and cuttin Charle Snowden. While they are set for the top 3-4 edge rushers, there may be room for someone to prove they are worthy of cracking the roster at this position. The Raiders drafted Slone's linemate Brandon Cleveland in the seventh round. Did they notice something in Slone while they were watching tape to prompt his signing? He got a draftable grade from Dane Brugler as the 38th edge rusher in this draft.

10. Niklas Henning, OT, Queens University

Henning is one of those classic cases of a player who was late to football and therefore did all his developing at the college level. Also, as he is Canadian, he seems to have slipped past the NFL Draft radar. But the CFL knew who he was, leading to him being the number two overall pick in the CFL Draft last week. A few days later, he tried out for the Raiders and earned a contract. I could definitely see someone like him continuing to rise and cracking this roster.

11. Tanner Wall, S, BYU

12. Isaiah Jatta, OT, BYU

13. Justin Pickett, G, Duke

14. Caleb Offord, CB, Kennesaw State

15. Corey Rucker Jr, WR, Arkansas State

16. Kamar Missouri, T, UTSA

17. Patrick Gurd, TE, Cincinnati

18. Devin Lafayette, S, Troy

19. Devyn Perkins, S, Utah Tech

20. Chris Thomas, LB, Maine

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Ranking Raiders undrafted rookies by most likely to make roster

It’s been an eventful past few days for Indiana Athletics. The football program is officially set to visit the White House in recognition of its run to the national championship and Indiana men’s basketball is reportedly set for its second international trip in as many years under Darian DeVries.

Here’s what to know about the Hoosiers today:

ICYMI on The Crimson Quarry

• Indiana men’s basketball planning for summer 2026 international trip to Peru
• Jalen Brewster, nation’s No. 1 prospect, visits Indiana football
• Indiana men’s basketball shifts Assembly Hall student section seating
• Indiana men’s basketball: Markus Burton scouting report
• Bison Breakdown: What’s your favorite NFL Draft landing spot for the Hoosiers?
• Indiana men’s basketball: Aiden Sherrell scouting report
• Indiana football offers 4-star 2027 edge rusher Wyatt Smith

What they’re saying about the Hoosiers

• The Daily Hoosier: IU football sets White House visit in celebration of national championship
• The Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball headed on second international trip under Darian DeVries
• The Indianapolis Star: Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
• Inside the Hall: Three more former IU basketball players have committed to new schools
• Indiana Daily Student: High scores hurt Indiana men’s golf to 16th-place finish at Big Ten Championships
• USA Today: Big Ten post-spring rankings: Fresh off 3 straight titles, league looks deeper than ever
• AL.com: Kalen DeBoer: Alabama is ‘driven’ to come back stronger from crushing Indiana loss

Around SB Nation

• NBA’s final 8 teams still standing in Playoffs, ranked by 2026 championship chances
• Tennessee lands transfer portal star to give Vols Final Four potential in men’s college basketball
• Dusty May to the NBA? Magic reportedly interested after firing Jamahl Mosley
• Cameron Young cruised to victory at the Cadillac Championship

Before Harry Kane left the Premier League to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, a major point of contention was the all-time EPL goalscoring record. Kane needed just 47 more goals to match football legend Alan Shearer in the scoring charts, and had a good chance of breaking the record if he had stayed with Tottenham Hotspur for a couple more seasons.

Shearer seems rather glad that he decided to leave. Speaking to Prime Video (via @iMiaSanMia) the former Newcastle United striker implored Harry to stay in Germany.

“I’m all for him [Kane] signing a new contract at Bayern,” said Shearer. “He’s having a great time in Germany. He should absolutely stay there.”

Kane, who has already won the Bundesliga top scorer award twice, eyes more and more professional silverware as Bayern Munich chases titles on all three fronts. Looking at his exploits in Germany, Shearer can probably breathe a sigh of relief. There is no way that FC Bayern will let him go now.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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On April 28, 2026, the New Orleans Saints added another piece to their secondary by signing former Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.

Here’s a few facts to help you get to know the newest member of the Saints:

The Pensacola native attended Pine Forest High School. In his senior year, he recorded 91 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 4 pass breakups, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries which earned him All-Area honors from the Pensacola News Journal.

Emerson attended Mississippi State University, playing 3 seasons for Bulldogs. He recorded 153 tackles (93 solo), 6 stops for a loss, one interception, 16 pass breakups and one forced fumble through 36 games played. He was a 3rd Team All-SEC selection in 2021.

Drafted in the 3rd round (68th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Emerson recorded 202 tackles (158 solo), 1 sack, 5 stops for a loss, 4 interceptions, 34 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in 33 starts.

Last year, Emerson suffered an Achilles injury during training camp which caused him to miss 2025 season, but the 25-year-old said he’s been cleared physically and will be ready to go for the start of Saints training camp.

The latest Bears Banter has dropped!

The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and we grabbed Charles Davis from CBS to break it all down. Charles is CBS’s lead college football analyst and covers the draft for NFL Network. He knows these players as well as anybody, and he joined us to break it all down.

Charles discussed everything from the Bears not addressing the defensive line, he talks about the challenges of building a sustained winner, and he breaks down every player the Bears selected.

Charles thinks the pick of Dillon Thieneman at 25 was outstanding, being BPA and a position of need, and Charles (a former safety) is so high on Thieneman, he thinks he was talented enough to go near the top 10 but slid all the way to the Bears at 25.

He even has some great insight on Jadaveon Clowney and Cam Jordan and if the Bears should pursue either.

It’s a very insightful interview. If you’d like to watch the interview, you can do so on the 2nd City Gridiron YouTube page below:

Or you can listen to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts by subscribing to the 2nd City Gridiron podcast feed, or use the player below:

Joao Pedro has said it was an early goal that cost Chelsea against Nottingham Forest – but he had no answers to why his team start badly.

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Apart from Jesse Derry, Joao Pedro was the only Chelsea player to emerge from today’s latest embarrassing defeat with any credit. He scored a late consolation goal, and also had the stones to speak to the Sky Sports cameras after the defeat.

He’s in a bad place, as are the rest of his team.

“From the beginning, we conceded too early. Against Nottingham Forest it is always difficult to change the game,” the striker answered when asked what had gone wrong for his team.

“We need to find a way not to do these mistakes every game. This is Premier League. If you concede too early, it is very difficult to come back.”

Chelsea must start games better – but nobody knows how

It was another goal conceded after just a couple of minutes, following on from a Brighton game two weeks ago where the Blues had a similar early surrender. Asked why the team were so incapable of starting games well, JP didn’t have an answer:

“Everyone needs to look to themselves. Me included. We need to find a way to do better. I feel sorry for the fans. From tomorrow we need to see what we can improve.”

In other news…

On Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher laid into the Chelsea project as a whole but said it was “good for football.”

Joao Pedro’s late goal rewarded the Chelsea fans who had stayed until the bitter end at Stamford Bridge.

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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

La Liga outfit Villarreal have on Monday announced the impending departure of head coach Marcelino.

This comes amid confirmation of the parties having reached a mutual agreement to end their relationship upon the season’s close.

As per a statement across the social media platforms of the Yellow Submarine:

‘Villarreal CF and the Asturian coach will part ways at the end of the season. Thank you from the heart, Marce, for everything you’ve given to this club and to this fanbase. We wish you all the best in your future sporting endeavors.’

News of Marcelino’s exit comes fresh off Villarreal securing their place in the Champions League for the 2026/27 campaign.

The Castellón-based outfit currently sit 3rd in the La Liga table, trailing only Spanish football’s two leading clubs, in Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Next time out, though, Villarreal will head in a new direction, with hopes of further success to come.

Conor Laird – GSFN

Michael Kim has revealed what the players thought about the Blue Monster course at Doral in light of some fans complaining about how exciting the Cadillac Championship was.

Doral made a long-awaited return to the PGA Tour schedule this year after a decade away. It had previously hosted the Doral Open, as well as the WGC-Cadillac Championship.

The Blue Monster often attracted an incredibly strong field, with the event widely seen as the unofficial start of the season.

Michael Kim reacts to criticism of Doral after the Cadillac Championship

It seems that the nostalgia was not strong enough to win everyone over at the latest signature event on the PGA Tour. It was notable that there were some underwhelming crowds on Sunday as Cameron Young secured his second victory of the season.

There are plenty of reasons for that. Young’s performance removed almost all of the drama, with the 28-year-old winning by six shots.

Meanwhile, there was also some poor weather around, with the tee times for the final round being moved on a couple of occasions.

But it does appear that the golf course did not capture the imagination. That has prompted Kim to defend the venue on social media.

He said: ‘I know many complain about how boring of a course Doral is on TV but playing it is definitely different. I thought it was a serious and unique challenge with the number of hazards in play and green designs. 18 is an absolute monster. Holes like 11, 14 were very good I thought.’

What Cameron Young said about Doral after his Cadillac Championship victory

Someone who would agree with Kim’s assessment is Young himself.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that he is a fan of the golf course having opened up a commanding lead in the early stages and not looking back.

But after his win, he suggested that he really enjoyed tackling the Blue Monster.

“It’s just undeniably a big, difficult championship golf course. That’s I think what a lot of us like out here on tour. For me personally I prefer a difficult golf course to an easier one, I think. Just that’s the kind of golf I like,” he said.

“To have another place like that on the schedule, we got a pretty easy day here today, but if you get a few days out here where it blows all day as opposed to just in the afternoon, the scoring could be radically different. I just, I like having one more place on the schedule that’s more that style of golf.”

It is a shame that Doral made a largely underwhelming return to the PGA Tour schedule this year. However, the players are clearly optimistic that it will prove to be a welcome addition in time.

Broderick Jones’ fifth-year option was never the Steelers’ real problem.

Broderick Jones’ fifth-year option was always going to be a complicated call, but a series of events leading up to the May 3 deadline made Pittsburgh’s choice less about contract structure and more about immediate concerns.

By then, two other factors had entered the picture. First, Jones hadn’t fully recovered from neck surgery to address nerve issues, which included a spinal fusion procedure. Second, he failed his preseason physical.

The situation worsened after Jones underwent neck surgery in February. Not only did he miss all of training camp while recovering from spinal fusion, but he also failed his preseason physical.

Guaranteed money only matters if you know what you’re paying for

If Jones had been healthy and settled as the long-term option, this would have been a straightforward decision for the Steelers. Instead, they were looking at a player with 38 career starts, an uncertain recovery ahead, and a contract that would have been guaranteed before he’d even proven he could reclaim his spot in the lineup.

This move goes beyond just saving cash. Pittsburgh chose flexibility because the roster no longer supports blind confidence at one of the most important positions on offence.

Taking Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick makes a lot more sense now. Rather than just adding depth, it looks like the Steelers were already preparing for life without Jones.

Spending a first-rounder on a tackle while passing on a contract option for an existing player sends a clear signal. It’s no longer about future potential—left tackle is an immediate issue for the Steelers’ roster.

Pittsburgh’s line issues are spreading to the rest of the attack

The Steelers once hoped Jones would eventually settle in as a reliable option, especially after moving between tackle spots early in his career. Now, the team is set to start camp with no clear pecking order, only an open competition.

That doesn’t just impact left tackle. Uncertainty in that role can slow down how quickly you build the passing game and add pressure across the rest of the offence.

Jones’ future in Pittsburgh isn’t over because of the declined option. Instead, 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year where he’ll need to re-establish his value to the team. A strong return could shift opinions back in his favour, but if he struggles, the Steelers are already moving forward with other options.

That’s what stands out about this decision. It wasn’t just about the finances—Pittsburgh has now made left tackle one of the most closely watched competitions on the roster.

Read more:

Real Madrid have been very active in the market to strengthen their youth ranks heading into the summer.

Indeed, Los Blancos have already closed several signings for La Fabrica in recent weeks, with the likes of Manu Navarro, Fran Santamaria, Sergio Castellon, and Victor Correa, among others.

Meanwhile, they continue to keep an eye on the market for more exciting talents, with Brazilian duo of Eduardo Pape and Eduardo Conceicao on their radar.

Real Madrid interested in David Sueiro

Now, according to SPORT, Real Madrid are one of the clubs interested in signing Celta Vigo academy prospect David Sueiro.

Just 16 years old, the exciting midfielder is already playing for Celta’s Juvenil B (U18) and Juvenil A (U19) teams, while he has also trained with the club’s reserve team, Celta Fortuna.

A talented young prospect, Sueiro is regarded as the leading prospect in Celta’s youth system, thanks to his technical ability and exceptional quality.

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Given his potential, Real Madrid have taken an interest in the young Spaniard, but they are not alone as arch-rivals FC Barcelona are also keen on the teenager.

In fact, as per the report, the Blaugrana are already pushing to sign Sueiro from Celta’s youth academy.

And the fact that he is represented by Jorge Mendes’ agency could work in their favour due to the superagent’s strong ties to the Catalan club.

For now, Sueiro, who is also a Spain U16 international, has not made any decision on his future.

It is not ruled out that he continues his development at the Celta youth academy, especially considering the trust that first-team manager Claudio Giraldez is placing in homegrown talents.

Olympique de Marseille could face fresh sanctions from UEFA after reportedly failing to comply with the terms of a financial settlement agreement signed with European football’s governing body in 2022, according to L’Équipe.Marseille were placed under enhanced financial monitoring by UEFA after breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. To avoid heavier sanctions at the time, OM agreed to a settlement with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), including a €2m fine and a commitment to progressively return to financial equilibrium.Under UEFA regulations, clubs are allowed to post losses of up to €60m across a three-year monitoring period, provided shareholders cover at least €55m of the deficit. However, Marseille’s financial situation has reportedly worsened significantly since then.

According to figures submitted to the DNCG, the French football financial watchdog, OM accumulated losses close to €157m over the relevant period. The club recorded deficits of €12.7m in 2022-23, €39.1m in 2023-24, and a major €105m loss in 2024-25.

Several sources cited by L’Équipe reportedly believe Marseille are now in “breach” of their UEFA agreement, although a final decision from the CFCB is expected later this month.

OM are expected to defend themselves by pointing to the sharp decline in domestic television revenues in France. UEFA has previously shown flexibility in exceptional economic circumstances, though it remains unclear whether that argument will sufficiently reduce Marseille’s excess losses.Should UEFA determine Marseille’s breach to be relatively minor, the club could face further fines, squad restrictions in European competition, or limitations on registering new players for UEFA tournaments.

However, if UEFA judges the deviation from the agreed framework to be too severe, more significant sporting sanctions could follow, which includes the possibility of exclusion from future European competitions.GFFN | George Boxall

A former PGMOL chief executive has claimed that Arne Slot could face an investigation from the FA over comments he made after Liverpool’s defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.

There was controversy surrounding Benjamin Sesko’s goal to double Manchester United’s lead in the 14th minute, with the ball brushing the striker’s fingertips before crossing the line. The incident was checked by VAR, although the goal was allowed to stand.

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Speaking after the match, the Reds’ head coach insisted that it should’ve been disallowed (echoing Keith Hackett’s impartial verdict) and lamenting: “I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone this season that if there is a VAR intervention… then that decision goes against us. That has been the whole season.”

Slot warned he could face FA investigation

Speaking to Football Insider on Monday, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett warned Slot that the FA could take a dim view of those post-match comments if they deem it to have questioned the integrity of the officials involved.

The former top-flight referee said: “I would be surprised if the FA’s disciplinary department don’t review these comments. I think he’s being very clever because he’s actually global in his statement rather than individual. The governing body, the FA, has to protect its match officials from these types of comments.

“I think he centred it probably more on that handball goal, of which I said, upon review, should have been disallowed.”

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Slot had every right to be annoyed over the decision

As Hackett pointed out after the match, the goal should technically have been disallowed as the handball rule states that a player can’t score with their hand even if the touch is accidental, so Slot is right to be annoyed over that decision yesterday.

The Liverpool head coach pointed to the VAR for our Champions League home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain overturning a penalty for a foul on Alexis Mac Allister as the contact on him was deemed insufficient, in giving an example as to how the rules seem to be applied inconsistently.

An even more relevant example was the Argentine’s disallowed goal against Nottingham Forest in February when Ola Aina’s clearance struck his elbow and the ball went over the line. On that occasion, applying the handball rule as outlined above, it was disallowed after a VAR review.

Slot’s comments weren’t intended to suggest any bias from the officials yesterday, but rather an understandable sense of frustration at the pick-and-mix application of the rules from one game to the next, with Liverpool negatively impacted on multiple occasions.

Perhaps the FA and PGMOL ought to implement a better standard of officiating in this country, rather than throwing the book at coaches who are rightly exasperated at seeing their teams repeatedly getting the wrong end of the stick.

The FSU Seminoles had a bounce-back week, going 4-0 to put last week's sweep behind them. They started it by beating South Florida before getting a crucial sweep of Pitt at home.

Despite the perfect week, they are still the No. 12 team in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll with a 33-14 overall record and a 15-9 ACC record. They are now 24-3 at home this season and have lost just two ACC home games.

FSU cruised to a 9-1 win over USF on Wednesday before the series against Pitt. They were forced to play a doubleheader on Saturday due to the weather on Friday, but it was no problem for FSU. Wes Mendes threw a complete game in the first leg as they won 10-1. While the next two games were tougher, FSU was able to complete the sweep.

The Seminoles are still the third-highest-ranked ACC team, behind the No. 2 North Carolina Tar Heels and No. 3 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. No. 22 Boston College and No. 24 Virginia give the ACC five teams in the top 25. Miami and Wake Forest both received votes.

FSU will return to action on Tuesday when they host the Jacksonville Dolphins. They will then hit the road for a weekend series against the Clemson Tigers. Tuesday's game will start at 6 p.m. ET and be streamed on ESPN+.

Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of FSU news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Baseball: Seminoles ranked 12th in USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Joe Ryan entered the 2026 fantasy baseball season as the SP18. Early on, he has faltered below that status, but he remains a weekly must-start when healthy. Unfortunately, Ryan left Sunday's game against the Blue Jays after just two batters faced, citing right elbow soreness. The status of Ryan is now up in the air, with Ryan's fantasy baseball owners needing to pivot to replacement options on the waiver wire.

Fantasy Baseball Impact

The MRI results are awaited, so Ryan's spending timeline is very much up in the air. The thought is that Ryan will definitely go on the 15-Day IL, and the worst-case scenario could have him out for over one month. No matter what the result becomes, Ryan will be out, and it is now time for the 'Next Man Up' in fantasy baseball.

The waiver wire finds the following starting pitchers rising with value to be had:

Nick Martinez (53% Avail) - In 6 starts this season, Martinez's ERA is 1.70. He lacks strikeout value, but dominates in pitching thus far as a soft-contact pitcher.

Tomoyuki Sugano (87% Avail) - While risky as a subpar pitcher, Sugano will start 2 games this week, beginning at 5:40 PM ET on Monday. His ERA is 2.84 with 3 wins and 1 loss over 6 starts for the Rockies. He gets the Mets today, who have struggled big time in batting.

JR Ritchie (65% Avail) - The Braves will start their No. 2 prospect on Monday in Seattle. He has 2 starts in 2026 with a 2.92 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 12.1 IP. Ritchie pitches twice this week.

Joe Ryan Injury Outlook

If the MRI comes back clean, Ryan can still be expected to hit the 15-day IL and miss roughly 3 starts. If the MRI comes back positive, Ryan could be out for much longer, projecting a volatile timeline of 3-8 weeks. Most likely, the Twins would not see him back in the lineup until the season is 40% through.

Regardless of the result, Ryan has the ceiling of being a top-20 starting pitcher in fantasy baseball. He must hit your IL spot. If your team is thin and that timeline is stretched out, a drop of Ryan is not going to kill the season. Yet, it is not ideal, and any added replacement should come with long-term value rather than short-term. That could take your aim towards Carlos Rodon or Gerrit Cole, if available on waivers, due back to the Yankees in mid-late May.

More Fantasy Sports On SI News:

• Anthony Edwards Injury Update: Game 1 Status Plus Fantasy Basketball Starts
• Luka Doncic Injury Update And Return Timeline For The Los Angeles Lakers In Round 2 Of The NBA Playoffs
• The 14 Best Fantasy Basketball Team Fits the NBA Draft Lottery Could Deliver
• Jhoan Duran Mock Trade: Elite Closer Value, Fantasy Impact, and Rays Acquisition Cost

This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as Joe Ryan Forces Fantasy Baseball Owners To Search the Waivers With This Injury Update.

Formula 1 emerged from its five-week break with a tweaked rulebook and a clear question: would the changes actually fix what drivers had been complaining about all year? After Sunday’s 2026 Miami Grand Prix, the answer is somewhere between a little and not really.

The FIA’s refinements to the 2026 regulations were targeted, not sweeping. Qualifying energy harvesting dropped from 8 megajoules to 7, superclipping increased from 250 kilowatts to 350 kilowatts, and race starts now include a minimum MGU-K acceleration to prevent drivers from getting bogged down off the line.

The goal was simple. Make qualifying feel more like qualifying, cut the closing-speed gaps that worried drivers in traffic and reduce the manual throttle babysitting at the start of flying laps.

So, what was the verdict?

Also Read:: Kimi Antonelli Stays Perfect: Winners and Losers from the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix

What Worked with Updated 2026 F1 Rules Update

What worked? Qualifying. Drivers near-universally said the changes made one-lap pace feel closer to traditional F1.

Ollie Bearman of Haas pointed to the automated throttle on the qualifying out-lap as a meaningful fix, saying drivers had been forced to look down at the dash to confirm a 50 percent throttle reading, which he called “a bit dangerous.” Nico Hulkenberg of Audi said the package was “a little bit of a reset” and described qualifying as “more user-friendly, more pushy.”

What Didn’t Work at the Miami Grand Prix?

What didn’t? The race itself, mostly. The so-called yo-yo racing the new energy rules produced was still on full display, most visibly in the scrap between race winner Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc, where the two repeatedly swapped positions as their batteries cycled. Lando Norris, who finished second after watching that battle from behind, was blunt afterward.

“It’s a small step in the right direction, but it’s not to the level that Formula 1 should still be at yet,” Norris said.

Max Verstappen, the loudest critic of the 2026 formula since preseason, didn’t soften his stance.

“What I said before about the regulations is still the same,” Verstappen said. “It’s still not how I would like to see it. I mean it’s still punishing you. The faster you go through corners you go slower on the next straight. So, that’s not what it should be about. But at least my car is working a bit nicer so it’s a bit less stressful to drive.”

Fernando Alonso flagged the structural issue that the tweaks couldn’t address.

“This power unit and this regulation will always reward going slower in the corners, because you have more energy,” Alonso said.

Antonelli, meanwhile, took the win and extended his championship lead, reminding everyone that the Mercedes power unit advantage isn’t going anywhere soon. Leclerc’s race ended in a 20-second penalty after a last-lap spin into the Turn 3 wall, dropping him from sixth to eighth.

The bigger picture: F1 has bought itself some breathing room with these refinements, but the fundamental complaints about energy management and corner-speed penalties remain. The FIA is reportedly already weighing more substantial 2027 engine adjustments. Miami suggested they’ll need them.

Related Headlines

• Kimi Antonelli Stays Perfect: Winners and Losers from the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix
• Cameraman Hilariously Distracted by World Cup’s Sexiest Fan on Live F1 Broadcast
• The 2026 F1 Rule Changes Hit Miami First. Here’s What’s Different This Weekend.

Wigan forward Ethan Havard will miss Saturday's Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens after being given a retrospective ban.

Following a meeting of the Match Review Panel, Harvard was punished for head contact in the 38-14 win over Bradford Bulls on Saturday.

The offence resulted in a Grade B charge and three penalty points on his record, taking his total to 6.5, just over the threshold for a ban.

Havard has featured in all but one of Wigan's 10 Super League matches this season.

Meanwhile, Bradford's Mitchell Soutar has been handed a two-match ban for a dangerous lift in the same match. His points total instantly jumped to 12.

Wigan are currently fifth in the Super League table, four points adrift of leaders Leeds Rhinos, while the Bulls are 11th on six points.

