RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico (AP) — John Daly II had an easier time, and a far easier golf course, than his father in his PGA Tour debut. The 22-year-old son of John Daly opened with a 2-under 70 in the Puerto Rico Open on Thursday, where the kids were all the rage and Chandler Blanchet wound up with the lead.

Blanchet bogeyed his first hole and that was his only mistake. He followed with nine birdies for an 8-under 64, his lowest round on the PGA Tour for a one-shot lead over Gordon Sargent, the former top college golfer who has struggled the last few years.

“It was good,” Daly said. “Feel like I left a few out there, but I made it up with just a couple good saves and nice chip-in on 16.”

John Daly, the former PGA and British Open champion, made his first PGA Tour-sanctioned start nearly 40 years ago. But that was Shinnecock Hills — not Grand Reserve — and it was the 1986 U.S. Open, not an opposite-field event in Puerto Rico. Daly shot 88 that first round.

His son was not the only player getting attention. Blades Brown, the 18-year-old who played in the final group with Scottie Scheffler when the world's No. 1 player won The American Express, opened with a 69. It was his 16th score in the 60s in his 34 career rounds on the PGA Tour.

Miles Russell, the 17-year-old from Florida and among the top amateurs in the world had a 71. The other young prospect, Zhou Yanhan of China, shot 72. The 17-year-old Zhou had seven wins on the China Tour last year.

Blanchet earned his PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour last year, winning twice, including the circuit's Tour Championship. But it has been a slow start to his first season in the big leagues, missing the cut in all five tournaments he has played.

He hopes there's plenty of learning that comes with those weekends off, and Blanchet said he looked forward to facing more challenges, such as dealing with short putts he misses. He wants to get mentally stronger to deal with that.

“I missed a 5-footer right on the first hole and I looked at my caddie and he said, ‘This is our test.’ Handled it well,” Blanchet said. “Then made some good birdies over the next few holes. Yeah, really solid day.”

Eugenio Chacarra, who began his pro career on Saudi-backed LIV Golf in 2022 and became the first player from the rival league to a get sponsor exemption on the PGA Tour, opened with a 73.

The winner of the Puerto Rico gets into The Players Championship and the PGA Championship, along with a two-year exemption on tour. But it does not qualify for the Masters.

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

Detroit Tigers top prospect Max Clarkis once again trending online, but this time it has nothing to do with a highlight play.

Instead, the 21-year-old outfielder is drawing backlash after posting a photo to Instagram that quickly made the rounds on social media.

The post, shared from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, shows an open Louis Vuitton-style case containing several luxury watches and a stack of $100 bills.

It didn’t take long for the image to go viral. And once it did, the reaction from fans came fast and often harsh.

Fans Sound Off on Social Media

Many commenters questioned whether Clark should be focusing more on baseball than lifestyle posts.

One fan wrote bluntly:

“I like the kid, I really do, but this is getting ridiculous. Focus on baseball!!”

Others were even more critical.

“2 more years in Minors and then he MIGHT MAKE IT !”

Another user added:

“I was on his side, not so sure anymore lol.”

Some reactions took a harsher tone, questioning Clark’s maturity and priorities.

“Kid is trending in the wrong direction. When did this start? The ego?”

Another wrote:

“Hall of Famer….On Social Media.”

And one critic added:

“Dude is ass. Needs to start in AA ball.”

Several commenters even referenced Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, suggesting Clark might want to “compare notes” on handling attention and criticism.

A Spotlight That Keeps Getting Brighter

Clark, who was drafted third overall by the Tigers in 2023, has been one of baseball’s most talked-about young prospects since entering professional baseball.

His confidence, style, and social media presence have always drawn attention. Recently, he also made headlines after addressing criticism stemming from a rough defensive moment during spring training.

At just 21 years old, Clark remains one of the highest-upside players in the Tigers’ farm system, but moments like this show how quickly the spotlight can shift away from performance on the field.

The Reality of Being a Top Prospect

For elite prospects, every move, both on and off the field, is scrutinized.

Some fans see Clark’s confidence and personality as part of what makes him special. Others believe young players should stay under the radar until they prove themselves at the big-league level.

Either way, one thing is clear.

When you’re a top prospect in the Detroit Tigers organization, people are going to notice everything.

Especially when it shows up on social media.

The post Max Clark’s Viral Instagram Post Sparks Backlash from Tigers Fans appeared first on Detroit Sports Nation.

Danica Patrick said Thursday it was her decision to not return to Sky Sports as an analyst for the upcoming Formula 1 season that began this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix.

Patrick joined the broadcast team in 2021 following her retirement from racing, which included stints in both IndyCar and NASCAR. Her departure from the Sky broadcast team was confirmed Wednesday when the network announced a lineup of Martin Brundle, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, Jacques Villeneuve, Naomi Schiff, Bernie Collins, Karun Chandhok, Jamie Chadwick and Anthony Davidson.

Patrick told The Associated Press on Thursday she initiated the departure at the end of last season.

“I called after the season last year and just said it was time for me to move on,” she told AP. “I felt like I had taken in a great experience in F1 and was ready to have more time for other projects and interests.

“I am building a new company. I am also new to a couple of boards with big plans, and very busy punishing myself by learning new sports like tennis, golf, and skiing.”

Patrick during the last U.S. election cycle became an outspoken conservative and supporter of President Donald Trump, which led many to speculate her entrance into politics played a role in her departure from the F1 broadcast team. F1 is a globetrotting series that races on five continents.

She said she enjoyed her time in F1 and found the work demanding but rewarding. Patrick has also been part of the broadcast team for the Indianapolis 500 the last several years.

“I had an amazing time with the Sky Sports team. They were the reason I did it for so long. It was a lot of work — more than being a driver in many ways during a race weekend — especially in terms of time commitment at the track,” she said. “However, as a group, we made it fun. I also learned a lot about F1 and the drivers and became a much bigger fan, so that was fun too.

“The sport of F1 is very entertaining. My favorite part is the team principals. They understand the assignment of good television while obviously being incredible at running race teams.”

Patrick began racing as a child and briefly pursued a career in Europe before moving back to the U.S. for single-seater racing in the IndyCar Series. She made her debut in 2005 at age 23 and spent seven full seasons in that series, notably finishing third in the 2009 Indianapolis 500.

Her one career IndyCar victory came in 2008 in Japan.

Patrick moved to NASCAR in 2012 and went winless in 191 starts. She made 2017 her final full season as a racer and in 2018 concluded her driving career by racing in the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 as a farewell.

She set many marks on the track as the first woman to lead laps in the Indianapolis 500, the highest-finishing Indy 500 female driver and the first woman to win the pole for the Daytona 500, which she did in 2013.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Amanda_Pflugrad: Injury Update: Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams will be out after sustaining a stress reaction in the third metatarsal of his left foot. He will be re-evaluated in two-to-three weeks.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Mark Williams will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks with stress reaction in foot

Kellan Olson: Jordan Ott said this was not a consistent issue for Mark Williams with his left foot, and the Suns were surprised when the soreness popped up yesterday after it seemed like Williams made it through Tuesday's win fine.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jordan Ott said this was not a consistent issue for …

Marc J. Spears: Grizzlies say Ja Morant is still experiencing discomfort in his left elbow and will be reevaluated in two weeks.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Ja Morant will be re-evaluated in two weeks

Omari Sankofa II: Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on the Pistons: “They are as physical as anybody in the league. They’re going to challenge our physicality in more ways than any team we’ve faced. And they’re going to do it every possession … they’re going to test your will.”

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “They are as physical as anybody in the league. …

Mavs PR: Cooper Flagg eclipsed 1,000 career points with his first basket of the game tonight in Orlando. At 19 years, 74 days old, the Montverde Academy (FL) alum became the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach the 1,000-point plateau behind only LeBron James (19 yrs, 41 days).

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: At 19 years, 74 days old, the Montverde Academy (FL) …

It wouldn’t be the offseason if the Ravens weren’t linked to a veteran wide receiver.

With DeAndre Hopkins set to hit free agency next week and Rashod Bateman coming off a disappointing season, Baltimore could benefit from adding another playmaking wideout to complement Pro Bowler Zay Flowers. The Ravens could have a shot at adding one of the draft’s top wide receivers when they are on the clock with the No. 14 overall pick, but with so many glaring needs on both sides of the trenches, addressing the position in free agency or via trade may be a preferred route.

Thus enters A.J. Brown. The 28-year-old superstar receiver has been rumored to be on the outs with the Philadelphia Eagles following reported friction between the two sides last season. Brown’s discontent with the Eagles’ offense has been an ongoing storyline over recent years, and it appears that the two parties may finally initiate a divorce this offseason.

According to Jeff McLane of Inquirer.com, Baltimore and the New England Patriots are the most likely trade partners if Brown is dealt.

Brown’s physical playstyle and down-the-field contested-catch ability would pair well with the smaller Flowers, who does his best work in the short and intermediate passing game. It remains to be seen how pass-happy new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will be in relation to Todd Monken and Greg Roman before him, but if Brown has been upset with his usage in Philadelphia, then there is the potential for an issue to arise in the future with Baltimore as well. The expected departure of tight end Isaiah Likely will open up more targets for another player, but the Ravens have seldom fielded an offense determined to feed multiple players the ball. Flowers had 79 more targets than any other wide receiver on the team in 2025, though that gap would surely shrink if a player of Brown’s caliber were added to the mix.

If the reported asking price of a first-round pick and more for Brown is true, then the All-Pro receiver will likely instead join the super team known as the “Almost Ravens.” Eric DeCosta is loath to part ways with significant draft capital, especially when such a deal would have major financial implications, too.

This is an obstacle not just for the Ravens, but for the Eagles too. A pre-June 1 trade would result in a net decrease of Philadelphia’s cap space by $20 million. They would need to be properly incentivized to consider such a move, and DeCosta is certainly not going to overpay in a trade. If the Eagles prefer a post-June 1 trade, then it will simply have to wait until the summer, when everyone may have very different needs and desires.

The implications for the Ravens are a bit different. (Skip down two paragraphs for the quick-and-dirty.) Post-trade, Brown would have four years and $113 million left on his deal ($28.25 million APY). His $29 million compensation in 2026 is already guaranteed, and $4 million of his 2027 compensation guarantees next week. In 2026, Brown’s cap hit would be just $6.79 million, which Baltimore can certainly absorb, though they would owe him $29 million in cash. From there, it depends on how he plays.

If Brown performs well, he will be well worth his 2027 compensation (just over $20 million) with a cap hit of just $10.966 million. Even the next two years’ compensation – about $30 million each year, again with lower cap hit due to option bonus prorations – are reasonable, though Brown will have crossed into his 30s by that point and may also be looking for a new contract. If he does not play well, moving on in 2027 would be doable but not ideal, and moving on at any point after would be relatively easy, at least from a financial perspective.

In short, Brown would be well worth his contract in terms of cap hit and cash payments in 2026 and 2027. After that, the Ravens could cut or trade him as they please, and could even consider it in 2027 if he does not play well in 2026.

All contract/cap information via OverTheCap. For more on the financial implications of an A.J. Brown trade, check out this article from Jason Fitzgerald.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Memphis Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant for at least two more weeks.

The team announced Friday its All-Star point guard is continuing to experience discomfort from his UCL sprain in January and that follow-up imaging revealed "incomplete healing of the injury." He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

This article will be updated with more information.

After every round of Premier League matches this season, BBC football pundit Troy Deeney will give you his team and manager of the week.

Here are this week's choices. Do you agree? Give us your thoughts using the comments form at the bottom of this page.

Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest): A huge performance from Sels with Nottingham Forest coming back to get a 2-2 draw against Manchester City. He commanded his area well and there was nothing he could do about the goals that went in, but he was an integral part in getting the draw over the line.

Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal): Gabriel was a monster and a beast in the 1-0 win against Brighton. Arsenal didn't offer anything in an attacking sense, but Gabriel was well-organised, marshalled things well and stepped up to the plate when William Saliba wasn't there. He earned another clean sheet for Arsenal.

Dan Burn (Newcastle): Burn is the heartbeat of that team. No other player really gets Newcastle emotionally how Burn does. The team dug in with 10 men to beat Manchester United 2-1, and he produced a wonderful and colossal performance.

James Tarkowski (Everton): I know everyone knows this, but it seems that other teams don't. Tarkowski is very good in the air, and you have to mark him at set-pieces. No-one seems to do that! He was a beast, again, as he scored in the 2-0 win over Burnley. Everton, again going quietly about their business and getting things done the right away. Tarkowski was solid, and he offers you a threat going forward.

Andre (Wolves): Yes, he gets a goal to win the game against Liverpool on Tuesday, but he's an enforcer. He had to dig in a lot with the Liverpool pressure, especially in the first half. He did a great job for the team. On the odd occasion, he was able to get forward - and he drove forward with pace and purpose, and he managed to nick a goal. He has been a huge part of the Wolves revival.

Declan Rice (Arsenal): Need I say anything else? Rice is the man who is always in the right area. The ball always breaks to him. It looks like he is tiring, but then he manages to do a lung-busting run. It was an excellent performance from Rice against Brighton. He controlled and dictated the field.

Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest): It was one of those performances that make you think he will probably be at Manchester City one day. The goal was a great hit, and he broke up play really well. He also manages to make 25 fouls a game, but never gets a card! I think he would be a good replacement for Rodri one day. If Manchester City cannot get Rodri back to the level he was fitness-wise, then they need Anderson next to him, or they move Rodri on and put Anderson in.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): He plays forward and he assists goals. What separates him from other players in the Premier League is he plays one or two touches, and he plays forward more than anyone that I can think of. He is not afraid of making mistakes. His pass for Jorgen Strand Larsen's goal in the 3-1 win at Tottenham on Thursday was lovely. His take on the half-turn and the ball in for Ismaila Sarr was fantastic too. I wonder whether Palace can keep him moving forward?

Crysencio Summerville (West Ham): It feels like week after week we are talking about this guy. He has been fantastic for West Ham, cutting in on his right foot, and scoring goals. He might be one of West Ham's better buys, which is interesting because people thought he was a waste of time earlier in the season. He has come in and is now doing really well - getting the winner at Fulham on Wednesday. Could he be the reason why Spurs go down?

Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace): Two goals, pace and power. A player I played with, and he has all the ability to go to the next level. He just needs someone to take a risk on him.

Joao Pedro (Chelsea): Three goals and an assist - that is why you end up being in the team of the week and the main captain. He is flying.

Regis Le Bris (Sunderland): Another massive result for Sunderland as they won at Leeds. It looked like they were on the slide, but they have reached the magical 40 points. They're ahead of Newcastle by a point. They're a newly promoted team and they have never looked like in any danger of being relegated, and now they get a massive push towards the end of the season in the last nine games. They are eight points behind Chelsea in the race for Europe. I don't believe they will get that, but can they catch Brentford? Absolutely.

Do you agree with Troy's selections? Who would be in your Team of the Week? Have your say using the comments form below:

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The Colorado Rockies lost to the Milwaukee Brewers today, 10-8. For more details, click here.

And now to the postgame comments.

First, here’s manager Warren Schaeffer:

Starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen weighed in before heading out to play for Team Italy in the WBC:

And, finally, Tyler Freeman discussed his return to action:

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Israel Adesanya is the most recent fighter to speak out about Conor Benn's big Zuffa Boxing purse.

Benn is reportedly being paid $15 million for his boxing match against Regis Prograis on April 26. The one-fight deal for Benn has stirred up controversy amongst MMA fighters, who rarely see that kind of payout.

The likes of Sean O'Malley and Michael Page have already expressed their discontent, and now former UFC middleweight champion Adesanya (24-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) has chimed in.

"Zuffa Boxing is the next challenge he's set his eyes on, but with that being said, don't forget what... he started in boxing of course... but what brought you to the game? This is what got him to be the name Dana White, the UFC president," Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. "So I can see why the other fighters – do I feel jaded by it? No. I understand these guys are top-class fighters.

"They're the best in the world at what they do, but so are we. This is the UFC, and if one guy can command that kind of money for one fight, and that's from the same company, Zuffa, and this is what's been keeping the lights on is the UFC. We love ultimate fighting, not limited fighting. I don't feel jaded, but I want $15 million for one fight, too."

Adesanya will return after a year-long layoff to take on rising middleweight Joe Pyfer in the UFC Fight Night 271 main event on March 28 from Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle (Paramount+).

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Israel Adesanya considers new UFC asking price after Conor Benn's payout

American Daniel Berger fired an opening round 9-under 63 Thursday in the 48th Arnold Palmer Invitational to set the pace at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Berger’s bogey-free 63 is the lowest opening round score at the Arnold Palmer Invitational since Adam Scott matched the course record of 62 back in 2014.

Berger’s first‑round 63 is one stroke shy of the tournament course record at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Four players have recorded rounds of 62 in the history of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, most recently Adam Scott in 2014 (first round).

— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) March 5, 2026

Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Aberg sit three shots back of Berger after shooting 6-under 66 on Thursday.

Jhonattan Vegas and Cameron Young are tied for fourth at 5-under.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending API champ Russell Henley were paired together and shot 2-under 72.

Second round action from Bay Hill starts Friday morninf.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Davion Shareef-Dulaney remembers last year’s 3A quarterfinal at the Hardwood Classic all too well. The star guard’s breakout, freshman season ended with a 73-36 loss to Edmonds-Woodway, souring his first taste of Tacoma Dome action.

That sting fueled him. The Abes brought a chip on their shoulder to this year’s dance and quickly cemented themselves as one of Class 3A’s best, leaving Bellevue College with a statement regional win over No. 2 O’Dea last weekend. The good times have followed them back down Interstate 5, too.

Before Bellevue could blink in Thursday’s state quarterfinals, the Abes raced to a 10-0 lead and never looked back. Shareef-Dulaney scored from all levels, Oshea Lamar proved lethal from the perimeter, and Lincoln crushed Bellevue, 77-57, to reach Friday’s ‘Final Four’ at the Tacoma Dome.

“It feels good to finally get my get back from last year,” Shareef-Dulaney told The News Tribune. “That was really messed up.

“That last year really amped us. We were talking about that all day, all week.”

Lincoln moves on!

Abes crush Bellevue, 77-57, in 3A quarterfinals at the Tacoma Dome.@tntpreps@thenewstribunepic.twitter.com/kwtXJ7sKf3

— Tyler Wicke (@WickeTyler) March 5, 2026

Lincoln featured four scorers in double-digits, headlined by Lamar’s game-high 17 points and five triples. That depth is their superpower, possessing the shooters and rim-protecting bigs required for a deep tournament run.

“(Head coach Ryan Rogers) makes us trust each other,” Shareef-Dulaney said. “It just translates to games. Now, everybody’s trusting each other. We’ve got multiple players in double-digits.

“Last year, we weren’t really like this. It was all iso, or me doing my own thing. This year, it’s (Oshea), not just me.”

Shareef-Dulaney finished with 13 points, four assists, and two rebounds. Guard Jalan Lillie had 16 points and forward Justus Holt added 13.

Bellevue’s Jackson Skaggs led the Wolverines with 15 points.

For some teams, the Tacoma Dome sits hundreds of miles from home — but the Abes are playing basketball in their own backyard.

“This is our home court, basically,” Shareef-Dulaney said with a smile.

Lincoln meets No. 4 Eastside Catholic in Friday’s 3A semifinals at 5:30 p.m.

Manchester United succumbed to their first defeat under Michael Carrick on Wednesday, with Newcastle getting the better of them 2-1 at St. James’ Park.

What was most humiliating about the loss was that it came against 10 men, with the hosts playing for more than one half with a man down.

Yet the Magpies looked far more dangerous in the second half, and rightly claimed all three points.

Quite a few stars let the team down, and it was a hammer blow for Carrick in his aspirations to earn the permanent post at the end of the season.

Michael Carrick has blown his chance

Despite their wins, United’s recent displays have been far from praiseworthy, and according to Ben Jacobs, INEOS seem to have taken immediate cognisance of the issue.

As relayed by F365, the caretaker head coach is no longer among the frontrunners for the permanent post, with three new candidates emerging.

Interestingly, Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti have also been ruled out of the running.

“Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel are currently NOT in the race for the Manchester United manager’s job, they are expected to stay in their national team jobs beyond the World Cup.

New contenders

“Roberto De Zerbi, Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martinez are names being discussed at the moment

“Mauricio Pochettino and Kieran McKenna are still appreciated, but are not expected to be frontrunners for the job.”

How Michael Carrick motivates the players after Wednesday’s defeat, while making sure every ounce of complacency is removed, will go a long way in defining his future.

The 20-time English league champions will next be seen in action in a pivotal top-four clash against Aston Villa on March 15 and the former midfielder must get his act together by then.

Feature image George Wood via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Phoenix Suns big Mark Williams will be re-evaluated in two-to-three weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in the third metatarsal of his left foot, the team announced March 5.

Williams posted 10 points and nine rebounds in Tuesday’s 114-103 road win against the Sacramento Kings.

The 7-footer is averaging 11.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in a career-high 56 games.

Williams has remained relatively healthy this season, missing just five games after having three injury-prone seasons with the Charlotte Hornets.

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns big Mark Williams out for 2-to-3 weeks with foot injury

Feel free to also discuss Australia vs. Czechia starting at 10am ET below, but here is your Guardians’ lineup vs the White Sox starting at 8pm ET:

CF Martinez

SS Rocchio

LF Valera

C Hedges

RF Jones

1B Kayfus

2B Brito

DH Rodriguez

3B Genao

P Bibee

Five current and recent members of the Los Angeles Dodgers will have children born in the span of just a few months after these back-to-back championship seasons.

Three current and former players have had children born in the past three months.

Newly retired pitcher Clayton Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, welcomed their fifth child, Chloe Peach Kershaw, late last year.

Next, third baseman Max Muncy and his wife, Kellie, announced the birth of their daughter, Macie Grace Muncy, in January.

Fan favorite Kike Hernandez and his wife, Mariana Vicente Hernandez, welcomed their second child, a boy named Santiago Jose Hernandez, in February.

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As if that wasn’t enough, two other Dodgers are expecting their families to grow soon.

Newly signed outfielder Kyle Tucker is away from the team this spring training as he and his wife, Samantha Tucker, are expecting their first child in the near future.

First baseman Freddie Freeman and his wife, Chelsea Freeman, are also expecting a child, which will be their fourth.

There’s no word yet on when exactly the Tucker or Freeman families will be welcoming a new member.

Dodgers Revving up for Run at History

While there’s a lot of excitement off the field for the Dodgers, there will be plenty on the field as well.

The Boys in Blue are back-to-back World Series champions, and they enter 2026 as the clear favorites to take home the title again.

Jeff Passan of ESPN noted those big expectations Thursday morning.

“I’ve been covering baseball for almost 25 years now and I don’t know if there’s a team that I have covered that has been as distinct a favorite to win the World Series as the Dodgers are this year,” Passan said

Whether the Dodgers can keep up the championship-level baseball is yet to be seen, but if they pull off the three-peat, they’ll be doing something baseball hasn’t seen since the year 2000.

That season, the New York Yankees won their third straight World Series and fourth of the previous five, cementing themselves as one of the greatest sports dynasties in history.

The Dodgers can’t quite match that, with the 2024 and 2025 titles joined by 2020, but hey, four out of seven years would be nothing to sneeze at.

Do you think the Dodgers can pull off the three-peat?

The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly looking into trading veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin, according to Adam Schefter.

If the Colts can find a trade partner, moving on from Franklin would help them get under the salary cap. After using the transition tag on Daniel Jones, they are currently $4.7 million over and must be under by March 11th when the new league year begins.

If the Colts did trade Franklin, that would open up $5.75 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season, per Over the Cap.

Franklin was a Pro Bowler in 2024 and has been extremely durable throughout his career. He's been at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage, helping out in the run game, and making plays as a blitzer.

The Colts are speaking with teams about a trade for their former Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin as they look to get under the salary cap by next week, per sources. Franklin led the NFL in tackles in 2024. pic.twitter.com/6t0BJzwkYc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026

However, what the Colts need is more of a coverage presence at the position. Ballard also mentioned wanting to get younger and faster on defense this offseason, which could be applied to the linebacker position, and he noted that addressing the front seven would be a priority.

GM Chris Ballard was asked about Franklin's future at the NFL combine, and he was noncommittal in his response.

“I think you guys all know my feelings for Zaire Franklin,” Ballard said, via the Indy Star. “We have a very close relationship. I thought he played good football, and the addition of Pratt, when we got him into the mix, he ended up adding a much needed will that we needed. The future, we’ll see. Pratt’s up. Zaire’s under contract, so we’ll see how that ends up playing out.”

If the Colts are unable to trade Franklin, they could release him and still save $5.75 million in cap space.

(This story will be updated.)

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Report: Colts speaking to teams about trading LB Zaire Franklin

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Pool C play continues in the World Baseball Classic with Colombia visiting Puerto Rico at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Friday, March 6.

My Colombia vs. Puerto Rico predictions and World Baseball Classic best bets expect the Colombians to hang around in a low-scoring game.

Puerto Rico vs Colombia prediction

Puerto Rico vs Colombia best bet: Colombia +3.5 (-115 at DraftKings)

The Puerto Rico lineup took a major hit with insurance issues, and MLB staples Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javier Baez won’t be playing in the World Baseball Classic.

As a result, I’m happy to take the runs with the Colombians.

Colombia has a veteran-heavy lineup with former MLB talents Gio Urshela, Harold Ramirez, and Jorge Alfaro leading the way, and starter Jose Quintana has 14 years in the majors.

This is also the first game of the WBC for both teams, so the Colombian bullpen will be rested and have all its best arms available to follow Quintana.

Puerto Rico vs Colombia same-game parlay (SGP)

In addition to the lineup hits to the Puerto Rico lineup, ace Seth Lugo stands to hold the Colombians in check.

Lugo was the 2024 American League Cy Young runner-up, and he’s spun a tidy 3.51 ERA and 1.19 ERA over 609 2/3 innings across the past five MLB seasons.

Puerto Rico vs Colombia opening odds

• Moneyline: Puerto Rico -425 | Colombia +310
• Run line: Puerto Rico -3.5 (-110) | Colombia +3.5 (-115)
• Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-110) | Under 9.5 (-110)

How to watch Puerto Rico vs Colombia and game info

Puerto Rico vs Colombia weather

Expect a warm, sticky night in San Juan with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s°F (mid-20s°C). There’s a slight chance of passing showers and light winds, typical for evening games at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

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By Bo Erickson and Angelica Medina

WASHINGTON, March 5 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday, but confessed he had no idea that one of the ‌world's greatest soccer players was coming — until his son told him.

Trump celebrated 2025 Major League Soccer Cup champions Inter ‌Miami in a ceremony that blended athletic prowess and military might, as the president boasted about the United States' ongoing operation in Iran.

"The United States military, together ​with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy, far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before," Trump said as Argentine great Messi stood next to him.

Trump then turned his attention to what he called "soccer-slash-football," mixing both the American and international terms for the game.

"It's my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before, welcome ‌to the White House, Lionel Messi," Trump ⁠said.

Trump said Messi's visit snuck up on him, as the White House has been engulfed in the operation in Iran since Saturday, realising Thursday's event was scheduled only after his son pointed it out to ⁠him.

"I got a lot of things going on," Trump quipped.

With a World Cup on America's doorstep, Trump praised Miami coach Javier Mascherano, and other soccer greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian legend Pele, but raved the most over Messi and the Florida team.

"Leo is the reigning FIFA World ​Cup ​MVP. You could have gone anywhere in the world. You could have ​chosen any team in the world, and you chose ‌to go to Miami. I don't blame you. The weather's extremely good," Trump said.

As the president regaled the East Room crowd with a play-by-play of the team's victory, Trump gushed about the "good-looking" men on the team, who stood lined up behind him.

Surveying the squad, Trump paused to single out Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, and asked, "Do you have any bad looking players?"

"I don't like good looking men," Trump joked, "You don't feel so good about yourself."

The team presented the president with a jersey featuring number 47, a reference to Trump as ‌the 47th president, and a soccer ball and watch with the team's ​signature pink colour.

Trump also looked ahead to the summer. "We have the World Cup ​and the Olympics," he said. The World Cup, co-hosted by ​the Canada, Mexico and U.S., across 16 cities, runs from June 11 to July 19 and will ‌be the first to feature 48 teams.

Argentina will arrive ​as defending World Cup and Copa ​America champions.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had previously been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic predecessor, in January 2025. However, Messi said he was unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.

Turning ​back to politics, Trump complimented Secretary of State ‌Marco Rubio's handling of the Iran operation, and said when that war is finished, the United States could ​turn to focus on communist Cuba.

Cuba wants "to make a deal so badly," Trump said.

(Reporting by Bo Erickson in Washington; ​writing by Angelica Medina in Mexico City, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

After months of anticipation, the best roster ever assembled by USA Baseball gathered for the first time this week in Arizona in preparation for the sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic. There was Aaron Judge, towering over his fellow superstars, setting the tone with his mere presence. There was Paul Skenes, watching Tarik Skubal throw a bullpen to Cal Raleigh. There was Bobby Witt Jr., bouncing onto the practice field alongside Alex Bregman. For all of them, the magnitude of the moment was starting to set in.

