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Air Canada’s 737 MAX brings direct seasonal flights from Canada to Europe, opening new travel opportunities for tourists seeking quick, convenient trips.
Formula One cancels the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, prioritizing the safety of teams and spectators.
Flight delays and cancellations hit Amsterdam Schiphol with major disruptions affecting multiple airlines. Passengers advised to check schedules for updates
Passenger travel delays across major North American airports including Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and U.S. hubs affect routes to Canada and the United States.
Travelers grounded in the US today as 23 cancellations and 128 delays hit San Francisco Airport, disrupting flights across Chicago, Los Angeles and more.
Regional flights of Chorus Aviation strengthen Canadian travel links, reshape U.S. tourism flows, and guide global travelers toward smarter trip planning.
Heading to Tenerife or Lanzarote? Read the latest 2026 travel warning for the Canary Islands regarding tourism protests, new sustainable rules, and traveler advice.
Gigabyte has listed the Intel Panther Lake variant of the Brix mini PC on its website. The initial page shows that it can be equipped with up to the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H and support for up to 128GB of user-replaceable memory.
Mechrevo has introduced a new 16-inch gaming laptop in China with the powerful Ryzen 9 8945HX Dragon Range CPU and up to an RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. A 300 Hz QHD display is also on offer, making the laptop an excellent choice for fast-paced competitive gaming.
Deal | Amazon has significantly discounted one of the most popular configurations of the MacBook Pro 14, which is powered by the fast M5 chipset and comes with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. This configuration is now almost as affordable as the former base model with half as much storage.
Set to face the USMNT and Mexico national team in March, Portugal FA could reportedly have their finances hi if Cristiano Ronaldo ends up missing the international break.
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s participation in the upcoming March international window is very much in doubt as the forward continues to work his way back from injury. With friendly matches already arranged against Mexico and the USMNT, reports suggest the Portugal Football Federation could take a financial hit if Ronaldo is unable to feature.
After picking up a hamstring injury in late February, Ronaldo has already sat out Al Nassr’s last two matches against Neom SC and Al Khaleej FC on Saturday. His availability for Portugal’s upcoming squad has been cast into serious doubt, and the consequences of his absence could extend well beyond the pitch for the FPF.
According to Correio da Manhã, the FPF’s expected remuneration for the games against Mexico and the USMNT could be reduced by as much as 20% if Ronaldo is unable to take part. Fans across North America had been eagerly anticipating the chance to see the Portuguese legend in action, and his absence would be felt both on the field and at the gate.
Portugal has organized a North American tour ahead of the World Cup to familiarize themselves with the venues and conditions they could face in the tournament. The trip begins with a match against Mexico on March 28 at Estadio Banorte, also known as the Azteca, before the Seleção cross the border three days later to take on Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts following an injury.
From the moment the tour was announced, excitement in both host countries reached fever pitch, centered largely around the prospect of Ronaldo’s return to North America for the first time since 2014. That summer, Real Madrid faced Manchester United in a friendly in the United States, which stands as the last time the Portuguese icon set foot on American soil. Adding to the intrigue, Ronaldo has never played a single match in Mexico throughout his entire career, making the Azteca fixture all the more anticipated.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo be part of the Portugal squad?
Having already missed two Al Nassr matches since sustaining his injury, Ronaldo would arrive at any national team camp short of match fitness, even in the best-case recovery scenario. That said, his importance to coach Roberto Martínez’s setup means the door is far from closed on his inclusion.
After UEFA announced the cancellation of the Finalissima between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Lamine Yamal’s Spain, criticism of the AFA intensified. As a result, President Claudio Tapia decided to reveal the reasons behind the game’s cancellation, offering his own account of the situation.
On his official X account, Claudio Tapia, president of the AFA, revealed key details about the cancellation of the Finalissima, citing the neutrality of the match as a factor that prevented it from being played. He also acknowledged that they learned about the proposal to play at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium through the media, which did not comply with the agreed principles, ruling out that possibility.
In addition, Tapia stated that the AFA accepted UEFA’s proposal to play the match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome but requested a change of date to March 31. Far from seeking a solution, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) informed them that these dates were not possible, leading to the cancellation of the match. With this, he aims to refute UEFA’s statement, which blamed Argentina’s constant rejection.
Despite these clarifications from Claudio Tapia, doubts still arise among fans, as they do not understand the reason for the date change, given that it had previously been agreed to be March 27. In addition, the AFA president did not reveal the reason why the proposal to play in a two-leg format was rejected, leaving fans with more questions than answers. With this in mind, a potential rescheduling of the Finalissima is not likely to happen.
Lionel Messi of Argentina and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Scaloni vs. de la Fuente: Two perspectives on the Finalissima
Before all the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East match arose, UEFA and CONMEBOL had reached a commercial agreement to play in Qatar, designating Lusail Stadium as the official venue. However, the forced change of plans caused the entire agreement for the Finalissima to fall through. Nonetheless, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente held two different perspectives on the clash.
According to Ben Jacobs on X, Messi and Scaloni did not want the Finalissima to be played right before the 2026 World Cup. Following the 6-1 loss to Spain ahead of the 2018 edition, the coaching staff felt that this had negatively impacted the team’s performance, so they do not want to face the same issue this time around.
Furthermore, Scaloni had previously criticized the date chosen by UEFA and CONMEBOL for the Finalissima: “I would have preferred not to play it before the World Cup… Spain couldn’t because they had the Nations League, which they came up with themselves, and for us South Americans, it’s been devastating, because we can’t compete against European teams,” he said, via TNT Sports in September 2025.
Unlike Scaloni, Spain’s Luis de la Fuente expressed his fully support to celebrate the Finalissima: “We still don’t know if the game will go ahead or not. We’re waiting for the federations and organizations responsible for making the decisions to do so. Personally, I’d love to see that match take place—the World Cup and Copa América champions against the European champions… I hope it happens, but it’s no longer up to us,” he said, via ESPN on December of 2025.
believes the psychological strength of would play a significant factor in his fantasy showdown with . The Hall of Famer retired with a 32-0 (16 KOs) record in 2017, having become a world champion at 175lbs after cementing himself as an all-time super-middleweight great. His last two outings came against Sergey Kovalev who, at the […]
Tredyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında deplasmanda Samsunspor'a 2-1 yenilen Zecorner Kayserispor'un teknik direktörü Erling Moe, maçın ardından açıklama yaptı.
Tredyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında deplasmanda Samsunspor'a 2-1 yenilen Zecorner Kayserispor'un teknik direktörü Erling Moe, "Maçın final bölümünde yediğimiz golle maçı kaybettik. Çok büyük hayal kırıklığı yaşıyoruz," dedi.
Moe, maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, ilk yarıdaki oyunun kendileri için hayal kırıklığı olduğunu söyledi.
İkinci yarı çok iyi oynadıklarını anlatan Moe, "İlk yarıda kazandığımız topları çabuk verdik. İlk yarı planladığımızın dışında geçen bir yarıydı. İkinci yarı tam tersi oldukça iyi başladık. Fırsatlar oluşturduk. Sahada olduğumuzu herkese gösterdik." ifadesini kullandı.
Moe, ikinci yarıda net pozisyonlar ürettiklerini anlatarak, "Yakaladığımız fırsatları değerlendiremedik. Maçın final bölümünde yediğimiz golle maçı kaybettik. Çok büyük hayal kırıklığı yaşıyoruz." diye konuştu.
Trendyol 1. Lig'in 31. haftasında Amed Sportif Faaliyetler, Manisa FK'yi ağırladı. Amed Sportif Faaliyetler, konuk ettiği Manisa FK'yi 2-0 yendi.
Trendyol 1. Lig'in 31. haftasında Amed Sportif Faaliyetler, konuk ettiği Manisa FK'yi 2-0 yendi.
Stat: Diyarbakır
Hakemler: Alpaslan Şen, Mehmet Dura, Orhun Aydın Duran
Amed Sportif Faaliyetler: Erce Kardeşler, Murat Uçar, Mehmet Yeşil, Syrota, Hasan Ali Kaldırım (Dk. 16 Celal Hanalp), Cem Üstündağ (Dk. 70 A. Traore), Sinan Kurt, Dimitrov (Dk. 61 D. Moreno), Afena-Gyan, Hasani (Dk. 70 Dia Saba), Diagne
Manisa FK: Vedat Karakuş, Ayberk Karapo, Herelle, Yasin Güreler (Dk. 43 Ada İbik), Umut Erdem, Adekanye, Benrahou, Lindseth, Yusuf Talum (Dk. 77 Yunus Emre Dursun), Diony, Muhammed Kiprit (Dk. 66 A. Vargas)
Goller: Dk. 79 D. Moreno, Dk. 90+4 Ada İbik (Kendi kalesine) (Amed Sportif Faaliyetler)
Sarı kartlar: Dk. 52 Dimitrov, Dk. 66 Mehmet Yeşil, Dk. 85 Murat Uçar, Dk. 90 Sinan Kurt, Dk. 90+3 Diagne (Amed Sportif Faaliyetler), Dk. 66 Lindseth, Dk. 90 Adekanye (Manisa FK)
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Beşiktaş, deplasmanda Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni 2-0 mağlup etti. Maçın ardınan teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın açıklama yapmadı. Ancak çok geçmeden nedeni belli oldu.
Beşiktaş'ın 2-0 kazandığı Gençlerbirliği deplasmanındaki maç sonrası siyah-beyazlıların Yardımcı Antrenörü Murat Kaytaz açıklamalarda bulundu. Murat Kaytaz Sergen Yalçın'ın neden açıklama yapmadığını ise açıkladı.
Murat Kaytaz'ın açıklamaları şöyle:
-Hocamızın biraz rahatsızlığı var. Dün gece bir halsizlik geldi. Takımı yalnız bırakmak istemedi. Şimdi yine serum bağlandı.
-Derbi bizim için üzücü geçti. Kaybettik, kaybetmeyi beklemiyorduk ama bugün çok iyi mücadele ettiler. Üzerimizden attık onu.
-Burası zor bir deplasman. Her geçen gün takım savunmasını ve 3. bölge aksiyonlarını geliştiren bir Beşiktaş izletmek istiyoruz.
-Önümüze bakıyoruz. Tüm maçlar bizim için çok önemli. Hepsini kazanıp ligi en üst sırada bitirmek istiyoruz.
-Orkun çok güzel bir gol attı. 4 gün sonra Kasımpaşa maçımız var. Oruç tutan bir oyuncumuz ve onu dinlendirmek istedik. Gerçekten performansı çok iyi. Bizim için ve milli takım çok değerli bir oyuncu.
-Olaitan'ı sol kanatta kullanıyoruz ama ona oyun kurulumunda özel görevler veriyoruz. Farklı bir şekilde, merkez opsiyonlarında değerlendiriyoruz. Bizim için iyi oluyor, rakipleri böyle zora sokmaya çalışıyoruz.
-Üzerine koya koya daha iyi bir Beşiktaş izleterek ligdeki maçlarımızı ve kupayı kazanıp ligi güzel bir şekilde noktalamak istiyoruz.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Beşiktaş, deplasmanda Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni 2-0 mağlup etti. Junior Olaitan maçta ilk golü atan isim olurken performansıyla bir kez daha iyi ki dedirtti.
Beşiktaş 2-0 kazandığı Gençlerbirliği deplasmanından mutlu ayrıldı. Maçta goller Olaitan ve kaptan Orkun Kökçü'den geldi. Ara transfer döneminde takımın kadrosuna dahil olan Olaitan performansıyla bir kez daha taraftardan tam not aldı.
Junior Olaitan'ın Gençlerbirliği maç performansı:
Maç reytingi: 7.7
Gol: 1
Gol Beklentisi:0.38
Kilit Pas: 2
İsabetli Pas: %81
Topla Buluşma: 65
Savunma Katkısı: 1
MAÇ SONU AÇIKLAMA
Oalitan'ın maç sonu açıklamaları şöyle:
-Bizim için kolay bir maç olmadı derbiden sonra. Özellikle kaybetmeme serimiz vardı, kazanarak geliyorduk ve ardından bir mağlubiyet. Böyle bir maçın ilk yarısı da kolay olmadı. Kırmızı kart oldu ve istediğimizi yapamadık ilk yarıda. İkinci yarıda daha önde oynamaya başladık ve kazandık.
-Ben bununla ilgili daha önce de söyledim. Beşiktaş çok büyük bir kulüp ve her pozisyonda oynamaya hazır olmanız gerekiyor. Ben de kendimi hazırlamaya çalışıyorum. Elimden geleni yapıyorum. Hocamıza da teşekkür ediyorum, bana güveniyor. Hangi pozisyon olursa olsun elimden geleni yapmaya çalışıyorum.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Beşiktaş, deplasmanda Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni 2-0 mağlup etti. Deplasmanda oynadığı son üç Süper Lig maçını kazanan Beşiktaş'ta kaptan Orkun Kökçü frikikten attığı golle maça damga vuran isim oldu.
Sergen Yalçın yönetimindeki Beşiktaş, Galatasaray mağlubiyetinin ardından Gençlerbirliği deplasmanından mutlu ayrıldı. Deplasmanda oynadığı son üç Süper Lig maçını kazanan Beşiktaş, Nisan-Ağustos 2023 arasındaki beş karşılaşmalık süreçten bu yana ilk kez üst üste 3+ dış saha galibiyeti aldı.
4 YIL SONRA
Maçta gol atan isimlerden biri de Orkun Kökçü oldu. Bu gol ile birlikte Beşiktaş, 4 yıl sonra frikik golü atmış oldu. Siyah-beyazlılar en son frikik golünü 2022 yılında Adana Demirspor maçında Arthur Masuaku ile gerçekleştirmişti.
Orkun Kökçü'nün Gençlerbirliği maçı performansı şöyle:
Maç reytingi: 8.6
Oynanmış dakikalar: 83'
Gol: 1
Asist Beklentisi: 0.38
Kilit Pas:4
İsabetli Pas: %95
İsabetli Şut:2
MAÇ SONU AÇIKLAMA
Orkun Kökçü maç sonunda golünü şu sözlerle değerlendirdi:
-Aslında ilk devrede biraz zorlandık, Galatasaray maçındaki gibi. Rakibimiz 10 kişi kaldı. Orada topu daha fazla çevirmemiz lazımdı ama daha çok topu almaya gittik. O da önde eksik kalmamıza neden oldu. Ortadan oynamayı denedik, rakip de bunu bekliyordu. Bunu iyi yapamadık. Hocamız da devrede bunu söyledi. İkinci yarıda daha önde oynadık. Pozisyonlar yakaladık ve 2-0 kazandık.
-Golü izledim. Uzun bir aradan sonra frikikten gol bulduk, o da güzel. Güzel bir his ve devam etmemiz lazım.
4 yıl sonra gol serbest vuruş golü
-4 yıl mı olmuş, nasıl? Geçen sene Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde attım. Çalışıyorum. Her zaman olmuyor ama bugün şans yanımdaydı. İnşallah devamı gelir. En önemlisi bizim için galibiyetlere devam etmek, hava bozulmasın. Kimin gol attığının bir önemi yok.
Eski futbolcu Ashley Cole, İtalya 2. Ligi'nde Cesena'nın başına geçti.
Eski İngiliz futbolcu Ashley Cole, İtalya 2. Ligi'nde (Serie B) Cesena'nın başına geçti.
Kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, "Yeni teknik direktör, belirli koşulların yerine getirilmesi halinde yenileme opsiyonu bulunan, 30 Haziran 2026'ya kadar geçerli bir sözleşme imzaladı." denildi.
2019'da aktif futbolculuk kariyerini noktalayan 45 yaşındaki teknik adam, oyunculuk döneminde Chelsea ile Şampiyonlar Ligi ve Avrupa Ligi şampiyonlukları yaşamıştı.
İspanya LaLiga'nın 28. haftasında Raphinha'nın 3 gol attığı maçta Barcelona, Sevilla'yı 5-2 yendi.
İspanya LaLiga'nın 28. haftasında Barcelona, sahasında Sevilla'yı 5-2 mağlup etti.
Spotify Camp Nou Stadı'nda oynanan karşılaşmada Barcelona, Raphinha'nın 9. ve 21. dakikalarında attığı penaltı golleriyle 2-0 öne geçti. Ev sahibi ekip, 38. dakikada Dani Olmo ile skoru 3-0 yaparken Sevilla 45+4. dakikada Oso ile farkı 2'ye indirdi.
Maçın 51. dakikasında Raphinha ile bir gol daha bulan Barcelona, 60. dakikada Joao Cancelo ile skoru 5-1 yaptı.
Konuk ekip, 90+2. dakikada Djibril Sow ile bir gol daha bulmasına rağmen karşılaşma 5-2 sona erdi.
Karşılaşmanın 82. dakikasında yerini Gavi'ye bırakan Raphinha, hat-trick yaparak etkili bir oyun sergiledi.
Bu galibiyetle puanını 70'e çıkaran Barcelona, Real Madrid'in önünde 4 puan farkla liderliğini sürdürdü.
Bu gün futbol üzrə İngiltərə çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 30-cu turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə 4 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Kristal Pelas” – “Lids” və “Nottingem Forest” – “Fulhem” oyunlarında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. “Liverpul”la “Tottenhem” arasındakı matçda da tərəflər hərəyə 1 qol və 1 xalla kifayətləniblər. “Mançester Yunayted” isə “Aston Villa” üzərində inamlı qələbəyə sevinib.
30-cu tura martın 16-da keçiriləcək “Brentford” – “Vulverhempton” oyunu ilə yekun vurulacaq.
İngiltərə, Premyer Liqa 30-cu tur 14 mart
Börnli – Bornmut 0:0
Sanderlend – Brayton 0:1 Qol: Minteh, 58.
Çelsi – Nyukasl 0:1 Qol: Qordon, 18.
Arsenal – Everton 2:0 Qollar: Dyökereş, 89. Douman, 90+7.
Vest Hem – Mançester Siti 1:1 Qollar: Mavropanos, 35 – B.Silva, 31.
15 mart
Kristal Pelas – Lids 0:0
Nottingem Forest – Fulhem 0:0
Mançester Yunayted – Aston Villa 3:1 Qollar: Kazemiro, 53. Kunya, 71. Şeşko, 81 – Barkli, 64.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Türkiyə çempionatında (Super Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 26-cı turunun oyunlarına yekun vurulub.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu oyun günündə 3 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Üç qolun qeydə alındığı “Samsunspor” – “Kayserispor” matçında meydan sahibləri qələbə qazanıblar. “Kasımpaşa” doğma meydanda “Eyüpspor”u tək qolla üstələyib. Səfərdə “Gənclərbirliyi” ilə qarşılaşmış “Beşiktaş” da turu inamlı qələbə ilə başa vurub.
Beləliklə, geridə qalmış 26 turdan sonra “Qalatasaray” 64 xalla vahid liderdir. “Fənərbağça” və “Trabzonspor”un 57, “Beşiktaş”ın 49, “Göztəpə”nin 43, “Başakşəhər”in 42, “Samsunspor”un 35 xalı var.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan İkinci Liqasının 18-ci turu çərçivəsində martın 16-da keçiriləcək “Ağstafa Gəncləri” – “Şirvan” oyununun yeri dəyişdirilib.
Arena.az bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.
Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, əlverişsiz hava şəraiti səbəbindən “Ağstafa Gəncləri” komandasının ev oyunlarını keçirdiyi Ağstafa şəhər stadionunun ot örtüyü yararsız vəziyyətə düşüb. Bununla əlaqədar olaraq “Ağstafa Gəncləri” – “Şirvan” oyununun yerinin dəyişdirilməsinə qərar verilib. Hər iki klubla müzakirənin yekunu olaraq Peşəkar Futbol Liqası qarşılaşmanın Göygöl Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionunda keçirilməsinə qərar verib. Oyunun başlanma saatında və digər detallar ilə bağlı dəyişiklik yoxdur.
İkinci Liqa 18-ci tur 16 mart
“Ağstafa Gəncləri” – “Şirvan” Göygöl Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 15:00.
“Qəbələ”nin baş məşqçisi Kaxaber Sxadadze Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turu çərçivəsində “Neftçi”yə qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Qəbələdə baş tutmuş görüşü meydan sahiblərinin 1:3 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə yekunlaşıb.
Kaxaber Sxadadze matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Fikrimcə, bərabər səviyyədə bir oyun keçdi. Oyuna yaxşı başlamışdıq. Pressinq edirdik. Qol vəziyyəti yaratdıqdan sonra penaltidən fərqləndik. Lakin çox üzücü qollar buraxırıq. Birinci qolda standart vəziyyətdən sonra top futbolçumuzun belinə dəydi. İkinci qolda təhlükəli bir vəziyyət olmayan yerdə əllə oyun… Bu səviyyədə belə səhvlər buraxmaq olmaz. Xüsusilə də “Neftçi” kimi komanda ilə matçda.
Birinci hissədə rəqibin təzyiqi olmayanda da mərkəzdə özümüz toplar itirirdik. Psixoloji baxımdan işləmək lazımdır. Böyük hesablı məğlubiyyətdən sonra yenə uduzduq. Bu, futbolçulara psixoloji baxımdan pis təsir edir. Fiziki və taktiki baxımdan problem yoxdur. Sadəcə, inamlı və etibarlı oynamaq lazımdır.
Müəyyən müddətdir burada işləyirəm. Bəzi azarkeşlərin istefaya səsləməsini anlamıram. Avropada bu cür hallarda komandaya və baş məşqçiyə sona qədər dəstək olurlar. İstefaya səsləyənlər 13-14 yaşlı uşaqlardır”.
“Neftçi”nin baş məşqçisi Yuri Vernidub Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turu çərçivəsində “Qəbələ”yə qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Qəbələdə baş tutmuş görüşü paytaxt təmsilçisinin 3:1 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.
Yuri Vernidub matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Azarkeşlərimizə təşəkkür etmək istəyirəm. Maraqlı oyun alındı. “Qəbələ” uduzsa da, onların oyunu mənim xoşuma gəlir. Hakimliklə bağlı onu deyə bilərəm ki, bu cür davam edərsə, hər şey yaxşı olacaq. Qəbələdə çox gözəl futbol mərkəzi var. Stadion superdir. Məşq üçün də çox gözəl meydançaları var.
Bizim avrokuboklara getməməyimiz faciə olmaz, sadəcə xoşagəlməz hadisə olar. Bir neçə namizəd var. Əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik. Hələ 10 tur qalıb. Uğur bizim əl, ayaq və bədənimizdən asılıdır”.
Vernidub ötən turda qarşılaşdıqları “Turan Tovuz”la matçdan sonra rəqibin baş məşqçisi Kurban Berdıyevlə görüşməsinin Ukrayna mətbuatında xoş qarşılanmamasından da söz açıb:
“Yazılanlar mənə maraqlı deyil. Bilmirəm, Berdıyevin neçə pasportu var. Bildiyim qədərilə o, türkməndir. Şəkillərdə nə qoyduğunu da bilmirdim. Qısası, müharibənin ilk günündə necə idimsə, indi də eləyəm. Kimlər ki, bu barədə yazırlar, desinlər görək dörd il ərzində nə ediblər? Mənim 60 yaşım var, nə qədər istəsələr təxribata çəksinlər. Mən futboldayam və işimə davam edirəm”.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin hücumçusu Nəriman Axundzadə yeni klubu olan “Kolumbus Kru”nun MLS matçında ilki yaşayıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ABŞ təmsilçisi bu gün MLS-in növbəti turu çərçivəsində doğma meydanda “Neşvil”lə qarşılaşıb.
Oyun Ohayo təmsilçisinin məğlubiyyəti ilə yekunlaşıb – 0:1. ABŞ klubunda 90 nömrəli formanı seçmiş Nərimanın adı ilk dəfə rəsmi protokolda yer alıb. Amma o, sonadək ehtiyatda qalıb.
“Kolumbus Kru” MLS-in cari mövsümündə keçirdiyi 4 oyundan sonra 2 xalla Şərq Konfransının yarış cədvəlində 15 iştirakçı arasında 13-cü pillədə qərarlaşıb. Nərimanın komandası 4 oyunda cəmi 2 heç-heçə edib, 2 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Xatırladaq ki, Nəriman Axundzadə bu ilin fevral ayında “Qarabağ”dan 2,5 milyon avro müqabilində “Kolumbus Kru”ya keçib. O, Ohayo ştatını təmsil edən klubla 3,5 illik müqaviləyə imza atıb.
“Qarabağ”ın yetirməsi hesab olan Nəriman Axundzadə 2023-cü ildən Ağdam klubunun əsas komandasında çıxış edirdi. Sağ cinah vingeri “Qarabağ”ın əsas komandasında 127 oyuna çıxıb. O, bu oyunlarda 35 qola imza atıb, 17 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
Azərbaycanın U-19 və U-21 yığmalarında da forma geyinmiş hücumçu 2023-cü ildə əsas millimizdə debüt edib. O, Azərbaycan yığmasının heyətində keçirdiyi 13 oyunda məhsuldar fəaliyyəti ilə diqqət çəkməyib.
Beşiktaş Teknik Direktörü Sergen Yalçın, rahatsızlığı nedeniyle Gençlerbirliği maçı sonrası flaş röportaja çıkamadı. Beşiktaş Yardımcı Antrenörü Murat Kaytaz'dan açıklama geldi.
Deplasmanda oynadığı son üç Süper Lig maçını kazanan Beşiktaş, Nisan-Ağustos 2023 arasındaki beş karşılaşmalık süreçten bu yana ilk kez üst üste 3+ dış saha galibiyeti aldı.
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Maurizio Sarri says the return of Lazio supporters after their boycott is ‘decisive’ and explains his midfield changes against Milan. ‘We’ve got to make do.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
The big news for the Biancocelesti is that the ultras have suspended their protest against President Claudio Lotito, so they are back in the stands of the Stadio Olimpico after several weeks of leaving the arena desolately empty.
“The fans are decisive for us and having them back is wonderful. These are things people from the outside cannot understand fully,” Sarri told DAZN Italia.
Sarri has to rearrange Lazio squad
CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Maurizio Sarri coach of Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Lazio ended their negative streak by beating Sassuolo 2-1 last week, but Danilo Cataldi picked up an injury, joining Alessio Romagnoli, Ivan Provedel, Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot on the treatment table.
Rather than Rade Belahyane in midfield, Sarri prefers to move defender Gil Patric into that position instead.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 09: Patric of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on March 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
“We are without Rovella, Cataldi, Basic, and sold Vecino, so we’ve got to make do. Patric is good at passing, he can give us something there, and did well in the second half of the last game.
“We’ve got to be very careful not to lose the ball cheaply, as Milan can be lethal in these situations, so we mustn’t be wasteful, and have to be alert with preventative marking,” concluded the coach.
The Aquile knocked Milan out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final on December 4, with a late header from Mattia Zaccagni on the Nuno Tavares corner.
Como came back from a goal down to defeat 10-man Roma at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia this evening, with a 2-1 victory seeing the hosts leapfrog Juventus into fourth place in Serie A.
Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Como attacking midfielder Martin Baturina, for his impressive work rate, chance creation and brightness on the ball.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Diego Carlos of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Como 2-1 Roma – Player Ratings
Como: Butez 6; Ramon 6.5, Diego Carlos 7, Kempf 6 (Douvikas 7); Smolcic 6.5, Sergi Roberto 5 (Diao 7), Da Cunha 7, Valle 6.5; Caqueret 5.5 (Perrone 6), Baturina 7.5; Nico Paz 5.5 (Rodriguez N/A)
Best Como player: Martin Baturina – Despite not finding the back of the net himself, the Croatian created six chances, more than anyone else on the pitch, and was a constant menace – especially when the visitors went down to 10 men.
Lowest Como rating: Sergi Roberto – Playing in midfield once again, the Spaniard had a rough day today before being replaced by Diao as Fabregas switched his strategy up at half-time. Really struggled to have any impact on the game in his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Coach: Cesc Fabregas 7.5 – Helped in part by Wesley’s red card, the coach masterminded an impressive comeback, with Douvikas being subbed on to score and Diao coming on to greatly improve the team’s danger going forward.
Best Roma player: Stephan El Shaarawy – Impressive performance tonight from the 33-year-old, who continued to prove he is not getting lazier with age. A hard working performance from the Italian, who won the penalty early on to give Roma the lead.
Lowest Roma rating: Kostas Tsimikas/Wesley – Not entirely sure who was worse. Wesley was perhaps unlucky to pick up two yellow cards but ultimately it was his fault the team lost. Tsimikas, meanwhile, was brought on for an injured Zeki Celik with twenty minutes left and put in another disastrous cameo.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini 5.5 – His substitutes offered very little when he needed them most. The coach was let down by Wesley’s sending off but his side were being outplayed, even in the first half with the teams at eleven apiece.
Como fought back from a Donyell Malen penalty to beat 10-man Roma after Wesley’s controversial red card, leaping into that fourth Champions League spot.
This was an unexpected duel for Champions League qualification, as both teams were locked together in fourth place, albeit overtaken when Juventus beat Udinese last night. The hosts were coming off three consecutive victories, missing Jayden Addai with Maxi Perrone not fully fit, but surprised with a three-man defence. The Giallorossi still missed Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, with Evan Ndicka suspended. Manu Koné returned after skipping Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Bologna, while Mario Hermoso got his first start since February 2 and Stephan El Shaarawy since January 6.
Como got into a tangle playing out from the back and El Shaarawy pounced on the loose ball, brought down by Diego Carlos for an early penalty, converted hard and low into the near bottom corner by Donyell Malen.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Donyell Malen of AS Roma scores their team’s first goal from the penalty spotduring the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nico Paz responded by testing Mile Svilar from a tricky angle, as did Alex Valle on the half-volley, while Wesley made a series of decisive blocks, including one to prevent a Sergi Roberto tap-in.
Jacobo Ramon only managed to get his thigh to the Maxence Caqueret cross and flicked it inches wide of the far post from six yards.
Como had a big chance just before half-time when Caqueret drew out Svilar and pulled it back generously for Nico Paz, only for the Argentine to fire over the bar.
Cesc Fabregas made a double attacking change at the restart and they paid off, because Tasos Douvikas sprung the offside trap on a Valle through ball and surprised Svilar at the base of the near post, squirming the finish under the goalkeeper’s body.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There were chances at both ends, first Svilar flapping a loose ball away from Nico Paz mid-volley, then Malen’s counter-attack denied by a desperate block.
It went from bad to worse for Roma, because they went down to 10 men when Wesley was very harshly shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Assane Diao. There seemed to be barely any contact, with Devyne Rensch more likely to have contributed to his fall, but the VAR protocol meant they could not intervene.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Assane Diao of Como 1907 is challenged by Wesley and Devyne Rensch of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Da Cunha nutmegged Robinio Vaz for a curler inches wide of the far top corner from outside the box, then Martin Baturina turned over first-time from a similar position on the Douvikas lay-off.
Svilar flew to palm a Diao strike out from under the bar, then got down to parry the Ivan Smolcic low drive, but could do nothing as Diego Carlos pounced on the rebound from six yards. It was an ideal birthday gift, his first Serie A goal.
Da Cunha nearly added a third when he cut inside from the right and smashed a left-foot finish onto the crossbar.
Como 2-1 Roma
Malen pen 7 (R), Douvikas 59 (C), Diego Carlos 79 (C)
The 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled, with the Argentine Football Association confirming that a proposed alternative venue in Italy was rejected by UEFA following the original host city of Doha becoming untenable due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
AFA president Claudio Tapia explained that Argentina had pushed for the match to be moved to Italy and played on 31 March, but UEFA deemed the rescheduling unfeasible.
“We could have played it in Italy, but UEFA did not accept the proposal to change the date,” Tapia said, via FCInterNews.
“We always maintained that the match should be played on neutral ground and the proposal of Madrid did not respect that principle. The Italy option was presented, but we had requested a postponement to 31 March. UEFA considered the move unworkable and the match was cancelled.”
The proposed alternate location was Milan’s San Siro, which would’ve marked a special homecoming for Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Inter relief as no pressure for Lautaro to star in Finalissima after UEFA snub San Siro
The decision therefore has a notable knock-on effect for Inter, aside from San Siro being rejected as a possible location.
Captain Lautaro Martinez had been pushing to accelerate his recovery from injury with the Finalissima in mind, but with that incentive now removed, Inter can take a more measured approach to his rehabilitation without the pressure of an international fixture looming.
According to Sky Sport, the club are relieved to have more breathing room and are unwilling to take any risks with their captain ahead of the season’s crucial final weeks.
Whether Lautaro will be fit for Inter’s trip to Fiorentina remains to be seen, with further assessment expected in the coming days.
Milan can close the gap at the top of the table to just five points with a victory here, so Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic lead the way against Lazio’s Daniel Maldini and Mattia Zaccagni.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Massimiliano Allegri head coach of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Rossoneri blew the Scudetto race open last week with their victory in the Derby della Madonnina, but as Inter were held to a 1-1 draw by Atalanta yesterday, it gives them an even bigger opportunity to close within five points of the leaders.
Max Allegri is forced into a change, as Adrien Rabiot is suspended, with Matteo Gabbia, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Santiago Gimenez are still injured.
Modric is therefore joined in midfield by Ardon Jashari, while Pervis Estupinan keeps his spot ahead of Davide Bartesaghi.
Leao and Pulisic lead the attack, with Alexis Saelemaekers out wide.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Lazio have received two big pieces of good news in the last week, as they ended their negative streak by beating Sassuolo 2-1, and the ultras suspended their boycott.
That means the crowd returns to the stands with chants, flags and fireworks, having protested President Claudio Lotito over the last few weeks.
However, there is also bad news for Maurizio Sarri, as Danilo Cataldi joins Alessio Romagnoli, Ivan Provedel, Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot on the treatment table.
Gil Patric is moved into a new midfield role behind Zaccagni, Gustav Isaksen and former Milan youth team player Maldini.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 09: Daniel Maldini of SS Lazio scores a opening goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on March 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Jamie Redknapp has blamed Guglielmo Vicario for the opening goal Tottenham conceded against Liverpool during their high-stakes clash at Anfield.
The Italian goalkeeper, who was restored to the starting lineup after a midweek benching, failed to stop a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick that has left Spurs reeling.
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Guglielmo Vicario slammed for poor goalkeeping
The goal came in the 18th minute when Szoboszlai, who has been in sensational form for Arne Slot’s side, curled an effort towards the left corner.
Despite having a clear sight of the ball, Vicario’s footwork appeared sluggish, and although he managed to parry the strike, he succeeded only in pushing it into the side of the net.
Speaking on Sky Sports (via BBC Sports) at halftime, Redknapp was critical of the keeper’s technique. He said:
“We have seen some beauties from Dominik Szoboszlai, like against Arsenal and Manchester City, but this one is a goalkeeping mistake.
“Just look at Vicario’s feet pattern, he almost trips himself over. He doesn’t get any elevation, doesn’t move properly. He gets a really big hand to it. He has to save it.”
Phil Mcnulty also criticised the Italian, claiming that his mistake would have made Igor Tudor incredibly frustrated.
He said (via BBC Sports): “Spurs and interim head coach Igor Tudor will be bitterly frustrated with that after a making such a decent start.
“It was another goalkeeper error, with Guglielmo Vicario getting his positioning wrong then making a feeble attempt to keep out Dominic Szoboszlai’s free-kick. Not been substituted, though.”
Tottenham’s goalkeeping crisis continues
The error further compounds a dire goalkeeping situation for interim manager Igor Tudor.
Last Tuesday, Tudor made the shock decision to drop Vicario for the 22-year-old Antonin Kinsky during the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Vicario has been notably out of form, making a string of high-profile mistakes during Tottenham’s current 11-match winless run.
With Spurs sitting just one point above the relegation zone, the lack of a reliable presence between the posts is becoming a primary concern.
With reports already suggesting Vicario could be sold this summer, his latest blunder at Anfield has only intensified calls for the club to seek a permanent replacement.
Verdict: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Luckster Seeking a real Champions League miracle on Tuesday night, Chelsea will welcome PSG to Stamford Bridge for their second-leg showdown. Chelsea Starting with the hosts, while Liam Rosenior might have made an immediate impact following his shock arrival at Stamford Bridge over […]
Decentralized lending platform Venus Protocol has reportedly suffered a suspected flash-loan attack on its Core Pool on BNB Chain, leading to losses of more than $3.7 million.
On-chain data shows the attacker manipulated supply caps using the Thena (THE) token, allowing them to borrow multiple assets from the protocol.
How the Venus Protocol Attack Happened?
According to blockchain data, the attacker used an address starting with 0x1a35…6231 to exploit the system. The strategy began months earlier, when the attacker slowly accumulated around 84% of the THE supply cap (14.5M tokens) over nine months starting in June 2025.
The real exploit occurred when the attacker bypassed the normal deposit process by directly transferring tokens to the protocol contract.
This allowed them to exceed the supply cap and build a massive 53.2 million THE collateral position, which was nearly 3.7 times the allowed limit.