Eagles football is inching closer, and the team is preparing to get back on the practice field and back in the weight room, starting with the rookies and tryout players. Head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters after the first practice of rookie minicamp and talked about his process for on-boarding new players and explained how they evaluate so much talent in a short time.

Here’s what the head coach had to say:

On OC Sean Mannion

“I think he’s just got a good confidence, calm confidence, conviction about the way he goes about it, very detailed, and it has been fun. It’s been fun sitting in the back of the room listening to him talk, listening to him at install, and building a connection with the guys. He’s done a good job so far and just got to keep stacking days upon days.”

On individual players

DT Uar Bernard

“Excited to have him here. Really excited about that. You talk about being able to develop habits and things like that. There [are] things that are brand new to him, so that’s an exciting thing. Excited to have him here and look forward to working with all these guys.”

WR Makai Lemon and TE Eli Stowers 

“Both of those guys did a nice job today, did a nice job in meetings, being able to answer questions both in position meetings and in offensive meetings. Just like you are, looking forward to getting to know them better and looking forward to continuing to see them grow as players.”

On his onboarding process

“I think at the end of the day though, this weekend with these rookies is about establishing the behaviors that are important to winning football games and trying to get those behaviors [to] become their habits.”

Sirianni explained that they show and tell them what they think, but says the ‘tough, detailed, together” is the easy part. The hard part is being relentless with those things every single day. 

“But it is a very important part of the process to make sure that the job description’s very clear. Again, like I said, you’re just trying to develop these habits that you know are important, that result with wins and losses.”

Sirianni also talked about how they make sure to get a good evaluation on 30 tryout players in such a short window of time. He explained that they want to get the guys working, get habits started, and get them running plays.

“I know that some of the league doesn’t do rookie minicamp quite as much. We still think that’s an important part of the process for many different reasons.

We think it’s really important to be able to bring guys in because they’re not in football shape right now. We think it’s important to bring a wide variety of guys in so you’re able to practice because if you just had one deep in this camp, we’d wear these guys out pretty darn quick. It is important, and it’s important to also be able to cast a wide net and have different types of players in here that you’ve had your eye on or that have popped on tape for different things, and to be able to get a look at them and see if you can steal a guy that way.“

On the veterans

“They’re hungry and they’re hungry to be back here. They’re hungry to continue to connect with each other, connect with their new teammates. I’ve really seen them spend a lot of time together knowing how important this phase of the offseason is to be able to come together as a team. Sometimes in the season, you don’t have these opportunities that you work till midday and then you’ve got a long portion of the day to be able to do some things with your teammates.”

Sirianni went on to emphasize how hard they are working at connecting and starting to build together, as well as working really hard in the weight room.

“Everything starts right back at the beginning and we’re building it as if we’re starting from square one again. Not only in the schemes, not only a new scheme with offense, the same [with] scheme on defense, same [with] scheme on special teams, same thing with our strength and conditioning, same thing with our core values, same thing with our relationships.”

Other notables

• Sirianni was asked about Alec Halaby leaving the organization, and the head coach said he really enjoyed the time they worked together and he was valued and will be missed. He noted that Halaby gave him great insight into his perspective and was able to communicate those things.
• The head coach said that there isn’t too much different about coaching up a left-handed quarterback – rookie Cole Payton – and noted that his son is also a lefty and a QB, so the biggest challenge is trying to mirror the motions.
• He confirmed that the team did NOT ensure that Luke Akers was assigned No. 2, the number worn by his dad, legendary Eagles kicker David Akers. Sirianni that it was still pretty cool that it worked out that way, and noted that Luke punted the ball really well during his tryout.
• Sirianni was asked about the Eagles not scheduling the fully allowed number of OTA and minicamp days, but he pointed to the big picture when it comes to both the players health, and to making sure there was enough down time in between at this point of the offseason.

The Orlando Magic front office made the move many in the NBA suspected they would to begin their offseason, and the franchise acted quickly.

Less than 24 hours after the Magic were eliminated from the playoffs when they blew a 3-1 series lead in Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons, the team announced it had fired coach Jamahl Mosley after five seasons. Mosley had been rumored to be on the hot seat heading into the postseason, as the Magic were relegated to the play-in tournament after being mentioned as Eastern Conference contenders heading into the 2025-26 NBA campaign.

Team president Jeff Weltman said in a statement that the Magic is seeking "a new voice and fresh perspective," and the job remains an intriguing one despite Orlando's collapse against the Eastern Conference's top seed. The Magic still have 2022 No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and former lottery picks Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter, Jr. under contract, and could potentially make the jump many anticipated this season a year later with the right hire.

Here's a breakdown of six potential candidates to replace Mosley as the Orlando Magic's next coach:

NBA PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS: How will each second-round series play out?

Orlando Magic coaching candidates

Billy Donovan

Donovan notoriously accepted the Magic job and even held an introductory news conference in Orlando in 2007 before deciding to return to Gainesville as Florida's coach. He recently stepped down as the Bulls coach after six years and has already been linked to the job in several reports. Donovan has a 469-413 overall record in 11 seasons as an NBA coach, with a trip to the Western Conference Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016.

Mike Budenholzer

Budenholzer was unceremoniously fired after one season with the Phoenix Suns last year, but he still has a reputation for producing high-performing offenses from his days with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks previously and an NBA championship on his resume in the past five years. His scheme is also known for operating well even without a traditional point guard, which could free up the Magic's pre-existing personnel.

Tom Thibodeau

Thibodeau has been on the shelf since the New York Knicks fired him after last year's loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, but he's a proven coaching commodity with everything but an NBA Finals appearance on his resume. Thibodeau's defensive identity would build on the Magic's strengths, but might not be the best fit for a team whose stagnant offense caused it issues all season long.

James Borrego

The former Charlotte Hornets coach and Magic assistant/interim head coach could make a return to Orlando after an admirable 24-46 run as the Pelicans interim head coach this season. Despite his ties to San Antonio Spurs and Gregg Poppovich, Borrego's lack of playoff credentials will be hard to overcome in the coaching search if the Magic front office intends to act as aspiring contenders this offseason.

Sam Cassell

Might the Magic be the team that finally gives the longtime NBA point guard and assistant coach his first chance to lead an NBA team? He's been mentioned as a candidate for various openings over the years, and he's been a lead assistant coach under Joe Mazzulla during his successful run with the Boston Celtics.

Terry Stotts

The longtime Portland Trail Blazers coach spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors. His eight-straight playoff appearances with the Trail Blazers, combined with time spent in Kerr's offensive system, could be appealing to Orlando if it can't reel in its top candidates.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Billy Donovan among Orlando Magic candidates after Jamahl Mosley fired

Tigers receive 'meh' grade from ESPN analyst for mediocre start to 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Tigers are starting the year off with a mediocre record. After a late-season collapse in 2025, they retooled with Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander to try and go all-in for Tarik Skubal's last year of club control.

Through the first month of the season, the Tigers sit at 18-17, tied atop the division with the Cleveland Guardians, in what's been an overall mediocre start to the season.

ESPN's David Schoenfield handed out grades for every team, and amid giving the Tigers a "C" grade for their start to the year, he called their season so far "meh" outside of Skubal and rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle.

Tigers given 'meh' assessment of 2026 season so far

"The Tigers have some clear positives, starting with Tarik Skubal, who is still great, and Kevin McGonigle, who is on his way to greatness," Schoenfield writes. "Otherwise? Sort of a 'meh' opening month."

After the disastrous close to the 2025 regular season and heartbreaking defeat to the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, the Tigers are looking to make the World Series this year.

But, so far, things aren't going too well, nor are they going too poorly. They own a plus-18 run differential, and have a 12-3 record at home and a 6-14 record on the road.

Their offense is good with a .738 OPS on the season, which ranks sixth in MLB, while their pitching staff's 3.81 ERA ranks ninth in the league as well.

MORE: 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals

Those are some promising numbers, as they're top 10 in offense and pitching so far in 2026. But, overall, it's a lackluster start for a team that is aiming for the World Series.

Verlander, Casey Mize, Will Vest, Gleyber Torres, Zach McKinstry, Javier Baez, and Parker Meadows are all hurt, and the majority of the lineup and pitching staff are, for the most part, just okay.

Nothing has been alarming, nor has anything been overly exciting. As Schoenfield called it, it's been a "meh" start to the year for the Tigers.

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
• Reds' Elly De La Cruz makes baseball history not done in last 126 years
• Pete Crow-Armstrong is still struggling to hit well for the Cubs
• Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Mercy men's basketball team is facing a postseason ban next season because the program did not meet the benchmark for the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate.

Detroit Mercy athletic director Robert C. Vowels Jr. released a letter on Monday confirming the academic problems, which comes one day before the NCAA is scheduled to release its annual APR report.

The news blunts Detroit Mercy's recent momentum on the basketball court after falling just one game short of the NCAA Tournament in March. The Titans finished with a 17-15 record last season and made it to the Horizon Tournament finals before losing to Wright State 66-63.

Vowels wrote that while APR is a “meaningful measure" of academic progress, many believe that it is based on an “overreliance on narrow, potentially biased measures that can perpetuate inequities and may undermine the broader educational mission.”

He added that changes to the formula should be made for several reasons, including more financial incentives for players in the NIL era.

“While our program has undergone several changes over the last few years, we now have a new academic improvement plan in place to address the evolving NCAA era,” Vowels wrote. "Head coach Mark Montgomery is committed to the Titans, and the coaching staff has been fully invested in academic monitoring and success since their arrival last year."

___

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The Minnesota Vikings missed the playoffs last year in large part because of their ineffective quarterback play. They are expecting Kyler Murray to elevate their passing attack back into a respectable operation.

Unfortunately, the lack of other major free agent moves and a draft class that left people scratching their heads initially when Caleb Banks' name was called has left some critics skeptical. Sure, the Vikings finished the 2025 season 9-8, but they entered December 4-8 with question marks across the roster.

Count Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport as one of those skeptics.

He has Minnesota ranked 23rd in his latest Power Rankings, but says Murray's effectiveness could not only improve the Vikings but also make them a problem for the rest of the NFC.

"But whether or not the Vikings climb out of the NFC North basement in 2026 is going to come down to how that one major free-agent addition pans out. The Vikings will no doubt talk up a quarterback competition this summer, but it will be an upset if Kyler Murray isn't the starter in Week 1 over J.J. McCarthy. The question then becomes whether Kevin O'Connell can highlight Murray's strengths and get the 2019 first overall pick playing like the signal-caller who made two Pro Bowls earlier in his career. If O'Connell can do that, this team could be dangerous."

Murray himself has questions to answer. He has missed 30 games the last five seasons, and speculation about a potential "soft-benching" lingered last year after Murray reportedly suffered a foot injury.

But if he can get back to his Pro Bowl form from 2021, the Vikings could be once again battling for the NFC North crown.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings not in a good spot in Bleacher Report's power rankings

Real Madrid Castilla midfielder César Palacios has received interest from Athletic Bilbao, according to a report from MARCA. Palacios’ current deal with Real Madrid expires in the summer of 2027 and the club wants to extend his contract and then sell him to a bigger club while keeping 50% of his rights, per that same report.

Palacios has scored 13 goals and delivered 4 assists for Castilla. He knows that his tenure in Real Madrid’s academy is about to end and that’s where Athletic Bilbao’s interest could be useful. There, Palacios could play relevant minutes in an elite club and then Real Madrid could assess whether or not he’s ready to make his return to the Spanish capital.

The midfielder fits Bilbao’s player policy because he was born and raised in Soria, where his father was playing when he was born. His parents had planned for him to be born in Pamplona, but the birth came early and happened during a Copa match his father was playing in Córdoba. Still, he was registered in Pamplona, and that’s how it appears on both his ID and in the family registry.

Palacios is 21 years old and has the potential to be a relevant player in LaLiga. Whether or not that ever happens playing for Real Madrid remains to be seen.

David Lynch Delivers Blunt Verdict on Arne Slot After Liverpool’s Defeat to Man United

On Anfield Index’s ‘Media Matters’, Dave Davis and David Lynch picked through another grim Liverpool afternoon, a 3-2 defeat away to Manchester United that carried more weight than one result. As Davis put it, “You don’t like losing to them especially,” before noting that Liverpool had gone down at Old Trafford with “plenty to talk about, especially in the dugout.”

Lynch’s mood was unmistakable. He said Liverpool supporters have “just been kind of week after week, pretty much a lot of misery and not many high points at all.” Even wins have brought little comfort, with Lynch saying, “they don’t play particularly well.”

Against Manchester United, the issue was not simply the scoreline. It was the manner. Lynch called the first half “truly, truly shocking,” adding that Liverpool looked “weak and passive” while United were “snapping into challenges.” His strongest verdict was reserved for Liverpool’s lack of readiness: “I think disgraceful probably is the word for it.”

Arne Slot scrutiny deepens

The conversation turned inevitably to Arne Slot and whether Liverpool can plausibly go into next season with the same manager. Lynch was careful to acknowledge mitigation, saying there are “many, many issues and enough blame to share around.” Yet his conclusion was still severe.

“I lean on the side of it not being,” he said, when discussing whether sticking with Slot is the right decision. Lynch added that Liverpool have been “quite so bad at times this season” that he “really, really struggle[s] to see how they return to being good next season.”

That is the crux. This was not presented as a reaction to one Manchester United defeat. Lynch pointed to repeated slow starts, repeated poor performances and repeated structural problems. “Do they train enough? Is the intensity there? Is this style of football going to work in this league?” he asked.

The numbers only sharpened the debate. Davis referenced Liverpool conceding “seventy plus goals in a single season” and Slot tying “with the most defeats in a single season by any Liverpool manager.” Lynch accepted that managers can have bad seasons, but said what makes this harder is “when you watch them, they’re just so” poor in familiar ways.

Manchester United deserved it

For all the talk around decisions, Lynch did not hide behind refereeing. He felt one Manchester United goal should have been ruled out for handball and said of Bruno Fernandes’ challenge, “for me, that’s a red.” Yet he still stressed that “you can’t spend too much time thinking about the decisions because when you perform that poorly” the bigger question is what Liverpool deserved.

The answer, he said, was “not very much at all.”

Photo: IMAGO

Lynch also felt Manchester United “deserved to win it,” despite describing both sides in bleak terms. “Two poor teams, really,” he said, adding that both have “a lot of work to do if they want to get back to challenging for the title.”

The wider context hurts Liverpool even more. Manchester United have now done the double over Liverpool for the first time since 2016, and this defeat did little to suggest Slot’s side are building momentum.

If Liverpool are “lacking intensity,” if they “look like a bunch of strangers,” as Lynch put it, then the manager cannot be outside the conversation.

Dave Davis framed the despair, David Lynch supplied the sharpest analysis, and Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool now feels like the question that will dominate the summer. Lynch’s own position was measured, but clear enough: “for me personally, I lean on the side that it will probably be the safer bet for Liverpool to make the change.”

Chelsea’s dismal second half to the season sunk to new lows as they lost six league matches in a row for the first time in over three decades.

Their 3-1 home defeat to a second-string Nottingham Forest side - who have embarked on a brilliant winning run under Vitor Pereira to take them to the brink of safety - was their sixth in succession, marking the first time they have lost six league games in a row since November 1993.

They were already on the club’s worst run since 1912 - but they at least avoided going six games without scoring for the first time in the club’s history, thanks to Joao Pedro’s stoppage-time goal.

Taiwo Awoniyi opened the scoring inside the first two minutes before Igor Jesus scored a penalty after a thoughtless shirt-pull in the box by Malo Gusto on Awoniyi.

The Nigerian added a third in the 52nd minute after Gibbs-White fired in a low cross, and although Pedro thought he had pulled one back for the hosts, VAR deemed him offside by the width of a few toes.

Cole Palmer also had a penalty saved by Forest keeper Matz Sels at the end of the first half after Zach Abbott was penalised for a foul on Jesse Derry, who was taken off on a stretcher and transported to hospital following their nasty collision.

Pedro did however redeem himself with a superb injury-time goal, chesting the ball down with his back to goal from a Marc Cucurella cross before a superb bicycle kick into the back of the net, ending a nine-and-a-half hour run of play for Chelsea without scoring.

The managerless Blues, currently overseen by interim manager Calum McFarlane after the sacking of Liam Rosenior, haven’t won in the Premier League since January.

To make matters worse those losses have been emphatic: until Pedro’s late consolation this was on course to be their fourth 3-0 defeat in the Premier League in the space of five games, although they managed to avoid that unwanted statistic.

The result leaves Chelsea in ninth, 10 points away from the Champions League places, and in danger of dropping into the lower half of the table.

All of Fulham, Everton, Sunderland and Newcastle are below them but within three points, while Forest are on a seven-game unbeaten streak and six points clear of the relegation zone.

The Rockford IceHogs announced a change to head coach Jared Nightingale’s staff on Monday morning, as assistant coach Rob Klinkhammer was relieved of his duties. Klinkhammer was hired as an assistant coach on Aug. 4, 2022, and spent the last four seasons in the position.

Klinkhammer, 39, worked with the IceHogs’ forwards and was in charge of the team’s power play during his time as an assistant. This past season, Rockford finished 31st out of 32 teams in the AHL on the man advantage, converting at a 13.1 percent clip. The lack of production from the power play certainly factored into the IceHogs failing to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2018-19.

During his playing career, Klinkhammer was a member of the IceHogs from 2008-2012 and made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2010-11 season. He ranks eighth in franchise history with 242 appearances for Rockford, tallying 44 goals and 65 assists for 109 points.

After departing the Blackhawks’ organization in December 2011 via trade, Klinkhammer went on to play in 193 career NHL games between the Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Edmonton Oilers. He tallied 22 goals and 21 assists for 43 points across five seasons.

From top to bottom, the Blackhawks are searching for better results as a franchise in 2026-27. The IceHogs were a bottom-three team in the AHL last year, finishing with only 61 points (28-39-3-2) in 72 games. They were just one point better than the last-place Hartford Wolf Pack. Improvements must be made, and the organization seems to believe that a shake-up with Nightingale’s staff was necessary moving forward.

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The post Rockford IceHogs Relieve Assistant Coach of Duties After Four Seasons appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now.

A jury has been seated in the assault trial of former New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

The seven jurors, comprising six women and one man, were selected at Dedham District Court for a trial that the judge says could last “two or three days.”

We are hearing a jury has been selected for the Stefon Diggs assault trial. @boston25

— Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) May 4, 2026

Diggs faces charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.

He has pleaded not guilty and denies allegations that he strangled his former private chef during an incident at his Dedham home on Dec. 2, 2025.

Diggs had no comment as he made his way into court.

Prosecutors say the alleged altercation occurred during a dispute over unpaid wages. According to court documents, the woman told police that Diggs struck her in the face, placed her in a chokehold, and threw her onto a bed.

Boston 25 News has obtained text messages that appear to show Diggs and the woman arguing over money.

During a final pretrial hearing on Friday, defense attorneys objected to the alleged victim referencing a separate prior bad act in court. While details of that alleged incident were not discussed, the defense argued it could be used to explain why the woman delayed reporting the alleged assault for two weeks.

The judge sided with the defense, ruling that any reference to a prior bad act would be excluded unless prosecutors provided additional detail or argument, citing the lack of specificity in the information presented.

Diggs was not present in court for Friday’s pretrial hearing.

The 32-year-old was released by the Patriots in March. He’s currently a free agent.

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

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The Blaze cemented their place at the top of the Women's One-Day Cup table with a five-wicket victory over Surrey at Trent Bridge.

Kirstie Gordon's side banked a solid victory from a low-scoring game after bowling Surrey out for just 164.

Priyanaz Chatterji top-scored from number seven with 45 from 68 balls, but Gordon eviscerated the middle order with three wickets in seven balls on her way to 3-37.

The Blaze then hit trouble of their own at 61-5 but Georgia Elwiss (76 not out off 95 balls) and Emma Jones (36 not out off 49) calmly steered them to victory with an unbroken stand of 105.

"We've had a lot of games over a short space of time with a lot of moving parts, people coming in and out of the side, so I am really proud of the group," said Elwiss.

"It was a little bit of a tricky chase today with early wickets falling, but we knew that one good partnership could do it, and we have got such depth in our batting line-up that we have a lot of confidence in everybody."

Surrey's defeat was their third in succession after starting the season with three wins. They badly need to reboot, but Blaze's momentum continues to grow after a fourth consecutive win, and fifth out of six games.

Match scorecard

Put in on a grey morning with the floodlights shining brightly, Surrey started briskly, scoring 19 from three overs, but Paige Scholfield missed a drive at Charley Phillips and was bowled off-stump.

Alice Monaghan then lifted a pull at Lucy Higham and was well caught by Tammy Beaumont at square leg.

Gordon then left Surrey reeling with three quickfire wickets - Bryony Smith top-edged to deep square leg and Alice Davidson-Richards and Jemima Spice were both bowled.

From 57-5, Surrey had little option to retrench and Kira Chathli (28) and Chatterji added a watchful 36 before the former was adjudged leg-before to Josie Groves.

Less arguable was the lbw call against Aylish Cranston (20) when she missed a sweep at Higham and Chatterji, having hit just two fours in a diligent innings that at least gave her side something to bowl at, was caught at long on off Kathryn Bryce who then had Danielle Gregory caught at point.

When England newcomer Tilly Corteen-Coleman was yorked by Phillips, Surrey's innings ended with 42 balls unused.

Their bowlers, though, responded impressively with three wickets in the first five overs as Corteen-Coleman had Beaumont caught at slip, and Maitlin Brown bowled Kathryn Bryce and Amy Jones to leave The Blaze 19-3.

Elwiss and Sarah Bryce (29) added 42 but Monaghan powered Surrey back into the match by hitting the off-stumps of Bryce and Ella Claridge with successive balls.

Elwiss and Emma Jones were unruffled and the former hooked Brown for six to bring up the 100 as the sixth-wicket pair added 50 from 75 balls.

Elwiss reached her half-century from 72 deliveries and well though Surrey bowled, their batters' under-performance had left them too much to do as the sixth-wicket pair closed out an ultimately comfortable victory with 93 balls in hand.

"I think maybe another 40 or 50 runs, setting them 200, and it would have been a very good game. It was a great effort to try and claw it back but we just couldn't get over the line," said Surrey skipper Chathli.

"This is a testing time for us. It is a just a matter of how well we can regroup as a team. We have just got to keep backing ourselves and believing we can do it and we'll soon be back on that winning streak."

Report by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.

Wednesday fixtures

Chelmsford: Essex v Lancashire

Utilita Bowl: Hampshire v Somerset

Edgbaston: Warwickshire v Durham

Play starts 10:30 BST

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Brentford Close In on Salzburg Defender Deal

 Brentford are nearing completion of a deal for Jannik Schuster from RB Salzburg, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Photo IMAGO

Agreement Edges Towards Completion

The structure is understood to be a €20m package, with a verbal agreement already in place between the clubs. Romano’s familiar line, “Here we go, soon.”, signals that formal confirmation is now a matter of process rather than negotiation.

Strategic Addition in Defence

For Brentford, this represents a continuation of a recruitment model built on identifying emerging talent with resale value. Schuster, an Austrian centre back, fits that profile, a player seen as capable of adapting to the demands of the Premier League.

The deal reflects clarity in planning. Brentford are not reacting, they are reinforcing with purpose, strengthening a defensive unit that has required depth and long term stability.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This move feels aligned with everything Brentford have built in recent years. Jannik Schuster may not arrive with widespread recognition, but that has rarely been a requirement for success in West London.

Fans would likely trust the process. Brentford’s recruitment has consistently delivered players who develop into key contributors, and there is a quiet confidence that this could be another example. The €20m outlay signals ambition, but it remains within a structure that prioritises value and sustainability.

There may be curiosity about how quickly Schuster adapts. The Premier League brings intensity, pace, and physicality that demand immediate adjustment. Supporters would hope he can integrate swiftly, particularly if he is expected to compete for a starting role.

Ultimately, the reaction would be measured optimism. This feels like a signing made with foresight, not urgency. Brentford fans have seen this model work before, and they will back it again, expecting growth, development, and another step forward for the squad.