In a sense, the energy surrounding Team USA in the early going has been reminiscent of what we see annually during MLB All-Star week, when the best players gather for a multi-day showcase of the best the league has to offer. Leading up to the Midsummer Classic, it’s common to hear players revel in their surroundings and the chance to get to know the top talent from around the league, picking their brains, finding out what makes them tick and so on. Similar refrains have been repeated by Team USA players in recent days.

But during All-Star week, those sentiments are fleeting. Once the game begins, we might be treated to a few innings of superstar vs. superstar showdowns, but eventually, the starters make way for the less distinguished substitutes, and the game descends into a glitzy exhibition of going through the motions. Sometimes the game itself is compelling — take last year’s edition with the first tie-breaking swing-off — but it’s an abbreviated spectacle and, importantly, one without stakes. Many players depart the stadium before the game even concludes, eager to jet off for a brief vacation before resuming the grind of the regular season. 

This week is different. The Team USA workout day and two exhibitions spent pummeling the Giants and Rockies were the appetizer for the main event. And those gatherings served a real purpose: to form a bond not only for the purposes of relationship-building and professional fulfillment but also to prepare for the important task at hand. There’s a mission to accomplish, a country to represent, a tournament to win.

The motivation permeating Team USA’s star-studded roster is only amplified by how the last WBC ended: with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout to seal a 3-2 victory in the championship game and claim Samurai Japan’s third tournament title. It’s an image that has lingered in the baseball ether, replayed relentlessly both stateside and abroad, especially as Ohtani’s highlight reel has grown. For Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, back at the helm after falling short three years ago, that final out lit a fire for him and the entire American baseball apparatus.

“Definitely last time in 2023, walking away after the whole Trout-Ohtani thing, 3-2,” DeRosa said Thursday, ahead of USA’s pool play opener on Friday against Brazil, “[it’s] something I have thought about for a long time and took into account when putting the roster together.”

Even as a relatively young tournament compared to the premier international competitions in other sports, the WBC has grown in reverence with each edition, as the star power has multiplied and the knockout stages have provided enduring highlights. For Team USA — champions in the event just once in five tries — this edition of the tournament is an opportunity to reassert itself as the undisputed home of baseball’s very best. And if the rare strength of the roster is any indication, the opportunity is being taken quite seriously by those involved.

“I think it has kind of forced a hand to get guys like this in the room, to be honest with you,” DeRosa said. “I think there's a fear of missing out on the United States’ side. And my talks in recruiting the players were a heck of a lot different this time around than in 2023.

“I just feel like there's been a tidal wave of emotion, kind of wanting to win this thing. And I think guys like Logan [Webb], guys like Paul Skenes, from a pitching perspective, were very adamant about wanting to be here.”

 With the United States’ men’s hockey team’s dramatic triumph over rival Canada in the Olympics still fresh in everyone’s minds, it’s no surprise that members of USA Baseball have been quick to reference that victory as something to strive for in their own domain. But the scenario on ice was much different: Team USA was playing the underdog role, while Canada had amalgamated a stunning amount of world-class talent, talent that was on display for much of the gold-medal game until USA seized victory in overtime. 

If we’re drawing parallels to other national teams, USA Basketball is perhaps a more apt comparison. Even as the game of basketball has grown globally, with several of the best players on the planet hailing from other countries (sound familiar?), USA Basketball has usually had a deep enough pool of talent to emerge victorious in the highest profile international competitions. That notably includes the Summer Olympics, in which the USA men have taken gold in eight of the past nine tournaments. The lone defeat in that span — to Argentina in 2004 — spurred the so-called “Redeem Team” four years later, a play on the “Dream Team” that dominated in 1992 in the first Olympic competition featuring active NBA players. 

Taking it back to the diamond, it's fair to say that Team USA is entering the World Baseball Classic with elements of both the Dream Team andthe Redeem Team. This is an unprecedented group of talent that also has something to prove. 

It starts first and foremost with Judge and Skenes, whom DeRosa has referred to as the two “pillars” around which the roster was built. As the captain of MLB’s most prominent franchise and the best hitter on the planet, Judge’s status in our sport is exceeded only by Ohtani’s. No, Judge has not yet won a World Series — and we’re still waiting for his first appearance on the mound — but he has ascended to a tier of greatness above the rest of the league, displaying a level of excellence with the bat that we’ve never before seen from a right-handed hitter.

The timing of the previous tournament — mere months after Judge reupped with the Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million contract — made it difficult for him to participate then. But DeRosa said he got word from WBC pitching coach Andy Pettitte, another Yankees luminary, that Judge was interested in participating in the 2026 WBC more than a year ago. Sure enough, Judge was announced as the captain of Team USA last April, a momentous first addition to a roster that would only grow stronger as the tournament neared.

While Judge’s monumental reputation has developed gradually — a huge rookie year followed by a few injury-riddled campaigns building to the epic peak we’re currently witnessing — Skenes burst into our collective consciousness in a relative blink. To wit: When Judge began his march to an American League-record 62 home runs in 2022, Skenes was still a two-way player at the Air Force Academy. Since then, he has launched one of the most prolific beginnings to a career we’ve ever seen from a starting pitcher, evolving from hyped prospect to full-blown ace virtually overnight. And if his ability on the mound weren’t enough, Skenes’ military background and history with USA Baseball made it that much easier to count on him as a foundational piece of the roster.

Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports

Now, did Team USA needJudge and Skenes involved to be considered the favorites in this tournament? No. The rest of the roster is that good. But let’s be honest: If the team were otherwise identical but with Kyle Tucker and Zack Wheeler in place of Judge and Skenes, the gravitas or — yeah, I’ll say it — aurasurrounding Team USA would not be nearly the same, even if the squad’s chances of winning it all barely changed. 

And it’s not just the gaudy résumés and sheer talent that make this USA roster so compelling. Yes, these are the best players, but just as importantly, these are many of the main characters in the grand narrative that is Major League Baseball. Among the veterans, there’s Bryce Harper making his WBC debut, having alternated as the protagonist and the antagonist of the sport for half of his life. Kyle Schwarber and Alex Bregman were both hot topics this winter as premium free agents, with Schwarber’s decision to stay in Philadelphia serving as a sharp contrast to Bregman’s bolting from Boston to Chicago. Paul Goldschmidt is about to become the first player to play in three World Baseball Classics with Team USA. Clayton Kershaw, arguably the best pitcher of his generation, just retired, but he got an invite to be on the roster as an homage to his legendary career. 

Then there’s the slew of stars who reached new heights in 2025. Raleigh hit 60 home runs as a switch-hitting catcher, nearly dethroning Judge for AL MVP and almost leading Seattle to its first World Series. Brice Turang broke out as the most valuable player on a Brewers team that led baseball in wins. The Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong, well-versed in competing with USA Baseball, added power to a profile that already featured spectacular speed and defense. Roman Anthony’s impact on the Red Sox’s lineup as a rookie was enormous, making his late invite to the roster to replace the injured Corbin Carroll feel well-earned, even as a 21-year-old.

[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2026 MLB season]

The roster also has representatives from both sides of what was a World Series for the ages: Blue Jays utilityman Ernie Clement, fresh off setting the record for most hits in a single postseason, and Dodgers catcher Will Smith, whose home run in the 10th inning of Game 7 helped secure back-to-back championships for Los Angeles. 

And there’s more on the mound. After all the consternation surrounding the quality of the 2023 pitching staff — some deserved, some overblown — it’s undeniable that this year’s group of American hurlers is a considerable upgrade. The assortment of pure stuff speaks for itself, but the headliners — including Mets phenom Nolan McLean, after just a handful of major-league starts, and Padres closer Mason Miller, one of the hardest throwers the game has ever seen — cannot be overstated. 

Then there’s Skubal. The sensational southpaw seeking his third consecutive AL Cy Young award will be participating in only the first round of the tournament, scheduled to start against Great Britain in Team USA’s second game of pool play. This news was met with some level of disappointment after Skubal’s inclusion on the roster sparked fantasies of Team USA handing the ball to the two best pitchers on the planet for the semifinals and the championship. But make no mistake: That Skubal is participating at all at this critical juncture of his career — ahead of a consequential season for the Detroit Tigers, months away from a historically lucrative free agency and after an offseason in which his name dominated headlines with a record-setting arbitration case — adds another layer of grandeur to Team USA nevertheless. 

All of these individual storylines are now woven into one roster with one objective.

“This isn't about our organizational baseball right now,” Schwarber deflected Thursday when asked if the WBC could be a venue for players to recruit for their respective MLB teams. “This is about the three letters across our chest.

“We are looking forward to the journey ahead — seven wins. That's our goal right here, one at a time.”

[Watch Yahoo Sports Network]

Granted, a two-week tournament in March is hardly the most objective way to determine international baseball supremacy. Such a compressed competition invites the possibility for chaos, even if advancing out of pool play is a virtual certainty for Team USA. The caliber of opponent will elevate as the tournament progresses, with the softer matchups against Brazil and Great Britain scheduled before the more potent squads representing Mexico and Italy.

After that, the single-elimination bracket beckons, with clashes against other proud baseball powerhouses on deck. Team USA’s encounters with other teams loaded with upper-echelon MLB talent — notably Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and, of course, Japan — are not to be taken lightly, but the Americans are embracing the challenge with confidence. 

“Respect for everybody. Fear nobody,” DeRosa said.

No matter the sequence of opponents, Team USA isn’t hiding from the opportunity — or the pressure that comes with the roster assembled for this year’s tournament. 

“I think the expectation,” DeRosa said, “is to win the whole thing.”

Colton Herta’s crash during early Formula 2 running quickly spread across social media, but the moment also illustrated how demanding the transition from IndyCar to the European junior ladder can be.

Video of the incident showed the American driver losing control and hitting the barriers during the practice session, with the clip circulating widely after it was shared online.

The footage posted during the session captured one of Herta’s first visible moments adapting to a completely different type of single seater environment.

Herta’s Formula 2 move is part of his route toward Formula 1

Herta’s decision to race in the 2026 Formula 2 season with Hitech represents a clear step toward reaching Formula 1.

The campaign is designed to allow the American driver to pursue the FIA Super Licence points required for Formula 1, which are awarded through results in recognised international championships.

The move has long been discussed as one of the most realistic routes available to Herta if he wants to progress onto the Formula 1 grid.

Formula 2 runs alongside the Formula 1 calendar and forms the final stage of the FIA’s single seater development ladder.

An experienced IndyCar driver arrives as an F2 rookie

Despite his racing background, Herta will still enter the championship as a rookie driver in Formula 2.

The American spent seven seasons racing in IndyCar, building a reputation as one of the series’ fastest drivers while collecting race victories and podium finishes.

That experience gives him a strong racing foundation, but the Formula 2 environment differs significantly from the championship where he built his career.

The cars, tyres, circuits and race formats all operate differently from IndyCar, which means experienced drivers still face a learning phase when switching categories.

The crash illustrated the early adaptation phase

The clip of Herta’s incident showed the car sliding into the barriers during the practice session, with the moment shared widely across the platform.

The footage was circulated through posts such as this clip of the crash during the session, which quickly drew attention among fans and observers following the series.

Despite a heavy crash, the Cadillac test driver climbed out of his Hitech car and is reportedly okay.

Formula 1 journalist Chris Medland shared images of the crash on X, saying: “Not a great start for Colton Herta in his F2 debut. He’ll be up against it later today in qualifying”.

Herta has already acknowledged the learning curve

The driver has openly discussed the scale of the challenge as he prepares for a full season in the European racing environment.

He previously described the opportunity as his last shot at reaching Formula 1, which places added importance on the results he can achieve in the championship.

Preparing for Formula 2 involves adapting to unfamiliar circuits and a different style of single seater racing compared with the American series where he has competed for years.

That adjustment period is expected to form a significant part of his early races while he learns the characteristics of the car and tyres.

The early crash therefore offers a visible example of the adaptation required when experienced drivers switch between racing systems.

The 2026 season will ultimately show how quickly Herta can convert his racing background into competitive results within the European ladder.

Read more:

Opening Day for the 2026 Major League Baseball season is about three weeks away (beginning officially with a standalone game between the Yankees and Giants on March 25), and while there are several former Tigers already in the Big Leagues, LSU’s pipeline to The Show is alive and well.

On Thursday the MLB announced preliminary rosters for the third annual Spring Breakout Games. If you’re unfamiliar, this showcase is a chance for the best prospects across the MiLB to show why they’re the next crop of stars and LSU will be all over these games.

In total, 15 former Tigers made the preliminary rosters to compete for their respective clubs, highlighted by Seattle’s Kade Anderson, Houston’s Ethan Frey, and Boston’s Anthony Eyanson. LSU and Tennessee tied for the most preliminary selections; the final rosters, consisting of 23-27 players, will be announced on March 18.

As it stands right now, here are the 15 former Tigers that made the preliminary rosters.

• Javen Coleman, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays
• Tre’ Morgan, 1B/OF, Tampa Bay Rays
• Thatcher Hurd, RHP, New York Yankees
• Luke Holman, RHP, Cincinatti Reds
• Tommy White, 3B, Athletics
• Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics
• Griffin Herring, LHP, Colorado Rockies
• Daniel Dickinson, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
• Ethan Frey, OF, Houston Astros
• Chase Shores, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
• Kade Anderson, RHP, Seattle Mariners
• Anthony Eyanson, RHP, Boston Red Sox
• Fidel Ulloa, RHP, Colorado Rockies
• Jacob Mayers, RHP, Boston Red Sox
• Eric Reyzelman, RHP, New York Yankees

In the piece that he wrote for The Athletic, Philipp Lahm levied a lot of criticism on the youth system in Germany, but the former Bayern Munich star thinks that he has identified why the German national team has not been successful in recent years — the lack of “specialists”:

This ultimately leads me to a topic that German football has been grappling with for some time: why is it no longer producing as many specialists as it used to? There are hardly any natural centre-forwards like Gerd Muller, Rudi Voller, Miroslav Klose, or centre-backs like Jurgen Kohler and Karlheinz Forster.

Academies are failing to answer one crucial question: what are we training for? What is our approach? While countries such as Spain and clubs such as Barcelona train their young players for years using the same system, with the same positional requirements and following the same procedures, Germany jumps from trend to trend. Possession, transition, street football, and positional play — all are important, but without a consistent approach, they lose their effectiveness.

In the end, everyone can do a little bit of everything, but few have mastered anything properly. The focus everywhere is on flexible players. But a footballer doesn’t have to be good at everything. They have to be very good at something. Unfortunately, defending, for example, is hardly ever taught in detail anymore: body position, timing, aerial duels, penalty area defence. The old craft is also missing in attack: running to the near post, working against robust defences, repeating the same movements until they become second nature.

That’s why I would like to see German football develop a common playing philosophy again at association level: ball-oriented, organised, clear, with a balance between attack and defence. If it implements such a philosophy from top to bottom, specialists will emerge again. Then Germany will get its holding midfielder who knows what he has to do in the centre. A centre-back who will be difficult to beat. A striker who scores lots of goals in the penalty area.

Then German football would make better use of its talent pool again.

Lahm philosophy here is an interesting one. Not everyone needs to be a versatile football — frankly, some have no interest in certain aspects of the game. However, many coaches do want well-rounded players, who can think through a variety of situations in different places on the pitch. Given Germany’s recent attacking woes, maybe some specializing is in order?

What do you think?

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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Manchester City frustratingly drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. Pep Guardiola’s side led twice but two quality goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson pegged City back. The result sees City fall seven points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table, although City do have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s side. Speaking after City’s draw with Nottingham Forest, Bernardo Silva spoke honestly and openly about the fact that this City side is learning how to deal with the pressure of dealing with and overcoming the hurdles that come late in a season. This City side, although it is extremely talented, it is learning on the job and that stood out against Forest.

Bernardo Silva pointed out that this Manchester City side is learning on the fly.

Speaking after Manchester City’s draw with Nottingham Forest, Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva explained that his team’s draw at the Etihad was a disappointing result. He also explained that this City side is a young side that does need to learn to navigate their way through high stakes scenarios. In an interview with Simon Bajkowski published in the Manchester Evening News, Bernardo explained: “It’s quite disappointing what happened today, especially at home, we didn’t want to drop these two points. Tomorrow’s another day, it will feel a bit better, and after tomorrow, even better. We’re still in four competitions so there’s no point in looking back now and crying, we need to go for the next game and hopefully we’re going to have the last two or three months, fighting for all the titles, which is our main goal.”

“We have a young team and it takes time to learn these things or to experience these things. Winning helps a lot. So hopefully if we win this year it will take away the pressure that these games carry even more in the next seasons, but it’s for sure a young team that we all together need to manage better these moments.”

There was an immaturity to Manchester City’s play against Nottingham Forest.

Bernardo Silva’s assessment of this Manchester City squad is on the money. Pep Guardiola’s side remains in the hunt on four fronts this season while learning and adapting to the challenges that come with that. Every match from now until the end of the season has huge ramifications. Such are the stakes that arrive at this point of the season. The majority of this City squad is learning how to play under that particular pressure, and against Nottingham Forest, it did seem that City at times didn’t know when to stick or twist.

Against Nottingham Forest, City had 70% possession. Typically Pep Guardiola’s side is dominant in possession. Throughout Wednesday night’s match, City routinely recycled possession rather than go for the jugular so to speak. This allowed a well-drilled Nottingham Forest side to get back into their low defensive block which frustrated City throughout the match at the Etihad. Playing in such a controlled manner is typically how Pep Guardiola wants his team to play. But there were moments to attack Forest on Wednesday, especially when City pressed Forest into error high up the pitch. But the immaturity of this City side stood out as they didn’t seem aware of when to take their moment as they would have done in previous seasons. Instead they played safe and that did allow Vitor Perreira’s side to frustrate them at times.

Bernardo Silva put out a timely reminder that this Manchester City side is still learning what it takes to play under pressure at a pivotal point of the season. That stood out at times against Nottingham Forest; if this City side knew when to stick instead of twist, they may have put Forest away. It will take time for this City team to learn this concept. It will come, and when it does, Pep Guardiola’s side will be a formidable proposition.

The Royals will get ready for their close up on TV tonight, under the bright lights of Surprise Stadium. The big name players are at the World Baseball Classic, so tonight it’s…..Lane Thomas! Brandon Drury! Josh Rojas! All the remaining stars on one stage!

Hey, you can see Cole Ragans and Carter Jensen, that’s not nuthin’.

The Rangers start left-hander Mackenzie Gore, who they acquired from the Nationals this offseason. They have a few starters in the lineup too – Wyatt Langford, Corey Seager. It’s probably too soon to see Andrew McCutchen in a Rangers uniform.

Watch tonight on Royals.TV!

10 Free Agents (Really 84) Who Have Familiarity With Mike Vrabel, Patriots Staff originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots made double-digit free agent acquisition that had previous experience working with someone on their coaching staff in 2025.

I'd be willing to bet we see something similar take place in 2026...

If you read the headline, you pretty much have an idea of where we're going with this one. New England values familiarity more than just about any other organization in football, so we scoured several lists of unrestricted free agents and pinpointed every single notable name that has experience working with someone who is confirmed to be on the coaching staff or in the front office -- with the exception of players who have already played around here or those who played on the other side of the football and had no direct tie to a coach/executive despite being in the same organization.

Get it? Got it? Good.

TE David Njoku

Experience:
Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024)
Eliot Wolf (Browns; 2018-2019)
Ashton Grant (Browns; 2020-2024)

Njoku is one of the rare players who lasted across several regime changes with the Cleveland Browns, with his first dalliance into free agency expected to bring with it plenty of interest from teams who are looking for someone steady at tight end -- the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England.

If you're able to overlook the fact that the latter needs to get younger at the position, there are a few things that point to potential interest on both sides.

The Patriots should be prioritizing inline options, which is where the veteran has primarily played across the last several seasons, and likely wouldn't mind rostering two veterans in order to help bring along their inevitable (one could only hope) draft pick at the position.

Flacco to Njoku again! Their second 30+ yard TD of the day

📺: #JAXvsCLE on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlushttps://t.co/pWMED8S30Cpic.twitter.com/Up1RsLu81S

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023

TE Chigoziem Okonkwo

Experience:
Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2022-2023)
Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2022-2023)
Todd Downing (Titans; 2022-2023)
Tony Dews (Titans; 2022-2023)
Jason Houghtaling (Titans; 2022-2023)

Okonkwo was drafted under both Vrabel and Cowden, and had his two best seasons during the final campaign working with this coaching staff and just prior to entering free agency -- combining to surpass 50 receptions and 475 receiving yards, respectively, in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

"He'll tell me, he's only going to coach me as hard as he cares," Okonkwo said of Vrabel back in 2023.. "I know when he is pushing me and he is looking at every single rep I am doing, I just embrace it. He doesn't want me to be a terrible player. He wants me to become the greatest player that I can become. So, for me, I always keep that in the back of my mind and don't let anything he says get under my skin. I know he wants me to be great, and I know he is not doing this to make me feel bad. He just wants me to be a great player."

If there were ever an option to bridge the gap at the position...

EDGE Jadeveon Clowney

Experience:
Mike Vrabel (Texans; 2014-2017) (Titans; 2020)
Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2020)
Terrell Williams (Titans; 2020)
Zak Kuhr (Titans; 2020)
Scott Booker (Titans; 2020
Justin Hamilton (Titans; 2020)
Clint McMillan (Titans; 2020)

Clowney is going to live off one-year deals until his freakish athleticism fades, but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. I'd probably like to see this one happen more than I believe that it actually will, but almost the entire defensive staff has worked with him before and he perfectly fits what the organization should be looking for once training camp rolls around -- or more likely, is about to end.

WR Wan'Dale Robinson

Experience:
Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2024)

Robinson isn't one of the most familiar names on this list, but he does feel like someone who could immediately raise the ceiling of the offense.

The Giants figured it out with the former second-round pick, as he was able to produce in both volume (185 receptions, 1,713 receiving yards) and quality (those numbers more doubled his career marks across the board)  across 2024 and 2025. The Patriots suddenly are in need of high-volume wide receivers who can produce from the slot with the release of Stefon Diggs, so perhaps they lean on the insider knowledge held by Cowden.

Jaxson Dart finds Wan'Dale Robinson in the end zone 🙌#ProBowlVote

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/4gDZR13kAS

— New York Giants (@Giants) December 14, 2025

QB Marcus Mariota

Experience:
Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2018-2019)
Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2018-2019)
Todd Downing (Titans; 2019)
Tony Dews (Titans; 2018-2019)

Vrabel probably isn't rushing to sign the guy he once replaced as his starting quarterback, but this feels like the best option if they want to bring in a new backup behind Drake Maye.

OL John Simpson

Experience:
Josh McDaniels (Raiders; 2022)
Todd Downing (Jets; 2024)
Tony Dews (Jets; 2024)

Simpson is one of roughly 274,038 options who has familiarity with members of the current coaching staff and should be considered to start at left guard as the organization figures out what it's going to do with Jared Wilson and Garrett Bradbury.

If you're willing to deal with the penalties (10; 80/81 qualifying guards in 2025), this is someone who was one of the more consistent interior offensive lineman in the NFL from 2022-2024.

DL DaQuan Jones

Experience:
Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2018-2020)
Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2018-2020)
Terrell Williams (Titans; 2018-2020)
Zak Kuhr (Titans; 2018-2020)
Scott Booker (Titans; 2018-2020) (Bills; 2024)
Justin Hamilton (Titans; 2018-2020)
Clint McMillan (Titans; 2018-2020)

Jones won't be someone the organization immediately targets, but perhaps they fall back on their familiarity with him if they need to bring someone aboard following a potential trade of Christian Barmore?

WR Keenan Allen

Experience:
Thomas Brown (Bears; 2024)
Jason Houghtaling (Bears; 2024)

Allen is the older, cheaper, less explosive version of that archetype we described when talking about Robinson.

It's not like he doesn't produce, though -- as the six-time Pro Bowler has 325 receptions, 3,516 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns since he turned 30. I don't think he's going to slow down for a couple more years, either. 

HERBERT BREAKS THE SACK AND FINDS KEENAN ALLEN FOR THE TD ⚡️

DENvsLAC on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVntpic.twitter.com/f95wNegDdP

— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025

OL Jedrick Wills

Experience:
Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024)
Ashton Grant (Browns; 2020-2024)

The Patriots already hosted Wills on a visit Thursday.

It's only a matter of time...

OL Jack Conklin

Experience:
Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2018-2019) (Browns; 2024)
Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2018-2019)
Todd Downing (Titans; 2019)
Tony Dews (Titans; 2018-2019
Ashton Grant (Browns; 2020-2024)

Conklin might not even play next season, but his versatility and knowledge of the core principles of this system could be extremely valuable if the organization wants to bring in competition for both Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. Vrabel has a fan in the 31-year-old, for whatever that is worth.

"I think you get exactly what you expect," Conklin said of Vrabel in 2025. "It's a guy who is going to work his (expletive) off, no matter what. He's going to get the most out of his players. He's a great leader."

Best Of The Rest

It's probably insane to include all of these names, but we compiled the list so there's no reason not to share it with you! The Patriots' coaching staff/front office has also previously worked alongside these players:

QB Aaron Rodgers: Eliot Wolf (Packers; 2005-2017), Todd Downing (Jets; 2023-2024), Tony Dews (Jets; 2024)
QB Tyrod Taylor: Eliot Wolf (Browns; 2018), Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2023), Todd Downing (Jets; 2024), Tony Dews (Jets; 2024)
QB Malik Willis: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2022-2023), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2022), Jason Houghtaling (Titans; 2022-2023), Todd Downing (Titans; 2022), Tony Dews (Titans; 2022-2023)

RB Michael Carter: Todd Downing (Jets; 2023)
RB Nick Chubb: Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024), Eliot Wolf (Browns; 2018-2019), Ashton Grant (Browns; 2020-2024)
RB Jerome Ford: Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024), Ashton Grant (Browns; 2022-2024)
RB Breece Hall: Todd Downing (Jets; 2023-2024), Tony Dews (Jets; 2024)
RB Khalil Herbert: Thomas Brown (Bears; 2024), Jason Houghtaling (Bears; 2024)
RB Kareem Hunt: Eliot Wolf (Browns; 2019), Ashton Grant (Browns; 2020-2023)
RB Jeremy McNichols: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2020-2021), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2020-2021), Jason Houghtaling (Titans; 2021), Todd Downing (Titans; 2020-2021), Tony Dews (Titans; 2020-2021)
RB Miles Sanders: Thomas Browns (Panthers; 2023)
RB Kenneth Walker III: Chuckie Keeton (Seahawks; 2024)

WR Tutu Atwell: Thomas Brown (Rams; 2021-2022)
WR DeAndre Hopkins: Mike Vrabel (Texans; 2014-2017) (Titans; 2023), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2023), Todd Downing (Titans; 2023), Tony Dews (Titans; 2023), Jason Houghtaling (Titans; 2023)
WR Kalif Raymond: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2019-2020), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2019-2020), Todd Downing (Titans; 2019-2020), Tony Dews (Titans; 2019-2020)
WR Rashid Shaheed: Doug Marrone (Saints; 2022-2023)

TE Tyler Higbee: Thomas Brown (Rams; 2020-2022)
TE Marcedes Lewis: Doug Marrone (Jaguars; 2015-2017), Thomas Brown (Bears; 2024), Jason Houghtaling (Bears; 2024)
TE Chris Manhertz: Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2024)
TE Foster Moreau: Josh McDaniels (Raiders; 2022), Doug Marrone (Saints; 2023)
TE Darren Waller: Josh McDaniels (Raiders; 2022), Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2023)

OL Braxton Jones: Thomas Brown (Bears; 2024), Jason Houghtaling (Bears; 2024)
OL Kendall Lamm: Eliot Wolf (Browns; 2019), Ashton Grant (Browns; 2020), Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2021), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2021), Jason Houghtaling (Titans; 2021), Todd Downing (Titans; 2021), Tony Dews (Titans; 2021)

IOL Joel Bitonio: Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024), Eliot Wolf (Browns; 2018-2019), Ashton Grant (Browns; 2020-2024)
IOL Daniel Brunskill: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2023), Jason Houghtaling (Titans; 2023), Tony Dews (Titans; 2023)
IOL Brady Christensen: Thomas Browns (Panthers; 2023)
IOL Austin Corbett: Eliot Wolf (Browns; 2018-2019), Thomas Brown (Rams; 2020-2021) (Panthers; 2023)
IOL David Edwards: Thomas Brown (Rams; 2020-2022)
IOL Andre James: Josh McDaniels (Raiders; 2022-2023)
IOL Teven Jenkins: Thomas Brown (Bears; 2024), Jason Houghtaling (Bears; 2024)
IOL Cade Mays: Thomas Browns (Panthers; 2023)
IOL Dylan Parham: Josh McDaniels (Raiders; 2022-2023)
IOL Ethan Pocic: Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024, Ashton Grant (Browns; 2022-2024)
IOL Matt Pryor: Thomas Brown (Bears; 2024), Jason Houghtaling (Bears; 2024)
IOL Dillon Radunz: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2021-2023), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2021-2022), Jason Houghtaling (Titans; 2021-2023), Todd Downing (Titans; 2021-2022), Tony Dews (Titans; 2021-2023)
IOL Wyatt Teller: Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024), Eliot Wolf (Browns; 2019), Ashton Grant (Browns; 2020-2024)
IOL Greg Van Roten: Eliot Wolf (Packers; 2012-2013), Josh McDaniels (Raiders; 2023), Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2024)
IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker: Todd Downing (Jets; 2023-2024), Tony Dews (Jets; 2024)

EDGE Denico Autry: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2021-2023), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2021-2022), Terrell Williams (Titans; 2021-2023), Zak Kuhr (Titans; 2021-2023), Scott Booker (Titans; 2021-2023), Justin Hamilton (Titans; 2023), Clint McMillan (Titans; 2021-2023)
EDGE A.J. Epenesa: Scott Booker (Bills; 2024)
EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.: Doug Marrone (Jaguars; 2016-2018)
EDGE Arden Key: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2023), Terrell Williams (Titans; 2023), Zak Kuhr (Titans; 2023), Scott Booker (Titans; 2023), Justin Hamilton (Titans; 2023), Clint McMillan (Titans; 2023)
EDGE Malcolm Koonce: Josh McDaniels (Raiders; 2022-2023)
EDGE Tyquan Lewis: Justin Hamilton (Colts; 2024)
EDGE Von Miller: Scott Booker (Bills; 2024)
EDGE Azeez Ojulari: Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2023-2024), Zak Kuhr (Giants; 2024)
EDGE Kwity Paye: Justin Hamilton (Colts; 2024)
EDGE Preston Smith: Mike Smith (Packers; 2019-2021)

DL Calais Campbell: Doug Marrone (Jaguars; 2017-2019)
DL Shelby Harris: Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024)
DL Da'Shawn Hand: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2021-2022), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2021-2022), Terrell Williams (Titans; 2021-2022), Zak Kuhr (Titans; 2021-2022), Scott Booker (Titans; 2021-2022), Justin Hamilton (Titans; 2021-2022), Clint McMillan (Titans; 2021-2022)
DL Levi Onwuzurike: Terrell Williams (Lions; 2024)
DL D.J. Reader: Mike Vrabel (Texans; 2016-2017), Terrell Williams (Lions; 2024)

LB Jamal Adams: Terrell Williams (Lions; 2024)
LB Alex Anzalone: Terrell Williams (Lions; 2024)
LB Devin Bush: Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024)
LB Eric Kendricks: Mike Smith (Vikings; 2022)
LB Micah McFadden: Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2023-2024), Zak Kuhr (Giants; 2024)
LB Matt Milano: Scott Booker (Bills; 2024)
LB E.J. Speed: Justin Hamilton (Colts; 2024)
LB Quincy Williams: Doug Marrone (Jaguars; 2019-2020)

CB Rasul Douglas: Mike Smith (Packers; 2021), Scott Booker (Bills; 2024)
CB Cordale Flott: Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2023-2024), Zak Kuhr (Giants; 2024)
CB Roger McCreary: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2022-2023), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2022-2023), Terrell Williams (Titans; 2022-2023), Zak Kuhr (Titans; 2022-2023), Scott Booker (Titans; 2022-2023), Justin Hamilton (Titans; 2022-2023), Clint McMillan (Titans; 2022-2023)
CB Greg Newsome II: Mike Vrabel (Browns; 2024)
CB Eric Stokes: Mike Smith (Packers; 2021)
CB Rock Ya-Sin: Josh McDaniels (Raiders; 2022)

S Dane Belton: Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2023-2024), Zak Kuhr (Giants; 2024)
S Kevin Byard: Mike Vrabel (Titans; 2018-2023), Ryan Cowden (Titans; 2018-2023), Terrell Williams (Titans; 2018-2023), Zak Kuhr (Titans; 2018-2023), Scott Booker (Titans; 2018-2023), Justin Hamilton (Titans; 2018-2023), Clint McMillan (Titans; 2018-2023)
S Nick Cross: Justin Hamilton (Colts; 2024)
S Damar Hamlin: Scott Booker (Bills; 2024)
S Jason Pinnock: Ryan Cowden (Giants; 2023-2024), Zak Kuhr (Giants; 2024)
S Harrison Smith: Mike Smith (Vikings; 2022-2023)
S Andrew Wingard: Doug Marrone (Jaguars; 2019-2020)

More NFL: Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Raegan Beers had 18 points and seven rebounds, Aaliyah Chavez added 17 points and No. 7 Oklahoma used a dominant third quarter to rout Florida 82-64 on Thursday and advance to the Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

Zya Vann scored 14 points and Brooklyn Stewart chipped in with 12 for the Sooners (24-6), who have won seven straight.