On-chain data shows Venus Protocol was suspected to suffer a flash-loan attack. The attacker address 0x1a35…6231 obtained about 20 BTC, 1.5 million CAKE, and 200 BNB, totaling over $3.7 million, after using a large amount of THE as collateral on Venus to borrow CAKE, BTCB, and… pic.twitter.com/qnyISI5pp5
Using the inflated collateral, the attacker began borrowing large amounts of assets, including:
Around 20 BTC in wrapped Bitcoin
About 1.5 million CAKE tokens
Nearly 200 BNB
1.58 million USDC
To maximize the exploit, the attacker repeatedly followed a loop strategy: deposit THE, borrow assets, buy more THE, and wait for the TWAP oracle price update to increase the collateral valuation.
This pushed the price of THE from around $0.263 to nearly $0.563 before the market eventually collapsed to about $0.22 during liquidation.
Venus Protocol Responds
Following the incident, the team behind Venus Protocol announced precautionary measures. Borrowing and withdrawals of THE have been temporarily paused, along with several markets that showed high liquidity concentration, including BCH, LTC, UNI, AAVE, FIL, and TWT.
The protocol confirmed that all other markets remain operational and unaffected while the investigation continues.
The team also stated it will release a detailed report once the full analysis of the exploit is completed.
The CEO of one of the world’s largest investment firms just told CNBC that Bitcoin is forming a bottom, and the market listened. VanEck’s Jan van Eck explained that the recent weakness is driven by the four year halving cycle, not by broken fundamentals, and that a gradual recovery should begin this year.
The SOL outlook benefits from that floor, but the traders making the biggest moves right now aren’t buying SOL at $87. They’re buying exchange tokens at presale pricing where the listing creates the kind of multiples a $50 billion market cap simply can’t deliver. This article covers the solana price prediction and the presale that could outperform everything else in this cycle.
VanEck CEO Says Bitcoin Is Forming a Bottom as the Solana Price Prediction Turns Constructive
Strategy also bought $1.3 billion in BTC in a single week, proving institutional conviction is building. A bitcoin bottom means the SOL outlook improves, and presale entries at ground floor pricing are where the real multiples live.
The SOL Forecast Looks Better, but the Listing Math Lives Somewhere Else
Pepeto: The Presale Everybody’s Rushing Into Before the Listing Changes Everything
The solana price prediction is getting better, but while SOL holders wait for a recovery, something completely different is happening at Pepeto. The presale just crossed $7.98 million. Rounds are filling faster every week. And the wallets getting in right now know something most of the market hasn’t figured out yet.
Here’s what they see. Right now, if you want to swap a token from Ethereum to BNB Chain, you pay fees on both sides, wait for confirmations, and lose money on every transfer. PepetoSwap kills that. Zero fees. One click. Your tokens move across chains instantly. No other presale project is even attempting this, and every single swap that flows through the exchange after launch drives the token price higher. That’s exactly how BNB went from $0.15 to $700, and Pepeto sits at that same starting line today.
And it gets better. A built in risk scorer tells you if that new token is a rug pull before you spend a dollar on it. The tool that could’ve saved the wallets that got drained this year. Free. Built in. Ready before the exchange even lists. The cofounder already proved he can capture billions in attention when he built Pepe to $7 billion, and a former Binance expert is on the dev team building this.
SolidProof audited every contract before the presale opened. While the SOL forecast debates $143 or $320, people are quietly loading Pepeto at $0.000000186 because the listing math is on a completely different level. Staking at 199% APY compounds while they wait, and the wallets getting in today are the ones who’ll own the returns when this price disappears permanently.
Solana: $87 With Network Growth but Returns Capped by Market Cap
SOL trades near $87 according to CoinMarketCap with TPS up 70% in three months.
A recent forecast targets $320. But even $150 is a 70% gain. At a $50 billion cap, the percentage math is limited.
Mutuum Finance: DeFi Lending Protocol Still in Testnet Phase
Mutuum Finance targets DeFi lending but remains in testnet with no mainnet date. Execution risk stays high, and post listing demand depends entirely on whether lending mechanics attract real capital.
Early Is What Makes Wealth in Crypto, and Pepeto Is Still Early
Every cycle proves the same thing. The people who got rich weren’t smarter. They were earlier. Right now, everybody’s talking about Pepeto. Wallets are filling faster every round. The presale is moving, the community is growing, and the listing is coming.
Once that listing hits, this price disappears permanently and the people who got in today become the story everyone else wishes they were part of. You’re either inside before the listing or you’re watching from outside while others celebrate. Visit the Pepeto official website and get in while early still means something.
The solana price prediction targets $143 to $320 for 2026, supported by VanEck’s bitcoin bottom call. But presale exchange tokens like Pepeto offer multiples SOL can’t deliver from a $50 billion cap.
Why does VanEck’s bitcoin bottom call matter for altcoin investors?
VanEck’s CEO confirming a BTC bottom means recovery is building, and the presale entries positioned at ground floor pricing capture the biggest returns as the market recovers.
Where can I find the best presale for this cycle?
Pepeto offers a SolidProof audited exchange with zero fee swaps and a $7 billion founder at presale pricing. Visit the Pepeto official website before the listing.
March is shaping up as the month that changes the altcoin conversation. Midnight mainnet went live, Bitcoin crossed $71,000, and the market wants to run. The ADA outlook turned bullish, but the wallets making the biggest moves aren’t buying ADA at $0.26.
They’re loading presale entries where the listing creates returns that define portfolios. This article covers the ADA outlook, and the presale whale wallets are accumulating.
USDC Overtakes Tether in Transaction Volume as the Cardano Price Prediction Improves
This surge in on-chain activity is bullish for the entire ecosystem, including the Cardano price prediction, and the exchange infrastructure tokens positioned to process growing volume sit at the front of the line.
The ADA Outlook Looks Better, but Whale Wallets Know Where the Real Returns Live
Pepeto: While ADA Holders Hope for $0.43, Whale Wallets Are Loading Something Bigger
The ADA forecast turned bullish, and ADA holders are celebrating. But the whale wallets moving the most capital right now aren’t touching ADA. They’re loading Pepeto, and the reason is simple. ADA recovering to $0.43 is a 65% trade. Pepeto going from presale pricing to listing is a completely different category of returns, and the whales already did the math.
Here’s what they’re buying into. Every exchange in crypto charges fees. Every bridge costs money. Every time you want to check if a token is safe, you need three different tools on three different sites. Pepeto solves all of it in one place. Zero fee swaps across chains, so your money moves without losing a cent.
A bridge that moves assets between networks instantly, no more paying double to get your tokens where the opportunity is. And a risk scorer that tells you if that hot new token is a rug pull before you spend anything. All in one dashboard. Nobody else in the presale market is building anything close to this.
The cofounder took Pepe to $7 billion with nothing behind it. Now he’s building the infrastructure that actually captures value. A former Binance expert is on the dev team. SolidProof audited every contract. And $7.98 million has poured in from wallets that see what $1.8 trillion in stablecoin volume tells you: on chain trading is exploding, and the exchange tokens at ground floor pricing ride that wave. Staking at 199% APY compounds while whales wait for the listing, and every day this presale stays open is another day the smart money gets in before the rest of the market realizes what they missed.
Cardano: $0.26 With Midnight Mainnet Live but Recovery Needs Traction
ADA trades near $0.26 according to CoinMarketCap with the Midnight mainnet and hard fork now live. The cardano price prediction for March targets $0.40, with a $1 target possible in the second half of 2026.
recovery to $1 delivers roughly a 4x from here, meaningful but structurally limited compared to presale listing math.
Digitap: Crypto Banking Concept Facing Established Competition
Digitap targets fiat and crypto management with Visa debit cards and global transfers. The concept addresses real demand, but Revolut and Robinhood own this market with years of deep liquidity.
Most features remain in development, and without a proven founder or exchange infrastructure, the post listing trajectory depends entirely on whether the product can compete with giants.
The ADA Forecast Is Constructive, but Whale Math Points Somewhere Else
ADA recovering to $0.43 is a nice trade. But whale wallets don’t chase nice trades. They chase the entries that create generational returns, and right now they’re loading Pepeto. This is still early. The presale is still open.
Everybody in the community talks about what happens when the listing arrives and this price disappears forever. The whales already did their math. The question is whether you do yours before the window shuts. Visit the Pepeto official website and position yourself where the smart money already sits.
The cardano price prediction targets $0.40 for March and $1 in the second half of 2026 after the Midnight mainnet launch. But presale exchange tokens like Pepeto offer multiples ADA can’t deliver.
Why are USDC volumes overtaking Tether important for crypto investors?
USDC hitting $2.2 trillion in volume proves on chain activity is exploding, and exchange infrastructure tokens like Pepeto are positioned to capture the growing trading volume.
Which presale are whale wallets accumulating right now?
Whale wallets are accumulating Pepeto for its exchange infrastructure and $7B founder. Visit the Pepeto official website before the listing closes the window.
The breakout the XRP community waited months for just happened. XRP smashed through $1.39 with volume surging over 300%, ending the 2026 downtrend and opening a path toward $1.61 and $3. The XRP price prediction flipped bullish and the entire market rides the same wave.
But one presale sits at a price where the listing math delivers what the Ripple forecast cannot. This article covers the XRP outlook and the entry that turns bullish energy into real multiples.
XRP Breaks $1.39 With 300% Volume Surge as Crypto Market Rally Broadens
XRP jumped 3% to break above the critical $1.39 resistance on March 13, ending its early 2026 downtrend with volume surging over 300% according to Coindesk as traders watched whether the former resistance holds as support. In the same week, Bitcoin climbed past $72,000 on five consecutive green days according to Fortune while ETF inflows crossed $568 million in March.
The entire crypto market is shifting bullish, and when large caps break resistance with conviction the presale entries below them capture the multiplied energy at prices that the open market will never see again.
The XRP Price Prediction Flipped Bullish, but the Real Multiples Hide Below It
Pepeto: Building Exchange Infrastructure While XRP Holders Chase a 2x
Most presale projects build dashboards or analytics tools, but Pepeto is constructing full exchange infrastructure in a category none of the large caps occupy. The $7.98 million raised proves serious capital sees what the Ripple forecast crowd is missing, that the biggest returns of every bull market come from the entries nobody is watching until the listing makes them impossible to ignore.
A former Binance expert on the advisory board connects this presale to the exchange tier where BNB created millionaires from $0.15. SolidProof audited the contract before launch, and the exchange features a cross chain bridge, zero fee swaps, and risk scoring to capture volume at listing.
Revenue sharing pays presale wallets a permanent share of trading fees proportional to investment size, confirmed by Business Insider. While the most bullish Ripple target sits at $1.61, roughly 18% from current levels, Pepeto’s math operates in a completely different category because exchange tokens do not follow the same ceiling as payment tokens.
The cofounder who built Pepe to $7 billion is channeling that cultural force into infrastructure that earns real income, and the wallets filling now understand the listing will close this presale price permanently. Staking at 199% APY compounds every position while the bull market accelerates, and this entry will not be here next week.
XRP Forecast: $1.61 Resistance Break Could Open the Path to $3
The breakout above $1.39 is real and the Ripple outlook has shifted firmly bullish. Holding this former resistance as support opens the path to $1.61, and from there the descending channel trendline becomes the gate to $3 if the broader bull market sustains.
Ripple’s $50 billion valuation confirms corporate confidence. But even $3 delivers roughly a 2x from current levels, and the XRP price prediction at its most bullish still trails the kind of multiples presale entries produce during bull runs.
Hyperliquid: Recovery From $30 as Crypto Market Sentiment Improves
HYPE bounced from the $30 area as broader market strength lifted most altcoins. A break above $38.4 could target $43 and eventually $50 if the bull run accelerates. The project remains technically solid, but the return ceiling from current levels stays modest compared to presale entries where the listing itself creates the multiplier.
The Ripple Outlook Just Turned Bullish, but the Presale Math Turns Lives
This article laid out the XRP price prediction clearly, and the breakout above $1.39 is the real thing. But crypto has always rewarded the entries made before the crowd arrives, not after. The same type of early conviction that turned BNB buyers at $0.15 into millionaires is building inside Pepeto right now, except this time there is revenue sharing from every trade permanently and a SolidProof audited exchange about to go live.
That window is closing as the Binance listing approaches, and once the token goes live the presale price disappears forever. Visit the Pepeto official website because the distance between life changing returns and lasting regret is one decision made at the right time.
What is the XRP price prediction after breaking $1.39?
The XRP price prediction targets $1.61 after the breakout, with $3 possible if the bull market sustains, but even that delivers modest returns compared to presale entries like Pepeto with listing multiplier math.
Why is the crypto market turning bullish in March 2026?
The market turns bullish on $568 million in ETF inflows, Bitcoin breaking $72,000, and XRP clearing resistance, creating the conditions where presale entries like Pepeto capture the strongest returns.
How does Pepeto compare to holding XRP right now?
XRP targets a 2x to $3 while Pepeto offers presale pricing with exchange infrastructure the listing will reprice. Visit the Pepeto official website to enter before the bull market closes this window.
A viral clip circulating on crypto Twitter has reignited one of the most divisive arguments in digital assets: is Ripple building the future of finance, or is it running the most sophisticated wealth transfer in crypto history?
The Accusation That Started It All
The controversy centres on comments made by Bitcoin advocate Robert Breedlove in a YouTube video where Ripple and CEO Brad Garlinghouse were accused of running what he described as a coordinated scheme against retail investors.
His framing was deliberate. He opened by drawing a distinction between two types of wealth: wealth that is made and wealth that is taken. “Did you make it or did you take it?” he asked. “Did you go out and solve problems for customers, made the world a better place and earned a fortune? Or did you go and steal wealth from other people rather than create wealth for consenting customers?”
— Digital Asset Investor (@digitalassetbuy) March 14, 2026
He then placed Ripple firmly in the second category, comparing it directly to BlackRock, Blackstone, and Vanguard as part of what he described as giant centralized pools of wealth transferring purchasing power from the poor and the middle class to themselves.
“Ripple is one of these giant scammers,” he said. “They’re literally selling their XRP to ignorant retail investors. They’re mobilising a bot army on social media to pretend like XRP is the next Bitcoin, and people are just getting taken to the cleaners.”
The numbers he cited were specific: “They’ve been selling $500 million of XRP tokens, dumping them on retail investors, $500 million per quarter for about the past ten years.”
He went further, pointing directly at Garlinghouse’s personal wealth. “That guy’s not creating. He’s not solving any problems in the world. He’s solving zero problems. He’s just stealing your money. People went and bought the XRP token believing all the marketing hype and the social media bot army, and they basically gave their wealth to Brad Garlinghouse who goes and buys a $100 million home in Miami.”
Digital Asset Investor, one of the most followed XRP voices on the platform, reposted the clip with a sharp response: “The social media children have gotten way too comfortable with slander and libel with no consequences.”
The Community Fires Back
The reaction across crypto Twitter split immediately. On the sceptical side, one user wrote: “The XRP dream is mostly hopium, fuelled by Ripple itself. For the cross-border narrative, maybe 5% of XRP would actually be needed. The rest looks like supply to sell to retail. The real play seems to be RLUSD, which gives retail nothing. Brad, prove otherwise.”
Another long-term holder expressed frustration that had clearly been building for years: “While I’m not a fan of how XRP has made the Ripple board exponentially wealthy while investors have been strung along for 15% of the human lifespan and counting, the chosen path couldn’t be clearer to those who investigate the space without bias.”
ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — TJ Power scored an Ivy Madness-record 44 points and Cam Thrower hit five clutch points in overtime, lifting Pennsylvania to an 88-84 victory over Yale to win the Ivy Legue championship on Sunday.
Thrower's 3-pointer with two minutes left in overtime gave the Quakers an 82-78 lead. After Yale answered with a 3, Thrower rebounded his own miss in the paint and followed up in traffic for an 84-81 lead. Power added two free throws for a five-point lead with 17 seconds left.
The win sends Penn (18-11) to the NCAA Tournament for the 25th time. First-year Quakers coach Fran McCaffery, a Penn alum, is taking his fifth program to the tournament.
Power hit two 3-pointers in the final seven seconds of regulation and Penn forced overtime at 75-all. Penn had trailed since a 3-pointer by Yale's Devon Arlington made it 61-58 with nine minutes left in the second half.
Power, who played at Duke and Virginia earlier in his career, made 14 of 26 shots overall, 7 of 14 3-pointers and 9 of 9 free throws. He grabbed 14 rebounds. Thrower scored 19 points and was Penn's only other player in double digits.
Trevor Mullin scored 22 points and Isaac Celiscar had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Yale (24-6). Nick Townsend and Casey Simmons also scored 17 each.
Yale led 19-16 then ran off six consecutive points to go ahead 25-16 with about 8 1/2 minutes left in the first half. TJ Power led a Penn rally with 12 of his 23 first-half points and the Quakers were up 41-39 at halftime.
Italy manager Francisco Cervelli celebrates with his players after reaching the World Baseball Classic semi-finals for the first time with a defeat of Puerto Rico (Alex Slitz)
Home runs are greeted with a celebratory shot of espresso and the donning of an Armani jacket.
Victories are marked with bottles of red wine while the soaring voice of opera singer Andrea Bocelli echoes through the locker room.
Welcome to baseball, Italian-style.
Written off as 80-1 underdogs before the World Baseball Classic started, Italy's fairytale tournament has carried them all the way to Monday's semi-finals in Miami against Venezuela.
On Saturday, Italy -- who scored a stunning upset of a star-studded United States lineup during the pool phase -- kept their unbeaten campaign alive with a nail-biting 8-6 quarter-final defeat of Puerto Rico.
That win -- which sent Italy into the last four for the first time in history -- was the latest stop of an improbable journey for a team put together at the last minute and composed largely of American players with Italian descent.
Of the 30 players in Italy's squad for the tournament, 24 were born in the US while only three were born in Italy.
Nevertheless, that has not stopped the team leaning heavily into their Italian heritage.
Italy's captain, Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, came up with the idea of celebrating each home run with a jolt of caffeine, installing an espresso machine in the Italy dugout.
Speaking after Saturday's triumph over a strong Puerto Rico, Pasquantino said the Azzurri's exploits in the tournament are helping to boost the profile of a sport which remains an oddity in Italy.
- 'Bringing people together' -
"Italy was able to watch our game today, and it was on television out there," Pasquantino said. "And we've been on the front page of the newspapers. And that is what this tournament is about.
"Yes, it is about winning the tournament and trying to be the best baseball team, but it's about getting eyeballs and bringing people together on the sport.
"And yeah, Italy doesn't have the greatest development in baseball, and that's what we're trying to do right now. There was baseball being played at bistros and cafes in Italy tonight over there. That doesn't happen."
Italy's manager, the Venezuela-born Francisco Cervelli, who spent 12 years in Major League Baseball as a player, was only appointed to his role in January.
Cervelli said Italy's team has evolved in just a few short weeks since coming together just before the tournament started.
"In the beginning, it was tough. This tournament, they only give you three days together," Cervelli said.
"To put the group and build chemistry, we did so many things inside the clubhouse to get to know personalities, because that's what the important part is, is in this kind of tournament."
Early group wins over Brazil and Great Britain were followed by a seismic upset over the United States, hyped as one of the most talented baseball line-ups ever assembled.
"Brazil was a little uncomfortable, and the guys didn't know exactly what was the role," Cervelli said. "Then Great Britain, and then everything started. The team were bonding together.
- 'A different team' -
"And then we beat the United States, and now it's a different team. It's a different team. They're going to miss this tournament after they go back to their teams because it's been really fun."
Cervelli has also been made aware of the team's impact from family and friends in Italy.
"I get the message from all my friends, my family there," he said on Sunday. "Just imagine in the south of Italy they don't play that much baseball. Yesterday everyone was watching the game.
"They send me pictures all the time. It's like the family reunion watching baseball. Even if they don't know that much or they don't understand that much, 'How's Italy playing?' It doesn't matter what it is.
"So there is a lot of excitement in Italy right now about baseball."
Those sentiments are shared by Italy's Andrew Fischer, the 21-year-old New Jersey-born infielder who joined the Milwaukee Brewers last year after being chosen with the 20th overall pick of the draft.
Fischer, whose maternal great-great-grandfather was born in Campania, has a tattoo of Frank Sinatra on his arm and says playing for Italy has been a chance to celebrate his roots.
"I'm happy that we're here representing them," Fischer said. "Italian culture is engraved in New Jersey. A lot of Italian food back at home. I think I eat it six days a week. I love it. So being here and representing it, it definitely has brought some light to it in my life."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the stakes raised even higher and the team needing to stop the rot from six consecutive Premier League defeats, Tottenham entered a place where they rarely earn anything…Anfield. But the side stayed resilient, and on the back of Richarlison’s hatred of Liverpool, the club got a well-deserved point in the dying minutes of the match for a 1-1 draw.
Skeptical about the match given all that has occurred at Tottenham, whether it’s the defeats in the league, a 5-2 embarrassment in the Champions League opening leg against Atletico Madrid, or the fact that 12 players are out again due to suspensions or injuries, the doubt coming into Anfield was high.
Playing a 3-5-3/4-4-2 setup with Djed Spence on the left and Souza on the right, Spurs had to fight off the early pressure from Liverpool as the home side forced Vicario and Dragusin to play balls deep to the front three instead of trying to play passing moves and move the ball up the pitch.
The match remained goalless through the first 17 minutes. The roar from the away end echoed the passion they brought to energize the team. Liverpool then won a soft foul in a dangerous free-kick area for Dominik Szoboszlai. Szoboszlai entered the match with three direct free kicks, and Spurs had allowed 11 goals from outside the box, a league high. The Hungarian hit his free kick to a relatively easy spot for Vicario to punch away. However, a poor first step and a hop to his right meant the Italian keeper barely got his hand on the ball. The ball ended up in the net, and Spurs were down 1-0.
Seeing the replay and knowing Vicario should have saved it, the players’ faces around the box showed frustration as it was another display of the team falling down early and needing to scrape it back to even have a chance.
Down 1-0 and barely having anything in the attacking half of the pitch, outside of Souza’s knuckle rip outside the box, Richarlison put the team on his back the rest of the match. Having chance after chance in the first half and the best being right before the half off a corner delivery from Mathys Tel, Richarlison’s down header had Alisson Becker reacting late to parry the shot away.
After an hour into the match, the game opened up with Liverpool sending on its big-time players and Spurs having the likes of Xavi Simons. Xavi joined the match quickly off a corner kick from the side, as his first touch was a volley attempt and his second touch a blocked shot.
Mentioning how close Richarlison was in the first half to leveling the match, the second half had him even closer as a leaping header from an insuring cross from Archie Gray narrowly missed his head. But, it was off a break where the Brazilian had his best chance. Getting the loose ball just outside the box and having Virgil van Dijk on his back, pulling his shoulder slightly, Richarlison took an off-balance shot that forced a save and had the striker appealing for a penalty that possibly could have been given if he had never gotten the shot off.
Either way, Spurs were close and deserving of a goal, and the side had to fight through the attacking storms Liverpool brought forth as Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo, and others all had chances to bury the game for good.
With the match still 1-0 and close to entering extra time, Spurs got the goal they rightfully deserved.
90' DRAMA AT ANFIELD! Richarlison snatches a HUGE late equaliser for Spurs! Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham Relegation battlers bite back! Who else is buzzing?! #LIVTOT#COYSpic.twitter.com/JkO3OZRoDs
The emotions on the face of the Brazilian and the rest of side showed that they are ready to drag this club out of the relegation zone and into safety before the end of the season.
Nicking that point at the end to sit at 30 now, Spurs have a true six-pointer on the line next weekend when the side hosts Nottingham Forest. Before that match, Spurs will host Atletico Madrid for the second leg of the Round of 16 Champions League match (down 5-2 on aggregate).
Michael Thorbjornsen's attempt at winning his Players Championship debut all but ended in stunning fashion on Sunday afternoon.
The 24-year-old PGA Tour pro played his way into the final round's final pairing and was off to a strong start at one under through three holes playing alongside leader Ludvig Aberg. But then things unraveled quickly on the par-4 fourth.
Thorbjornsen missed the fairway left and had such a bad lie, he opted to lay up from only 104 yards in order to avoid making a big number. Instead, that's what he wound up making.
Thorbjornsen's third shot found the water and then after finally reaching the green, he blew his first putt by and three-putted for a quadruple-bogey 8 to fall from a share of second to out of the top 10 at TPC Sawgrass. Here's a look at how it went down:
Aberg bogeyed the hole and still picked up three shots on his playing partner, who tumbled six shots off the lead early in his final round. A bogey on the next hole made the deficit even larger.
Thorbjornsen, who finished first in the 2024 PGA Tour University standings to earn his tour card, is still searching for his maiden victory. He had seven top fives in 51 career starts entering this week, including a pair of runner-ups.
It's been a quiet start to free agency for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but James Gladstone expects to enter the NFL draft in late April with one element that every general manager covets: Flexibility.
Rather than Gladstone feeling like he must address a certain position or two at a specific point, he can let the board do dictate who the Jaguars select. When teams can get in trouble is when they feel the urgency to select a specific position, which can lead to reaching and overdrafting a prospect.
"I think the best way to sort of think about that is right now what we've structured it to be is that we don't have to pick based off of need necessarily at any specific spot," Gladstone said recently. "That's a luxury.
"I think when I was with the Los Angeles Rams, there were too many drafts, and I got to live this, where you felt pressed to take a specific position, and there were instances where it worked out fine for us. There were instances where it didn't. And that may just be the draft. It may just be the way those specific situations unfolded."
Although the Jaguars haven't made an abundance of signings in free agency, the moves they have made have provided them with that coveted flexibility.
Re-signing Montaric Brown helped solidify the cornerback unit. Bringing back Dennis Gardeck gives the Jaguars their starting SAM linebacker, while Quintin Morris can resume his role as TE2, providing the all-important blocking presence to Liam Coen's offense.
Signing Chris Rodriguez has given the Jaguars another option at running back after losing Travis Etienne in free agency.
"I think walking into the door on Day 2, as it stands right now, we're not saying that we need this positions at this spot, which is a luxury, and I'm excited about that," Gladstone added. "It means that we can really take somebody that we understand, that we have a clear vision for alignment on, and it doesn't have to be dependent on it, it's got to be at this specific spot or this side of the ball."
Now, this doesn't mean that there aren't positions to be addressed either. Defensive tackle and defensive end are two of the more pressing needs that the Jaguars still have. Adding competition at cornerback, safety, and even along the offensive line could be valuable as well.
However, after undergoing heavy roster turnover last offseason, Gladstone raised the floor of the entire roster, with a strong foundation established at each position. This, in turn, allows the Jaguars to prioritize the best player available in the draft -- something every team would love to do.
The Jaguars are without a first-round pick, but have 11 selections in total, including four within the top 100, giving Gladstone the opportunity to add instant help and to move around the draft board as he sees fit.
Spurs Player Ratings v Liverpool: Richarlison to the Rescue
Richarlison’s 89th minute strike could prove integral in being a turning point in Spurs’ season after they left Anfield with a well-earned point.
Spurs player ratings v Liverpool
Starting XI
Guglielmo Vicario – X/10
Should have done better at dealing with Szoboszlai’s free-kick and showed his distribution to be shaky at times, although it was his long ball forward that led to the equaliser.
Pedro Porro – 5/10
Struggled against the pace and skill of Rio Ngumoha throughout.
Kevin Danso – 6/10
The better of the centre-back pairing looked strong and assured throughout.
Radu Dragusin – 5/10
A rather shaky performance at times, was caught out by Salah at one point, which could have easily led to a goal
Djed Spence– 7/10
Did well against Frimpong in the first-half, winning 100% of his ground duels, continued his strong defensive performance in the second period and also had the energy to get up and contribute to the attack.
Archie Gray – 6/10
Struggled to make an impact on the game while in midfield, but did deliver one delicious cross in the 78th minute that was not met by a team-mate.
Pape Sarr – 7/10
A strong performance from the midfielder, used his physical attributes well and completed more passes than any other Spurs player.
Souza – 6/10
Only his second Premier League start, and was playing as a right-midfielder despite being a left-back by trade. Gave the free-kick away that led to the first goal but a solid showing
Mathys Tel – 6/10
Spurs’ biggest creative threat until substituted off in the 74th minutes. Did well carrying the ball upfield to give his defence a chance to rest and created a couple of chances for Richarlison.
Richarlison – 8/10
Scored what could it be a vital goal in Tottenham’s relegation race but also had a number of chances throughout that he was unable to capitalise on.
Dominic Solanke – 5/10
Spent far more time behind the ball defending than he would have liked and only managed one touch in the Liverpool box.
Substitutes
Xavi Simons – 6/10
Struck a sweet volley with his first touch but that effort was blocked failed to do much else.
Randal Kolo Muani – 7/10
Provided the assist for Richarlison with a calm pass.
Callum Olusesi – 6/10
A Premier League debut, did not have a big impact but a solid cameo.
James Rowswell – 6/10
Played just one minute on his Premier League debut..
Richarlison strikes late against Liverpool to hand Tottenham Hotspur huge lifeline in relegation battle
Tottenham Hotspur gave themselves a significant boost in their bid for Premier League survival by coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday.
Ravaged by injuries and suspensions, Spurs travelled to Anfield with a depleted squad but gave a good account of themselves early on.
Nonetheless, Igor Tudor’s side fell behind in the 18th minute to a stunning free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, although Guglielmo Vicario did not cover himself in glory on his return to the starting XI in place of Antonin Kinsky.
Liverpool’s opener sparked a spell of dominance, and the Reds looked set to cruise to all three points against a Spurs side hanging on for dear life.
Still trailing by a goal heading into the closing stages, Tottenham began to assert themselves more, although they increasingly risked conceding a second due to the spaces left behind.
Liverpool introduced Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike just past the hour mark in a bid to kill the game off, and while both got into promising positions, a second goal for the hosts remained elusive.
As the game entered its final 10 minutes, tension grew around Anfield—unsurprising given Liverpool’s recent habit of conceding late goals.
The home crowd’s fears were realised in the final minute of stoppage time, as sloppy defending from Andrew Robertson allowed Randal Kolo Muani to feed Richarlison, who finished beyond Alisson at the fifth attempt.
That was the Brazilian’s sixth goal against Liverpool, with five of those coming at Anfield.
Spurs have now halted a six-game losing streak in all competitions, and while they remain without a league win in 2026, the North Londoners will be pleased to have moved a point clear of the drop zone, somewhat easing the pressure on their underfire interim manager.
Liverpool, meanwhile, missed the chance to draw level on points with Villa in fourth, but the Reds have leapfrogged Chelsea into fifth.
Feb 12, 2026; Peoria, AZ, USA; Former Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki looks on during a Spring Training workout at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
If you’re interested in a little amuse bouche before tonight’s semi-final WBC game between the DR and US, the Mariners are playing an exhibition game against the Cincinnati reds this afternoon. George Kirby gets his third Cactus League start, where he’ll hope to round into cleaner form. Keep an eye on him between pitches to see how often he’s calling the game for himself, an innovation Kate dug into last week.
Facing off against him will be old friend Brandon Williamson, who was the headliner in the Mariners’ 2022 trade for Eugenio Suárez and Jesse Winker. Things haven’t gone great for him since the trade. He struggled with command problems, then sacrificed his whiffs to compensate. Then he got a bad case of the injury bug, with shoulder soreness and then TJ limiting him to just 30.2 total innings in 2024 and a goose egg in 2025. He’s looking to bounce back with a move to the bullpen, and his first seven innings this spring have been spectacular.
Lineups
Randy Arozarena makes his first appearance since his totally uneventful with no news around him whatsoever turn in the WBC. Refsnyder gets another start, and Luke Raley will get a chance to face a southpaw. “Taylor” at first base is Carson Taylor, who the Mariners picked up in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 Draft.
Quite a few regulars in Cincinnati’s lineup today, including Noelvi Marte, the centerpiece of the trade that brought Luis Castillo to Seattle. I also forgot Ke’Bryan Hayes had been traded to the Reds, which forced Marte to the outfield.
News From Camp
Michael Arroyo, Michael Rucker, and Ryan Sloan have been reassigned to minor league camp.
Game Info
First pitch: 1:10 PT TV: No television broadcast today. Radio: Old Reliable
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The Houston Rockets (41-25) began the NBA’s 2025-26 season with a 13-4 record in October and November, but they are just 28-21 since.
For context, that initial .765 winning percentage brings a win pace of approximately 63-19 over a full 82-game regular season. The .571 clip from December onward extrapolates to a 47-35 mark.
There are numerous aspects of Houston’s play that have changed as the season has progressed, but one undeniable one is a regression from All-Star center Alperen Sengun.
Over his last 30 games played, the Rockets are a whopping 16.1 points worse in net defensive rating when Sengun plays. Without Sengun, Houston’s defensive rating is 99.5 during that window, which would be by far the NBA’s best for the season.
By comparison, from the start of the 2025-26 season until early January, Houston was only 3.2 points worse in net defensive rating with Sengun playing.
So while Sengun has never been a defensive standout, his defense has gone from passable to dreadful in recent weeks — and that’s a hard formula for Houston to win with as it attempts to make a championship push. (And it’s even more difficult now that veteran backup Steven Adams is out for the season with an injury.)
With that in mind, in a story listing each team’s top priority over the final month of the regular season, it should come as no surprise that The Athletic’s Will Guillory points to Sengun in Houston.
With an opening line of “Get Alperen Sengun back on track,” Guillory explains:
The Rockets have been one of the more frustrating teams in the West over the past few months due to their lackluster production on offense and inconsistency. A major part of their shortcomings has been Şengün, their All-Star center, failing to consistently perform at an All-Star level.
There have been a few times when he’s exploded for big numbers, but most nights, he’s been an afterthought as Houston has turned to 37-year-old Kevin Durant over and over again to bail it out. If the Rockets have any chance at making a deep run, they need both Durant and Şengün to perform at an All-NBA level. Anything less will probably result in an early exit.
To Guillory’s point on offense, Sengun shot 39.2% from 3-point range (2.8 attempts per game) in 18 games through December 1. In 40 games since, that figure has dipped to 17.0% on 1.3 attempts per game, and that lack of range has occasionally clogged Houston’s offense.
We’re about four weeks away from the end of the NBA regular season.
Avoid the Play-In? Get an All-Star back on track? Lottery positioning?
It is worth noting that Sengun missed time in early January with a sprained ankle, and he sat out Houston’s latest victory (on Friday over New Orleans) with low back pain. So, it’s certainly possible that there could be a physical correlation with his struggles.
But regardless of the root cause, the Rockets need Sengun to sort it out in a hurry. Now at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings, Houston hosts the third-seeded Lakers (42-25) for a pair of games at Toyota Center on Monday and Wednesday.
Win one of the two, and Houston would secure the head-to-head tiebreaker. Win both, and the Rockets would have both the tiebreaker and a clear lead in the standings. Lose both, and Los Angeles would have the tiebreaker and a larger lead while likely pushing Houston out of the top four — and thus, in line to open the 2026 playoffs without home-court advantage in the first round.
It’s a big week for the Rockets, and along with Durant, they need the best version of their All-Star center to counter the star power of the LeBron James- and Luka Doncic-led Lakers.
Time will tell as to whether Sengun answers the bell.
BOSTON -- The steps to winning a state championship are numerous, but there’s one important segment that needs to go along with work hard, being accountable, and every other box needed to be checked.
Make sure to have fun while you are doing it.
The Milton High girls hockey team had an incredible amount of fun from Dec. 1 to March 15, the day they won the program’s first Division 2 state championship with a 2-1 win over King Philip at the TD Garden.
A huge part of Milton’s success is the connectivity of the group. All 24 players pulled together and played a role in this season’s 25-1-1 run to the title.
“At our foundation, they are 24 players that love to be around each other,” explained Milton coach Matt Lodi. “At our first meeting each season I always tell them that this is your team. Playing loose and having fun is the only way to play high school sports.”
“We treated this year as 27 different one-game seasons,” said Lodi. “Every game was its own chapter and the girls were about to write their own story. That’s what it took. Twenty-seven chapters to make one story. And chapter 27 was the best one.”
Senior captain Sabrina Stone said the sting of last year’s loss 3-0 in the state finals to Medfield stuck with the team. They used it as fuel to get back to the Garden this year and finish what they worked so hard to accomplish.
“We know what it was like to come here and lose and our goal all season was to come back and get this job done,” said Stone.
“I think we all would have been a little disappointed to get here and not win it this time. This is a special moment for all of us,” said senior captain Mairin Hart.
She continued, “We are a close team and keeping the mindset that not everything has to be super serious makes everyone play better. We are so close off the ice and in the locker room and find a way to bring that to the ice.”
Stone credited senior Anna Leddy and senior Maeve Higgins as the ring leaders in keeping things fun. “They get the music going and keep the team relaxed all of the time,” she said. “They’re the best.”
How it happened
Milton had a decided offensive zone advantage in a scoreless first period. Milton broke the ice with two goals in 2:55 of the middle period. They connected on a 2-on-1 shorthanded goal when freshman Mia Cartarunolo slipped a pass to senior captain Sabrina Stone for the score.
With 6:00 left in the period, Maeve Lovett scored from the slot by tipping Mairin Hart's shot from the point to double the lead to 2-0.