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe finds himself in the eye of the storm in the Spanish capital after his recent trip to France and Italy while recovering from an injury.

While the team was preparing to take on RCD Espanyol over the weekend, the 27-year-old was away on vacation, first in Paris and then in Italy, causing quite a stir, not only among the fans but also within the club.

There is some concern within the dressing room as well about the timing of the trip at a time when the all-important El Clasico against Barcelona is on the horizon.

Mbappe responds

Mbappe returned to Madrid on Sunday and was back at Real Madrid’s training ground in Valdebebas on Monday, continuing his recovery from a muscle injury.

After training, Mbappe stopped briefly to greet supporters, signing shirts and taking a photo. It was a quiet moment, but things got more interesting when cameras from El Chiringuito approached him.

They asked about the criticism surrounding his recent trips, his current fitness, and whether he expects to be ready for the upcoming Clasico.

Mbappe’s response was short and telling as he said: “I don’t understand.”

The 27-year-old superstar did not provide any further explanation before he drove off.

Mbappe’s curt response will likely keep the conversation going around his situation, especially with the Clasico getting closer.

As for his availability for the game against Barcelona, he is expected to undergo further tests on Wednesday to determine whether he can play at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are through the first round. The most surprising outcome featured no second-ranked teams moving through. However, the NHL continues to provide us with plenty of excitement, as these current Stanley Cup Playoffs have been as entertaining as anyone could hope for. Here are the updated Stanley Cup power rankings.

MORE: Coach Martin St. Louis lets his inner ‘player’ out after Canadiens’ Game 7 win

8. Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim moves on. They face Vegas in the second round. This young Ducks team has raised eyebrows with their ability to play hard and with grit.

7. Philadelphia Flyers

Porter Martone has been the bright spot in the Flyers’ offense. Since his NHL debut, he’s been better than advertised. In the second round, the Flyers face off against the top-seeded Hurricanes. The most interesting statistic for Philadelphia’s postseason run is that they have yet to score a first-period goal.

6. Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas cruised in its first-round showdown with Utah. Now, the Golden Knights turn their attention to Anaheim. The Ducks are not an easy matchup, but the Golden Knights can move on in six games.

5. Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens’ second-round series, with the Sabres, has the makings of an all-time playoff matchup. Both teams are playing some of their best hockey. Montreal and Buffalo should see the series go at least six games.

4. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres did it during the regular season, and their performance has carried over into the postseason. This team is not to be taken lightly. The team’s defense must step up and prevent a hot Canadiens’ offense from doing damage in the second round.

3. Minnesota Wild

The Wild handled the Stars with ease in round one. Now, they focus their attention on the Colorado Avalanche. If Sunday night’s game one, which had 15 goals scored, says anything, this is going to be an offensive barrage of a series.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina swept Ottawa in round one and moved on to face the Philadelphia Flyers. The Hurricanes are the darlings of the Eastern Conference. The Flyers have yet to score a first-period goal in the playoffs, and the Hurricanes can take advantage of early leads throughout their second-round matchup.

1. Colorado Avalanche

The race to the Stanley Cup goes through Colorado. The Avalanche are the NHL’s best and rightfully so. Nathan MacKinnon is the favorite to win the year’s Conn Smythe Trophy.

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Once we have two months of advanced data, we will likely start to weigh 2026 more than 2025. That’s mainly because there have been significant changes in 2026, including injuries, skill changes and luck factors impacting team pitchers. A good example of this involves the Dodgers and Rangers ranking in the top 12 in the average adjusted score. However, the Dodgers and Rangers have single-digit K-BB% and awful WHIPs.

Meanwhile, the Cubs have been unlucky via their BABIP and strand rates. However, the expected ERA and SIERA indicate the Cubs have skilled pitchers, so we should trust the skills more. Like the Cubs, the Padres, Tigers and Mariners have high-end ERA estimators via xERA and SIERA, suggesting they have strong pitching staffs and can be challenging for opposing hitters.

I believe in Chase Dollander (hopefully) being an outlier for the Rockies, as he contributes to the improved K-BB% in 2026, though it’s still low as a team. We targeted the Cardinals, White Sox and Athletics pitching staffs, given their poor adjusted scores and weaker pitching. However, those three teams have shown a better K-BB% and SIERA in 2026. Don’t sleep on the Marlins’ pitching staff, generating one of the biggest improvements in K-BB% in 2026 with strong skills, ERA estimators and favorable luck factors (BABIP and strand rate).

Seven-Game Slates

• Orioles (1 at NYY, 3 at MIA, 3 vs. ATH)

  • The Orioles project to face right-handed starting pitchers in six of seven games in Week 7. It might be a challenging first part of the week, facing Cam Schlittler, Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez and Max Meyer before going against the Athletics. This could be a solid week for Dylan Beavers as the most notable strong-side platoon option.

• Red Sox (3 at DET, 4 vs. TB)

  • Be cautious with any right-handed hitters in a platoon for the Red Sox since they face four right-handed starting pitchers in Week 7. In weekly leagues, we might want to sit Jarren Duran and Marcelo Mayer. 

• Cubs (4 vs. CIN, 3 at TEX)

  • Cubs’ hitters project to face six of seven right-handed starting pitchers in Week 7. It could be an explosive week for the Cubs, facing Chase Petty, Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer and Rhett Lowder for the first four games. Then the Cubs face Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker and Jacob deGrom. Moisés Ballesteros should be a top pickup option and streamer hitter in Week 7.

• Reds (4 at CHC, 3 vs. HOU)

  • Six of seven right-handed starting pitchers will be on the slate in Week 7. It might be more challenging earlier in the week against the Cubs’ pitching staff, and then the Reds face a depleted Astros’ rotation of Mike Burrows, Spencer Arrighetti and Kai-Wei Teng. TJ Friedl should be the biggest beneficiary for volume, though the Reds’ hitters have juicy matchups against the Astros.

• Guardians (4 at KC, 3 vs. MIN)

  • The Guardians project to face four of seven right-handed starting pitchers in Week 7. Besides Cole Ragans, the Royals’ pitching staff could be targeted in Week 7 (Michael Wacha, Noah Cameron and Seth Lugo). Travis Bazzana initially projected as a strong-side platoon option, but played against the only lefty they faced since he was called up. 

• Royals (4 vs. CLE, 3 vs. DET)

  • Royals’ hitters face five of seven right-handed starting pitchers in Week 7. Michael Massey, Jac Caglianone and Kyle Isbel take the biggest hit against lefties. However, Massey started against three out of the past four left-handed starting pitchers since the middle of April. 

• Marlins (1 vs. PHI, 3 vs. BAL, 3 vs. WSH)

  • Miami projects to face right-handed starting pitchers in four of seven games. Besides Jesús Luzardo in the first game, the Marlins will face mostly underwhelming pitchers on the Orioles and Nationals. A reminder that the Orioles and Nationals pitchers were in the bottom five in the adjusted team pitcher scores, meaning that’s hitter-friendly. That makes five of six friendly pitcher matchups for the rest of Week 7 if you’re a believer in Cade Cavalli like me. 

• Yankees (1 vs. BAL, 3 vs. TEX, 3 at MIL)

  • It’s a mixed bag for the Yankees’ hitters. Though the Rangers’ pitching staff hasn’t looked great in the advanced stats, New York will face Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and MacKenzie Gore. Then the Yankees will face Kyle Harrison, Chad Patrick and Brandon Sproat. Harrison has been balling out, but fantasy managers can’t sit many regular hitters on the Yankees.

• Phillies (1 at MIA, 3 vs. ATH, 3 vs. COL)

  • Surprisingly, the Phillies’ hitters have been in the bottom five in wRC+ (No. 27). This looks like a week to have the bats heat up unless Janson Junk, Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs and J.T. Ginn shut them down before facing the Rockies’ ace Chase Dollander, Kyle Freeland and Tomoyuki Sugano. That’s five of seven right-handed starting pitchers in Week 7 for the Phillies, which could mean productive weeks for Brandon Marsh, Bryson Stott and Justin Crawford as strong-side platoon options.

• Padres (3 at SF, 4 vs. STL)

  • San Diego has six of seven right-handed starting pitchers on the slate, with Matthew Liberatore as the only lefty projected for Week 7. Logan Webb looks like the best starting pitcher going against the Padres, so stream Padres’ hitters in Week 7. Gavin Sheets and Jake Cronenworth project as strong-side platoon options. However, the playing time for Sheets has been unpredictable, with Cronenworth playing mostly every day in the bottom third of the lineup.

• Cardinals (3 vs. MIL, 4 at SDP)

  • Jacob Misiorowski will be the best pitcher that the Cardinals face, with decent options for the Padres (Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Walker Buehler and Griffin Canning) in Week 7. Matchups aside, the Brewers and Padres have been two of the better pitching staffs over the past two seasons. 

• Rays (3 vs. TOR, 4 at BOS)

  • This might be one of those rare weak-side platoon option weeks for the Rays, facing four left-handed starting pitchers in Week 7. That includes Eric Lauer, Patrick Corbin, Connelly Early and Ranger Suárez. Ben Williamson has played against right- and left-handed starting pitchers as a utility infielder, with Ryan Vilade and Jonny DeLuca as the primary weak-side platoon options. Vilade and DeLuca have little value, even in deep leagues. 

Shallow- to Medium-League Waiver Pickups

Moisés Ballesteros, Cubs (31% Rostered)

With a heavy dose of right-handed starting pitchers, Ballesteros should smash in Week 7. Ballesteros showed strong plate discipline with above-average contact rates (80.2%) and a solid 9.9% swinging-strike rate. That can help Ballesteros be an asset in on-base and points leagues with a career walk rate in the double digits.

Ballesteros boasts strong power skills, evidenced by barrel rate per plate appearance at 8% and 101.1 mph EV50 (No. 88) in 2026. Maybe it’s a small sample, but Ballesteros has improved his launch angle, positively impacting his home run potential. Ballesteros’s groundball went from 62.2% in 2025 to 43.1% in 2026. The 2026 groundball and flyball rates were similar to his averages in the minors. 

Ballesteros typically batted in the middle of the Cubs’ lineup, but batted in the two-spot over the past week. If fantasy managers need power, look toward Ballesteros in shallow and medium leagues in most formats, especially points. 

Carlos Cortes, Athletics (26% Rostered)

Cortes projects as the Athletics’ strong-side platoon option in the outfield. The Athletics face five of six right-handed starting pitchers in Week 7. He has been a favorite of fantasy analysts in deeper formats because of playing time and tools. When a hitter like Cortes rocks a better walk than strikeout rate, it usually indicates they’re strong assets in points and OBP formats. Meanwhile, Cortes’ .391 BABIP has been fueling his massive .387 batting average in 2026.

He has elite plate discipline, with a 85.7% contact rate. Strong plate discipline paired with Cortes’ legitimate power makes him a fantasy-friendly hitter. That’s evidenced by a 101.5 mph EV50 (No. 73) and 10.7% barrel rate per plate appearance in 2026. Target Cortes in shallow and medium-sized leagues of all types (batting average, OBP and points). 

Bryson Stott, Phillies (27% Rostered)

We discussed how the Phillies have favorable matchups in Week 7. Unfortunately, the Phillies’ hitters have been below average, with an 85 wRC+ (No. 27). The Phillies project to face five right-handed starting pitchers out of seven games. Stott has been pulling the ball more often (44.7%) in 2026, over 11 percentage points above his career average. That coincides with Stott’s pulled air rate jumping to 19.7% in 2026. 

Though fantasy managers don’t typically target Stott for power, there have been intentional changes of pulling the ball into the air. However, stolen bases have been Stott’s strong suit. It’s early, but Stott has been rocking a 30% stolen base opportunity rate, up from 21% throughout his career. He converted 100% of his stolen base chances with a high career success rate (87%). 

Pick up Stott to stream for stolen bases in Week 7.

Deep-League Waiver Pickups (Around 20% rostered or Lower)

Cole Young, Mariners (20% Rostered)

Many like myself have been clamoring for Colt Emerson. However, Cole Young doesn’t want us to forget about him, playing every day at second base in the bottom third of the Mariners’ lineup. Though Young’s .322 BABIP fuels his .267 batting average, he typically ran higher BABIPs in the minors. 

Young boasts strong plate discipline with a 79.4% contact rate and 9.6% swinging-strike rate. Interestingly, Young has been more aggressive with his swing rates, especially in the zone (67.4%), a four-point jump from 2025.

Travis Bazzana might be a hot waiver add in most leagues at 2B, if he isn’t picked up already, but Young should be better throughout Week 7 and most of the 2026 season.

Brandon Marsh, Phillies (16% Rostered)

Marsh was out of the lineup with an elbow issue on Saturday, but returned to the lineup on Sunday. He has been a source of power and speed, providing strong batting averages and on-base skills. Interestingly, Marsh’s contact rate (81.5%) jumped to a career high, nearly seven points above his career average. Meanwhile, Marsh was more aggressive via his swing (51.4%) and chase rates (38.3%). For context, Marsh’s chase rate increased by over 10 points with a 6-7 point jump in the overall swing rate.

Since the Phillies have hitter-friendly matchups in Week 7, Marsh could be a deep league waiver wire addition in Week 7. 

Nathaniel Lowe, Reds (4% Rostered)

Since Eugenio Suárez hit the injured list, Nathaniel Lowe’s playing time became more consistent. From April 21 and beyond, Lowe has 5 HR, a .333 BA and a 230 wRC+ across 36 plate appearances. It’s an early, small sample, but Lowe has shown higher bat speed (74.4 mph) and a 9.7% barrel rate per plate appearance, both of which would be career bests.

Lowe should have at least another week or two of production and regular playing time until Suárez returns.

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Wu Yize held off a Shaun Murphy fightback to ensure he will take a slender 13-12 lead into the concluding session of their World Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Having watched Wu deliver a succession of big breaks to pull clear at 10-7 overnight, Murphy emphatically roared back into contention in the best-of-35-frames final on Monday afternoon.

The Englishman, who was crowned champion in 2005 and is aiming to set a new record for the longest gap between first and second titles, reeled off the first five frames on offer with breaks of 76, 52, 59 and 60.

However, he was given a huge helping hand by his 22-year-old opponent, who initially appeared to be carrying the weight of the occasion on his shoulders.

With his trademark long-potting ability conspicuous by its absence, Wu repeatedly left Murphy opportunities to capitalise.

To his credit, Wu stopped the rot in the 23rd frame of the match - crafting an important break of 64 after Murphy left a red over the right corner.

That shifted the momentum back in Wu's favour, allowing him to limit the damage.

Wu, who could become the second-youngest world champion at snooker's most famous venue, levelled the match after a contribution of 46 and then regained the lead with runs of 60 and 61 in the final frame of the session.

It means that there will only be one frame separating the finalists when they return at 19:00 BST - the first time that has happened since 2014, when Mark Selby eventually defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan 18-14.

• Watch and follow conclusion of World Championship final from 19:00 BST
• Who is snooker's new superstar Wu?
• 'He'll need to tell us his secret' - analysing Murphy's new break-off

Analysis: 'Wu found something from somewhere'

Ken Doherty, 1997 world champion, speaking on BBC Two:

"Wu found something from somewhere and he needed to because he was in big trouble.

"When things are going against you, you have to go back to the good memories and believe in yourself.

"He dug himself out of a hole and he's got his nose in front again.

"You could see how he walked out of the arena, he felt 10 feet tall and I bet he can't wait to come back tonight.

"When you look back at that session, Shaun didn't miss much in those last three frames. Wu made his own breaks."

John Parrott, 1991 world champion:

"It was a fabulous session of snooker. To get himself off the canvas and win the last three frames shows me more than anything that this boy has got the lot.

"He can give a punch but he can certainly take one."

At the London Marathon held on Sunday, April 26 local time in London, an “extraordinary achievement” that rewrote the history of track and field was born. Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe finished in 1:59:30, and Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha crossed the line in 1:59:41, becoming the first humans in history to break the “2-hour barrier” in an official race.

The Structure of a Historic Shoe

The shoe that drew attention for this achievement was adidas’s latest racing super shoe, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 (ADIZERO ADIOS PRO EVO 3). In the women’s race as well, Tigst Assefa wore the same model and broke the women’s world record for a women-only race. In other words, top athletes across the board chose this pair.

This model achieves an average weight of 97g (27.0 cm), making it the lightest in the history of the Adizero series, and adidas says it reduces the weight of the materials used in the midsole by about 50% compared with previous models. In addition, the integrated carbon-and-foam “ENERGYRIM” technology ensures high stability. Also, “Continental” rubber placed in the forefoot delivers grip during high-speed running while keeping weight down. Even fine details such as the shoelaces and stitching were reworked, resulting in specifications designed with the world’s top racing scene in mind.

Since 2020, the Adizero series has won more than 200 races and rewritten 24 world records. Domestic sales of the “Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3” that achieved this feat have not yet been decided, but the actual product is on display at the adidas Brand Flagship Store MIYASHITA PARK.

Nike’s Long Pursuit of the Sub-2

Breaking the “2-hour barrier” had been considered only a matter of time due to a combination of factors such as the increasing speed of races in recent years, advances in pacing techniques, and improved weather analysis. However, being the first to break it in an official race will likely be a major advantage for adidas in sports marketing.

There is a reason for emphasizing “official race.” The company that took on this feat as a full-scale corporate effort was Nike. In 2019, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge recorded 1:59:40 in a Nike project, becoming the first human to run a full marathon in under two hours, albeit unofficially.

Nike titled the project “Breaking2” and launched it in earnest in 2014. About five years later, the record was set with the successor model to the “ZOOMX VAPORFLY NEXT%.” To break two hours, a runner must maintain a pace of about 2 minutes 50 seconds per kilometer. In the race, Kipchoge was supported by a team of 40 pacemakers, and a lead car continuously projected lights onto the ground as a pacing guide. Although it was a record set in an event rather than a formal race, it stunned both the industry and the public. At the same time, it further fueled the “thick-soled” running shoe boom that had been gradually spreading since 2017, helping reinforce the image that “speed = Nike.”

It Will Greatly Shake Up the Future Running Market

About six and a half years have passed since then, and trends in running shoes have changed dramatically. The landscape among elite runners, once dominated almost entirely by Nike, has shifted as adidas, ASICS, and rising brand On have increased their presence. “Thick soles,” too, have moved beyond a boom and become one option among many, while the shapes chosen by everyday runners have become more diverse than before. In the midst of that fierce competition, adidas breaking the “2-hour barrier” will have an impact as great as, or even greater than, Nike once did, and for the next several years the image of “speed = adidas” will likely spread around the world.

Of course, this is not a record belonging to the shoes, but an achievement by Sawe and Kejelcha themselves. However, the know-how adidas has built up with top athletes is sure to give it an edge over other companies going forward. The competition between adidas, which has earned the right to prominently claim speed, and its rivals will further advance running technology and culture.

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Make no mistake, the Oregon Ducks are expected to return to the College Football Playoff in 2026 after lasting until the semifinals last season. Throughout the season, the Ducks battled a narrative of playing an easy schedule with few ranked foes, outside of their October loss to Indiana. This season, that is not likely to be the case again.

CBS Sports' Brad Crawford ranked the toughest schedules for CFP contenders around the country, and the Ducks are among those facing a gauntlet on the schedule in the Big Ten. Oregon placed 11th on Crawford's list, trailing Ohio State (3), Michigan (4) and USC (8) within the conference. Texas and Oklahoma took the top two spots, respectively.

"The opener against Boise State and trips to Oklahoma State and USC in September should show us everything we need to know about the Ducks," Crawford wrote. "Then there's the reality of facing Ohio State, Michigan and Washington over the final four weeks -- teams that don't just beat you, they expose you if you're not complete. These are roster-check games where physicality at the line of scrimmage and depth in the fourth quarter will decide the winner. Oregon won't be able to out-talent everyone the way it might against lesser competition; execution becomes non-negotiable for Dan Lanning's group in November."

The Ducks will be well-traveled, playing games from out west in Eugene and Los Angeles all the way out to Illinois and Ohio. Oregon also won't have as forgiving a non-conference schedule this time around. They'll host soon-to-be Pac-12 representative Boise State at Autzen Stadium to open the season before traveling to Stillwater to take on a new and very much improved Oklahoma State team.

An early bye after a Week 4 trip to USC isn't ideal, as the Ducks will finish the season in November with a trip to Ohio State, home for Michigan, at Michigan State and back home for Washington, all in consecutive weeks. That could be three ranked games in four weeks for the Ducks.

Oregon would be wise not to look past an improved UCLA team off a bye in Week 6, now led by former James Madison coach Bob Chesney, whom the Ducks saw in Eugene for the first round of the CFP last season. It will certainly be a harder road for Dan Lanning, but the Ducks could build a resume worthy of the top overall seed if everything goes right.

On the flip side, losses later in the season are more likely to hurt the Ducks' playoff chances than an early loss while teams are still sorting through issues. That makes the November slate a bit daunting. If the Ducks were to drop multiple games in the month, they could be holding their breath on Selection Sunday.

Oregon's defense stood tall in the spring game, and the weapons out wide on offense made big plays that spark optimism that the Ducks could take another step forward in the postseason with one of the most talented rosters in program history, which is expected to produce multiple first-round picks.

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

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks football facing top 15 toughest schedule in 2026

Jamie Carragher has laid into Chelsea’s defending which saw the Blues go 2-0 down in 15 minutes against Nottingham Forest.

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Chelsea came off at half time against Nottingham Forest 2-0 down and in real trouble. The half time coverage on Sky saw pundit Jamie Carragher lay into Malo Gusto and his teammates for the defending that allowed his team to concede two such soft goals.

Carragher has been very critical (quite justifiably) of the BlueCo project, and it almost feels like he’s run out of steam here. He could have been so much more vicious, but instead, like most of us, he’s pretty much just accepting how shocking we are as standard now.

Carragher on “sloppy” Chelsea

“This goal sums up Chelsea,” Carragher said of the second goal, where Gusto pulled the shirt of Taiwo Awoniyi rather than try to get back and match his rub,

“It’s sloppy, lazy, it’s a lack of discipline – and that’s not just today but across the season with the red cards they’ve had.

“You think of the team they’ve got on the pitch here compared to Nottingham Forest, they shouldn’t be 2-0 down.”

Well he’s been proved right – Chelsea are now 3-0 down.

In other news…

The one piece of good news in this game was Levi Colwill coming on for his first minutes of the season as a half time change. 

Cole Palmer’s penalty miss and Jesse Derry’s horror injury made a bad first half into a true nightmare for the Blues.

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Christian Pulisic could be set for a return to English football this summer, with Manchester United reportedly identifying the United States international as a priority target and AC Milan valuing the attacker at around €60 million.

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According to Calciomercato.it, via MilanNews24, United have moved decisively for Pulisic, preferring him over other targets including Rafael Leão, with whom a swap deal involving Joshua Zirkzee had previously been mooted before falling through.

The Red Devils are said to be attracted by the American’s versatility, with his ability to operate as a winger, attacking midfielder or second striker particularly appealing to the club’s recruitment team.

ITALY – APRIL 11: Christian Pulisic reacts after seeing his team concede a third goal during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan in no rush to sell Pulisic despite Manchester United interest

Milan, however, are not under pressure to sell and are reportedly minded to wait before entering serious negotiations. The club are understood to want to monitor Pulisic’s performances at the World Cup with the United States national team, with the hope that a strong tournament could increase his market value beyond the current €60 million asking price.

A meeting between the two clubs is expected at the end of the season to establish both the player’s wishes and United’s genuine intentions. Despite Milan’s struggles in front of goal in recent months, Pulisic remains one of their most valuable assets and the club have no intention of letting him leave on the cheap.

A move to Old Trafford would represent a return to England for Pulisic, who spent four years at Chelsea before joining Milan in 2023.

The Mentality That Could Earn Ja’Kobi Lane Early Trust

Earning trust as a young receiver isn’t easy, especially in a competitive offense. But the mindset Ja’Kobi Lane brings could help him get there faster.

Todd Heap explained that approach when he joined The Lounge podcast.