Liv McGill had 28 points on 13-of-17 shooting from the foul line to lead Florida (18-15), which defeated Mississippi State 86-68 in the first round.

Oklahoma will face No. 6 LSU in the quarterfinals on Friday at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

NO. 11 OHIO STATE 83, INDIANA 59

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jaloni Cambridge had 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists, Chance Gray added 18 points, and Ohio State eased past Indiana in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.

Ohio State (25-6), a No. 5 seed, advances to play 19th-ranked Minnesota in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Buckeyes secured their fifth straight season with 25-plus wins.

Cambridge and Gray combined for 10 of Ohio State’s points during a 12-0 run to take the first double-digit lead of the game at 24-14. The Buckeyes’ lead did not drop below eight points the rest of the half and Gray’s 3-pointer with 20 seconds left made it 36-24 at the break.

Ohio State added a 10-0 run early in the third quarter for a 17-point advantage. The Buckeyes led by as many as 30 points, 81-51, with three minutes remaining in the game.

Kennedy Cambridge had 14 points and Elsa Lemmilä grabbed 13 rebounds to go with six points, five assists and three blocks for Ohio State. Gray made four of Ohio State’s 10 3-pointers — a game after the Buckeyes sank a program-record 18 3s in an 87-68 win against then-No. 15 Michigan State on Sunday.

Maya Makalusky led Indiana (18-14) with 21 points and five 3-pointers. Shay Ciezki added 12 points and Nevaeh Caffey scored 10.

NO. 17 KENTUCKY 76, NO. 22 GEORGIA 61

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Clara Strack made a career-high five 3-pointers in matching her career best of 33 points and Kentucky defeated Georgia in the second round of the SEC Tournament.

Strack, a 6-foot-5 center, was 5 of 7 from the arc, 12 of 22 overall and grabbed eight rebounds for the ninth-seeded Wildcats (23-9), who will play top seed and third-ranked South Carolina in a Friday quarterfinal.

Teonni Key added 14 points and 12 rebounds and Tonie Morgan also scored 14 points and had seven assists for the Wildcats, who shot 50% and were 14 of 20 at the line to 6 of 8 for the Bulldogs.

Dani Carnegie scored 18 points, Trinity Turner 14 and Mia Woolfolk 11 for Georgia (22-9), which was just 5 of 26 on 3-pointers.

KANSAS State 58, NO. 21 TEXAS TECH 51

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nastja Claessens had 14 points, eight rebounds and a key block in the closing seconds and Kansas State ended the game on a 21-0 run to beat Texas Tech in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.

Kansas State (17-16), the No. 12 seed, advances to the quarterfinals against No. 4 seed Oklahoma State on Friday. The Wildcats opened the tournament by breaking an 18-year Big 12 women’s tournament record and tied the school record by sinking 17 3-pointers in a 91-66 victory over Cincinnati.

Kansas State trailed 51-37 with 7:43 left in the fourth quarter after Texas Tech’s 10-0 run spanning the third-quarter break. But the Lady Raiders would not score against, missing 13 straight shots and not attempting a free throw in the fourth.

Tess Heal put Kansas State ahead 54-51 with 52.7 seconds left on a driving layup. Texas Tech grabbed an offensive rebound after a missed 3-pointer, but Claessens blocked the putback attempt and secured the ball before calling a timeout with 36.1 left.

Taryn Sides sealed it by making two free throws and Heal added two free throws with 19.2 seconds left.

Sides finished with 13 points, Aniya Foy added 12 and Heal had 10 for Kansas State, which did not have a double-digit scorer until the fourth quarter. The Wildcats were just 5 of 25 from 3-point range and shot 34% overall.

Snudda Collins was the lone double-digit scorer for the fifth-seeded Texas Tech (25-7) with 14 points. The Lady Raiders were 16 of 56 from the field (29%).

The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Warren Foegele and a conditional 2026 third-round draft pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for two 2026 draft picks, one of which is conditional.

Foegele, 29, was in his second season with the Kings and his ninth in the NHL. In total across 129 regular-season games with the Kings, Foegele scored 31 goals and registered 24 assists in addition to one goal and two assists in six playoff games, in addition to playing on the penalty kill. However, his time in Los Angeles was marked by a significant gap in production between the two seasons. After scoring 24 goals last season and posting a plus-36 rating — both career-highs — those numbers fell to seven goals and minus-6 respectively this season.

In total across his career, Foegele has 111 goals, 107 assists and a plus-30 rating in 560 regular-season games along with 13 goals, 14 assists and a minus-7 in 86 career playoff games. He has appeared in the Stanley Cup Final once, doing so with the Edmonton Oilers in 2024.

In addition to Foegele, the Kings are also sending the Senators either their own 2026 third-round pick or the Dallas Stars’ third-round pick, whichever one is worse. From Ottawa, the Kings will receive a 2026 second-round pick which initially belonged to the Buffalo Sabres and a conditional third-round pick. The condition states that Los Angeles will get the better of the Senators’ pick and the Washington Capitals’ pick, unless both of those teams miss the playoffs, in which case the Kings will get the worse of the picks.

The Kings currently have 62 points, five points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the Senators have 67 points, leaving them seven points out of the postseason in the Eastern Conference.

In the early stages of the offseason, the San Francisco 49ers have lost a few coaches and have brought others in from outside the organization, including Matt Eferblus, who was hired as assistant head coach of defense.

Hours after the Eberflus news broke, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported another hiring, as Kent State offensive line coach Angel Matute is set to join Kyle Shanahan's staff for the 2026 season.

Matute began coaching in 2020 at Missouri after medically retiring from football in 2019 after a playing career at Mt. San Antonio College. He was a graduate assistant at Minnesota from 2022-23 and Purdue's assistant offensive line coach in 2024 before joining Kent State last spring.

Some fans may remember Matute's name, as he was selected for the 2024 Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the 49ers.

It's unclear what Matute's role is at this time, but there's a chance that he'll be named assistant offensive line coach with Cameron Clemmons shifting to tight ends coach.

More 49ers: 49ers identified as suitors for top WR in free agency

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers expected to add college coach to Kyle Shanahan's staff

The Chicago Bears made a splash when they traded wide receiver DJ Moore (and a fifth-round pick) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a second-round pick.

Moore was set to carry a $28.5 million salary cap hit for the Bears in 2026, and given the influx of young weapons on the roster, it makes sense. Moore is coming off his worst statistical season, with 50 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns, but he played a key role for Chicago down the stretch.

Moore played a key role for the Bears last season, both on the field and as a leader in a young receiver room featuring Rome Odunze and rookies Luther Burden III and Jahdae Walker. Walker, who saw time on the field as an undrafted rookie, shared his reaction to the news of the trade, which included an inspiring message from Moore that left Walker heartbroken.

DJ real as hell man 💔 pic.twitter.com/s7NPza256M

— OVAEASTBAYBEE🏁‼️ (@KvngMarlo79) March 5, 2026

"Go be great and be you," Moore wrote Walker. "Shine bright Luke you do (and) make yourself into the player/man you wanna be lil bro."

Walker responded: "Preciate you bro! Gonna miss you man."

Walker and Moore played a key role in one of the biggest wins of last season, when the Bears orchestrated an improbable comeback against the Green Bay Packers. Walker caught the game-tying touchdown on fourth down to force overtime while Moore caught the game-winner to seal the deal and help lead to Chicago's NFC North championship.

Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears WR Jahdae Walker shares DJ Moore's message after he was traded

LOS ANGELES -- The 2026 Leagues Cup will kick off Aug. 4, returning the MLS-Liga MX rivalry to center stage during a summer expected to ride the wave of soccer’s growing popularity in North America.

Tournament organizers released the official schedule Thursday morning, confirming LAFC’s opening path in the competition. The Black & Gold will host three Liga MX opponents at BMO Stadium during Phase One of the monthlong tournament.

The fourth edition of Leagues Cup will run from Aug. 4 through Sept. 6 and feature 36 teams — all 18 Liga MX clubs and 18 qualifying MLS sides. The opening stage includes 54 matches, each one pitting an MLS club against a Liga MX opponent. This year’s tournament will also introduce matches played in Mexico for the first time, with the highest-ranked Liga MX clubs hosting select fixtures.

Beyond regional bragging rights, Leagues Cup also carries significant international implications. The top three finishers will qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the champion earning a direct berth into the Round of 16.

LAFC Leagues Cup Phase One schedule

Aug. 5 — Chivas de Guadalajara

Aug. 8 — Toluca FC

Aug. 12 — Querétaro FC

The opener against Chivas could mark star forward Son Heung-Min’s first appearance in the competition. The South Korean international headlines a potent LAFC attack alongside Denis Bouanga, the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 13 goals in 12 Leagues Cup appearances. LAFC will have forward Armando González to worry about, scoring five goals in eight games to lead the Guadalajara attack early in the Clausura tournament.

Three days later, LAFC hosts Toluca in what could become one of the most entertaining matchups of the opening stage. The defending Liga MX champions arrive as one of Mexico's most dangerous attacking teams after leading the league in goals during both the 2025 Clausura and Apertura title runs.

LAFC will close Phase One with a first-time matchup against Querétaro, again at BMO Stadium. There isn't much to go off of with los Gallos Blancos — currently 17th out of 18 in Liga MX and not the greatest history in this tournament, bowing out in the opening phase the last two editions.

The Black & Gold enter the tournament with a history of deep runs in the competition. Their best finish came in 2024, when they advanced to the final before falling 3–1 to the Columbus Crew under the previous format.

With three Liga MX opponents visiting Los Angeles in the opening round and a strong attacking core already producing early in the 2026 season, LAFC will again aim to position itself among the tournament’s contenders when Leagues Cup returns in August.

Colts trade rumor could lead to deal with Cowboys, Giants or Commanders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indianapolis Colts are looking to trade one of their defensive starters, and that should interest the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that the Colts are talking to the teams about a trade involving linebacker Zaire Franklin.

Indianapolis is currently $4 million under the cap and is working to get above the cap before free agency kicks off next week.

"The Colts are speaking with teams about a trade for their former Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin as they look to get under the salary cap by next week, per sources," Schefter said.

Dallas, New York, and Washington immediately come to mind as teams that could trade for Franklin.

The Cowboys must upgrade their linebacker room, as Kenneth Murray isn't a starting-caliber player, and DeMarvion Overshown needs some help. Dallas also recently released Logan Wilson, whom they acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, but he didn't work out.

Acquiring an experienced player like Franklin, who has made 82 starts since entering the league in 2018, would be a savvy move by the Cowboys.

Dallas' NFC East rivals, the Giants and Commanders, could also use linebacker help. New York released Bobby Okereke this week, and could replace him with Franklin to serve as the new No. 1 linebacker on Dennard Wilson's defense.

As for Washington, Bobby Wagner is set to hit free agency, and Franklin could step in as the replacement next to Frankie Luvu.

Franklin had a down year in 2025, but if he can return to form, he would be a plus starter for Dallas, New York, or Washington, so all three franchises should look into trading for the Colts linebacker.

PEORIA, Ariz. — The 7,123 fans in attendance Thursday at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Ariz., came for a Cactus League baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.

Instead, they were greeted with a score more indicative of a football game.

The Mariners lost to the Padres 27-6 on Thursday. It was a unique contest that had high winds and saw several outfielders lose balls in the sun.

Even with those factors and it being a spring training game with many major leaguers missing for the World Baseball Classic, there's still few positives to take away from a blowout of that nature.

Little, but not nothing.

Here's a pair of takeaways from Seattle's gridiron-esque loss to San Diego:

'Velo' Castillo

The Mariners' downturn Thursday started with a disappointing outing from starting pitcher Luis Castillo.

The three-time All-Star allowed six runs (five earned) on six hits (one home run) in 1.1 innings of work. He struck out two and walked one.

Castillo's six runs allowed accounted for half of a 12-run second inning for the Padres.

If there was one positive for Castillo, it was the velocity on his fastball.

"The Rock" threw 39 pitches in his second start of the spring. His four-seam fastball accounted for 20 of them. Both of his strikeouts were via the heater, which he also generated three of his six whiffs with, per Baseball Savant.

Castillo averaged 95.4 miles per hour with his fastball, slightly up from his 2025 average of 95 mph. His average velocity for the other pitches he offered — his slider, changeup and sinker — were all above his '25 average.

Castillo's two-seamer (sinker) saw the biggest uptick. He averaged 96.3 mph on three offerings, up from his '25 average of 94.8 mph. He threw the sinker for a strike twice.

"That's kind of a good showing of all the work we did (this offseason in the Dominican Republic)," Castillo said via interpreter Freddy Llanos after his start Thursday. "All I can do is continue to keep working here and keep putting in the same amount of work I put in the D.R. to keep the velocity rate. ... I think (the secondaries) are in a good spot. I think the most important thing for me is having the confidence with my secondary pitches to throw them in any situation, no matter the count during the game."

Luis Castillo, Painted 96mph Sinker. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/1Qz6cYDlim

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 19, 2025

Rob hits lefties

When Seattle signed first baseman/outfielder Rob Refsnyder this offseason, the expectation was he would be a platoon player against left-handed pitching — a role he's excelled at in the past.

It took several games, but Refsnyder got his first homer against a lefty Thursday. He hit a solo home run off Padres reliever JP Sears in the bottom of the fifth inning. The long ball had a distance of 441 feet with an exit velocity of 109.6 mph.

That homer was one-of-four for the Mariners. San Diego had eight in the game.

Refsnyder has a slash line of .250/.250/.500 with a .750 OPS in six games this spring. He's hit a double and his aforementioned homer with two RBIs in 16 at-bats.

Up next

Seattle will face American League West rivals, the Texas Rangers, at 12:05 p.m. PT on Friday at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Ariz.

Kade Anderson (No. 21 MLB Pipeline top 100) will start for the Mariners.

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Duke baseball will be without Cider Cannon for a minimum of eight weeks, the university announced on Thursday.

The junior catcher/outfielder sustained a lower-body injury on Sunday, March 1 in the 8-7 loss to Princeton. His status will be reevaluated at the start of May.

"We're extremely disappointed for Cider, but I know that myself, the rest of our coaches, and our training staff will be supporting him every step of the way with his recovery," first year head coach Corey Muscara said in a university released statement. "I'm confident in his ability to continue to impact our team's culture and approach, even from off the field, during this process."

A San Marino, California native and Davidson transfer, Cannon started in all 14 games for the Blue Devils (12-3) prior to sustaining injury. He led Duke in hits (19), home runs (6), RBI (21), slugging percentage (.952), on-base percentage (.574) and OPS (1.526). At catcher, he opened the season with three runners caught stealing with a perfect fielding percentage across 88 chances.

The Blue Devils are set to open ACC play Friday, March 6 vs. Notre Dame at Jack Coombs Field (5 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra). The series will run through Sunday, March 8.

CAMERON CRAZIES: Duke basketball's sixth man: Colorful tradition of the Cameron Crazies

DUKE BASKETBALL: Jon Scheyer on Duke basketball's defensive growth before UNC rematch

Anna Snyder covers Duke for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at asnyder@usatodayco.com or follow her @annaesnydr on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Cider Cannon out for Duke baseball for minimum of eight weeks

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Uche Izoje recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead Syracuse to a 70-59 win over California on Thursday in the ACC Tournament.

It marked Syracuse’s first ACC Tournament win since 2021 and sent the Orange to the quarterfinals after doubling their conference win total from last season.

The Orange struck quickly, opening the game on a 9-0 run and never trailing. Syracuse extended the margin to 37-16 by halftime as California struggled offensively.

The Golden Bears shot 25% from the field in the first half and committed 10 turnovers, producing their lowest scoring half of the season.

California pushed back in the second half, trimming its deficit that had reached 21 points. A 3-pointer from Lulu Twidale pulled the Bears within 56-52 midway through the fourth quarter.

Syracuse answered behind Izoje, who scored during a decisive stretch late in the game. Laila Phelia connected with Izoje on an alley-oop that pushed the lead to 61-53 with just over three minutes remaining.

The Bears were unable to get closer, going the final two and a half minutes without a field goal as Syracuse closed the game at the free-throw line.

Phelia added 17 points for the Orange, while Sophie Burrows extended her streak to 16 straight games with a made 3-pointer. Izoje, the ACC rookie of the year, was 11 of 19 from the field.

Sakima Walker led California with 19 points. Twidale finished with 14 and Gisella Maul added 13.

Up next

Syracuse will play No. 2 seed Louisville on Friday in the quarterfinals.

California awaits an invitation to play in a postseason tournament.

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

GLENDALE – Ahead of 2026 free agency, the Arizona Cardinals released two defensive starters to create millions in cap space to sign free agents. The team announced on Thursday that linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols has been released from the team, clearing more than $10 million in cap space. They were two of the many names expected to be cut this offseason because of the money attached to the players.

If the franchise does intend to pursue free agent QB Malik Willis and his expected $30 million price tag, current Cardinals players needed to be cut.

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cardinals announce the release of Davis-Gaither and Nichols:

Nichols signed with the Arizona during the 2024 offseason on a three-year, $21 million deal. The 29-year-old only ended up playing 10 games over two seasons, essentially being paid $2 million per game. In those limited snaps, Nichols recorded 13 tackles, zero sacks and one tackle for loss. He was brought in to improve the run defense and failed to achieve that during his time in the Valley.

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (92) works through a drill during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Davis-Gaither signed last offseason to a two-year, $10 million deal. The 28-year-old was much more productive during his snaps, appearing in all 17 games and recording one interception, 117 tackles and two tackles for loss. His coverage defense is what left more to be desired, having a Pro Football Focus grade of 49.9, ranking 71st out of 88 linebackers.

The injury to starter LB Mack Wilson Sr. thrusted Davis Gaither into a more prominent role and had meddling results. The Cardinals likely aren’t done when it comes to cutting players ahead of free agency, as they look to be big spenders to bring in free agents.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports

Liverpool are not pursuing a move for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Nnamdi Collins, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Reports had suggested that Liverpool were looking to sign Collins as they seek to bolster their defence next summer.

Collins has been attracting interest from several clubs following his brilliant display in the Bundesliga this season.

The 22-year-old made his senior debut for Germany in September’s 2-0 defeat at Slovakia in the World Cup qualifiers, showcasing his progress.

Nnamdi is reportedly open to leaving Frankfurt next summer and the Bundesliga outfit have placed a €40 million valuation on the versatile youngster.

While Liverpool are not currently in the race to sign the German defender, the Reds are still exploring the market for a new centre-back.

Ibrahima Konate is yet to sign a contract extension, prompting the club to look for alternatives should the Frenchman leave at the end of the season.

Academy graduate Jarell Quansah has been linked with a return to Liverpool. The England international joined Bayer Leverkusen for €35m last summer.

The Merseyside giants signed talented French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in January, but he will only join them next summer.

Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could impact their ability to sign a top-class centre-back.

In addition, Reds are reportedly prioritising a move for RB Leipzig dazzling winger Yan Diomande due to their lack of quality in wide areas this term.

Should Liverpool sign the Ivorian who has been valued at €100m, they may not have sufficient funds left to sign a top-rated centre-back.

Stats from transfermarkt.com

The Oklahoma Sooners will have quarterback John Mateer back in the saddle under center in 2026. He returned for one more season to play under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle during his redshirt senior year, and while he helped the OU offense improve in 2025, another step forward is needed this fall.

Mateer's leadership, escapability, and dual-threat nature were on display last year for the Sooners, but he had an up-and-down season that was impacted by a broken thumb. With a final chance approaching this season, where does Mateer stack up against the other starting quarterbacks at power conference schools?

ESPN's Bill Connelly ranked each of the projected starters at QB for the Power Four programs (teams in the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Notre Dame) on Thursday. While his rankings don't include QBs at schools in the Group of Six (teams in the American, CUSA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, Sun Belt, and UConn), it's still a pretty good idea of where Mateer ranks heading into his second year in Norman.

Connelly has Mateer ranked 19th out of 68 Power Four projected starting QBs in 2026, which is lower than where he ranked on these types of lists last year. Clearly, Mateer has some people to make believers again in his final season.

"Only four quarterbacks attempted more than 440 dropbacks and more than 120 non-sack rushes in 2025; only Mateer did it in 12 games. He took a physical pounding in Norman, and the correlation between what he thought he could get away with and what he actually got away with wasn't always as strong as it could have been. (Translation: He had a few extremely mistake-prone games.) But while OU's playoff run was heavily driven by defense, he still made some big plays and could do so again in 2026 now that he knows the SEC landscape a bit better. And even if he doesn't improve, he's super fun, and that's all that matters if you're a neutral, right?" - Bill Connelly, ESPN.

Mateer, Arbuckle, and the OU offense as a whole, looked a bit behind the eight-ball at times in SEC play a season ago, but now the Sooners aren't installing a new system this offseason. They get to continue to grow in Arbuckle's scheme, and Mateer gets another few months of development with a coach that knows him extremely well. That stability should lend itself to more success offensively for Oklahoma in Year 2 in the system.

Mateer's former backup, Michael Hawkins Jr., also made Connelly's list. He transferred to West Virginia in January after two seasons at OU, and Connelly believes he'll be able to beat out Scotty Fox Jr. for the starting gig in Morgantown.

"In terms of fit, this one's quite intriguing. Hawkins will have to beat out sophomore Scotty Fox Jr. for the job -- Fox had a couple of great games and a couple of horrific ones in six late-2025 starts -- but I love the vision of grabbing Hawkins, a former four-star prospect who didn't prove much with his arm in two years in Norman but could shine if he gets his legs more involved." - Connelly, ESPN.

Mateer was a big part of OU's College Football Playoff push a season ago, and the Sooners are glad to have him back for one last ride. His offseason development will be crucial, but if he looks like the player he was during the first month of last season, Oklahoma could be heading back to the CFP with a more consistent offense and a more balanced team in 2026.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Where is John Mateer in Power 4 starting QB rankings from ESPN?

For the Penn State Nittany Lions men's basketball team, nothing has looked good about this season. It all came to a head in their regular season finale against Big Ten rivals Ohio State, where they were drubbed 94-62. While concerns about the team's play arose, other noise surrounding third-year head coach Mike Rhoades emerged as well.

After all, with a 12-18 record with only three conference wins, Rhoades has not displayed an ability to get more out of his players. While it is still a young squad, fans expected more competitive fire. What they got was a fourth loss this season by a 30+ point margin. More embarrassingly for Rhoades, this all came after his first couple of seasons showed promise. He almost got the Nittany Lions to .500 in his first season on the job, and actually got them to a winning record in 2-24-25 at 16-15.

Still, hints of a team filled with inconsistency started to show. The 2024-25 season actually started out well with a 12-2 start before it cratered down the stretch. One can also point to an abysmal 7-31 mark over the last two years against power conference foes. For Mike Rhoades, there has been no answer to the struggles of this team. However, when asked about his job after last night's game, he seemed to have an air of confidence about him.

“Cause I care. I'm going to fight,” Rhoades said, according to the Daily Collegian. “There's some things you got to deal with. We'll deal with them. Try to keep building the program. It's a different landscape than it's ever been before, so you just got to continue to respond different ways to it and fight for your program and keep pushing.”

While those words are reassuring, they still come after another disappointing season under his watch.

On a related note, Penn State did make one big announcement on Thursday with a change in leadership with the women's basketball program. Carolyn Kieger is out after seven seasons at the helm of the Lady Lions, and athletics director Pat Kraft is now leading a search for a new women's basketball coach. Could he take on a search for the men's program at the same time?

Only time will tell for sure, but it could be a possibility Penn State will not want to be conducting two basketball coaching searches at the same time. And Rhoades is only coming out of his third year with the program compared to Kieger's seven seasons without an NCAA tournament appearance. Nevertheless, the pressure is on for Rhoades if he remains the head coach next season.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Mike Rhoades addresses uncertain future after Penn State's blowout loss

2026 Premier League Darts schedule, scores, results and updated table originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 Premier League of Darts will take place every Thursday night for 17 straight weeks, beginning on Feb. 5 and ending on May. 28.

Here are all the facts you need to know to keep up with which players are in a position to make the play-off night in late May.

2026 Premier League Darts confirmed dates, fixtures and results

Night 1 - Ultilita Arena, Newcastle (February 5)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

MORE: 2026 PDC Premier League of Darts lineup revealed: Big names left out

Night 2 - AFAS Dome, Antwerp (February 12)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

MORE: 2026 Premier League Darts prize money explained

Night 3 - OVO Hydro, Glasgow (February 19)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 4 - SSE Arena, Belfast (February 26)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 5 - Ultilita Arena, Cardiff (March 5)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 6 - Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham (March 12)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 7 - 3Arena, Dublin (March 19)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 8 - Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin (March 26)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 9 - AO Arena, Manchester (April 2)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 10 - Brighton Centre, Brighton (April 9)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 11 - Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam (April 16)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 12 - M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool (April 23)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 13 - P&J Live, Aberdeen (April 30)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 14 - First Direct Arena, Leeds (May 7)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 15 - Utilita Arena, Birmingham (May 14)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Night 16 - Utilita Arena, Sheffield (May 21)

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Final

Play-off Night- The O2, London (May 28)

Semifinals

Final

2026 Premier League Darts table, updated standings

* = one or more wins were credited via advancing against a player who withdrew

More darts articles:

• Luke Littler contract details: Teenage phenom signs richest endorsement deal in darts history
• PDC announces darts schedule for 2026: World Championship, Premier League and more
• Ranking the best PDC Darts moments from 2025: 9-darters to shocking upsets
• 7 darts players who could be in Premier League Darts one day

Zach Johnson was fitted for a Green Jacket and drank out of the Claret Jug during his PGA Tour career. Now he’s ready to drink from the fountain youth. Johnson, who turned 50 on Feb. 24, is set to make his PGA Tour Champions debut on Friday at the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in Boca Raton, Fla. 