“Unfortunately, we’ve been in the position quite a bit this season where we just cannot find the back of the net. (After the first period) We just said stay true to your game and your identity. We’ve won 24 games this season for a reason,” said Lodi. “We needed to take away (KP goalie Kiki Lynch’s) eyes and get shots from better positions.”
King Philip turned up the pressure in the third period when Ella Morgan drew her team to within a goal with 9:08 left to play. She took a pass at the Milton blue line and snuck a shot to the short side post for the goal.
Milton had to kill off a 4-on-3 situation with 4:33 left in the game to seal the win.
King Philip finished the season with a record of 23-3-1. They overcame the unexpected passing of head coach Ken Assad just before Christmas. The Warriors dedicated the rest of the season to his memory, putting together 11-game and 12-game winning streaks.
Assad was head coach for KP starting in 2019. Before that he was an assistant coach on the King Philip boys hockey team that captured the Division 1 championship in 2016. Originally from Franklin, Assad moved to Plymouth in his retirement years.
They said it
Matt Lodi talking about his stylish red suit
“This was a bold decision for me to make. I always wear the same black outfit on the bench because the girls have black game uniforms. This year I said I was throwing away that superstition. It’s a phenomenal feeling as a coach to witness their joy in the moment.”
Matt Lodi on his team’s core leadership group
“We tried to stay away from the narrative of we were a young team. But we were a young team. We had nine freshman and six sophomores on the roster. Our juniors and seniors did a phenomenal job getting everyone acclimated to what they’d see today. For so many of the freshmen and sophomores to contribute this season was an amazing thing to see.”
Matt Lodi on the team’s lasting impact in Milton
“This team has helped transform girls hockey in Milton forever. The number of people at our games and support we have had from the community over the last three years has been incredible. They did this for themselves, but they also did it for the broader community.”
“Such a stupid goal at the end” - Freiburg left frustrated after Union defeat
Union Berlin secured an important 1-0 win over Freiburg, with substitute Woo-Yeong Jeong making the decisive impact off the bench. The midfielder said his objective was clear when he entered the game.
“I’m very happy about my goal,” Jeong said. “I just wanted to come on and change the game - and today it worked well.”
The South Korean international emphasised how significant the result was for Union. “The three points are really important for us. We had to win today. We had pressure, but we worked together and deserved the victory.”
Freiburg, however, felt the result did not fully reflect the balance of the match. Midfielder Maximilian Eggestein highlighted that his team had largely limited Union’s chances before the decisive moment.
“We didn’t allow much and were well organised, but then we concede such a stupid goal at the end,” Eggestein said.
He also admitted that Freiburg struggled to pose enough attacking threat to truly put the hosts under pressure. “We weren’t good enough going forward to create pressure and force the goal. Still, the goal we conceded is very annoying.”
Eggestein also referenced a late penalty situation that could have changed the outcome for Freiburg. “It’s a 50–50 situation. If the referee gives it during the game, he probably doesn’t take it back. So of course it’s frustrating for us.”
Freiburg striker Igor Matanović also endured a difficult evening after picking up an injury in an aerial duel, though he remained determined to recover quickly. “Yes, the injury looks bad and it immediately felt bad after the header,” Matanović said. “But that’s my game - I live for those duels. I leave my heart on the pitch.”
The forward stressed that his focus was already on returning as soon as possible. “The injury is secondary. Hopefully we can treat it well so that I can be back on the pitch on Thursday.”
Reflecting on the match, Matanović echoed his teammate’s frustration at the result. “The loss is very annoying. We knew it would be difficult against Union. Our finishing wasn’t ideal, but our chance creation wasn’t either.”
In the end, Jeong’s decisive contribution proved enough to hand Union Berlin all three points, while Freiburg were left to rue missed opportunities and a late turning point in a closely contested match.
Woods has not played this season for his Jupiter Links team while recovering from back surgery. McIlroy sounded less optimistic about playing for Boston Common after shooting a 71 in the March 15 final round at The Players Championship. He finished the tournament at even par.
"We'll see," the Jupiter resident said after a long thought. "Yeah, geez, I haven't even … yeah, we'll see."
The SoFi Cup semifinals are March 17 at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens. Jupiter and Boston will meet at 9 p.m. The 6:30 p.m. match features defending champion Atlanta Drive and against Los Angeles Golf Club.
McIlroy, the No. 2 player in the world, decided the morning of the opening round of The Players he would play after withdrawing the previous week from the Arnold Palmer Invitational before the third round.
Then after making the cut at TPC Sawgrass he said the plan was to "hopefully" play his TGL match.
"I'll see how I'm feeling," he said. "But yes."
But McIlroy did not sound as confident two days later even though he reported progress in his game after his final round.
"Happy I got through four days and my body feels good," he said. "I feel like my game sort of progressively got a little bit better as the week went on, even though the scores probably didn't reflect it over the weekend. I hit the ball well. I just didn't make anything on the greens.
"Happy to come through four rounds and feel like my body held up well. A couple little things to work on, but overall, not the week that I wanted. Just trying to take the positives."
McIlroy was asked about Woods after his second round and said he does not believe the Jupiter Island resident would play. Woods had disc replacement surgery Oct. 10 and was hoping to join his team for at least one match at the end of the season.
Although he not played all season, Woods has attended every Jupiter match.
Woods and McIlroy co-founded the indoor, high-tech league.
The official lineups for the semifinal matches will be revealed March 167.
The winners will play in the best-of-3 finals that start March 23.
Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
Woods has not played this season for his Jupiter Links team while recovering from back surgery. McIlroy sounded less optimistic about playing for Boston Common after shooting a 71 in the March 15 final round at The Players Championship. He finished the tournament at even par.
"We'll see," the Jupiter resident said after a long thought. "Yeah, geez, I haven't even … yeah, we'll see."
The SoFi Cup semifinals are March 17 at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens. Jupiter and Boston will meet at 9 p.m. The 6:30 p.m. match features defending champion Atlanta Drive and against Los Angeles Golf Club.
McIlroy, the No. 2 player in the world, decided the morning of the opening round of The Players he would play after withdrawing the previous week from the Arnold Palmer Invitational before the third round.
Then after making the cut at TPC Sawgrass he said the plan was to "hopefully" play his TGL match.
"I'll see how I'm feeling," he said. "But yes."
But McIlroy did not sound as confident two days later even though he reported progress in his game after his final round.
"Happy I got through four days and my body feels good," he said. "I feel like my game sort of progressively got a little bit better as the week went on, even though the scores probably didn't reflect it over the weekend. I hit the ball well. I just didn't make anything on the greens.
"Happy to come through four rounds and feel like my body held up well. A couple little things to work on, but overall, not the week that I wanted. Just trying to take the positives."
McIlroy was asked about Woods after his second round and said he does not believe the Jupiter Island resident would play. Woods had disc replacement surgery Oct. 10 and was hoping to join his team for at least one match at the end of the season.
Although he not played all season, Woods has attended every Jupiter match.
Woods and McIlroy co-founded the indoor, high-tech league.
The official lineups for the semifinal matches will be revealed March 16.
The winners will play in the best-of-3 finals that start March 23.
Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
Chelsea have won every domestic trophy since the start of 2025 [Getty Images]
No matter what form Chelsea are in, winning trophies feels inevitable.
They have made it look like a habit, even if manager Sonia Bompastor insists otherwise.
The Blues came into Sunday's Women's League Cup final under pressure having dropped off in the Women's Super League title race and with off-field changes causing controversy.
Criticism had grown, Bompastor's decisions were being scrutinised and questions have been asked.
Would the serial winners be toppled in a final at last?
The answer was a resounding no.
Bompastor has led her side in three domestic cup finals and won them all, including two victories over Manchester United.
The 2-0 win over United at Ashton Gate this time around could not have been a more timely reminder that Chelsea still mean business and remain the team to beat.
"The emotions are really high. There is a lot of happiness because it's always difficult to play in a final and win," said Bompastor.
"Sometimes, people just think because we are Chelsea, it's just a habit. But it takes a lot for my players to perform and grab a trophy.
"Every occasion, they just show up. They fought with the right mentality. It was not easy. We played as a team defensively. It was a real team effort."
Chelsea 'proved themselves' despite noise
Chelsea came into the game with a formidable record over United, winning 100% of their cup final meetings and only dropping points in two of their past 12 league games.
But injuries in the squad and absences because of the Asian Cup meant this was a depleted Chelsea, albeit United were also without key midfielders Hinata Miyazawa and Ella Toone.
There was a feeling this was United's best chance to overcome Chelsea, when their opponents were vulnerable and the 'mentality monsters' mask appeared to have slipped ever so slightly.
However, Chelsea's biggest superpower has been their ability to block out the noise, to bounce back when they have been written off, and ultimately, to win prizes.
After 90 minutes, it was the familiar sight of Chelsea lifting the cup, Blues fans celebrating in the stands and Lucy Bronze playing with gold confetti.
Bronze, who won her 24th club trophy, helped Bompastor walk her children on to the pitch on Mother's Day to celebrate, and the full-back tapped the tip of the trophy when she received her medal, itching to get her hands on it properly.
Chelsea players stood in a team huddle, with Bompastor in the centre delivering a message, while United captain Maya Le Tissier and manager Marc Skinner were in frustrated conversation in the centre circle for some time.
United had come unstuck once again - but this was business as usual for Chelsea.
"There's been a lot of noise and that's because of what Chelsea have done, winning 18 trophies over a period of time," former England midfielder Fara Williams said on BBC One.
"Everybody expects, and is so used to, Chelsea winning. When they have a blip, eyebrows are raised and questions are asked.
"I really think they proved themselves today."
Only three teams have lifted the Women's League Cup trophy since its introduction in 2011 - Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Chelsea swept every domestic trophy in 2024-25, going unbeaten in the process, during Bompastor's first season in charge.
It is unlikely they will win this trophy again soon with changes coming into place next season, meaning teams competing in the Women's Champions League - which Chelsea hope to be doing - not involved in this competition.
It was important therefore to win, not only to defend their title, not only to block out the noise, but to enjoy it one more time.
"I told the players before the game that when you have the opportunity to play a final, it's always a special occasion," said Bompastor.
"For us to achieve that one more time is great. It's a special day also in my private life with it being Mother's Day and having my kids around me.
"They are my biggest support so to give them the opportunity to celebrate is nice and it feels great."
'We always find a way to win'
After League Cup glory, can Chelsea now go on and win more silverware?
They face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals and have Tottenham in the last eight of the FA Cup.
There is, of course, ground to make up in the WSL as they trail Manchester City by 10 points, albeit with a game in hand.
But former England striker Ellen White told BBC One Chelsea's victory over United can be a "catalyst" - and goalscorer Lauren James agrees.
"It's in our DNA - we always find a way to win, whether we play well or not. We always make sure we put up a fight and we make ourselves hard to beat," said James.
"We need to use it as momentum and hopefully another step forward to working hard to achieve our dreams."
Bompastor will welcome back Australia duo Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr from the Asia Cup by the end of March, while defender Kadeisha Buchanan made her return from injury against United.
There was a blow for Nathalie Bjorn, who returned after three months, only to be substituted within five minutes with a calf injury.
But Chelsea's trophy success has given them the perfect platform to build on as a crucial few weeks approaches.
"Starting this block we knew it would be a really important part of the season and it would be the business end of the season," said Bompastor.
"We know what we need to do and the mentality we need to put into it. Starting with this trophy is the best way.
"I'm hoping with the confidence being high now, we can achieve a lot. We have a lot of quality and talent in the squad. I'm very confident. We will see what we can achieve."
All in all, Chelsea have sent their rivals a clear message.
"They are still champions. If anyone ever doubted that, then today was your answer," said ex-England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis.
[BBC]
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed
Lindsey Vonn hasn’t completely shut the door on ski racing again. She hasn’t decided to return, either.
The 41-year-old who is recovering from a serious downhill crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics is still trying to figure it all out, which she made clear in a social media post Sunday.
“No, I’m not ready to discuss my future in skiing,” Vonn wrote on X. “It was incredible to be #1 in the world again at 41 years old and set new records in my sport, but at my age, I’m the only one that will decide my future.
“I don’t need anyone’s permission to do what makes me happy,” she added. "Maybe that means racing again, maybe that doesn’t. Only time will tell. Please stop telling me what I should or should not do. I’ll let you know when I decide.”
Vonn is on the mend after suffering a complex tibia fracture in her left leg when she crashed just 13 seconds into her Olympic downhill run on Feb. 8. She recently said she nearly lost her left leg after the trauma from the crash led to compartment syndrome in the leg. Compartment syndrome involves excessive pressure building up inside a muscle, either from bleeding or swelling. High pressure restricts blood flow and can lead to permanent injury if not treated quickly.
She thanked Dr. Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon who works with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, for conducting a fasciotomy and saving her leg.
Since her return from Italy, Vonn has been posting videos showing her lifting weights and, just recently, riding a stationary bike.
“I’m biking!!” she wrote. "Starting with 5 minutes… making progress one day at a time.”
Vonn made a comeback last season after nearly six years away from racing. She was feeling healthy and strong again thanks to a partial titanium implant in her right knee.
Vonn won two downhill races this season and earned a podium spot in three others. She was among the favorites leading into the Olympic downhill, an event she won at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
But in a downhill race on Jan. 30, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, she crashed and wound up in the safety nets. She later revealed she damaged the ACL in her left knee but was still confident she could compete in Cortina.
Moments after leaving the start gate, she clipped a gate with her right shoulder and pinwheeled down the slope before ending up awkwardly on her back. She was treated for quite a while before being taken off the hill by helicopter.
“My focus has been on recovering from my injury and getting back to normal life,” Vonn said in the social media post. “I was already retired for 6 years and have an amazing life outside of skiing."
The San Francisco 49ers battled in 2025, as they finished with a 12-5 record and were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs by the eventual Super Bowl champions
While San Francisco will get some key players back who missed a good chunk of last year, they clearly needed to add to their roster, and early in the offseason, they've already done that.
In fact, ESPN's Matt Bowen identified the 49ers as one of the top five most improved teams in the NFL since the start of free agency.
Throughout this exercise, Bowen picked the best and most underrated signing for each team. The best was, unsurprisingly, wide receiver Mike Evans.
"The 49ers made only one major signing, but it was a really good one," Bowen wrote. "Evans is exactly the kind of receiver that the 49ers were missing in a couple of ways. He's a large (6-foot-5, 231-pound) perimeter threat who can win on 50-50 balls, and he's an experienced veteran who can be an important locker room presence. The injury-riddled 49ers have to hope they are getting the Evans from most of his career (11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons) instead of last year's Evans (who dealt with hamstring and collarbone injuries and played just eight games)."
And, while there were a few options for the underrated signing, Bowen chose offensive tackle Vederian Lowe.
"Lowe is not the best player out there; his pass block win rate was 89.2% last season, which is below average, although his run block win rate was an above-average 75.7%," he admitted. "However, he fits well in San Francisco as a swing tackle just in case something happens with Trent Williams' contract situation or in case 37-year-old Williams comes back but gets hurt during the 2026 season."
San Francisco still has plenty of money to spend and six draft picks to make, and with the division continuously improving, they need to make the most out of their capital to keep up.
Happy Selection Sunday 2026! As is the tradition, the men's bracket of the NCAA tournament will be revealed on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with the run to a national title that all starts with who's playing against whom as we await to see who will be upset and who will be a Cinderella.
And if you're here, getting ready to tune in to the selection show on CBS, you might be wondering: Who's at the desk for the big reveal? Fear not! We have answers!
The bracket reveal show will be hosted by Adam Zucker in New York. He'll be joined by Clark Kellogg, Jay Wright and Seth Davis at the desk.
NBA alum Charles Barkley recently issued a firm warning to today’s WNBA stars as they negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the league. All eyes have been on the WNBA since October 2024, when the WNBPA opted out of the CBA. Since then, it appears that little progress has been made, as the last deadline to reach a deal (March 10, 2026) has already passed. In a recent interview, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said a new deal must be reached by Monday, March 16, or there will be serious consequences for the upcoming season.
Charles Barkley Issues Warning To WNBA Stars Amid CBA Negotiation Struggles
On his podcast, “The Steam Room,” Barkley opened up about the current CBA negotiations.
“Ladies, I want you all to get paid, and I wish you the very best, but y’all gotta be very careful,” he said.
Barkley went on to say that it’s crucial they reach a deal with the WNBA or face a potential lockout.
“When y’all start bad-mouthing the commissioner, you have to remember one thing,” he added. “The commissioner works for the owners. You might not get paid what you’re worth, but you can get paid what you can get.”
Napheesa Collier Slams WNBA Commissioner In September 2025
Barkley’s words come amid the ongoing CBA negotiations and months after WNBA standout Napheesa Collier slammed commissioner Engelbert during a press conference.
“Let me be clear: This conversation is not about winning or losing,” she said, according to The Blast. “It’s about something much bigger. The real threat to our league isn’t money, it isn’t ratings or even missed calls or physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.”
Collier said she had previously spoken with Engelbert about the league’s notoriously low pay for its stars and claimed Engelbert had offered a flippant response.
“Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,’” Collier said. “In that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.’”
Angel Reese Breaks Silence On CBA Negotiations
Angel Reese at USAB on the CBA process: "Everybody wants to play but all of us want to play at what we should be compensated for. So we’re just going to continue to negotiate. Negotiation is not easy. I talk to my team all the time, when I negotiate deals, you go back and forth…
In addition to Collier, other WNBA players have been vocal about the CBA negotiations, including Chicago Sky star Angel Reese.
“Everybody wants to play but all of us want to play at what we should be compensated for,” she said in March 2026. “So we’re just going to continue to negotiate. Negotiation is not easy. I talk to my team all the time, when I negotiate deals, you go back and forth until you come to a common ground of what we both can go for.”
Reese, one of the league’s most popular stars, went on to say that she’d continue using her voice and platform to advocate for the players.
“I’m just going to continue to be a voice and do whatever I can as a young voice that knows that I do have a platform in this,” she said. “We do all want to play basketball, but at the same time we do want to be compensated for what we deserve.”
Engelbert Says The WNBA Has To ‘Get A Deal Done’
MEGA
The WNBA previously set a March 10 deadline to reach a deal, but they were unsuccessful. Engelbert, however, remains hopeful, according to USA Today.
“I’ve never been a betting woman in my life, and I’m not going to start now. But we have to get a deal done by Monday,” she said.
Engelbert explained that if the league and its players cannot reach a deal, there will be serious disruptions to its operations.
“We have to get it done without disrupting some part of the fact that we’ve got to run this two-team expansion (draft). We have to get expansion going. (We’ve) got to get free agency going. We gotta get the college draft,” she said.
Disappointing News Surrounding The League
MEGA
In other WNBA news, Dallas Wings player Arike Ogunbowale was arrested in Miami in early March after an alleged physical altercation with a nightclub employee, according to The Blast.
Reports stated that Ogunbowale allegedly punched a staff member with a closed fist, leading to her arrest. She was charged with misdemeanor battery and was released on a $1,000 bond.
Another report from The Blast stated that Los Angeles Sparks player Rickea Jackson recently encountered a frightening experience. In harrowing court documents, Jackson claimed she was the victim of ongoing “physical” abuse by her NFL ex-boyfriend, James Pearce Jr.
In the documents, Jackson said she was fearful of Pearce Jr., claiming that the Atlanta Falcons player “has threatened to kill me, James has threatened to harm me, James has threatened to injure me, James has threatened to place a bag over my head.”
We looked back at the season in part 1 Thursday. Today, in advance of Selection Sunday, we look ahead to the NCAA Tournament. Note: these answers were all provided after the regular season finish against Duke, but prior to the game against Clemson in the ACC tournament.
What do you think this team’s ceiling is without Caleb?
Al: Sweet 16 is the ceiling. They are likely getting a five seed, meaning they will play a team they are at even footing with in the round of 32 should they make it, and they’ve shown with that pressure and this lineup they can perform. Problem is in the S16, they are going to have to face one of the giants and I just think that’s where their magic runs out.
Max: I’m desperately hoping that the team makes it to the second weekend; with the right matchups and playing to their potential, I could see an exit Elite Eight.
Brandon G: (modified after the Clemson loss) Partly it depends on seeding and part depends on the team we get. If it is the team that went 5-1 before permanently losing Caleb with wins over Louisville and Clemson while giving Duke hell on their home court in the first half or even the one who basically shut down Clemson for the final 3.5 minutes of the ACC quarterfinal game, I believe that team could make the Elite Eight. However, if it is the team that got punched in the second half against Duke and most of the game against Clemson and kind of shriveled and died, then an opening round upset seems to be most likely.
Thomas: Undetermined until we see the bracket, but most likely Sweet 16. The floor is also lower, as the right 11 or 12 seed can make life difficult for the Heels without someone to lean on that’s head and shoulders better than anyone else on the floor.
Akil: I think the ceiling is making the Sweet 16. Especially if they’re a 4/5 seed, I just can’t really give this team as it exists now a fair shot against one of the 1-seeds this season, when the gap between the best teams and the rest is as big as it’s ever been.
Brandon A: This team’s ceiling is the Sweet Sixteen. I don’t think there’s enough juice on this roster to get further than that, but it’s not necessarily an indictment of the team itself. The top of the NCAA is really good, and since they would likely run into one of the one-seeds in the Sweet Sixteen, I think things end there when looking at their best-case scenario.
Matt B: Depending on their opening weekend matchups, either the Sweet 16 or Round of 32. For anything beyond that, I think they’ll need some upsets on their side of the bracket to help clear a path.
David: The right matchups could get us to the Sweet 16, and then it’s “anything can happen in one game” time. If Derek Dixon could somehow turn into Sophomore Derek Dixon a bit early, that would be awesome.
What do you think this team’s ceiling would have been with Caleb?
Al: Oddly enough the season might have ended in the same spot, ‘cause if you get paired up with say a UConn, I don’t know how Wilson really changed the chances of beating them. That said, you at least felt like they had a chance, and of course if they get by that one then the two/three seed would be “easier.” So, Final Four.
Max: I was already dreading these discussions; with Caleb Wilson, I truly believe this team could have beaten anyone in the country. Unfortunately, they also could have lost to anyone. He is such a force of nature, though, that I do think the Heels would have had an outside shot at a Final Four — and once you’re there, it’s anyone’s game.
Brandon G: I would still say Elite Eight, maybe Final Four. Caleb gave us a chance to have a bad game and still win. We don’t have that anymore, and I feel like our floor is a lot lower because of it (I could see the current team losing anywhere from opening round to Elite Eight; I think with Caleb, floor is an easy Sweet Sixteen).
Thomas: With Caleb, I think a Final Four berth was possible, although probably still unlikely barring some bracket luck. Most of the projected 1 seeds are really good; that being said, I certainly wouldn’t have had the 2022 squad making the Finals, so who knows.
Akil: They could’ve made a Final Four run for sure. They’d have had the best player on the floor in just about every game they played, and when that’s the case, you always have a chance.
Brandon A: The Final Four. Now if you’re excuse me, I’m going to cry in the car.
Matt B: At the risk of sounding delusional, you’ll never convince me they couldn’t have won the national championship fully healthy. The win over Duke is enough evidence for me that this team, at their best, could have beaten anybody in the tournament.
David: I genuinely think the growth we saw on defense and depth during Caleb’s first absence had this team primed to make a 6 game run. With Caleb, the offense had a fantastic distributed assist rate, which took a lot of pressure off Derek and Kyle to win their one-on-ones consistently. I think the offense and defense would have been there to shock the world.
Who do you think wins it all in the NCAA tournament?
Al: Michigan. Duke is scary, no doubt, but there’s something about their proclivity to let teams hang around that doesn’t work with better teams. I think UConn is going to burn out, I don’t trust Florida (the school, though the same could be said for the state), and I remember 33 years ago when Michigan faced an ACC school early, beat them, and the ACC school got revenge. Feels like the first defeat could be good for Michigan to get out of their system, and remember, Cadeau helped UNC sweep them in 2024.
Max: I plead the fifth.
Brandon G: Anybody but Duke…with a slight lean towards Houston because that is where I was born and it isn’t one of the usual suspects.
Thomas: I’d say Michigan; they seem pretty complete and went 29-2 against the 4th hardest schedule in the country.
Akil: Michigan.
Brandon A: I’m starting to feel like Florida will be able to repeat. With two key starters being injured for Duke and Michigan not doing enough to win me over, I think the Gators are going to go back to back. If Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba didn’t get hurt, though? Well….yeah, I don’t want to talk about it. I’ve said enough.
Matt B: Michigan. They’re big, they’re battle-tested, and they’re elite on both ends of the floor. FAU’s Final Four run was just the beginning for Dusty May.
David: Indiana, a used-be-great basketball school but traditionally poor football program, somehow won it all in football. So, in this upside down world of college sports, what’s a traditionally woebegone basketball school, suddenly good, that also used to be a football power? On that front, the closest I can get to the Hoosiers are the Huskers. So, Nebraska.
Szoboszlai warns Liverpool: “Wake up or be happy with Conference League” after Spurs stalemate
Dominik Szoboszlai has said Liverpool will have to 'be happy with Conference League' football if performances do not improve, after being booed off against Tottenham at Anfield.
Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw in thePremier League in a damaging result to their Champions League ambitions. Szoboszlai's free-kick fired the Reds in front in the first half, but a lethargic performance was punished when Richarlison equalised late on for Spurs.
The visitors have gone 12 games without a win in the Premier League and had lost six successive fixtures in all competitions before Sunday's stalemate.
The result was greeted will audible boos at full-time and continues an inconsistent campaign for Liverpool, who have been a shadow of last season's title-winning team.
Reflecting on a 'huge disappointment', Szoboszlai warned that Liverpool are in real danger of missing out onChampions League qualification.
"That is a huge disappointment. I don't know what happened, I have nothing to say. In the last minute, again, I don't know how many times this season already. We have to wake up," he said toSky Sports.
"I feel flat. We have to wake up because if we carry on like this, we should be happy with the Conference League. I don't know why this is happening, I honestly don't know.
"I think in the first-half we played very well, we controlled the whole game and they hardly created chances apart from one or two headers. Second half we just didn't so the same things.
"We will sit down together, and this is the most difficult time, but we have to stick together."
"I didn't hear the boos, but we can understand them. We are not performing how we should. They should stand behind us because last season we became Champions four games before the end everybody was happy. Support us in a difficult time."
"There is still time to show how much we want it, we have to stick together and fight for the club."
Unlike many games of late, Spurs went toe to toe with Liverpool, despite going behind and Tudor says that he sees progress in his side.
“There was progress in terms of mentality and will to stay and suffer,” he said. “That for sure is progress. I cannot speak about progress because we know what happened in the last two games.
“Today is a game where we came here with 12 players. This is something big for our fans, for the players. This is really something big.”
The Croatian explained that the point was a deserved one for his side, even though they were behind for most of the game.
“A lot of hard work,” Tudor added. “We want to do the right things and be a team. We can say it was deserved. It was not easy so I am happy, happy for the players. I’m happy. It is never easy to come here.”
“It’s nice. All the games are important because there are not too many until the end. Every point counts. We need to get players back and choose the right players.
“We have a game on Wednesday [against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League] and then we play an important game against Nottingham Forest.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 14: Kevin Vallejos of Argentina reacts after a knockout victory against Josh Emmett in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on March 14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Kevin Vallejos wasn’t in a rush to get to the top of the featherweight division, but after knocking out Josh Emmett in vicious fashion in the UFC Vegas 114 main event, he probably doesn’t have any other choice now.
That said, the 24-year-old prospect, who moved to 4-0 in the UFC with his latest win, vowed to do whatever it takes to make an unforgettable impression with his career in the octagon. He may be labeled as the next big thing but Vallejos wants to earn his place among the best featherweight fighters in the world — and he’ll go through anyone to prove it.
“I’m here to leave my mark,” Vallejos said in his UFC post-fight interview. “I’m here for my name to be etched in this division. I came to do things. To [create] an image. To stomp my foot and to do something with this division and to be a champion.
“I want to tell people that I belong here, not that I’m just a boy, a baby that came in here and maybe is being fast tracked to success.”
Vallejos admitted after his win that he walked into the cage with a few extra nerves because he was facing an opponent in Emmett, who he grew up watching before he even dreamed about competing in the UFC. He also knew Emmett packed a serious punch and he was capable of going to war with anybody, which included taking Ilia Topuria to a five-round decision when they met in 2023.
In the end, Vallejos had nothing to worry about because he put on a nearly flawless performance, outlanding Emmett by a ridiculous 42-2 margin in strikes before finishing the fight with a vicious knockout in the opening round.
“It’s a dream come true so I’m very happy,” Vallejos said. “It was a lot. I have to tell you, I was a bit nervous this week. Because a lot was riding behind this. There were a lot of people behind me. A lot of people supporting me, sending messages, everything. I was really surprised with all the support I got from Chile, from Uruguay, from everywhere not just Argentina, so I was very happy.
“A lot of people were behind me on this one so I’m very happy for all of them. To give them a great show and also for my family and very happy with the win.”
The win not only moved Vallejos to 4-0 in the UFC while likely earning a spot in the top 15 rankings, but he’s also going home with an extra $100,000 after being rewarded with a Performance of the Night bonus.
It’s actually his second post-fight bonus in a row but a first under the new format where fighters are earning $100,000 for Performance of the Night or Fight of the Night, which started in 2026. Vallejos was understandably excited to hear that news but don’t expect him to start blowing the money just because he can.
Instead, Vallejos says he wants to invest the money for his future both financially and when it comes to his fight career with hopes to build a gym near his home in Argentina.
“First and foremost, I’m going to buy some food,” Vallejos said with a smile. “Of course, obvious but also listen, I want to invest the money. I want that money to grow but there’s one thing I want to do is build a gym in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
“I want to do something, I want to get something that was never done before, to actually have a full camp out there. I want to give it a little grain of sand to this project, to having new techniques, having new equipment, having new skills developed out there and a little gift to Argentina so we can grow MMA down there.”
Swerve Strickland wearing a black baseball hat - Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images
In the present day, wrestling fans know Swerve Strickland as a former AEW World Champion and the self-proclaimed "most dangerous man." From 2015 until 2018, though, he performed as a masked wrestler named Killshot for Lucha Underground.
During an interview with the "Battleground Podcast," Strickland looked back on his former persona, which he says laid the groundwork for his bigger and current success in AEW.
"I feel like at the time I learned all that I could at that level with Lucha Underground and that's what gave me the confidence to become Swerve," Strickland said. "I needed to take the Killshot, not the name, but the education, the skillset, the knowledge and that instinct, the confidence that I grew becoming Killshot in The Temple of Lucha Underground. I had to take that confidence and put that towards Swerve and make Swerve that performer that Killshot was. And then that grew immensely when I got into AEW. The confidence grew again."
At the start of his Lucha Underground stint, Strickland simply aimed to become an "entity" on it. Following his famous Hell of War match with AR Fox, also known as Dante Fox, Strickland then felt like a top performer — an attitude he now applies to his television work with AEW.
Across his four-season run with Lucha Underground, Strickland enjoyed a lengthy run with the Trios Championships. Under the AEW banner, he's so far earned one reign as AEW Tag Team Champion alongside Keith Lee, then one as AEW World Champion in 2024.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Battleground Podcast" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
The Serie A giants were also said to be monitoring Djed Spence. Nevertheless, Juventus have a long-standing interest in Udogie, and they have apparently decided to rekindle it, as this could be the perfect time to finally land the full-back who has been on their radar since his days at Udinese.
Juventus ready to offer €25m for Destiny Udogie
According to TuttoJuve, the Old Lady is preparing to submit an opening bid for the Italian international in the region of €25 million.
The Verona native is likely to command a higher fee. Transfermarktestimates his value at €25 million. However, Damien Comolli will try to reach favourable terms with his former employers.
Tottenham have been enduring a truly miserable season, as they’re currently embroiled in a relegation dogfight, which could prompt a summer exodus.
Therefore, Juventus are hoping to pounce on the situation and recruit Udogie, who would be an important addition to their left-back department.
Why Juventus need a new left-back
Andrea Cambiaso has been Juve’s first-choice left-back for the last three seasons. The 26-year-old has been almost uncontested in this role amidst the lack of serious competition.
Juan Cabal was supposed to add some depth to this role, but he suffered an ACL injury a few months following his transfer from Hellas Verona, and he hasn’t been able to deliver convincing displays following his return to action.
As for Filip Kostic, he is now considered a mere squad player, and will most likely leave Juventus when his contract expires in June.
Therefore, the arrival of a competent left-back should be on Marco Ottolini’s to-do list ahead of the summer transfer campaign.
Eddie Hearn (left) and Tom Aspinall, who has been announced as the first signing to the Matchroom Talent Agency's roster, following a press conference at Battersea Power Station, London. Picture date: Friday March 6 2026. (Photo by Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
Sign with Eddie Hearn, get paid.
That’s the message Matchroom Boxing’s Hearn is sending as he gets to work building up UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s profile and sponsorship portfolio.
Hearn is currently in a war of words with UFC CEO Dana White over parent company TKO’s foray into the sweet science with Zuffa Boxing. Zuffa recently stole away Conor Benn, one of Matchroom’s biggest names. Hearn returned fire by signing a management deal with Aspinall, who has clearly been unhappy with how the UFC has mishandled the last couple years of his career.
And now, less than two weeks into that partnership, Hearn says Aspinall is set to make more money outside the cage than he did fighting for UFC.
“We are closing in on a number of deals for Tom Aspinall,” Hearn told IFL.tv. “Commercial deals where — I would say UFC fighters have got to understand the job that we’ll be doing. Tom Aspinall, having been with Matchroom Talent Agency for what will be ten days to two weeks, he will make more money in commercial deals than he did for one of his recent fights. Within ten days of working with Matchroom. One of his recent fights, in the last four fights.”
“So they’re leaving a lot of money on the table.”
Hearn has already said many UFC fighters have reached out to him about managing their careers, and he suggested he was ready to sign any athlete with an interesting and marketable story. While it still remains to be seen if Hearn will be able to help his fighters get better pay from UFC, he’s clearly ready to use his substantial rolodex to unlock big sponsorships most UFC managers can’t. And that’s a pretty good way to build up an agency if you ask us.
‘Absolute disaster’ – Jamie Carragher savages ‘sleepwalking’ Liverpool after latest kamikaze act
Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back in his assessment of Liverpool’s latest kamikaze act in their floundering bid to salvage Champions League qualification for next season.
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In a script which feels all too familiar for Reds fans, a flat performance was punished with the concession of a result-changing late goal, and it was our old nemesis Richarlison who inevitably did the damage with a 90th-minute equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw for Tottenham Hotspur.
Arne Slot’s paid the price for failing to capitalise on a position of strength, and also missed the opportunity to leapfrog Aston Villa into fourth place, with the point to move us above Chelsea into fifth coming as scant consolation.
Carragher fumes at ‘sleepwalking’ Liverpool
Speaking on co-commentary for Sky Sports after Spurs’ late equaliser, Carragher fumed: “It was coming! I’ve been saying all half that Liverpool have been sleepwalking into this. Liverpool were all over the place but I can’t say that Tottenham don’t deserve it. This has been coming. So obvious.
“This is an absolute disaster for Liverpool in terms of their Champions League qualification. They have actually made Tottenham look like a decent team.”
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The former Reds defender then blasted shortly after full-time: “It was an awful performance. No disrespect to Tottenham but they are the worst team in the Premier League now, probably for the last couple of months.
“They are exactly who you want to play, playing at home, the incentive of your results this weekend and to put in performance like that…but it’s been like that all season.”
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Liverpool’s record against the bottom six is pathetic
Here’s a statistic which should have Slot and his Liverpool players crimson with embarrassment – of the 12 Premier League matches we’ve played against the current bottom six teams this season, we’ve won only six (just two at Anfield), drawn four and lost two.
In those dozen games alone, the Reds have left five points behind them with goals conceded in the 90th minute or later. That’s not to mention the numerous other instances in which that’s happened in the current campaign.
As Carragher rightly says, it wasn’t as though Richarlison’s equaliser today was a bolt from the blue. Spurs had tested Alisson Becker on a few occasions before they drew level, and Igor Tudor’s much-criticised outfit were ultimately good value for the point they secured.
To lose a late goal once can happen to anyone. To do so twice is careless. To do so with the regularity that the Reds have done is symptomatic of a major attitude problem which needs resolving if we’re to somehow salvage Champions League qualification from here.
The United States government may need to settle millions in unpaid dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency if it wants to avoid potential sanctions linked to major global sporting events.
A proposal under discussion at WADA could introduce penalties for governments that fail to pay their annual contributions.
The situation has drawn attention because the United States is preparing to host matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images
How much the US owes WADA amid the World Cup and Olympics dispute
According to a report by the Associated Press, WADA is considering new sanctions targeting countries that have not paid their dues to the global anti-doping body.
“The proposal calls for a three-tiered set of sanctions for countries that don’t pay dues. In the U.S. case, that amounts to around $3.7 million from last year, plus $3.6 million it didn’t pay in 2024,” AP reported.
The United States has withheld its payments to WADA as part of a dispute over the agency’s handling of several anti-doping cases, including those involving Chinese swimmers.
If the payments remain outstanding, the proposal being discussed by WADA could trigger escalating penalties for non-compliant governments.