“He's going to bail a lot more quarterbacks out. Hey, if you're a receiver, that's the other thing I'd tell Jacoby. I was like, You know, in practice every day. Quarterbacks are going to throw you the ball. They're not all going to be perfect. In fact, most of them aren't perfect. It's a rare few passes that are perfect, perfect. Especially when you're in competition. And what I'd preach to the young guys, especially guys that you know are capable, is go for everything. Try to catch everything. I don't care if it's under shoelaces. I don't care if it's 10 feet, 12 feet high. Go for everything.”

That’s how quarterbacks start to trust you, by seeing it every day. And if Ja’Kobi Lane shows that consistently, the opportunities will come.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ja'Kobi Lane's mindset could earn him early trust

Chelsea’s home game against Nottingham Forest came to an abrupt and concerning halt in the 45th minute on Monday.

With the Blues on the attack, 18-year-old Jesse Derry, who was making his Premier League debut under Calum McFarlane, leapt up for the ball in the penalty box after it initially rebounded off his shoulder.

Forest defender Zach Abbott, 19, then jumped up to challenge him, with the two colliding heads. Both players immediately fell to the turf.

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After pointing straight to the penalty spot, the referee quickly waved over medical staff, just as players also did.

While Abbott was swiftly substituted for Nico Williams under the concussion protocol, Derry remained on the floor as medical staff crowded around him, working to get him onto a stretcher.

The youngster was ultimately stretchered off in the 54th minute, as applause rang out from around Stamford Bridge.

Derry, who joined the Blues in the summer of 2025 from Crystal Palace, was brought in as a result of both Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto having suffered knocks, as per football.london. Before kick off, McFarlane told Sky Sports, "It’s a great opportunity for Jesse, he’s trained with us a lot.

"He’s been in squads and played in other games. We trust him and we know his talent. I’ve worked with him previously. The boys trust him and he’s trained really well. Really excited for Jesse."

The left winger had made two appearances off the bench in the FA Cup earlier this season, but had yet to appear in the Premier League prior to Monday. He has, however, been a regular for Chelsea's Under-21s, scoring seven goals and adding four assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, along with five goals in eight games for the Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League.

Replaced by Rory Delap, Cole Palmer subsequently stepped up to take the penalty, which was saved by Matz Sels to maintain Forest’s 2-0 lead - courtesy of an early opener from Taiwo Awoniyi followed by an Igor Jesus penalty. After five added minutes, Vitor Pereira’s side continued to keep Chelsea at bay, going into the break with a commanding lead.

Unfortunately, 15 minutes into the second half, play had to be suddenly stopped yet again after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez dove to punch away an incoming ball, colliding heads with Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White. This came around eight minutes after Awoniyi had extended Forest's lead.

Both players were immediately tended to as the game was halted for around six minutes, with the stretcher brought out again. Thankfully, while both players required bandages around their heads and had to be taken off, both were able to leave the game under their own power, with Chris Wood coming on for the visitors and Filip Jörgensen for the hosts.

Relegation threatened Forest entered the game 16th in the Premier League on 39 points, just two above Tottenham Hotspur and three clear of West Ham United in the third and final relegation spot.

A win would see them close the gap on both Leeds United and Crystal Palace above them to just one point, with just three league games remaining.

As for the hosts, in their first game since Liam Rosenior was fired after just under four months in charge, having replaced Enzo Maresca in January, they sat ninth as of Monday pre-kick off, two points below Brighton and Hove Albion and three behind Brentford in the final European qualification spot for the UEFA Conference League.

Chelsea youngster Jesse Derry was taken off the field at Stamford Bridge on a stretcher and hospitalised after a sickening collision with Nottingham Forest’s Zach Abbott.

The 18-year-old was making his first senior start for the club and had been one of their brightest sparks, trying to get the team back into the game after going 2-0 down in the first half.

But his first start came to a horrible end as he clashed heads with Abbott in the box as both leapt for the ball 44 minutes in, with Derry getting there marginally quicker and winning a penalty.

The welfare of both players - both academy players earning a rare first-team appearance - was the immediate concern however as both went to ground.

Derry’s teammates swiftly signalled the need for the substitution to be made, while referee Anthony Taylor immediately called for medical staff to attend to the pair.

Abbott appeared shaken but was able to stand unassisted and walk off the pitch, with Forest using a concussion substitute and replacing the 19-year-old defender with Neco Williams.

Derry remained on the ground for some time surrounded by medical staff. He was given oxygen during an eight-and-a-half minute stoppage. Stamford Bridge gave him a standing ovation as he was taken off on the stretcher and taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for precautionary checks.

He was replaced by Liam Delap, while Matz Sels made a fingertip save from Cole Palmer from the spot, leaving the hosts still 2-0 down going into half-time.

There was further concern early in the second half as Forest substitute Morgan Gibbs-White, who came on after half-time, clashed heads with Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez competing for a 50-50 ball in the Blues’ box.

Gibbs-White came off worse in the incident but fortunately for both sides the pair were able to walk off the pitch unaided after both had their heads heavily bandaged.

Sanchez was replaced between the sticks by Filip Jorgensen, with Chris Wood coming on for Gibbs-White, whose substitution makes him a doubt for the second leg of Forest’s Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa on Thursday night.

Taiwo Awoniyi opened the scoring inside the first two minutes before Igor Jesus scored a penalty after a shirt-pull in the box by Malo Gusto on Awoniyi. The Nigerian added a third in the 52nd minute after Gibbs-White fired in a low cross.

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The 2026 high school softball season is starting to wind down in some states as state playoffs and championships begin taking place around the nation.

For the fourth consecutive week this 2026 high school softball season, Texas’ Melissa Cardinals are the No. 1 team in the latest Rivals High School Top 25 rankings, with Barbers Hill (TX) just slightly behind them in second place and Lake Creek (TX) in third, respectively. Could the Cardinals and Eagles end up meeting for the UIL’s Class 5A, Division I title? Before we see what happens with that over in the Lone Star State, which national high school softball teams made the rankings cut this week?

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We dive in to the best high school softball teams on the national scene and give you our take on which teams stay in the conversation as of May 4.

1. Melissa Cardinals (TX) (30-2)

Melissa Cardinals (30-2) started the season as the No. 1 team and have returned into the top spot after bouncing back from two losses, which in perspective the program had only one in their previous 50 games. The roster is loaded and it all starts with Class of 2027 right-handed pitcher Eloisa Maes (Arizona commit), who is currently 27-2 with 181 strikeouts. Florida Gator commitment Kennedy Bradley has been red hot at the plate this season, belting 19 home runs and driving in 59 runs through 32 games. The Cardinals are in the Class 5A, Division I playoffs and at the region semifinal round where they will face Midlothian (TX) Midlothian on Saturday.

2. Barbers Hill Eagles (TX) (34-3)

The Barbers Hill Eagles (34-3) have only lost three games this season and are still one of the best programs nationally on an annual basis. The Eagles feature a number of players that will be moving onto the collegiate level, including junior catcher Isabelle Lawrence, who is committed to the University of North Carolina. The last time Barbers Hill won a state title was in 2021 and with the talent that’s dotted up and down the roster, it’s certainly something that could happen again this spring. In their last 18 games, Barbers Hill has out-scored the opposition an astounding 202-1. Having only allowed a single run in over a dozen-plus games is as impressive as it gets as they make a run through the Class 5A, Division I playoffs.

3. Lake Creek Lions (TX) (34-1)

The Lake Creek Lions (34-1) made their way into the Top 5 a few weeks ago and now has stayed firm at the third spot as the Lone Star State owns the top three teams in our latest set of rankings. With the Lions’ lone loss coming against the team above (Barbers Hill), there’s plenty of reasons why this group remains just ahead of Alabama’s Orange Beach Makos. Lake Creek is currently on a 21-game winning streak and have been romping through the Class 5A, Division II playoffs so far.

4. Orange Beach Makos (AL) (40-1)

Orange Beach Makos (40-1) has bounced back nicely from their lone loss of the season to South Warren out of Kentucky with 13 straight wins to this point. Though the team graduated a few key pieces from last year’s bunch, the Makos bring back plenty of punch at the plate and to the circle as well. On the mound, Orange Beach has leaned on sophomore MK McMullan, who is currently 25-1 with 177 strikeouts on the season so far. The Makos are just as good at the plate with power hitters Teagan Revette (Mississippi State commit), Ava Hodo (Arkansas commit). Orange Beach is now ramping up for a state championship run in the AHSAA Class 4A postseason.

5. Calvary Baptist Academy Cavaliers (LA) (37-1)

The Calvary Baptist Academy Cavaliers (37-1) have capped their 2026 season with a state championship as they defeated Parkview Baptist, 5-3, for the LHSAA’s Division III Select crown. Calvary Baptist Academy is once again the state champs and did so in dominating the competition, out-scoring opponents 391-36. Baylor Bockhaus carried over a massive freshman campaign into this spring, belting 21 home runs and driving in 69 runs through 38 games. Georgia commit Kynzee Anderson owned the circle and finished the season with a 30-1 mark with a 0.61 ERA and 318 strikeouts.

Rivals High School Softball Rankings Nos. 11-25

6. Norco Cougars (CA) (24-2)
7. South Warren Spartans (KY) (31-0)
8. Thompson Warriors (AL) (39-1)
9. Gray Collegiate War Eagles (SC) (25-0)
10. Melbourne Bulldogs (FL) (25-1)

11. Kenton Ridge Cougars (OH) (22-0)
12. Murrieta Mesa Rams (CA) (23-1)
13. Doral Academy Firebirds (FL) (23-2)
14. Fullerton Indians (CA) (23-2)
15. Midway Panthers (TX) (29-4)

16. Chariho Regional Chargers (RI) (14-0)
17. Masuk Redhawks (CT) (11-0)
18. Queen Creek Bulldogs (AZ) (28-1)
19. St. John Vianney Lancers (NJ) (20-0)
20. La Salle Academy Rams (RI) (14-1)

21. Taunton Tigers (MA) (12-1)
22. Calvary Christian Warriors (FL) (19-4)
23. Saraland Spartans (AL) (41-6)
24. Parrish Community Bulls (FL) (15-5)
25. WeddingtonWarriors (NC) (20-0)

When the Chicago Bears hired head coach Ben Johnson, they were putting a lot of trust in him to right the ship and get the franchise back on the winning track. He managed to accomplish that in just one season, so it's no surprise that he's garnered immense trust from general manager Ryan Poles.

Looking at the Bears' most impactful rookies from last season, tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III, those selections had Johnson's fingerprints all over them. Many questioned Chicago for drafting Loveland at 10th overall, and others wondered why they selected Burden when receiver was far from a big need. But Johnson knew exactly what he was doing.

While it's too early to gauge the impact of this 2026 rookie class, there are some selections where it's clear that Poles trusted Johnson's judgement, notably on offense with second-round center Logan Jones, as well as tight end Sam Roush and wide receiver Zavion Thomas, both selected in the third round.

While there was some concern about adding to their tight end room, one of the biggest strengths, and selecting a receiver many had pegged as a late Day 3 pick, it's all about trusting Johnson. And that's exactly what Poles did during the draft process.

“When you hope for that level of creativity and you can put guys in position to really highlight their specific trait to create an advantage, you welcome that all the time," Poles said. "So yeah, his ability to do that, it reminds me of where I came from. He has a vision. You’ll look at him next to you, and he is like sketching out plays and things like that. So, when you go through that, and he can see it, and there's a vision for it, you have confidence. Obviously, the players have to do their part and there's development, things like that. It's not overnight, but anytime there's clarity on how we're going to use players and not only just there, but also (Special Teams Coordinator Richard) Hightower, with the return game. Again, all of these things can create an advantage and put us in a good spot.”

When the Bears hired Johnson, there was little question that he'd have a vast influence in the direction of the team, and it's clear that Poles trusts him. And, so far, Johnson hasn't steered them wrong. So while there might be some concern about going all-offense on Day 2 of the draft, that could likely change after season's end.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears GM Ryan Poles on trusting Ben Johnson during draft process

LIV Golf is continuing its fight for survival by bringing in even more financial experts and advisors in the wake of losing its funding from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

LIV announced Monday morning that it had retained U.S.-based Ducera Partners as its investment banking advisor “to guide the league in its efforts to secure long-term investment partners and support its evolution into a diversified, multi-partner investment model.”

The league is seeking new investors as its sole backer, the PIF, prepares to exit following the 2026 season, which runs through August. The PIF’s total spend on LIV is expected to surpass $6 billion by the end of this year; the sovereign wealth fund provided the majority of capital for LIV’s operational budget and tournament prize money.

Ducera was founded in 2015 by longtime investment banker Michael Kramer, who has previously served as an advisor for some MLB and NHL franchise transactions, according to LIV’s announcement. Kramer is also the owner of the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks, which he purchased in 2021. Ducera says it has advised on more than $850 billion in transactions across industries, including media, entertainment, and sports.

The most recent sports deal Ducera worked on was serving as investment banker for Tom Dundon’s Pickleball Inc., which last week received a $225 million investment and now serves as the parent company of both the Professional Pickleball Association and Major League Pickleball. Apollo Sports Capital led the funding, and Dundon also contributed. 

In the past year, Ducera has also advised on several multibillion-dollar company sales and bankruptcy restructuring processes outside of sports.

Kramer said in Monday’s announcement that Ducera sees “significant value” in what LIV has created. “We are focused on helping the league identify the right long-term partners to unlock that value and power its next phase,” Kramer said.

Financial Advice

LIV bringing on Ducera follows last week’s creation of a new independent board led by two corporate restructuring experts, Pirinate Consulting Group CEO Eugene Davis and Jon Zinman, the founder of consulting firm JZ Advisors.

Additionally, LIV has reportedly hired more restructuring experts at the consulting firm AlixPartners, according to Sky Sports. AlixPartners is based in New York, but also has offices in Europe and the Middle East, among other international locations. 

The league will be back in action this week for its LIV Golf Virginia event, which tees off Thursday at Trump National Golf Club Washington, D.C.

The post LIV Turns to Investment Bank With Sports Ties As PIF Exit Looms  appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Magic Fire Head Coach After 3-1 Collapse; Is Celtics' Joe Mazzulla Next? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics blew a 3-1 lead to the Philadelphia 76ers and got bounced in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The Celtics played Game 7 without Jayson Tatum and were unable to get the job done. Joe Mazzulla has taken on heavy criticism for his decision-making in the game. Many fans want him gone, and he should be worried about getting fired. The Orlando Magic also blew a 3-1 lead in the first round and fired Jamahl Mosley on Monday.

Mazzulla, unlike Mosley, has an NBA championship on his head coaching resume. However, Mazzulla's collapse in the first round this year came as the No. 2 seed. The Magic were the No. 8 seed, carrying fewer expectations. They still decided to fire their coach. Mosley had been the Magic head coach since the 2021-2022 season.

He helped lead the Magic to the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, but never won a playoff series. The Magic lost in Game 7 in the first round twice under Mosley.

Mazzulla's situation is quite different. However, the expectation that the Celtics carry comes with more pressure and less room for error. The Celtics have one of the best rosters in basketball, headlined by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. One could argue that the Celtics overachieved this season since Tatum missed most of the season.

However, the decisions Mazzulla made in Game 7 ultimately played a huge role in the Celtics' being eliminated. If a team like the Magic can fire its coach after carrying few expectations, then Mazzulla needs to worry about what an organization like the Celtics may do. Mazzulla's championship will perhaps buy him another year, but nothing is guaranteed.

More NBA: Jaylen Brown Makes Shocking Cringeworthy Claim About Celtics' Season

There’s a moment in every high-level recruitment where the conversation shifts from who wants you to who fits you. Irvine (Calif.) Crean Lutheran four-star wide receiver Ty Johnson has officially entered that phase—and the board has tightened to three: Arizona Wildcats, Kentucky Wildcats, and UCLA Bruins.

This isn’t a wide-open race anymore. This is targeted. Intentional. Built on evaluation and vision.

At 6-foot-2.5 and 200 pounds, Johnson carries a prototype frame for the modern perimeter receiver—long-striding with build-up speed but sturdy enough to work through contact. His junior production (25 catches, 436 yards, nine touchdowns in just seven games) tells part of the story. The other part? Efficiency and role compression. Johnson isn’t volume-dependent — he’s impact-dependent. Touches turn into points.

And when you turn on the tape, the evaluation sharpens quickly.

SCOUTING BREAKDOWN: TWO-WAY DNA, SUNDAY TRAITS

Final junior season stats - week 5-10
⭐️25 rec
⭐️436 Yrds
⭐️10 Tds
⭐️1 INT@GregBiggins@BrandonHuffman@ChadSimmons_@adamgorney@Zack_Poff_MP@TheUCReport@BlairAngulo@CoachCeeDaGr8@CoachTroop3@RespectxSportspic.twitter.com/wm2RgcHRh2

— 4⭐️ Ty Johnson (@TyJohnson_2027) November 14, 2025

Johnson’s game is layered, starting with positional versatility. He’s not just a receiver — he’s a two-phase athlete who also lines up at corner. That matters. It shows up in his route pacing, his ability to track the football, and most importantly, his comfort in contested situations.

Play Style:Long-framed outside receiver with boundary flexibility. Operates best vertically or on deep-intermediate concepts (posts, overes, and fades), where he can leverage stride length and body control. Shows flashes of being a red-zone mismatch piece.

Strengths:

• Catch Radius: Expands the strike zone for quarterbacks; high-point ability stands out immediately
• Ball Tracking: Locates the football early and adjusts mid-flight—a carryover from defensive reps
• Body Control: Wins at the catch point with balance and timing, not just size
• Two-Way Instincts: Defensive background sharpens reaction time and competitiveness

Areas to Develop:

• Route Tree Detail: Can continue refining separation mechanics in short/intermediate windows
• Top-End Burst: More build-up speed than sudden accelerator—adding that next gear elevates his ceiling

Football DNA:Competitive. Assignment-sound. Comfortable playing through contact. Projects as a player who embraces physical matchups rather than avoiding them.

THE FINALISTS: THREE SCHEMES, THREE VISIONS

Each of the three programs in Johnson’s final group presents a different developmental pathway — and that’s where this recruitment sharpens into a true fit conversation.

At UCLA , the hometown angle is real, but it’s not the only factor driving momentum. UCLA has been consistent and early in its approach, building familiarity that matters at this stage. More importantly, their offensive structure offers a clear runway for integration, where Johnson’s size and ball skills can translate quickly within a system that values spacing and timing.

With Kentucky , the pitch leans into physical development and long-term projection. This is an SEC-minded evaluation centered on what Johnson can become. His frame fits the league, and Kentucky is selling a transformation arc — taking a high-upside perimeter target and molding him into a pro-ready weapon. His June 12 official visit becomes a critical checkpoint in that vision.

Meanwhile, Arizona has remained one of the most consistent presences throughout the process. Their offensive identity emphasizes playmakers in space, and Johnson profiles cleanly as a vertical stressor who can stretch the field and create explosive moments. The fit here is about utilization — putting him in positions to maximize his downfield impact.

Johnson enters this phase ranked No. 39 wide receiver nationally and No. 28 in California per the 247 Sports Ranking—but those numbers read more like a baseline than a ceiling.

This is a traits-based evaluation, and those are the prospects that tend to rise over time. Johnson isn’t a finished product, and that’s exactly why these programs are pushing. The frame, the catch radius, the two-way instincts — those are foundational traits you build around, not search for.

What comes next is about alignment. Development. Deployment. Maximizing what’s already there while sharpening the details that separate good from difference-makers.

Three programs. Three distinct blueprints.

Now it comes down to which staff sees Ty Johnson not just as a wide receiver but as a system piece capable of shifting matchups and changing Saturdays.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky football makes final three for 2027 WR Ty Johnson

Rest assured, Tom Aspinall has every intention of defending his UFC heavyweight title in his return.

Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) signing on to be represented by Eddie Hearn appeared to be a shot at Dana White in many people's eyes – especially with the UFC CEO and Matchroom Boxing CEO constantly trading barbs.

As Aspinall waits for clearance from double eye surgery, Alex Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) and Ciryl Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) will battle for the interim title in the UFC Freedom 250 co-headliner on June 14 at the White House. Aspinall provided a positive update on his talks with the UFC.

"Alex and Ciryl have to fight for the interim title. I'm obviously going to fight the winner," Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. "The UFC have told me that I'm fighting the winner. First and foremost, I have to get my health right – which is on the right track. I have to wait for that to be done, and we fight the winner. Simple as that."

Aspinall is back to training, but isn't allowed to spar just yet.

"No specific month. I'm waiting to get clearance, which is going to be coming soon, they've just told me," Aspinall said. "Any specific month, depend on the UFC. Those other two have got to fight each other. Let them do their thing first, recover from that, and then when everybody is ready, we'll do it."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Tom Aspinall confident he gets Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane winner

FC Barcelona brought in several reinforcements for their reserve and youth teams during the January transfer window, one of whom was teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim.

Signed on a loan deal from Al Ahly in Egypt after protracted negotiations, the 18-year-old striker took some time to settle in but has grown in stature with his contributions for the club’s Juvenil A side.

Barcelona ready to activate buy clause

So much so that journalist Sayed Nabawy (h/t SPORT) reports that Hamza has done enough to convince the Barcelona sporting department to activate the purchase option in his loan deal.

The fee is expected to be around €1.5 million plus variables, potentially rising to €5 million, with Al Ahly retaining a 15% sell-on clause on the youngster.

This comes after Hamza made a big statement on the pitch, starring in Barcelona Juvenil A’s 9-0 win over UD Montecarlo to seal the league title.

The 18-year-old Egyptian striker scored a hat-trick in just over 15 minutes, becoming the standout performer in the title-clinching match.

What Hamza said after the match?

Speaking to the club media after the match, Hamza made it clear he wants to stay at Barcelona beyond June 30, when his current deal expires.

“I’m incredibly pleased with what we’ve achieved, but at the same time, I’m determined to achieve even more. It’s a great feeling to be part of this team. I’m determined to keep going and give my all,” the 18-year-old said.

Talking about his adaptation at the club, with Barça opting to ease him in with the Juvenil A squad rather than thrusting him into Barça Atletic, he explained:

“It’s an incredible feeling. The whole team has put in a massive effort throughout the season. I joined halfway through the season, but from the very first moment, I received a warm welcome from everyone.

“Over time, I’ve come to understand the style of play and adapt better to the team, especially as football here is different. Of course, I’m very happy, but I also want to win more titles.”

The first public WNBA officiating complaint of the season is from the first overall pick.

Following the Dallas Wings’ preseason victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, rookie Azzi Fudd was asked how she is adjusting to the physicality of the WNBA. In answering, the UConn product took a backhanded swipe at the officiating.

“Honestly, I’m more confused,” Fudd said. “I thought you could be physical in the W and anytime you touch someone, it’s a foul. So I’m not really sure whether to be physical, whether to—I don’t know. I’m still figuring that out.”

Fudd’s teammate, Jessica Shepard, joked that Fudd was still figuring out press conferences, too, because she “may get hit” with a fine. A source, however, tells Front Office Sports that the league won’t be fining Fudd for her comments.

Officiating has been a contentious topic in the WNBA in recent years. Ahead of the 2025 WNBA Finals, commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that she would establish a “multi-stakeholder” task force to evaluate officiating in the offseason.

It’s still unclear who was involved in the task force. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White said late last month that there were “lots of committees” that met in the offseason to address officiating concerns and is hoping to see changes this season.

“Talking about it and making changes are two different things,” White said at Fever media day. “Do I hope that there’s improvement? Of course. But just like athletes and just like coaches, it takes time and it takes experience and it takes commitment to being consistent with it.”

White said that the changes may be an increase in calls, which would align with Fudd’s preseason callout.

“I hope that we’re going to see a lot of whistles early and that that’s going to continue because players will adjust,” White said. “We just need it to be consistent.”

Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh was asked about his expectations for this season’s officiating at the team’s media day last week. Marsh, however, declined to provide a detailed answer.

“It’s just all about accountability,” he responded to a question from FOS. “We don’t expect the referees to get it right 100% of the time. … I do believe that the players and the coaches have a level of accountability that we have to answer to regularly and we just want that transparency from both sides. And we’ll leave it at that.”