“Most of the guys are like, you're just here for the pro-am, right, because you're not 50 yet?” Johnson said on Thursday during a pre-tournament press conference at The Old Course at Broken Sound.

Johnson is the quintessential grinder who squeezed all the juice from the pulp and won 12 times on Tour, including the 2007 Masters and 2015 British Open. But during the last two years, he recorded just one top-10 finish – a T-8 at the 2025 Masters – and while he might dabble from time to time to play a favorite tournament against the flat bellies, he’s ready to commit to the senior circuit and already has signed up for the Cologuard Classic and Hoag Classic later this month ahead of the Masters. He’s gathered advice from the likes of Darren Clarke, Chris DiMarco and Paul Stankowski and is making the rounds to a host of familiar faces.

“Being a rook all over again, I welcome it,” Johnson said. “Stankowski's like, yeah, your late 40s you feel so old and then you get out here and it's the only profession where you go from being old to young, and there may be some truth in that.

“This is an outlet to still go do what we love to do and compete. Sounds like it's a little more chill, I've felt that. And there's less guys in the field, which is amazing.”

During the press conference, Johnson was shown a video from his Korn Ferry Tour days when he was young and dreaming of making a living at the game. 

“We were trunk slammers. I would literally carry my bag at a lot of tournaments, throw 'em in the trunk and then drive off, stop at a Subway and find a Super 8. Those are the years that mold you, and fortunately they weren't very many but at the same time I look back on it and I'm like that's what was supposed to happen,” Johnson said. “I'm grateful for that. I mean, that's what molds you, that's what builds character and certainly helps you endure.”

Johnson said he may need a little time to get used to 54-hole tournaments being a sprint and not a marathon, but he’ll go from being one of the shortest hitters on the PGA Tour to being plenty long on the Champions Tour and the rest of his game has aged well. While much of the talk has surrounded the possibility of another newly 50-year-old major winner by the name of Tiger Woods coming out, kicking butt and taking names, don’t count out that Johnson might be the more likely one to do so. 

“I haven't had a chance on Sunday in quite some time, so that's a different -- I won't say it's a different environment, I am accustomed to it, but it's just been a minute,” Johnson said. “So with that, I think I've really got to manage my emotions and expectations and do what I do because I've had success in that environment.” 

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Zach Johnson makes PGA Tour Champions debut at 50

Tom Aspinall is siding with the betting underdog in the UFC 326 main event.

Max Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) attempts to defend his BMF title in a rematch against Charles Oliveira (36-11 MMA, 23-11 UFC) on Saturday (Paramount+, CBS) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Aspinall thinks the UFC's all-time leader in submission wins will be too much for Holloway on the ground.

"I think it's a good, evenly matched fight," Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. "I think that Holloway's a little bit of a better striker. That being said, Oliveira's striking has improved a lot, and something I think he's done is his mentality has improved a lot over the years.

"I think now he's much more willing to exchange. The thing is, Oliveira is much more dangerous on the ground. I think this fight will end up in a couple of grappling exchanges, and I think Oliveira will win the grappling exchanges. In my opinion, I think right now, Oliveira is going to win this one."

The UFC heavyweight champion went on to break down Holloway's keys to victory.

"The only way that Holloway can win is the way he wins most his fights which is that pressure, volume, his fitness is unbelievable, and just staying at the right range," Aspinall said. "Both guys are really tall for lightweights, but I think if he stays at the right range, keeps him at the end of his punches, doesn't overstep which he doesn't really do anyway, I think there is a way for Holloway to win on points or maybe stop him with strikes later in the fight."

However, like many of his fights have gone, Aspinall sees Oliveira weathering an early storm then submitting Holloway in Round 3.

"I think Oliveira takes this one," Aspinall said. "Although we don't see Max on the ground very often, I think he'll get a hold of him, he'll drag him down, and I think he's going to submit him."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: How Tom Aspinall sees Charles Oliveira beating Max Holloway at UFC 326

The presidential race is officially a two-man scrap, and Joan Laporta is already swinging. Now that the electoral board confirmed a head-to-head battle between the outgoing president and Víctor Font, the pleasantries are over. Following the disqualification of Marc Ciria, who missed the cut by a painful 90 signatures, Laporta has focused his energy on dismantling his rival’s credibility.

The sharpest jabs from Laporta’s recent stops in Igualada and his sit-down with Mundo Deportivo involve a fierce defense of the current setup. Laporta sees Font’s habit of dropping names like Dani Olmo’s as a calculated attempt to “destabilize” the squad mid-season. Laporta called it a “lack of experience” from a rival who chooses to talk about transfer targets at the worst possible times.

Font had been particularly vocal about the registration sagas surrounding players Olmo, previously labeling the club’s inability to register players without improvisation as a sign of poor mangement.

Laporta threw jabs at other Font ideas, including the idea of replacing Deco with a three-person committee, which the outgoing president called “psychedelic.”

Then there is the matter of the project Laporta is staking his entire legacy on – the stadium. He argued the Spotify Camp Nou provides “present and future” security and that the members are already seeing the benefits. He didn’t miss the chance to remind everyone that Font once suggested it was the wrong time for such a massive undertaking. Laporta’s take is that it “took the courage to do it.” If Font is still stuck in a “parallel world” doubting the move, Laporta said that is his problem.

Laporta is particularly fed up with a recent complaint filed in a Spanish court by a new club member. He told Mundo Deportivo that it was a “shame” to see Font allegedly validate a move designed specifically to “stain” the election process with “falsehoods and lies.” By Laporta’s logic, Font has “discredited” himself for the presidency by backing these types of maneuvers against the club’s own workers and executives.

Font has denied being involved in the lawsuit, saying he did not think that lawsuits were effective in helping the club’s situation. However, the challenger said it was a natural consequence of Laporta’s lack of transparency as president.

Pursuing his free agency options, former Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. reportedly visited with the Detroit Lions on Thursday, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.

Wills Jr. is an intriguing option for the Lions, as he was chosen No. 10 overall in the 2020 NFL draft, which was the second offensive tackle off the board behind only Andrew Thomas.

Sources: Former #Browns OT Jedrick Wills, who sat out last season to fully recover from a knee injury, has been on a tour of visits with NFL teams — including the #Patriots and today with the #Lions. Visits are expected to continue into next week.

A former top-10 pick, Wills —… pic.twitter.com/6vQiDaLXni

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2026

During his time in Cleveland, Wills Jr. started 45 games at left tackle in his first three years. Unfortunately, he suffered an MCL injury midway through 2023, which significantly hampered his ability to remain healthy ever since. As a result, he played just eight games in 2023 and five in 2024, and opted to sit out the entire 2025 season to address the issue.

When on the field, Wills Jr. was a bit of a mixed bag. As a pass blocker, he was strong in his first few years, which led Cleveland to activate his fifth-year option for the 2024 season. His play in that area declined due to complications from his MCL injury. As a run blocker, he has been average to moderate, never scoring higher than 61.7 on PFF's run-blocking grade.

Although Shultz reported that Wills Jr. also met with the New England Patriots, it is worth noting that new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing was with Wills in Cleveland during the 2020-22 NFL seasons.

While Detroit doesn’t have a need for a starter right now after Taylor Decker announced he would return for the 2026 season, Wills Jr. could be a sleeper addition for the Lions, who have indicated their need to find a future replacement at offensive tackle either through free agency, the draft, or possibly via trade.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions host former Browns first-round OT on free agency visit

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team-mates met United States president Donald Trump at the White House to commemorate the club's MLS Cup triumph.

Inter Miami won the championship game of the nation's top-flight division, Major League Soccer, for the first time back in December.

The club, co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, received an invitation to visit the White House before their MLS match against DC United in Washington on Saturday.

Messi and his team-mates stood on stage as Trump addressed the media, celebrating their achievement after providing an update on the ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Trump said: "My son [Barron] said, 'Dad, do you know who's going to be there today?' I said, 'no, I've got a lot of things going on'.

"He said, 'Messi!' He's a big fan of yours. He thinks you're a great person and I think you got to meet a little while ago."

Argentina icon Messi, 38, committed his future to Miami in October with a new deal until 2028.

The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward became the first player in MLS history to win the Most Valuable Player award in back-to-back seasons.

Addressing Messi, Trump added: "Leo claimed the 47th trophy of his incredible career - the most of all time.

"You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami. I just want to thank you for bringing us all on this ride."

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Fabio Vieira is enjoying a productive spell in the Bundesliga, where he is currently playing on loan at Hamburg, and the midfielder is reportedly keen to remain at the German club beyond this season.

Arsenal allowed Vieira to leave on loan after recognising that opportunities within their squad were limited. With intense competition for places in midfield, the Portuguese player would likely have struggled to secure regular playing time had he remained at the Emirates. In the closing stages of the transfer window, Hamburger emerged as a destination where he could gain valuable minutes and continue his development.

Loan Move Revives Vieira’s Form

Since arriving in Germany, Vieira has delivered several impressive performances and has become a key figure for his loan side on numerous occasions this term. His contributions have played an important role in the team’s progress, and his influence has not gone unnoticed.

Encouragingly for Arsenal, the midfielder has begun to rediscover the form that originally persuaded the Gunners to sign him. His creativity and technical ability are once again evident, and this resurgence could ultimately create new opportunities for his career, whether that involves a permanent departure or renewed consideration at his parent club.

Hamburger Considering Permanent Deal

According to Sport Witness, Vieira’s performances have prompted Hamburg to evaluate the possibility of securing his services permanently in the coming weeks. The German side is reportedly reluctant to allow him to return to north London and instead views him as a player who could play an important role in their long-term plans.

The report adds that the option to sign him permanently is valued at 20 million euros. However, that figure is considered too high for Hamburg, and the club are said to be hopeful of negotiating a lower fee when discussions with Arsenal eventually take place.

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Harry Kane is having one of the best years of his career — and that is saying something. In a recent interview with Bild (as reported by @iMiaSanMia) Kane was asked he would bet on himself to beat Robert Lewandowski’s Bundesliga scoring record. Kane said, “I’d rather other people bet on me. I’m certainly in a good position at the moment. But if you look closely at the record: Lewandowski even missed a few games, but he scored a lot of hat-tricks during that time. It will be difficult to beat him. I think the chances are pretty even at the moment.”

After an unprecedented four league braces in a row, Kane sits at 30 goals on the season with ten matches left. Lewandowski needed all 34 matchdays to break Gerd Müller’s long-standing record. Many thought that Müller’s record was untouchable and now just five years later, it could be broken again.

Comparing Lewandowski’s season to Kane this year, Lewandowski was at 31 goals through 24 matchdays, where Kane sits at 30 currently. Lewandowski also famously missed matchdays 27-30 that season. If Kane stays healthy, he has a good chance to top 41. Other noteworthy factors include the fact that Bayern is still competing in the Champions League and DFB-Pokal, in addition to the Bundesliga. Bayern is also up 11 points and could clinch the Bundesliga and focus on the other competitions. It is also a World Cup year and Kane will want to be in prime shape for an England World Cup run.

Kane, of course, is out against Gladbach later today.

Between 1986 and 2006 15 different Red Sox players made at least 50 appearances at second base in one season: Marty Barrett, Jody Reed, Scott Fletcher, Luis Alicea, Jeff Frye, John Valentin, Donnie Sadler, Mike Benjamin,José Offerman, Lou Merloni, Rey Sánchez, Todd Walker, Mark Bellhorn, Tony Graffanino, and Mark Loretta. Barrett would also cross the threshold in 1984 and 1985 as the primary second baseman, giving us 22 years for the sample. Like “generations” of birth (Boomer, X, Millennial etc.) there is a little fuzziness here on the 20 years but, suffice it to say, Barrett pulled of this feat 5 times, Reed 4, Frye and Offerman 3, Fletcher and Bellhorn 2 times apiece, and all the rest only crossed 50 games played once.

The last man to do it in this sample was Mark Loretta. Loretta, acquired from the San Diego Padres for backup catcher and knuckleball specialist Doug Mirabelli, played 138 games at second and made the All-Star Game. A pending free agent, Loretta was a veteran placeholder to buy one more year of development for the future. The year was 2006. The future was a guy drafted in 2004 named Dustin Pedroia.

Boston was off on the actual day of the draft, June 7th, 2004, but on the 6th, the starting lineup included the very memorable starting second baseman César Crespo while Pokey Reese played shortstop.

Dustin Pedroia would make his major league debut on August 23, 2006 and play in 31 games – 27 as a second baseman and 6 more as the shortstop. He would then play for eleven seasons as the primary second baseman. In 2018 and 2019, Pedroia was definitely supposed to man the second base position, but due to injuries sustained through an unfortunate collision, he played in only a handful of games either year. Which means we need to take another look at the position after 2017.

Here are the players who recorded 50 or more games at second base over the last eight years: Brock Holt, Eduardo Núñez, Christian Arroyo, Trevor Story, Enmanuel Valdéz, Kristian Campbell, and David Hamilton. Holt and Arroyo pulled it off two times each, the others just once. All the other seasons since 2007 only Pedroia qualifies for the list.

It’s sort of telling that Holt and Núñez split 2018 and Campbell and Hamilton split 2025, whereas 2019-2024 was just a revolving door.

But 20 years after Dustin Pedroia emerged, and almost a decade since his keystone reign came to an end, there’s a new contender: Marcelo Mayer.

You may have seen his slick defense this week:

While it’s still possible, maybe likely, Mayer starts the season in Triple-A he’s an exciting player who can possibly bring some of what Pedroia did to second base this year: stability. That’s not to say that Mayer will be the player that Laser Show was. That’s for the future to reveal. But his time at third base covering for Alex Bregman last year was stabilizing.

Of course we don’t know for sure where he’ll play this year. He is a natural shortstop. He’ll probably the second baseman but, again, Alex Cora might like him at third. Or maybe he man both spots in some kind of defensive platoon. That are a lot of moving parts so who knows. But he’s mostly been starting at second base since beginning his Spring Training games.

Pedroia was the type of player who comes once in a generation. We already have a taste of that type of player in Roman Anthony. But Marcelo Mayer could still be the second base solution for four or five years (or more! But we’re starting small). The Red Sox haven’t had that guy in the post-Pedroia era. Penciling in a surefire starter, whether as the manger or a fan imagining the lineups, is a nice feeling. Let’s root for the kid to start that clock in 2026.

Barcelona are planning to sign a new central defender this summer, as they seek to reinforce an area where they have struggled this season. Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Ronald Araujo have been below par on multiple occasions, while Andreas Christensen – whose contract is up in June – has struggled to stay fit.

A number of targets have been identified over the last few months, such as Nico Schlotterbeck and Marcos Senesi. But rather than an established name, Barcelona could go for an up-and-comer to compliment the likes of Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo, which is where Luka Vuskovic comes into the equation.

Barcelona were interested in Vuskovic prior to his move to Tottenham Hotspur, and they are still keeping tabs on his situation. This season, he’s excelled on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg, and this has prompted the Catalans to hold initial talks with his representatives, as per Sky Sport Germany.

Barcelona will face strong competition for Vuskovic

Spurs are planning to have Vuskovic in their squad for next season, but right now, there is no guarantee that they will still be in the Premier League. They still a point outside of the relegation zone, and if they were to drop down to the second tier of English football, it could prompt a mass exodus, which the Croatian defender could be part of.

Understandably, there is a lot of hype surrounding Vuskovic, who has been excellent for Hamburg. His performances have attracted interest from a number of top clubs across Europe, as cited in the report, but the fact that Barcelona are already speaking to his representatives bodes well for their chances of signing him in the summer.

It remains to be seen whether Barcelona move for Vuskovic. He would be a top addition to Hansi Flick’s squad, although it would be an ideal to bring in a Senesi-type alongside the young defender, as more experience is needed in the Catalans’ backline.

Iowa State opens postseason play Thursday evening, facing Arizona State in the second round of the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The Cyclones enter as the No. 7 seed after finishing the regular season 22-8 overall and 10-8 in conference play, while the Sun Devils arrive with a 23-9 record and a 9-9 mark in Big 12 competition.

ISU defeated the Sun Devils 90-64 in Ames on Feb. 18 during the regular season and hold a 5-1 advantage in the all-time series.

The Cyclones enter postseason play led by one of the most productive offensive duos in the country. Junior center Audi Crooks averages 25.6 points per game while shooting an efficient 65.1 percent from the field. Crooks has been a model of consistency, scoring in double figures in 96 consecutive games — the longest active streak in the nation — and recording 62 career 20-point performances. Earlier this season she set a program single-game scoring record with 47 points against Indiana, also making a school-record 19 field goals.

Junior guard Jada Williams provides the primary playmaking alongside Crooks. Williams averages 15.5 points and 7.7 assists per game and authored one of the most explosive individual performances in school history when she scored 44 points against Cincinnati on Jan. 21, the second-highest single-game total ever by a Cyclone.

Together, Williams and Crooks have produced a rare offensive season. Iowa State is the only Big 12 program this century to feature two 40-point scorers in the same season, highlighting the scoring punch that has fueled the Cyclones throughout the year. Both players were rewarded with First-Team All-Big 12 honors.

The Cyclones also welcomed back an important piece late in the season when forward Addy Brown returned to the lineup on Feb. 18 after missing 11 games due to injury. Brown averages 12.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game and provides versatility on both ends of the floor.

Perimeter shooting is another key element for Iowa State. Guard Arianna Jackson ranks among the nation’s most accurate three-point shooters, hitting 46.4 percent from beyond the arc this season, while Kenzie Hare adds another reliable outside threat at 41.5 percent.

Iowa State’s season has been defined by resilience. After opening the year with 14 consecutive wins, the Cyclones endured a five-game losing streak in January before responding with five straight victories — the first Big 12 team this century to follow a five-game skid with an immediate five-game winning streak.

Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT with the game streamed on ESPN+.

The winner advances to the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals as Iowa State begins its pursuit of the program’s fourth conference tournament championship.

Xander Schauffele has admitted his surprise at seeing Daniel Berger manage to post a 63 on the opening day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Bay Hill always has the potential to be one of the toughest stops on the PGA Tour calendar. Scores of four, five, and nine under par have won tournaments since 2020.

So it was a huge statement of intent to see Berger take charge of the tournament with a sublime first round in Florida.

Xander Schauffele praises Daniel Berger after his opening round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

The 32-year-old did not drop a shot and made six birdies on the back nine to open up a notable lead heading into Friday’s second round.

One of those within the chasing pack is Xander Schauffele. The two-time major champion has been trending in the right direction in recent weeks, and continued to impress with a four under par round of 68 at Bay Hill.

Schauffele admitted that he was surprised by Berger’s score. He was subsequently asked just how impressive that round must have been.

“Really good. I don’t know what the next best score is, but assuming a lot. Four back? That makes sense. 63 out here is, you’re doing, he must have hit 16 greens and birdied all the par fives and did some extra curricular with the putter,” he said.

How close Daniel Berger came to tying the course record at Bay Hill

Berger posted one of the lowest rounds in the tournament’s history on Thursday. No winner can match his opening round score this century.

The course record at Bay Hill is 62, with Andy Bean, Greg Norman, and Adam Scott all reaching 10 under par. Scott’s round came 12 years ago when he went on to finish in third place, two shots behind Matt Every.

Berger has not won on the PGA Tour since the 2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He has given himself a phenomenal chance of ending that run this week.

Hello, Chicago Bears fans!  Well, that was a punch in the gut, wasn’t it?  We were all shocked as news leaked on Tuesday that Drew Dallman, the Bears’ 27-year-old center, was retiring from the NFL.  Dalman, who signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Bears last offseason after four years in Atlanta, was a Pro Bowl anchor in 2025, starting all 17 games and playing every offensive snap. His decision to walk away from the game opened up a massive hole in the offensive line interior and upended the offseason plans for a Bears team that needs to remake its starting groups on the defensive line, at linebacker, and safety.  However, it also freed up anywhere from 10 million to 14 million dollars of cap space, depending on if the Bears choose to claw back some of the bonus that was due Dallman in the wake of his sudden retirement.  With a 2026 draft class at center that is bereft of first round talent at the center position (although do go check out Josh’s article examining some intriguing center prospects in the draft this year), the Bears will likely look to fill this hole in free agency. 

The Bears have already hosted former Washington Commanders offensive center Tyler Biadasz.  Conner McGovern, the 28-year-old free agent center from the Bills, is another possibility, as he is expected to test free agency this offseason.  However, last year the Chicago Bears signed the top offensive center available in free agency when they signed Drew Dalman to a three-year contract.  I think they just might do so again. Enter Tyler Linderbaum, the 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler from the Baltimore Ravens, who is poised to hit unrestricted free agency after the Ravens declined his $23.4 million fifth-year option last spring. Negotiations for an extension in Baltimore have stalled despite a “market-setting” offer (projected around $20 million AAV).  One of the best offensive centers in the league, Tyler Linderbaum, is going to be a free agent and available to sign with any team next week.  And given the importance that Ben Johnson clearly assigns to the position, and the need for an experienced center to pair with a young quarterback, like Caleb Williams, I think he will be their top target to sign once free agency opens.  However, it won’t be easy.  Many teams will be in on Tyler Linderbaum, including the New York Giants, where his former head coach with the Ravens has landed, and with the Ravens themselves, his current team, who will be in the mix to resign Linderbaum.  That said, the Bears are in a position to make a competitive offer for the 26-year-old former first-round pick.  Let’s take a look at what he brings to the table and how we might make a contract with him work in the team’s cap structure.

Why Tyler Linderbaum Fits the Bears Perfectly

Linderbaum, a 2022 first-round pick out of Iowa, has been one of the NFL’s elite centers since his rookie year. He’s excelled in both pass protection (allowing just 1 sack in 2025) and run blocking, with PFF grades consistently above 85.0. The Bears’ offense, already featuring young stars like Caleb Williams at QB and a solid tackle duo in Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, would benefit from his athleticism and quickness in zone-blocking schemes. This signing addresses the post-Dalman gap immediately, providing stability for Williams’ development and boosting the run game.  Linderbaum is in fact a clear upgrade over Drew Dalman at the position. 

At 25 years-old (turning 26 in April), Linderbaum aligns with the Bears’ youth movement. He’s durable (missing only two starts in four years) and could anchor the line for the next 5-7 seasons, especially as the team pushes for playoff contention in a competitive NFC North.  Linderbaum’s work ethic and leadership (he’s been a Ravens captain) mesh with head coach Ben Johnson’s emphasis on toughness and accountability. Plus, his Midwestern roots (Iowa native) could make Chicago an appealing destination, given the proximity of Chicago to his hometown.

And Linderbaum is truly an elite player at the center position.  Tyler Linderbaum has elite athleticism and quickness (short but explosive; excels at climbing to the second level in zone/power schemes).  Like Dalman, he is a dominant run blocker, the kind of “tone-setting” mauler that Ben Johnson craves on the interior of the offensive line.  He exhibits strong physicality and body control at the point of attack in the run game.  Further, Linderbaum has been lauded for his high football IQ and leadership (three-time Pro Bowler since 2022 draft).  However, his pass protection has been inconsistent. His shorter arms (31⅛ inches) can show in one-on-one matchups, leading to higher pressure rates in 2025.

Some aspects of Linderbaum’s game that stand out on the tape: He uses a wide, sturdy base to absorb bull rushes and maintain his anchor. His ability to “forklift” defenders upward once he gets his hands inside, creating leverage by getting under their pads and driving them back, is evident on film. This helps him stall power rushers and prevent easy collapses into the pocket. Linderbaum is technically sound with initial hand strikes—he aims to land precise, violent punches to control the defender’s chest or shoulders, disrupting their rush path early in the moment of the play. He is able to mirror rushers effectively with his short-area quickness, using deliberate, powerful steps to stay square. He shows outstanding hip fluidity in mirroring inside moves or twists/stunts. He’s particularly effective picking up twists (e.g., in combo protections) and adjusting to delayed blitzers, thanks to his quick feet and elite-level processing.  He does sometimes struggle with longer, explosive interior rushers that seek to penetrate through the gap.  You see instances where defensive tackles or a blitzing linebacker is able to get under his pads and turn him aside, or even bullrush him.  He does occasionally mistime his punch or strikes, allowing defenders to win with leverage. 

His PFF overall grade for 2026, in what some viewed as a down year for Linderbaum, was 80.3 (5^th/40 centers).  His run block grade was 83.7 (4^th/40), but his pass block grade took a hit in 2026, at 63.4 (22^nd/40).  He gave up 26^th pressures in 2025, a career high for Linderbaum (and not the kind of career high you’re looking for), and had a 5.2% pressure rate allowed. He was credited with allowing 2 sacks last season, but only one QB hit.  He was called for five penalties – mostly holding in the run game.  Even in a down year relative to his past performance, Linderbaum’s pass grade was similar to Drew Dalman, who posted a 69.0 grade for the 2026 season.  And that was a Pro Bowl season for Dalman. Tyler Linderbaum is unquestionably, from a pure football standpoint, the best replacement for Drew Dalman at the center position for the Chicago Bears.  Truly elite offensive lineman, particularly as young as Linderbaum is, rarely become available in free agency.  The Bears have a chance to take advantage of this rare occurrence and turn the Dalman deficit into a Linder-boom.   

What would it take to sign Tyler Linderbaum?

But the rubber meets the road in crafting a contract that will reward Linderbaum as the highest paid center in the NFL and still fit that in the Bears cap structure.  As I’ve already noted, Linderbaum has turned down a contract roughly in the 20 million AAV range with the Ravens, although the exact specifics of that offer are not known.  So what contract could we reasonably project the Bears to sign Linderbaum to in free agency?  In this scenario, our Bears outbid the Ravens and other interested teams (e.g., the Giants) with a four-year, $82 million deal ($20.5 million AAV), including $45 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus. This makes him the highest-paid center, surpassing Creed Humphrey’s $18 million AAV benchmark. The contract will have a 2026 cap hit of around $12-15 million (via void years or bonus proration). 

Fitting a Linderbaum Contract into the Bears’ Cap

The 2026 NFL salary cap is set at $301.2 million, a record high but still a challenge for the Bears, who entered the offseason with roughly -$5.3 million in effective cap space (per OverTheCap estimates). After Dalman’s retirement, however, the Bears now have room under the cap before we make any cap-related moves (approximately $7.5 million).  But to sign Linderbaum, and still make the other moves the Bears need to make this offseason, GM Ryan Poles would need to create roughly $60-70 million in space—entirely feasible through restructures, cuts, and extensions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of potential maneuvers, based on current contracts:

Restructured Contracts
Montez Sweat (DE)
+$18.5 million
Convert base salary to bonus dropping the $25 million cap hit
Trades
DJ Moore (WR)
+$16.5 million
A trade before June 1 would result in $12 million dead cap against his total $28.5 million total 2026 cap hit
Tremain Edmunds (LB)
+$15.0 million
A trade before June 1 would result in roughly $2.5 million in dead money
Restructure Contract with Extension
Jaylon Johnson (CB)
+$8.0 million
A small extension for JJ lowers his 2026 cap hit
Dalman Retirement
Drew Dalman (OC)
+$13.0 million
Dalman’s retirement takes his 2026 contract off the books and the Bears recover most of his unearned bonus

Total Projected Space Created: $71 million.

This would still leave the Bears with roughly $50 million in 2026 cap space after adding Linderbaum’s $15 million 2026 cap hit.  Even in a scenario where the Bears have to go to $23 or $24 million AAV, Poles could shift that money into the back end of the contract, with the Bears expecting to come out from under the contracts of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo in 2027. 

What do you think, Chicago Bears fans?  Should the Chicago Bears bet big on Tyler Linderbaum as the replacement for Drew Dalman at offensive center?  Do these cap moves look reasonable, and will it permit the Bears to make all of the moves they must make this offseason as they seek to make over their defense?  Tell us in the comments below!

With the NFL Scouting Combine firmly in the books, it’s time to give you our top-100 prospect rankings. In the comments give us your top-10 or top-50, or give us your pet-cat in this year’s class that you hope the Dallas Cowboys target in the draft. 