Why WADA says unpaid dues could affect major sporting events
WADA officials say the initiative is designed to protect the agency’s ability to fund global anti-doping programs.
“This initiative is aimed at better protecting WADA’s funding so that it can deliver on its mission to protect clean sport,” said James Fitzgerald, the spokesman for WADA.
He added: “If WADA’s funding is cut, it is ultimately athletes who will suffer. Indeed, athletes (including those on WADA’s Executive Committee and Foundation Board) have continuously expressed their support for this initiative.”
The proposal includes several possible sanctions, with the most severe potentially restricting government representatives from attending major sporting events.
That could theoretically impact officials traveling to tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympic Games if the dispute between the United States and WADA is not resolved.
For now, WADA’s executive committee is expected to review the proposal as discussions over the unpaid dues continue.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 15: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou on March 15, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With Real Madrid having won their fixture on Saturday, a fuller than usual Camp Nou – thanks to the opening of another area behind the goal and the club’s presidential elections – were expecting three points to keep them at arm’s length from their eternal rivals.
Having won every league game played at home in the 2025/26 season, the pressure was always going to be on the Andalusians; however, complacency had been Barca’s enemy in the past.
There’s no doubt that having Joao Cancelo as a left-back isn’t ideal; however, the one thing (other than experience) that he would appear to have over Alejandro Balde is that when he plays, he makes things happen.
Yes, he can be a little too gung-ho on occasions, but he always has defenders on the back foot, is happy to go inside or outside, and can generally be relied upon to put in a half-decent cross 90% of the time.
His goal capped a fine individual performance.
Even a fully-fit Balde often has trouble with his final ball, and will almost always look to go down the outside because he’s so one-footed, making him that much more predictable.
Cancelo is getting no younger, of course, so this particular solution can surely only be temporary.
A captain’s performance from Raphinha
I’ve written in this column before about how Raphinha has flourished with the responsibility of being handed the captain’s armband.
It appears to elevate his performances to the point where he is truly leading by example.
Against Sevilla, he was in his element, and not just because of the hat-trick.
Hustling, harrying, chasing lost causes… his was another brilliant all-round effort and the type of showing that his colleagues should aspire to.
Midfield strength in depth as Gavi returns
The return of Gavi for a late cameo was obviously a big plus for the team and Hansi Flick, though the Blaugranes had dominated the midfield exchanges well before his arrival on the pitch.
The industry of fellow subs, Fermin Lopez and Marc Casado, kept the opposition at bay for long periods in the second half, whilst Marc Bernal and Pedri had been quietly effective, as per.
Dani Olmo also produced one of his better 90 minutes for the club, and when the middle of the park is on song, Barca are an entirely different proposition.
Teams can’t get at the back four or take advantage of the high line, so… more of the same please.
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: Cashius Howell #9 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates after a play in the first half of a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field on November 15, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Joe Buvid/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
We continue our 2026 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at Texas A&M edge defender Cashius Howell
Cashius Howell
OLB Texas A&M Senior 3-star recruit 6’2” 253 lbs
History
Howell’s first college season in 2021 was a redshirt season in Bowling Green and he appeared in four games, making his debut against Murray State, recording six tackles.
In his season in 2022 at Bowling Green he played all 13 games and began showing his skills. He finished the year with 22 tackles, 2.5 TFL, two sacks, and a fumble recovery.
2023 was the breakout year that put him on the national radar. He appeared in all games with 11 starts and finished tied for the MAC lead with 9.5 sacks (16th-most nationally) on his way to third-team All-MAC. He had several standout moments that year and in his first career start against Ohio he got his first strip-sack, and logged multiple multi-sack games (Akron, Kent State, Toledo).
In 2024, he transferred making his first appearance at Texas A&M. He played in all 13 games and produced across the stat sheet. His defining welcome to the SEC moment came in the Las Vegas Bowl against USC, making his first for the Aggies, where he filled it up with a sack and an interception. The full-season totals had him at 40 tackles, four sacks, one interception.
Then came 2025 where it was a full-on star season. He became one of the SEC’s defining pass rushers, finishing with 11.5 sacks and earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year recognition. The year’s biggest highlight clip came in Week 2 against Utah State, when he recorded three consecutive sacks on three consecutive plays, a rare feat that earned him SEC weekly honors and national headlines. Later, he added another monster performance versus Mississippi State with three more sacks, and became the first Aggie to post multiple three-sack games in a season since Von Miller (2009).
Howell fits best as a rush-first 3-4 outside linebacker or hybrid EDGE in an aggressive, pressure-heavy defense that lets him live on the edge in wide alignments, attack with speed-to-power and counters, and occasionally reduce inside over guards on passing downs to exploit matchups.
SUMMARY
Howell is basically an explosive, bendy sack-artist with real rush craft, but with size, length, and strength thresholds that will shape how teams use him. He consistently wins with a fast first step, flexibility to turn tight angles, and a legit move set that shows he’s not just an athlete freelancing. His efficiency and production numbers are insane to look at, making him one of the most valuable edge defenders in this year’s class.
Where the ‘but’ comes in is his build. His 30 1/4” arms are very short for the position and his overall frame is on the smaller side, so play strength and anchor versus power runs will knock him down the board. The clean NFL projection is a rush-first OLB who should be featured in wide alignments, stunt packages, and sub fronts where his burst and bend can attack tackles’ edges and his inside counters can punish oversets, while his early-down run workload is managed until he proves he can consistently hold up versus NFL displacement.
PRO COMPARISON
Harold Landry III
BTB OVERALL RANKING
23rd
CONSENSUS OVERALL RANKING
26th (Consensus ranking based on the average ranking from 90 major scoring services, including BTB)
Sven Ulreich (Bayern Munich) looks on during Matchday 26 1.Bundesliga: Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on March 14 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Sven Ulreich made his first competitive appearance for Bayern Munich in roughly 18 months for the dramatic 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen over the weekend. The veteran keeper was called upon due to current injuries to both Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig and U-19 keeper Leonard Prescott was also listed on the bench for the draw with Die Werkself to serve as Ulreich’s backup for the occasion.
As fate would have it, even Ulreich complained of some discomfort in his thigh after the draw with Leverkusen and Bayern now faces a bit of a goalkeeper conundrum as all of their senior keepers are currently out injured. There was always a risk of Ulreich getting some sort of knock or muscular discomfort after going so long without a competitive appearance, but he can hardly be to blame with the personnal matters he went through last season that kept him out of action for so long.
Current injuries aside, Ulreich has recently said that he can fully imagine himself staying at Bayern for at least another season. His current contract is set to expire this summer, but much like Neuer, he is feeling comfortable in the fact that he would like to stay at the club for at least another year.
“I can easily imagine playing another year. The role I have in the goalkeeping team suits me and I’m enjoying it. But it’s not solely my decision. Others [the people in charge] have a bit more influence,” Ulreich explained after the draw at Leverkusen (via @iMiaSanMia).
Regardless of what winds up happening elsewhere in the keeper’s department at Bayern, it would more than likely be mutually understood that Ulreich would only be a backup choice, if not third string, if he winds up extending his contract. At this juncture, it’s still not entirely clear what Neuer plans on doing as the club is waiting to have discussions with him until after his 40th birthday later this month and they are planning to have Urbig be the number one keeper should Neuer decide not to renew his contract. If that does wind up being the case and Neuer winds up leaving this summer, the club is also prepared to try to bring in another keeper to serve at Urbig’s backup.
The New York Rangers have had some big hits in free agency from the 1970s to the present day – most notably forward Artemi Panarin, who makes his return to Madison Square Garden on Monday night with the Los Angeles Kings after being traded on Feb. 4.
Of course, there have been some real bombs as well.
Some of the hits have been of the big-ticket variety — like Panarin — the kind of player everyone knows about. Others have been solid players who stepped up their games when they arrived on Broadway, while still others came from out of nowhere and turned into valuable contributors.
And the misses? They’ve ranged from players who played OK hockey for big money to others who were total failures and left the Blueshirt Faithful wondering why management signed them in the first place.
Here’s a look at the five best and five worst free-agent signings in Rangers history:
The Best
5. Two Sweet Swedes
The Signings: Rangers signed center Ulf Nilsson and forward Anders Hedberg to two-year contracts Date: March 20, 1978
Why it mattered: Free agency within the NHL was unheard of 1978, but raiding the rival World Hockey Association was perfectly OK. GM John Ferguson did just that in March 1978 when he announced that two of the WHA’s biggest stars, Swedish linemates Ulf Nilsson and Anders Hedberg, would be heading to the Big Apple for the 1978-79 season.
The two, along with left wing Bobby Hull, had terrorized WHA goalies for years with the Winnipeg Jets, so the news of the Swedes’ impending arrival left Rangers fans salivating. Hedberg scored at least 50 goals and finished with 100 points in each of his four WHA seasons. Nilsson averaged 121 points in his four WHA seasons and never had fewer than 76 assists.
Neither came close to those totals in the NHL, but both were fine players who keyed the Rangers’ run to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final.
Hedberg had three straight 30-goal seasons and led the Rangers in scoring in 1978-79. A knee injury limited him to four games in 1981-82, but he had at least 20 goals in each of his six seasons before retiring in 1985.
Nilsson was averaging well over a point a game in his first season before he sustained a broken ankle caused when he caught a rut in the ice at the Garden as he was hit by Islanders defenseman Denis Potvin (unlike Rangers fans, he absolved Potvin of any blame). Nilsson also missed the entire 1981-82 season because of a knee injury sustained playing for Sweden in the 1981 Canada Cup. He played just 10 games in 1982-83 before retiring with 169 points in 170 NHL games.
4. Trocheck is a Hit on Broadway
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Signing: Rangers signed center Vincent Trocheck to a seven-year contract Date: July 13, 2022
It’s easy to find fault with a lot of general manager Chris Drury’s moves, so give him credit for one that worked out big time.
Vincent Trocheck was a solid middle-six center with the Florida Panthers and Carolina before Drury brought him to New York in the summer of 2022. He said he made the decision to join the Rangers because he didn’t want to come to a team that didn’t have a chance to win every year.
The Pittsburgh native was a big reason the Rangers got to the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three seasons in 2023-24. Not only did he finish with a career-high 77 points and earn a spot in the NHL All-Star Game, he also led the Rangers in the postseason with 20 points in 16 games, scored his first career playoff overtime goal (a double-OT winner against Carolina) and set up two other OT tallies.
He hasn’t matched those numbers since but remains one of the NHL’s best two-way centers – productive offensively, a star in the face-off circle, an ace penalty-killer and a leader in the locker room. He showed his multi-faceted skills while helping Team USA win gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Trocheck’s average cap hit of $5.625 million on a contract that runs through 2028-29 has been an incredible bargain.
3. A “Great” Day for the Rangers
Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY NETWORK
The Signing: Rangers sign center Wayne Gretzky to a two-year contract Date: July 21, 1996
The Rangers knew they weren’t getting the 1980s version of Wayne Gretzky when they signed “The Great One” in the summer of 1996. But even a 35-year-old Gretzky was still a force to be reckoned with, especially because he was rejoining his longtime Edmonton Oilers teammate Mark Messier.
The Gretzky-Messier tandem carried the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final in 1996-97, which turned out to be their only season together in New York. No. 99 was No. 1 in the NHL with 72 assists, led the Rangers with 97 points, was voted a Second-Team All-Star and had 20 playoff points (including a first-round hat trick against the Florida Panthers) before the Philadelphia Flyers bounced them in five games.
Gretzky led the NHL in assists again in 1997-98 with 67 and repeated as a Second-Team All-Star. But with Messier gone after signing with the Vancouver Canucks as a free agent, they finished 15 points out of a playoff berth. The Blueshirts were out of the playoff race for most of 1998-99, and as the end of the season neared, Gretzky decided it was time to call it a career. On April 16, two days before the end of the season, he announced he would retire after the Rangers’ season finale against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden.
Appropriately, his last NHL point was an assist — one that came on the Rangers’ lone goal in a 2-1 overtime loss. After the teams left the ice, Gretzky came back out for a solo skate. “I made a lot of curtain calls, but the fans wouldn’t stop cheering,” he said. “I cried; I broke down a couple of times.”
The Great One never did win the championship he’d hoped for in New York, but he did put up 57 goals and 249 points in his 234 games as a Ranger.
2. Riding the “Gravy” Train
The Signing: Rangers sign forward Adam Graves to a five-year contract Date: Sept. 3, 1991
Before joining the Rangers as GM in 1989, Neil Smith had worked for the Detroit Red Wings. One of the players he scouted was Adam Graves, who was selected by Detroit in the second round of the 1986 NHL Draft. But the Wings traded Graves to Edmonton in November 1989, and he was part of the Oilers’ championship team the following spring.
However, Smith never forgot Graves, and when he became a Group I free agent after the 1990-91 season, the Rangers signed him to a five-year contract, giving up forward Troy Mallette as compensation. Graves was originally given No. 11; however, he quickly shifted to No. 9 after the Rangers acquired former Edmonton teammate Messier a month later.
Coach Roger Neilson put Graves on Messier’s left wing, and he began filling the net. After seasons of 26 and 36 goals, “Gravy” broke the Rangers’ single-season goal-scoring record with 52, then piled up 10 more in the playoffs; the last one came in Game 7 of the Final and helped the Rangers end their 54-year championship drought.
Graves’ style of play was simple but effective — get to the front of the net and make life miserable for opposing goalies. Most of the 280 goals he scored in 10 seasons on Broadway didn’t travel very far. But he might have been even more valuable for what he did for the team and the community. Though he was tough as nails on the ice, scoring goals and protecting teammates so well that the Rangers retired his No. 9 on Feb. 3, 2021, away from the rink, he was humble, caring and kind — and still is.
1. The Breadman Delivers
Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
The Signing: Rangers sign forward Artemi Panarin to a seven-year contract Date: July 1, 2019
Artemi Panarin is without a doubt the best free-agent signing in Rangers history. It’s not even close. Trading him to the Kings marked the end of an era.
The Breadman had plenty of suitors when he became an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019. But he reportedly turned down more money from at least one other team to sign a seven-year, $81.5 million contract with the rebuilding Rangers. Talk about money well spent!
Panarin’s arrival jump-started the rebuild the Rangers announced before the 2018 NHL Trade Deadline and was a major factor in their trips to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024. He had career highs of 49 goals and 120 points in 2023-24, helping the Rangers win the Presidents’ Trophy as regular-season champs; the 120 points are the second-highest single-season total in Rangers history, trailing only Jaromir Jagr’s 123 in 2005-06.
He is the only player in team history to break the 90-point mark four times (he missed by one point last season), and he’s one of just five Rangers to score as many as 49 goals in a season. Panarin’s 1.26 points per game is the most in the Rangers’ 100-year history; he reached 400 points faster than anyone in team history, and his 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) are the most by any Ranger who played fewer than 500 games (he played 482).
Few free-agent signings in NHL history have paid off like this one.
The Worst
5. Striking out on Richards
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Signing: Rangers signed center Brad Richards to a nine-year contract Date: July 1, 2011
The Rangers have never been reluctant to open their wallet for free agents. Brad Richards, the biggest fish in the 2011 free agent pool, won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2004, when John Tortorella led the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Stanley Cup. With Tortorella now behind the bench with the Rangers, it was no surprise that the 31-year-old center wound up signing mega-deal to come to New York.
Richards was coming off seasons of 91 and 77 points with the Dallas Stars. He had lost a step and didn’t come close to those numbers in New York, but his 66 points in 2011-12 helped the Rangers finish first in the Eastern Conference, and he was a 20-goal scorer two years later when the Rangers got to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since winning it in 1994.
But the collective bargaining agreement that ended the 2012 lockout turned Richards’ contract into an enormous liability. The deal had been structured so that he wouldn’t play the last three seasons (but would earn $1 million per season). However, such contracts were considered cap circumvention under the new CBA, meaning that if he retired early, the Rangers would be on the hook for more than $5 million for each of those three seasons — for a player no longer on the roster. They wound up buying out the final six seasons of the contract, meaning that Richards ended up getting paid about $53 million for his three seasons in New York.
He signed with the Chicago Blackhawks and almost wound up facing his old team in the 2015 Final, but the Lightning knocked off the Rangers in Game 7 to win the Eastern Conference Final before losing to the Hawks in six games.
4. Kaspar the Unfriendly Ghost
The Signing: Rangers sign defenseman Darius Kasparaitis to a six-year contract Date: July 2, 2002
The Rangers wanted a more physical presence on the blue line after missing the playoffs for five consecutive seasons. To get one, they outbid the Toronto Maple Leafs for Darius Kasparaitis, signing him to a six-year deal worth an average of $4.25 million even though he’d never scored more than four goals or finished with more than 21 points in a season — and having been hampered by a couple of major injuries.
Ironically, one of the callers in the recruiting drive for “Kaspar” was Rangers center Eric Lindros, who had missed a month after being knocked unconscious by a Kasparaitis check four years earlier during his time with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Rangers paid Kasparaitis to be what he was at his best — a human wrecking ball who had no compunctions about leveling the NHL’s top players (he was famous for flattening both Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux) with the kind of hip check that was rarely seen anymore.
He did just that in his first season with a rebuilding team, banging bodies and forcing opponents to keep an eye out for them. But his hitting ability was often negated by his lack of speed and offensive skills. His playing style also led to more injuries, which slowed him even more.
The Rangers waived Kasparaitis prior to 2006-07; he went unclaimed and became a very expensive AHL defenseman for the final two seasons of his contract.
3. Devil Disasters
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images
The Signing: Rangers signed center Bobby Holik to a five-year contract Date: July 1, 2002
The Signing: Rangers signed center Scott Gomez to a seven-year contract Date: July 1, 2007
The Rangers went 0-for-2 on their signings from their cross-river rivals in the early 2000s.
Bobby Holik, who centered the “Crash Line” that helped the Devils win the Stanley Cup in 1995 and 2000, crashed and burned when he took his game across the Hudson River. The big, physical center put up very good offensive numbers for someone who spent most of his time on a checking line. — he averaged 23 goals and 57 points from 1996-97 through 2001-02. With the Rangers’ non-playoff streak at five seasons and counting, GM Glen Sather threw money at Holik, signing him to a five-year deal worth $45 million. That’s $9 million per season for a 31-year-old who wasn’t a first-line player.
But with a big contract came big expectations — ones that Holik couldn’t meet. His offensive numbers fell sharply in 2002-03. They rebounded in his second season, but 25 goals and 56 points weren’t nearly enough to prevent the Rangers from missing the playoffs for a seventh straight season.
The Rangers wasted little time buying out the final two seasons of his contract after play resumed following the 2004-05 lockout. Holik spent the next three seasons with the Atlanta Thrashers before ending his career with New Jersey. He finished his career with 326 goals and 747 points in 1,314 games as well as two Stanley Cup rings — and a boatload of money from one of the worst contracts in Rangers history.
The Blueshirts landed Scott Gomez, a 28-year-old two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Devils, in the summer of 2007. The thought at the time was that they were getting one of the NHL’s best centers and weakening a division rival at the same time. The reality was a lot different.
Part of the problem was the expectations that went along with a contract worth $7.5 million annually. Gomez had just one 20-goal season in New Jersey but was expected to put the puck in the net more often in his new home. But it didn’t happen. He matched his career high with 70 points in his first season at the Garden but scored just 16 goals. He equaled that goal total in 2008-09 but saw his assists (42) and points (58) fall off despite seeing his ice time bumped up to more than 21 minutes a game.
By now, Garden fans were bemoaning spending top dollar on a playmaking center who was over 30 and likely entering the back nine of his career — with a commitment of $35 million still on the books.
The only thing that saved Sather was that he was able to foist Gomez on another team. The Montreal Canadiens took Gomez off his hands in what looked like a salary dump. But part of the return was a college defenseman named Ryan McDonagh – who turned into a stud.
2. Fleury’s Flame-out
The Signing: Rangers signed forward Theo Fleury to a three-year contract (plus team option for a fourth season) Date: July 8, 1999
After the Rangers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in two decades, ownership gave GM Smith access to the checkbook and told him to go shopping.
Theo Fleury had helped the Calgary Flames win the Stanley Cup as a rookie in 1989, then spent the next 10 seasons piling up goals and points. He was coming off his fourth 40-goal season in the summer of 1999; the last 10 came with the Colorado Avalanche after a late-season trade. That was more than enough for Smith and Garden president Dave Checketts to pursue Fleury and get his signature on a contract worth $7 million annually.
But the personal issues that Fleury, who described himself as “a prairie kid from a town of 1,500,” had handled successfully in Calgary weren’t as easily dealt with under the bright lights of Broadway. He struggled on the ice in his first season but found his game in year two and was among the NHL leaders in goals and points until his season ended when he checked into a substance abuse program.
His third season saw him produce 24 goals and 63 points but pile up 216 penalty minutes amid incidents that included a fight with the San Jose Sharks mascot and leaving the arena instead of going to the penalty box. The Rangers didn’t exercise their option and gave him away that summer to San Jose; he wound up signing with the Chicago Blackhawks but another substance abuse suspension ended his NHL career.
Fleury’s autobiography, released in 2009, explained a lot. He recounted how he grew up poor in Manitoba, was sexually abused by junior hockey coach Graham James, drank and gambled excessively, and used cocaine during his career — including his time with the Rangers (happily, he got sober in 2005).
1. The AHL’s Richest Player
Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The Signing: Rangers signed defenseman Wade Redden to a six-year contract Date: July 1, 2008
The Rangers wasted no time signing Wade Redden, a reliable top-four defenseman with the Ottawa Senators for more than a decade, when he became a free agent in the summer of 2008. The 31-year-old had never been spectacular, but he’d reached double figures in goals five times and was a plus player in each of his last seven seasons with the Sens.
Six years and a $6.5 million average annual value were regarded by many as a bit on the high side, though not necessarily outrageous. But given the way things turned out, “outrageous” would have been a major improvement.
Redden had a poor season in 2008-09 and was even worse the following season, managing two goals and 14 points in 75 games. With cap space tight and Redden not producing, the decision was made to waive Redden and send his huge contract to the AHL.
For the next two seasons, he was the AHL’s highest-paid player. He might have stayed there for the remainder of his contract, but the collective bargaining agreement that ended the 2012-13 lockout eliminated most of the benefits of burying a contract in the minors. Instead, the Rangers bought out the final two seasons.
The St. Louis Blues quickly signed Redden, then flipped him to the Bruins at the trade deadline. He retired after playing five games during Boston’s run to the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.
Redden’s signing is still the worst in Rangers history – and a contender for the worst deal by any NHL team.
The Hunter Huss High School basketball team brought home the NCHSAA 5A State Championship on Saturday.
The team faced the Wilson Fike Golden Demons in Winston-Salem for its final victory.
The Hunter Huss Huskies beat the Golden Demons 103 to 69, maintaining their perfect 4-0 streak.
The win at Joel Coliseum nearly set a record score for the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 5A championship.
In the final quarter, the Huskies were already 30 points ahead, meaning the final minutes were all about setting a new record score.
The Huskies ended up with the second all-time score, behind Farmville Central’s 113-98 win over Hendersonville in the 2021 2A title game.
Gastonia Police congratulated the team on Facebook.
“What an incredible accomplishment for these student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who stood behind them all season long,” the post read. “Enjoy the moment, Huskies… you’ve earned it!"
Hunter Huss High School officials also celebrated the team on Facebook.
“These young men showed heart, discipline, and true teamwork all season long — and it paid off on the biggest stage," the post said. “We are so proud of this team and the way they represent Hunter Huss High School both on and off the court.”
WATCH: JCSU prepares for HBCUs nationwide to arrive for Battle of the Bands
Watch: Barcelona stars cast their vote for next club president
The first-team stars at La Liga champions Barcelona on Sunday evening cast their respective votes for the club’s next president.
This of course comes ahead of the upcoming election in Catalunya’s capital.
Joan Laporta, who recently stepped down from his post, remains the heavy favourite to take his place back at the head of the Spotify Camp Nou boardroom.
And the Spanish patron was in attendance on Sunday, as Barcelona’s players made their way to the polling stations.
Hansi Flick’s squad are fresh off restoring their four-point advantage atop the La Liga table, courtesy of a 5-2 drubbing of Sevilla.
Post-match, Barca’s players then wasted little time in playing their part off the pitch, too.
As showcased below, the likes of Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Marc Casadó and Fermín López were all spotted placing their votes for the Blaugrana’s next board late this evening:
Hansi Flick also cast his vote, in the company of Joan Laporta:
02 January 2026, North Rhine-Westphalia, Winterberg: Skeleton: World Cup, single, men, 1st run, track workers prepare the track. Photo: Robert Michael/dpa (Photo by Robert Michael/picture alliance via Getty Images)
3pm CT on ESPb2. Bring brooms.
While Saturday’s game was certainly less of an emotional rollercoaster, it was also the Emily Dickinson Velociraptor this season has so needed. Hope, I’m talking. That feathered beast. It gave me hope for postseason baseball from this squad.
Oh, and for those who don’t get the reference, or worse, refer to themselves as visual learners… here:
Though Wyatt “Ice Town” Nadeau finally yielded his first earned run (and then two more for good measure), this was a Future Ace level performance, as he threw 95-98mph heaters, 80-93mph sliders, and his Sonny Gray/Carson Fulmer level stare bore holes deep into the very souls of each Gumbo Bengal that faced him. Coming into the game, my most optimistic hope for Nadeau’s performance was around 5 IP. When he crossed that threshold with a 2-1 lead heading to the bottom of the 5th and a pitch count in the 70s, I was ecstatic that he had kept Corbs from having to go to the leaky pen, and thought he might give him one more inning.
Went he surpassed the 6th inning with a pitch count in the low 80s, and the game pretty much in hand, following a 6 run explosion in the 5th and 2 more for good measure in the 6th, I hoped he might throw another donut up on the scoreboard in the 7th and give us a chance to run-rule Yellow Shoe and be able to save all of our relievers for Sunday.
While it didn’t go exactly as I had scripted, as Ice Town’s arm began to thaw (though his heater never dropped lower than 95 mph), he gave up 2 runs, and the offense only plated one of the three runs needed to end things early, by the time we went to the pen, every single one of us knew we had a future Ace on our hands.
When The Science Guy finally returns to full health, Ice Town should still be chiseled into the weekend rotation… just given one extra day of rest and pitching on Sundays.
Speaking of Ice Town, Corbs was locked in on this one, as well, as when he made the call to PH Maldo for Jennings to gain the platoon advantage against LSU’s Long-Limbed Lefty Reliever #38 So. LHP Ethan “The Butt” Plog, I said the following two things in the comments:
“Good decision to PH Maldo for the platoon advantage.”
“Haha… didn’t think it would be 3 run bomb good, but I’ll take it.”
Those two things were sandwiched around this swing:
Liverpool Player Ratings v Spurs: Welcome to the Rio Show
Despite another free-kick goal from Dominik Szobozslai Liverpool could only record a point against Tottenham after Richarlison’s 89th-minute equaliser stunned the home support.
Liverpool player ratings v Spurs
Starting XI
Allison Becker – 7/10
Did well to thwart Richarlison numerous times but was unable to do much about the equaliser. A solid performance and a welcome boost to have him back in the sticks ahead of the mid-week clash against Galatasaray.
Dominik Szobozslai – 8/10
Once again netted with a free-kick, although it was far from his best. Also produced a number of good crosses that his team-mates failed to capitalise on.
Joe Gomez – 6/10
Should have picked up Richarlison before the goal but overall a solid performance.
Virgil Van Dijk– 7/10
Did superb to apply pressure to Richarlison after the striker got the wrong side of him, to ensure that he would not get an easy shot off. A Virgil Van Dijk performance that we have become accustomed to.
Andy Robertson– 5/10
Was not strong enough when challenging Kolo Muani after Vicario’s long ball that led to the equaliser. Other than that, a solid if quiet performance.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7/10
Was Liverpool’s engine in the midfield and displayed numerous moments of his quality, including a brilliant turn that led to a shot he could not steer on target.
Alexis Mac Allister– 6/10
Won the free-kick that opened the scoring with his quick-feet but overall, a quiet game for the Argentinian.
Florian Wirtz – 6/10
Some very nice touches throughout the game, but did not have the impact on the game. Probably should have done better when Ngumoha found him in the box just before he was substituted on 63 minutes.
Rio Ngumoha – 8/10
An impressive first start in the league, looked dangerous and attacked with intent throughout. Grew in confidence as the game progressed and was Liverpool’s biggest threat until he was substituted on 63 minutes.
Cody Gakpo – 7/10
Led the line sufficiently before being moved to his favoured left-side after the introduction of Etitiké, where he carried a greater threat. Played one gorgeous pass through to Salah.
Jeremie Frimpong – 7/10
Used his pace to deliver a few crosses, one which found Ngumoha deep in the box. Had to battle with Spence in what was, in the end an even match-up. Substitued on 63 minutes.
Substitutes
Mohammed Salah – 6/10
Was an instant threat when substituted but did not do enough to impact the match.
Curtis Jones – 5/10
Only 11 touches in 26 minutes, did not impose himself on the game.
Hugo Etitiké – 6/10
Similar story as he failed to make the impact that has become expected of him this season.
Trey Nyoni – 6/10
Appeared for seven minutes.
Federico Chiesa – 6/10
Subbed on 90+1 did not have the time to make an impact..
Alex Pereira could be on the verge of making UFC history as he steps up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
The Brazilian knockout artist has already captured UFC belts at middleweight and light heavyweight, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous champions in the promotion.
A victory over Gane would make ‘Poatan’ the first fighter in UFC history to win titles across three different divisions.
The bout will be for the interim heavyweight belt rather than the undisputed championship, which adds a slight caveat to the historic achievement.
Despite that detail, Pereira’s coach Glover Teixeira believes the matchup against the Frenchman is ideal for the Brazilian striker.
Glover Teixeira says Ciryl Gane is the ‘best matchup’ for Alex Pereira
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Speaking on the Overdogs Brasil podcast, former UFC champion Teixeira shared his thoughts on Pereira’s upcoming fight against Gane.
The 46-year-old acknowledged that the heavyweight division includes extremely difficult opponents but suggested Gane’s style could play into Pereira’s strengths.
“Jon Jones, Aspinall, any of those guys would be incredibly tough,” Teixeira said.
“And Cyril Gane is a fast guy, he can come in and out, but I think it’s a very good matchup for Poatan; it’s the best matchup,” Teixeira stated.
Gane is known for his speed and movement despite competing at heavyweight, which helped him capture the interim title in 2021.
Still, the ex-champ appears confident that Pereira’s striking power will make the difference in the White House card co-main event.
Henry Cejudo questions Alex Pereira’s path to a third UFC title
Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo has expressed doubts about Pereira’s potential route to a third belt.
Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman, ‘Triple C’ argued that a historic achievement like becoming a three-division champion should involve winning an undisputed title.
“If you are going to fight for that third belt, it’s got to be the undisputed belt. It takes a little bit of what being a triple champ is,” he said.
Cejudo suggested Pereira may have been better off staying at light heavyweight and waiting for an undisputed title opportunity.
He also questioned whether the Brazilian star could get past Gane at heavyweight.
“I don’t think he gets past Ciryl Gane. I think that weight is real,” the 39-year-old commented.
After another solid season with the Denver Broncos, Pat Surtain II prepares to face new challenges in 2026. The Broncos couldn’t move past the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game, but they made a strong impression and look like solid candidates for the 2026 campaign.
Meanwhile, Surtain enjoys his offseason. However, he might have to take on a different challenge soon. During the boxing event that featured a bout between rapper Blueface and streamer Chibu Dunga, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle issued a challenge to Surtain.
Asked who he would like to fight in the ring, Waddle went with the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
“Pat Surtain, I would beat the [expletive] out of him. I’d beat the dog [expletive] out of him,” Waddle said (video is explicit and NSFW). “There are a lot more people, but that’s just top of my mind. I’d beat the dog [expletive] out of bro.”
Feb 4, 2023; Paradise, NV, USA; AFC conterback Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos (2) during Pro Bowl Games practice at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylen Waddle and Pat Surtain played together for three years
Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates after a Dolphins touchdown during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
As strong as the message was, there is no doubt that Waddle was joking about his former teammate. He spent three years with the cornerback at Alabama (from 2018-20), before they entered the leagues with different AFC teams.
Waddle’s 2025 season was full of ups and downs. He played 16 games, catching 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns. As for Surtain, he played 14 games, posting 47 tackles and one interception. They will enter the 2026 campaign with different expectations but hungry to make a difference for their respective teams.
Asterisk Talley and Miles Russell won their second Junior Invitational titles on Saturday.Instagram: @juniorinvitational
While the golf world’s attention has been focused on the Players Championship this week, another elite tournament was taking place about 300 miles north of TPC Sawgrass: the Junior Invitational, held annually at Sage Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, S.C.
The tournament is ultra-exclusive, extending only a few dozen invitations to the top junior amateurs in the world: 36 boys and 24 girls, who compete over 72 holes of stroke play.
Sage Valley’s location just 17 miles northeast of Augusta National has helped the tournament develop a Masters-like reputation for junior players, complete with a presentation of a gold jacket for the winners.
Past champions of the prestigious tournament reads like a who’s who of recognizable stars in men’s and women’s collegiate and professional golf. In its 15-year history, winners have included the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Akshay Bhatia, Joaquin Niemann and Anna Davis. The girls’ competition at Sage Valley was added in 2022, while the boys’ history dates to 2011.
This year, two rising stars punctuated to their entries in the tournament’s illustrious history. Asterisk Talley won her second gold jacket in three years with a four-round total of eight under par (69-75-69-67).
On the boys’ side, Miles Russell, the world’s top-ranked junior, became the first player in the history of the tournament to win back-to-back years. His 15-under total (64-70-72-67) gave him a three-shot cushion over his closest competitor.
Both Talley and Russell are the first players ever to win the Junior Invitational twice.
“It feels great. It gives me a lot of confidence on such a tough course to be able to do it twice,” Talley told Golfweek. “It’s just so nice to win here again. I love the atmosphere here so it’s nice to win again.”
“It’s pretty special,” Russell concurred. “Especially at a place like this that has so much class. You’re just lucky to be here. So, to be able to do it back-to-back, it’s quite an honor.”
Talley graduates from high school next year and has verbally committed to play collegiately at Stanford. Russell is currently committed to play collegiately at Florida State, alongside Charlie Woods.
The New York Yankees seem to have another young arm to watch as the season unfolds, and most fans know this.
While it’s still early in the year, manager Aaron Boone didn't rule out the possibility that pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange could help the big league club at some point this season.
Speaking recently, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, Boone said the organization remains willing to call on Lagrange if the situation arises later in the year.
While the young pitcher is still developing, the Yankees understand that injuries and roster needs can create unexpected opportunities, especially when the kid throws 100-plus MPH.
“As long as he logs some innings,” Boone said, “and that becomes a real need at some point, I think anything’s possible.”
For Lagrange, the focus will be on building experience and staying healthy as he continues his development in the Yankees’ system. Getting innings under his belt and improving his command will likely determine how quickly he can push his way into the show.
The Yankees have shown in recent seasons that they're willing to promote young pitchers when they feel the timing is right. I wouldn't be surprised if Lagrange is the next one.
The New York Giants have had a busy offseason since the start of the free-agent signing period, making several additions to the roster as new head coach John Harbaugh tweaks it to his liking.
The Giants have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, going 13-38 in that timeframe. Harbaugh will be tasked with turning the franchise around, and these deals could go a long way in the success or failure of that venture.
Not every deal is going to be great. Of course, many of these moves will need some time before we can truly determine whether they are good or not, but looking at things as they currently stand, we can select the best and worst to this point.
Giants' best move in free agency (so far)
Signing tight end Isaiah Likely
We know that Harbaugh likes his tight ends, so bringing in one from his days in Baltimore makes sense.
Isaiah Likely is an athletic tight end who can stretch the defense down the field and add another weapon to help Jaxson Dart progress in year two. One of Dart's favorite targets during his rookie season was Theo Johnson. Adding Likely now gives him a legitimate two-headed monster to work with at the position.
The Giants did lose Daniel Bellinger in free agency but they still have Chris Manhertz. The position as a whole has been upgraded greatly by this signing and with the way Harbaugh used tight ends in Baltimore, Dart will be helped tremendously.
"With WR Malik Nabers recovering from a torn ACL and Wan’Dale Robinson headed to free agency, the Giants needed weapons for QB Jaxson Dart.
Likely, a 6-foot-4, 245-pounder, has plenty of untapped potential, and no one knows that better than new Giants coach John Harbaugh. Likely’s production was always capped in Baltimore, mostly because of the prominence of Ravens TE Mark Andrews. But in limited opportunities, Likely always showed he had reliable hands and could stretch the field.
He might have to split the job with TE Theo Johnson. Likely also could see time as a "big slot receiver." Either way, he didn’t cost a ton (three years, $40 million) and he quickly emerges as Dart’s No. 2 target.
Grade for Giants: A-", wrote Vacchiano.
Giants' worst move in free agency (so far)
Re-signing Evan Neal
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Evan Neal has been nothing short of a massive bust so far. It was somewhat shocking to see the Giants decide to bring him back, even if it is just a one-year deal worth the NFL minimum.