The post Azzi Fudd Won’t Be Fined After Questioning WNBA Officiating appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Mets predicted to retract their Carlos Mendoza decision in May originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets are 12-22 on the season, and there's beginning to be little hope for a turnaround in 2026 if things don't immediately get better.

At the end of April, Carlos Mendoza's seat was hotter than anyone's in the entire league. But David Stearns backed Mendoza and revealed the team had no intention of firing him this year.

However, Zachary D. Rymer for Bleacher Report made a very bold prediction that the Mets would retract their defense of Mendoza and fire their manager in May if things continue to get worse, which looks likely to be the case.

Mets predicted to fire Carlos Mendoza despite rebuffing hot-seat rumor

"The New York Mets will fire Carlos Mendoza," Rymer predicts. "... What if the question isn't how much Mendoza is to blame for the Mets' disastrous stay, but whether the Mets have anything to lose by firing him?

The Mets own the worst record in the Major Leagues this season, and they're 12.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the NL East.

It's still only May, but their playoff odds have cratered, and it would take a herculean effort for this team to return to contention this season.

More: 75% of Mets' infielders named among biggest disappointments in MLB at their positions

And while Stearns and the Mets are backing Mendoza as their manager, if May continues to go poorly, it can't be ruled out that the Mets might go back on their word with Mendoza.

For the Mets to retract their defense of their manager, it would likely have to be a truly awful month of May or a series of indefensible decisions.

The Mets are more likely to hold onto Mendoza, as Stearns shut down the hot-seat rumors recently.

But the Mets are a disaster, and if things get worse, the safety of Mendoza's job could change, especially if there is frustration from the players, which is possible amid such a bad start to the year.

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
• Reds' Elly De La Cruz makes baseball history not done in last 126 years
• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Pete Crow-Armstrong is still struggling to hit well for the Cubs

With the high school basketball season officially over across the country, the final Rivals150 rankings for the 2026 class are being released on Monday.

This update is caps off a multi-year cycle that has seen nearly a dozen updates to the rankings as certain prospects rise and fall throughout their high school careers. The ranking finishes with 14 five-stars to match the first-round lottery picks of the NBA Draft.

[$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage]

Ahead of the full ranking release later today, Rivals counts down the 14 five-stars and where they’re committed and/or signed to play next season:

1. SF Tyran Stokes — Kansas

School: Rainier Beach (Wash.)
Scouting Summary: “At first glance, with Tyran Stokes, you see that he has the optimal positional size, the explosive athleticism, and an ability to create advantages from multiple levels of the floor. So while he is still developing into a role as an alpha player, you see that he has the immediate framework to work with. A look across the 2026 class at this point and you quickly see the lack of star power that the 2025 cycle had. So with that, a lot of the players will need to continue developing various aspects of their games. Stokes is no different, as there are things he is going to have to continue working through to reach his highest top-end potential. We have already touched on the balance points to help more consistently make plays off movement. Also, finding a consistent motor will be big with him. However, given his intriguing feel and his natural tools, there are a couple of different pathways that are apparent for him.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

2. SG Caleb Holt — Arizona

School: Prolific Prep (Fla.)
Scouting Summary: “If I were the choose one word to describe Caleb Holt I would be forced to choose between floor-raiser or disruptor. I say floor-raiser because of his ability to dribble, shoot, and pass his team into advantages. He does not force things and he remains consistent in his ability to make a play within the flow of the offense. I say the word disruptor because of his presence on the defensive end of the floor. He has excellent anticipation, able to guard on ball or get aggressively into the passing lanes. There is a lot to like with what Holt brings to winning basketball.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

3. CG Brandon McCoy — Michigan

School: Sierra Canyon (Calif.)
Scouting Notebook: “McCoy was a disruptor all McDonald’s All American week. He guards the ball with a purpose, also getting into the passing lanes. He even blocked a three-point attempt. Offensively, he made some plays in the paint and finished some plays, turning defense into offense. Developing his pace and shooting touch will be the next steps for him, but it is hard to ignore the disruption he brings.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

4. SF Bruce Branch III — BYU

School: Prolific Prep (Fla.)
Scouting Summary: “What you see with Bruce Branch III’s game is his connectivity as a wing. Bringing that lengthy 6-foot-7 frame into play, you see a player who can knock down a spot shot, move the ball along in the half-court, and guard multiple spots on the floor. There is a lot of intrigue with his upside as a prospect because you see the versatility he could provide as he continues to develop. Defensively might be the most intriguing aspect of his game currently. Branch carries a plus wing span to go with mobility and some athletic fluidity. You can see, as he continues to learn angles and leverage, his upside as a defender who could scale up or down a lineup from the wing position. He has natural timing and some pop in there. Offensively, Branch is becoming a steady spot shooter. Someone who can pull gravity, keeping a defender attached, and provide spacing on the floor.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

5. SG Jordan Smith Jr. — Arkansas

School: Paul VI Catholic (Va.)
Scouting Summary: “Smith has a sturdy frame with twitchy athleticism and plus length that helps him to play bigger than his listed height. He is an impact defender, able use his quick feet and active hands guarding the ball, or utilize his aggression and length off the ball, and in the passing lanes. Smith has been a stalwart at Paul VI throughout his high school career. He initially carved out space as a dirty work-type connector. A guy who loved to do all the things that not many others enjoyed. As he got older, he moved from the fifth option to the second option. As the connector on the team, Smith has always elevated the floor, and even in some star-studded teams of the past, Smith made it very difficult to take off the floor. This year, Smith has been at the top of the scouting report.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

6. PF Cam Williams — Duke

School: St. Mary’s (Ariz.)
Scouting Summary: “It is difficult to watch Cam Williams play and not see the upside that he brings to the table. This is part of the reason why he was a Rivals outlier among the top-35 prospects in the country since last year. Listed at 6-foot-11, he brings great length, an intriguing skill set, and intriguing athletic fluidity. So, while his natural physical disposition catches your eye, you see the skill he brings with that. Williams prefers facing the basket on the offensive end. He is a more than capable spot shooter, knocking down close to 50 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes this summer. With that, Williams has shown flashes of straight-line driving the basket to finish above the rim. He has good athletic burst with a head of steam. While he is going to need to continuing tightening things to he’ll find more consistency, you see the flashes of him pushing the break with the ball in his hands, and you see some advantages he creates in the floor.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

7. PG Dylan Mingo — Baylor

School: Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.)
Scouting Summary: “The first thing you notice about Dylan Mingo is his size. He is big, with plus length and wide-set shoulders that should continue to be able to add good weight as he gets older. Mingo is every bit of his listed 6-foot-5, if not more. Mingo is an excellent defensive presence. Able to turn a primary ball handler while guarding the point of attack or switching down a line up to defend off the ball, or closer to the basket. He has excellent length and great anticipation with a “want-to” on the defensive side of the ball. He collects a lot of deflections an can be disruptive on that end.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

8. SF Anthony Thompson — Ohio State

School: Western Reserve Academy (Ohio)
Scouting Summary: “The intrigue with Thompson stems from the intersection of skill already in place, with considerable upside to continue growing into. The long-armed 6-foot-7 wing shot 38.7 percent from three on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit this summer, on 5.5 attempts per game. He averaged 22.1 points with his Indiana Elite team and scored an efficient 1.237 points per possession. In 12 July games on the 3SSB Circuit, Thompson went to 20 or more in eight games and 30 or more in four. His scoring arsenal is become more than just a shooting threat.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

9. SG Abdou Toure — Arkansas

School:Notre Dame (West Haven, CT)
Scouting Summary: “When it comes to size, length, and explosive burst, you see it in spades with Toure. Standing in the 6-foot-5 range, he has a strong frame with plus length. And when it comes to explosive pop, he is one of the best run-and-jump athletes in the class. Not only is he a vertical athlete, attacking the basket with a purpose, but he is also a fluid athlete, able to slide and turn at pace. Watching Toure play, you can see the burst in play on both ends of the floor. You see his quick first step, or how he attacks the front of the rim in the half-court. You also see on the defensive end his ability to guard across multiple positions. So while there are steps still needed to be taken, the baseline of what Toure could be is clearly there. And you like that his game has been on a consistent upward trajectory over the past 12 months.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

10. SF Christian Collins — USC

School: St. John Bosco (Calif.)
Scouting Summary: “Watching Christian Collins play, he has always had the coveted positional size and length, which pair well with his mixture of fluid and explosive athleticism. He has been intriguing throughout this process, consistently showing high-level flashes, but also leaving some food on the plate. He started to turn the corner around Nike’s Peach Jam in July, where he proved to be a high-caliber defensive presence, averaging 2.1 STOCKS through the event. It was easy to see his athletic fluidity and length put to use in the half-court as he would slide and switch throughout a possession. He had active hands and collected deflections as well.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

11. PG Deron Rippey Jr. — Duke

School: Blair Academy (N.J.)
Scouting Summary: “When it comes to Deron Rippey’s physical makeup, it can be two-fold. Watching him play, you see the top-tier athleticism and burst. He has a jet-quick first step, able to blow by defenders consistently without the need for a screen. This burst is also enhanced by his excellent understanding of speed and pace. A quick scan for Rippey’s name across social media, and you see his above-the-rim exploits. In transition and even in the half-court, Rippey uses his burst to get to the rim and then his pop to finish plays with authority at the rim. Rippey plays with excellent body control and does a great job of reading the defense to take the advantages they give. While he does not need a screen to touch the paint, his pace in the screen and roll gets his team a lot of clean looks.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

12. SG Jason Crowe Jr. — Missouri

School: Inglewood (Calif.)
Scouting Summary: “Crowe is a natural scorer. He plays with a lot of confidence, and he has good balance and footwork to get clean looks in the half court. He is a shooter, he has soft touch and deep range on his shot and he likes to get to the jumper and will use an array of step backs or side steps to get it off. Crowe is a volume shooter. He does not put much pressure on the rim, setting more for shots away from the basket. He can also get shot happy, disrupting the flow of offense at times. Defensively, Crowe can have lapses and inconsistent effort. The shooting is the superlative and he gets shots up at a high volume.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

13. SF Caleb Gaskins — Miami

School: Columbus (Fla.)
Scouting Notebook: “There is a smooth and calming factor to Caleb Gaskins’ game. The 6-foot-8 forward is never rushed, and he always seems to be in position to make a play. In this one, Gaskins shot the ball very well, feet set, great balance and hit three or four of them from behind the arc. He moves the ball well and I really like the versatility he brings on the defensive end. There are a lot of connecting pieces he brings.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

14. SF Baba Oladotun – Maryland

School: James Hubert Blake (Md.)
Scouting Summary: “You immediately notice the length and the frame with Baba Oladotun. The jump shot is what he does, and it is where his production comes from at this point. He is around 6-foot-7 with long arms. His footwork getting into the jump shot is clean, and Oladotun is confident getting into it off the bounce or the catch. He is a threat as a pull-up jump shooter, getting a high release with good balance. He will need to continue adding weight, and with that, he could become a more consistent rebounder. With his length and natural athleticism, there is an upside there on the defensive end. The tools are obvious, and the upside here is worth monitoring.” — Jamie Shaw, Rivals National Analyst

The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:

Is Astros Manager Joe Espada’s job hanging by a thread? MLB Insider Bob Nightengale addressed that and more with our Craig Larson Jr. in Four Big Questions:

Yordan Alvarez named AL Player of the Month:

Astros will go the opener route Monday against the Dodgers:

It only took about 2 and a half weeks:

AJ Blubaugh, who has not been pitching in longer outings recently, gave the Astros a very important 11 outs Sunday:

Its a commandment: Thou shalt not steal on Christian Vazquez:

The Astros have mostly gotten vintage Carlos Correa since acquiring him:

Brice Matthews and Mauricio Dubon text each other to talk trash. This is awesome.

Bryan Abreu pitched 2 innings without giving up a run for the win Sunday. Yes, this is real life.

Houston’s much-maligned defense performed better this weekend at Fenway:

Astros dodged a major bullet with Christian Walker avoiding injury after getting beaned:

Spencer Arrighetti continued to give the Astros innings and got his 4th straight win to start the season:

Zach Dezenzo is starting to find his rhythm at the plate on his rehab assignment:

Xavier Neyens. Boss Tendencies:

Change for change sake doesn’t always work:

Laz Diaz is still an awful umpire:

Baseball mourns the passing of legendary broadcaster John Sterling:

Red Sox 1B Willson Contreras thinks the Boston clubhouse has been a little more at ease without Alex Cora on the bench:

Contreras also managed to tick off his young teammates:

The Braves have done something the franchise hasn’t done in over 130 years. Thankfully they don’t play in the AL West.

Things that should not happen, but somehow did:

Maybe not the mother of all backfires, but that did not look like it went as planned:

Deals like this are probably why the Red Sox aren’t doing so well:

Shohei Ohtani was the victim of a vicious plunking:

Full list of MLB award winners for April:

Bob Nightengale’s best and worst of the first month of the season – and the Astros didn’t land on any worsts:

All or nothing:

Rothesay County Championship, Division One, Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton (day four)

Yorkshire 162 & 365-9: Wharton 92, Root 64; Overton 3-97

Somerset 274 & 184: Thomas 136; White 4-41

Yorkshire (19 pts) beat Somerset (4 pts) by 75 runs

Match scorecard

Joe Root played a starring role with the ball as Yorkshire completed a remarkable 75-run County Championship Division One victory over Somerset at Taunton.

The visitors were able to add only six runs to their second innings score at the start of play, Jhye Richardson reaching a 122-ball half-century before being caught behind off Craig Overton, who finished with 4-94 in a total of 371.

It left Somerset facing a target of 260 to achieve a third Championship victory in four games on a flat pitch.

They soon slumped to 21-3 and were eventually bowled out for 184 shortly after tea, Root claiming 4-49 and fellow spinner Dom Bess 4-60 as Josh Thomas top-scored with 57 for the home side.

It meant Yorkshire took 19 points from a game in which they conceded a first innings lead of 112 and defeat cost Somerset the Division One leadership as they had to be content with four points.

The morning session was played under mainly blue skies. But after Overton's early strike had ended Yorkshire's fighting second innings, the hosts suffered all-too-familiar top order batting frailty.

Archie Vaughan was bowled for four playing down the wrong line to a delivery from George Hill, who then switched ends to clip Tom Lammonby's off stump as he shouldered arms to a ball angled into him.

When James Rew was caught behind driving at former Somerset off-spinner Bess, the hosts were in disarray and, with 239 still needed, Yorkshire were favourites.

Tom Abell suffered no alarms in moving to 24 by lunch, which was taken at 57-3, with first innings centurion Thomas unbeaten on 23.

The pair had extended their stand to 64 when Abell, on 41, pushed forward to Bess and edged to Hill at slip to make the score 85-4.

Teenager Thomas Rew walked to the wicket facing the possibility of bagging a pair on his Championship debut. But the 18-year-old soon eased any nerves by getting off the mark with a sweetly-timed boundary through the covers off Bess.

Bess found some extravagant turn to beat the outside edge of Thomas's bat, but the left-hander survived to reach 50 off 140 balls.

Rew was not afraid to go for his shots and, while an early reverse sweep off Bess resulted in a confident appeal for a catch at short-leg, the youngster was soon showing the quality that made him England Under-19 captain at the age of 17.

The second 50-stand of the innings occupied 15 overs and, with the sun shining brightly, Somerset looked back in control, but fortunes swung again when Thomas pushed forward to Bess and edged a routine catch to slip.

Now 124 runs were needed with five wickets down and all results were still possible.

Yorkshire were celebrating again six runs later as Rew, on 30, attempted to slash a wide delivery from Root through point and edged to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Root struck again when Overton flicked a delivery from outside off stump straight into the hands of Adam Lyth at short-leg, who held a sharp reaction catch, and at tea Somerset were 167-7, needing a further 93.

With just six more added, Will Smeed edged a back-foot shot off Root and departed for 17.

The following delivery was wide but Migael Pretorius offered a return catch off an ugly swing and Bess completed Somerset's demise by bowling last man Alfie Ogborne, leaving skipper Lewis Gregory 22 not out.

Report by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.

• Wharton & Root help Yorkshire fight back at Somerset
• Yorkshire fight back at Somerset before rain
• Gregory stars as Somerset dominate Yorkshire
• Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

Notre Dame added two new pieces to its 2027 football recruiting class on Monday. 3-Star wide receiver, Jackson Coleman, and 3-Star tight end, Titus Hawk, gave their public commitments to Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame.

Jackson Coleman has an interesting offer list and he chose the Irish over other notable programs like the Miami Hurricanes, Michigan Wolverines, Oregon Ducks, and more. Titus Hawk also had a strong offer list and chose Notre Dame over the Michigan Wolverines, Alabama Crimson Tide, Oklahoma Sooners, and many more.

From 247 on Jackson Coleman:

-Tall, over-the-top wide receiver with impressive track markers. 
-Shoots out of his stance and gets vertical in a hurry. 
-Tracks football with advanced eyes and can find an extra gear to reel in off-target throws.
-Will use length to his advantage in contested-catch situations, but added bulk would make a difference in traffic and down in the red zone.
-Likely to face an adjustment period as he levels up in competition and keeps evolving as a route-runner, but could offer early special teams value with his size and speed.
-Owns one of the top PAI scores in the class for Tracking Football and projects as a multi-year contributor at the Power Four level.

From 247 on Titus Hawk:

-Dangly tight end that already brings it as a lead escort.
-Listed 6-foot-7 and appears to have no shortage of growth potential. 
-Got looks attached, detached, in the slot and out wide as a junior for Oklahoma’s Class 6A-II runner-up.
-Can stress the seam with his long stride, but tends to do most of his damage as a pass catcher at the short and intermediate levels with his window-opening size.
-Chops feet as a move blocker and has surprising knock-back power.
-Will need to add plenty of weight if he’s going to be a true Y-TE, but has by far one of the more promising profiles for the position in the class given the two-way snaps and multi-sport accolades.
-Projects at this stage as a future Power Four starter with NFL upside.

Notre Dame now has 14 commitments for its 2027 class, and there are still a lot of big targets left on the board. Currently the Irish are the #5 team in the country according to the 247 Team Composite Rankings.

Notre Dame has been loading up at both TE and WR over the years with good recruiting and good transfer portal additions. While neither Hawk or Coleman will WOW the casual fan, neither prospect is needed or expected to come in right away and compete for meaningful minutes. Both will be given the opportunity to develop and grow into contributors and/or starters. Both offer lists are solid and the staff is really high on them as well.

These are solid pickups for Notre Dame and its 2027 class, and as we get further and further into their careers, more fans are going to love this pass-catching duo.

WELCOME TO ND JACKSON AND TITUS!

The winner of last week’s Baseball Player of the Week poll was Dartmouth’s Chase Afonso. He had more than 7,000 votes (55%) to receive the honor. 

Afonso improved to 3-0 with a win over Sandwich, allowing 6 runs (4 earned) on 11 hits and 3 walks with 4 strikeouts. He also went 2-for-4 at the plate with 2 RBIs and a run scored.  

Previous winners were Dartmouth’s Chase Afonso, Dom Gioiosa and Sebastian Diaz. 

The winner of the Preseason Baseball Player of the Year poll was Dartmouth’s Logan Stott with more than 1,000 votes (38%). 

Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances. 

Here’s your chance to vote for the top high school baseball performance from the past week.

Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. 

Lucas Beauregard, Apponequet

In a shutout over Somerset Berkley, Beauregard went the distance, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks with 6 strikeouts. He also had 1 hit and 1 RBI. Against GNB Voc-Tech, Beauregard had 1 hit, 3 RBIs and a sacrifice fly. 

Brayden Bogdan, Apponequet

Bogdan had a combined 4 hits in a pair of wins over Case and Somerset Berkley. 

Garret Butler, Apponequet

Against Somerset Berkley, Butler had 3 hits and 1 RBI and against Case, he had a catch in center field in the sixth inning that prevented a 3-run home run. He also contributed 1 hit and 1 RBI against the Cardinals. 

Pete Kanakis, Apponequet

Kanakis went 6 innings, allowing no runs on 3 hits and 2 walks with 14 strikeouts in a win over GNB Voc-Tech. He also had a combined 2 hits and 3 RBIs in a pair of games against Case and Somerset Berkley.

Amir Cartagena, Bishop Stang

In three games, Cartagena had a combined 4 hits, 6 RBIs and 3 runs scored. 

Brock Winslow, Bishop Stang

Winslow had a combined 5 hits, 3 RBIs and 5 runs scored in three games. 

Nathan Zexter, Bishop Stang

In a win over Durfee, Zexter went 3-for-4 with an RBI. He also had 1 hit and 1 run scored against Sandwich. 

Basketball: Wareham's Aaron Cote takes his shot at Coffeyville

Baseball: Lamontagne leads Fairhaven to seventh straight win

Gavin Bourgeois, Fairhaven

In a win over Bourne, Bourgeois pitched 3 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 walk with 3 strikeouts. He also went 1-for-2 with a run scored. Against West Bridgewater, Bourgeois pitched 2 innings, allowing no runs on 1 hit and 1 walk with 1 strikeout to pick up the win.

Luke Cathcart, Fairhaven

In a pair of wins over Bourne and West Bridgewater, Cathcart went a combined 3-for-7 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. 

Evan Lamontagne, Fairhaven

In a win over Old Rochester, Lamontagne went 4 ⅔ innings, allowing 1 earned run on 6 hits and 1 walk with 6 strikeouts. He also went 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk, 2 stolen bases, 3 RBIs and a run scored. In a pair of wins over Bourne and West Bridgewater, Lamontagne went a combined 4-for-7 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored. 

Jackson Ponte, Fairhaven

Ponte pitched 4 innings in a win over Bourne, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk with 4 strikeouts. He also was 1-for-3 with an RBI and run scored.

Jackson Williams, Fairhaven

Williams went 2-for-3 against Bourne with 3 RBIs and an inside-the-park home run. He also went 3-for-4 with a double, stolen base and RBI against West Bridgewater. 

Jack Anderson, GNB Voc-Tech

Anderson had 3 hits and 2 RBIs in a win over Dighton-Rehoboth.

Dominic Ledo, GNB Voc-Tech

In a 9-inning win over Dighton-Rehoboth, Ledo had his first varsity hit and an RBI in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Korey Silva, GNB Voc-Tech

Silva pitched 5 innings in relief, allowing 1 run on 1 hit with 5 strikeouts to pick up his first varsity win for Voc-Tech in 9 innings over Dighton-Rehoboth. 

Easton Almeida, New Bedford

In a win over Brockton, Almeida threw 5 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit, 6 walks and 1 hit batsman with 13 strikeouts. He also drove in 2 runs. 

Max Roderiques, New Bedford

Roderiques had 2 hits and 2 RBIs in a win over Brockton. He also combined to throw 4 scoreless innings of relief against Dennis-Yarmouth. 

Kris Woods, New Bedford

Woods had a combined 3 hits and 3 RBIs in a pair of games against Brockton and Durfee. 

Connor Nelson, Old Rochester

Nelson had a combined 3 hits and 2 RBIs in a pair of games.

Dimitri Raposo, Old Rochester

In a win over Bourne, Raposo went 3-for-3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored.

Nolin Vieira, Old Rochester 

In three games, Vieira went a combined 5-for-10 with 4 RBIs. 

Ben Wesoly, Old Rochester

Wesoly went 3-for-4 in a loss to Fairhaven. He also went 5 innings in a win over Bourne, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 1 hit and 6 walks with 5 strikeouts.

Jackson Cabe, Wareham

In a pair of games against Atlantis Charter and Holbrook, Cabe had a combined 3 hits and 6 RBIs. He also pitched 3 scoreless innings against Avon, allowing no hits while striking out 8.

Brayden Pease, Wareham

In two games, Pease went a combined 5-for-8 with 3 RBIs. 

Keenan Peterson, Wareham

In a win over Atlantis Charter, Peterson pitched 4 innings, giving up no hits and striking out 8. At the plate he was also 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs. In a pair of wins over Avon and Holbrook, he had a combined 6 hits. 