1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
2. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
3. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
4. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
5. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
6. Rueben Bain, DE, Miami
7. David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech
8. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
9. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah 
10. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 
11. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
12. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
13. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
14. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
15. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 
16. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
17. Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State 
18. Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
19. Makai Lemon, WR, USC
20. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida 
21. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
22. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson 
23. Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M 
24. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
25. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama 
26. Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M 
27. Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
28. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
29. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
30. T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson 
31. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia 
32. Zion Young, DE, Missouri 
33. Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon 
34. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech 
35. Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M 
36. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
37. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 
38. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia 
39. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 
40. Anthony Hill, LB, Texas
41. Christen Miller, DT, Georgia 
42. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 
43. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana 
44. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt 
45. Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
46. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
47. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
48. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
49. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
50. Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana  
51. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
52. Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee 
53. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati 
54. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
55. R Mason Thomas, DE, Oklahoma 
56. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia 
57. L.T. Overton, DE, Alabama
58. Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn 
59. Keith Abney II, Arizona State
60. Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois 
61. Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
62. Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana 
63. A.J Haulcy, S, LSU
64. Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern 
65. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama 
66. Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
67. Romello Height, DE, Texas Tech
68. Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson 
69. Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri 
70. Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF
71. Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
72. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
73. Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan 
74. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
75. Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh 
76. Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State
77. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska 
78. Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas 
79. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
80. Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida 
81. Dominique Orange, DT, Iowa State
82. Logan Jones, IOL, Iowa
83. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
84. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
85. Darell Jackson Jr, DT, Florida State
86. Brian Parker II, OT, Duke
87. Joshua Josephs, DE, Tennessee 
88. Devin Moore, CB, Florida 
89. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington 
90. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
91. Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas 
92. Gracen Holden, DT, Oklahoma 
93. Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
94. Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
95. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
96. Sam Hecht, IOL, Kansas State
97. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State 
98. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
99. Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
100. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

Who are your top players or pet cats in this draft?

The rivalry between Cristiano and Messi goes beyond sport

Lionel Messi and Donald Trump together at the White House

The 2025 MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami CF, were welcomed this evening at the White House by President Donald Trump. This meeting allowed the President of the United States to celebrate the MLS champions.

"Today, we're thrilled to host the 2025 MLS Cup Champions, ... and it's my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi!" declared Donald Trump. This exceptional visit drew the attention of both the media and social networks.

After Cristiano Ronaldo, it's now Lionel Messi's turn to meet President Trump. A rivalry that transcends the pitch.

When Brendan Summerhill suffered a broken bone in his hand in late March last season, Arizona decided to burn the redshirt of freshman Gunner Geile. Geile would go on to play in 27 games, making 16 starts in the outfield and logging 71 plate appearances in his first season of college baseball.

He was the only first-year college player to appear in the field for the UA in 2025. Through the first 12 games of the 2026 season, the Wildcats have more than doubled that amount of action from freshmen

In Tuesday’s 7-5 home loss to Grand Canyon, the UA started two true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen, including the top three batters in the order. A fifth, redshirt freshman Jackson Forbes, homered as a pinch hitter in the 9^th inning.

To date, six true or redshirt freshmen have appeared in the field for Arizona, combining for 38 starts with 150 at-bats and 172 plate appearances. First baseman Tony Lira is one of two Wildcats to start every game, along with senior third baseman Maddox Mihalakis, while the last four games have seen the first three spots in the lineup occupied by guys who had never taken a collegiate at-bat until three weeks ago.

With that youth has come plenty of growing pains. Arizona sits at 3-9 heading into the final weekend of nonconference play. The 2025 team that would reach the College World Series (and have nine players drafted) didn’t lose its ninth game until the first week of April.

“I understand that we’re going to make mistakes and we’re going to be better for it in the end, but in the end means at the end of this year,” UA coach Chip Hale said. “They’re getting their experience, and hopefully it’ll pay off. We feel like they’re the best players right now for us to win.”

A massive youth movement was not the plan going into this season, even with the loss of six starters from the batting order. Injuries have played a big role, particularly in the outfield, where projected starting right fielder Chaz McNellis has yet to play after breaking his leg late in preseason while left fielder Easton Breyfogle has been limited to two games and is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.

Two more outfielders were absent Tuesday, as Andrew Cain sat out with a sore hand and Carson McEntire woke up with vertigo. Both are expected to return to action Friday against Fresno State as could second baseman Tyler Bickers, who has been out the last four games.

When healthy, though, not all of those players have performed well. Only three hitters with at least 10 at-bats are batting .300 or better, all freshmen, while Mihalakis is at .080, Bickers at .167 and Cain at .200 with a combined nine RBI.

Lira has been the UA’s most consistent hitter, batting .320 with team highs in hits (16) and total bases (22), but the hottest guy at the plate has been utilityman Nate Novitske. The redshirt freshman is hitting .417 and has 11 hits in his last four games, earning MVP honors at the Las Vegas Classic.

“That’s just who he is,” Hale said. “He’s a contact guy, and he puts the barrel on the ball. That’s why, from day one, we felt like he’d be in the lineup somewhere.”

Like Lira, Novitske sat out last season and had to wait his turn. But Novitske was at every game, part of the travel roster as the emergency catcher and extra infielder, and that experience helped him prepare for when his turn came.

“I’m not gonna say it wasn’t frustrating, obviously,” he said. “I mean, no one wants to sit the bench just as a competitive kid. You want to be out there helping the team. But on the flip side of that, I learned so much. I was fortunate enough to travel in the playoffs last year, just to kind of see what winning takes.”

True freshmen Caleb Danzeisen and Cash Brennan were expected to see action this season, but maybe not as much as they’ve gotten. Danzeisen has started nine games, mostly in right fielder despite getting recruited as a first baseman/catcher, and he’s hit leadoff the last four games with five walks and a hit batsmen.

“He’s got a really good eye, number one,” Hale said of Danzeisen, a Phoenix-area native whose family owns Danzeisen Dairy. “Number two, usually with two strikes he’s really tough. Like he’ll foul a bunch off.”

Brennan, a 6-foot-4 shortstop whose older brother Payton is an outfielder for top-ranked UCLA, has shown promise at the plate and in the field though he did have a critical error in the 9^th on Tuesday that led to two runs.

“Cash has got to continue to be consistent,” hale said. “Listen, it’s a hard thing. He’s a young freshman playing one of the hardest positions to play in the field. So there’s gonna be mistakes.”

Pitching update

Arizona will go with the same starting rotation against Fresno State (7-4) as it used in Las Vegas, with righthanders Owen Kramkowski and Smith Bailey followed by lefty Luc Fladda. Bailey and Smith combined to allow one run over 13 innings in wins last weekend, while Kramkowski has struggled in his three starts.

The junior, who was projected as a Top 100 draft pick entering the season, is 0-2 with an 8.49 ERA. He has walked seven in 11.2 innings, after issuing only 18 all of 2025, and yielded three homers.

Bailey and Fladda both have ERAs under 3 and opposing batting averages below .200. Fladda, a transfer from Tulane, struck out a career-best nine last Sunday against UC Irvine.

In the bullpen, roles are starting to get defined. Righty Evan Brandt has been the fireman, coming in with runners on in all six appearances, while three other relievers have shown the ability to work multiple innings.

Senior righty Matthew Martinez has a 2.00 ERA with 16 strikeouts over nine innings, lefty Patrick Morris has an 0.84 ERA in six outings spanning 10.2 innings and lefty Maclain Roberts has struck out 12 and allowed two singles in seven innings of work. Roberts, a native of New Zealand who spent the previous two seasons at Pima College, struggled in the fall but has greatly benefitted from new pitching coach Sean Kenny.

“Sean has been really influential in him getting more confidence and becoming what we’ve seen,” Hale said of Roberts, who chose the UA over LSU.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- After missing the last eight games with a left midfoot sprain, Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is available to play on Thursday, coach Jason Kidd said.

Flagg has missed the last eight games for the Mavericks after suffering the injury on Feb. 10 during a 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns. He was also sidelined for the Rising Stars Game as a part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Feb. 13 in Inglewood, California.

The No. 1 overall pick saw his game status upgraded this week on the injury report, culminating in him receiving clearance to suit against the Orlando Magic in their second stop on a six-game road trip. Kidd said Flagg will be limited to 20-25 minutes.

"He has been out for four weeks, so he is excited to get back to playing with his teammates," Kidd said during his pregame press conference. "We will see how tonight goes."

Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals on 48.2% shooting from the field in 49 games. He is second among rookies in total scoring (999) and has the most 30-point games by a first-year player since Victor Wembanyama in 2023-24 (7).

The 19-year-old was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for the third straight time in January. He and Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel were the only two players to win before San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper claimed the award in February.

The Mavericks posted a 2-6 record without Flagg in the lineup, dropping to 21-40 on the season. His return figures to help the Mavericks improve offensively after the group was held to 90 points or fewer in each of their last two matchups.

"When you talk about his energy, we all know his play, understanding he is a really good basketball player, and the things that he can do," Kidd said. "He can run the offense. He can set the tone for his teammates, finding them. He can score both left, right. I thought he was shooting the ball really well before the injury. ... It is good to have him back."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Mavericks news: Cooper Flagg receives massive update before Magic game

A few hours after the official announcement of Walid Regragui's departure, Morocco appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as the new coach.

The one who led the Atlas Lion Cubs to an unprecedented victory at the U20 World Cup on October 19th has been promoted to head the senior team.

Following Morocco's defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final at home, Ouahbi will have the challenging task of leading the Atlas Lions to the 2026 World Cup next June.

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

SEATTLE (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and linebacker Drake Thomas have agreed to a two-year contract, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Thomas was a restricted free agent and would have become an unrestricted free agent next week.

Thomas was the second-leading tackler last season for the Seahawks, who beat the New England Patriots 29-13 in the Super Bowl for the franchise's second title. He had 95 tackles, was second on the team in tackles for loss with 10 and had 3 1/2 sacks.

An undrafted free agent out of N.C. State, Thomas became a full-time starter at weak-side linebacker for the first time in 2025.

Seattle has six remaining restricted free agents: Wide receivers Jake Bobo and Cody White, tight end Brady Russell, defensive tackle Brandon Pili, safety AJ Finley and long snapper Chris Stoll.

___

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

ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news on Thursday that former Green Bay Packers president (1989-2006) and CEO (1989-2008) Bob Harlan passed away on Thursday afternoon. According to Schefter, he remains the only man in NFL history to hire two different general managers to win a Super Bowl.

Minutes after Schefter’s report, the Packers made a statement on the passing of Harlan. Below is the team’s statement, leading into tributes to Harlan that featured words from current president and CEO Ed Policy, former president and CEO Mark Murphy, current general manager Brian Gutekunst, former general manager Ron Wolf, former head coach Mike Holmgren, former head coach Mike McCarthy, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and more:

Former Green Bay Packers President and CEO Bob Harlan passed away Thursday, March 5, following a brief illness. Harlan was 89.

“The Packers family was saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Harlan,” said Packers President and CEO Ed Policy. “Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational. From his inspired hiring of Ron Wolf to turn around the club’s on-field fortunes to his tireless work to redevelop Lambeau Field, Bob restored the Packers to competitive excellence during his tenure and helped ensure our unique and treasured flagship NFL franchise was on sound footing for sustained generational success.

“We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Madeline, and the entire Harlan family.”

Harlan, who originally joined the organization in 1971, was elected President and CEO in 1989 and served as principal executive until his retirement in January 2008.

On the field, the Packers enjoyed a resurgence under Harlan’s guidance, posting the league’s best overall record, 152-88, from 1993-2007, and returning the Lombardi Trophy to Green Bay with a victory in Super Bowl XXXI. The successful period also included 13 straight .500-or-better seasons (1992-2004), an impressive accomplishment in the free agency era and the team’s best stretch since the 1930s and ’40s.

Off the field, the crowning achievement of Harlan’s tenure — the $295 million redevelopment of historic Lambeau Field — was ushered in at the beginning of the 2003 season and has stood as a key component of the team’s financial strength for ongoing success.

Harlan and his wife, Madeline, were deeply involved in the greater Green Bay community through the years, serving on many boards and donating time to many charitable causes. Both had been the recipient of multiple honors, both on a local and state basis, including Bob being honored three times by his alma mater, Marquette University, in 1997. In 2007, Harlan penned his autobiography, Green and Golden Moments: Bob Harlan and the Green Bay Packers.

In addition to Madeline, Harlan is survived by his son, Kevin (Ann) Harlan of Mission Hills, Kan., and their children: Abigail (Bobby) Sight and their daughter, Scarlett; Haley (Jerry) Mancuso and their children, JJ, Mary Madeline, and Matilda; Olivia (Sam Dekker) Harlan Dekker and their children, Harlan Wolf and Christian; and Robert (Gabriella) Harlan and their son, Francis; and by his son, Bryan (Barbara) Harlan of Chicago and their daughter, Katie; and his son, Michael (Cortney) Harlan of Verona, Wis.

Arrangements are pending.

You can also read the Packers’ obituary of Harlan, which was written by team historian Cliff Christl.

Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya took to social media to sound off on his recent legal victory over Vergil Ortiz and explains why the poor advice Ortiz has been receiving could lead him to becoming the next Mikey Garcia (with respect to losing out on most of his prime years).

“The verdict is in and Vergil Ortiz’s master plan to break his contract with Golden Boy Promotions was shot down by a federal judge in Nevada,” De La Hoya said. “I know many of you have been waiting for the details regarding all this bullsh-t, so it’s time to finally give you the facts.

“Here’s the timeline of how it all went down. I hadn’t heard from Vergil Ortiz since his fight back in November where he openly praised me for being a great guy and great promoter…Then, out of nowhere, Vergil served us with a lawsuit in January to get out of his contract. So who was behind this lawsuit? The worst manager in boxing, Rick Mirigian. Rick demanded that Vergil get paid triple what we’re contractually obligated to pay Vergil for the Boots fight.

“We were ready to make the fight, and I was lobbying to get him the most money possible. But Rick being the selfish asshole he is tried to line his own pockets and felt the grass was greener with the others who interfered on the other side. And now thanks to his poor advice Vergil’s sidelined and he’s headed to waste more money and time in mediation — and that could last years.

“Vergil, I still want to believe you’re a good guy, and you received the worst advice on the planet. We always did right by you, treated you with respect…Oh, and we had to constantly deal with your hothead father who couldn’t be less gracious or appreciative.

“I protected you like family and you turn your back on me. Vergil, I know the lies Rick is telling you and how deep you are in this bullshit. You’re going to keep racking up the legal bills and burning money. What Rick didn’t tell you is you could potentially stay on the shelf for years just like Mikey Garcia did. And that’s the way it’s heading legally. The judge already ruled against you but it isn’t too late to fix this.

“From one fighter to another, you have to change the team around you. They’re dragging you down and we all see it from the outside.”

ORLANDO, Fla. — The PGA Tour felt a little quieter, dispassionate and dull without Billy Horschel.

Horschel was back Thursday at Orlando’s Bay Hill Club in Lodge breathing energy into the morning wave of the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

His golf game also showed some life as he continues to recover from right hip surgery in May of 2025. A bogey-free 3-under-par 69 was the former Florida Gator’s best score at the API since he opened with a 67 in 2022 on his way to runner-up finish to Scottie Scheffler.

“The game’s building, it’s getting better,” he said. “I just need to be a little better with the swing. I just need more reps, I just need to groove it in a little bit more. I want everything to be perfect.

“But at the end of the day it’s about putting the ball in the hole with the least amount of shots and I did a really good job of that today.”

Horschel has ground to make up after Daniel Berger posted a 63 during unusually benign conditions at Bay Hill. The score was one off the tournament record of 62 posted by the late Andy Bean (1981), Greg Norman (1984) and Adam Scott (2014). Only Bean — like Horschel a former UF star — went on the win.

“It’s going to be an incredibly difficult and challenging week,” Berger said. “A little bit of wind, a little bit less moisture, and it’s just going to be like a U.S. Open. I think when you come to Bay Hill to play this event you know what you’re getting, and so it doesn’t shock me.

“You’re ready for it.”

Whatever lies ahead, Horschel will attack Friday’s round with the passion and personality he’s shown ever since he joined the PGA Tour in 2009.

Wearing salmon-colored pants and a white shirt over his chiseled frame Thursday, he cajoled a few putts, spoke to some shots and talked to himself. Horschel consistently chatted up and down the fairways with playing partner Ryan Fox, an affable, unflappable 39-year-old New Zealander.

“I love someone to talk to,” Fox told the Orlando Sentinel. “With Billy, you’re always going to get a chat out of him. So that was great. I like one as well.

“The self commentary going around is brilliant.”

Fox did a double-take on the 13th tee box when Horschel barked, “Stop it!” Wondering what he or his caddie had done, Fox quickly realized Horschel was admonishing himself.

“I sort of jumped,” Fox said. “And then he goes, ’Stop it, Billy. You can’t keep doing that.’ We had a laugh about it down the fairway.”

Horschel’s approach has made him both a popular and polarizing presence on the PGA Tour.

Unapologetic, opinionated and unfailingly authentic, the 39-year-old rarely hides his thoughts or feelings inside or outside the ropes.

During last week’s Cognizant Classic, he exchanged words with a spectator after a poor shot led to a triple-bogey.

“I guess you guys wanna make yourselves feel good about yourselves with a comment like that, don’t ya?” Horschel said after his pitch from behind the par-3 15th hole found water in front of the green.

On Thursday, fans cheered Horschel as he neared the finish of his round.

Orlando’s Zach Hartley yelled, “Go Gators!,” as Horschel walked up the 18th fairway.

“He’s always an entertainer,” Hartley said.

An iron shot from the right rough landed left of the green, but a deft pitch shot to a few feet led an up-and-down that completed Horschel’s round with Fox, who shot 68.

Horschel, who got into the limited-field, 72-player event on a sponsor’s exemption, hit just 7 of 14 fairways, but he found 13 of 18 greens. He surprised himself following a discouraging warm-up session because of hip tightness and discomfort.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen out there,” Horschel said. “But I hit a couple good shots early to sort of give me a little confidence. Played really nicely. Something that I can hopefully build off the next few days.”

Horschel walked away in a good position to reach the weekend after missed cuts in 2023 and 2025. Winning for the ninth time on tour is likely down the road, but he’s already well ahead of schedule.

Doctors repaired a massive tear in his labrum, shaved down some bone to open up his hip capsule and addressed two micro fractures. A yearlong recovery period loomed. The hard-charging Horschel returned in fewer than six months, but continues to get back to full speed.

“They’re all a little shocked I’ve come back as quickly as I have and I’m able to do what I am,” he said. “I try to beat timelines. I don’t listen. I think I’m different … and show the doctors.

“But there’s a reason they’re doctors and there’s a reason I’m not.”

Horschel’s abilities as a golfer, entertainer and big personality have served him well, earning him 11 professional wins and more than $40 million in earnings.

But when he was away from the game, Horschel discovered life without golf didn’t leave a hole he couldn’t fill. He set aside his obsession with the game to spend time with his wife, Brittany, and their three children, ages 11, 8 and 7.

“I saw what it’s like on the other side,” he said. “It’s pretty (expletive) good. So life’s pretty good on the other side.”

Professional golf, though, is better with Horschel.

“Golf needs its characters,” Fox said. “He’s certainly one of them. He’s good fun, and we need more guys like it.”

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Losing the reigning Southeastern Conference Tournament MVP to a season-ending knee injury just weeks before the opening game might be enough to break some women’s basketball teams.

Then again, South Carolina isn’t just any program.

Coach Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks have displayed remarkable resiliency — not to mention capable depth — rebounding from star forward Chloe Kitts' torn ACL last October. At the time, Kitts' injury, combined with other injuries and departures, raised questions about whether South Carolina would take a step back after returning to the national championship game last season.

But Staley and the Gamecocks never flinched.

No. 3 South Carolina (29-2, 15-1 SEC) enters this week's conference tournament as the top seed after winning the regular-season title outright.

“We don’t stay in a place of despair,” Staley said of overcoming Kitts' injury. “We turn the page. You figure it out. We have a lot of good post players, not a lot of post players like Chloe, but a lot of good post players.”

Kitts was more than just a good post player, though.

She, in many respects, represented the team's identity with her toughness and physical, no-nonsense approach. She also brought a high-low game to the Gamecocks offense that Staley admitted was hard to replace.

“We’re doing it a different way,” Staley said.

It wasn't just Kitts' injury that kept Staley awake at nights this past offseason.

Star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley transferred to rival LSU and backup center Sakima Walker moved on to Cal. Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall and Sania Feagin all left for the WBNA. And Ashlyn Watkins made the decision to take this year off while she continued to rehab from a torn ACL.

A year ago depth was South Carolina's calling card.

Staley would relentlessly wear down opponents by running bodies at them and playing aggressive defense, which often led to easy baskets. No player averaged more than 13 points and Staley regularly played more than 10 players on any given night.

This year, four players are averaging more than 13 points, led by SEC Player of the Year candidate Joyce Edwards. Edwards' 19.8 points per game is the most by a South Carolina player since A’ja Wilson’s 22.6 points per game eight years ago.

Guard Ti’Naya Latson, who transferred from Florida State after leading the nation a year ago, has made an immediate impact along with center Madina Okot, who is averaging a double-double. Holdovers Tessa Johnson and Raven Johnson have elevated their games as well, averaging in double digits in scoring.

Behind that scoring power, South Carolina ranks third in points per game (87.2), field goal percentage (.510) and 3-point field goal percentage (.370) in the nation.

“Last year’s team we probably didn’t have players on the floor that could score — or they could score, but they didn’t consistently do it,” Staley said. “These players this year have consistently done it. And I think our individual offense is a lot better than it was last year.”

The defense, to Staley's surprise, is holding opponents to 33.8% shooting from the field, third-best in the country despite the team dealing with its share of injuries.

“(Defense) was probably the biggest question mark for me coming into the season," Staley said. "I knew we had really good offensive players. But defensively we have a way of playing that allows us to win basketball games, and I was a little bit concerned that we wouldn’t be able to play that way.”

Winning a fourth straight SEC Tournament title in a conference that features five teams ranked in the top seven in the country won't be easy.

Sure, the Gamecocks, who open tournament play Friday against No. 17 Kentucky, do have a distinct home-court advantage at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, where they are 18-1 in tournament games under Staley.

But Texas, Vanderbilt, LSU and Oklahoma are all capable of cutting down the nets.

Kitts, who averaged 16.6 points and 7.6 rebounds during the last year's tournament and shot 74% from the field, will be cheering on the Gamecocks from the bench. And her teammates will have to step up — just as they have all season.

"I have high expectations for our teams for no matter who we have,” Staley said.

___

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

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 3 Crystal Palace FT

Tottenham's fears of a first relegation from the top flight since 1977 have increased after Crystal Palace scored three goals in 12 first-half minutes to stun them in north London.

Spurs, who played more than half the match with 10 men, have now gone 11 league games without a win.

The home side had taken the lead in the 34th minute when England international Dominic Solanke finished from close range.

But after Micky van de Ven was sent off four minutes later, Ismaila Sarr netted twice - once either side of Jorgen Strand Larsen's strike - to earn Palace consecutive league wins at Tottenham for the first time.

The defeat leaves Tottenham 16th in the table, one point above the relegation zone and without a win in 2026, while Palace climb to 13th.

After 18th-placed West Ham piled on the pressure with a win at Fulham on Wednesday, Tottenham needed a fast start.

But it was Crystal Palace who seized the initiative at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, registering a first shot on target inside 60 seconds as Adam Wharton's half-volley was palmed away by Guglielmo Vicario after Chris Richards' throw-in caused chaos in the area.

Tottenham responded with an attack of their own, ending with Mathys Tel cutting in from the left and firing at Dean Henderson.

Palace thought they had made the breakthrough in the 30th minute when Sarr's strike deflected off Pedro Porro and looped over Vicario.

However, the Senegal international's goal was ruled out after the video assistant referee judged him to have been narrowly offside after latching on to a pass from Jaydee Canvot.

The hosts responded by taking the lead four minutes later as Solanke converted Archie Gray's cut-back after the full-back's marauding run down the byeline.

Yet Tottenham proved to be the architects of their own downfall once more as Van de Ven conceded a penalty and was shown a red card for pulling down Sarr after misreading the flight of the ball.

A fourth red card of the season for the home side was arguably the most costly yet, as it allowed Sarr to restore parity with his 40th-minute spotkick, sending Vicario the wrong way from the spot.

Under-pressure interim manager Igor Tudor responded with a double change before half-time, with Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma replacing Souza and Randal Kolo Muani.

But Palace turned the game on its head in the first minute of stoppage time, when January signing Strand Larsen fired low through the legs of Vicario, after a perfectly-weighted pass from Wharton, to score his third goal since joining from Wolves.

Last season's FA Cup winners piled the misery on Tottenham - and cued a mass home supporter walkout - in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time as Sarr grabbed his second after another defence-splitting pass from Wharton.

Tottenham analysis: Tudor not the man for safety push

If Igor Tudor was meant to be the firefighter to save Tottenham's Premier League season, so far he has only fanned the flames of a miserable campaign.

The Croat - appointed on an interim basis until the end of the season following the sacking of Thomas Frank last month - has lost all three of his games in charge of last season's Europa League winners.

Even after only 270 minutes at the helm of this timid and dysfunctional side, it is clear that the former Juventus and Marseille manager is not the man to guide Tottenham to safety.

This season's damage was done long before Tudor arrived, but the way his three-game spell has unfolded so far leaves the club's hierarchy facing a serious decision if this rotten run - 11 Premier League games without a win - continues.

Not for the the first time this season, Tottenham - who could lose more than £250m if relegated to the Championship - look like a team sinking.

After West Ham, Nottingham Forest and even Wolves picked up valuable points in this midweek round, Tottenham could not afford to lose.

But even when Solanke put his side 1-0 up, the players, staff, and supporters never seemed confident of holding on to a victory that could have acted as a launchpad for the remainder of the campaign.

The sight of Pedro Porro arguing with Tudor after being substituted in the second half was yet another damning sign that nothing in this part of north London is right at the moment.

Tudor does not appear to be the man to save their Premier League status.

Draymond Green recalls the 'magic' of Magic Johnson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

When Draymond Green talks about basketball greatness, he often points back to one of the players who helped define it: Magic Johnson. During a recent discussion with Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson about leadership, defense, and the evolution of the modern NBA, Green reflected on Johnson’s lasting impact and why he believes true greatness translates across generations.

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The conversation came as Green and the Golden State Warriors continue navigating a competitive Western Conference season. With the team leaning on veteran leadership while integrating younger contributors, Green has taken on an even more vocal role both on the court and in the locker room, emphasizing discipline and the importance of building winning habits through daily work.

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

That perspective also shapes how Green evaluates players from previous eras. Both he and Johnson share deep roots at Michigan State University, a program known for producing players with high basketball IQ and a team-first mentality. Johnson led the Spartans to the 1979 national championship before launching an iconic NBA career, while Green developed into a versatile defensive leader before being drafted by Golden State in 2012.

Asked how Johnson’s style would translate to today’s NBA, Green made it clear he sees greatness as timeless. “I think greatness transcends eras so Magic would look in this era the same way he looked in his own era,” Green said. “Greatness will always transcend eras.”

Green also pushed back against the idea that rule changes or modern pace would limit a player like Johnson. “One thing is for certain and that is that Magic Johnson would win in this era,” Green said. “When you are that great, there are no eras stopping you. The era is actually created around you when you are that great.”

The comparison between the two players is not just stylistic. Both built reputations as elite facilitators who could influence the game without always being the leading scorer. Johnson revolutionized the point guard position in the 1980s with his size, passing vision, and leadership for the Los Angeles Lakers, while Green helped redefine the “point-forward” role during the Warriors’ championship run in the 2010s.

MORE: Tom Brady's new Miami megamansion isn't all that, say fans

Although their careers never overlapped—Johnson played from 1979 to 1991 with a brief return in 1996, while Green entered the league in 2012—the connection between the two remains strong. Both have represented Team USA in different Olympic cycles and remain among the most influential players to emerge from Michigan State’s basketball program.

USC men’s basketball suffered another loss in Big Ten conference play against Washington on Wednesday. The Trojans lost by a score of 91-72 and are now even more likely to miss out on the NCAA Tournament this season.

Before losing to Washington on Wednesday, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi updated his “2026 NCAA Tournament Bracketology” for men’s basketball. He already had USC listed as one of eight teams right on the outskirts of earning a tournament bid.

As of Tuesday, Lunardi had Auburn, San Diego State, VCU and Virginia Tech as the first four teams that will miss the cut off for the NCAA Tournament. Behind the four teams was USC, which ranks No. 73 on Lunardi’s list and is projected to be the fifth team to miss out on the tournament.

Now that USC has lost another game, the Trojans’ odds of making the NCAA Tournament have nearly disappeared. And even if USC makes the tournament, the Trojans will not be placed at a desirable seed.

USC has one more regular season game against crosstown rivals, UCLA, on Saturday. The Bruins are coming off a third victory over a top-10 opponent after defeating No. 9 Nebraska on Tuesday. Therefore, it is unlikely the Trojans will end the regular season with a win.

Trojans Might Be Able to Earn A Bid Depending on Performance in Big Ten Tournament

Fortunately for USC, the Big Ten is stacked with some of the top men’s basketball teams in the nation. Five Big Ten teams are currently ranked in the AP Top 25.

This means the Trojans still have a slim chance of making the NCAA Tournament if they can pull off upsets over some of these teams. If USC can take down a team like No. 3 Michigan, No. 8 Michigan State or No. 9 Nebraska, the selection committee may consider reevaluating the Trojans for the tournament.

The official bracket for the Big Ten Tournament will be announced on Sunday.

Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The post USC March Madness Hopes Likely Dashed After Recent Loss appeared first on LA Sports Report.