If Harbaugh's staff can transform him into something, that would be incredible and would make this deal well worth the expense. That said, it seems as though the team should admit its failure on this pick and just cut its losses now.
The Giants still need a better option to start at right guard and it's hard to imagine that being Neal. But if the team doesn't want to shell out the contract for a guy like Wyatt Teller, it may leave no choice but to mold him into something the team can use this coming season.
Captain Zahra Ghanbari was one of seven team members who originally claimed asylum in Australia [Reuters]
The captain of the Iranian women's football team has withdrawn her bid for Australian asylum, Iran's state media says, making her the fifth member of the delegation to change her mind.
Zahra Ghanbari will fly from Malaysia back to Iran, news agency IRNA reported on Sunday.
It comes after Australian authorities confirmed on Saturday that three other women had also dropped their asylum applications - meaning only two of the seven to initially accept Australia's offer of humanitarian visas remain in the country as defectors.
They had originally sought sanctuary after concerns the team would face repercussions for staying silent during the country's anthem at their opening Asian Cup match.
Human rights activists have said the women may have been pressured to reverse their decisions through threats against their families.
Shiva Amini, an exiled former Iranian national futsal player, said she had received information Iran's Football Federation, working with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), had "placed intense and systemic pressure on the players' families in Iran".
"Several of the players decided to go back because the threats against their families became unbearable and the intimidation was relentless," she wrote on X on Sunday.
Iranian media reports hailed Ghanbari's decision, with IRNA saying she was "returning to the embrace of the homeland", while the semi-official Mehr news agency called it a "patriotic decision".
Australian authorities have not yet commented on her change of heart.
On Saturday, three other members withdrew their bids for asylum, named by human rights activists in the Iranian diaspora as Zahra Soltan Meshkehkar, Mona Hamoudi and Zahra Sarbali.
Confirming theirdecisions, Australia's home affairs minister said his government had done everything it could to ensure the women were given the chance to have a safe future in the country.
"Australians should be proud that it was in our country that these women experienced a nation presenting them with genuine choices and interacted with authorities seeking to help them," Tony Burke said in a statement.
"While the Australian government can ensure that opportunities are provided and communicated, we cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions."
Iran's sports ministry said in a statement that "the national spirit and patriotism of the Iranian women's national football team defeated the enemy's plans against this team", adding that Australia's government was "playing in Trump's field".
IRGC-affiliated news agency Tasnim said the three were on their way to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to join the rest of the squad and were "returning to the warm embrace of their families and homeland".
It said they had resisted "psychological warfare, extensive propaganda and seductive offers" in Australia.
Australian minister Kristy McBain dismissed the statement as "propaganda".
"I think our government's been very open with the Australian people about the steps that we've taken to ensure that these women in the Iranian soccer team and support staff had every opportunity to make their own decisions," she told ABC News.
Last week, one player changed her mind, followed by the two players and one staff member who left Australia on Saturday.
Concerns grew for the Iranian team after they refused to sing the country's anthem in their opening Asian Cup match against South Korea on 2 March - which led to them being branded "wartime traitors" in Iran amid calls for a harsh punishment.
The team did sing the anthem in their last two games before they were eliminated, leading critics to believe they had been told to sing by government officials accompanying them during the tournament.
The other Iranian players left Australia on 10 March - two days after they were knocked out of the Women's Asian Cup.
The football drama has unfolded against a backdrop of war in the Middle East after US-Israeli strikes on Iran prompted retaliatory attacks from Iran across the region.
Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko scored in the closing stages to seal Michael Carrick's seventh win in nine games as Manchester United boss (Oli SCARFF)
Troubled Tottenham rescued a 1-1 draw at Liverpool thanks to Richarlison's late leveller, while Manchester United bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Igor Tudor's relegation-haunted side trailed to Dominic Szoboszlai's first-half free-kick at Anfield.
But Brazil striker Richarlison netted in the 90th minute to spare Tottenham from a sixth successive Premier League defeat.
In grave danger of playing into the second tier for the first time since 1977-78, Tottenham are without a victory in their last 12 league matches -- their worst winless run for 91 years.
However, their first point under interim boss Tudor, who had lost his four previous matches in all competitions since replacing the sacked Thomas Frank, offered a glimmer of hope in their desperate fight for survival.
Tottenham arrived on Merseyside in crisis after suffering an embarrassing 5-2 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg in midweek.
Tudor had substituted goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after just 17 minutes after he made a pair of costly mistakes.
He opted against doing the same to Guglielmo Vicario after his weak attempted save allowed Szoboszlai's free-kick to elude him in the 18th minute.
Tottenham could have crumbled after that, but to their credit they hit back in a spirited second half.
Richarlison ensured they didn't finish empty-handed when he steered a close-range finish past Alisson Becker after Andrew Robertson and Virgil van Dijk made a hash of dealing with Randal Kolo Muani's flick from Vicario's long punt.
With eight games left to save themselves, Tottenham remain in 16th place, one point above both fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest and third-bottom West Ham.
They face a crucial clash with Forest in north London in a week's time.
Lacklustre Liverpool were booed off at the final whistle after a result that left them in fifth place, likely to be the final Champions League slot, two points behind fourth-placed Villa.
- 'A good feeling' -
At Old Trafford, United took the lead through Casemiro's 53rd-minute header before Ross Barkley hauled Villa level in the 64th minute.
Michael Carrick's side finished strongly, with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko scoring in the closing stages to seal Carrick's seventh win in nine games since taking over as interim boss.
Sitting third in the Premier League, United are three points clear of top-four rivals Villa.
United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe this week praised Carrick's "excellent" work, but stopped short of committing to the former Old Trafford star on a long-term basis.
But Carrick is making a strong case to earn the job on a permanent basis after stabilising United, who lost at Newcastle last week, following Ruben Amorim's sacking.
"We looked a good team. It was a big game coming off the defeat. The boys reacted incredibly well," Carrick said.
"It's a good feeling and something we want to keep getting used to. We are in a good position at the moment."
Bruno Fernandes now has 16 Premier League assists this term, moving the United captain past David Beckham's previous club record of 15 in 1999-2000.
He has 100 assists for United in all competitions since signing from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
"He's proven over a period of time how impactful he is in the big moments. He's there all the time, he puts himself forward in training and games," Carrick said.
Spluttering Villa have lost their last three league games and have just one win in seven top-flight matches, leaving them three points above sixth-placed Chelsea with eight games left in the battle for European places.
Nottingham Forest climbed out of the relegation zone after a 0-0 draw against Fulham at the City Ground.
Still waiting for their first win under Vitor Pereira, fourth-from-bottom Forest, who have had four managers this term, are above third-from-bottom West Ham on goal difference.
Ten-man Leeds held on for a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin's missed penalty and a red card for Gabriel Gudmundsson.
The Quakers (18-11, 9-5 Ivy League) upset No. 1 seed Yale (24-6, 11-3) 88-84 in overtime on Sunday, March 15, to win the Ivy League championship, earning an NCAA Tournament bid in the process. They were led by Virginia transfer TJ Power, who scored half of Penn's scoring total with 44 points and 14 rebounds.
Power sent the game to overtime on a 3-pointer with one second left in regulation to tie the game at 75-75 after taking the full-court inbounds pass and nailing the shot while smothered by a Yale defender. The 6-foot-9 forward finished 14-of-27 shooting with seven 3-pointers, and his 44 points are the second-most in any men's conference tournament final in the last 30 seasons, per ESPN Insights.
It's an impressive conference tournament run for McCaffery, who took over the program this season after Iowa parted ways with its 15-year coach. The Philadelphia native played at Penn and fielded some strong teams with the Hawkeyes, although he never took the program past the first weekend of March Madness.
Thanks to Power's historic performance, McCaffery has now led five programs – Lehigh, UNC Greensboro, Siena, Iowa and Penn to the NCAA Tournament. He's only the fifth coach to have ever accomplished the feat, along with Rick Pitino, Steve Alford, Lon Kruger and Tubby Smith.
McCaffery last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2023 when No. 8 seed Iowa fell to No. 9 Auburn in the first round. The Hawkeyes failed to reach the big dance in his final two seasons before the two sides parted ways.
Penn entered the tournament with the third-best record in the conference, behind Harvard (10-4) and Yale (11-3), both of which it beat to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
After handily winning its first three games at FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying, the United States squared off against New Zealand on Sunday afternoon, seeking another comfortable win as tune-ups for the 2026 Women's World Cup in Germany continued.
Team USA switched up its starting five for the fourth Group A matchup. Caitlin Clark was handed her first start for the national team. Despite a slow start, the four-time defending Women's World Cup champions ended the first quarter on a 16-2 run, and they haven't looked back since.
The Americans have one game remaining, against Spain on Tuesday afternoon.
For the Clemson Tigers (24-10 overall), a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament awaits after the Tigers knocked off North Carolina, 80-79, at the ACC Tournament on Thursday in Charlotte. The win over UNC gave Clemson its sixth Quad 1 win this week, and its second in two weeks. The Tigers also defeated Louisville back on Feb. 28 to snap a four-game losing streak.
Clemson's final chance to test itself against the nation's best came in Friday's ACC Tournament semifinals against No. 1 Duke. But the Blue Devils took control midway through the first half and opened a 41-22 lead at halftime en route to a comfortable 73-61 win.
Cameron Boozer had 24 points, and his brother Cayden added 16 for Duke. RJ Godfrey, Clemson's leading scorer this season at 11.9 points per game, finished with 18 points and six rebounds in the loss to the Blue Devils.
The Tigers may not have the best résumé, but they're seen as a lock to reach the NCAA Tournament in college basketball experts' final March Madness bracketology outlooks.
What seed will Clemson get in men's basketball NCAA Tournament?
Lunardi has the Tigers in the South Region bracket and opening the NCAA Tournament in Tampa, Florida, against the Saint Louis Billikens (28-5) in the No. 8 vs. 9 seed game.
USA TODAY Sports sees a Clemson vs. Ohio State (21-12) matchup in the first round of the tournament at the West Region in San Jose, California. Both Palm and CBS Sports have the Tigers taking on TCU (22-11) in the opening round.
With a win in the first round, Clemson would face one of the top four seeds in the round of 32 barring a historic No. 1 vs. 16 upset to open the tournament.
Projected top four seeds for NCAA Tournament entering Selection Sunday
Per USA TODAY Sports:
"The No. 1 seeds appear straightforward with Duke going to the East Region as the top overall seed and Michigan, Florida and Arizona staying in their respective geographical areas in the Midwest, South and West part of the bracket."
Clemson basketball's résumé ahead of NCAA Tournament
Record: 24-10 overall, 12-6 ACC
Quad 1 wins: vs. North Carolina (80-79), vs. Louisville (80-75), at California (77-55), at Stanford (66-64), vs. Cincinnati (68-65), vs. Georgia (97-74).
Worst losses: at Georgetown (79-74), at Wake Forest (85-77), vs. Florida State (70-65)
NET ranking: No. 34
KenPom rating: No. 36
ESPN strength of schedule: No. 32
Last 10 games: 4-6
A breakdown of Clemson's win-loss résumé:
vs. Quad 1 opponents: 6-6
vs. Quad 2 opponents: 7-4
vs. Quad 3 opponents: 4-0
vs. Quad 4 opponents: 7-0
ACC basketball teams in USA TODAY Sports' final NCAA Tournament projections
Using USA TODAY Sports' latest bracketology, the ACC has eight teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament entering the final weekend of the regular season. That's tied with the Big 12 for the third-most bids for any conference. The SEC leads the way with 10 projected bids, followed by the Big Ten with nine.
Criticism of Aaron Judge is nothing new, and it'll be a thing for a very long time. One New York radio voice recently took things a step further after a late-game strikeout during the WBC against Team Italy.
During a segment on WFAN, host Tommy Lugauer delivered some tough words to the New York Yankees captain following the loss.
Judge came to the plate in the ninth inning with two outs and the tying run on base, a situation that could've defined Team USA's run. However, the Yankees slugger struck out, ending the game.
Lugauer had a field day with it after.
“Aaron Judge coming to the plate, ninth inning, two outs as the tying run, and he strikes out,” Lugauer said. “In the big spot, in the big moment, with everybody watching, the country’s watching, Aaron Judge let the country down.”
The criticism didn't stop there, with Lugauer connecting this moment to a narrative that's followed Judge throughout parts of his career, his postseason struggles with the Yankees have been evident at times.
“Just like he lets Yankee fans down in October, he is now letting the entire country down,” Lugauer added.
Judge has long been one of baseball’s most dominant players of all time, winning multiple American League MVP Awards and setting the American League single-season home run record. Still, this is New York, and fans and talk show hosts expect the most.
For players of Judge’s stature, expectations are always enormous. When the Yankees captain steps to the plate in late-game situations, he's expected to do something.
Despite the frustration, it's a bit unfair to say that Judge has let anyone down, as he's clearly one of the two best players in this game, at the very least.
The United States won a 13th gold medal of the 2026 Games (Stefano RELLANDINI)
The United States of America brought an end to competition at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics on Sunday by claiming their fifth straight gold medal in ice hockey, courtesy of a 6-2 victory over Canada.
A Jack Wallace triple steered the US to a dominant win over their North American neighbours at Milan's Santagiulia Arena.
Kayden Beasley, Declan Farmer and Brody Roybal supplied the other goals for the defending champions, with Liam Hickey on target for the silver medallists.
"There's lot of relief, for sure," Farmer said. "It's so much pressure builds up to it. And I think for me, this was the most anxious I was for any gold medal game in my whole career.
"I'm just so happy for the guys, we earned it together. This group is great," the four-time Paralympic champion added.
Wallace gave the US the lead after eight minutes, before Hickey levelled early in the second period for Canada.
The States then moved two ahead thanks to a quickfire brace from Beasley and Wallace.
Wallace completed his hat-trick early in the third period, before Hickey struck again to give Canada a glimmer of hope.
But as the runners-up from the last two Paralympics pushed forward to try and halve the deficit, the US pounced with Farmer and Roybal both scoring in the 42nd minute to sew up a 13th gold medal of the 2026 Games for their country.
Earlier in the bronze medal match, China came from two goals down to beat Czech Republic 3-2 and secure back-to-back third-placed finishes, following on from Beijing 2022.
"It feels great. After so many years of hard work, working as a team, we were able to keep fighting and persevere," match winner Tian Jintao said.
"Even when we were two goals behind, we managed to equalise and then win. I'm very, very happy."
The Czechs raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening three minutes of the first period thanks to Pavel Kubes and Radek Zelinka.
But the Chinese struck back to level terms midway through the opening period courtesy of Tian and Wang Zhidong.
The winner came just 18 seconds into the third period as Tian netted his second of the match to send his table-topping country towards a total 44 medals at the Games.
The Arizona Cardinals appear to be moving on from receiver Greg Dortch. After adding Kendrick Bourne in free agency, they are reportedly adding a player who will take Dortch's old role as kick and punt returner.
According to Jordan Schultz, the Cardinals are signing two-time Pro Bowl returner Devin Duvernay to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million.
Duvernay played for the Chicago Bears last season.
For his career, he has averaged 25.4 yards per kickoff return and has taken two back for touchdowns. He has also averaged 11.8 yards per punt return in his career. Last season for the Bears, he averaged 11.0 yards per punt return and 26.7 per kick return.
He will turn 29 years old in September. He played a career-low 40 offensive snaps in 2025. He played over 600 in two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens in 2021-2022.
Dortch averaged 11.6 on punt returns and 26.2 on kick returns last season.
The Cardinals' receiver room with Duvernay
Duvernay is the second receiver they have added this offseason, along with Bourne.
The receiver room now includes the following players:
Marvin Harrison Jr.
Michael Wilson
Kendrick Bourne
Xavier Weaver
Devin Duvernay
Simi Fehoko
Andre Baccellia
Jalen Brooks
Bryson Green
Tejhaun Palmer
Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Whale wallets ramp up Bitcoin buying as price hovers around $71K, according to on-chain data published by Santiment. Wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC reversed course from active selling to net accumulation roughly two weeks ago. The reversal comes…
AMD LLVM patch unveils HUGE improvement for RDNA 5 graphics cards A new LLVM patch from AMD for its gfx1310 (RDNA 5) graphics architecture has unveiled some of the secret sauce behind AMD’s next-generation graphics cards. Through a feature called “Dual Issue”, two operations can be completed during a single clock cycle, doubling the performance […]
A new experimental emulator called XeniOS aims to bring Xbox 360 games to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Based on the Xenia emulator, the alpha build already runs some games but still has limited compatibility and requires sideloading with JIT enabled.
The original Xbox One “VCR” model has reportedly been jailbroken almost 13 years after its launch. Researchers bypassed the console’s boot ROM security using a hardware technique known as voltage glitching, allowing unofficial software to run and opening new possibilities for preservation and hardware research.
Asus launched this motherboard at $310 in late 2024, and since then its MSRP has gone down to $280, but you can score it for 40% less than that on Amazon right now. For that price, nothing really comes close in terms of performance, features, and reliability.
Discover Shepherdstown 2026 Contemporary American Theater Festival. Experience world-class plays, boost local tourism, and join an unforgettable summer of joy
Discover how the Himachal Pradesh government is transforming Kullu through an ambitious eco-tourism initiative, creating sustainable jobs and new destinations.
Hawaii is bracing for a powerful Kona Low storm causing severe flooding, blizzard conditions at mountain peaks, and widespread travel disruptions. Here's what to know.
The global senior-living design industry is gathering in Phoenix, Arizona, as the Environments for Aging (EFA) Conference + Expo 2026 opens from 16 to 18 March at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Global tourists are choosing safer European destinations as conflicts disrupt travel elsewhere. Here’s why the safer European sun is shaping 2026 travel plans.
Americans are flocking to Turkey for cheap surgery, but safety warnings are soaring. Learn about the risks of infections, travel complications, and how to stay safe.
Fort Lauderdale continues to attract the largest number of Canadian spring break travelers this year, holding its position as the top US destination despite rising airfare prices and ongoing political tensions affecting cross-border travel.
Samsung’s Audio Eraser is an unbeatable feature so far. After its initial debut and simplification, Samsung has brought a wild upgrade to its AI-powered Audio Eraser in the Galaxy S26 series, which is a game-changer.
Audio Eraser allows you to erase background noise from videos. You don’t have to worry about the interrupting noise if you own a Samsung. It’s available on most recent flagship phones, but Galaxy S26 is something different.
Sounds weird, but Audio Eraser in Galaxy S26 lets you silence noise in almost any app. Thanks to Galaxy AI, you can remove noise in various mainstream apps. Since it’s integrated at OS level, you don’t need much manual effort.
With the Galaxy S26 series, the Audio Eraser works in YouTube, Netflix, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon Prime Video, and so on. The new flagships no longer require you to have the video in the Gallery app to offer access to Audio Eraser.
Quick Panel is where you find the Audio Eraser toggle. If you are running a compatible app, it shows up at the top. Samsung is expected to expand support to even more apps through sequential updates, for sure.
How to wipe noise on the fly
Start a video playback in your favorite app and pull the Quick Panel.
If Audio Eraser is compatible, you will see a toggle at the top of the panel.
Tapping the toggle will expand internal settings.
Firstly, toggle the button to apply the Audio Eraser.
Once done, you will also be able to adjust the strength of noise removal.
Hit “Done,” and the setup is done.
Voice Focus: As the name suggests, it will prioritise voice in the audio. Activating the option will reduce other sounds like noise and music and boost human vocals.
Image – Using Samsung Audio Eraser for YouTube
Using Audio Eraser in Gallery is simple
Samsung Gallery has added a Galaxy AI sparkle button for Audio Eraser. It offers quick and convenient access to the feature. Based on the analysis, the system will provide options so you can set the level and get a precise application.
Image – Using Audio Eraser in Samsung Gallery
At present, Audio Eraser support for apps beyond Samsung Gallery is limited to the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung is gearing up to roll out the Stable One UI 8.5 update; however, the rollout may take some time to start.
The AOC Agon Pro AGP346UCSD gaming monitor has arrived, boasting an incredibly bright five-layer tandem OLED display. The 34-inch ultra wide monitor also sports a speedy 360 Hz refresh rate, making it a solid choice for immersive fast-paced HDR gaming.
After comments from an insider, a reimagined 3D Mario game may be more than an assumption. While not offering details, NateTheHate appears to know of a Switch 2 title in development. The leaker previously said a Super Mario Odyssey sequel would rejuvenate Nintendo’s slowing console sales.
While Lenovo refreshes its Legion gaming tablet every year, there hasn't been a Legion-branded smartphone since the Y70, which was released in August 2022. However, it seems that the Legion phone lineup will be revived, as a new model has been spotted in the wild.
Deal | EA is currently running a discount on Need for Speed Heat Deluxe Edition, slashing it down to its lowest price ever on Steam. The $3.49 deal includes the base game and all Deluxe extras. It is easily one of the best racing game values available right now through March 19.
Amid growing doubts following the loss to Newcastle United, Manchester United handed Aston Villa a resounding defeat, with Bruno Fernandes putting in a brilliant performance. Although he didn't score, he provided two assists to break David Beckham's all-time Premier League assist record.
Despite the recent defeat to Newcastle United, Manchester United managed a convincing victory over Aston Villa thanks to Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. Although Bruno Fernandes did not score, he led the team by contributing two assists. With this, the Portuguese midfielder broke David Beckham’s all-time Premier League assist record, etching his name into league history.
Bruno Fernandes has managed to become the player with the most assists in a single Premier League season for Manchester United, reaching 16 assists after contributing to two goals in the Red Devils’ victory. With this, the Portuguese surpasses David Beckham, who held this record with 15 assists in the 1999–2000 season, breaking a 26-year-old record and making clear his importance in the club’s history.
Not only did he break an important record, but he also played an impressive game with the Red Devils. Being the organizer of the play proposed by coach Carrick, Bruno managed to open spaces for Cunha and Šeško, also contributing at a defensive level. With this, Fernandes is the most important player in the team’s lineup, being the central axis of the collective play, making his continuity beyond 2027 a total priority.
Bruno has managed to become the most important player of the last 10 years at Manchester United, becoming the third player of the team to reach more than 100 goals and more than 100 assists in the Premier League. With this, he joins Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, having 105 goals and 100 assists. Although he is already 31 years old, Carrick has managed to recover his best version, making him irreplaceable alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro.
Another piece of @ManUtd history for Bruno Fernandes ❤️
Read more on the Portuguese's record-breaking achievement 👇
Not only Bruno: Michael Carrick imposes an all-time Manchester United record
Despite Ruben Amorim’s departure seeming to reset the Red Devils’ project, the front office made a brilliant decision by appointing Michael Carrick as interim coach. Not only has he implemented a defined style of play, but he has also brought out the best version of several stars. Alongside this, the Englishman has managed to set an all-time Manchester United record, which could bring him closer and closer to earning a permanent spot with the team.
According to Statman Dave via X, formerly Twitter, Michael Carrick is the first coach in Manchester United history to win six HOME games. Although he has only five in the current season, he also had a short spell as interim coach in the 2021–2022 season, beating Arsenal 3–2. For this reason, the coach becomes a historic figure both as a manager and as a player. Even co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe praised his excellent work, which could open the door to a permanent spot.
While Carrick continues to show an incredible talent for coaching the Red Devils, Ratcliffe did not dare to confirm his continuity at the helm of the team. Because of this, the emergence of Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann gains a lot of traction. However, both raise doubts that Michael no longer does, as he has proven capable of improving players individually as well as collectively. For that reason, he emerges as a fan-favorite, pressing front office to make a decision.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and David Beckham in 2000.
While Lionel Messi's stance over the Finalissima reportedly emerges, CONMEBOL has issued a response to UEFA, rejecting Madrid as a venue over sporting equity concerns.
The 2026 Finalissima has been officially canceled despite the enormous anticipation surrounding a potential clash between two of the strongest teams heading into the 2026 World Cup. With conflicting accounts of how negotiations broke down, and with Lionel Messi‘s reported stance on the game now coming to light, CONMEBOL has fired back at UEFA to explain its reasoning for rejecting Madrid as a host venue.
Hours later, CONMEBOL issued a statement pushing back against UEFA’s version of events: “CONMEBOL and the AFA consistently reiterated their commitment to playing the Finalissima at a neutral venue and accepted the proposed site following UEFA’s prolonged insistence on playing in Madrid. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reach a final agreement to hold the match, as the alternative date requested could not be accommodated given the limited time available.“
Despite the Bernabéu potentially offering a 50-50 split of supporters for each nation, CONMEBOL maintained that the venue was fundamentally inappropriate. “Once the possibility of playing in Qatar was ruled out, both confederations—as well as the Argentine and Spanish federations—dedicated themselves to finding a solution that would satisfy all parties. Within this framework, it is clear that the proposal to hold a single match in Madrid would have violated the principle of sporting equity, as it is not a neutral venue,” part of the statement read.
Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the 2021 Finalissima trophy.
A disagreement over the proposed date then proved to be the final stumbling block: “Under these circumstances, on Saturday, March 14, a proposal reached the AFA to hold the match at a neutral venue, Italy, on March 27. Argentina accepted the idea without objection, except for the date, suggesting March 31 instead. Regrettably, UEFA communicated that holding the match on the 31st—only four days later than the original proposal—was not possible, resulting in the cancellation of the Finalissima.“
With Madrid ruled out and Italy emerging as a potential compromise venue, the two sides still could not find common ground on the date, with UEFA unwilling to move it to March 31 and CONMEBOL equally firm in its position. While reports suggest the competition could be rescheduled for after the 2026 World Cup, neither federation has confirmed a new date.
Messi’s position over the Finalissima
As soon as UEFA and the RFEF announced the suspension of the game, reports quickly emerged pointing to Argentina’s reluctance to participate as a central factor in the breakdown. One narrative cited the memory of Argentina’s 6-1 humiliation against Spain in 2018, a defeat widely seen as having had a damaging effect on the team’s preparations for the Russia World Cup.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, players from both Argentina and Spain were personally willing to play the Finalissima. For Messi, the match would have represented more than just another fixture, potentially adding a 47th trophy to his extraordinary career haul and another piece of silverware with the national team, something he spent years chasing before finally breaking through at the highest level.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasıda Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile Beşiktaş takımları Eryaman Stadı'nda karşılaştı. Bir pozisyon sonrası, Gençlerbirliği oyuncusu Sékou Koïta kırmızı kart görerek oyun dışı kaldı. Eski Fifa hakemi, spor ve hakem yorumcusu Deniz Ateş Bitnel değerlendirdi.
Deniz Ateş Bitnel:Gençlerbirliği - Beşiktaş maçında Gençlerbirliği oyuncusu Koita VAR'ın izleme tavsiyesi sonrası kırmızı kartla oyun dışına gönderildi. Koita yere düştüğü anda rakibini görmüyor diyenler olabilir.
- Fakat bir açıda şunu net olarak görüyoruz. Koiita Djalo'nun kendisine doğru geldiğini görüyor. Kafasını kaldırıyor ona doğru bakıyor ve yuvarlanırken ayağını bile isteye kaldırıyor.
- Burada Koita'nın rakibine karşı hareketi gaddarlık ve acımasızlık içeriyor. Ayak tabanıyla yapmış olduğu müdahale rakibin sağlığını tehlikeye sokacak bir müdahale.
- Bu pozisyonda var müdahalesi kesinlikle doğru. Kırmızı kart kararı kesinlikle doğru.
Betimsel istatistik kararını verdi, futbol analitiği müjdeyi verdi... Şampiyonlar Ligi'nin tarihsel hafızası ve 60 yıllık dev veri havuzu, Liverpool karşısındaki 1-0'lık zafer sayesinde Galatasaray'ın İngiltere'de yüzde 62'lik bir oranla tur biletini cebine koyarak İstanbul'a döneceğini işaret ediyor.
Galatasaray bir kez daha Avrupa futbolunun zirvesini "Aslan Kükremesi" ile felç etmeye hazırlanıyor. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk ve öğrencileri bu sezon RAMS Park’ta iki kez 1-0'la devirdikleri Liverpool’a Anfield Road'a da boyun eğmeyi düşünmüyor.
TARİH GALATASARAY DİYOR
Ayrıca 1-0’lık skor bir avantaj değil, istatistiksel bir devrimin başlangıcı. Şampiyonlar Ligi tarihinin derinliklerine bakıldığında, ilk maçı evinde gol yemeden 1-0 kazanan takımların tur atlama oranı tam %62.
LIVERPOOL PANİK OLACAK
Galatasaray’ın kurduğu 25 metrelik kompakt savunma bloğu, Liverpool’un golcülerine 180 dakikada şans vermedi. Rakibin hücumcuları "aşılmaz duvar" algısına kapıldı. Bu kez Anfield Road’un o meşhur uğultusu, Liverpool için bir destek değil; gol gelmedikçe ayaklarını titreten bir "sabırsızlık baskısına" dönüşebiir
İşte Betimsel İstatistik uzmanlarının değerlendirmesinde Galatasaray'ın Liverpool karşısında yüzde 62 tur atamasını sağlayacak o matematikse işlemler:
- Veri Madenciliği: Şampiyonlar Ligi ve Avrupa kupalarında son 50-60 yılda oynanan binlerce maçın sonuçları bir havuza toplandı.
- Geçmiş Veri Analizi: "İlk maçı evinde 1-0 kazanan takımlar, ikinci maçta hangi sonuçları almış?" sorusunun cevabı tarandı. Binlerce maçlık bu devasa örneklem setinde, turu geçen takımların oranı yaklaşık %62 olarak sabitlendi.
- Sabermetrics / Futbol Analitiği (Veri Bilimi): Futbolda son yıllarda devrim yaratan bu dal, sadece skora değil, maç içindeki aksiyonlara d bakıyor. Bu bilim dalından da yardım alındı.
- XG (Gol Beklentisi) Modellemesi: 1-0 kazanan bir takımın, ikinci maçta kaç gol yeme veya atma potansiyeli olduğu "regresyon analizleri" ile hesaplandı.
- Monte Carlo Simülasyonu: Maç kağıt üzerinde binlerce kez simüle edildi. Takımların güç dengeleri, 1-0'lık avantajın getirdiği savunma yerleşimi ve rakibin risk alma katsayısı algoritmaya girilir ve en olası sonuç (%62 tur şansı) ortaya çıktı.
- Spor Psikolojisi (Davranış Bilimleri): Rakamların ötesinde, bu oranın neden bu kadar yüksek olduğunu açıklayan daldır.
- Kaybetmeme Psikolojisi: 1-0'lık skorun sağladığı koruma içgüdüsünün, oyuncuların odaklanma süresini (concentration span) nasıl artırdığını incelendi.
- Zaman Baskısı Analizi: Rakip takımın (Liverpool) gol atamadığı her dakikada artan kortizol seviyesinin ve buna bağlı olarak düşen "karar verme yetisinin" istatistiğe nasıl yansıdığını açıklandı.
- Oyun Teorisi (Ekonomi ve Matematik): Özellikle "Sıfır Toplamlı Oyun" teorisi üzerinden incelendi.
Galatasaray'ın elindeki 1-0'lık "varlığı" korumak için yapacağı her hamle, rakibin riskini artıracak. Bu yüzde 62'lik oran bir laboratuvar deneyinden ziyade, Matematiksel Olasılık ve Tarihsel Veri Analitiğinin ürünü olarak camianın umudunu artırdı.
Avrupa sınırları artık dar gelen Galatasaray, rotayı Asya'ya kırdı! Başkan Dursun Özbek önderliğinde başlatılan diplomatik taarruzla; Çin ve Güney Kore'nin teknoloji devleri, büyükelçilikler aracılığıyla masaya oturmaya hazır. Sponsorluktan akademiye, dijital devrimden hazırlık kamplarına kadar sarı-kırmızıların dev Asya projesinin tüm detaylarına Fotospor ulaştı.
Galatasaray yönetimi kulübün geleceğini şekillendirecek dev bir diplomatik ve ticari hamlenin peşinde koşuyor. Orta Doğu’dan Uzak Doğu’ya uzanan geniş bir coğrafyada "ciddi çalışmalar" yürüttüklerini daha önce açıklayan Başkan Dursun Özbek'in ana hedefleri Güney Kore ve Çin pazarları.
DURSUN ÖZBEK'İN BÜYÜK PLANI
Başkan Özbek'in "global" projesi kapsamında Galatasaray, Çin ve Güney Kore merkezli teknoloji, otomotiv ve enerji devleriyle stratejik sponsorluk anlaşmaları hedefliyor. Stat ismi, forma göğüs reklamı veya dijital partnerlikler masadaki en güçlü seçenekler.
GALATASARAY DÜNYAYA AÇILIYOR
Galatasaray markasının bölgedeki görünürlüğünü artırmak adına sezon öncesi hazırlık kamplarının ve özel turnuvaların bu coğrafyalarda düzenlenmesi planlanıyor. Uzak Doğu'nun yükselen yetenek havuzuna erişmek için Çin ve Güney Kore’de "Galatasaray Academy" şubelerinin açılması ve yerel kulüplerle pilot ortaklıklar kurulması da gündemde. Weibo ve WeChat gibi yerel dev platformlarda aktif içerik yönetimi ve GSStore ürünlerinin bölge lojistiğiyle taraftara ulaştırılması hedefleniyor.
ASYA VE ORTA DOĞU HEDEFTE
Galatasaray yönetimi, Avrupa’nın yanı sıra Asya ve Orta Doğu’daki devasa nüfusu "potansiyel taraftar ve tüketici" haline getirmeyi amaçlıyor. Büyükelçilikler (Güney Kore Ankara Büyükelçisi Jeong Yeondoo, Galatasaray kulübünü ziyaret etti.) aracılığıyla yürütülen bu temaslar, sarı-kırmızılı kulübün sadece bir spor kulübü değil, Türkiye’nin küresel bir markası olarak konumlandırılmasını sağlayacak.
Dev teknoloji şirketlerinin (Samsung, LG, Hyundai gibi) kulübe yeni nesil stat teknolojileri ve dijital partnerlikler konusunda destek vermesi masadaki ana konular arasında yer aldı.
ÇİN HAYALİ DE GERÇEKLEŞİYOR
Çin Ankara Büyükelçisi Liu Shaobin ile yürütülen temaslarda da dünyanın en büyük pazarına doğrudan bir kapı açmak için görüşmeler yapıldı.
Görüşmelerin "büyükelçiler seviyesinde" yapılmasının birkaç kritik sebebi var... ancak en önemlisi Büyükelçiliklerin aracı olması, yabancı yatırımcılar için Galatasaray’ı güvenilir bir iş ortağı olarak tescillemeye yardımcı oluyor.
Galatasaray yönetimi Mağazacılık AŞ'nin halka arz süreciyle birlikte Avrupa operasyonlarını da sil baştan kurguladı. 5 ana metropolde açılacak yeni mağazalar ve 11 şehirdeki stratejik 'corner' noktalarıyla lojistik maliyetler düşürülecek. Euro bazlı forma ve ürün satışlarıyla kulübün operasyonel karı maksimuma çıkarılacak.
Galatasaray yönetimi Mağazacılık AŞ’nin halka arzı süreciyle birlikte Avrupa operasyonlarında da yeni bir döneme hazırlanıyor.
Kulüp hem lojistik maliyetleri optimize etmek hem de markanın küresel vitrinini güçlendirmek amacıyla Avrupa’nın kalbinde dev bir mağazalaşma ve "corner" atağı başlattı.
Hali hazırda Berlin, Köln, Bakü ve Lefkoşa’da faaliyet gösteren GSStore; geçmişte Düsseldorf, Mannheim ve Zürih’te yaşanan kapanışlardan ders çıkardı.
Daha stratejik bir modelle geri dönmeye hazır. Yeni dönemde yüksek işletme maliyetlerini düşürmek için büyük spor perakendecileriyle iş birliği ön planda olacak.
İlk etapta mağazaların açılacağı şehirler:
Fransa: Paris
Hollanda: Rotterdam
Avusturya: Viyana
Belçika: Brüksel
İngiltere: Londra
Fiziksel mağaza maliyetini minimize eden "corner" modeliyle şu şehirlerde taraftarlara ulaşılacak:
Galatasaray yönetimi, bu hamleyle sadece ürün satmayı değil, operasyonel karlılığı maksimize etmeyi hedefliyor. Tekil online gönderimlerdeki yüksek gümrük ve kargo maliyetleri, mağazalara yapılan "toplu sevkiyat" ile minimize edilecek.
Türkiye’de yaklaşık 3 bin TL (85 Euro) olan formalar, Avrupa’da 95-110 Euro bandında satışa sunulacak. Lojistik giderler düşüldüğünde bile Euro bazlı satışlar kulüp kasasına ciddi bir kâr bırakacak. Mağazaların derbi ve Avrupa kupası günlerinde günlük cirolarını 10-15 katına çıkarma potansiyeli, fiziksel varlığın en büyük motivasyonu.
Berlin ve Londra gibi merkezlerdeki fiziksel varlık, Galatasaray’ın "küresel kulüp" imajını pekiştirerek yerel sponsorluk görüşmelerinde kulübün elini güçlendirecek.