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Vote SouthCoast Baseball Player of Week April 27-May 3 2026

The voice of the New York Yankees has gone silent. Legendary MLB broadcaster John Sterling has passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that is inseparable from Yankees baseball. For decades, Sterling didn’t just call games—he defined moments, turning routine home runs into unforgettable pieces of theater. In honor of his career, here are five of his most memorable and iconic home run calls:

MORE: Tributes pour in for Yankees broadcaster who dies at 87

“A Thrilla from Godzilla!” — Hideki Matsui

When Hideki Matsui arrived in New York in 2003, he already carried the nickname “Godzilla” from his time in Japan. Sterling didn’t waste time.

“A thrilla from Godzilla!” became an instant classic—perfectly capturing Matsui’s power and presence. It was catchy, creative, and uniquely Sterling.

“Bern Baby Bern!” — Bernie Williams

Bernie Williams wasn’t just a cornerstone of the Yankees dynasty—he was also the inspiration behind one of Sterling’s earliest signature calls.

“Bern baby Bern!” became synonymous with the late-’90s Yankees and helped spark the tradition of personalized home run calls that would define Sterling’s style. Simple. Timeless. Iconic.

“Like a Good Gleyber, Torres Is There!” — Gleyber Torres

Sterling’s creativity never faded. With Gleyber Torres, he tapped into pop culture, riffing off the State Farm slogan with: “Like a good Gleyber, Torres is there!”

He also added variations like “It’s Gleyber Day!” and “He is the Gleyber of the month!”—showing his ability to keep things fresh even decades into his career.

“An A-Bomb from A-Rod!” — Alex Rodriguez

This might be Sterling’s most recognizable call. Alex Rodriguez hit 361 home runs as a Yankee, and Sterling was there for every single one of them.

“An A-bomb from A-Rod!” wasn’t just a call—it became part of baseball culture. Consistent, powerful, and instantly recognizable, it perfectly matched Rodriguez’s presence in the lineup.

“The Bam-Tino!” — Tino Martinez

Sterling loved a good pun—and Tino Martinez gave him the perfect opportunity. “The Bam-Tino!” played off “The Great Bambino,” tying Yankees history into the present.

Martinez delivered plenty of moments worthy of the call, including his unforgettable grand slam in the 1998 World Series.

The Legacy of a Voice

John Sterling called over 5,000 consecutive games, spanning generations of Yankees baseball. But more than the numbers, it was his personality that stood out. He made the game fun. He made moments bigger.

And he gave fans something to smile about every time the ball left the yard. Home runs come and go. But calls like these? They last forever. And thanks to John Sterling, Yankees fans will always hear those moments, not just see them.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

Peterborough United midfielder Archie Collins is to leave the club this summer following the expiry of his deal.

Collins joined Posh from Exeter City three years ago and made 50 appearances this season, scoring three goals, having also been in the side for their EFL Trophy wins in 2024 and 2025.

The League One club have also released experienced defenders Tom Lees and Jacob Mendy after finishing 18th in League One, just four points clear of the relegation places.

They have also made eight players available for transfer as boss Luke Williams looks to revamp his squad for next season.

The list includes winger Declan Frith, who was signed from Swiss club FC Thun for an undisclosed fee last summer but only started eight league games, with his other 20 appearances coming from the bench.

Cian Hayes, George Nevett, Abraham Odoh and Donay O'Brien-Brady have been told they can also leave, along with three players who were out on loan during the 2025-26 campaign - Bradley Ihionvien, Chris Conn-Clarke and Klaidi Lolos.

Of those, Hayes - who arrived from Rochdale in 2024 - had the heaviest involvement this season, scoring three goals in 35 appearances.

Former New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs appeared in a Dedham courtroom Monday as jury selection gets underway in his assault trial.

Stefon Diggs faces charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. He has pleaded not guilty and denies allegations that he strangled his former private chef during an incident at his Dedham home on Dec. 2, 2025.

Diggs had no comment as he made his way into Dedham District Court.

Prosecutors say the alleged altercation occurred during a dispute over unpaid wages. According to court documents, the woman told police that Diggs struck her in the face, placed her in a chokehold, and threw her onto a bed.

Boston 25 News has obtained text messages that appear to show Diggs and the woman arguing over money.

During a final pretrial hearing on Friday, defense attorneys objected to the alleged victim referencing a separate prior bad act in court. While details of that alleged incident were not discussed, the defense argued it could be used to explain why the woman delayed reporting the alleged assault for two weeks.

The judge sided with the defense, ruling that any reference to a prior bad act would be excluded unless prosecutors provided additional detail or argument, citing the lack of specificity in the information presented.

Diggs was not present in court for Friday’s pretrial hearing.

The 32-year-old was released by the Patriots in March. He’s currently a free agent.

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

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

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The Los Angeles Lakers begin a difficult playoff challenge tomorrow. They face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a best-of-seven series as clear underdogs once again.

A similar situation unfolded in the previous round against the Houston Rockets. On that occasion, the Lakers managed to compete, especially amid Kevin Durant’s absence, but the margin for error is even smaller this time.

Having Luka Doncic available would significantly improve their chances. However, the latest update suggests the star guard is still far from making his return.

Brian Windhorst delivers concerning update on Luka Doncic recovery

ESPN journalist Brian Windhorst outlined the situation on Get Up this Monday. His comments indicated that Doncic is not yet close to resuming full basketball activity.

“He is not close. There is a whole ramp up that is required when you are coming back from a hamstring,” Windhorst said. “He has not started that contact ramp up yet.”

He added: “The Lakers got a break by starting this series a little bit after, by resting LeBron, but it has not brought Luka back. A series lasts 14 days. I don’t know where they’ll be in 10 days, but do not expect to see Luka in the first few games of the series.”

Doncic’s importance to the team makes that setback even more significant. According to SofaScore, he averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists during the regular season.

Those numbers placed him firmly in MVP conversations at different points. His absence removes the team’s primary scorer and playmaker against the league’s best team.

Lakers production drops significantly without Luka Doncic

The statistical difference with and without Doncic is clear. His presence transforms the Lakers’ overall effectiveness on both ends.

According to StatMuse, the Lakers hold a 14-10 record without him across the 2026 regular season and playoffs. They have averaged 111.1 points per game in those contests.

With Doncic available, the numbers improve notably. The team is 43-21 and scores 116.9 points per game, reflecting his offensive impact.

Read more:

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres approaches their Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid with a clear, consistent focus. With the tie level at 1–1 following his penalty in Spain, and a domestic brace against Fulham at the weekend, the Swedish forward’s form is peaking at a decisive stage of the season.

His two goals in the Premier League took him to 21 for the campaign, marking a fourth consecutive season in which he has surpassed the 20-goal threshold. It is a level of consistency that reflects both his role and his mindset.

“I want to score goals. So to reach that is a good thing,” he said. “The most important things are coming this month, so we’ll have to do our job and see where it gets us.”

Gyokeres’ performance in Madrid was among his most complete since arriving in the summer, combining physical presence with increased involvement in Arsenal’s build-up. He referenced that connection after Saturday’s win.

“I think I was involved a lot and got a lot of touches on the ball. That helps in performances,” he said. “We played very good football.”

The 27-year-old’s adaptation to English football has been relatively smooth in output terms, but he pointed to the off-pitch adjustment as the most significant challenge.

“The biggest challenge is to adapt and come into a new routine in a new country, because you change everything in your life,” he explained. “To adapt to that quickly and be ready for all the challenges that are coming – that’s the biggest one.”

On the pitch, his role has evolved within a forward line that now includes a fully fit Bukayo Saka. The England international’s return at the weekend added fluency to Arsenal’s attacking patterns, something Gyokeres believes benefits the collective rather than any individual.

“He was very good on Saturday,” Gyokeres said. “When he’s in that form, it’s amazing for me and for all of us. The most important thing is to know your role and adapt to the system we play, then just be myself and be at my best.”

That emphasis on clarity extends to his approach in high-pressure moments. His penalty in Madrid continued a long-standing record of success from the spot, stretching across 27 matches for club and country.

“Just don’t try to think too much,” he said when asked about his process.

Whether the tie progresses to penalties remains an open question. Gyokeres declined to elaborate on Arsenal’s preparation in that scenario, offering only a brief “no comment”.

Preparation of a different kind comes daily in training, where he regularly faces Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

“I don’t think you can get any better centre-backs than what we have,” he said. “It’s great to train against them. They’re incredible players.”

The collective nature of Arsenal’s progress this season is a recurring theme in Gyokeres’ reflections. He highlighted both performance levels and squad cohesion as factors behind their current position.

“We are in this position for a reason we’ve done very well throughout the season,” he said. “But now everything matters in these games. It’s about doing well in them to get us over the line.”

That message aligns with the tone set by manager Mikel Arteta throughout the campaign: resilience, repetition and response to setbacks. Gyokeres acknowledged those demands when discussing how he handles scrutiny and inconsistency.

“In football you have to keep going, no matter what happens,” he said. “There are so many games and always challenges. You have to deal with them and do better in the next game.”

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium with the tie finely balanced and the margin for error reduced. For Gyokeres, the emphasis remains unchanged – time to be a part of history.

]

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Join us for all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games, as Cremonese in crisis host Lazio, while Roma can close on fourth place against Fiorentina.

We begin at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST) when Cremonese desperately need a victory to keep hope of avoiding relegation alive, but are up against Coppa Italia Finalists Lazio.

At 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST), a win can put Roma within a point of Champions League football, but Fiorentina want one last push for safety.

John Sterling best catchphrases: The 10 greatest signature calls from iconic Yankees broadcaster originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Longtime New York Yankees broadcaster John Sterling was the voice of a golden era of baseball in the Bronx, but he didn't rise to prominence just because he was in the right place at the right time.

Sterling stayed true to himself throughout his 36 years behind the microphone for the Yankees, developing more than a few signature catchphrases and calls that made his broadcasts unique. 

Sterling died on Monday at the age of 87, less than two years after he called his final game at Yankee Stadium. As tributes poured in, many of Sterling's best calls started to circulate on social media.

Here's a look back at Sterling's signature lines, from his end-of-game call to his best home run calls.

MORE:Tributes pour in for John Sterling after news of death

10 best catchphrases from John Sterling's legendary career

'Theeeee Yankees win!'

Nothing was more iconic than Sterling's over-the-top call at the end of every Yankees win, which he saw thousands of during his career.

"Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeeeeee Yankees win!" Sterling would say in grand fashion.

Sterling might have hung on a little bit longer with the "Theeeee" for the Yankees' biggest wins, including World Series victories, but he brought the energy for the final out of a win in April about the same way he did for a win in October.

'It is high, it is far, it is GONE!'

Before any custom home run call for the player, Sterling's home run calls would begin with the same line: "It is high, it is far, it is GONE!"

'An A-bomb, from A-Rod!'

Sometimes, the simplest calls are the best calls. Sterling likely didn't have to spend much time coming up with his call for Alex Rodriguez's (many) home runs in pinstripes: "An A-bomb, from A-Rod!"

'Bern, baby, Bern!'

One of Sterling's earliest iconic home run calls came courtesy of Bernie Williams, and it was another example of a simple but ultra-effective call: "Bern, baby Bern!"

'Back-to-back and belly-to-belly!'

When the Yankees hit back-to-back home runs, not an uncommon occurrence during much of Sterling's 36 years on the call, he would refer to Harry Belafonte's "Zombie Jamboree" with his call, "Back-to-back and belly-to-belly!"

'Robbie Cano, don't ya know!'

Before Robinson Cano's departure for Seattle after the 2013 season, his home runs provided Yankees fans with one of Sterling's best calls. "Robbie Cano, don't ya know!" is how Sterling would react to every Cano homer.

'All rise! Here comes the Judge!'

"All rise" has become synonymous with Aaron Judge in New York, but Sterling was one of the earliest to use the phrase for his signature call on Judge home runs.

'A thrilla by Godzilla!'

Nicknamed "Godzilla," Hideki Matsui became a fan favorite as soon as he put on the pinstripes in New York, and Sterling leaned into that nickname in his home run call for the Japanese slugger. "A thrilla by Godzilla!" Sterling would shout after every Matsui home run.

'El Capitan'

Derek Jeter wasn't a pure power hitter by any means, but he hit enough home runs during his two decades with the Yankees that Sterling's "El Capitan" label after every Jeter homer became one of his most iconic calls.

'Cut on and missed'

When you consider Sterling called 5,060 consecutive games at one point, think about how many swinging strikes he must have seen. For almost every one of them, he had the same line: "Cut on and missed," Sterling would say, dragging out the first word every time. While it became mundane for everyday listeners, it's a four-word phrase most Yankees fans will probably have in the back of their heads forever.

The Philadelphia Eagles have begun week three of their nine-week offseason workout program, and they'll be joined by eight NFL draft picks and about 10 undrafted free agents after the record-setting weekend. Philadelphia talked about swinging the pendulum towards the offense, and the Eagles finished Saturday with five offensive players, with their first five picks going to offensive players who'll play key roles in the future. Of the five, only Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers appear set for Day 1 roles. Markel Bell, Micah Morris, and others may not seed the field until 2027 at the earliest. On defense, the Eagles added Texas Tech safety Cole Wisniewski and New Mexico pass rusher Keyshawn James-Newby, with an intriguing International Pathway Program participant, Uar Bernard, sandwiched in between.

With the rookie minicamp and OTAs fast approaching, here's an updated look at the Eagles' 90-man roster.

90-man roster following the NFL Draft

Quarterback: 4

#1 Jalen Hurts#14 Tanner McKee#16 Andy Dalton

#10 Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

Jalen Hurts has begun his work with Sean Mannion, and the quarterback will benefit from having the former quarterback, along with Josh Grizzard (pass game coordinator) and another former quarterback, Jerrod Johnson, on staff as senior assistants. Tanner McKee returns, while the Eagles traded a 7th-round pick to Carolina to acquire veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Former North Dakota State signal caller Cole Payton joins the roster, and all four players could make the 53-man cuts.

Running back: 5

#26 Saquon Barkley#8 Tank Bigsby#28 Will Shipley#39 Dameon Pierce#34 Carson Steele

#36 Cameron Latu (FB/TE)

Barkley played in 16 games (16 starts), running for 1,140 yards on 280 carries (4.1 avg.) with 7 TDs, adding 273 receiving yards on 37 catches (7.4 avg.) With two touchdowns, he became the first Eagle since LeSean McCoy in 2013-14 to post back-to-back 1,000+ yard rushing seasons. A key trade acquisition, the hard-running Bigsby participated in 16 contests (one start) with the Eagles, recording 356 rushing yards on 63 carries (5.7 avg.) and 2 touchdowns. Will Shipley will try to regain his momentum, while the Eagles added former Texans running back Dameon Pierce for more competition.

Wide receiver: 11

#11 A.J. Brown#6 DeVonta Smith

#9 Makai Lemon, WR, Southern Cal#0 Hollywood Brown#80 Darius Cooper#89 Johnny Wilson#86 Quez Watkins#82 Danny Gray

#18 Britain Covey

#19 Elijah Moore -signed March 24

#13 Dontayvion Wicks-- Acquired via trade

DeVonta Smith (1,008) and A.J. Brown (1,003) are the only Eagles WR duo to produce 1,000+ receiving yards each in the same season, but the duo will be split up at some point after June 1. Looking to add more to the offense, the Eagles traded up to secure Makai Lemon. The explosive Hollywood Brown had 49 catches for 587 yards and 5 TDs last season. Darius Cooper is the player most impacted by Brown joining the roster. At the same time, Johnny Wilson will look to regain his training camp form from 2025, before he suffered a significant knee injury. This depth chart could drastically change around June 1. The addition of Dontayvion Wicks via trade makes things even more interesting.

Tight end: 8

#88 Dallas Goedert

#87 Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt#83 Johnny Mundt#81 Grant Calcaterra#87 Stone Smartt#84 E.J. Jenkins

#36 Cameron Latu

#45 Dae'Quan Wright

Dallas Goedert is back on a one-year deal. Goedert started 15 games, catching 60 passes for 591 yards and a career-high and Eagles franchise high 11 touchdown catches. Philadelphia drafted his successor, landing Eli Stowers in the second round. A Former college teammate of Jalen Hurts at Oklahoma, eaching the end of his rookie contract. Calcaterra played in 62 games with 22 starts. Mundt will play the third tight end, run-blocking role. Cameron Latu will assume the role of fullback. In a reduced role behind Mason Taylor, Smartt caught seven of nine targets for 52 yards while appearing in 15 games for the Jets in the 2025 season.

Smartt played mostly on special teams and drew at least one target in only three of his 15 appearances for the Jets. He spent the previous three seasons with the Chargers and has just one touchdown catch in 53 regular-season NFL games.

Offensive line: 17

LT: #68 Jordan MailataLG: #69 Landon DickersonC: #51 Cam JurgensRG: #56 Tyler SteenRT: #65 Lane Johnson

#72 Markel Bell, T, Miami

#76 Micah Morris, G, Georgia

#74 Fred Johnson, #78 Myles Hinton, #73 Cameron Williams, #67 John Ojukwu, #66 Drew Kendall, #61 Willie Lampkin, #75 Jake Majors, #63 Hollin Pierce, #64 Jaeden Roberts, #67 John Ojukwu

The Eagles' offensive line suffered multiple injuries in 2025 but will look to rebound under the new offensive line coach. The Eagles have hired Chris Kuper as offensive line coach. The Vikings didn't retain Kuper after four years in the same position. During Kuper's tenure, Minnesota ranked 32nd in pressure rate allowed on the interior in three of the last four seasons, including 2025, a ranking that led to his dismissal. Landon Dickerson was excellent in 2024 but finished the 2025 regular season with a 60.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, which ranked only 51st among 81 qualifying guards. Jordan Mailata didn't replicate his elite 2024 campaign, but he was still Philadelphia's best offensive lineman. His 83.8 PFF overall grade ranked seventh among all offensive tackles. Lane Johnson, 35, is a future Hall of Famer with a resume that includes six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro nods, and a pair of Super Bowl wins. Johnson's value is clear: the Eagles were 8-2 with him in the lineup this season, versus 3-4 without him. During his tenure in Philadelphia, the team's record is 94-41-1 when he plays and 15-27 when he doesn't.

Defensive line: 6

#98 Jalen Carter#90 Jordan Davis#97 Moro Ojomo#95 Ty Robinson#94 Byron Young#96 Gabe Hall

Philadelphia has an elite trio with Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo, with Byron Young and Ty Robinson as capable backups. Despite two badly injured shoulders, Carter was the Eagles' lone Pro Bowl starter. In 12 games this season, he had 33 tackles, 41 QB pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Ojomo's 71.0 PFF grade was the 80th best in the NFL last season, but he's much improved, and Ojomo saw his snap count increase to 60 percent in his third year. He started nine games for the Eagles this season and played in all 17, finishing second on the team in sacks.

Ojomo will enter the final year of his deal with a $3,624,446 cap hit. Jordan Davis just signed a three-year, $78 million deal.

Edge rusher: 10

Jonathan Greenard

#58 Jalyx Hunt#3 Nolan Smith#17 Arnold Ebiketie

#93 Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria

#52 Joe Tryon-Shoyinka#43 Jose Ramirez

#77 Ta'Quon Graham

#50 Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge, New Mexico

#46 Joshua Weru UDFA

Ebiketie joins Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as athletic, hybrid pass rushers who can get after the opposing quarterbacks. The Eagles could still add Brandon Graham to this group. A solid run defender and explosive pass rusher, Smith missed seven games in 2025, logging 31 tackles, 3 sacks, one forced fumble, 33 QB pressures, 24 QB hurries, and a 67.7 PFF grade in 12 games. The 5th-year option, as it currently stands, is $14 million for 2027. Hunt became the first Eagle to lead the team in both sacks (6.5) and INTs (3) in the same season. He is the second Eagle to have 6.0+ sacks and 3.0+ INTs in a season, joining Seth Joyner (1991-92). Tryon-Shoyinka earned a 72.2 overall PFF defensive grade, and a pass-rush grade of 67.6, with a run-defense grade of 66.2. Tryon-Shoyinka generated 8 total pressures, 0 sacks, 6 hurries, and 2 QB hits. Against the run, he recorded 10 solo tackles. Tryon-Shoyinka has never produced more than 5.0 sacks in a single season and logged only 2.0 in 2024. The former Washington first-round pick only played 142 snaps in 2025.

Linebacker: 7

#53 Zack Baun#30 Jihaad Campbell#54 Jeremiah Trotter Jr.#42 Smael Mondon Jr.#59 Chance Campbell

#45 Chandler Martin

#47 Deontae Lawson

Last spring, the Eagles traded up a spot in the draft to pick Jihaad Campbell, whose playing time slowed when Dean returned to the lineup. Dean has departed, and Campbell will miss the off-season due to shoulder surgery. Linebacker depth is one of the strengths for the Eagles, and they'll have Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. looking for breakout moments. Chance Campbell is on the roster, and the Eagles just added former Ravens linebacker Chandler Martin on a two-year deal.

Cornerback: 10

# 27 Quinyon Mitchell#33 Cooper DeJean#2 Riq Woolen#7 Kelee Ringo#23 Jakorian Bennett#32 Jonathan Jones#22 Mac McWilliams#41 Tariq Castro-Fields

#34 Kapena Gushiken#38 Ambry Thomas

After losing Jaelan Phillips, Reed Blankenship, and Nakobe Dean, the strength of this defense will be at cornerback. Philadelphia has gone from uncertainty at the position to being absolutely loaded after landing Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. The move allows Cooper DeJean to remain a versatile weapon. At the same time, Michael Carter II could transition to safety, which allows the Birds to keep Jakorian Bennett and Kelee Ringo in reserve roles.

The Eagles' revamped defense will give some of the top passing offenses a run for their money, matching up with outside pass catchers and in the slot. Woolen possesses unmatched measurables for a cornerback as he's tall, athletic, physical, fast, and has top-flight ball skills. Even more impressive, he produced the second-highest lockdown percentage (65%) in the NFL this past season. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia and Sharp Football, the Eagles used man coverage on 24.5% of their snaps last season. That ranked 12th in the NFL, whereas the Seahawks' man usage (15.2%) ranked 27th.

Safety: 9

#24 Drew Mukuba#35 Michael Carter II#29 Marcus Epps#48 J.T. Gray#31 Andre' Sam#49 Brandon Johnson

#21 Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

#37 Tucker Large

#36 Maximus Pulley

Before last Friday, Philadelphia had Mukuba, Sydney Brown, Andre Sam, and Brandon Johnson on the roster. On Friday afternoon, the Eagles traded Brown to Atlanta and quickly re-signed Marcus Epps and added J.T. Gray. Mukuba is a guaranteed starter in Year 2, despite returning from a season-ending injury as a rookie. The second safety spot is up for grabs after Reed Blankenship's departure. Epps is a solid contributor, but he's aging and not a dominant game-changer. Gray is a special teams standout, while Sam and Johnson are back after spending 2025 on the practice squad.

Specialists: 3

Kicker: #4 Jake ElliottPunter: #10 Braden MannLong snapper: #37 Rocco Underwood

Mann signed a four-year contract to return to the Eagles, bringing back one of the best punters in the NFL. Elliott reworked his contract, and the team guaranteed his 2026 salary, but he could see competition. The Eagles signed an undrafted free agent long snapper, Rocco Underwood, out of Florida.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Philadelphia Eagles' 90-man roster following the rookie minicamp

Brittany Brown looks strong.

She looks confident.

She looks capable of achieving her dreams.

That's how Brown looks in the mural painted in her honor at Vista del Valle Elementary — and it's how the 31-year-old U.S. sprinter feels in real life nearly two years after winning a bronze medal in the women's 200-meter at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Read more:Alysa Liu inspires mural that's 'a little rough around the edges, but beautiful at the same time'

But that's not always how she felt decades ago during her time as a student at the Claremont school.

"I grew up very sickly," Brown told The Times last month while visiting Vista del Valle for a mural unveiling ceremony. "I had asthma. I had pneumonia, bronchitis. ... I never thought I’d be running because I just was not the person that would be running. I was told to stay inside, not go outside.”