When the New York Yankees signed pitcher José Contreras in December 2002, the baseball world was a different place.

The number of Cuban defectors leaving the island nation to chase their dreams of playing in Major League Baseball was low. The inaugural World Baseball Classic was still four years away. And the Toronto Blue Jays were not the defending American League pennant winners.

MORE:Astros, Dominican Republic get bad news on All-Star immediately before WBC

Flash forward to 2026. The Blue Jays, like every team, are closely watching the 2026 edition of the WBC for future talent beginning this week. And a certain Contreras has their attention.

Jose’s son, Joseph, is a 17-year-old senior at his Alpharetta, Georgia high school. He’s also the youngest pitcher in the WBC, and a source of high hopes for Team Brazil. (Contreras’ mother, Isabel, is Brazilian and he has represented Brazil internationally in the Pan-American Games already.)

According to Bob Elliott on X, the Blue Jays are scouting Contreras in the tournament. They certainly aren’t alone.

If he isn’t enticed by his slot bonus in the 2026 MLB Draft, Contreras has an offer to play collegiately at Vanderbilt. He has an upper-90s fastball, his best offering in a four- or five-pitch mix that should play well in college or the pros.

Brazil plays Team USA in its WBC opener on Friday.

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The post Blue Jays scouting 17-year-old son of Yankees star in WBC: report appeared first on The Big Lead.

One of the Cowboys' recent reclamation projects has come to an end.

Dallas has waived former UFL star Perrion Winfrey, it was announced Thursday. The defensive tackle was in his first season with the Cowboys and his second stint in the NFL. Winfrey had been a fourth-round draft pick by Cleveland in 2022 and was with the Jets briefly in 2023 before a breakout spring season with the UFL's Birmingham Stallions that put him on that league's all-star squad in 2025.

Winfrey was signed back to the NFL by the Cowboys in June and made the 53-man roster after an impressive training camp. But a back injury put him on injured reserve in early September and stalled whatever momentum he had heading into the regular season.

The Dallas Cowboys have waived DT Perrion Winfrey. He appeared in one game last season after making his way back to the NFL through the UFL. The move saves the team $1.075 million toward the cap in 2026.

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) March 5, 2026

Winfrey was finally activated in November but saw action in just one game for the Cowboys, the Week 16 loss to the Chargers. He played 40 snaps in that contest, six of them on special teams. He tallied two tackles wearing the star.

The Cowboys seriously beefed up their defensive tackle group last season with the addition of Solomon Thomas, Kenny Clark, and Quinnen Williams. Now making the transition to a new scheme under coordinator Christian Parker, it was unclear how or if Winfrey would fit in the system for 2026.

Thursday's news seems to have provided an answer.

A post on X shared Winfrey's reaction to the news of his release. "I never wanted this day to come but it's out of my control," he wrote. "I will be back stronger than ever."

Waiving Winfrey saves the Cowboys just over $1 million toward the 2026 salary cap.

Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys waive DT Perrion Winfrey, former UFL all-star

Morocco has announced that their new head coach will be Mohamed Ouahbi.

Walid Regragui resigned as Morocco's head coach, leaving the bar very high with an Africa Cup final and a World Cup semifinal. In fact, he published a farewell video.

Subsequently, to replace him, the Moroccan Federation reached a verbal agreement with Jorge Sampaoli, according to 'Footmercato', but that agreement was never finalized.

It didn’t happen because the replacement will be Mohamed Ouahbi, who began his coaching career in the youth sector at Anderlecht before making the leap in 2022 as Morocco’s U-20 coach, and later also the U-23 coach.

📸 JAVIER TORRES - AFP or licensors

In fact, Mohamed recently led Morocco to victory at the U-20 World Cup, a title they claimed after surprising the entire world.

However, 'MARCA' points out that the possibility of Xavi Hernández eventually coaching the 'Atlas Lions' after this summer’s World Cup is not ruled out.

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

Eight of the world's best darts players will again feature in the Premier League in 2026.

Reigning champion Luke Humphries is among them, alongside world champion Luke Littler and seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen.

The league phase takes place over 16 weeks from 5 February, with the play-offs at London's O2 Arena on 28 May.

Here are the current standings and the order of play for each of the weekly nights.

Premier League Darts 2026 table

Night one fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 5 February - Utilita Arena, Newcastle

Quarter-finals

Josh Rock 2-6 Jonny Clayton

Luke Littler 4-6 Gian van Veen

Luke Humphries 6-5 Gerwyn Price

Stephen Bunting 2-6 Michael van Gerwen

Semi-finals

Clayton 4-6 Van Veen

Humphries 2-6 Van Gerwen

Final

Van Veen 4-6 Van Gerwen

• Report:Van Gerwen beats compatriot Van Veen to win opening night

Night two fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 12 February - FAS Dome, Antwerp

Quarter-finals

Luke Littler 6-5 Luke Humphries

Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Josh Rock

Jonny Clayton 6-4 Stephen Bunting

Gerwyn Price 6-5 Gian van Veen

Semi-finals

Littler 4-6 Van Gerwen

Clayton 5-6 Price

Final

Van Gerwen 3-6 Price

• Report:Price ends Van Gerwen's unbeaten start in Antwerp debut

Night three fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 19 February - OVO Hydro, Glasgow

Quarter-finals

Stephen Bunting 3-6 Gian van Veen

Luke Humphries 6-2 Josh Rock

Michael van Gerwen v Luke Littler (bye) - Van Gerwen withdraws because of medical issue

Jonny Clayton 6-3 Gerwyn Price

Semi-finals

Van Veen 6-5 Humphries

Littler 1-6 Clayton

Final

Van Veen 2-6 Clayton

• Report:Clayton beats Van Veen for third different nightly winner

Night four fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 26 February - SSE Arena, Belfast

Quarter-finals

Luke Littler 3-6 Jonny Clayton

Stephen Bunting 6-4 Luke Humphries

Michael van Gerwen 5-6 Gerwyn Price

Gian van Veen 2-6 Josh Rock

Semi-finals

Clayton 0-6 Bunting

Price 5-6 Van Veen

Final

Bunting 6-2 Van Veen

• Report: Bunting silences critics as Rock hits nine-darter

Night five fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 5 March - Utilita Arena, Cardiff

Quarter-finals

Michael van Gerwen 1-6 Luke Humphries

Gian van Veen 4-6 Jonny Clayton

Gerwyn Price 6-5 Stephen Bunting

Luke Littler 6-4 Josh Rock

Semi-finals

Humphries 4-6 Clayton

Price 3-6 Littler

Final

Clayton 4-6 Littler

Night six fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 12 March - Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

Quarter-finals

Josh Rock v Stephen Bunting

Jonny Clayton v Michael van Gerwen

Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen

Gerwyn Price v Luke Littler

Semi-finals

Rock/Bunting v Clayton/Van Gerwen

Humphries/Van Veen v Price/Littler

Final

Rock/Bunting/Clayton/Van Gerwen v Humphries/Van Veen/Price/Littler

Night seven fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 19 March - 3Arena, Dublin

Quarter-finals

Gian van Veen v Michael van Gerwen

Stephen Bunting v Luke Littler

Josh Rock v Gerwyn Price

Jonny Clayton v Luke Humphries

Semi-finals

Van Veen/Van Gerwen v Bunting/Littler

Rock/Price v Clayton/Humphries

Final

Van Veen/Van Gerwen/Bunting/Littler v Rock/Price/Clayton/Humphries

Night eight fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 26 March - Uber Arena, Berlin

Based on league table after night seven

Quarter-finals

1 v 8

4 v 5

2 v 7

3 v 6

Semi-finals

Winner of 1/8 v Winner of 4/5

Winner of 2/7 v Winner of 3/6

Final

Night nine fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 2 April - AO Arena, Manchester

Quarter-finals

Michael van Gerwen v Stephen Bunting

Gerwyn Price v Luke Humphries

Gian van Veen v Luke Littler

Jonny Clayton v Josh Rock

Semi-finals

Van Gerwen/Bunting v Price/Humphries

Van Veen/Littler v Clayton/Rock

Final

Van Gerwen/Bunting/Price/Humphries v Van Veen/Littler/Clayton/Rock

Night 10 fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 9 April - The Brighton Centre

Quarter-finals

Luke Humphries v Jonny Clayton

Gerwyn Price v Josh Rock

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting

Michael van Gerwen v Gian van Veen

Semi-finals

Humphries/Clayton v Price/Rock

Littler/Bunting v Van Gerwen/Van Veen

Final

Humphries/Clayton/Price/Rock v Littler/Bunting/Van Gerwen/Van Veen

Night 11 fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 16 April - Rotterdam Ahoy

Quarter-finals

Luke Littler v Gerwyn Price

Gian van Veen v Luke Humphries

Michael van Gerwen v Jonny Clayton

Stephen Bunting v Josh Rock

Semi-finals

Littler/Price v Van Veen/Humphries

Van Gerwen/Clayton v Bunting/Rock

Final

Littler/Price/Van Veen/Humphries v Van Gerwen/Clayton/Bunting/Rock

Night 12 fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 23 April - M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool

Quarter-finals

Gian van Veen v Gerwyn Price

Stephen Bunting v Jonny Clayton

Josh Rock v Michael van Gerwen

Luke Humphries v Luke Littler

Semi-finals

Van Veen/Price v Bunting/Clayton

Rock/Van Gerwen v Humphries/Littler

Final

Van Veen/Price/Bunting/Clayton v Rock/Van Gerwen/Humphries/Littler

Night 13 fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 30 April - P&J Live, Aberdeen

Quarter-finals

Josh Rock v Luke Littler

Stephen Bunting v Gerwyn Price

Jonny Clayton v Gian van Veen

Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen

Semi-finals

Rock/Littler v Bunting/Price

Clayton/Van Veen v Humphries/Van Gerwen

Final

Rock/Littler/Bunting/Price v Clayton/Van Veen/Humphries/Van Gerwen

Night 14 fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 7 May - First Direct Arena, Leeds

Quarter-finals

Gerwyn Price v Jonny Clayton

Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwen

Josh Rock v Luke Humphries

Gian van Veen v Stephen Bunting

Semi-finals

Price/Clayton v Littler/Van Gerwen

Rock/Humphries v Van Veen/Bunting

Final

Price/Clayton/Littler/Van Gerwen v Rock/Humphries/Van Veen/Bunting

Night 15 fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 14 May - Utilita Arena, Birmingham

Quarter-finals

Josh Rock v Gian van Veen

Gerwyn Price v Michael van Gerwen

Luke Humphries v Stephen Bunting

Jonny Clayton v Luke Littler

Semi-finals

Rock/Van Veen v Price/Van Gerwen

Humphries/Bunting v Clayton/Littler

Final

Rock/Van Veen/Price/Van Gerwen v Humphries/Bunting/Clayton/Littler

Night 16 fixtures & order of play

Thursday, 21 May - Utilita Arena, Sheffield

Based on league table after night 15

Quarter-finals

2 v 7

3 v 6

1 v 8

4 v 5

Semi-finals

Winner of 2/7 v Winner of 3/6

Winner of 1/8 v Winner of 4/5

Final

Play-offs fixtures & order of play

Semi-finals and final - schedule to be confirmed based on league standings

Premier League Darts format and points system

Premier League Darts is played across 16 initial weeks in the league stage with quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final each night.

Each of the eight players is guaranteed to face the other seven in the quarter-finals in weeks one to seven and 9-15, with week eight and week 16 fixtures done off the table. It means we will get fourth v fifth in Sheffield on the final league-stage night, with the play-off spots potentially on the line.

Players earn two points per quarter-final win, an additional point if they win their semi-final and five for winning the night.

The top four players after the group stage progress to the play-off night at London's O2 Arena on 28 May, with first facing fourth and second against third in a best-of-19-leg match. The final, which is the best of 21 legs, follows.

If players are level on points after the 16 weeks then places are decided by nights won and then matches won.

John Franklin-Myers is set to leave the Denver Broncos.

It's no surprise, but the Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson reported Thursday that Franklin-Myers is not expected to re-sign with the club ahead of NFL free agency next week. He'll be missed in Denver, but as KUSA-TV's Mike Klis pointed out, JFM's departure could land the team a third- or fourth-round compensatory draft pick next spring.

The league has a formula for determining picks that essentially compensates teams that lost more than they gained during free agency the previous offseason. If JFM lands a massive contract (he will) and the Broncos don't offset it with another big signing this spring, the club will likely be awarded a comp pick for the 2027 NFL draft.

This year, Denver's expected to receive a pair of seventh-round comp picks for losing running back Javonte Williams and punter Riley Dixon during free agency in 2025.

The NFL's free agency negotiating window opens on Monday, and Franklin-Myers should have plenty of suitors as one of the top interior defensive linemen on the market.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: JFM's departure could land team a high comp pick

The New York Giants have signed special teams ace and wide receiver Gunner Olszewski to a one-year contract, per a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The decision to being Olszewski back is the Giants first signing of the 2026. The move makes a ton of sense given that Olszewski is a reliable returner and John Harbaugh is a special teams coach at heart.

Olszewski averaged 9.0 yards per return on punts and 26.2 yards per kick return last year. He also got involved with the Giants’ passing game after the receiving corps was hit by injuries. He caught 10 passes on 13 targets for 145 yards and a touchdown, all career highs.

Gunner showed some chemistry with Jaxson Dart, and while he should be expected to remain a fixture on special teams, he may see a role on offense as well.

Retaining Olszewski keeps a valuable piece of the Giants special teams as well as a useful depth piece. There’s a lot of work still to be done, but it’s a good start.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were honored by President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday for winning last year's MLS Cup.

Miami beat the Vancouver Whitecaps in December for the Major League Soccer title, and the Argentinian superstar was named the league's MVP for the second consecutive season.

“Leo, you came in and you won, and that's something very hard to do, very, very unusual and frankly, there's a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know, because you sort of expected to win, but almost nobody wins,” Trump said.

Messi, who entered the ceremony alongside Trump, joined Inter Miami in 2023. He did not speak during the event.

Among the other Inter Miami stars in attendance were Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende and Rodrigo De Paul. MLS Commissioner Don Garber sat next to Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House's World Cup task force. Also attending were retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez and members of Trump's cabinet.

Inter Miami was the first MLS team to be invited to the White House during Trump’s two terms in office.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, led Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022. The 38-year-old is expected to play again for Argentina this summer when the tournament is hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Soccer's global showcase has been clouded by recent events, including the war with Iran and turmoil in Mexico following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera in a military operation.

Iran is part of the World Cup field of 48 teams and is set to play a pair of games at SoFi Stadium in Southern California and another in Seattle during the group stage.

Trump opened the ceremony with comments about the conflict with Iran but did not mention the World Cup.

Following military action by the United States and Israel last week, Iran’s top soccer official, Mehdi Taj, said the country could not look to playing in the World Cup with “hope.”

“I really don’t care” if Iran participates, Trump told Politico this week. “I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”

It's not clear what would happen if Iran pulled out of the World Cup. No team that has qualified for the tournament has withdrawn in the past 75 years.

The World Cup kicks off on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City.

During the ceremony, Trump spoke about how he saw Brazilian great Pele play with the New York Cosmos. He looked to Messi: “You may be better than Pele,” then asked the crowd, “Who’s better?”

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said his team has “changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever.”

“We can play with the big boys, we can play with the heavyweights. Our league can be one of the top leagues in the world,” Mas said. “And it is this ability to dream, to persevere, to have no obstacles ahead of us, that we will continue to be successful. And hopefully, Mr. President, this is not our only visit here celebrating an MLS Cup championship.”

It was the first White House visit for Messi. He was invited by the Biden administration to be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year but could not attend because of a scheduling conflict.

Inter Miami will remain in the area to play D.C. United on Saturday.

___

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

Morocco: Achraf Hakimi pays tribute to Walid Regragui

Morocco: Achraf Hakimi pays tribute to Walid Regragui

The departure of the Moroccan national team head coach continues to spark reactions across the football world. On his social media, Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi paid a heartfelt tribute to the former Atlas Lions manager, Walid Regragui.

In a message filled with gratitude, the Moroccan defender praised the work accomplished by the coach at the helm of the national team. "Thank you for the exceptional work you did as head of the Moroccan squad. Your leadership, passion, and vision have inspired not only the players, but also the entire country and millions of supporters around the globe." wrote Achraf Hakimi.

The Real Madrid academy product also highlighted the human and sporting impact of the coach, commending his faith in Moroccan talent and his ability to strengthen the squad’s unity. "Thank you for believing in Moroccan talent, for building team spirit, and for showing that with discipline, hard work, and above all with the niya, we can achieve great things." he continued.

For the Atlas Lions full-back, Walid Regragui leaves a lasting legacy in the history of national football. "You have left an unforgettable mark on the history of Moroccan football. Thank you for making us dream and for wearing our colors with such pride. Legend." the player concluded.

Lens kept their dream of an unlikely French league and cup double alive, beating Lyon 5-4 on penalties on Thursday to reach the semi-finals after their last-eight tie had ended in a 2-2 draw.

French international forward Florian Thauvin was the hero for Lens with a goal and an assist in normal time before he converted the decisive kick in the shoot-out.

Lens are Paris Saint-Germain's closest challengers at the top of Ligue 1, sitting four points behind the reigning champions.

Now they are through to the last four in the Cup, in which they will host Toulouse next month as they dream of lifting the trophy for the first time in their history.

Lens had been 2-0 up at the interval at the Groupama Stadium, with Thauvin following in to score the opener midway through the first half after Saud Abdulhamid's shot had been saved. Abdallah Sima's thunderous finish then allowed them to double their lead in first-half stoppage time.

Roman Yaremchuk hit the bar after the break before pulling one back for Lyon with a header from substitute Remi Himbert's cross midway through the second half.

It still looked like Lens would hold on until the 18-year-old Himbert equalised deep in stoppage time with goalkeeper Robin Risser caught napping.

With no extra-time in the French Cup before the final, that meant penalties, and Lyon's Moussa Niakhate was the only player to fail from the spot as his effort was saved by Risser.

That allowed Thauvin to score the winning kick and set up a semi against Toulouse, who defeated Marseille 4-3 on penalties on Wednesday after their quarter-final also ended 2-2.

Nice won on penalties at Lorient and will now go to Strasbourg, who beat Reims 2-1 on Tuesday.

as/bsp 

Record 7-5. Change on 2025: +1.5. 5-inning record: 3-8-1.

Well, that five-game winning streak sure was nice while it lasted. It ended in no uncertain fashion this afternoon at Sloan Park, both sides of the game leaving room for improvement. The D-backs found themselves held to fewer than three runs for the first time this spring, managing only six hits and three walks. Their sole run came courtesy of Pavin Smith’s second home-run of spring, which got them on the board in the fourth inning. Cristofer Torin – and I am really going to have to work on my spelling of his first name – got two hits. Brady Counsell, son of Cubs manager Craig, walked to lead off the eighth inning for Arizona. So that’s nice.

On the mound, Ryne Nelson fell behind before recording an out, starting the game off by allowing a double and then a triple. The latter then scored on a groundout, but he then steadied the ship. Nelson went 2.2 innings, allowing those two runs on three hits, with no walks and three strikeouts. Unfortunately, the next three pitchers Arizona used also got tagged, and they included Kevin Ginkel (a run on two hits with one K) and Ryan Thompson (two runs on two hits, also with one K). Nobody worked a clean inning for the D-backs this afternoon. Shawn Dubin, with a walk but also two strikeouts, probably came the closest.

Not a good day for ABS and Gabriel Montero. He cost the team both their challenges – the first behind the plate, the second at it. Home-plate umpire Trevor Dannegger had a good afternoon, being proven correct all four times his calls were challenged. Tomorrow is the first split-squad game of the spring, with half the team (including Daniel Eagan) hosting the White Sox at Salt River Fields, while the other half, led by Mitch Bratt, go to Maryvale and take on the Brewers there.

Chiefs set to repeat history in horror scenario for AFC originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kansas City Chiefs are an interesting watch this offseason as the franchise navigates the next couple of months, missing the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era.

With a host of changes, both on and off the field, the Chiefs aren't standing still. They are working out where their weaknesses are and are fixing them.

And that could spell doom for the AFC.

Why? Well as NFL.com's Zak Koeppel writes, the Chiefs appear to be following the same blueprint they did in 2022.

And the following year, they won the Super Bowl.

"After breaking a streak of 10 straight playoff appearances, the Chiefs now have their best opportunity to reload since drafting Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Given K.C.’s financial constraints, they look like they're replicating what they did during the 2022 offseason, when they traded traded a star player (Tyreek Hill in 2022 vs. Trent McDuffie in 2026) and used the acquired picks to bring in an elite draft class," Koeppel wrote.

More: Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown reveals true feelings on David Montgomery trade

Chiefs armed for serious offseason business

Thanks to the Trent McDuffie trade, the Chiefs now have two first-round picks and a host of others in the later rounds.

That is more than enough capital to get this rebuild off the ground and to a point where this team can challenge in 2026.

Having a down year in 2025, the Chiefs, it appears, have wasted no time in getting their draft hand in order, and make no mistake, the rest of the NFL is shifting a little nervously in their seasons.

Because the last time Kansas City went down this path, the following year, it won the Super Bowl.

Will history repeat itself?

More NFL news:

• Why Bills WR issues aren't fixed with DJ Moore trade
• Bills tipped to add All-Pro WR for Josh Allen
• Ravens urged to sign sack monster for Jesse Minter
• ESPN poses intriguing question to Vikings over J.J. McCarthy's future
• Chiefs could turbo charge bounce back with 1 move
• J.J. McCarthy's Vikings future in serious doubt if 1 move happens
• Alex Pierce's latest comments spell doom for Colts future

The New England Patriots made to the decision to move off of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, as they will release him next week following the start of the league new year.

Cutting ties with the veteran will help New England’s salary cap, increasing their projected cap space by nearly $15 million to $57 million — while also freeing up the $22.5 million in cash owed to Diggs this upcoming season.

Now, the Patriots must use those resources to replace Diggs, who became the team’s first 1,000-yard wide receiver since 2019. That could come through free agency — perhaps with Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce close to hitting the market — through the trade market — A.J. Brown? — or later on this offseason in the NFL Draft.

Who exactly will it be? That is precisely what we want to know in this week’s SB Nation Reacts survey.

Make sure to participate in our poll, and to head down to the comment section to share and discuss your answers. As always, the results will be posted later this week.

Please sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Former amateur rugby players with early onset dementia say they have been left with "no help and no hope".

Ex-soldier and police officer Ross Coombs, 43, who captained British Army and club teams in south Wales, has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) - a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.

Ross, who recalled being told to play on after a head injury "saturated" his shirt with blood, said medical and financial support was "non-existent".

The Welsh government said former players could access support through Memory Assessment Services and the Dementia Care Pathway, adding that dementia services should "be aware of CTE risk".

The British Army, Welsh Rugby Union and World Rugby have been asked to comment.

Warning: This article contains references to suicidal thoughts

Ross started playing rugby aged nine, before joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) at 16 where he was quickly asked to play for the regiment.

He went on to play rugby union and rugby league for the British Army and combined services and played club games at home on weekends.

He captained Merthyr and Newbridge before moving to other clubs, including Newport, Nelson, Blaenavon, Bargoed and Monmouth.

"At one point, between rugby league and rugby union, I was playing about 50 games a year," he said.

World Rugby guidelines now limit elite players to 30 full games a season, but there is no game-wide official guidance for amateur players.

Ross suffered arterial bleeds, lost teeth, multiple head injuries and concussions while playing and described being expected to play-on after being knocked unconscious.

"It was a bit of a macho era," he said.

"One of the worst ones I can remember, and I'm left with the scars - I fractured my eye socket, cheekbone, my jaw. After the impact I continued to run around like a headless chicken."

That injury left him with metal plates in his face.

He said medical treatment was sometimes limited to a wet sponge, known in rugby circles as "the magic sponge".

After one head collision he said his shirt "was saturated in blood", but described being told to "put some vaseline on that, change your shirt and get back on".

Now living with his diagnosis, he said he was frustrated that players were not "better protected".

"It is frustrating to think that this could have been prevented - allowing people to carry on and put themselves at such a risk."

In 2024, Ross was diagnosed with early onset dementia and CTE, a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head.

Symptoms of CTE can include mood and behaviour changes, memory loss and problems with movement. But formal diagnosis of the condition can only happen after a person has died.

"On the surface, you try and put a brave face on - but deep down inside you know you're not right," Ross said.

He said he experienced "suicidal thoughts, depression and memory loss" and could not remember the birth of his son.

"It dawned on me - I literally can't remember being in that room - I can't remember anything from his childhood," he said.

Ross's brother, former Wales international Andrew Coombs, 41, has been diagnosed with the same conditions.

"We don't know what's around the corner for us," said Ross.

World Rugby, the WRU and the RFU previously said that they "constantly strived to safeguard" future, current and former players.

There is growing concern among former amateur players about the scale of the potential issue.

"The kind of support and care - it's just non-existent, there's just none out there," Ross said.

Another ex-player, who the BBC has decided not to name for the sake of his family, represented Wales at age grade, including U21s, and played with the biggest names in the sport as a youth player.

He said he had contemplated taking his own life because he had been left with "no help and no hope".

Some former players feared not being able to pay the mortgage or support their families if they had to finish work early.

"There is no support, there is nothing at all - I've been to see two neurologists, neither neurologist had any in-depth knowledge of CTE," Ross said.

The Welsh government said it was not currently working to identify the prevalence of CTE among former players, and was "not aware" of other research. But it said it shared 'UK Concussion Guidance' with health boards, sports clubs and governing bodies in 2023.

"One of the things that's become very important to me is making sure my family are financially sound," said Ross, who is trying to access his army and police pensions early.

Like other former players, he is also trying to access a life insurance policy.

"I tried to make a claim on my critical illness life insurance policy - under the category for traumatic brain injury.

"[I] provided them with the scan, which clearly identifies areas of neurodegeneration within the brain."

But Ross said his claim was rejected because his medical report did not contain the phrase "death of brain tissue".

Ross' insurance provider, Legal and General, apologised for "any distress or frustration" caused during the claims process, and offered £450 compensation.

It said CTE was "not covered" by the policy, adding that "policy definitions for Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia are not currently met from the medical evidence that has been shared to date".

"Further scans have been offered by the customer's medical team, and we have told him we can consider the claim further if the results of these are provided," a spokesperson added.

Ross is one of hundreds of former rugby players - including former Wales captain Ryan Jones and England World Cup winner Steve Thompson - taking legal action against rugby's governing bodies for head injuries they say they suffered while playing.

He believes the scale of the issue has not been recognised.

"I'm 100% certain there are a lot of people very similar to me, played at the same level - without the doctors - where it was very physical, with potential neurodegeneration and CTE," he said.

"There's got to be thousands of people in the same boat as I am."

Lesley Butcher, a dementia expert and senior lecturer at Cardiff University, said many patients had "concerns about how they're going to pay their mortgage, are they going to forget their children's names, their wife's face, are they going to be able to work again?"

Lesley, a registered nurse, said the prevalence of CTE "hasn't really been established because of the complex diagnostic criteria".

"We can't actually diagnose the condition until somebody's died, which isn't particularly helpful," she said.

"It's difficult because the first point of contact is the GP - I can't make a broad statement here - but there haven't really been studies to determine how much GPs are aware of CTE.

"The health service should be geared up to identify it."

She said this could lead to "tension" and "frustration" if former players tried to access health services, insurance claims or early pensions, because "there's no actual strict diagnostic criteria".

• 'There were tears - but I had to peek behind curtain of head injuries in rugby'
• Rugby player can't remember career due to dementia

The Welsh government said: "There is no specific treatment for CTE, and a definitive diagnosis can only be made post-mortem. However, Memory Assessment Services (MAS) across Wales are working to identify dementia earlier by strengthening links with GPs and communities, promoting brain health, and supporting timely diagnosis. The Welsh Government expects dementia services to be aware of CTE risk where there is a history of head trauma".

It added: "Former players can currently access support through Memory Assessment Services and the existing Dementia Care Pathway", and said, "national work led by NHS Performance and Improvement includes delivering GP training to improve early detection of dementia".

The British Army, Welsh Rugby Union and World Rugby have been asked to comment.

World Rugby, the WRU and RFU said previously: "Acting on the latest science, evidence and independent expert guidance, we constantly strive to safeguard and support all our players - future, current, and former."

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, a list of organisations that can provide help and support is available via BBC Action Line.

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“No Love” is going back to what made him champion.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt returns to action against Xiao Long at UFC 326 this weekend (Sat., March 7, 2026) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The fight game hasn’t exactly been kind to Garbrandt since losing his title at UFC 217 back in 2017. Since then, the former champion has struggled to find consistency, posting a rough 3-7 record while enduring multiple losing streaks.

Some of those struggles have been tied to health issues. Garbrandt has dealt with vertigo since UFC 300, when he was overwhelmed by Deiveson Figueiredo and eventually submitted in the second round (watch highlights). Garbrandt believed the issue was behind him, but the vertigo returned during his most recent loss to Raoni Barcelos.

Now, heading into UFC 326, Garbrandt says that chapter is finally over — and he’s returned to the fundamentals that built his career.