Kaybetmenin kolay, kazanmanın ise dünya çapında 'olay' olacağı tarihi Liverpool rövanşına Galatasaray, 'kaybedecek hiçbir şeyimiz yok' parolasıyla çıkıyor. İngiltere'de yüreğini ortaya koymaya hazırlanan sarı-kırmızılılarda, teknik direktör Okan Buruk da kadroda 5 kritik hamle hazırladı.
Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk, "kaybetmenin kolay, turun olay" olacağı Liverpool maçı öncesinde son plan ve programını tamamlamaya çalışıyor. Camiada kaybedecek bir şeyin olmadığı, ancak kazanılacak bir zaferin dünya çapında yaratacağı sansayonu düşünüyor.
OKAN BURUK'UN LIVERPOOL PLANI
Taraftarlar takımdan iyi bir futbol beklerken, sonuç ne olursa olsun hakkını teslim etmeye hazır. Galatasaray'ın hocası Buruk da, Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 rövanşında ciddi bir revizyon yaptı. Başakşehir maçında dinlendirdiği 5 oyuncusunu Liverpool'a karşı sahaya sürme kararı aldı.
Çarşamba gecesi oynanacak dev maçta Davinson cezası nedeniyle görev yapamayacak. Singo’nun partneri Abdülkerim Bardakçı olacak. Beklerde Eren Elmalı'nın yerine Jakobs, Sallai’nin yerine Boey formayı geri alacak.
Orta sahadaki vazgeçilmezleri Torreira ve Sara yerini korurken, bu ikiliye Lemina eşlik edecek. Kanatlarda ise hız faktörü ön plana çıkacak.
Barış Alper Yılmaz ve Leroy Sane Liverpool savunmasını zorlayacak isimler olacak. Forvet hattında ise gol silahı olarak Victor Osimhen tek başına görev yapacak.
GALATASARAY'IN MUHTEMEL 11'İ
İşte Galatasaray'ın Liverpool Karşısındaki Muhtemel 11'i:
Uğurcan
Jakobs, Singo, Abdülkerim, Boey
Torreira, Lemina, Sara
Sane, Barış Alper
Osimhen
MAÇ SONRASI 5 GÜN TATİL
Liverpool sınavının ardından Okan Buruk, yoğun fikstür nedeniyle oyuncularına moral depolamaları için 5 gün izin verecek.
Galatasaray'ın yıldızı Gabriel Sara için beklenen müjde ulaştı! Brezilya Milli Takımı, FIFA prosedürlerini işleterek sarı-kırmızılı kulübe resmi davet yazısı gönderdi. Carlo Ancelotti'nin geniş kadrosuna yüzde 90 oranında girmesi beklenen sambacı için pasaporttan sigorta işlemlerine kadar dev operasyon başladı.
Brezilya Milli Takımı, Gabriel Sara’nın durumunu yakından takip ettiğini ve resmi prosedürleri başlattığını Galatasaray Kulübü'ne bildirdi. FIFA kuralları gereği, federasyonun oyuncunun kulübüne göndermesi gereken resmi davet yazısı sarı-kırmızılı kulübe ulaştı. Bu kritik yazı, FIFA takvimindeki milli maç döneminden en az 15 gün önce kulübe ulaştırılarak Sara’nın kamp programı, toplanma merkezi ve tarihleri netleştirildi.
SARA DA ANCELOTTI'NİN KADROSUNDA
Brezilya Milli Takımı teknik direktörü Carlo Ancelotti, as kadroyu açıklamadan önce geniş bir havuz oluşturmak adına geniş bir kadro açıklamaya hazırlanıyor. Gelen son bilgilere göre, Galatasaray formasıyla sergilediği performansla Sara’nın, açıklanacak olan bu geniş kadroda yer almasına artık yüzde 90 gözüyle bakılıyor.
BREZİLYALI YETKİLİLER DEVREDE
Eğer Sara, Brezilya’nın yurt dışı kampına dahil edilirse tüm idari süreçler Brezilya Federasyonu tarafından yönetilecek. Federasyon; oyuncunun uçuş işlemleri, vize ve pasaport detaylarını bizzat organize edecek.
SAKATLIK İÇİN SİGORTA EDİLECEK
Ayrıca, milli takıma katılan her oyuncu gibi Sara da kampın ilk gününde detaylı bir sağlık taramasından geçecek. Oyuncunun kulübüyle olan profesyonel sözleşmesini korumak adına, olası sakatlık riskine karşı geçici sigorta işlemleri de yine federasyon tarafından yürütülecek.
GFB iftarında yeniden aday olacağını açıklayan Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran, camiayı şampiyonluk hasretinden kurtaracak futbol aklını İtalya'da buldu. Eljif Elmas ve Kim Min-jae'yi keşfeden, Napoli'yi Osimhen ve Kvaratskhelia ile zirveye taşıyan "Sihirbaz" Cristiano Giuntoli tam yetkiyle geliyor!
GFB'nin iftarında "sezon sonunda yapılacak seçimde aday olacağının" sinyalini ilk kez veren başkan Sadettin Saran, işi ehline teslim etmek için planını yaptı. Camiayı şampiyonluk hasretinden kurtaracak "akıl hocası" olarak Kim Min-jae ve Eljif Elmas’ı Fenerbahçe'den koparan Cristiano Giuntoli'ye kafayı taktı.
HERKESİ PEŞİNDEN KOŞTURAN İSİM
Juventus’taki görevinden ayrılan ve Avrupa’nın dev kulüplerini peşinden koşturan İtalyan sportif direktör, Saran’ın projesinin merkezinde. AS Roma ve Atletico Madrid gibi devlerin listesinde de bir numara olan Giuntoli'ye "Tam Yetki ve Limitsiz Vizyon" teklifi hazırlandı. Kim Min-jae ve Eljif Elmas’ı kimse tanımazken keşfedip Napoli’yi götürüp şampiyonluğa taşıyan Giuntoli, sarı-lacivertli kulübün genetiğini en iyi bilen Avrupalı.
FENERBAHÇE'Yİ İYİ TANIYOR
İtalyan basını zamanında Giuntoli'nin; "Fenerbahçe'de parlayan oyuncu, dünyanın her yerinde oynar" dediği haberlerini yapmıştı. "Transfer sihirbazı" olarak da anılan İtalyan, kimsenin tanımadığı Victor Osimhen ve "Kvaradona" lakaplı Kvaratskhelia’yı keşfederek Napoli'yi yıllar sonra şampiyon yapan takımın yaratıcısı olarak da biliniyor.
SADETTİN SARAN İŞİ SIKI TUTUYOR
Fenerbahçe'de Barış Göktürk gibi bazı önemli isimlerin 2027 için şimdiden adaylık açıklaması yapması, Saran yönetimini daha somut adımlar atmaya itiyor. Giuntoli gibi dünya çapında bir ismin sportif direktör koltuğuna oturma ihtimali Saran’ın elini sadece sahada değil sezon sonunda yapılacak genel kurulda da güçlendirebilir.
DEVİN ÖZEK SEZON SONU YOLCU
Fenerbahçe camiasında genel kanıya göre Sadettin Saran hiç bir şekilde Devin Özek'le çalışmayacak. Teknik direktör seçimini de İtalyan'a bırakacak. Eğer isterse Tedesco ile devam etmesi bile gündeme gelebilir.
Fenerbahçe'de Tedesco şimdilik "ultimatom"la kaldı ancak camiadaki genel kanı, İlk yenilgide kapı dışarı edilecek. Bir yanda UEFA kıskacındaki Tedesco bilmecesi, diğer yanda efsane isim Aykut Kocaman'ın zehir zemberek reddi... Başkan Sadettin Saran'ın 2026-27 sezonu için "şampiyonluk projesi" daha başlamadan sekteye uğradığı iddia ediliyor.
Fenerbahçe’de Domenico Tedesco "ultimatom"la kaldı... o da şimdilik. İlk yenilgiden sonra "çok büyük hoca" diyenlerin kuyruğuna teneke bağayıp göndereceği aşikar.
FENERBAHÇE'YE UEFA DENETİMİ
Fotospor'un haberine göre Mart sonunda UEFA’nın FFP denetlemesine girecek olan sarı-lacivertli yönetim, teknik direktör değişikliğinin maliyetinden kaçınıyor.
Bilançoya yansıyacak yüklü bir tazminat kaleminin UEFA nezdinde kulübü zor durumda bırakmasından endişe eden yönetim, çareyi Tedesco’ya ultimatom vererek yola devam etmekte buldu.
SARAN'DAN AYKUT KOCAMAN'A TEKLİF
Tedesco ile yola devam edilse de camia içinde Başkan Sadettin Saran’ın, eski teknik direktörlerden Aykut Kocaman’ın nabzını yokladığı iddiası da var. İddialara göre Saran, Kocaman’a gelecek sezonu da kapsayan bir şampiyonluk projesi teklif etti. Ancak tecrübeli teknik adam bu teklifi reddetti.
SEÇİMDEN SONRA FİKRİNİ DEĞİŞTİRDİ!
Seçim sürecinde Kocaman’a "beraber çalışacağız" diyen Saran’ın, başkanlık koltuğuna oturduktan sonra Ali Koç’un tavsiyesiyle Tedesco ile devam etmesi ve Kocaman’a herhangi bir bilgilendirme yapmaması kırgınlık yarattı.
Kocaman’ın, kendisine hiçbir mazeret sunulmaması ve sürecin nezaketten uzak yürütülmesi nedeniyle Saran yönetimine kapıları kapattığı belirtiliyor.
Bir diğer iddiaya göre Kocaman, mevcut yönetimin gelecek sezon devam etme şansını düşük gördüğü için bu riskli projede yer almak istemedi.
Fenerbahçe'de Karagümrük yenilgisi sonrası taş üstünde taş kalmadı. İddialara göre yönetim kurulu toplantısı öncesi Sadettin Saran'ı arayan başkan başkan adayları, Domenico Tedesco'nun kovulacağını ön görerek Başkan'a "Ali Koç'un sana yaptığını yapma, yeni yönetimin önünü tıkayacak bir hoca getirme!" diyerek ricada bulundu.
Karagümrük mağlubiyetiyle sarsılan Fenerbahçe’de seçim yarışı bir anda kızıştı. Alınan sürpriz yenilgi sadece şampiyonluk umutlarını bitirmekle kalmadı, kulübün geleceğine dair tüm planları da altüst etti. Saran’ın açıklamalarına göre, teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco ve sportif direktör Devin Özek görevlerine "ültimatom" şartıyla devam edecek.
SADETTİN SARAN'A ÖZEL TELEFON
Önceki gün gerçekleştirilen kritik yönetim kurulu toplantısından hemen önce, Fenerbahçe camiasını sarsacak gizli bir görüşmenin gerçekleştiği iddiası konuşulmaya başlandı. Buna göre önemli bir başkan adayının bizzat Sadettin Saran’ı arayarak teknik direktör krizi üzerinden çarpıcı bir teklif sunduğu iddia edildi.
ALİ KOÇ'UN SANA YAPTIĞINI YAPMA
Başkan adayının, Tedesco’nun gönderilme ihtimalini öngörerek Saran’a şu ifadeleri kullandığı iddia edildi:
- Yapacağın en büyük iyilik, sezon sonuna kadar takımı camianın bir evladına teslim etmek olur. Ali Koç'un sana yaptığını, sen de senden sonra gelecek yönetime yapma.
MOURINHO'YU GÖNDERİP TEDESCO İLE ANLAŞTI
Ali Koç seçim kararı olmasına rağmen Mourinho'yla yolları ayırmış ve Tedesco ile 2 yıllık sözleşme yapmıştı.
BAŞKAN ADAYININ EKİBİ HAZIR
Söz konusu aday, yeni gelecek yönetimin önünü kesecek uzun vadeli bir yabancı ya da yerli hocaya karşı olduklarını vurgularken Saran'ı da uyardı:
- Bizim teknik direktörümüz, sportif direktörümüz ve her şeyimiz hazır. Yeni yönetimin önünü tıkayacak bir hamleden kaçınılmalı.
Trabzonspor'un parlayan yıldızı Christ İnao Ouali için dev menajerler arası savaşı başladı! Madrid'deki gizemli ziyaretin perde arkasından Vinicius Junior'un menajeri çıktı. İşte lüks hediyelerden özel davetlere uzanan o operasyonun detayları...
Trabzonspor’un parlayan yıldızı Christ Inao Ouali transfer piyasasının yıldızı olmaya devam ediyor. Ağabeyinin Real Madrid-Manchester City maçındaki görüntüsü ortalığı karıştırırken, akılara "Real Madrid'e mi gidiyor?" soruları geldi. Gerçek bambaşka çıktı.
OUALI SAVAŞI KIZIŞTI
Ouali mevcut menajerlik şirketiyle yollarını ayırma noktasına geldi. Dev menajerlik şirketleri genç yıldız adayı için harekete geçti. Oulai'yi portföyüne katmak isteyen şirketler yarışa girdi. Hatta bazı menajerler lüks hediyelerle Ouali’yi ikna etmeye çalıştığı iddia ediliyor.
TRABZONSPORLU YILDIZI İKNA ÇABASI
Madrid’deki gizemli ziyaretin sırrı da burada yatıyor. Real Madrid’in dünyaca ünlü yıldızı Vinicius Junior’un menajerliğini yürüten Ron Nation Sports, Ouali’nin ağabeyini özel olarak Real Madrid-Manchester City maçına davet etti. Bu hamleyle oyuncunun ailesini etkilemeyi hedefleyen dev şirket, Trabzonsporlu yıldızı ikna etmek için tüm imkanlarını seferber etti.
MENAJERLİK ŞİRKETLERİ PEŞİNDE
Şirket yetkililerinin, yaz transfer dönemi gelmeden önce Ouali’yi resmen bünyelerine katmak ve oyuncunun tüm yetkilerini almak istediği gelen bilgiler arasında.
Trabzonspor yönetiminin ve taraftarın sevgilisi olan Ouali’nin menajerlik savaşlarının ardından kariyerine nasıl bir yön vereceği merak ediliyor.
Samsunspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında sahasında Kayserispor'u konuk etti. Samsunspor uzatmalarda bulduğu gol ile 2-1 kazandı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Samsunspor ile Zecorner Kayserispor karşı karşıya geldi. Samsunspor mücadeleyi 2-1 kazandı.
MAÇTAN DAKİKALAR
13. dakikada Eleyis Tavsan'ın ortasında ceza sahası içinde topla buluşan Moundilmadji'nin şutunda, son anda defansa çarpan meşin yuvarlak kornere çıktı.
28. dakikada Satka'nın pasında Moundilmadji, altıpas içinde topu az farkla üstten auta gönderdi.
31. dakikada Samsunspor 1-0 öne geçti. Elayis Tavsan'ın sağ taraftan pasında arka direkte Makoumbou plase bir vuruşla topu ağlara gönderdi: 1-0
42. dakikada Yalçın Kayan'ın pasında ceza sahasında müsait pozisyondaki Elayis Tavsan'ın kötü vuruşunda, kaleci Bilal Bayazıt meşin yuvarlağı kontrol etti.
46. dakikada Zecorner Kayserispor 1-1 eşitliği sağladı. Chalov'ın sert şutunda, kaleci İrfan Can Eğribayat çeldiği top Borevkovic'in ayağına çarparak ağlara gitti: 1-1
49. dakikada Chalov'un ceza sahası çizgisi üzerinden sert vuruşunda, top yan direğe çarparak auta gitti.
53. dakikada Celil Yüksel'in ceza sahasından şutunda, kaleci Bilal Bayazıt son anda topa sahip oldu.
55. dakikada Makoumbou'nun pasında Moundilmadji altıpas içinde topa dokundu, kaleci Bilal Bayazıt iki hamlede meşin yuvarlağı kontrol etti.
90+3 dakikada Samsunspor, 2-1 öne geçti. Joao Mendes'in pasında ceza sahası içinde Tomasson düzgün bir vuruşla topu ağlara yolladı: 2-1
Karşılaşmayı Samsunspor 2-1 kazandı.
Stat: Samsun Yeni 19 Mayıs
Hakemler: Adnan Deniz Kayatepe, Bahtiyar Birinci, Murat Temel
Bu gün futzal üzrə Azərbaycan Kubokunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 1/4 final mərhələsinin oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bütün oyunlar eyni gündə “Olimpik Star”da təşkil edilib.
İlk qələbəni “Lənkəran”la qarşılamış “Baku Fire-2” qazanıb. Son qalib PFL isə U-19 yığmamızla matçda hesabda geri düşsə də, sona yaxın qələbə qolunu vura bilib.
“Araz-Naxçıvan” “Xan-Lənkəran”la görüşdə məhsuldar qələbəyə sevinib. Yüksək Liqanın lideri “Neftçi” də Birinci Liqanın iddialılarından olan “STAR kargo”ya heç bir şans verməyib. Böyükhesablı qələbə onların da yarımfinalçılar sırasında olmasına yol açıb.
Beləliklə, yarımfinal mərhələsində qarşılaşacaq cütlüklər müəyyənləşib. Ötən mövsümün finalçıları – PFL və “Araz-Naxçıvan” bu dəfə yarımfinalda üz-üzə gələcəklər. “Baku Fire-2” isə “Neftçi” İK ilə finala vəsiqə uğrunda qarşılaşacaq.
Qeyd edək ki, Azərbaycan Kubokunda yarımfinal mərhələsinin oyunları apreldə keçiriləcək.
Azərbaycan Kuboku 1/4 final 15 mart
Lənkəran – Baku Fire-2 2:8 U-19 – PFL 3:4 Xan-Lənkəran – Araz-Naxçıvan 3:12 STAR kargo – Neftçi İK 3:12
Yarımfinal cütlükləri: PFL – Araz-Naxçıvan Baku Fire-2 – Neftçi İK
Gençlik ve Spor Bakanı Osman Aşkın Bak, Arda Güler'in Real Madrid formasıyla yaklaşık 70 metreden attığı gol için "Müthiş bir gol, dünya Arda Güler'i konuşuyor" dedi.
Ciro Immobile has revealed that AC Milan made a serious attempt to sign him during his peak years at Lazio, with the Italian striker admitting it was no easy decision to turn them down, even if his heart ultimately made the choice for him.
The former Lazio captain, who joined Paris FC on a free transfer in January after spending the first half of the season with Bologna, spoke exclusively to MilanNews.it ahead of tonight’s Lazio-Milan clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
“It is true, there was interest, even when Gattuso was the manager,” Immobile confirmed.
“But that was a strong Lazio side, at the same level as Milan at the time. It was a decision made with the heart, because it is difficult to say no to a club of that importance. Would I have liked it? Well, who wouldn’t?” he laughed. “But at that moment I was happy at Lazio.”
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Mattia Zaccagni with Ciro Immobile of Bologna FC prior the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico on December 07, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – Getty Images)
Lazio vs Milan – Immobile: ‘Lazio can cause problems for anyone’
On tonight’s fixture, Immobile was enthusiastic, predicting a lively atmosphere with supporters returning to the Olimpico in full voice.
“I know how much the fans love the club, I will watch it very willingly if I can,” he said. “Lazio can cause problems for anyone, especially with the crowd behind them. They are well organised and well coached.”
Asked about his fondest memories of facing Milan, Immobile singled out two figures who left a lasting impression. “Donnarumma and Ibrahimovic, in terms of personality and making themselves felt on the pitch, it was those two.”
Bologna claimed a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Sassuolo in the Emilian derby, with Thijs Dallinga’s early goal securing all three points, but the celebrations were tempered significantly by a series of injury concerns that threaten to undermine their preparations for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Roma.
The most alarming moment came late in the match when goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski went down in clear distress after an aerial challenge outside his box.
With Vincenzo Italiano having already used all his substitutions, Skorupski was forced to play on despite what appeared to be a muscular problem, reportedly affecting his left hamstring, according to CalcioMercato.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Nadir Zortea, Lukasz Skorupski, and Lewis Ferguson of Bologna celebrate victory in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna keeper Skorupski injured in win over Sassuolo
He completed the match but was visibly emotional at the final whistle, breaking down in tears beneath the away end, scenes that did little to ease growing anxiety about his availability for Thursday’s decisive clash.
Should Skorupski be ruled out, Italiano will be forced to turn to either Ravaglia or young backup Pessina for one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history.
Neither represents a straightforward replacement for a goalkeeper of Skorupski’s experience and quality at this level.
Moro and De Silvestri also picked up injuries during the contest, adding further selection headaches for a coaching staff already working with a depleted squad, although the latter is absent from the Europa League squad anyway.
Bologna head into the second leg level at 1-1 on aggregate, giving them every reason to believe they can progress, but the medical room will be every bit as important as the tactics board between now and Thursday evening.
Cesena sacked Michele Mignani after two seasons in the job following a 2-2 draw with Frosinone, which left them in eighth place in Italy’s second division.
Cole has new Calcio adventure
DERBY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Ashley Cole, Assistant Head Coach of England, and Lee Carsley, Head Coach of England, looks on prior to the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England and Andorra at Pride Park on October 13, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
The 45-year-old had some experience in Italian football as a player for Roma from 2014 to 2016, when he went on to the LA Galaxy and ended his playing career at Derby in 2019.
Before that, Cole had made his mark as a full-back for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
Cole has worked at the Chelsea youth academy, plus as an assistant manager to the likes of Lee Carsley, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and more.
DERBY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Ashley Cole, Assistant Head Coach of England U21’s, looks on prior to the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England and Andorra at Pride Park on October 13, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Above all, he worked with Carsley, and is currently the assistant to the England Under-21 team coach.
His staff at Cesena consists of assistant Jack Mesure, fitness coach Giorgio D’Urbano, Paolo Stringara, Nicola Capellini and goalkeeping coach Federico Agliardi.
Roma director Ricky Massara admits today’s battle with Como ‘will weigh heavily’ on the race for a Champions League spot, but ‘the season is long regardless.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
The pressure is on the Giallorossi in this showdown for fourth place, especially after Juventus won 2-1 away to Udinese last night, temporarily leapfrogging both teams onto 53 points.
On top of that, they also have to prepare for Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 tie with Bologna, having drawn the first leg 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
Roma have sights set on top four
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“Undoubtedly, it is a very important game for the way the table looks right now, so it’s obvious that the points here will weigh heavily on the final standings,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.
“At the same time, there are still another nine rounds after this, and the season is long regardless.”
The Giallorossi have been trying for several years to get into the Champions League and last term missed out on the final day, so how much would achieving that aim transform their transfer plans?
“The financial impact of Champions League qualification is important for all clubs, and Roma are no exception. Having said that, Roma will always commit to a transfer strategy that fits with its ambitions, which it can do thanks to strong club owners,” insisted the director.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Evan Ndicka is suspended, with Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, so Mario Hermoso gets his first start since February 2.
Manu Koné is also back after missing the Europa League match with a muscular twinge and Stephan El Shaarawy hadn’t started since January 13.
“Donyell Malen combines well with various different players, which helps with the squad rotation around him. We do have a lot of injuries concentrated in the attack, but the return of El Shaarawy is very important, and we expect him to give his contribution today.”
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Stephan El Shaarawy of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
The importance of this fixture cannot be underestimated, as both teams are locked together on 51 points, temporarily leapfrogged by Juventus on 53 thanks to last night’s victory away to Udinese.
Champions League qualification is at stake, a remarkable achievement for a Como side who were in Serie B two years ago.
Fabregas keeps Como tactics vague
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 03: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his players Anastasios Douvikas and Martin Baturina during the Coppa Italia match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 03, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maximo Perrone is not 100 per cent fit after a knock, with Jayden Addai out for the rest of the season following a laceration of the Achilles tendon.
“Perrone is in the squad, he says he’s fine, he trained a little with the team yesterday, he is ready to come on if we need him, but it’s important to start those who are at 100 per cent,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia.
Surprisingly, Como are using a three-man defence from the start today, with Nico Paz seemingly as the False 9, but again the coach doesn’t want to be tied down to definitions.
“You think it’s a three-man defence? You’ll see… I think Nico Paz is a striker, he just has different characteristics. Osimhen attacks the space, Messi drops back more, Hojlund protests the ball, so every striker is different and has their own characteristics. We’ll see if it goes the way we want it to.”
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Along with fighting for the top four in Serie A, Como are also in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, having held Inter to a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Since making his debut in the top flight a year and a half ago, Fabregas has put together 100 points. Did he expect this?
“I didn’t expect this, but the life of a coach is to be taken one day at a time, so we cannot think about what happens a year from now. We have our vision of where we can get to in four or five years, but we must try to grow on a par with the club, staff, players, directors, with patience, humility and hard work,” concluded Fabregas.
Liverpool have taken a 1-0 lead over Tottenham thanks to a moment of pure Hungarian magic from Dominik Szoboszlai.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute after Alexis Mac Allister drew a foul just outside the penalty area.
As the Spurs wall braced itself, there was little doubt who would take charge. Szoboszlai stood over the ball with his trademark composure.
The Hungarian stood over it with confidence and executed it perfectly, curling it with power into the top left corner. Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario got a hand to it but it was not enough to keep it out.
His ability to generate incredible whip while maintaining pinpoint accuracy makes every set-piece within 30 yards feel like a high-percentage chance for the Reds.
He scored one against Bournemouth as well as against Marseille in the Champions League.
Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season
Beyond his set-piece heroics, this goal is yet another highlight in what is becoming a truly special individual campaign.
Szoboszlai has been the heartbeat of this Liverpool side throughout the 2025/26 season, driving the team forward with his relentless work rate and creative vision.
He has been one of the first names on Arne Slot’s team sheet, playing anywhere and everywhere from attacking midfield to right-back in what has been a crisis season.
Whether winning the ball back deep in his own half or firing rockets into the top corner, Szoboszlai is currently playing some of the best football of his career.
Wayne Rooney has backed Michael Carrick to be appointed Manchester United’s permanent manager following a decisive 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.
The win at Old Trafford has strengthened United’s grip on third place and further fueled the debate over whether the interim boss has done enough to earn the role full-time.
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Wayne Rooney backs Michael Carrick for the Manchester United job
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Rooney was unequivocal in his support for his former teammate.
Rooney emphasised that Carrick’s impact extends beyond tactical tweaks, noting the renewed unity within the squad.
The United legend also highlighted Carrick’s historic start, which has seen him surpass the early win percentages of previous illustrious managers.
He said:
“100% he should [get the job]. I have said this. I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick.
“I know him very well. I know his character, his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that.
“We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. For me, why would you change?
“He has got the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games. For me, he has to get the job.”
Michael Carrick has made a strong case for himself
The statistics certainly support Rooney’s “no-brainer” stance. Since taking over in mid-January, Carrick has steered the Red Devils to seven wins, one draw, and just one defeat in nine Premier League outings.
This remarkable run has seen United collect 22 out of a possible 27 points, transforming them from seventh-place outsiders into the favorites for a Champions League spot.
Sunday’s win over Villa makes if 7 wins out of 9. Despite Ross Barkley’s second-half equaliser, United remained composed, with goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, and super-sub Benjamin Sesko sealing the win.
With Bruno Fernandes also breaking the club record for assists in a single season (16), the mood around Carrington has shifted from crisis to confidence.
During the Iran conflict, gold attracted safe-haven demand, while Bitcoin’s reaction reflected liquidity conditions and broader market sentiment rather than acting as a classic crisis hedge.
Bologna face scare ahead of Roma clash as Skorupski and Moro injured in win at Sassuolo
Bologna claimed a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Sassuolo in the Emilian derby, with Thijs Dallinga’s early goal securing all three points, but the celebrations were tempered significantly by a series of injury concerns that threaten to undermine their preparations for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Roma.
The most alarming moment came late in the match when goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski went down in clear distress after an aerial challenge outside his box.
With Vincenzo Italiano having already used all his substitutions, Skorupski was forced to play on despite what appeared to be a muscular problem, reportedly affecting his left hamstring, according to CalcioMercato.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Nadir Zortea, Lukasz Skorupski, and Lewis Ferguson of Bologna celebrate victory in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bologna keeper Skorupski injured in win over Sassuolo
He completed the match but was visibly emotional at the final whistle, breaking down in tears beneath the away end, scenes that did little to ease growing anxiety about his availability for Thursday’s decisive clash.
Should Skorupski be ruled out, Italiano will be forced to turn to either Ravaglia or young backup Pessina for one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history.
Neither represents a straightforward replacement for a goalkeeper of Skorupski’s experience and quality at this level.
Moro and De Silvestri also picked up injuries during the contest, adding further selection headaches for a coaching staff already working with a depleted squad, although the latter is absent from the Europa League squad anyway.
Bologna head into the second leg level at 1-1 on aggregate, giving them every reason to believe they can progress, but the medical room will be every bit as important as the tactics board between now and Thursday evening.
Virat Kohli has picked his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate Chris Gayle ahead of Rohit Sharma while choosing the best opener in T20 cricket during a recent “This or That” challenge.
— RCBTweets (@RCBTweets)
In a video shared by RCB on Sunday, Kohli was asked to select between two players at a time while identifying the greatest opener in the shortest format. The former RCB captain first opted for Adam Gilchrist over Sunil Narine.
The next comparison was between Gilchrist and Travis Head, and Kohli picked the Australian left-hander, explaining that his choice was specifically for T20 cricket. When Head was then put up against Virender Sehwag, Kohli switched to the former India opener.
The comparisons continued with Sehwag facing Sachin Tendulkar, but Kohli again selected Sehwag, noting that in the T20 format he would still favour the aggressive opener.
The challenge eventually reached its final choice between Rohit and Gayle. After pausing briefly, Kohli decided to go with the West Indies legend as his pick for the best T20 opener.
Gayle’s record in the format backs up his reputation. The former West Indies national cricket team opener remains the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket, having amassed 14,562 runs in 455 innings across all T20 competitions. In the Indian Premier League, he scored 4,965 runs in 142 matches.
Gayle also holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history. Playing for RCB against Pune Warriors India in 2013, he produced an unbeaten 175, a knock that still stands as the tournament’s best.
Rohit, meanwhile, has enjoyed a remarkable career in the shortest format as well. The former India captain has scored 4,231 runs in 159 T20I matches and 151 innings, while in the IPL he has accumulated 7,046 runs from 272 matches and 267 innings.
Kohli himself will soon return to action for RCB when the defending champions begin their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.
SARDO'S FIRST GOAL SEES MILAN FUTURO BEAT L'OLTREPÒ
Serie D is back after the weekend break. Milan Futuro won in Broni, Pavia, beating Oltrepò 1-0. The decisive moment came from Jacopo Sardo’s first goal for the Rossoneri. Signed during the winter transfer window and immediately in the action, he has quickly become a regular presence in midfield and now also proved to be the match-winner, scoring in the 75th minute to settle the game. At the San Contardo Municipal Stadium, Oddo’s side once again showed their strong form, especially away from home. It was an important victory following the encouraging draw with league leaders Folgore Caratese, and another clean sheet after those against Breno and Caldiero Terme.
An important step forward, the result of hard work, strength and steady progress. The Rossoneri move up to 45 points, climbing the table back into second place, nine points behind the leaders. In the next league fixture, on Sunday 22 March at 14:30 CET, Milan Futuro will host Nuova Sondrio in Solbiate Arno. The visitors are currently in the relegation zone but are showing signs of improvement and already managed to win the reverse fixture. An opponent, and a match, that will require full attention.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM OLTREPÒ v MILAN FUTURO
MATCH REPORT
Oltrepò were the first to try to raise the tempo with a couple of chances in the opening 15 minutes, though neither found the target. Milan Futuro responded in the 17th minute when Magrassi, from a tight angle, rounded the goalkeeper and squared the ball across goal, but the defence managed to clear the danger. Mavrommatis, pulling the strings in midfield, also had a chance to push forward and shoot, trying twice around the half-hour mark but sending both efforts wide. Milan Futuro came close again in the 32nd minute from a corner, with Sardo’s header drifting just past the post.
After a rather quiet start to the second half, the Rossoneri wasted a big chance in the 60th minute: Branca slipped a pass through to Magrassi, but Leoni came out on top in the one-on-one and made the save. Three minutes later, Dalpiaz went on a run of his own and delivered a cross that once again tested the goalkeeper. Milan Futuro were enjoying a strong spell and made it count in the 75th minute. Sala drove forward through the middle and into the box, where Sardo finished with a classy outside-of-the-foot touch to put the Rossoneri ahead. The closing stages were managed comfortably, with the opponents offering little going forward. In stoppage time, Magrassi had another chance in front of Leoni but couldn’t find the finish.
The 2026 Winter Paralympics come to an end on Sunday, March 15, after an exciting two weeks of action at the Milan Cortina Games. To cap off the Winter Paralympics, Team USA completed the Olympic hockey Triple Crown by winning gold in Para sled hockey.
China finished the Paralympic Games atop the medal count standings with a whopping 44 total medals (15 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze), while the United States finished in second with 24 total medals (13 gold, 5 silver, and six bronze).
The Paralympics officially wrap up with the Closing Ceremony at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, which begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on CNBC, with several streaming options online.
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) March 15, 2026
56 countries participated in the Paralympics, which included para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboarding, and wheelchair curling.
How can you tune into Friday’s opening ceremony?
All of the information you need for the closing ceremony of the Milan Cortina Paralympics can be seen below.
2026 Winter Paralympics Closing Ceremony TV & Viewing Info
Mar 6, 2026; Verona, Italy; Athletes of Italy during the Parade of Athletes inside the Verona Arena during the Opening Ceremony during the Italy 2026 Paralympic Winter Games at Verona Arena. Mandatory Credit: OIS/Jed Jacobsohn via Imagn Images
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026 Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Venue: Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium TV Info: CNBC, Peacock
Your best bet for watching the Opening Ceremony via streaming is through Fubo TV. Fubo is a must for sports fans and also includes a lineup of the top sports networks like ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports Network & more to get big headlines and expert analysis from TV’s most popular sports talk shows.
Guéhi on UCL decider: We believe we can turn it around!
Marc Guéhi says he’s relishing Tuesday’s colossal Champions League clash with Real Madrid and insists there’s confidence in camp that City can turn it around and progress.
The Blues head into the 20:00 (UK) Etihad tie 3-0 down from the first leg in the Bernabeu and seemingly facing an uphill battle to qualify for the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition.
But Guéhi stresses that advancement can be achieved with the right mindset.
“If you go into these games and don’t believe, there’s no point in turning up to play,” he said.
“It’s important we rally everyone and we’re ready to go again.
“We pick ourselves up - it’s the next game and the next most important thing.
“We’ll make sure we go for that game and believe that we can turn it around.”
The exciting encounter with Los Blancos is part of a mouth-watering double-header this coming week.
That UCL cracker on Tuesday is swiftly followed by the Carabao Cup final on Sunday as the Premier League’s top two, Arsenal and City, battle it out at Wembley for the season’s first major prize.
Guéhi says that adopting a mindful approach – staying firmly in the present moment and not letting the mind drift too far forward – will be vital in keeping the players focused and concentrated when it matters most.
“It’s important we free our minds - they’re two important games and big games,” he continued.
“They’re two games that we go in to and believe we can get the win in both - free our minds and just go for it.
“The most important thing is the next action and staying in the present - not thinking too far ahead.
“The present is the next game and it’s about making sure we’re ready for that.
“It’s a big week ahead for us. We live each day in the present and take each game and each step at a time.”
City go into the clashes with Madrid and Arsenal on the back of a 1-1 draw with West Ham on Saturday in the Premier League.
The result means we’re nine points behind the Gunners in the title race but with a game in hand and with a monumental home match against Mikel Arteta’s men at the Etihad on the horizon, too.
Guéhi insists the Blues will be giving it everything we’ve got from now until the end of the season as we eye a fairytale finale.
“It’s football - we’ve all seen some crazy things happen in football so never say never and that’s the attitude we’ll have right until the end,” he added.
“It’s not done until the last game of the season - I think everyone knows that.
“We have to believe - we’ve got no choice.
“We know our fans are going to be right behind us - we’ll take it right until the end.”
Watch City v Real Madrid from hospitality!
See the latest instalment of a European classic in style!
Two of the best sides in the world lock horns again, with this year’s Round of 16 tie to be decided at the Etihad on Tuesday 17 March.
And you can be at the game, watching from one of our exclusive hospitality spaces!
With padded seats and an array of food and drink options, there’s something for every budget.
BRISTOL, England (AP) — Chelsea made it back-to-back Women's League Cup trophies by beating Manchester United 2-0 in the final on Sunday.
Sonia Bompastor's team successfully defended the trophy with goals from Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones in each half at Ashton Gate.
Chelsea has been the dominant force in England over the past decade, with 18 major trophies over that period.
This was the fourth time it has won the League Cup.
“When you have the opportunity to win a trophy, you have to take it. When you are a winner, that’s what you do. My players deserved it,” Bompastor said.
James put Chelsea ahead in the 19th minute and Beever-Jones doubled the lead in the 76th.
Six-time defending Women's Super League champion Chelsea is currently third in the standings and 10 points behind leader Manchester City with a game in hand.
“We have a really big month with a lot of games, so this is the best way to start the month,” Bompastor said.