Brown's family also faced housing uncertainty and financial struggles during that time. They moved around a lot, and sometimes Brown and her family — mother Yo-Landa, father Wayne, older sister Brandi, twin brother Brandon and younger brother Bryan — found themselves living in a hotel room near the elementary school.

Her mother told The Times that the school and the community provided invaluable support during those trying times.

“I think emotionally, it took a toll on her," Yo-Landa Brown said. "But, of course, she was always joyful. She was very observant. She was kind. I could tell she used to cry a lot, but we all just tried to keep things calm and collected around her.”

The mural ceremony was held April 24 immediately after the school's 50th annual district track meet, where Brown interacted with the participants and handed out ribbons. Vista del Valle Elementary hosts all seven elementary schools in the district each year for the meet. It was as a fourth-grade participant at the same event nearly 20 years ago that Brown discovered she loved to run — and also that she was very good at it.

"I remember running just felt very freeing. Like it just felt like, ‘OK, I'm not the sick kid. I can just try and do something,’" said Brown, who holds the Claremont High School record in the girls 100-meter and 200-meter races. "And I was also winning, so that helped as well. ... Running has brought me opportunities I never thought I would ever experience.”

The mural was painted by local artist Xiucoatl Mejia, who attended Claremont Unified School District schools from kindergarten (Sumner Elementary) through high school (Claremont High). He has painted several murals at district schools in recent years and was already working with first-year Vista del Valle principal Charles Boulden to start an after-school art club for the students.

Read more:Ohtani. Yamamoto. Sasaki. A 12-story 'cultural bridge' between L.A. and Japan to debut in Torrance

The two men thought it would be great to have a mural on campus to tie in with the half-century anniversary of the district track meet. The realization that one of the country's top sprinters was a Vista graduate who got her start at the same meet served as further inspiration.

The mural depicts an adult Brown running while wearing a Vista track uniform and carrying a torch. A large group of children runs behind her, with some of those kids resembling students from the art club.

"It just made sense to include some of the kids who were in the class and make it a little bit more custom to the school and personal to these kids," Mejia said.

Third-grader Levi Adams said being depicted in a mural on a school wall is “special because when you’re older you can go back and look at it.”

Second-grader Holland Ly agreed that "it's pretty special" to be featured in a painting that "many people" will see through the years.

Art club students also helped paint the mural.

Read more:How a mural of Altadena became a symbol of resilience for one small store, through fire and flood

"I had the kids lay out the whole track," Mejia said. "I wanted them to do that very specifically, because I wanted them to understand that that's the foundation for the race in our scene. ... I wanted them to have that part in it, and be able to look back on it and see it."

The theme of the piece initially was victory, Mejia said, but it evolved.

"As it progressed, the theme kind of changed into carrying the torch and paving the way for a better future for our youth and for our communities," Mejia said. "It became a lot bigger than what initially it was. It became something that is a little bit more powerful than any singular victory. It was a collective victory with everyone."

Boulden thinks the mural ended up being a tremendous success.

"I couldn’t be happier with how it is — the colors, how vibrant it is and what it represents to me," the principal said. "I see perseverance in there, and I see chasing dreams, and I see kids chasing after somebody who's chasing their dreams as well."

Brown is also thrilled with how the first mural in her honor turned out.

"I think it’s really good! I’m really, really happy with it," said Brown, who is currently training in Los Angeles with the long-term goal of competing for the U.S. again in the 2028 Summer Olympics. "I love the colors. It even has my choker — I wear a choker when I run a lot. It has the little, fine details, so I think that was really cool."

Her mother said she thought it was "really touching" that Mejia included images of current Vista students in the painting.

“Yes, Brittany is the Olympian, but now you have the next generation involved," Yo-Landa Brown said. "Their stories will continue to live on and they will remember that. And that will give them the inspiration to be better and to do better in their lives. I thought that was phenomenal. I felt so thankful that he was able to capture that.”

Wearing her Olympic medal around her neck, Brown addressed the student body at the mural ceremony and became emotional while talking about the hardships she overcame while attending the school.

"I really just want them to know you can create beautiful stuff, even in the struggle," Brown told The Times afterward. "It's going to be a lot harder, but you can still create beautiful stuff in the struggle. And I definitely have created a different life for me. ...

"I never thought the little girl in the hotel would freaking have a mural. I never thought, like a little asthma girl, you know, someone who wasn't allowed outside, that this would be my story. So it's definitely crazy. That's what I want them to know."

Brown's message seems to have resonated with the students. Fifth-grader Kaylee Mency said Brown's story of her childhood struggles "really meant a lot to me because she still kept going even though her life wasn’t as good."

Fifth-grader Eliana Ocegueda added: “She went to this school and now she’s an Olympian. It’s really inspiring and it kind of makes you think about you can be anything you want to be.”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

How Caitlin Clark's teammate could dent her WNBA MVP chances originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Fever are probably going to be a very good team in 2026 if a player other than Caitlin Clark -- or even Kelsey Mitchell -- is nominated for the WNBA MVP award.

How does that work? Isn't Clark healthy again? Is she not still one of the best and most explosive players in the entire league?

MORE: Fever’s biggest concern revealed days before new WNBA season

Clark missed 31 games through injury in 2025, but she won Rookie of the Year honors while placing fourth in MVP voting in 2024. In her absence over the past year, Mitchell stepped up and averaged a career-best 20.2 points per game, carrying the Fever as long as she was physically able and earning first-team All-WNBA honors when the season ended.

With Mitchell and Clark rested and ready for the 2026 season, opposing defensive schemes are going to hone in on the two All-Star guards. That means they may leave openings for the Fever's third All-Star: Aliyah Boston, whom ESPN is tipping to emerge as an MVP candidate in her fourth season.

"Last season, (Boston) was tied for sixth in MVP voting, made her first All-Defensive team, first All-WNBA team and earned a third consecutive All-Star appearance. There's going to be a ton of attention on those two guards and Boston should be the beneficiary," wrote ESPN's Kareem Copeland.

Furthermore, Copeland thinks the relative lack of attention on Boston could lead to the South Carolina product achieving a rare statistical feat in recent years: a double-double average over a full season.

"The 2023 No. 1 pick has never averaged fewer than 8.2 rebounds per game," he wrote. "Averaging a double-double is possible."

In the past four seasons, only Angel Reese and A'ja Wilson have averaged a points-rebounds double-double across an entire campaign. If Boston breaks into that elite club, it will mean a career-best year for the former no.1 overall pick -- and a genuine shot at snatching the MVP award away from Wilson.

More WNBA news:

• Sophie Cunningham drops cryptic hint that has Fever fans paying attention

• Brittney Griner shuts down retirement talk with blunt message after Sun loss

• Did Caitlin Clark just reveal Lexie Hull’s wedding timeline?

• Sabrina Ionescu injury update: Liberty star set for MRI after preseason scare before opener

Chiefs sign All-Pro WR's nephew to contract after rookie minicamp originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Xavier Loyd's only chance to make an NFL roster after going undrafted was as an invite to the Kansas City Chiefs' rookie minicamp.

He made the opportunity count. On Monday, the Chiefs announced that they had signed Loyd to a contract. He'll be sticking around into the rest of the offseason and, he hopes, beyond.

There are multiple reasons to be intrigued by Loyd, but one stands out.

He's the nephew of former All-Pro NFL wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (yes, the last names are spelled differently).

Lloyd played for the 49ers, Redskins, Bears, Broncos, Rams and Patriots and had both a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl honor to his name. He had been a standout wide receiver at Illinois before entering the NFL.

Loyd began his college football career with three seasons at Kansas State, but he didn't really break through until transferring to Illinois State for the 2024 season.

There, he had 66 catches for 912 yards and six touchdowns.

MORE: Shilo Sanders under fire for telling female reporter to 'make a sandwich'

That season earned him a transfer to Mizzou, where he played in all 13 games but had only two catches for 21 yards for the entire season.

That lack of offensive contribution actually makes Loyd more fascinating, because he must have traits that stood out at a minicamp despite a lack of high-level college football experience.

The genes are good, but they don't get a guy an NFL contract.

Loyd was listed at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds by Missouri, and he'll be hoping to continue to surprise as this offseason goes along and training camp and the preseason arrive soon enough.

More NFL news:

• Jaguars TE going viral for the oddest reason
• How the Steelers are setting up for Arch Manning
• Eagles might have a DeVonta Smith problem
• Patriots give another A.J. Brown signal
• From Falcons to Cardinals, Tyler Allgeier can't catch a break

John Sterling, a former Atlanta Braves and Hawks broadcaster who later became the radio voice for the New York Yankees, has died.

WFAN Sports Radio announced his death on Monday. Sterling was 87.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“We are devastated to hear about the passing of John Sterling, a WFAN and Yankees radio icon whose voice was synonymous with an entire generation of Yankee fandom,” WFAN said in a statement.

Sterling called games for the Braves from 1982-1987 and for the Hawks from 1981-1989. He then took the radio play-by-play job for the Yankees, where his signature “The Yankees Win” call became a staple.

His broadcasting career also included stints with the New York Nets, New York Islanders and Baltimore Bullets.

The Braves and Hawks both posted tributes on their social media accounts.

“The Atlanta Braves mourn the passing of longtime Yankees and former Braves broadcaster John Sterling.”

“In loving memory of John Sterling, a legendary voice in sports whose career spanned many years, including nearly a decade with the Atlanta Hawks ❤️"

Major League Baseball released the following statement:

We are saddened by the passing of former New York Yankees broadcaster John Sterling.

Through his unique style and passionate play-by-play calls, Sterling endeared himself to generations of players and fans as radio voice of the Yankees from 1989 to 2024.

His signature… pic.twitter.com/cKhJC368zy

— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2026

Jamahl Mosley was fired as coach of the Orlando Magic on Monday, paying the widely expected price after the team blew a 3-1 series lead and got eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in Round 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity pending the team announcement.

It was Orlando’s third consecutive first-round playoff exit, and easily the most disappointing. Not only did the eighth-seeded Magic lose all three chances to upset the top-seeded Pistons, but one of those games saw Orlando have a 24-point second-half lead at home and still lose. Orlando missed 23 consecutive shots in that Game 6 loss on Friday, getting booed by fans when it was over.

That loss probably was the one that sealed Mosley’s fate, even though the loss in Game 7 at Detroit on Sunday was the one that ended the season.

Mosley is the third-winningest coach in Magic history, his 189 wins behind only Brian Hill (267) and Stan Van Gundy (259). He inherited a team that was in the early stages of a rebuild, with Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs entering the league as rookies in his first season and then the Magic winning the lottery to draft Paolo Banchero No. 1 overall before Mosley’s second season.

Orlando won 22 games in Mosley’s first season, improved to 34-48 in Year 2 and has been .500 or better in all three seasons since — 47-35 in 2023-24, 41-41 last season and 45-37 this season.

That makes the Magic one of 10 teams — Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma City are the others — to have not finished below .500 in any of the last three seasons.

It wasn’t enough. And with much of the team’s core — Banchero, Wagner, Suggs, Desmond Bane and more — under contract for the foreseeable future, the Magic clearly felt the best way to shake things up was to bring in a new coach.

“It’s been absolutely amazing journey with these guys,” Mosley said. “Their ability to grow, communicate ... we’re going to fight until the final horn goes off. And that’s what you’ve seen for a majority of the five years.”

It is a roster in need of upgrading in some ways, shooting perhaps foremost among them after Orlando was only 27th in the 30-team league in 3-point percentage this season. Injuries have also been a major issue for the Magic, including in the playoffs — with Wagner unable to play in the final three games, all losses, against Detroit.

Mosley’s job security was a talking point for much of the season, especially amid reports that he and Banchero were not on the same page. In March, Banchero acknowledged that were some moments of conflict — but thought Orlando was better for going through that.

“We’re both competitors,” Banchero said when asked then about his relationship with Mosley. “There were times where I was frustrated and I wasn’t playing as well as I think I should be. But it never became me pointing the finger at him or being disrespectful. It was all constructive; he’s talking to me, I’m talking to him. And winning, it cures everything.”

Evidently, there wasn’t enough winning.

Mosley had two seasons left on an extension that he and the Magic agreed on in March 2024. The team lauded his “preparation, work ethic, ability to connect with the players and passion he brings to the job every day brings positive results, both on the court and off” when announcing that deal.

Barely two years later, he and the Magic were parting ways.

Only seven coaches have been in their current jobs longer than Mosley was with Orlando — Miami’s Erik Spoelstra (hired in 2008), Golden State’s Steve Kerr (2014), the Clippers’ Tyronn Lue (2020), Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault (2020), Minnesota’s Chris Finch (2021), Indiana’s Rick Carlisle (2021) and Dallas’ Jason Kidd (2021).

Mosley spent 15 years as an assistant in Denver, Cleveland and Dallas — and was often mentioned as a candidate for head-coaching jobs around the league over that span — before Orlando hired him. He had a long relationship with Magic basketball operations president Jeff Weltman, who first took note of Mosley when they worked together with the Nuggets.

Mosley was the 14th coach in Magic history, the 15th if counting Billy Donovan — who accepted the job in 2007, then had second thoughts and returned to the University of Florida. Donovan just left the Chicago Bulls after six seasons as their coach, which sparked speculation that he could be the frontrunner in Orlando if the Magic indeed would be moving on from Mosley.

___

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

There are few journalists more respected in the game than USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.  We go around the bases with one of the best in the business.  

Q:  The Hader or Brown injury, which has been more devastating for Houston this season if you had to pick one?

A:  I think the Brown absence has had more of an impact. He’s an ace and can solidify the rotation just with his presence. I love Josh Hader. He can pitch 4-5 days a week, but they’ve had only two blown saves this season. Simply, Hader would not have had many opportunities to even close games.

Q:  We’ve seen a few managers already fired.  Does Joe Espada endure this until his starters return or is he firmly on the hot seat?

A:  Espada is definitely on the hot seat. In fact, no manager is in bigger jeopardy of losing his job now that Carlos Mendoza is safe for now in New York. Espada is one prolonged losing streak of being let go.

Q:  An optimist would say that there’s a ton of baseball left and that no team has pulled away in the AL West.  What would you say to that person?

A:  The AL West may be the weakest division in baseball, but the Astros have yet to show signs they are capable of hanging in the race. They haven’t won three games in a row since April 1.

    Q:  If the Astros failed to once again reach the post season, would you feel their window to compete for championships had closed?

 A:  No, not at all. I don’t believe the Astros will ever go into a full rebuild as long as Jim Crane owns the franchise. They will do everything within their power to contend every season. They have far too much talent to step back and rebuild.

Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis said that his side back themselves to "beat anyone" in their remaining matches this season.

Saints will play at least two more games, with a play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough to come before a Wembley final should they get past Boro over two legs.

Victory against Preston North End on the final day of the regular season saw Tonda Eckert's side seal a fourth-placed finish, four points off the automatic promotion spots, and still in with a chance of reaching the Premier League.

Harwood-Bellis admitted that their recent run of form - which includes a 19 league game unbeaten run - is down to the efforts of the entire football club and staff.

"We back ourselves to beat anyone, home or away," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"There's a relentlessness in the team, the manager and the staff at the moment, it's where we're living, right at the top, every single day in what we do.

"No one's taken days off, we've just been at it and it shows - even the loss at Wembley which was a sucker-punch but we've come out with so many positives that we can handle ourselves. We're fit, we're strong, we're just a different level at the minute."

The win for Saints at the weekend came after a winless run of three games which included two league draws and defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.

The Saints centre-back scored with a header at Deepdale, his seventh goal of the season in 41 league appearances, and said Eckert had been keen to stress to the group the importance of taking momentum into the play-offs.

"We made a massive deal about getting back to winning ways before the game," he added.

"In the hotel and a few days leading up, he (Eckert) said not to underestimate how important that Preston game was.

"It was so important to just get back to that momentum and getting that winning feeling back."

Saints travel away to the Riverside on Saturday for the first leg of their play-off match before hosting Boro at St Mary's the following Tuesday.

Inter Trigger Akanji Clause After Serie A Triumph

Fabrizio Romano reports that Inter Milan will automatically activate a €15m clause to sign Manuel Akanji following their Serie A title win.

Photo IMAGO

Permanent Exit for Man City Defender

This development confirms that Manchester City will part ways with the defender on a permanent basis. The clause, linked to Inter’s title success, removes any remaining uncertainty around the player’s future.

Strategic Move for Both Clubs

From Inter’s perspective, securing Akanji at a fixed fee represents efficient business. For City, it reflects squad evolution, with resources potentially redirected towards new defensive options.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester City, this deal feels pragmatic rather than emotional. Manuel Akanji has been a reliable figure, often stepping in across multiple defensive roles with consistency.

Letting him leave for €15m may prompt debate. Some fans would question whether that fee fully reflects his experience and versatility, particularly in high pressure matches. Others would see it as part of a wider refresh, a necessary step in keeping the squad competitive and dynamic.

There is also trust in the club’s recruitment structure. City have repeatedly demonstrated an ability to replace outgoing players with precision, maintaining performance levels while evolving tactically. Supporters would expect that any departure has been planned well in advance.

Ultimately, the reaction would be measured. Appreciation for Akanji’s contribution, acceptance of the business logic, and curiosity about what comes next. At City, departures rarely feel like endings, more like transitions within a constantly shifting system.

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Five things to know about the Chargers 2026 schedule release (Chargers.com)

Projecting the Chargers starting defense in 2026 (Chargers Wire)

Check out how the rest of the AFC West reloaded this offseason (Charger Report)

Joe Hortiz provided another strong reason behind the Chargers picking an older pass rusher in the first round (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:

Anonymous NFL executives give their thoughts on what the Texans should do with C.J. Stroud (ESPN)

Here’s how NFL teams made moves to help out their young quarterbacks ahead of the 2026 season (CBS Sports)

Fernando Mendoza will have to adjust to taking more snaps under center as part of his transition to the NFL (NFL.com)

New Ravens guard Vega Ioane does not believe it’ll be hard to go from left to right guard in the NFL (Pro Football Talk)

These are the most impactful rookies who were drafted on day three (Sports Illustrated)

NFL execs have had some words for the Jaguars’ young general manager after his 2026 draft performance (Bleacher Report)

Milan have only netted 48 goals in 2025-26, resulting in their worst scoring season in the last 10 years.

Milan have only won one of their last five Serie A matches, collecting just four points in the process.

Their 2-0 loss to Sassuolo on Sunday risks jeopardising their Champions League place, as the Rossoneri have only five points more than Como with three games remaining, and Roma will move three points behind them if they beat Fiorentina tonight.

With 48 goals scored in 35 matches, Milan are expected to terminate the campaign with the worst scoring record in the last decade.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts after seeing his team concede a third goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

MilanNews has reported the worrying numbers for Milan’s strikers in the second part of the campaign.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic has not scored a goal in the last 126 days, being scoreless since December 28, 2025.

January signing Niclas Füllkrug scored his most recent goal on January 18, 2026. Christopher Nkunku has not scored a goal in 69 days (February 3, 2026 against Bologna).

SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on after the match during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Santiago Gimenez has spent several months on the sidelines due to an injury and has yet to score a goal in Serie A this term, finding the net for the last time in a league game on May 9, 2025, practically a year ago.

Last but not least, Rafael Leao has not scored a goal since March 1, when the Rossoneri won 2-0 over Cremonese.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri,Head Coach of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Milan’s scoring record in the last 10 years

2016-17: 57 goals

2017-18: 56

2018-19: 55

2019/20: 63

2020/21: 74

2021-22: 69

2022-23: 64

2023-24: 76

2024-25: 61

This was the 3rd week of full minor league play (stats are entering play on May, 3rd).

According to FanGraphs (which factors in age and proximity to the big leagues), 19-year old Cooper Flemming has taken over the top hitter spot in the Rays system. Flemming was the Rays 2nd round pick in 2025 and currently stashed in Single-A, hitting .364/.457/.568 with 3 HR and 5 SB, registering a 176 wRC+ over 105 PA.

Meanwhile, Aidan Cremarosa is still the team’s top minor league pitcher. The 22-year old was taken by the Rays in the 8th round of the 2025 draft out of Fresno State. Thus far over four starts in Single-A, Cremarosa has a 3.24 ERA | 2.28 FIP with a 38.0 K% & 4.0 BB% over 25 IP. There will be more on Cremarosa further below.

RUMBLINGS

• RHP Gary Gill Hill has been promoted to Double-A Montgomery.
• OF Aidan Smith has started a rehab assignment in the Florida Coast League; he opened the season on the Injured List with a hamstring issue
• SS Daniel Pierce’s stint on the Injured List was brief as he was activated on May 2nd.
• RHP Aidan Cremarosa was among 10 pitching prospects highlighted by Baseball America that stood out in April
• 1B Xavier Isaac still has major contact concerns (51.4%), but his power and on-base numbers are soaring in Double-A. Since April 12th, he is hitting .269/.441/.750 with 7 HR over 68 PA.
• Kiley McDaniel updated his prospect rankings for each system.

TEAM LEADERS

• Must currently be assigned to that team
• Baseball America’s top ten prospects are featured below each team they’re currently assigned to.
• (minimum of 50 TBF & PA)

Tampa Bay Rays

Top 10 Prospects

• None currently on active roster

Durham Bulls

Team Offensive Leaders:
AVG: .323, Victor Mesa Jr (hasn’t played since 4/15)
OBP: .417, Victor Mesa Jr (hasn’t played since 4/15)
SLG: .565, Victor Mesa Jr (hasn’t played since 4/15)
HR: 4,Blake Sabol, Logan Davidson, Carson Williams, Justyn-Henry Malloy, & Dom Keegan
wRC+: 154, Victor Mesa Jr (hasn’t played since 4/15)
SB: 17, Jacob Melton (Placed on the IL on 4/23)

Team Pitching Leaders:
ERA: 0.00, Trevor Martin
FIP: 3.24, Trevor Martin
K%: 37.3%, Joe Rock
BB%: 7.5%, Kodi Whitley
WHIP: 0.95, Kodi Whitley
AVG: .114, Evan Reifert
WHIFF%: 17.9%, Alex Cook

Top 10 Prospects

• #1 Brody Hopkins
  • AAA: 4.88 ERA | 5.78 FIP | 24.2 K% | 20.2 BB% | .219 AVG | 14.6 WHIFF% | 27.2 IP
• #3 Jacob Melton
  • AAA: .231/.346/.431 | 40.2 K% | 15.9 BB% | 1 HR | 17 SB | 99 wRC+ | 82 PA
    • 4/23: Suffered sprained ankle. Expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Montgomery Biscuits

Team Offensive Leaders:
AVG: .341, Cooper Kinney
OBP: .432, Coooper Kinney
SLG: .625, Xavier Isaac
HR: 7, Xavier Isaac
wRC+: 167, Xavier Isaac
SB: 21, Austin Overn

Team Pitching Leaders:
ERA: 1.75, Michael Forret
FIP: 3.83, Jack Kartsonas
K%: 32.7%, Hayden Snelsire
BB%:  4.6%, Jack Kartsonas
WHIP 0.75, Hayden Snelsire
AVG: .131, Michael Forret
WHIFF%: 16.4%, Hayden Snelsire

Top 10 Prospects

• #4 T.J. Nichols
  • AA: 1.80 ERA | 1.71 FIP | 25.0 K% | 0.0 BB% | .300 AVG | 12.3 WHIFF% | 5 IP
    • 4/7: Placed on Injured List
• #6 Santiago Suarez
  • AA: 5.94 ERA | 5.45 FIP | 29.7 K% | 8.1 BB% | .239 AVG | 14.2 WHIFF% | 16.2 IP
    • 4/25: Placed on Injured List
• #8 Michael Forret
  • AA: 1.75 ERA | 5.39 FIP | 24.7 K% | 13.4 BB% | .131 AVG | 14.4 WHIFF% | 25.2 IP

Bowling Green Hot Rods

Team Offensive Leaders:
AVG: .321, Nathan Flewelling
OBP: .446, Tony Santa Maria
SLG: .646, Theo Gillen
HR: 7, Nathan Flewelling
wRC+: 170, Nathan Flewelling
SB: 11, Tony Santa Maria

Team Pitching Leaders:
ERA: 3.86, Anderson Brito
FIP: 2.55, Anderson Brito
K%: 31.0%, Anderson Brito
BB%: 7.8%, Gary Gill Gill (promoted to AA on 5/2)
WHIP: 1.29, Garrett Gainey
AVG: .226, Trevor Harrison & Garrett Gainey
WHIFF%: 12.7%, Anderson Brito

Top 10 Prospects

• #2 Theo Gillen
  • A+: .277/.390/.646 | 26.0 K% | 13.0 BB% | 6 HR | 10 SB | 166 wRC+ | 77 PA
• #5 Anderson Brito
  • A+: 3.86 ERA | 2.55 FIP | 31.0 K% | 9.5 BB% | .247 AVG | 12.7 WHIFF% | 18.2 IP
• #10 Aidan Smith
  • A+: Hasn’t played in 2026
  • CPX: .000/.000/.000 | 33.3 K% | 0.0 BB% | 0 HR | 0 SB | -100 wRC+ | 3 PA
    • 4/2: Placed on the Injured List
    • 5/2: Began rehab assignment

Charleston River Dogs

Team Offensive Leaders:
AVG: .383, Caden Bodine
OBP: .457, Cooper Flemming
SLG: .617, Caden Bodine
HR: 4, Caden Bodine
wRC+: 178, Caden Bodine
SB: 9, Alberth Palma

Team Pitching Leaders:
ERA: 1.42, Trey Pooser
FIP: 2.01, Dominic Niman (Promoted to A+ on 5/2)
K%: 38.0%, Aidan Cremarosa
BB%: 4.0%, Aidan Cremarosa
WHIP: 0.79, Trey Pooser
AVG: .155, Trey Pooser
WHIFF%: 20.1%, Aidan Cremarosa

Top 10 Prospects

• #7 Daniel Pierce
  • A: .259/.339/.463 | 30.6 K% | 6.5 BB% | 3 HR | 4 SB | 115 wRC+ | 62 PA
    • 4/22: Placed on the 7-day IL
    • 5/2: Activated from the IL
• #9 Brendan Summerhill
  • A: .188/.235/.375 | 23.5 K% | 3.9 BB% | 3 HR | 0 SB | 62 wRC+ | 51 PA
    • 4/22: Placed on the 7-day IL

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Jamahl Mosley fired as coach of Orlando Magic, AP source says.