“This is the best camp I’ve had in quite some time,” Garbrandt said during UFC 326 media day. “Sometimes we come up here, and you have like, ‘Oh I feel great! This is an awesome camp’, and you don’t have that. It’s great to be here fight week. To be healthy, to be excited to fight, excited to come and do all the media as well…It’s a huge confidence boost knowing that I did everything I needed to do inside this camp. As I said, I got back to my roots, the wrestling, the boxing. It’s just been great.”

Garbrandt also admitted he can’t remember the last time he felt genuinely excited heading into a fight — but this week feels different, even if his opponent isn’t exactly a household name.

Still, he expects a dangerous challenge.

“Xiao Long is a warrior. Every fight he comes to win. Everything he throws is with malicious intent to kill you,” Garbrandt said. “I don’t think a lot of people know him, but it’s a huge opportunity for him to come first fight in the States. First fight on a pay-per-view card, fighting a former world champion. I expect the best Xiao Long version that’s going to come out there.”

Despite his championship pedigree, Garbrandt currently sits as a slight underdog against Long at +135 heading into fight night.

To checkout the latest and greatest UFC 326: “Holloway vs. Oliveira 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.

At least one of the basketball programs will be searching for a new head coach this offseason, as Penn State announced a “change in leadership” regarding its women’s team. The announcement comes on the heels of the Lady Lions finishing 16th out of 18 Big Ten teams at 11-18 overall, and 4-14 in conference play, and missing out on the conference tournament for the second straight season.

Kieger was hired away from Marquette back in the Spring of 2019 and compiled an overall record of 84-123 in her seven years in Happy Valley. Her first four years comprised of losing seasons, albeit with the overall win total increasing every year from 7, 9, 11, to 14 wins at the end of year four. Her fifth season in 2023-24 saw PSU get off its best start ever under her tenure, being 16-5 at one point and projected to end the program’s decade-long NCAA Tournament drought. Unfortunately, the team collapsed down the stretch, losing six straight at one point and ultimately missed out on the Big Dance.

Kieger would never come close to sniffing the NCAA’s again, as things bottomed out her final two years at PSU, which led to the decision to not renew her contract, which was up this year. In a statement, Athletic Director Pat Kraft said the following:

“We appreciate Coach Kieger’s commitment and passion she brought to Penn State Lady Lion Basketball,” said Vice President for Intercolligate Athletics Pat Kraft. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to competing at the highest level, and we believe a change in leadership is necessary to propel the program toward sustained excellence.”

A search for Kieger’s successor is expected to commence immediately. After enjoying decades of success and regular NCAA Tournament appearances throughout the 1980’s, 90’s, and early-mid 2000’s, the program has only appeared in four NCAA Tournaments in the last 20 years, with the last appearance being in 2014. Hopefully, the next hire can steer the program back towards such levels of success.

A coach and former player for a Cal State men’s basketball team is facing numerous charges after he allegedly trafficked a woman across state lines and possessed guns, drugs and child pornography.

After an anonymous allegation was made in an email to Cal State Bakersfield head coach Rod Barnes, an investigation resulted in the arrest of Kevin Mays, who now faces 11 charges, as detailed by Shwetha Surendran of ESPN.

Those allegations include pimping, possession of automatic firearms and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.

“Separate charges cited him for possession of more than 600 images of youth or child pornography and distribution of obscene matter involving someone under 18 years old,” Surendran explained.

The fallout from the scandal resulted in Barnes and athletic director Kyle Conder leaving their positions.

Mays has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his attorney declined to comment when reached by ESPN.

School spokesperson Jennifer Self said that the allegations don’t involve a student, but they’re still “deeply concerning.”

Self added that they’ve used the incident as an opportunity to educate those on campus about human trafficking.

“We also viewed this moment as an opportunity to take a broader look at our athletic program,” including “structural and administrative changes,” she said.

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Today, hundreds of people came to the Mandarin Pointe Shopping Center to pick up their bibs ahead of the Gate River Run on Saturday.

While runners were filled with excitement for this year’s race, a lot of the runners we spoke with were concerned about the parking changes this year.

“It’s going to be fun,” said runner Jimmy Fitzypatrick about the parking situation. “It’s going to be another race or scavenger hunt.”

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Here is the official parking map for this year’s run:

If you look closely, you’ll see that nearly all of the stadium parking lots are not open to the public to park for the race.

This is because of the ongoing construction forthe stadium of the future.

This is causing some runners, like Jennifer Contreras, to get creative.

“We decided to get a hotel room the night before even though we live in town just to not have to worry with the parking,” Contreras said.

The stadium construction also pushed the start and finish line half a mile towards downtown at the Shipyards. There will be no parking allowed at the Jacksonville Shipyards.

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The Jacksonville Fairgrounds closing forced the expo to move roughly 15 miles south to Mandarin.

We spoke with the Race Director for the Gate River Run, Doug Alred, and asked him to break down where people can park.

“People coming off of the Hart bridge are going to have to park on the east side of the stadium. And then we’re going to run buses from that area,” said Alred. “People that come over Main Street Acosta Bridge you’re going to have to park downtown and walk to the starting line.”

Runners are encouraged to arrive between 60 to 90 minutes ahead of time to secure a parking spot and get to the race on time.

You can find more parking information for the Gate River Run by clicking here.

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Villanova is preparing for the start of the Big East Tournament, but first, the conference handed out its annual awards on Thursday — and the Wildcats saw three earn honors.

Jasmine Bascoe headlined the selections as she was unanimously selected to the First Team All-Big East for the second straight year. The sophomore guard put up 18.7 points per game to go with four rebounds and five assists. She added 1.9 steals per game as well. Bascoe ended the season as the conference’s leader in points and assists per game.

Bascoe scored 20 or more points 12 times this season, including a career-high 30 against Fairfield in November. She ended the season strong, averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and seven assists over the final three games of the regular season. Bascoe came away with eight steals in the finale against Seton Hall.

Brynn McCurry was named the Most Improved Player in the conference while also being named to the Second Team. The junior missed last season with a torn ACL. As a freshman, she averaged 2.7 points and 1.8 rebounds coming off the bench.

This season, McCurry was second on the team with 10.9 points per game and led the team grabbing 5.5 rebounds as well.

Kennedy Henry made a major impact for the Wildcats, starting all 27 games this season. She was named to the All-Defensive team in the Big East while being a unanimous selection to the All-Freshman team as well.

Henry currently has 66 steals, which ties the record for most in their freshman year. She averaged 9.4 points and four rebounds per game this season.

Villanova will enter the Big East Tournament as the No. 2 seed and will start play on Saturday against the winner of Providence and DePaul.

NBA Analyst Explains Why Celtics Still Need Jayson Tatum Despite Shocking Dominance originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics have been shockingly phenomenal without Jayson Tatum this season, going 41-21 in his absence. They've been stellar on both ends of the floor, ranking second in offensive rating and sixth in defensive rating.

However, they still need Tatum, especially if they want to make a deep playoff run and compete for a title this spring.

The Celtics proved that over the last week during their blowout losses to the Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Hornets. They've been a great regular-season team but still struggle against elite competition.

NBA analyst Jason Timpf explained why Boston still needs Tatum on Thursday's episode of "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd.

"This has been a very impressive season for Boston but they need Jayson Tatum."@colincowherd and @_JasonLT react to breaking news that Jayson Tatum could make his season debut Friday vs the Mavs pic.twitter.com/38rLqJBX53

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 5, 2026

One reason is that Tatum gives the Celtics' defense more versatility with his ability to guard centers on switches.

"Jayson Tatum's ability to guard centers gave the Celtics the ability to switch most ball screens, and it was one of the primary driving forces behind them winning the title, most famously breaking that Dallas offense by putting Tatum on centers and switching all of those ball screens," Timpf said. "They need Jayson Tatum. He unlocks their defensive versatility."

Another reason is that Tatum helps unlock Boston's offense with his passing and scoring ability, taking a lot of the offensive pressure off Jaylen Brown.

"Jayson Tatum gives you another guy who can kind of alleviate that burden on Jaylen Brown. Specifically, Jayson Tatum is a much better passer," Timpf added. "Ultimately, it will make them more versatile on both ends of the floor and make them a much better team against the best competition around the league."

Fortunately for the Celtics, Tatum may return as soon as Friday, giving him over a month to get back in the swing of things before the playoffs.

More NBA: Celtics Fans Will Love This Dominique Wilkins-Jayson Tatum Comparison

The first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational begins today, March 5, 2026.

This is the 48th rendition of the tournament held at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

A staple event in the Orlando area since 1979, the Arnold Palmer International attracts spectators from around the world to Central Florida.

The four-day event runs from March 5 to March 8.

Catch WFTV Sports Director Alex Walker out at Bay Hill on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Watch: Indiana guard Lamar Wilkerson surprises mom with Cadillac Escalade after Senior Night originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Indiana guard Lamar Wilkerson spent his Senior Night doing what he has done all season, delivering for the Hoosiers on the court.

But the most memorable moment of the night came after the final buzzer.

Following Indiana's 77-47 win over Minnesota at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Wilkerson walked his mother, Kizzy, into the arena's parking garage. Waiting there was a brand-new 2026 Cadillac Escalade, complete with a large bow, a surprise gift Wilkerson purchased using his NIL earnings.

The emotional moment quickly went viral after a video of the surprise circulated on social media, posted by Daniel Flick, a basketball beat writer for the Indiana Hoosiers on SI.

Lamar Wilkerson just gifted his mom, Kizzy, a brand new Cadillac Escalade.

What an end to Senior Day. #iubbpic.twitter.com/C6mibAUPEb

— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) March 5, 2026

Wilkerson later explained the gift was simply a way to honor the person who helped make his basketball journey possible.

"When she gave me life, she didn't have to love me, she didn't have to sacrifice her life to help me get to where I wanted to be," Wilkerson said.

The Indiana senior described the luxury SUV as a "small token" of appreciation for everything his mother has done for him.

His path to Bloomington was anything but typical.

MORE:March Madness bubble watch: Indiana leads massive night of must-win games

Growing up in Ashdown, Arkansas, Wilkerson watched his mother work multiple jobs to support their family while he pursued his basketball dreams. Long before he became one of Indiana's top scorers and one of the most recognizable players on the roster, the sacrifices came from home.

Kizzy Stewart balanced work and family responsibilities while supporting Wilkerson's development as a player. The journey eventually carried him from a small Arkansas town to junior college basketball, then to Sam Houston State, where he developed into a star.

By the time he arrived at Indiana, he had already established a reputation as one of college basketball's most dangerous shooters and a relentless worker in the gym.

After scoring 16 points in the win over Minnesota, the Hoosiers guard led his mother to the garage where the Escalade waited. The moment captured her shock and emotion as she realized the gift was hers. 

For Wilkerson, the gesture represented far more than a luxury vehicle.

It was a chance to give back.

In an era when NIL opportunities have reshaped college athletics, Wilkerson's decision to use his earnings to support his family stood out to fans across the sport.

Senior Night often celebrates the accomplishments of college athletes.

For Wilkerson, it became a celebration of the sacrifices that helped him get there.

The second matchday of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, presented by Visa, saw a pair of 1-0 scorelines, the first points of the tournament for one team while another gained some separation in the table against a historic rival.

Colombia defeated Argentina 1-0 in the first match of the doubleheader at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. In a rematch of the 2025 Copa América Femenina semifinal, the two CONMEBOL sides entered Wednesday's contest hungry for their first points of the tournament. After a scoreless first half, forward Linda Caicedo broke the deadlock in the 64th minute. Her first goal of the tournament was the game-winner and earned three points for Colombia.

• READ: Colombia vs. Argentina Match Recap

The second match Wednesday featured two historic rivals. The U.S. Women's National Team and Canada entered Wednesday with three points apiece to place the two sides at the top of the SheBelieves Cup table. As it is every time these two teams play each other, Wednesday's match was a competitive contest. In the second half, forward Ally Sentnor provided the go-ahead goal and game-winner for the U.S., finishing off a corner kick to record her team-high third international goal of the year.

• READ: USWNT vs. Canada Match Recap

With the results, the U.S. Women's National Team jumps to first place in the standings and will be looking for either a win or a draw to capture the program's eighth SheBelieves Cup.

2026 SHEBELIEVES CUP STANDINGS AS OF MARCH 4

Next up, all four teams head to Harrison, New Jersey for the final matches of the tournament at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday, March 7:

• Canada vs. Argentina - 12:30 p.m. ET
• USA vs. Colombia - 3:30 p.m. ET

Fans can watch on TNT, truTV and HBO Max in English and Universo and Peacock in Spanish.

Newcastle United will welcome Manchester City at St. James’ Park this Saturday night as they look to secure a good result in the FA Cup. The Magpies managed to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win over Manchester United recently, which should keep them in good spirits going into this game.

Eddie Howe will set his players up in a 4-3-3 formation and is expected to make one change to his first team for this clash. Joe Willock could play from the start of this cup game.

4-3-3 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester City

Defence

Aaron Ramsdale will feature in goal for the Magpies after he conceded one goal in his last outing. Malick Thiaw will continue to play alongside Dan Burn at the centre of the Newcastle backline as they look to keep things solid at the back throughout the game.

Kieran Trippier will hope to put in a solid performance as the right-back, while Lewis Hall looks to prove his worth on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to perform their defensive duties well before they can try to offer some support to their teammates up top.

Alex Murphy and Sven Botman will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: William Osula of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Midfield

Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock will make up Newcastle’s midfield. Their main job would be to make life difficult for the opposition in the middle of the park and engineer some decent chances on the counter.

Jacob Murphy will have to be content with a place on the bench as he waits for his chance to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack

Harvey Barnes will try to prove his value on the left flank, while Anthony Elanga looks to give a good account of himself as the right-sided wide player. Both of them will hope to get in behind the opponent’s backline at every chance they can get.

Anthony Gordon will spearhead Newcastle’s attack in the final third. He would be eager to get his name on the scoresheet versus the Mancunian side this weekend.

Yoane Wissa and William Osula will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the latter stages if the Magpies are in need of a goal by then.

Celtics Writer Wants Fans To Realize What Jayson Tatum Return Will Look Like originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Boston Celtics fans -- NBA fans, in general -- are beyond excited by the news that Jayson Tatum might make his season debut on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Celtics beat writer John Karalis, however, urges caution about expectations. 

"I don't think everyone realizes exactly what's happening here with Tatum," Karalis posted to X, shortly after the Tatum intel went viral.

"This (re-entry to NBA games) is still part of the recovery, and the gap between scrimmages and NBA basketball is large. He will get winded quickly tomorrow. He will get very sore after. He will miss other games as part of this."

I don't think everyone realizes exactly what's happening here with Tatum.

This is still part of the recovery, and the gap between scrimmages and NBA basketball is large. He will get winded quickly tomorrow. He will get very sore after. He will miss other games as part of this.

— John Karalis 🇬🇷 (@John_Karalis) March 5, 2026

Karalis makes some excellent points here. It will be important for fans to give Tatum plenty of grace as he works his way back into shape.

At the same time, you can't fault the thousands of fans who have been waiting for Tatum's comeback for months. Friday night will be a celebration of Tatum's unrelenting rehab work over the past 10 months and his triumphant spirit in the face of a serious injury.

More NBA: Bill Simmons Shares Unexpected Baylor Scheierman-Jayson Tatum Theory

Bills tipped to add All-Pro WR for Josh Allen originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Buffalo Bills' receiver needs have been well-documented for the past couple of seasons, and the franchise has already swung a trade for Chicago Bears receiver DJ Moore, but more should be on the way.

Given that the Bills don't have many legitimate threats in the passing game for Allen, with just Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and now Moore, the Bills, in my opinion, have to get more weapons.

But where should the franchise be looking?

With free agency starting in the next couple of days, Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano thinks that the Bills should go after Deebo Samuel.

"Buffalo doesn’t have much cap space to splurge on a wide receiver for Josh Allen," Manzano wrote. "However, Samuel likely won’t command a high price tag as he heads into his age-30 season. He’s lost some explosiveness, but he’s still a productive playmaker, recording 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns with the Commanders last season."

More: Ravens urged to sign sack monster for Jesse Minter

Samuel a shrewd option

Deebo isn't the "Deebo" we remember from his time in San Francisco, but he still offers value.

With the Washington Commanders last season, Samuel still posted 727 yards and 5 TDs, so the production is still there.

And with the Bills, Samuel could be quite the weapon for Joe Brady. His $15 million APY market value by Spotrac.com is way overpriced, and I don't see any team giving him that this offseason.

But a team-friendly deal to pair him with Moore as Buffalo's receiver additions isn't a bad move.

More NFL news:

• Why Bills WR issues aren't fixed with DJ Moore trade
• Patriots' $26 million WR named as cut candidate
• Buccaneers might already have ideal Mike Evans replacement
• ESPN poses intriguing question to Vikings over J.J. McCarthy's future
• Analyst proposes Cardinals ship Kyler Murray off to intriguing AFC team
• Door definitely not shut on Eagles trading Super Bowl champion
• Bills offered superb Keon Coleman escape route involving 25-TD WR

Where to watch Florida HS girls basketball championships: Schedule, channel, live stream for FHSAA semis, finals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Three weeks of basketball will produce eight state champions in Florida high school girls basketball. 

The FHSAA brackets have seen numerous contenders fall by the wayside, leaving only a select few alive and vying for a coveted state title. 

There will be plenty of new faces lifting trophies when all is said and done, but some potential repeats remain in play. First on that list is the 2A tournament, which sees Miami Country Day trying to secure a fourth consecutive title across multiple classifications. Last year's 1A and 7A champions, Grandview Prep and Winter Haven, also are looking to go back-to-back. 

Elsewhere, schools that fell in last year's finals, like Bolles in 3A and American Heritage in 4A, will hope to get one more win this time. 

Plenty of action is on tap in the Sunshine State. Here's how to watch it all.

Where to watch Florida HS girls basketball championships

• TV channel: None
• Live stream:NFHS Network

The FHSAA girls basketball state semis and finals will stream live on the NFHS Network. 

The NFHS Network offers prospective customers two basic plans: an Annual Pass ($6.67 per month) or a Monthly Pass ($11.99 per month). Subscribers to NFHS Network can watch high school sports nationwide, live and on demand. 

Florida high school girls basketball state championship schedule, brackets

All state semifinal and championship games will stream live on the NFHS Network

Class 2A playoffs

Class 1A playoffs

Class 3A playoffs

Class 4A playoffs

Class 5A playoffs

Class 6A playoffs

Class 7A playoffs

Class Rural playoffs

Where to watch Illinois high school girls basketball finals: Schedule, channel, live stream for IHSA state championships originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 Illinois high school girls basketball playoffs have been taking over the state, but champions will finally be crowned this weekend.

This tournament has brought the state's best athletes together across Classes 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A. Many of Illinois' top teams have been playing their best ball during the most important stretch of the season, including Loyola Academy, Nazareth Academy, Washington and Breese Central.

With only four trophies up for grabs, these matchups are sure to be intense. Don't miss out as these high school athletes attempt to reach the pinnacle of their basketball careers.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Illinois high school girls basketball finals, including TV and streaming options for games.

Where to watch Illinois high school girls basketball finals: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: N/A
• Live stream: NFHS Network

The Illinois high school girls basketball finals will not be available to watch on a national TV channel, but fans can stream games live on the NFHS Network.

The NFHS Network offers two basic plans: an Annual Pass ($6.67 per month) or a Monthly Pass ($13.99 per month). These plans give subscribers the ability to watch live sporting events and create clips of their favorite moments from games.

Illinois high school girls basketball finals schedule 2026

Class 1A

Class 2A

Class 3A

Class 4A

Manchester United’s striker, Bryan Mbeumo, is not living up to the hype.

Bryan Mbeumo has come under fire for his recent form, putting Michael Carrick under pressure to make a call on his place in the starting line-up.

Mbeumo had another quiet night as Manchester United fell 2-1 to Newcastle, missing a couple of good chances and struggling to get involved in the game – something that hasn’t been typical of him, especially in bigger matches.

The Cameroonian’s game outside of goals and assists hasn’t really picked up either, making it harder for him to justify his place when he isn’t scoring or setting up chances. His lack of involvement is starting to stand out more and more.

With Mbeumo’s struggles now becoming a trend rather than a blip, Michael Carrick is facing a decision about whether to keep backing him or look at other options. There are two clear paths forward for the interim boss.

Amad Should Start Over Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo struggled to make an impact on the right against Newcastle, while Lewis Hall kept him under control throughout the match.

Some of Mbeumo’s problems on that flank have come down to a lack of support from the full-back, with very few overlapping runs giving him little space to operate in.

Given how little effect he had, Carrick might be better off turning to Amad on the right. He’d bring more width and play as a proper winger, rather than cutting inside like Mbeumo tends to do.

That switch could help balance out United’s attack and add more creativity, especially since Amad is more willing to take on defenders one-on-one.

Carrick has been positive about Amad before, and right now, his style might be what United need to get back on track.

Amad may not have Mbeumo’s goal record, but his overall play could bring better balance and more attacking options for United going forward.

Carrick’s striker dilemma: stick with Mbeumo or revert to Sesko?

Should Carrick decide to keep Mbeumo in the line-up, shifting him back to his old position up front would be the obvious move.

That would mean Benjamin Sesko dropping to the bench, which could be on the cards anyway with upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon.

Mbeumo notched two goals and an assist in three games as a striker under Carrick—contributions he hasn’t matched while playing out wide.

The forward is more effective running into space than playing with his back to goal. He’s proven more dangerous up top, so moving him back there plays to his strengths.

Either change should help improve United’s shape. Now it’s just down to Carrick to make the call ahead of Villa.

Read more:

Dani Dennis-Sutton is a reliable EDGE defender who could fill the Lions' need. Standing 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, he offers the prototypical frame for an NFL edge rusher and has demonstrated reliability, appearing in 55 consecutive games at Penn State without a single miss.

For the analysis of Dennis-Sutton along with other 2026 draft prospects: Visit my page at JimmyLiaoMD.com

Below is my excerpt on Dennis-Sutton:

(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)

Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE (22) - Penn State

Projected round 3.

Concern level 1/10

• 2025: 13/13. Minor unspecified injury in Game 3.
• 2024: 16/16. Played through suspected groin injury suffered in Game 7.
• 2023: 13/13
• 2022: 13/13
• High school: Missed part of season with dislocated elbow.

Dennis-Sutton compiled 34.5 TFL and 23.5 sacks in his college career which featured zero missed games.

A “groin” can sometimes be concerning for a core muscle injury or a hip joint issue, but it’s reassuring he was able to play through, plus another season afterwards. His dislocated elbow from high school is of low concern after a full college career.

Penn State Career Statistics

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions NFL draft medical preview: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE

Winthrop at Auburn — SECN+

North Florida at Alabama — SECN+

Lipscomb at Mississippi State — SECN+

Sacramento State at LSU — SECN+

Evansville at Mississippi — SECN+

Women's College Gymnastics: Alabama - Kentucky — SECN+

Women's College Gymnastics: Auburn - Michigan State — SECN+

LSU at Tennessee — SECN+

Alabama at Mississippi — SECN+

Kentucky at Auburn — SECN+

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

Where to watch Texas high school girls basketball finals: Schedule, channel, live stream for UIL state championships originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Semifinal rounds have come and gone, and now, title games are here. The 2026 Texas high school girls basketball finals are taking over this weekend.

Only the best high school girls programs remain in contention for a trophy. Across six conferences and 12 divisions, a dozen teams will be able to call themselves champions.

You won't want to miss out on the thrilling action in San Antonio.

Here is everything you need to know about the Texas high school girls basketball finals, including TV and streaming options for games.

Where to watch Texas high school girls basketball finals: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: N/A
• Live stream: NFHS Network

The Texas high school girls basketball finals will not be available to watch on a national TV channel, but fans can stream games live on the NFHS Network.

The NFHS Network offers two basic plans: an Annual Pass ($6.67 per month) or a Monthly Pass ($13.99 per month). These plans give subscribers the ability to watch live sporting events and create clips of their favorite moments from games.

Texas high school girls basketball finals schedule 2026

All state championship games will be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Here's a look at the finals schedule for each conference and division:

Conference 6A — D1

Conference 6A — D2

Conference 5A — D1

Conference 5A — D2

Conference 4A — D1

Conference 4A — D2

Conference 3A — D1

Conference 3A — D2

Conference 2A — D1

Conference 2A — D2

Conference 1A — D1

Conference 1A — D2

Ben White was linked with a move away from Arsenal during the January transfer window, with Everton reportedly interested in securing the defender’s signature.

Although White is widely regarded as an important member of the Arsenal squad, persistent injury problems have limited his involvement this season. As a result, the Gunners have only been able to rely on him in a handful of matches throughout the current campaign.

Uncertainty Over Long-Term Role

Arsenal are expected to consider several adjustments to their squad once the season concludes, and those changes could include the departure of some established players. The club remain focused on their pursuit of the Premier League title, and if they succeed, it would provide White with the opportunity to finish the campaign on a positive note.

Despite his contributions in previous seasons, questions have emerged regarding his long-term future at the Emirates. Arsenal have recently been linked with several defenders who could potentially strengthen the squad and compete for his position. Such speculation has naturally fuelled discussion about whether the club may be open to a transfer should the right opportunity arise.

Everton Monitoring Situation

Interest from Everton has not disappeared. According to Football Insider, there remains a realistic possibility that the Merseyside club could move for White once the season comes to an end.

The report claims that bookmakers currently believe Everton is leading the race for his signature. Should such a move materialise, White could find himself wearing the blue shirt next season, while Arsenal would likely look to reinforce that area of the pitch with the addition of a new full-back.

For now, however, the defender remains part of Mikel Arteta’s squad as the club continues their push towards what could be a historic league triumph.

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Lautaro Martinez has opened up on his ambitions, his love for Inter’s supporters, and the personal difficulties he has overcome during a wide-ranging virtual Q&A with fans organised by theresidency.io.

The Argentine striker was characteristically direct when asked about his ultimate footballing dream, and it is one that has so far eluded him despite an already decorated career.

“Winning the World Cup is the most important thing in football,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb. “But the dream I still want to achieve is winning the Champions League.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter captain Lautaro Martínez reflects on career so far

Lautaro also reflected on his remarkable goalscoring record for the club, having recently climbed to third in Inter’s all-time scoring charts.

“I never imagined reaching this,” he admitted.

“But with work and sacrifice, everything is achievable. Inter is passion. Wearing the captain’s armband for the first time was an indescribable emotion, just like every goal I score at San Siro.”

The Argentine was particularly warm when discussing the Nerazzurri faithful, who have embraced him unconditionally since his arrival from Racing Club.

“From the very first day I felt loved by the people here,” he said. “I feel proud of that.” He also acknowledged that his journey has not always been straightforward, citing personal difficulties alongside physical setbacks, including a metatarsal injury during his time at Racing and an ankle problem sustained during the World Cup triumph with Argentina, as moments that have shaped his character.

Currently sidelined with a muscular injury, Lautaro will be eager to return to full fitness and continue writing his name into Inter’s history books.

Bills rumor reveals wide receiver Buffalo is targeting next after D.J. Moore trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Buffalo Billsacquired wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears on Thursday, but it looks like the team isn't done adding talent to the position group.

According to Essentially Sports' Tony Pauline, Buffalo is looking for another receiver, and Green Bay Packers free agent Romeo Doubs seems to be one of general manager Brandon Beane's top targets.

"People in the league tell me the Bills will add another receiver to their depth chart via the draft or free agency despite trading for Moore.  Romeo Doubs is a name that’s been passed around in league circles as a receiver the Bills are expected to target," Pauline said.

Doubs tallied a career-high 724 receiving yards in 2025 and also had six touchdowns. The 25-year-old is an ascending player and one of the top receivers on the free-agent market.

Adding Doubs after trading for Moore would be a savvy move by the Bills. The Nevada product would be a solid No. 2 boundary receiver in Buffalo's offense, and give quarterback Josh Allen a capable receiver trio in Moore, Doubs, and Khalil Shakir.

The Bills will need to clear some cap space if they want to sign Doubs, as Buffalo is currently $31 million under the cap. Doubs is projected to land a deal worth $12 million annually, per Spotrac, but it wouldn't be shocking if he signs a contract worth closer to $15 to $17 million per year.

Doubs isn't an elite receiver, but the former fourth-round pick would be a nice fit in Buffalo and could unlock the next level of his game in an Allen and Joe Brady-led offense.

The Seattle Seahawks have inquired with the Minnesota Vikings about star pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, but so has half the NFL.

Corbin K. Smith dropped this insider hint last night which got the Seahawks twitter community amped up. How excited should this make them, though?

Re: Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard... I'm told by a reporter with inside knowledge of the team that Minnesota has received inquiries from "half the league," including #Seahawks.

He's going to be in demand, but sounds like a second rounder and Day 3 pick is sweet spot.

— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) March 5, 2026

The Vikings want to get in on the free agent quarterback market this offseason after J.J, McCarthy’s first two years have been marred by injury and inconsistency. They’ve been rumored to have interest in Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray after they were cut by the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals, but they will likely offload salary to do so. Greenard is owed $45 million over the final two years of his current contract.