Pep Guardiola: Why Manchester City’s title challenge fell short of Arsenal’s
Pep Guardiola has issued a frank and revealing post-mortem on Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge, admitting that not scoring enough goals has ultimately been the defining factor of their season.
City’s 1-1 draw at West Ham on Saturday night has left them nine points behind league leaders Arsenal, having taken just two points from their last two league outings and leaving them dangerously close to exiting the title race altogether.
With the Gunners showing no signs of buckling at the top, Guardiola’s side find themselves facing an increasingly uncomfortable truth – that the title race, while not yet officially surrendered, has effectively slipped beyond their grasp.
Speaking across his post-match media duties on Saturday evening, the City manager was unusually candid about the root causes – and his remarks paint a picture of a squad that has spent the better part of a season in tactical transit.
“You can criticise me incredibly” – Pep Guardiola takes aim at critics after consequential West Ham draw
Guardiola admits Manchester City’s goal return has cost them in the title race
The most distilled version of City’s problem came in Guardiola’s assessment on TNT Sports, where the Catalan stripped the issue back to its bare bones.
“Unfortunately we didn’t score enough goals, and that punished us this season,” he said. “We have to be better in the final third. It happened in many, many games.”
The candour is significant. This is not deflection or circumstantial complaint – it is a manager identifying a structural failing that has run through the campaign like a fault line.
Erling Haaland has scored just three goals in his last 12 league games, a run that starkly coincides with the period during which City have repeatedly dropped points in matches they had the capacity to win.
How the Haaland, Doku and Cherki imbalance undermined City’s season
The more intricate part of Guardiola’s analysis came in his press conference, where he identified the specific tactical tension that has prevented City from reaching their attacking ceiling consistently throughout the campaign.
“We learned in the beginning (of the season) when we played Erling (Haaland) in that moment with Jeremy (Doku), with (Rayan) Cherki, we are incredibly unbalanced. And we are not stable that teams in the Premier League have to be,” Guardiola said.
It is a problem that has been visible to the naked eye for months. When Guardiola has attempted to deploy his most expressive attacking talent simultaneously – Haaland as the apex, Doku on the left and Cherki as the mercurial creator in the pockets – the defensive cohesion that underpins Guardiola’s best teams has fractured.
Premier League opponents, precisely because of their directness, physicality and relentlessness in transition, have been able to exploit the spaces that combination leaves. This is not a new dilemma for Guardiola, but it is one that has felt more pressing this season than at any point since the early years of his City reign.
Pep Guardiola provides Erling Haaland injury update and outlines major Manchester City problem after West Ham draw
Guardiola: “I’m still finding the best way to have stability and consistency”
What makes Guardiola’s post-match comments especially telling is the admission that, even at this late stage of the season, the solution has not been fully found.
“I’m still finding the best way to have stability and consistency in the team,” he said in his post-match press conference on Saturday night.
Guardiola himself has previously acknowledged Cherki as undoubtedly the team’s best player in the danger pockets around Haaland, yet has consistently explained his reluctance to start him regularly.
“It’s for the balance. With Erling, Cherki, Jeremy Doku, we are unbalanced. We need stability.” The tension between those two truths – that Cherki makes City better in the final third but simultaneously makes them harder to defend with – has been one of the defining tactical puzzles of the season.
What does this mean for Manchester City’s season and beyond?
Guardiola was not ready to formally concede the title, insisting “it’s not over” and pointing to City’s game in hand and the forthcoming home fixture against Arsenal as reasons for hope.
But the broader picture is harder to look away from. Rodri himself admitted after the West Ham draw that “maybe yes, maybe no” when asked if the title race was over – and from a player not given to unnecessary pessimism, it is a sobering assessment.
It is, by any measure, a monumental ask. But for a squad that also has the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal still on the horizon, the season is not yet without meaning.
An impressive collection of WNBA players will lead Team USA into the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
Team USA's roster features established veterans like Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum as well as rising stars like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Plenty of fans will be focused on Clark after the Indiana Fever star's 2025 WNBA season was cut short because of injuries.
Fortunately for the Americans, they have already qualified for the FIBA Women's World Cup after winning the FIBA Women's AmeriCup. Still, this tournament will give the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate players and build lineups.
Here is everything you need to know about Team USA's schedule at the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament, including TV and streaming options for games.
Team USA FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament schedule 2026
Team USA will face Italy, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Spain at the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Team USA's games at the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament will air on truTV and TNT. Those games will also be available to stream on DIRECTV.
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Team USA roster for FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament
Player
Pos.
Team
Monique Billings
F
Golden State Valkyries
Paige Bueckers
G
Dallas Wings
Rae Burrell
G/F
Los Angeles Sparks
Caitlin Clark
G
Indiana Fever
Kahleah Copper
G/F
Phoenix Mercury
Chelsea Gray
G
Las Vegas Aces
Dearica Hamby
F
Los Angeles Sparks
Rhyne Howard
G
Atlanta Dream
Kiki Iriafen
F
Washington Mystics
Kelsey Plum
G
Los Angeles Sparks
Angel Reese
F
Chicago Sky
Jackie Young
G
Las Vegas Aces
Team USA coaching staff for FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament
When it was over, Hannah Green was almost speechless. The seven-time LPGA winner became the first Aussie since Karrie Webb in 2014 to win the women's Australian Open. In the end, it was a formidable 1-2 punch for the home crowd as compatriot Cassie Porter fired a 10-under 62 on Sunday to finish second.
Green shot 2-under 70 in the final round to finish at 11 under for the tournament. Porter's 62 set a course record at Kooyonga Golf Club, getting her to 10 under for the event. Major champs Grace Kim finished T-10 and Minjee Lee dropped to T-29 after a third-round 77.
Hannah Green breaks the drought, becomes the first Aussie to win the Australian Open since Karrie Webb in 2014. Fellow Aussie Cassie Porter finishes second with course-record 62. Big day for Aussie golf! pic.twitter.com/4sxq5EI2OC
"I have said before that winning your own championship is like winning a major and I definitely still feel that way," said Green, who made her first LPGA title a major at the 2019 KPMG Women's PGA at Hazeltine. "It was just different playing in front of home. I knew everyone wanted me to have the trophy in their hands at the end of the day. So that was a really nice feeling.”
Green's husband, Jarryd Felton, a touring pro himself, was once again on her bag, giving him two wins in three starts helping out his wife. Green's full-time caddie, David Buhai, is unable to leave the U.S. as he applies for a green card. Buhai is married to major champion Ashleigh Buhai, a two-time winner of the Australian Open.
"He's probably getting a little bit too used to caddying, if I'm honest," said Green of her husband. "He is a really good player himself, so I hope that this doesn't change what he wants to do in life. But it's been really amazing having him obviously side by side."
Hall of Fame quarterback and Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman had some thoughts on the current state of the NFL regarding how training camps are run.
These days, Troy Aikman finds himself as a commentator on Monday Night Football, as well as an advisor for the Miami Dolphins. Aikman likes the steps the NFL has taken to reduce injuries, but he thinks one rule in particular is hurting players more than helping them.
Aikman was on the Rodeo Time Podcast recently and stated that players aren't as physically prepared when it comes time to play as they were in his day.
“Wichita Falls is the hottest place on earth,” Aikman said of the Cowboys’ training camp location at the end of his career. “Back then, you did two-a-days in that kind of heat, day after day after day, two practices a day in full pads. Now, the restrictions, probably for the better, players aren’t as taxed as they were.”
“I think they only wear pads one day a week or one time a day, and they have a walk-through, and then after, I don’t know how it all reads, but it’s pretty player-friendly and favorable,” Aikman said. “And a lot of it, whenever they negotiate the CBA, the owners tend to always win on the financial side of things. And then the players say, ‘Well, all right, then we’re not gonna practice as long, or we’re not gonna practice as often.’ So, then they tend to get concessions when it comes to how much time they’re actually at facilities."
"I think the only ones who don’t have a voice in those negotiations are the coaches. They kind of have to wait till the dust settles and say, ‘All right, just how often do we get them?’ But some of it is that we see too is a lot of the reasons I think that we see so many injuries, especially early in the year. A lot of soft tissue injuries, a lot of muscle pulls, and things of that nature is the players, they’re just not able to train the way that we once did, they’re not able to callous their bodies as easily."
"Not that they’re not training hard and all that, but it’s different training on your own as opposed to being on the football field practicing football movements.”
Aikman is on board with the NFL having rules in place to protect players, but he also thinks that some of the rules can go a little too far. He thinks that by not having players go full contact until week one is really hindering their preparation on when it comes time for the regular season.
It's a trade-off with differing opinions for sure.
“Player safety is great. As a former quarterback, I do like that they protect quarterbacks,” Aikman said. “With that said, the objective for a defense is to hit the quarterback and affect the quarterback, and sometimes I think we’re asking a lot from these defensive players, to try to navigate 300-pound offensive linemen and then not graze the helmet of the quarterback.”
This is the third time that UD and VCU have played this season. The Rams beat the Flyers in Richmond in February and again at UD Arena on March 6.
Dayton beat St. Bonaventure and Saint Louis to get to today’s championship game. VCU defeated Duquesne and Saint Joseph’s.
UD seeks its first Atlantic 10 Championship since 2003. VCU is looking for its third A-10 Championship this decade.
The winner will hear their name announced later today when the field of 68 is announced on Selection Sunday at 6 p.m. on CBS. You can watch it on Channel 7.
Michigan can claim its second consecutive Big Ten tournament championship Sunday when the Wolverines tipoff against Purdue at 3:30 p.m. at the United Center in Chicago.
Follow all of the news and developments action here with live updates throughout the game by Detroit News contributor Andrew Graham.
Michigan vs Purdue live score updates
This section will update when the game tips off at 3:30 p.m. ET:
UM men:
Is Michigan a No. 1 seed lock, per the bracketology?
Michigan, along with Duke and Arizona — both teams that won their respective conference tournaments on Saturday night — are likely locks to be No. 1 seeds when the bracket is revealed on Sunday evening. Keep up with the latest bracketology chatter on the soon-to-be-announced field with the Detroit News' Tony Paul.
The real questions, really, revolve around whether Michigan can unseat Duke for the No. 1 seed and where the Wovlerines will head for its first round games.
Odds are that the Wolverines haven't done enough to squeeze Duke, which beat Michigan, from the top spot. And all signs are pointing toward Michigan heading to Chicago for the first weekend of the tournament. The Big Ten tournament final tipping off so close to the bracket reveal also means any result from that game is unlikely to shift Michigan's seeding.
Predictions for Michigan vs. Purdue in Big Ten title game
Michigan and Purdue faced off once already this year, with Michigan pulling away in the second half for a decisive road victory about a month ago. Now a trophy is on the line.
Michigan vs. Purdue tipoff time in Big Ten tournament final
Michigan and Purdue are set to tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET, or 2:30 p.m. local at the United Center in Chicago.
TV channel for Michigan vs. Purdue
The game will be broadcast on CBS, and available for streaming online.
Past Big Ten tournament champions
Michigan has won the Big Ten tournament three times, officially, and Purdue twice. Officially, the Boilermakers have made the title game one more time, with six appearances to five for the Wolverines.
Michigan's 1998 appearance and win were later vacated by the NCAA.
Past Big Ten tournament champions:
1998 — Michigan
1999 — Michigan State
2000 — Michigan State
2001 — Iowa
2002 — Ohio State
2003 — Illinois
2004 — Wisconsin
2005 — Illinois
2006 — Iowa
2007 — Ohio State
2008 — Wisconsin
2009 — Purdue
2010 — Ohio State
2011 — Ohio State
2012 — Michigan State
2013 — Ohio State
2014 — Michigan State
2015 — Wisconsin
2016 — Michigan State
2017 — Michigan
2018 — Michigan
2019 — Michigan State
2020 — No tournament, Covid-19
2021 — Illinois
2022 — Iowa
2023 — Purdue
2024 — Illinois
2025 — Michigan
Big Ten tournament final
MICHIGAN VS. PURDUE
▶ Tip-off: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, United Center, Chicago
Ronald Araujo centre-back of Barcelona and Uruguay He puts the captain's armband on Gavi central midfield of Barcelona and Spain during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou on March 15, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
It’s Gavi’s first appearance since August and comes after another long spell on the sidelines due to another knee injury.
Gavi spoke to the media afterwards and revealed just how tough it’s been to be sidelined again.
“It’s been very tough, to be honest. Much tougher than last time. I’ve had a really hard time. The process has been more painful and it’s been harder day to day. The feeling today at Camp Nou is unique. I’m very happy,” he said.
“Flick has always been there for me, like a father. He’s always supported me. I’m very grateful to him because he’s always believed in me, and I’ve noticed that. I’m very happy with him, and I hope he’ll be here for many more years.
“I always give my all for this club. That’s how I’m going to continue for the rest of my life. Now comes Newcastle and then Rayo. They are tough opponents. I’m happy and now on to Newcastle at home.”
Gavi’s return is a huge boost for both the player, the fans and the team. He’s likely to be used sparingly between now and the end of the season but seeing him back in Barca colors was a great moment on Sunday.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 9: Linebacker Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets follows the action during the NFL 2025 game between Cleveland Browns and New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry had a decision to make with linebacker Devin Bush heading into free agency.
Bush had spent the past two seasons with the Browns and was entering free agency after a 2025 season in which he posted a career-high 125 tackles and returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns.
Berry had to weigh whether signing Bush to another deal was worth the gamble that the seven-year veteran would continue to play at that level, or return to the subpar play he had posted before coming to Cleveland.
The Chicago Bears took the question off the table when they signed Bush to a three-year contract, leaving Berry to turn instead to veteran Quincy Williams, a former first-team All-Pro who had fallen out of favor with the New York Jets.
Cleveland is banking on Williams regaining that form under defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who worked with Williams with the Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
With the first week of free agency in the books, let’s take a look at some opinions on the decision to sign Williams.
The Browns named Mike Rutenberg their defensive coordinator in late February. In mid-March, they signed former 2023 All-Pro Williams, one of Rutenberg’s linebackers from their time together with the New York Jets. The Browns had just lost free-agent linebacker Devin Bush to a deal with the Chicago Bears, and it was a definite need for a defense mostly returning intact. Williams fills that void, while also providing Rutenberg with a valuable locker room ally.
Williams had a fantastic 2023 season, earning an 88.7 PFF coverage grade. But that is the only season of his career where he produced a 70.0-plus mark. He’s coming off a poor 35.2 PFF coverage grade and five touchdowns surrendered in coverage in 2025.
The deciding factor in this signing appears to be familiarity. Williams’ first linebacker coach in the NFL was Mike Rutenberg, who is now the Browns new Defensive Coordinator. Cleveland is banking on that existing relationship to help Williams regain his 2023 All-Pro form. Bowen notes that Williams still offers a high-end range as a tackler and versatility in “second-level” alignments to pressure the quarterback, but he has to prove he can match the down-to-down consistency Bush provided.
On paper, this is a clear downgrade in current production. Replacing a 125-tackle player with a soon-to-be 30-year-old who struggled to reach 90 last year is a risk, especially when the defense was the backbone of the team. However, saving roughly $1.5M per year against the cap and reuniting a player with a coach who knows how to maximize his “splash play” ability keeps this from being a failure. It’s a “wait-and-see” move that relies entirely on coaching over raw 2025 stats.
Cleveland has gotten strong linebacker play for the most part under linebackers coach Jason Tarver, who has been able to get the most out of the position. Williams plugging in as a starter at 29 years old in season No. 8 should be no different.
Williams’ best season came in 2023 when he was named first team All-Pro with 139 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and 10 pass breakups. The former Jet did have a bit of a down season in terms of his prior play in 2025, where he finished with 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 13 games.
Cleveland gets a proven player to replace Bush at a cheaper price point than the $30 million that Chicago gave Bush over three years. The coverage has to be better for Williams in 2026, and he’ll be surrounded by the makings of an elite defense to help make it happen.
I’m a big fan of this signing for the Browns and how good he potentially can be playing alongside Schwesinger and behind an elite defensive line.
So there is a sampling of what the national media has to say about the Browns signing Williams in free agency. Now it is your turn – let us know what you think of Cleveland’s newest linebacker in the comments!
Lindor underwent surgery Feb. 11 to repair a stress fracture in his left hamate bone, a procedure that figured to jeopardize his availability for opening day. Yet Lindor is leading off and starting at shortstop against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, March 15, a full 11 days before the Mets are scheduled to open the season at home against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Lindor, the 32-year-old five-time All-Star, steadily worked through a rehab progression as spring training unfolded and appeared in three minor league games in the past week.
"He's ready to go," manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters in Port St. Lucie, Florida. "It's time for him to start playing for us after checking all the boxes and racking up good days."
Lindor will debut with new double-play partner Marcus Semien alongside at second base, and flanked at third by Bo Bichette, who will face his former Blue Jays teammates that made the trip from Dunedin to Port St. Lucie.
Linebacker Leo Chenal signed with the Washington Commanders this week, bringing added physicality and versatility to their defense.
A former Wisconsin standout, coming out of college, he combined strong run defense instincts with explosive short-area burst to close gaps quickly effectively. As an NFL player, his pass-rushing skills have developed over the course of his rookie contract in Kansas City, where he was part of two Super Bowl winning teams. On special teams, Chenal has been reliable, displaying awareness, tackling technique, and speed for field.
Washington can use Chenal in multiple subpackages, emphasizing his role on early downs and situationally. Coaches have spoke about his film study habits, professionalism, and ability to learn complex defensive concepts quickly. Chenal’s size and frame allow him to play downhill yet disengage into coverage when required.
Washington’s defensive coaches will aim to maximize Chenal’s instincts with tailored reps and coaching. Schematically, his fit suits gap-control designs and periodic aggressive downhill pressures from the second level. The Commanders’ signing signals belief in his upside and a pragmatic step toward defensive depth.
Recently, Chenal was in Ashburn to sign his new contract, and while he was there, took a few minutes to introduce himself to the local sports media.
With a smile on his face, Leo Chenal started out by saying he will bring ‘violence and physicality” to the Commanders re-made 2026 defense. He added that he is “ready to uplift in any way [he] can”.
Chenal made it clear that he is a versatile defender who can play on the line, off the ball or defending against the pass.
Asked about the decision to sign with Washington, the linebacker said that he’s “heard great things, especially about the coaching staff” from former teammates [e.g., Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti] who have been in Washington under Dan Quinn. “Guys are excited here; guys are excited. Guys are loving football here. I really haven’t heard a bad thing about the culture that they’re building here — that WE’RE building here.”
Chenal said that the coaches have talked to him about being “unleashed”, in the middle blitzing and having the freedom to go out and make plays.
He stressed that the Commanders have the roster needed to have a great record and reach the playoffs. In making his choice about where to play, he asked himself where he could thrive individually and experience team success, adding “this place just stuck out a lot”.
It feels like this young linebacker with a pair of super bowl rings may quickly become a fan favorite in Washington.
Chenal confirmed that he had a video meeting with Commanders coaches prior to agreeing to his new contract, and said that his impression was confirmed that “these guys are legit — kind, enthusiastic, passionate, you name it.” He also mentioned offhandedly that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones played at Chenal’s alma mater, Wisconsin.
He added that he can make big plays on special teams, and mentioned blocking a field goal — a clear reference to his victory-securing special teams play against the Broncos to extend the Chiefs undefeated record in Week 10 of the 2024 season. He added, with a big grin, “I just love playing football, so, if I can get on the field a little bit more; whatever it is.”
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the struggles of $240 million man Kyle Tucker at the plate.
Entering Sunday’s play, outfielder Kyle Tucker is just 3-for-15 in Cactus League play, which on paper is quite a disappointing output for someone earning $60 million.
The Dodgers needed an outfielder, and they went after the biggest fish on the market at the position, who happened to be the biggest free agent on the market as a whole.
This led to Tucker receiving a mega offer from the Dodgers in the short term at a high average annual value, which he eventually accepted after months of deliberation.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While the offense is not at the level most would expect, Dave Roberts is quite happy with how Tucker is approaching the plate, as evidenced by his six walks in 22 plate appearances.
“I think him just posting and in our lineup – he’s an on-base machine. He can hit for average. He can hit for some power,” Roberts said of Tucker, per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register.
“But I just think being around the talent we have, the numbers will speak to it. We’ll see what level. But I just think he’s a heckuva player. For me, it’s just continue to be who you are and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Tucker, at the top of the lineup, could help make sure this is a base runner consistently for the other Dodgers stars. He has good speed, which will make him quite a valuable bat.
His patience and eye will make him stand out in the lineup, while the depth of the roster will make him have less pressure to deliver at the plate in terms of hitting.
“For me, I just see him as a guy if he gets on base, however he gets on base, that’s the biggest – that’s something we’re looking for and something we’re counting on,” Roberts added.
“Having Mookie (Betts) and Freddie (Freeman) behind him and Will (Smith) – if he’s a guy who gets on base at a high, high clip, then everything else will kind of fall into place.”
The Dodgers’ environment should allow Tucker to have a career year, having the support and specialized role to excel.
München, Germany - January 11: Wisdom Mike of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on January 11, 2026 in München, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
It has been an up and down season for Wisdom Mike. He started it by joining Bayern Munich’s first team for pre-season, getting a few appearances and signing a new contract to remain at the Bavarians for the long term. He then followed this up by making his Bundesliga and Champions League debut, in total making five competitive appearances for Die Rekordmeister. That’s great, right?
But the rest of the season has been full of struggles. In his appearances with the U-19s, the 17-year-old has struggled to make any sort of impact. With more responsibilities handed over to the very talented youngster (such as taking some corners and adding more playmaking duties to his game), he has struggled and been one of the more underwhelming players with the U-19s season.
Still, given Mike’s talent, there were hopes he could put in a run of form to end the season.
Not anymore.
According to Sky Germany journalist Kerry Hau, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach player will miss the rest of the season (and perhaps even more than that) to injury:
Very bitter news for Bayern talent Wisdom Mike: The 17-year-old forward has suffered a serious tendon injury in his hip and will miss at least the rest of the season! Mike is scheduled for surgery soon and will then, according to the initial assessment, have to sit out 3 to 4 months.
Bayern’s injury estimations tend to be conservative. There is every chance this injury will keep Mike out until after pre-seas0n for the 2026/27 starts, if not even a little longer than that. For a player who had been making appearances for Bayern’s first team, this is a bitter blow that will curtail any remaining momentum he had. Hopefully he returns as soon and as fit as possible.
Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New York Jets fans dreaming about landing Arch Manning in the 2027 NFL Draft have been handed a brutal warning from veteran analyst Mike Francesa.
The Texas quarterback is widely viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in recent college football history.
But according to Francesa, there is a very specific reason Jets supporters should not get their hopes up.
Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Mike Francesa warns Jets fans about Arch Manning draft dream
Francesa delivered the warning in comments shared online, including a clip posted on X, where he suggested the Manning family would not allow Arch to end up with the New York franchise.
“I’ll tell you this, Jets fans, I hate to give you this a year in advance, and it will make you hate the Mannings more if you’re a Jets fan and you hate the Mannings already- because remember, Payton didn’t want to play for the Jets. They will not let Arch Manning play for the Jets,” Francesa said.
The comments quickly spread among fans who have already begun speculating about the 2027 NFL Draft.
Arch Manning, currently starring at Texas, is widely projected by draft analysts as a potential No. 1 overall pick whenever he declares for the NFL.
Why Jets fans believe team could be tanking for Arch Manning
Speculation has grown around the Jets potentially positioning themselves for the 2027 draft, with some observers suggesting the franchise could prioritize rebuilding in hopes of landing the highly rated quarterback prospect.
However, the Manning family’s history with the draft has fueled doubts about whether that plan would ever work.
Back in 1997, Peyton Manning chose to stay at the University of Tennessee rather than enter the NFL Draft when the New York Jets held the No. 1 overall pick, delaying his entry into the league until the following year when he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts.
The Manning family has also previously influenced draft outcomes, most famously when Eli Manning refused to play for the San Diego Chargers after being selected first overall in 2004 before being traded to the New York Giants.
Because of that history, Francesa believes the family would not hesitate to intervene again if Arch Manning ever faced a similar situation with the Jets.
For New York supporters hoping the franchise could finally secure a franchise quarterback through the draft, that possibility represents a harsh reality check.
Chelsea Green wearing a red dress - David Becker/Getty Images
After WWE producer Michael Hayes controversially suggested that Chelsea Green couldn't be a top star in WWE, WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker came to the former Women's United States Champion's defense on his "Six Feet Under" podcast. According to "The Phenom," Green is "underutilized" in the company, but with "a hair more mean streak," she could be a legitimate main event player.
While appearing on "The Nikki & Brie Show," Green opened up about the impact that Undertaker's supportive words have had on her since then, especially after he reiterated them in a personal text message to her.
"I go on [social media] and I see it," Green said. "Then I check my texts, and he's texted that to me too. He has doubled down, got my phone number, and texted me to hype me up. My sister and I had this crazy moment of, 'Holy sh**, I'm really doing it.'
"I know everyone says 'You're so funny. I watched you and that was hilarious,' but there are always the same girls that is everyone's favorite wrestlers," she continued. "Rhea [Ripley] is always going to be everyone's favorite wrestler. Stephanie [Vaquer] is always going to be everyone's favorite wrestler. I'm used to that, I support them, I champion them, and they're my favorite wrestlers too, but to hear Undertaker saying my name and sticking up for little old me, and saying it with such conviction, he did not hesitate for a second, like what is my life? Undertaker!"
Given The Undertaker's legendary status within the professional wrestling business, Green noted that his praise held an extra special meaning in her heart. Moreover, it aligns with the nod of approval he previously showed her by booking her to win the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships alongside Ethan Page last November.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "The Nikki & Brie Show" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) on the mound to pitch in the third inning of a spring training game against the Chicago Cub at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. | Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Saves can make or break a fantasy baseball roster, and the National League West offers one of the most fascinating bullpen landscapes heading into 2026 drafts. From dominant arms like Mason Miller and Edwin Diaz to unsettled situations featuring relievers such as Paul Sewald and Kevin Ginkel, identifying the right closers-and their handcuffs-could give fantasy managers a major edge in the saves category.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The early closing coin toss for the Diamondbacks is between Paul Sewald (ADP - 343) and Kevin Ginkel (ADP - 346). I don't trust either arm either, but a save is a save.
Sewald has the most closing experience (86 saves over the past five years), but his arm backed up over the last two seasons (4.40 ERA, 1.163 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts over 59.1 innings with 18 saves). His average fastball (92.2 mph) this spring aligns with his recent career path. He missed much of last season with a right shoulder issue that didn't require surgery. In spring training, Sewald allowed two runs and three hits over three innings with three strikeouts.
Ginkel pitched well from 2022 to 2024 over 164.2 innings (18-5 with a 2.95 ERA, 1.130 WHIP, and 177 strikeouts) while converting 10 saves. He also battled a right shoulder injury last year, leading to a disaster season (7.36 ERA, 1.636 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts over 25.2 innings). His arm has been up and down this spring (one run, eight baserunners, and four strikeouts over 3.2 innings).
Top Handcuff: I don't see a viable relieving option behind the Diamondbacks first two closing options, but I could make a case for Michael Soroka reinventing his career in the 9th inning if he doesn't win a starting job or struggles in Arizona's rotation. His command (2.9 walks per nine) and strikeout rate (9.5) grade well, and he was once considered a top pitching prospect. For now, Soroka is only an arm to follow early in the year.
Colorado Rockies
Over his first four years in the minor leagues, Zach Agnos went 13-6 with a 1.84 ERA, 0.901 WHIP, and 146 strikeouts over 117.2 innings while converting 27 saves. He only has 12.0 innings of experience at AAA (2.25 ERA, 0.833 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts over 12.0 innings). Agnos was a disaster in his first year in the Rockies' bullpen (23 runs, 48 baserunners, and five home runs over 31.1 innings with 19 strikeouts). He has looked sharp over five games in spring training (no runs, three baserunners, and six strikeouts over 5.1 innings).
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Zach Agnos (36) pitches in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Coors Field. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Top Handcuff: Seth Halvorsen picked up a save last season in the Rockies' second game. He struggled over his first 26 games (4.91 ERA, 1.520 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts over 25.2 innings with three saves). Colorado handed him their closing job in mid-June, leading to nine saves in 10 tries over 16 games despite pitching poorly (eight runs, 23 baserunners, and three home runs over 14.0 innings with 13 strikeouts). His season ended in early August with a right elbow injury.
Halvorsen has pitched in seven seasons between college and pro ball, but he has never had a winning arm. He throws hard with poor command and an elbow issue on his resume. What else could go wrong? TJ Surgery? I have no interest in him as a closing option, no matter the price. As expected, he has been a disaster in spring training (seven runs, 12 baserunners, and one home run over 2.2 innings with three strikeouts).
Los Angeles Dodgers
Over the past two offseasons, the Dodgers invested in $141 million in the arms of Tanner Scott and Edwin Diaz.
Diaz comes off another excellent season (6-4 with a 3.52 ERA, 0.874, and 98 strikeouts over 66.1 innings). Unfortunately, the Mets created only 31 saves chances for him (28 conversions). He has an ERA under 2.00 four times over the past eight years (didn't pitch in 2023). In 2025, the Dodgers' bullpen had 46 saves. I expect Diaz to get at least 80% of LA's save chances this year.
Top Handcuff: Their first buy (Scott) ended with a down year (1-4 with a 4.74 ERA, 1.263 WHIP, 60 strikeouts, and 23 saves over 57.0 innings). He missed some time due to left forearm and elbow issues, which may be a hint of TJ surgery down the road. Scott has 77 saves over the past four seasons, with a 3.25 ERA, 1.227 WHIP, and 338 strikeouts over 269.2 innings. In 12-team fantasy formats, he was drafted once over the previous 18 drafts, with the only flier coming in the final pick (360) in the 30th round.
San Diego Padres
Mason Miller is the top-ranked closer in fantasy drafts this year, and he has supported that position by dominating in spring training (no runs, two baserunners, and five strikeouts over three innings) and in the WBC (three shutout innings with a walk and eight strikeouts). Miller comes off back-to-back seasons (104 and 104) with over 100 strikeouts, with more strength in his WHIP (0.892) than his ERA (2.56). He had 50 saves over the past two years across 57 tries. Last year, the Padres' relivers had 49 saves, suggesting a special closing year for Miller. The key to a higher ceiling is making more appearances (a career high of 60 in 2025).
San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) celebrates after striking out a batter during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park. | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Top Handcuff: The Padres gave Jeremiah Estrada a workhorse reliever opportunity last season (77 games), helping him set a new top in strikeouts (108) over 73.0 innings. He had been a top setup man for the San Diego over the past two years (10-8 with a 3.22 ERA, 1.119 WHIP, and 202 strikeouts over 134.0 innings), but Estrada only had four career saves. I view him as must handcuff to Mason Miller due to the cost involved to secure a top closer in 2026. I'd rather be safe with closer insurance than chase other bullpens if Miller happened to have an injury. Estrada had yet to allow a run this spring over 6.2 innings with one hit, six walks, and 10 strikeouts.
San Francisco Giants
Ryan Walker was a bust closing buy in 2025. He came off an elite season (10-4 with a 1.91 ERA, 0.850 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts over 80.0 innings) while converting 10 of 14 save chances. His arm was up and down last year, resulting in a regression in his stats (5-7 with a 4.11 ERA, 1.272 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts over 61.1 innings). He blew six of his 23 save opportunities. Based on the Giants' bullpen structure in 2026, Walker stands tall as their top ninth-inning arm. In spring training, he tossed five shutout innings with three hits and six strikeouts. His ADP remains favorable for his opportunity in 12- (162) and 15-team (134) formats.
Top Handcuff: Trevor McDonald has pitched well in spring training (1.80 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts over 10.0 innings) while making one start and three relief appearances. His AAA resume (11-12 with a 5.16 ERA, 1.400 WHIP, and 180 strikeouts over 180.0 innings) showcases his starting risk early in his career in the majors due to command issues (3.6 walks per nine). McDonald showed more upside over his three games (two starts) in 2025 (1-0 with 3.60 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts over 15.0 innings), helped by walking only two batters. His fastball (93.8 mph) is about the league average.
Ashley Cole is England's seventh most-capped player [Getty Images]
Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been appointed manager of Serie B side Cesena until the end of the season.
The 45-year-old, who made 107 appearances for England, retired from playing in 2019 after a spell with Derby before moving into coaching.
Cole has been on the coaching staff at Derby, Everton, Birmingham and England, but this will be his first role as a manager.
"The entire Cesena FC family is thrilled to welcome manager Ashley Cole to lead the Bianconeri first team and extends a warm welcome to him and his staff in Cesena, wishing them all the best of luck in this new adventure," said the club.
Cole enjoyed a hugely successful career on the pitch, winning 13 domestic trophies, including three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, the League Cup and both the Champions League and Europa League.
He left Chelsea to join Roma in 2014 and featured 16 times for the Serie A club.
Cesena are eighth in Italy's second tier after failing to win any of their last seven games, losing four and drawing three.
Goals from Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones helped Chelsea retain the Women's League Cup with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Ashton Gate.
The first bit of silverware of the season was up for grabs, but Sonia Bompastor's side proved too good for the Red Devils and got their hands on the trophy for a fourth time.
A mistake led to James opening the scoring against her former club in a frantic first half which saw both sides have plenty of chances.
United looked good value for an equaliser, but Chelsea were clinical and that proved to be the difference when Beever-Jones sealed the win with a close-range finish 14 minutes from time.
Both teams got off to a ferocious start with Chelsea winning the first corner of the match inside a minute but the Red Devils turned defence into attack as Elisabeth Terland ran into space and fired an effort from 25 yards which Hannah Hampton had to deal with.
Chelsea had United under immense pressure through the early stages, with James seeing plenty of the ball. She should have put her side in front, but she curled her effort wide.
It seemed only a matter of the time before the first goal arrived and the Blues went ahead in the 19th minute courtesy of a defensive error.
Red Devils centre-back Dominique Janssen received a throw-in, but her back pass to Phallon Tullis-Joyce lacked the pace and James pounced on the loose ball to expertly tuck home.
Terland had the majority of chances for Manchester United, but fired agonisingly wide on a couple of occasions in quick succession before captain Maya Le Tissier made a goal-saving challenge at the other end on Alyssa Thompson to keep her side in the contest.
James punished an error from Janssen (Steve Paston/PA Wire)Beever-Jones then made sure of victory (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
United came close to equalising before the break as Ellen Wangerheim fired wide from Melvine Malard's cross.
Marc Skinner's side started the second half brightly but Chelsea soon settled down again as a goal-line scramble led to Beever-Jones having a shot blocked before James headed wide.
Natalie Bjorn made her first Blues appearance following a five-month injury lay-off in the second half, but left the pitch in tears after just five minutes with injury.
However, Chelsea doubled their lead in the 76th minute.
After a neat one-two with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, James whipped in a cross for Beever-Jones who was on hand to poke into the back of the net as the holders defended their crown.
Key stat shows how valuable Szoboszlai is to the Premier League 🔥
Liverpool fans will love what they're seeing from Dominik Szoboszlai on Sunday, and honestly, so might every Premier League fan.
The Reds welcome struggling Tottenham to Anfield and in a match with limited shots on target, it only took one moment of magic to break the deadlock.
Liverpool were handed a free kick and up stepped Szoboszlai, as expected. The Hungarian belted the ball into the top left corner beyond a diving Guglielmo Vicario to once again prove he is a dead ball specialist.
It's the midfielder's fourth direct-free kick in the Premier League this season, and fifth across all competitions. That means from the league total of 16, Szoboszlai has scored a staggering 25% of the direct free kicks in 2025/26.
Additionally, he's scored more direct free kicks in a Premier League season than any other club player and is one away from levelling the league record (five).
Helping ensure England's top flight delivers the best kind of football. Football that's pure entertainment!
Cornerback Sauce Gardner has identified a pass rusher that he wouldn't mind seeing the Indianapolis Colts acquire.
In response to a highlight video of Vikings' defensive end Jonathan Greenerd, Gardner jokingly posted on X, "love a good pass rush.. is it time to open my basement back up."
This is a reference to a comment Gardner made about Alec Pierce before he re-signed with the Colts, joking that he should keep Pierce in his basement until he signs his new deal with Indianapolis.
It was reported last week by ESPN that the Vikings are open to trading Greenard for the right price.
Greenard, 28, has spent the last two seasons with the Vikings after playing his first four seasons with Houston. In 2024, he put together a career year and was one of the more disruptive pass rushers in football, totaling 84 quarterback pressures. Greenard made his first Pro Bowl that year as well.
This past season, Greenard appeared in just 12 games. He recorded 47 pressures, but still ranked 15th among his position group in PFF's pass rush win rate metric, illustrating his ability to win his matchups consistently.
The Colts have bolstered their defensive end depth, signing Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in free agency, but the team still needs to find that high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu.
Greenard is still under contract for the next two seasons. He is set to earn a base salary of $18.39 million in each of the next two seasons.
For what it's worth, the Colts do have salary cap space to work with this offseason, but without a first-round selection this year or next, they are potentially short on draft capital when it comes to trading for Greenard.