The Orlando Magic are reportedly parting ways with head coach Jamahl Mosley, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The news comes less than 24 hours after the Magic blew a 3-1 lead over the Detroit Pistons in the first-round of the NBA playoffs.

Despite the postseason appearance, Mosley’s seat has been hot for the last several weeks. At the end of March, on the heels of a six-game losing streak, Orlando suffered a brutal 52-point loss to the Toronto Raptors, letting the Raptors go on a historic 31-0 run after initially going up in the first quarter.

After the loss, Mosley firmly blamed himself. “I’ve got to be able to do a better job of preparing them for what they were going to see tonight. We talked a little bit about it, but probably not enough,” he said. “That’s on me.”

That blame appears to have been shared by the Magic front office, even as the team kept Mosley on through the postseason.

Mosley was hired as the Magic’s new head coach in 2021, after years as an assistant coach with multiple teams. The hiring came off the heels of Orlando’s rough 21-51 season in the bubble, but after a bumpy first year, Mosley raised the team’s win percentage and eventually led the Magic back to the playoffs in 2024.

Mosley and Orlando agreed to a contract extension in 2024, which was set to expire at the end of the 2027-28 season.

But since then, the team has gone somewhat stagnant. Though Orlando made back-to-back postseason appearances in 2024 and 2025, they failed to advance past the first round. The Magic have not made it past the first round of the NBA playoffs since 2010 — a pattern that Mosley was unable to break this season.

This story will be updated.

Shams Charania: BREAKING: The Orlando Magic have dismissed head coach Jamahl Mosley, sources tell ESPN. Mosley's tenure in Orlando finishes after five seasons, including three consecutive playoff runs from 2023 to 2026. Orlando had a first-round elimination for the third straight time Sunday.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jamahl Mosley out as Magic head coach

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."

spectrumlocalnews.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: A week after being named the NBA Rookie of the Year, …

St. Petersburg (FL) St. Petersburg Catholic has seen its football program return to its winning ways this past 2025 season under the watch of first-year head coach Jesse Chinchar and now are looking to do the same with boys basketball.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]

The Barons’ athletic department announced via social media the hiring of St. Petersburg (FL) High School head coach Chris Blackwell as the program’s new lead man. Blackwell has coached in the Tampa Bay area over around 25 years, winning over 600-plus games, reaching seven Final Fours and two state championship game appearances.

“They were really persistent and wanted me there,” Blackwell said to the Tampa Bay Beacon’s Bob Putnam. “They want to build a program, and it’s exciting to see if I can replicate what I did at St. Petersburg over there.

St. Petersburg Catholic hasn’t had a winning season since the 2020-2021 campaign when the Barons went 17-9 and now with Blackwell, who led the Green Devils to 20 straight winning seasons dating back to the mid-2000s.

Per Putnam’s report, it doesn’t sound like Blackwell is heading to St. Petersburg Catholic alone as 2028 four-star shooting guard Nijuan Harris is one of three players from the Green Devils that’s planning to enroll and play for the Barons. St. Petersburg went 20-10 last season and Harris was one of the state’s leading scorers at 22.7 points per game.

The Barons this past season with a 10-16 record and finished ranked No. 548 in the final 2025 Florida High School Boys Basketball Massey Rankings.

How to Follow Florida High School Boys Basketball

For Florida high school boys basketball fans looking to keep up with scores around the state, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Sunshine State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the high school hops action throughout the season. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the hardwood excitement across the state.

The Titans selected Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round of the NFL draft. What is his realistic 2026 fantasy outlook, and how might his presence impact Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears?

This is a terrific landing spot for a rookie running back with three-down bell cow abilities. Singleton was never a true workhorse at Penn State, but he has four years of solid-workload experience -- and not too much of a workload to worry that he’s overextended.

Tennessee has an ascending offense and two starter-caliber running backs. However, both Pollard and Spears enter 2026 with yellow flags. Pollard is now 29 years old and on the cusp of the downside of his career. He will be overvalued this summer because he’ll have been so productive in an otherwise fantasy-unfriendly Tennessee offense.

He had 300+ touches in 2023 and 2024, hitting 275 last year. While he’s capable of handling high volume, he’s in the final year of his contract, and it’s hard to imagine this franchise re-upping with a 30-year-old free agent who will want starter money. There’s a path where the rebuilding Titans reduce Pollard’s workload to see what they have in Singleton.

Spears also is headed toward free agency. But unlike Pollard, Spears has struggled to stay healthy, missing nine contests these past two seasons. As a near-elite pass-catcher who’s still only 24 years old, he should maintain top-50 numbers even if he doesn’t get as much work on the ground.

Still, Singleton’s arrival signals that this team is looking to 2027, and one more Spears injury -- even if it’s short-term -- would give the rookie an opportunity to push past him (if he looks NFL-ready) on the depth chart.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Nicholas Singleton rookie fantasy outlook and impact on RB teammates

In just a week from now, the Road to the Women's College World Series will be officially underway with the unveiling of the NCAA Softball Tournament bracket.

Until that moment though, conference tournaments must be played out, with automatic bids to the postseason being handed out to the 31 different winners.

Oklahoma heads into conference tournament week fresh off securing the No. 1 seed in the SEC Softball Tournament by taking two of three against Texas A&M over the weekend. Sooners freshman catcher Kendall Wells still sits at home run No. 36 on the season, one away from tying the NCAA single-season record.

REQUIRED READING: Softball star NiJaree Canady throws first perfect game for Texas Tech

Texas Tech heads into the Big 12 tournament at Devon Park in Oklahoma City hot, as the Red Raiders have won 15 of their last 18 games, including an 8-0 run-rule win over Baylor on the final day of the regular season where Nijaree Canady tossed a perfect game.

Other notable series outcomes from the final weekend of the regular season include Georgia taking two of three against No. 9 Florida and Ole Miss sweeping No. 16 Mississippi State.

Here's an updated look at the latest college softball rankings and polls:

Conference Tournament schedules: SEC | Big 12 | ACC | Big Ten

Updated college softball rankings

Softball America

This section will be updated once the latest Softball America Top 25 Rankings are released

College Softball RPI rankings

Through May 2 games

1. Arkansas
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Nebraska
5. Florida
6. Oklahoma
7. UCLA
8. Tennessee
9. Oregon
10. LSU
11. Duke
12. Texas Tech
13. Florida State
14. Georgia
15. Oklahoma State
16. Texas A&M
17. Stanford
18. Mississippi State
19. Arizona
20. Virginia Tech
21. UCF
22. Ole Miss
23. Clemson
24. Arizona State
25. South Carolina

USA Softball Top 25 Rankings

This section will be updated once the latest USA Softball Top 25 Rankings are released

D1Softball Top 25 Rankings

This section will be updated once the latest D1Softball Top 25 Rankings are released

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

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College softball rankings, top 25 polls: Oklahoma stays at No. 1

May 4 (UPI) -- The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will go down in history as the first won by a woman trainer, but it could be remembered equally as a celebration of family.

There was the stretch battle between the Ortiz brothers, both among the nation's top riders and both seeking the elusive Derby win.

There was the Phipps family, carrying on a 100-year tradition of breeding and racing epitomized by iconic black silks and cherry-red cap.

And there was the feeling of family shared by trainer Cherie DeVaux, first with her own relatives as they watched Golden Tempo come from last of 18 to edge out Renegade, and then for the Phipps and their partners, the Violas of St. Elias Stables, and for the winning Ortiz, Jose.

Jose Ortiz had been Golden Tempo's regular rider throughout his pre-Derby campaign, but DeVaux said she was afraid she might lose him to a favorite in the usual jockey carousel before the big race. She even called his agent to plead for him to stay with her colt.

"I have known Jose since he was a kid -- him and [brother Irad Ortiz Jr.] since they were babies," DeVaux said. And it's been such a pleasure to watch. They're both extraordinary human beings. They are hard workers.

"And I watched Jose develop, and we've done a lot together. But just to know him from the very beginning to now, it's a complete honor and I'm so proud of you."

Jose Ortiz said his loyalty always was to DeVaux because "she has been very loyal to me, so I feel like I should give that back. And I knew always Golden Tempo was going to be my mount."

Jose Ortiz tipped his hat to his brother, but the day's family mood did not extend to a whole lot of angst about relegating him to second.

"I wasn't expecting it, but I was like, I could see it happening. I didn't know he was going to be second, you know? It's cool for him, to run second. Hopefully, he gets the opportunity to win it one day," Jose Ortiz said.

"Today is not that day," DeVaux quickly inserted. "It wasn't today," Jose Ortiz said, provoking laughter from those assembled after the race.

Daisy Phipps Pulito, racing manager of the Phipps Stable, joined in the sentiment of the day. Phipps Sable and Vinnie Viola's St. Elias Stable bred and own the Derby winner.

"Cherie and I have known each other for a number of years," Pulito said. "Her husband [premier bloodstock agent David Ingordo] is a good friend of mine, also. I have been watching the way she trains. She's in Kentucky. I live in Kentucky. and I love the way she works with horses. I love the way she develops a horse."

Family is family, but if Golden Tempo goes on to the second leg of the Triple Crown, the May 16 Preakness Stakes, he probably will be making new friends. Few of the other Derby contenders expressed immediate interest, though that can change.

It's not even a lock that Golden Tempo will pursue the Triple Crown. Trainer Bill Mott and Godolphin took 2025 Derby winner Sovereignty out of the Preakness immediately after he won at Churchill Downs. A similar decision this year could cause some navel gazing by Triple Crown management.

"We'll let him decide that," DeVaux said of Golden Tempo. "We're going to see how he looks tomorrow, and subsequently, the next couple of weeks or, you know, the next couple of days.

"But we're going to have to allow him to tell us, because the horse is first. We're not here for ourselves. We're not here for our egos. We're here for the horse."

As the horses started to exit Churchill Downs on Sunday morning, Saratoga seemed like a popular destination. Todd Pletcher, noting Renegade's second was a "tough beat," said that colt is headed to Upstate New York. Ditto Emerging Market, 10th on Saturday, per trainer Chad Brown.

"Nobody talks about the Preakness," Mott said, tending to fourth-place finisher Chief Wallabee. "The Belmont at Saratoga, we need to discuss that. Kay Kay (owner Kay Kay Ball) was thrilled with the way he ran yesterday. He has done a lot since the first of the year."

Wonder Dean (eighth) and Danon Bourbon (fifth) are both scheduled to head back to Japan early in the week.

Bob Baffert, whose quest for a record seventh Derby win went begging as Potente finished 12th and Litmus Test 17th, said both were fine Sunday morning.

"We won't make a decision on the Preakness until the end of the week," Baffert said.

The reviews continue to pour in for the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 NFL draft class. For the most part, analysts don't like what they did and most rankings and grades have been on the lower end compared to the rest of the league.

One exception to the rule is Ryan Wilson at CBS Sports, who gave the Falcons an A- for their haul and ranked their class 14th-best in the NFL. However, he does have serious doubts about Atlanta's third-round pick, Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch - who he named their most-surprising pick.

"There's no denying that Zachariah Branch has game-changing talent. My issue is that he's 5-foot-8, didn't run a lot of routes at Georgia, and he's a body catcher, which effectively makes his already-small catch radius even smaller. But look, I get it – get him the ball and let him do the rest, and in an offense with Penix Jr. and/or Tagovailoa under center, Branch makes a lot of sense."

These are all fair points to make - and it seems Wilson believes the Falcons seriously reached for Branch, who he had ranked 147th overall but came off the board at No. 79.

Branch is small for an NFL receiver and he was mostly targeted at the line of scrimmage at Georgia - so he will need to prove that he can run a more diverse route tree at the next level to make the kind of impact the Falcons need from him.

That being said, even smaller players than Branch have made great careers for themselves. Darren Sproles was 5-foot-6, 190 pounds and made three Pro Bowls. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks is the same size as Branch and he's just a couple of games away from reaching 10,000 receiving yards.

The point is there's no guarantee Branch's lack of size will be a deal-breaker, but it is fair to question the pick - especially since there were several much-larger receivers still on the board at the time.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: CBS analyst shares doubts about Zachariah Branch for Falcons

The Buffalo Bills will have Skyler Bell representing the team at the 2026 NFL Rookie Premiere.

The event will be held on May 14-17 in Los Angeles. It provides rookies a chance to meet with potential sponsors, get photographed for rookie trading cards, learn about marketing and business opportunities, and hear from NFLPA leadership.

Each year, 40 rookies are selected to attend the event from the 32 teams around the league.

The full 2026 list of rookies can be found below:

The list of players invited to attend this year’s NFL Players Rookie Premiere in LA May 14-17. pic.twitter.com/Nz2VIPksfr

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 30, 2026

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Skyler Bell to represent Bills at 2026 NFL Rookie Premiere

The New York Jets will have multiple players representing the team at the 2026 NFL Rookie Premiere.

All three of the Jets' first-round picks: edge defender David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. will take part. In addition, quarterback Cade Klubnik will attend as well.

The event will be held on May 14-17 in Los Angeles. It provides rookies a chance to meet with potential sponsors, get photographed for rookie trading cards, learn about marketing and business opportunities, and hear from NFLPA leadership.

Each year, 40 rookies are selected to attend the event from the 32 teams around the league.

The full 2026 list of rookies can be found below:

The list of players invited to attend this year’s NFL Players Rookie Premiere in LA May 14-17. pic.twitter.com/Nz2VIPksfr

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 30, 2026

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets represented by multiple players at 2026 NFL Rookie Premiere

The Buffalo Bills got at least one player at the 2026 NFL Draft scouts are raving about.

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler found intel on all 32 teams in the league following the draft. In terms of the Bills, there was positive reaction found.

Observers around the NFL did not knock Buffalo's decision to trade three times and out of Round 1. However, the more interesting commentary on the Bills came via Skyler Bell.

Selected in the fourth round, Bell was viewed as a bit of a steal by Buffalo. Per Fowler, NFL scouts believe Bell could be a rookie starter despite his Day 3 draft status.

The full breakdown on the Bills can be found below:

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: NFL scouts rave to ESPN about Bills' Skyler Bell

John Sterling, whose voice became synonymous with the New York Yankees, has died at the age of 87.

Sterling, a native New Yorker, started broadcasting Yankees games on radio in 1989 and continued until he retired in April 2024. During that span, he called 5,420 regular-season games and 211 in the postseason. He rarely missed a game and worked 5,060 consecutive games between 1989 and 2019. During one memorable game in 2023, he was hit by a foul ball during a broadcast and returned to work the next day.

Related: The world’s most expensive losers: the New York Mets are very rich … and very, very bad

“We are devastated to hear about the passing of John Sterling, a WFAN and Yankees radio icon whose voice was synonymous with an entire generation of Yankee fandom,” WFAN Sports Radio said in a statement.

Sterling’s career coincided with an era of immense success for the Yankees: he was on the call when the team won five World Series titles. He was known for his passion, knowledge and exclaiming “The Yankees win!” after victories.

“Through his unique style and passionate play-by-play calls, Sterling endeared himself to generations of players and fans as radio voice of the Yankees from 1989 to 2024,” Major League Baseball said in a statement. “His signature punctuation of Yankees victories included calling the final out of five World Series championships.”

Sterling, a father of four, won 12 Sports Emmys during his long career.

Duke fans were surprised to see Cooper Flagg on TV Sunday, catching the Dallas Mavericks star on a NASCAR broadcast as the pace car driver.

In addition to driving the pace car, Flagg took a lap with Connor Zilisch, driver of the No. 88 car for Trackhouse racing. Flagg and Zilisch are some of the youngest athletes in their respective sports, both 19 years old.

Following the festivities, Flagg spoke about his experience and his connection with Zilisch.

"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.

However, Flagg wasn't too proud to admit the ride scared him a little bit, saying, "We got going pretty fast, and I think half the ride I was more scared of what was going on."

Just like Flagg did for the Mavericks, Zilisch will hope to take home Rookie of the Year honors in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke alum Cooper Flagg speaks on 'really cool' NASCAR experience

Max Verstappen may continue to follow in his father’s footsteps after Formula 1 – as he joked about being ready for rally after his 360-degree spin at the start of the Miami Grand Prix.

Verstappen was battling for the lead with Charles Leclerc exiting the first corner when he uncharacteristically spun under acceleration at Turn 2, creating a dramatic start to the Miami GP.

The four-time F1 world champion skilfully got his Red Bull car back under control after a 360-degree spin, with the pack sprawled behind him, as he avoided any lasting damage.

Verstappen, whose father Jos transitioned into rallying after his career in single-seaters and suffered a heavy crash in a rally in Belgium the weekend before Miami, felt the save was more rally than F1, but was pleased to avoid hitting the wall.

“I lost the rear in Turn 2 and then of course I tried to minimise the time loss by doing a 360,” Verstappen said. “Yeah, I thought I was going to crash but then I floored it, so I managed to do a good 360. If F1 doesn't work out I can always go rally!”

Attacking the apex of Turn 2, Leclerc closed the line on Verstappen and the two came inches away from contact, but the Red Bull driver had no complaints over Leclerc’s move as he held his hands up over the spin.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

“We just pushed into the corner but I just lost suddenly the rear,” he said. “It just started to slide and once it goes, with heavy fuel, it's hard to catch.”

After the spin Verstappen dropped to the lower reaches of the top 10, which forced him into the “jungle” of the midfield fight, pulling off some feisty moves against Williams pair Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.

Having switched on to the hard tyres during the safety car, Verstappen was ultimately powerless to stop the frontrunners coming by on fresher tyres during the second stint, but took fifth place after Leclerc’s own spin on the last lap.

“I think the pace was not too bad on the medium but as soon as I swapped to the hard compound it was just a lot more difficult,” Verstappen said. “I think now after the race it's easy to say of course but I think that stint was just a bit too long.”

Verstappen also picked up a post-race five-second penalty for crossing the white line at the pitlane exit, but it didn’t impact his final result of fifth place given Leclerc’s 20s penalty for cutting corners in his damaged Ferrari on the final lap.

Max Verstappen given penalty for crossing pit exit at F1 Miami GP

Charles Leclerc handed huge Miami GP penalty after battle with Max Verstappen and George Russell

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Two rehab-assignment appearances, big comebacks, extra innings in the California League, and a 10-out save? Sunday was a busy day in the Dodgers minor leagues.

Player of the day

Utility man Ryan Fitzgerald had four hits on Sunday for Triple-A Oklahoma City and drove in three runs, including a two-run single in the decisive sixth inning.

It was the third four-hit game of the season for Fitzgerald, and his sixth game driving in at least three runs. He started at third base on Sunday, then shifted to left field for the final three innings while Tyler Fitzgerald — no relation, acquired on Wednesday — played the final two innings at the hot corner.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

Seven runs in the sixth inning provided the winning margin for the Comets to beat the Round Rock Express (Rangers). Two of them scored on a home run by outfielder Jack Suwinski, who has nine consecutive games with an extra-base hit, hitting a robust .441/.525/.941 during that stretch.

Brock Stewart pitched in his eighth rehab game over the last three weeks, and sixth game with Oklahoma City. He faced three batters in the sixth inning, with a strikeout, walk, and single allowed.

Christian Romero allowed one run and no walks with four strikeouts over the final 3 1/3 innings to earn a 10-out save.

Double-A Tulsa

The Drillers erased a six-run deficit but lost a close one to the San Antonio Missions (Padres). Evan Shaw pitched a scoreless seventh and got the first two outs of the eighth, but then allowed a single and double for what proved to be the winning run for the Missions.

Though they already scored a run by that point, Tulsa didn’t have a hit until the sixth inning, when Kyle Nevin and Elijah Hainline each hit solo home runs. After trailing 7-1, the Drillers scored three in that sixth inning, then three more in the seventh to tie the game.

Nevin had two of Tulsa’s six hits on Sunday.

Adam Serwinowski had his fifth bad start in six tries this season, needing 72 pitches to get through his three innings. The left-hander allowed six hits, including a home run, plus two walks and even hit a batter. It was a feat to limit the damage against him to only three runs. Serwinowski has a 10.71 ERA thus far with 26 strikeouts and 15 walks in his 21 innings.

High-A Great Lakes

The Loons were blown out by the Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals) in Sunday’s series finale. Peoria had 19 at-bats with runners in scoring position, and five hits in those situations.

Jakob Wright struck out five in his 3 1/3 innings but also got hit around, with five singles and three doubles leading to six runs against him. Aidan Foeller allowed five runs, two of them earned, in his four innings, with six strikeouts.

Class-A Ontario

The Tower Buzzers erased deficits in the eighth and ninth innings of a back-and-forth contest, but lost in 10 innings to the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres).

First baseman Jose Hernandez had two hits, including a a three-run home run in the eighth to give the Tower Buzzers a lead, which was in turn given back with a two-run home run against Robby Porco in the top of the ninth.

Mairo Martinus, playing second base on Sunday, had three hits, stole a base, and scored a pair of runs. His double in the ninth tied the game, scoring Emil Morales, who had two hits and a walk himself.

Jaron Elkins had three hits, including a two-run single that tied the game in the second inning. First baseman Easton Shelton’s two-run home run tied things in the fifth, and catcher Conner O’Neal hit a solo shot in the sixth that gave Ontario its first lead of the game.

Sunday scores

• Oklahoma City 10, Round Rock 3
• San Antonio 8, Tulsa 7
• Peoria 11, Great Lakes 1
• Lake Elsinore 12, Ontario 10 (10 innings)

The week ahead

• Oklahoma City vs. Salt Lake (Angels)
• Tulsa at Arkansas (Mariners)
• Great Lakes at Lake County (Guardians)
• Ontario at Rancho Cucamonga (Angels)