The Seahawks need pass rush help as it looks more likely than ever that DeMarcus Lawrence might retire. Boye Mafe is also likely to be paid highly as an unrestricted free agent. Losing two key members of the edge rusher group leaves holes to fill in production the size of at least one Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher, if not another. Greenard would fill that hole pre-draft and allow the team to know where they stand heading into it (while allowing them to take another, too, unlike if they paid the steep asking price for Maxx Crosby.

Greenard is a six-year veteran who played out his rookie contract with the Houston Texans before receiving his big free agent payday with the Vikings. He gave the Seahawks fits in Week 13, producing 2 pressures on just 11 pass rush snaps.

Half the league wants him for a reason. Keep an eye out for these rumors as this trade saga doesn’t look to be dying down. It’d be a surprise not to see Greenard move in the next two weeks.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks target Vikings' Jonathan Greenard

While much of the focus for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason is about free agency and the NFL Draft, there will also be players who get cut or released.

Pro Football Focus recently revealed one player they think could get cut from each of the 32 teams. For the Bengals, it’s defensive tackle T.J. Slaton. Signed as a free agent last March, Slaton was ranked as just the 112th defensive tackle according to PFF, with a grade of just 44. That’s just not good enough.

Right now, Slaton is on the books for $8.9 million. Cutting him would save the Bengals $6.4 million.

The Bengals need to address the interior of their defensive line this offseason. That much is known. Whether it be with a big splash in free agency or in the draft, they need to shore up the middle of their defensive front. They can’t keep getting gashed on the ground and not be able to generate any pass pressure up the middle.

Slaton was thought to provide that. He didn’t live up to expectations. Cutting him would enable the Bengals to devote that money to someone better and more capable of fixing their issues in the interior of their defensive line.

After winning the first Big Ten regular season title in program history, three UCLA women’s basketball stars made a special appearance in a halftime show performance with UCLA’s dance team.

Two weeks ago, graduate student guard Charlisse Leger-Walker posted a YouTube video where she and Jaquez learned the choreography for one of the dance team’s halftime performances. At the end of the video, Leger-Walker said she and Jaquez would perform at the UCLA men’s basketball game against Nebraska if the video received 1,000 likes.

The video not only reached 1,000 likes, committing Leger-Walker and Jaquez to the halftime performance. But the pair also recruited Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Lauren Betts.

“Lauren and I have been wanting to take a dance class in L.A. for a long time,” Jaquez told ESPN. “We both grew up dancing, and we love to dance in the locker room and stuff. But this wasn’t just like a TikTok dance, it was the real thing. So when Charlisse came up with this idea, we were all-in.”

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The Bruins just came off an undefeated Big Ten conference season and will now turn their focus to the Big Ten Tournament this weekend. UCLA has a chance to win a national championship, and Betts said the performance shows how much chemistry the Bruins have in and out of basketball.

“This team is all about fun,” Betts said to ESPN. “And this is the type of fun that we like to have. We genuinely love doing things like this together. I never thought something like this would happen but here we are. And I think it just shows the type of chemistry that this team has. Like look at us out here dancing and then winning basketball games.”

Jaquez Also Made Appearances With The UCLA Softball Team

In addition to performing at halftime with the UCLA dance team, Jaquez joined the UCLA softball team for the 2024 season.

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She made her debut with the Bruins’ softball team as a pinch runner against Georgia in NCAA Super Regionals. Jaquez also scored one run for UCLA when then-sophomore infielder Jordan Woolery hit a three-run home run while Jaquez was on base.

Before coming to UCLA, she played on Adolfo Camarillo’s softball team alongside UCLA redshirt junior utility Rylee Pinedo.

Photo Credit: ESPN

The post UCLA Women’s Basketball Stars Perform in Halftime Show appeared first on LA Sports Report.

To borrow a line from Bob Dylan, in the AL West, the times they are a-changin’. After winning four straight division titles and seven over eight seasons, the Astros regressed last summer and surrendered divisional supremacy to the Mariners. Seattle had long possessed the pitching staff to emerge from this group, and a magical season from Cal Raleigh keyed an improved lineup that finally gave the team the offense it needed. The Mariners’ magical run got them one win away from playing in the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

Looking ahead, this is still Seattle’s division to lose. The Astros retooled over the winter but didn’t necessarily improve. The Rangers took steps to repair a disappointing offense and will hope their surprisingly effective pitching staff can exceed expectations for a second straight year. The Angels are far off the pace, and while the Athletics are trending in the right direction, they still have a long way to go.

Read more: AL East division preview | AL Central division preview

Seattle Mariners

Projected record (per FanGraphs, as of March 5): 88-74, 79.3% odds to make the playoffs, 61.5% odds to win the division

What happened last season? The Mariners plodded along, a few games over .500, for most of the season before a furious finish (17-8 in September) pushed them past the Astros to the top of the AL West. They rode their hot streak into the postseason, where they survived a memorable series from Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to squeak past Detroit in the ALDS. They followed that win with a thrilling ALCS against Toronto, and they were on the verge of reaching the World Series before George Springer sunk their hopes with a three-run homer. All told, this was the closest Seattle had ever come to going all the way. 

The magical ride was keyed by Cal Raleigh, who had arguably the greatest season ever by a catcher, producing 60 homers, 125 RBI and 110 runs. The Big Dumper was well supported by franchise cornerstone Julio Rodriguez, who overcame his typical slow start to post a 30-30 season. Randy Arozarena also had a good year, and Josh Naylor gave the lineup a spark after arriving at the trade deadline. Seattle’s talented pitching staff was slightly underwhelming overall, but there were some outstanding individual performances, especially from starter Bryan Woo and closer Andres Muñoz.

What happened in the offseason? Typically one of the most aggressive and unpredictable franchises, the Mariners were purposeful but controlled over the winter. Their major move came early in free agency, when president Jerry Dipoto retained Naylor on a five-year contract. In December, Dipoto solidified the bullpen by trading catching prospect Harry Ford, who was blocked by the presence of Raleigh, to the Nationals for lefty Jose A. Ferrer. And in early February, a three-way trade brought in Brendan Donovan from St. Louis. He’s expected to play third base but is also an option at second.

Best-case scenario for 2026: The Mariners have enough talent to finally reach the World Series. Raleigh’s booming bat and solid defensive skills at a premium position make him as valuable as anyone in baseball. Rodriguez is already a star and could still take his game to another level. The rest of the lineup is just good enough to support their two centerpieces, and it could be even better if top prospect Colt Emerson soon arrives in the majors and Donovan continues to show elite contact skills. The pitching staff has enough talent to carry the club. Woo, Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo and George Kirby can match the top four arms on any team, and Bryce Miller should bounce back from a disappointing 2025. Muñoz is a terrific closer, and the setup crew is deep and diverse.

Worst-case scenario: The pitching staff is so deep that the floor for Seattle is pretty high. If the club were to fall short of a postseason berth, it would be due to a lack of run production. Raleigh should be excellent again, but a repeat of his magical season seems virtually impossible. Also, the bottom four spots in Seattle’s lineup look nothing like that of a contender, and there could be too many holes for Dipoto to plug at the deadline if Emerson struggles as a rookie and no one emerges from the current cast of characters. It’s worth noting that even with Raleigh’s heroics, Seattle was a fringe postseason team when the calendar flipped to September last year.

Make-or-break player: Dominic Canzone. This lineup needs more length, and Canzone is the man who has the best chance to make that happen. Unable to log a .700 OPS over his initial two seasons, Canzone was terrific last year (.840 OPS), albeit over just 82 games. Most notably, the left-handed hitter was good enough against southpaws to remain in the lineup. If Canzone can provide protection behind the stars in the top five lineup spots and Emerson can emerge as a viable infield option, Dipoto can zero in on a couple of holes at the deadline and build a lineup that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in October.

Season prediction: With the Astros taking a small step backward, the Mariners clearly have the best roster in this division. Seattle shouldn’t need a September surge to put away the AL West competition this year, and the Mariners can produce a win total that gets them another bye through the wild-card round. If the rotation stays healthy, Seattle has as good a chance as any team to represent the American League in the World Series.

Read more: AL West offseason grades

Houston Astros

Projected record: 80-82, 33.7% odds to make the playoffs, 13.6% odds to win the division

What happened last season? A summer collapse snapped a streak of eight consecutive postseason appearances. The Astros led the AL West by six games at the beginning of July before posting a sub-.500 record in each of the final three months of the season. The team had no answers when the Mariners caught fire in September and lost the final AL wild-card spot on a tiebreaker with the Tigers. The Astros’ offense slipped from 11th in runs scored in 2024 to 21st last season. The pitching staff regressed as well, falling from 6th to 11th in ERA. 

Still, there were some positives. Hunter Brown emerged as an ace, and Josh Hader was a terrific closer until a shoulder injury sidelined him in mid-August. Offensively, Jeremy Peña took a notable step forward. But the disappointments were substantial, especially from Yordan Alvarez, who was limited by injuries to 48 games and posted a .797 OPS that was more than 150 points lower than his career mark. Slugger Christian Walker was also a major letdown in his first season with the club.

What happened in the offseason? Although it’s hard to say this team improved, the front office tinkered with the roster by making a few transactions. The winter session started with a minor deal that sent Mauricio Dubon to the Braves for Nick Allen in a swap of players with similar skill sets. Mike Burrows was acquired from the Pirates to fill the rotation spot vacated by free agent Framber Valdez. Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai surprised many by choosing the Astros before his posting window expired. And Ryan Weiss was signed after two seasons in the KBO. He could grab a rotation spot or join the relief corps. In February, Houston jettisoned Jesus Sanchez in order to reclaim former Astros outfield prospect Joey Loperfido. The offseason ended on a sour note, as Hader announced that he was behind on his spring training program due to biceps inflammation.

Best-case scenario for 2026: After nearly a decade of dominance, the Astros could hang on for a couple more winning campaigns. Getting at least 140 games and a .900 OPS from Alvarez would transform the lineup. And a trio of 30-somethings — Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Walker — can still be impact players. With those veterans and an improved Peña, the top half of Houston’s lineup can be better than that of most teams. The pitching staff will miss Valdez, but Imai could lessen the blow by having a solid rookie season. If Hader’s arm is sound, he and Bryan Abreu will form one of the best late-innings duos in the American League.

Worst-case scenario: Things could go south quickly in Houston if a few of the veterans hit the wall. Walker already reached that stage last year, and there’s no guarantee that he’ll rebound. The same fate could soon come for Altuve and Correa, who logged an OPS under .750 in two of the past three seasons. The veterans need to hang on for another year, as youngsters Cam Smith and Zach Cole are still complimentary players, rather than centerpieces. The five candidates to fill the four rotation spots behind Brown made a combined 40 major-league starts last year, which gives this group an extremely low floor. And the bullpen will be in serious trouble if Hader experiences more injury issues. Dynasties sometimes fall off quickly, and the Astros could spend the season in the mix with the Athletics and Angels, rather than the Mariners and Rangers.

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Make-or-break player: Tatsuya Imai.The Astros desperately need Imai to have a dazzling rookie season. The 27-year-old certainly has an impressive résumé, as he produced an ERA under 2.50 in each of the past four seasons. And the cat-and-mouse game between batters and pitchers can sometimes favor a new hurler while hitters get used to his delivery and arsenal. Houston needs Imai to make use of every advantage, as he is the team’s most likely No. 2 starter. If Imai falters, the pitching-rich Mariners will lap the Astros in terms of rotation quality and depth.

Season prediction: The guess here is that the dynasty is over. The Astros had a terrific run, but they’re now going through the inevitable cycle that comes from annually trading away prospects for veterans. To surpass the Mariners or grab a wild-card spot in 2026, they’ll need several things to break their way. And even if they squeak in, their October stay will likely be brief. The lack of offseason spending was a clear sign that the front office is starting to go in a different direction, and a slow start to the season could see more veterans sent packing by the summer.

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Texas Rangers

Projected record: 80-82, 34.5% odds to make the playoffs, 14.2% odds to win the division

What happened last season? The Rangers wasted a terrific season of pitching en route to finishing with a .500 record. The Texas rotation led the majors with a 3.47 ERA, thanks to outstanding seasons from Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi and solid campaigns from Jack Leiter and Patrick Corbin. And despite not having a full-time closer, the bullpen was effective. Unfortunately, the offense underachieved and finished 22nd in baseball in runs scored. Corey Seager missed 60 games, while Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia fared so poorly that they’re no longer on the roster. Joc Pederson and Jake Burger were massive disappointments in their first year with the team, and Evan Carter was limited by injuries to 63 games. 

What happened in the offseason? The front office began the winter in controversial fashion when they non-tendered longtime Rangers Adolis Garcia and Jonah Heim. Both players were key contributors in the team’s 2023 trip to the World Series but had fallen off since then. A few weeks later, Danny Jansen was signed to replace Heim as Kyle Higashioka’s counterpart. One of baseball’s most intriguing offseason deals was a one-for-one trade of Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo. Semien is one of the most respected players in baseball, but this deal seems like a win for Texas. After all, Nimmo is three years younger than Semien and was the better hitter the past two seasons. In January, Texas made a major splash when it traded five prospects to the Nationals in exchange for left-hander MacKenzie Gore.

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Best-case scenario for 2026: Although they’re underdogs, the Rangers have a path to the postseason. It starts with pitching, where deGrom needs to log another 30-start season, Eovaldi must maintain his step forward from last year, and Gore needs to rediscover the form that led to a 3.02 ERA in the first half of 2025. Leiter is still young enough to take a step forward, and Kumar Rocker hasn’t come close to reaching his ceiling. If everything breaks right, the Rangers could have an outstanding rotation. Offensively, the key will be for several 2025 disappointments to have bounce-back seasons. That list includes Pederson, Burger, Carter and Josh Jung. There’s also a chance that Wyatt Langford goes from good to great, and getting a healthy season from Seager would make a big difference. If most of those things happen, Texas will find itself in the race for the top spot in the AL West.

Worst-case scenario: In all likelihood, there’s too much uncertainty for this roster to break through. Due to age and injury history, deGrom and Eovaldi are major regression candidates. And the bullpen is unlikely to pull off another magic act in which they turn a group of no-name relievers into an effective group. The most likely scenario is for what was a league-leading pitching staff to fall back closer to the pack. It’s also wishful thinking to expect more than half of the lineup to fare better than last season. A more likely scenario is that a couple of hitters improve, which gives Texas a respectable lineup but nothing more than that.

Make-or-break player: Nathan Eovaldi. The Rangers lack rotation depth and will be in big trouble if either Eovaldi or deGrom spends time on the IL. Eovaldi is arguably the bigger injury risk of the two, given that he finished last season with a rotator cuff strain. There’s also uncertainty with Eovaldi in terms of his per-inning effectiveness. The right-hander was an effective starter for many years before taking his game to another level in 2025. While he’s unlikely to repeat his 1.73 ERA, achieving a mark in the low 3.00s will make him a terrific co-star alongside deGrom.

Season prediction: The Rangers seem set to fall a few games short of a postseason berth. Winning the AL West is unlikely, as the Mariners have a deeper roster, especially on the mound. And the wild-card spots will be hotly contested by the Astros and several AL East teams. Texas will likely stay in the postseason race until late September but ultimately fall short due to a lack of depth in the bullpen and lineup.

Athletics

Projected record: 79-83, 25.3% odds to make the playoffs, 9.1% odds to win the division

What happened last season? After a lengthy rebuild and an unceremonious departure from Oakland, things started to look up for the Athletics. The club posted its highest win total (76) since 2021, which was primarily the result of an offense that finished 12th in runs scored. And the A’s improved throughout the season, with a 41-34 record after July 1. Within the team success, there were some exciting individual performances. Nick Kurtz debuted in late April and instantly became one of baseball’s most feared sluggers en route to being named AL Rookie of the Year. His 1.002 OPS would’ve ranked third in baseball if he had enough plate appearances to qualify. Fellow rookie Jacob Wilson was just as dominant in the batting average department, as his .311 mark placed third among qualified hitters. There were also productive veterans, as Brent Rooker had another excellent season, Tyler Soderstrom showed notable improvement, and Shea Langeliers was one of baseball’s top hitters in the second half.

What happened in the offseason? As a team that is still rebuilding and has not yet moved into its permanent home, the Athletics were predictably quiet over the winter. They managed to swing one notable trade when they picked up Jeff McNeil from the Mets. McNeil will play second base and should be helped by the switch to a hitter-friendly home park. The rest of the roster mostly remained status quo. JJ Bleday was the most notable departure, as he was designated for assignment before joining the Reds.

Best-case scenario for 2026: Although reaching the postseason is a stretch, there’s a scenario in which this team slugs its way into September contention. The offense is still scratching the surface of its immense potential, especially with an offense-inducing home park on its side. Kurtz and Wilson should each appear in 25-30 more games than last year. Langeliers will be the second coming of Cal Raleigh if he can build on his second-half performance, and Lawrence Butler still has the breakout potential that he failed to deliver on last year. The team’s Achilles’ heel is the pitching staff, but getting 30 respectable starts from Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Jacob Lopez and Luis Morales would give the offense a chance to win more games.

Worst-case scenario: While it’s a near-certainty that the 2026 Athletics will score runs, a pitching staff that finished 27th in ERA last year will likely be their undoing. Severino has been vocal about the fact that he isn’t happy with his current situation, and Lopez and Springs are the only members of the rotation who had more than a few effective starts last year. Even avid baseball fans would be hard-pressed to name anyone in the A’s bullpen, which makes sense given the lack of track record for most members. While the organization has a few pitching prospects who will debut this year, none has the skill set to make an impact right away. Aside from blind optimism, there’s no reason to expect significant improvement from this group.

Make-or-break player: Jacob Lopez. For the Athletics to reach the next level, someone needs to emerge as a true ace in the rotation. While there are no obvious candidates on the roster, Lopez has the best shot. The left-hander has significant swing-and-miss skills (11.0 K/9 rate in 2025) and in seven of his 17 starts last year, Lopez threw at least six innings while giving up two or fewer earned runs. He can be prone to homers, and his control skills fluctuated wildly from one start to the next last year. But the potential is there, with consistency being the key next step.

Season prediction: The Athletics are going to be the most exciting non-contender in baseball in 2026. Their offense will crack the top 10 in runs scored, making the team a regular headline-grabber. But the pitching staff will be their undoing, as the club probably isn’t ready to climb much higher than 25th in runs allowed. In a best-case scenario, the Athletics rise to third in the AL West and give their front office reasons to invest in pitching staff additions next winter.

Los Angeles Angels

Projected record: 73-89, 5.3% odds to make the playoffs, 1.6% odds to win the division

What happened last season? The Angels endured another disappointing season, finishing last in the AL West for a second straight year and running their streak of losing records to 10 campaigns. A poor start (9-16 in April) and finish (8-18 in September) doomed their season, but they were only two games under .500 when they took the field on July 30. The offense flashed plenty of power, finishing fourth in the majors in homers, as Jo Adell and Taylor Ward hit more than 35 each and Mike Trout and Zach Neto each went deep 26 times. But any offensive success was more than offset by a pitching staff that ranked 28th in ERA. Injuries were not the issue, as five pitchers made at least 23 starts, but none logged an ERA under 3.99 or a WHIP below 1.28. Last winter, the front office made moves designed to produce a winning team, which made it even more embarrassing for the Angels to finish behind the rebuilding A’s for a second straight year.

What happened in the offseason? As per usual, the Angels made several offseason moves but might not have improved their roster. They started with a significant trade, shipping Ward to Baltimore for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, who missed all of 2025 due to an elbow injury. It was a risky move to get a discounted pitcher who was once expected to be an ace and is still just 26 years old. Their second trade was a smaller one, acquiring Vaughn Grissom from the Red Sox for outfielder Isaiah Jackson. Like Rodriguez, Grissom was once expected to be an impact player; he could become the Angels’ starting second baseman. In January, the Angels replaced Ward by acquiring Josh Lowe from the Rays. Lowe flashed an exciting skill set when he hit .292 with 20 homers and 32 steals in 2023, but he experienced a steep decline while dealing with injuries the past two years. The Angels’ only notable free-agent signings were veteran reliever Kirby Yates, who was one of baseball’s best closers two years ago before struggling with injuries and ineffectiveness in his lone season with the Dodgers, and Yoan Moncada, who posted a solid .783 OPS in 84 games with the Angels last year.

Best-case scenario for 2026: You really have to squint to find a path to the postseason, but here goes nothing. The lineup could be better than the one that ranked 25th in runs scored last year, if Lowe effectively replaces Ward and Grissom hits for average. After all, Adell and Neto are on the upswing, and Trout is a generational talent who could have some kind of late-career resurgence. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe is also much better than he showed when he logged a .629 OPS last season. For the pitching staff to make significant progress, Rodriguez and Yates will have to pitch as well as they did in 2024. They’ll also get Robert Stephenson back from injury, and he could combine with Yates and Drew Pomeranz to form an effective late-inning trio.

Worst-case scenario: This could be the year that the rebuilding Athletics pull away from the Angels. Unless Lowe turns around a two-year slump, the lineup will really miss Ward. As things stand, the bottom-four hitters in the regular lineup either posted an OPS below .700 last season or didn’t appear in the majors at all. And if the gamble on Rodriguez doesn’t pay off, the Angels’ pitching staff will be much worse than the lineup. There’s no one to eat innings behind Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano, who are subpar staff leaders. And the bullpen is depending on Yates in his age-39 season, Pomeranz in his age-37 campaign and Stephenson, who threw 10 innings last year. The Angels could post the worst ERA in the American League.

Make-or-break player: Grayson Rodriguez. It would be hard to give this title to anyone other than the 26-year-old, who was tabbed one of baseball’s best prospects in 2022. He fared well in his initial two seasons with the Orioles and was ascending toward ace status when he logged a 3.59 FIP and a 10.0 K/9 rate in his 2024 sophomore campaign. Then injuries caused him to miss all of 2025. If Rodriguez is healthy, the Angels will finally have a leader for their staff. But it’s an ominous sign that a Baltimore team that was looking for starting pitching this offseason chose to trade away one of the most talented arms on the roster. Make no mistake: The acquisition of Rodriguez was a huge gamble for an Angels organization that lacked the prospect capital to trade for a skilled, healthy starter.

Season prediction: In 2026, the Angels will finally succumb to the need for a full rebuild. They have tried to put band-aids on their problems for several years, all while wasting Trout’s prime years and watching his body slowly break down. This will be the year they finally give up and trade multiple veterans for younger players. There are some pieces in place for the future; Neto, Adell, Schanuel and Rodriguez are all under 27 and have considerable skills. The Angels will get off to a slow start, and if they’re smart, they’ll follow the lead of the 2025 Twins and trade away everything that isn’t nailed to the floor at the deadline, which will finally start them on the road toward sustainable success. The Angels haven’t reached the postseason since 2014, which makes it obvious that their current course isn’t working.

Driver Alex Bowman won't race during this weekend's NASCAR Cup Series event in Phoenix.

Hendricks Motorsports announced on Thursday, March 5 that Bowman had been diagnosed with vertigo earlier this week and hasn't been medically cleared to compete in Sunday's Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway. He will be replaced in the No. 48 Chevrolet by driver Anthony Alfredo.

Bowman, 32, began experiencing symptoms during last Sunday's NASCAR road coarse race at Circuit of the Americas and eventually exited the car at lap 71 due to illness. Hendrick Motorsports said the Tucson, Arizona, native underwent two days of medical evaluation this week and drove laps on Thursday in a streetcar at the Ten Tenths Motor Club road course in Concord, North Carolina before being ruled out of the Phoenix race.

NASCAR: Celebrate Dale Earnhardt's legacy with our new book, special edition

There is not yet a timetable for Bowman's return. He currently sits in 36th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings after a slow start to the 2026 season. He missed NASCAR races while dealing with health issues related to a concussion and fractured vertebra in his back in previous seasons.

“Alex has worked very hard over the last several days,” Hendrick Motorsports president Jeff Andrews said in a statement on Thursday. “We’re encouraged by the progress he’s making, but we have to prioritize his health above all else. It’s obviously frustrating for him because he’s a competitor and wants to be in the race car, especially at his home track. We’ll continue to support Alex and look forward to his return as soon as he’s medically cleared.”

Hendrick Motorsports added that it will request a medical waiver to allow Bowman to remain eligible for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Alfredo, 26, performs extensive simulator testing for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet and has 210 NASCAR national series starts, including 43 at the Cup level.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alex Bowman injury update for NASCAR Phoenix after vertigo diagnosis

Seahawks linked to 1,023-yard Super Bowl champion RB as Kenneth Walker replacement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Seahawks are in a precarious spot with their superstar running back, Kenneth Walker III. He's a free agent and might depart after winning Super Bowl MVP.

In a free agent and draft class without great running backs, Walker is the clear top option, and surely on his way to a massive contract this offseason. That's bad news for Seattle, as he might be out of their price range.

However, the Seahawks could instead turn to a different running back named Kenneth in free agency. ESPN's Ben Solak named Pittsburgh Steelers free agent Kenneth Gainwell as a great target for the Seahawks this offseason to replace Walker.

Seahawks linked to Kenneth Gainwell to replace Kenneth Walker

"Gainwell seems like a great complement to Jordan Mason in Minnesota or Charbonnet in Seattle," Solak writes.

While the Minnesota Vikings might be a suitor for Gainwell this offseason, if he were to get the same offer, Seattle would be the better landing spot by a wide margin.

Going from one Kenneth to another would be a fun offseason storyline, but regarding their on-field production, it would be a smart move for the Seahawks.

Gainwell will cost significantly less than Walker this offseason, but he brings enough juice to the offense that he might not be a terrible replacement.

Last year for the Steelers, Gainwell ran for 537 yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries. That was around half of what Walker had last season.

More: Kenneth Walker III poised for big payday after Breece Hall's franchise tag

However, Gainwell's work comes through as a receiver. He caught 73 of 85 targets last season, going for 486 yards and three touchdowns.

Overall, Gainwell totaled 1,023 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns. While not as good as Walker last year, it's good enough that he's worth taking a chance on.

He also had Super Bowl experience with the Philadelphia Eagles, putting together some solid plays during their two recent Super Bowl runs in 2022 and 2024.

If the Seahawks are looking for a good running back to replace Walker, going with Gainwell would be a smart choice. He's a good dual-threat running back and would be a nice pairing with Charbonnet next year.

More Seahawks news:

• Jake Bobo let go after Super Bowl run
• Rashid Shaheed projected to land $30 million contract in free agency
• Kenneth Walker III not franchise tagged, will hit free agency
• David Montgomery being traded to Texans makes RB market very expensive for Seattle
• Rashid Shaheed might join Klint Kubiak in leaving Seattle for Raiders
• Alontae Taylor would be perfect free agent CB to pair with Devon Witherspoon
• 49ers WR Jauan Jennings projected to sign with Seahawks

Bobby Moorehead carries a sort of quiet intensity. He’s not boisterous, he doesn’t stomp his feet on the sideline or hoot and holler.

But spend any time around the former University of Montana hooper — now second-year Bellarmine Prep boys basketball coach — and a few things become clear: there’s a seriousness there, an edge. There are few things he demands from his teams.

“You’ve gotta be tough,” he said. “You’ve gotta have grit. To me, there’s nothing more embarrassing than a loose ball being on the floor and us not being there first. To me, that’s what it’s all about.

“There’s a lot of people who just don’t want to compete. In life, in basketball, in everything, they just don’t want to compete. So for us, that’s an easy way to put ourselves at an advantage.”

Moorehead, who is a 2015 graduate of Tacoma’s Stadium High School, is quickly establishing himself as one of the elite coaches in Washington’s 3A classification.

He took Bellarmine to the 3A state tournament quarterfinals in his first season and this winter, has Bellarmine Prep in the state tournament semifinals after a 68-40 win over Edmonds-Woodway in the quarterfinals at the Tacoma Dome on Thursday.

This year’s team mirrors his coaching identity: tough, defensive-minded, scrappy.

“We love it,” senior forward Ben Heisel told The News Tribune after Thursday’s win. “(Moorehead) pushes us in practice, defense. In the game, we’ve gotta play defense. Work hard, play defense.”

Moorehead, easy to spot on the sideline at 6-foot-7, was the 4A Narrows League MVP in his senior season at Stadium, when he averaged 26.5 points and 11 rebounds. At Montana, he appeared in a school-record 134 games, including 79 starts. He started all 69 games over his final two seasons and scored 764 points during his college career.

After college, he worked as an assistant under now-retired Curtis coach Tim Kelly, part of a coaching staff that coached the Vikings to back-to-back 4A state titles with McDonald’s All-American and UW signee Zoom Diallo (now playing for UW) leading the charge.

Moorehead said his coaching philosophy is a culmination of both his playing and coaching career.

“I think you take stuff from every stop you’re at,” he said. “I had coaches in high school, so I take things from those days. I take a lot from my Montana days, obviously. We had a lot of success when I was at Montana, so there’s things that I thought were gonna translate.

“And then obviously at the high school level, learning what it means to be successful with Tim (Kelly). … learning a lot from a guy who is in my opinion, maybe the best coach in Washington history.”

The results have been immediate at Bellarmine Prep. The state semifinals appearance this season is the furthest Bellarmine has advanced in the bracket since 2012. Prior to his arrival, the program’s last state tournament appearance came in 2018.

To Bellarmine coach athletic director Kevin Meines, Moorehead has been the perfect fit for the private school that values community.

“He’s good at relationship building, connecting with the players, Meines said. “We’re a relational school.”