The Boston Celtics are planning to sign two way guard Max Shulga to a full roster spot for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA regular season and the 2026-27 regular season per recent reporting from ESPN senior reporter Shams Charania. The Ukrainian floor general was drafted by the Celtics with the No. 57 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, and has spent most of his time on the court this season with the Maine Celtics in the G League.
There, the Kyiv native has averaged 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the floor overall, 69.6% from the free throw line, and 39.6% from deep at the G League level. He has also appeared in a total of four games with Boston at the NBA level, but has yet to put up counting stats in the NBA with an average of just 1.5 minutes per game in garbage time scenarios.
The signing will aid the Celtics remain above the roster size limits set by the league with the move while also staying below the luxury tax.
This will help Boston reset the repeater tax moving forward if they can go two seasons under that level of spending, and make fielding a true title contender more fiscally realistic after the team reverts to a non-repeater status.
The start could not have been much better for St. John’s.
The Red Storm jumped on UConn early and never looked back in a commanding 72–52 victory in the Big East championship game at Madison Square Garden. The performance capped another milestone moment in Rick Pitino’s rapid rebuild of the St. John’s program.
From the opening minutes, St. John’s played with the urgency and intensity that Pitino has emphasized all season. The Red Storm pressured the Huskies defensively, limited clean looks and controlled the pace from start to finish.
“There’s so much history with St. John’s and we brought it all back in three years,” Pitino said afterward. “Not only with a high ranking, but the first time in the history of the school to win back to back regular season and back to back tournaments.”
Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins led the balanced scoring effort with 18 points each, while Oziyah Sellers added 14. Dillon Mitchell nearly posted a double double with nine points and nine rebounds as the Red Storm placed four starters in double figures.
Pitino credited the growth of his players throughout the season.
“Every coach wants to see the team get better and peak at the right time,” Pitino said. “But I want to see the individuals get better. These four guys all got a lot better as the season went along.”
The defensive pressure proved decisive as St. John’s held UConn to just 34 percent shooting and only three made three pointers.
Pitino said the team’s relentless full court pressure helped wear the Huskies down.
“Sometimes the press doesn’t get you turnovers, but what it does get you is the fatigue element,” Pitino said. “Their jump shot is not as good because you wear them down.”
Late in the game, Pitino even reminded his players of the identity he wants them to carry.
“I told them in the timeout, Johnnies don’t get tired,” Pitino said. “Keep the pressure on them.”
Before the postgame press conference began, Pitino was seen taking a well deserved gulp of beer while seated at the podium with the championship trophy nearby. The moment felt especially fitting, almost like a celebratory toast to the program’s history and to Red Storm legend Lou Carnesecca, who passed away in November 2024, and the great Joe Lapchick.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Ronaldo Nazario’s goals won Brazil the 2002 World Cup final, but his bizarre haircut ended up becoming one of the most talked about images of the tournament.
The small patch of hair at the front of his head quickly became iconic as Brazil beat Germany 2-0 in Yokohama.
More than two decades later, the hairstyle has suddenly returned to the spotlight after material from 2002 began circulating online.
The documents appear to suggest the look may have been linked to a marketing idea involving the Doritos brand.
Newly surfaced material fuels theory about Ronaldo’s 2002 World Cup haircut
Photo by DANIEL GARCIA/AFP via Getty Images
Images shared online show documents supposedly dated from 2002 that reference Doritos alongside drawings of Ronaldo’s distinctive hairstyle in the World Cup final against Germany.
A Reddit user claimed he found those files in an auction. Between them there are sketches resembling advertising storyboards and outlining a potential television commercial built around the striker’s look.
The drawings suggest using Ronaldo’s haircut as a way to hint at the Doritos chips and their usual triangle form.
The discovery has prompted fans to wonder whether the hairstyle might have been part of a planned marketing stunt that was never aired.
Why the Doritos theory may not tell the full story
Ronaldo himself has not commented publicly since the documents began circulating online, leaving the theory largely driven by speculation. Without confirmation from the former striker, the real reason behind the haircut remains open to interpretation.
The ‘Phenomenon’ and fellow players over the years have suggested the hairstyle served a very different purpose.
Ronaldo has previously been linked to the idea that the haircut was meant to divert attention away from discussions about the 1998 World Cup final, when his seizure before the match became a defining storyline of Brazil’s defeat.
Some observers also believe the Doritos material could have been created after the tournament rather than before it. If that is the case, the campaign idea may simply have been an attempt to capitalise on a moment that had already captured worldwide attention.
It all started with a set-piece, as so many Premier League games seem to these days, but by the end Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa had become an advert for the benefits of good old fashioned wingers and number nines.
In the end, a 3-1 win for Michael Carrick’s side takes them three points clear of the Villans in the battle for the top five, but while it’s a win that puts United in an enviable position, it was a scoreline that flattered the hosts.
It was a performance that was not as convincing as the result suggests. In the end it followed a similar blueprint for Carrick’s United, but this time around the tried-and-tested method raised a different conclusion.
Sesko's goal was his fourth in his last five games (Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Recent United games have been defined by Benjamin Sesko cameos, with the Slovenian striker coming off the bench to score against Fulham, West Ham and Everton. That was the case again this afternoon, and while the 22-year-old didn’t net a winner this time, it was a cameo that might have convinced Carrick to take a different route forward for the rest of the season.
The interim United boss once again chose Bryan Mbeumo to start as a lone striker at Old Trafford – as he had for six of his previous eight matches in charge – while Sesko settled for a place on the bench, the plan seemingly to bring him on around the 70th minute as has worked to great effect previously.
However, once again United laboured in the absence of a recognised striker in the starting line-up, the hosts struggling to create clear-cut chances despite a few threatening crosses.
While it might not have been the case in other games, this time round it was a display that clearly underlined the need for a recognised striker on the pitch, Diogo Dalot wasting a golden chance from close range while Mbeumo toiled in attack. The Cameroon international did not possess enough of a box presence, and failed to take the chance of a near-post run across the defender to get onto the end of a superb Dalot cross.
The Slovenian has also scored pivotal goals against Fulham, West Ham, Everton and Palace (Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
When the opener did come it was via a familiar route, Casemiro glancing in a header from a corner. Old Trafford was buoyed but Villa soon hit back, Ross Barkley finishing well and taking United back to square one.
And while Mbeumo continued to struggle in a lone striker role – often too isolated against Mings and Konsa – United finally got joy from the left wing, Matheus Cunha making a perfect run before curling a brilliant finish into the far corner for 2-1.
It was a goal that underlined Cunha’s status as the club’s most exciting and effective winger, the Brazilian providing a threat with a clever run inside the full-back and once again proving a difference-maker, as he did against Palace.
Carrick reacted to retaking the lead by making his favourite substitution. Sesko replaced Mbeumo in the 75th minute and the Stretford End sang the Cameroonian’s name as he made his way to the bench. But while he came off to a standing ovation, it didn’t take long for his replacement to illustrate exactly why he should be the one starting every game.
The result leaves United in third, three points ahead of Villa and six ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea (AP)
Within six minutes of his introduction Sesko was once again on the scoresheet, the youngster firing in to effectively kill the game in the 81st minute. Cunha provided the width before taking the ball down brilliantly to get into the box. While his cross wasn’t a great one, Sesko then pounced on the loose ball, turning it in via a fortunate deflection. It was precisely the natural striker instinct that Mbeumo had failed to show throughout his cameo.
While it was a fortunate third for the hosts it was one that featured the exact type of wing play and striking nous that has been lacking earlier on. It sealed the three points but while everything seems rosy at United, obvious improvements can be made.
Mbeumo’s striker experiment has not failed as such – in fact, it worked to great effect in the wins over Manchester City and Arsenal – but it is something that should be reserved for very specific circumstances.
Carrick has Sesko to thank for grabbing at least 10 points with pivotal goals and another important goal for the 22-year-old proves that he is ready for a starting berth. Surely Carrick can now see that making him a regular starter is the blueprint for the next step in his interim revolution.
UMBC beat Vermont in the America East final Saturday to clinch its first bid to the NCAA men's basketball tourney since 2018 when the Golden Retrievers pulled off a stunning upset over 1-seed Virginia in the first round.
This year, they couldn't wait until the big dance to take a shot at a power-conference team.
After UMBC secured its auto-bid to the big dance, the X account for the program's athletic department took a jab at Bruce Pearl, the former Auburn coach who had been not-so-subtly pushing for the Tigers to get an at-large bid over Miami (OH) if it came down to the two schools. Even though Miami (OH) was undefeated at the time.
UMBC had something to say in response to that blatant dismissal of mid-majors.
Just realized the best part of having an autobid is that we don’t need a relative going on tv to explain why we deserve to be in over a 30-win @MiamiRedHawkshttps://t.co/yhzvNg66BP
"Just realized the best part of having an autobid is that we don’t need a relative going on tv to explain why we deserve to be in over a 30-win."
Auburn, now coached by Pearl's son Steven, is highly unlikely to make the tournament after losing in the SEC tournament second round to fall to 17-16. The Tigers caught that stray all because Bruce couldn't keep his bias out of his analysis. Pearl did eventually backtrack on his comments, saying Miami should get in even with a single loss.
No more Messi vs Yamal: Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina cancelled – here’s why
The highly anticipated 2026 Finalissima between European champions Spain and Copa América winners Argentina has been officially cancelled.
UEFA confirmed the decision on Sunday, following a complete breakdown in negotiations and escalating security concerns that have made staging the event in Qatar impossible.
Why did Finalissima get cancelled?
Originally scheduled for March 27 at Doha’s iconic Lusail Stadium, the match was set to be the centrepiece of the Qatar Football Festival.
However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused widespread disruption to regional travel hubs and airspace.
In a joint statement, UEFA and the local organising committee concluded that the “current political situation” posed too great a risk to fans, players, and officials.
Fans will not get the chance to see Lionel Messi play against Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)
UEFA expressed great disappointment that circumstances and timing denied the teams the chance to compete for the prestigious prize in Qatar.
While UEFA sought to save the fixture by relocating it to Europe, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) reportedly rejected multiple alternatives.
Proposals included a single match at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu with a 50-50 supporter split or a two-legged Finalissima played in both Madrid and Buenos Aires during upcoming international windows.
UEFA even sought a final commitment to play at a neutral European venue on March 30, but this was also turned down by the South American side.
The AFA countered with a proposal to play the game after the 2026 World Cup, but the Spanish Federation was unable to accommodate this due to a lack of available dates in their calendar.
With no consensus reached, the fixture was scrapped entirely. Consequently, Serbia will now play the current European champions, Spain, on away turf on March 27 instead.
Barcelona teammate shows class with Gavi gesture in win over Sevilla
Barcelona star Ronald Araújo showed his support for returning teammate Gavi courtesy of a classy gesture on Sunday.
This came after the midfielder marked his long-awaited comeback to competitive action.
Barcelona were back on the pitch a short time ago, welcoming Sevilla to the Spotify Camp Nou for a La Liga clash.
When all was said and done, Hansi Flick’s troops emerged on the right side of a dominant 5-2 result.
And yet, as alluded to above, it was another development which proved the highlight of a fine day all told for the Blaugrana.
Gavi of course spent the last six months condemned to the sidelines, after being forced under the knife to repair a knee issue back in September.
The 21-year-old spent recent weeks ramping up his recovery, before taking his place on the bench at St. James’ Park in midweek.
Then, on Sunday, the moment which all of a Barcelona persuasion had long been awaiting was finally forthcoming.
Late in the action at the Spotify Camp Nou, Gavi was introduced to proceedings for just his 3rd appearance of the season.
Recognising the significance of the moment, Ronald Araújo, acting as captain, responded to the switch by immediately passing the armband to his young teammate, as showcased below:
Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United: Holders triumph to lift fourth Women’s League Cup title
Chelsea defended their Subway Women’s League Cup crown in Bristol, denying Manchester United their second ever major trophy.
Lauren James netted the opener inside 20 minutes, pouncing on a costly lapse of concentration by United centre-back Dominique Janssen deep into her own half.
Elisabeth Terland almost conjured a response when she struck the crossbar, and Chelsea’s defensive injuries continued to ravage them in the second half.
But Marc Skinner’s side were unable to capitalise, and substitute Agnes Beever-Jones battled with Hanna Lundkvist, latching onto the second ball to prod into the bottom left corner, doubling the advantage.
Chelsea sealed their fourth piece of silverware during Sonia Bompastor’s tenure, which seems paramount with the WSL title drifting out of sight.
As it happened
Elisabeth Terland scampered towards the Chelsea back line and forced Hannah Hampton to tip round her post, as the goalkeeper erred on the side of caution for her first involvement. The Norwegian international was looking to add to her 14 goals this season, but her wayward second attempt left Hampton untroubled.
Lauren James began to justify why Chelsea offered her a new contract until 2030 when she went toe-to-toe with Jess Park, who dropped into cover defensively. James’ unpredictable two-footedness earned her a yard of space to rifle a shot towards the top right corner, which sailed fractionally over.
United had kept the defending champions at bay for the first 20 minutes until a lapse of concentration ultimately cost them the opening goal when Dominique Janssen’s miscued pass back to her goalkeeper saw James pounce. The former United player accepted the gift clinically by slotting past Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and that was one self-inflicted way to feed her confidence.
Those handful of warning signs from Terland almost worked to her advantage, when the talisman nudged off an initial challenge and rattled the crossbar with a more convincing drive.
The Red Devils were almost made to rue their flurry of missed opportunities to restore parity when Sjoeke Nusken split the United defence with a sumptuous ball for Alyssa Thompson to chase. With the American bearing down on goal, United captain Maya Le Tissier made a lung-busting run to intervene with a last-ditch challenge and thwart Thompson before she pulled the trigger.
The sides had traded blows before the interval at Ashton Gate and Skinner’s side had reproduced the quality they’ve shown this season to sit one point ahead of Chelsea in WSL, despite being a goal down in their maiden Subway Women’s League Cup final appearance.
Lisa Naalsund stung the palms of Hampton from just outside the box as United searched for an equaliser following the restart.
However, it was Chelsea who continued their pursuit of doubling the advantage as James delivered from the right for centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan. Her header flashed wide from close-range, before Sonia Bompastor elected to replace her due to Buchanan’s recent return to fitness after a lengthy injury layoff.
Nathalie Bjorn entered proceedings in a straight swap. Yet, she clasped her calf after completing a straightforward pass amidst an injury-hit Chelsea defensive department. Bjorn was visibly upset to depart the final after five minutes as Wieke Kaptein came on as Bompastor had to shuffle her players around.
Chelsea were disjointed but unperturbed, while United were regrettably unable to go up the gears offensively.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd crossed from the right wing and half-time substitute Beever-Jones was lurking in the box for the Blues. She grappled with Lundkvist and on her return to familiar territory in Bristol, she prodded home and wheeled away in celebration.
James almost added to United’s misery when she glided towards goal and unleashed a fierce effort. Tullis-Joyce was there to repel the strike at her near post, and her side finally turned the screw heading into the dying stages, albeit Chelsea’s lead became unassailable.
In their seventh successive Subway Women’s League Cup final, the Blues extended their dominance of domestic silverware by converting their chances and using their experience to weather the challenges.
Although they have already been knocked off their perch this term in the league campaign, Chelsea’s overflowing cabinet of trophies has been added to, and under Bompastor, it doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.
A second major trophy continues to elude Marc Skinner at Manchester United, despite their strides made in the WSL standings and in Europe.
Casemiro was United’s key man once again in win over Aston Villa
Manchester United shrugged off Aston Villa to seize the initiative in the race to secure a top-four finish.
Following a low-key start to the match Casemiro headed United ahead, but after taking their foot off the pedal they shipped an equaliser. Cool heads prevailed and the Red Devils ran out 3-1 winners, opening up a three-point gap ahead of fourth-placed Villa.
Casemiro key once again
Casemiro converted from a Bruno Fernandes corner to open the scoring in the second half, making it seven goals for the season. In addition to his goal, the Brazilian had one shot blocked this afternoon.
The 34-year-old won all three of his contested aerial duels – the goal being the most significant – although fared less well on the ground.
He contested the most ground duels of anyone on the pitch (nine), but only won two of them. Unsurprisingly, he made more fouls than anyone else on either side, illegally felling his man four times.
Defensively solid
Sitting in his familiar role in front of the back four, Casemiro was a significant figure in breaking up Villa’s attacks.
The Brazilian made three clearances, blocked one shot, made one interception and won one tackle. Less helpfully, he was also dribbled past twice.
He was typically hit-and-miss in possession, making one key pass and creating one big chance while also giving the ball away frequently.
Creatively sound
He recorded a 79% pass accuracy, with 31 of his 39 attempted passes reaching their intended target.
When the recipient was further away things improved for Casemiro, who played seven long balls and found his man with four of them.
Neither of the crosses he attempted was accurate, as United peppered a box which missed a focal point for 75 minutes.
Casemiro vs. Aston Villa
It was a classic Casemiro performance, with the midfielder once again showing that he can be the difference-maker, but also that his legs are gone at the top level.
Despite the crowd’s calls for “one more year” for the Brazilian, it’s right for everyone that he follows through with his plan to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
It’s time for the “real Topspiel” of this Bundesliga matchday as fourth-placed Stuttgart host fifth-placed RB Leipzig at the MHP Arena.
Both sides sit level on 47 points and have the chance to close the gap to the top three - strengthening their position in the race for the Champions League spots. But which team will come out on top today?
With just under an hour to go until kick-off, here are the confirmed lineups for both teams:
Palace manager Oliver Glasner was forced into a change of goalkeeper for this game, with captain Dean Henderson absent because of illness. A league ever-present this season, Henderson had started 77 consecutive Premier League matches for the Eagles.
Back-up Walter Benitez made his Premier League debut and dealt well with the Leeds bombardment - particularly from long throws.
Palace were well beaten at Elland Road in December, when they were particularly vulnerable to Ethan Ampadu's long throw. Glasner admitted his side struggled with Leeds' physicality that day.
His side stood up much better here, and earned a draw that eases them closer to the 40-point mark that is so coveted by teams fearful of relegation.
But in attack Palace were blunt once again, in their second home goalless draw in four days following their Conference League stalemate against Larnaca.
Palace have scored just seven league goals from open play at home this season, the lowest total in the division - and their deficiencies were particularly exposed by failing to create many quality chances against relegation battlers playing with 10 men.
They become the first Premier League team on record not to register a shot on target against an opponent who had a player sent off in the first half.
Raphhinha celebrates during the rout of Sevilla which took Barca back four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga (Lluis GENE)
Raphinha bagged a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Sevilla 5-2 to restore their four-point lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday.
After Real Madrid cut the gap by beating Elche on Saturday the Spanish champions responded by romping to a comfortable victory.
Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo also struck for Hansi Flick's side, who host Newcastle in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Fans streamed to the stadium to vote in the club's presidential elections, with either Joan Laporta or Victor Font to be announced the new chief later on Sunday night.
After the 1-1 draw in Newcastle in the last-16 first leg, Flick left Lamine Yamal on the bench and handed youngster Xavi Espart his first start, at right-back.
Barcelona were handed two penalties by a sorry Sevilla side to get off to the perfect start at the partially-rebuilt Camp Nou, which finally received clearance to open the north stand.
Around 56,000 fans attended and they were able to watch a fairly straightforward rout of the Andalucians, 14th.
Djibril Sow clumsily clipped rampaging Barca full-back Cancelo in the box and Raphinha dinked home from the spot to open the scoring in the ninth minute.
The Brazilian winger was afforded another penalty to put Barca two goals up when Jose Angel Carmona, lying on the floor, handled as Cancelo tried to dribble around him.
This time Raphinha fired it low to the left and although Odysseas Vlachodimos went the right way he could not keep it out.
The hosts netted a third in the 38th minute when Marc Bernal's deflected cross from the left found Olmo, who produced a clinical finish.
Sevilla pulled one back before the break when Juanlu Sanchez got in behind Cancelo and crossed for Oso to score unmarked at the back post.
Raphinha completed his hat-trick early in the second half with a heavily deflected shot as Barca strolled in the spring sunshine.
Cancelo capped an impressive attacking display with a goal of his own, driving into the box and finishing through Vlachodimos's legs.
Barca coach Flick sent on 21-year-old midfielder Gavi for the final 10 minutes, for his first appearance since August after suffering a severe knee injury.
Sow pulled another one back for Sevilla in stoppage time, nodding home Oso's cross, with Barcelona already thinking about Newcastle's visit on Wednesday.
New England Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf shared more details about the team's decision to move on from Stefon Diggs.
According to Wolf, there was a combination of factors that came into play when making the decision. Diggs was a key factor for the Patriots' offense in 2025, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.
However, he was set to cost $26.5 million against the salary cap in 2026 at 32 years old. It was a tough spot for the Patriots, unless both sides could agree on a restructured deal.
“Just a variety of factors, looking at financials, ability… Nothing but respect for Stefon," Wolf told reporters.
Eliot Wolf on why the Patriots released Stefon Diggs: “Just a variety of factors, looking at financials, ability… Nothing but respect for Stefon.”
Called him a “warrior,” clearly appreciated everything Diggs gave the team in 2025. pic.twitter.com/HEAfF8ERrb
It's important to note that Wolf did not rule out the possibility of a reunion with Diggs, even after the release.
"I wouldn’t say the door’s closed,” Wolf said, via Patriots Wire's Sophie Weller. “I mean, again, we’re gonna look through every way we possibly can to help improve the team.”
Billy Searle scored two first half tries as Leicester overpowered their rivals to win the competition for the first time [Getty Images]
Prem Cup final
Leicester (35) 66
Tries: Wand 2, Van der Flier 2, Searle 2, Penalty, Hamer-Webb, Haffar, O'Connor Cons: Searle 6, O'Connor
Exeter (7) 14
Tries: Vintcent, Haydon-Wood Cons: Hodge 2
Leicester Tigers claimed their first silverware since 2022, dominating Exeter Chiefs 66-14 at a wet Mattioli Woods Welford Road to win the Prem Rugby Cup for the first time.
The Tigers were rampant throughout, outscoring the visitors by five tries to one in the first-half, establishing a 35-point lead before the Chiefs got on the board.
Will Wand and the imperious Billy Searle scored two tried apiece, to add to Archie van der Flier's effort, before Ross Vintcent replied for the visitors on the verge of half-time.
After the break Will Haydon-Wood restored some measure of respectability for the Chiefs, but further scores from Van der Flier, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Tareq Haffar, James O'Connor and a penalty try capped a record-breaking afternoon for the home side.
More to follow.
Leicester: Bailey; Hamer-Webb, Wand, Woodward, Hassell-Collins; Searle, Whiteley; van der Flier, Clare, Hurd; Wells, Liebenberg, Palmer, Reffell (c), Moro.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has seven Premier League goals to his name against Palace, including two earlier this season in a 4-1 win at Elland Road.
He has not scored more against any other team from the top flight, so it seemed like a huge boost for Leeds when the striker was passed fit to start at Selhurst Park.
In the build-up, Daniel Farke had said Leeds would make a late call on him because of a knee issue.
Calvert-Lewin caused plenty of issues for Palace through the first half, testing home goalkeeper Walter Benitez with a header and forcing Brennan Johnson into a last-gasp clearance - before his big penalty chance.
The miss defined the game, and combined with the red card it created a five-minute spell that was scarcely believable for Leeds.
It is to the credit of Farke's men that they did not buckle and were driven to a hard-earned point, with captain Ethan Ampadu particularly impressive in midfield.
But with Nottingham Forest dropping points against Fulham, this feels like a missed opportunity to open a real gap between Leeds and the drop zone.
Many of the top free agents have already signed new contracts this offseason. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still other good deals to be found. The Arizona Cardinals may have just found one.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Cardinals agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with wide receiver/return specialist Devin Duvernay on Sunday. An All-Pro as a returner, Duvernay has bounced around the past few seasons, but he spent 2025 with the Bears, where he caught two of his five targets for 26 yards and a first down. He was far more impactful as a returner.
Duvernay returned 21 punts for 231 yards. As a kick returner, Duvernay returned 40 opportunities for a new career-high 1,069 yards in 2025. His 26.7 yards per kick return average ranked 11th in the NFL, and he ranked fifth in kick return yards.
Now 28, the two-time Pro Bowler hasn’t had an All-Pro or Pro Bowl season since 2022. Yet, he’s clearly still a big factor in the return game, and he’ll look to continue that success in Arizona next season.
After arriving as the 92nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Duvernay spent the first four seasons of his career with the Ravens. He played for the Jaguars in 2024, the Bears in 2025, and next up will be the Cardinals.
‘100%’: Rooney’s mind is made up on Man Utd deal after crucial win over Villa
Wayne Rooney believes Michael Carrick has to get the Manchester United job permanently following this afternoon’s crucial win over Aston Villa.
The Reds’ 3-1 triumph over Villa marked their eighth victory in the 10 games Carrick has managed.
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United strengthen grip on UCL places with Villa win
It also further cemented their spot in third place, with United now boasting a three-point advantage over Villa as they prepare for the final eight matches of the campaign.
With the team already out of both cup competitions by the time Carrick took the reins, his sole goal was ensuring they qualified for the Champions League by the end of the season, and, without tempting fate, it’d now take a substantial drop-off in form for the feat not to be achieved.
Today’s goals were provided by Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, all of whom have flourished under the interim manager.
The latter, in particular, is overseeing his most prolific run in a red shirt, having now returned a hugely impressive five goals in his last seven top-flight appearances, four of which came as a substitute.
Rooney: Carrick deserving of permanent United job
Reacting to the afternoon’s affairs at Old Trafford, Rooney said on BBC Sport’s 5Live post-match: “100% he [Carrick] should [get the job]. I have said this. I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick.
“I know him very well. I know his character, his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that.
“We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. For me, why would you change?
“He has got the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games. For me, he has to get the job.”
On Wednesday, the Patriots made a signing that largely flew under the radar. Head coach Mike Vrabel brought in his former safety, Kevin Byard, on a one-year deal.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Byard and Vrabel previously worked together in Tennessee, where the Titans drafted Byard in 2016. Vrabel later took over as head coach, serving in that role from 2018 to 2023.
Byard has built a reputation as a true ball hawk. He led the NFL with eight interceptions last season—marking the second time in his career he has topped the league in that category.
The addition of Byard may have slipped under the radar, but it could prove to be a massive move. Vrabel and the Patriots reached the Super Bowl despite ranking in the bottom half of the league in takeaways.
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99), safety Kevin Byard (31), and linebacker Brian Orakpo (98), show off their new uniforms during the Titans uniform reveal event held at Broadway and 1st Avenue in Nashville on April 4, 2018.
If Byard can help spark more turnovers for the Patriots’ defense, it could lead to a strong follow-up season in 2026. Vrabel already guided New England to the Super Bowl in his first year as head coach.
Now the question becomes: Can Byard help Vrabel and the Patriots return to the Super Bowl by generating more takeaways?
We had to wait until Sunday, but we finally got a hole-in-one at Sawgrass.
Before you get too excited, no, the hole-in-one didn’t happen at the Island Green. But you’re still going to want to see this!
Chad Ramey, on the par-3 13th, used the contours right of the hole to slowly bring his ball toward the cup. A few seconds later…buckets!
For Ramey, it was his first ace on the PGA TOUR, and it moved him to 4 under for the tournament, inside the top 25. The one-time winner made some noise in his PLAYERS debut three years ago with a first-round 64. He tied for 27th that year, but missed two straight cuts before making it to the weekend at this edition.
We asked you Motherwell fans for your opinions on the 3-1 loss to Celtic. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
Mark: Scottish refs really know how to ruin matches. We played excellent once again but stupid decisions cost us. I have full trust in Jens Berthel Askou but Scottish VAR? No chance!
Allan: An 'Old Firm' penalty, but Well lost a bit of sharpness in their passing second half. Disappointing result but we're still a great watch. Hope we finish the season strongly.
Alan: A good effort and great start. Level of possession was good but a little lacking in the finishing department - Just's goal was excellent however. The determination to perform is still high so let's move on for next game and even greater heights than expected at the start of the season.
Stuart: The fact that Celtic managed to win a soft penalty and maintain 11 men on the park is a clear sign of substandard officiating. Daizen Maeda lifting his hands twice and then going on to get a penalty where he initiated contact says it all. Honking from John Beaton and the VAR team.
James: I hope this is not the start of a collapse. Still pleasing on the eye, and I wouldn't change it. Please start winning again, we deserve a good finish to the season.
Crawford: Parkhead was always going to be big ask, but we shot ourselves in the foot dithering in our own box. Beaton's ridiculous interpretation of the red card rule has effectively removed us from the League and the Cup. Some excellent build-up play with no end result, we badly need to give Tawanda Maswanhise an effective strike partner.
David: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been sent off, if not for his challenge on Just, certainly for bringing down Said on edge of box. Maeda should also have been sent off for elbowing Ibrahim Said. Two hands on Maswanhise's back and clear push, no VAR review. Then Maeda instigates the tussle with Emmanuel Longelo and penalty given with red card, it's ridiculous beyond belief.
Susan: Two hugely important home games next and then a visit to Gorgie against a team who are on the ropes. Let's fight for European football.
The return of captain John McGinn to the visitors' starting XI was clearly welcome news for boss Unai Emery, although it was not entirely clear what role the Scot would play in the pre-planned tactic of sending long balls downfield for Ollie Watkins to chase.
It was an idea that might have had some merit if Watkins had got involved in foot races with Harry Maguire.
As it was Leny Yoro had more than enough pace to neutralise the England striker and Villa did not get forward in enough numbers to provide support.
Watkins' one shooting chance before the break was also shut down by Yoro who came sliding across to tackle.
It was symptomatic of the muddle Villa have got themselves into in recent weeks.
So too the moment at the end, where three visiting players had an opportunity to score around the six-yard area and somehow failed, even though United only had one defender and goalkeeper Senne Lammens in their way.
Emery can point to injuries - and the weight of games - as mitigation for their faltering form.
But after losing out on a Champions League place thanks to a final-day defeat at Old Trafford last season, there has to be a fear that, despite the failing of others, they could miss out again this term.
Select NCAA men's basketball teams from around the nation arrived at Taco Bell Arena in Boise Wednesday, March 14, 2018, preparing for their first round NCAA tournament games in the West regional bracket. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Fans of the Buffalo Bills are invited to join Buffalo Rumblings for a charity bracket contest around the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Everyone will get a chance to compete against former Bills, popular content creators, and fellow fans in a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York.
All are welcome to join, and you can sign up here to submit your brackets. All participants are encouraged to make a donation here, in any amount, to support the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York. The winner of the bracket contest will win an autographed jersey from Bills legend, Andre Reed.
In addition, participants will get an opportunity to see how their brackets stack up against former Bills John Fina and Jerry Ostroski. Everyone will also get the chance to compete against popular podcast hosts including Bruce Nolan (The Bruce Exclusive), Joe Marino (Locked On Bills), Pat Moran (Talking Buffalo), Aaron Quinn (Cover 1), Joe Miller (Overreaction Buffalo), Dan Freddy (overreaction Buffalo) and some of your favorite Buffalo Rumblings writers.
Hopefully everyone can join us as we have a little fun this March, while supporting a great cause in the process!
The Ethereum Foundation has sold 5,000 ETH to publicly traded treasury firm BitMine Immersion Technologies in an over-the-counter deal worth just over $10.2 million. The Ethereum Foundation offloads 5,000 ETH to BitMine as the price climbs above $2K, with the…
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Originally announced in 2024, Microsoft's plan to integrate Copilot across various areas of the Windows 11 shell has been shelved as the company reevaluates its AI approach in the OS.
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A Tennessee grandmother spent nearly six months in jail after police in Fargo, North Dakota, used facial recognition software to identify her as the primary suspect in a bank fraud case.
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Curaçao experiences a 7% rise in stayover tourism in February 2026, signaling sustained growth driven by key source markets and boosting their tourism sector.
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Indian Railways has steadily strengthened its safety framework over the past decade through major upgrades to signalling technology, track monitoring systems and worker protection measures.
TUI Care Foundation unveils initiatives in Colombia to support inclusive tourism in post‑conflict regions and advance sustainable agriculture in Atlantico.
Women-only European tours 2026 open for booking with journeys across Ireland, Italy, Portugal, offering small-group cultural experiences for female travelers.
Bungie’s extraction shooter delivers brilliant tension, strong combat, and striking atmosphere, but brutal onboarding and constant friction make it frustrating.
Deal | The AOC Q27GAZD is one of the more affordable QD-OLED monitors on the market today as the 27-inch screen for gamers has just dropped back to its record-low price on Amazon. For mid-range 1440p gamers, this monitor can be a viable option.
Astronomers have created a catalog of more than 6,000 stars and have discovered new information about the origin of our Sun. And this could also help answer some questions about our galaxy, the Milky Way.
Amid the rumors about the injury, Kylian Mbappé appears to be recovering his physical form, opening the possibility of his return against Manchester City. Nevertheless, his potential comeback could trigger a dispute between Real Madrid and France over the upcoming friendlies.
Kylian Mbappé has been surrounded by rumors regarding his knee injury. After missing five matches, the Frenchman appears to be gradually recovering his physical condition, even taking part in today’s training session with the group. While this reignites the possibility of his return for the Champions League clash vs. Manchester City, it could also spark a dispute between Real Madrid and France.
According to José Félix Díaz in Diario AS, Kylian Mbappé will travel with Real Madrid to Manchester to face the Citizens. After treatment over the last three weeks, the Frenchman has significantly improved his physical condition, even taking part in training with the group today. Because of this, he hopes to have a role in the match, but this could lead to a dispute with France regarding his call-up for the upcoming double set of friendlies.
Even though Mbappé appears to be recovering from his injury, Los Blancos are not entirely open to allowing their player to join the national team for the friendlies against and Colombia, reports Daily Mirror. If he plays against Manchester City, France would have full right to call him into the squad, since the only reason to prevent him from joining would be an injury issue—something that would be ruled out if he has playing time Champions League.
Given that his potential appearance against Citizens could lead to a call-up with France, Real Madrid might decide not to risk Kylian Mbappé, as they hold a three-goal lead in the series. Despite this, he could reportedly join the national team for commercial reasons, without seeing any playing time, if he is not cleared to play. However, a potential comeback by Pep Guardiola’s team could force him to see playing time, complicating the situation.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring against Benfica.
Federico Valverde scoring form could slow down Mbappé’s comeback
Kylian Mbappé’s absence seemed like it was going to strongly hurt Real Madrid’s aspirations, but coach Álvaro Arbeloa has found a resurgence without the Frenchman. Although Gonzalo García and Brahim Díaz seemed set to lead the attack alongside Vinícius Jr., they were not the ones who stepped up in terms of scoring. Instead, Federico Valverde surprised everyone by scoring five goals that could slow down the Frenchman’s return.
Not yet being at his physical peak, a possible return for Mbappé would be quite risky, as he could suffer a relapse of his injury, just as Ferland Mendy did, leaving him out of the 2026 World Cup. Moreover, Real Madrid have found in Valverde their scoring talisman, who—alongside Vinícius and Brahim Díaz—has found spaces to shine, becoming the solution to close game against Manchester City.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
After their victory against Inter Milan, AC Milan face SS Lazio seeking a win that would bring them closer to the top of the Serie A. With this in mind, fans are closely watching the status of Christian Pulisic for the match, as they hope to see his best version return. Here are the confirmed lineups.
AC Milan face Lazio seeking an important victory in the Serie A to continue chasing the top spot. Coming off two consecutive wins, expectations are high around the Rossoneri, as they have improved their offensive contribution while maintaining strong defensive consistency. Ahead of the match, fans are closely watching whether coach Massimiliano Allegri will once again rely on Christian Pulisic, as supporters hope to see his best version return.
After avoiding setbacks in his injury recovery, Christian Pulisic will start for AC Milan, as he has been a regular presence in the team’s recent training sessions. While the USMNT star appears to be in full physical condition, he has not yet managed to recover his best form, remaining without a goal in 2026. Despite this, coach Allegri has continued to rely on him in the last three matches, showing that he still believes the winger can regain his scoring power.
Coupled with the USMNT star, Rafael Leao will also be in the offense, as coach Allegri has consolidated them as his preferred attacking duo with the Portuguese star in peak form. However, Christopher Nkunku may also play a key role in the rotation. Moreover, Pervis Estupiñan will have a key role, as he has been recovering his best form, netting a goal in the last game.
Unlike AC Milan, SS Lazio arrive at the match in the middle of a season filled with inconsistencies. With only one victory in their last five matches, they need a win to move closer to European competitions, as they currently sit in tenth place in Serie A, greatly disappointing their fans. In addition, they continue to struggle offensively, being one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league with just 28 goals.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring
Lazio lineup vs. AC Milan
SS Lazio face AC Milan looking to surprise with their collective play and defensive solidity. However, coach Maurizio Sarri arrives with six key absences: Ivan Provedel, Danilo Cataldi, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot, Alessio Romagnoli and Toma Bašić remain doubtful due to physical issues. Despite this, they trust Daniel Maldini—son of Rossoneri’s legend Paolo Maldini—to make the difference by scoring against his former team.
With this in mind, Lazio will play as follows: Edoardo Motta; Adam Marusic, Mario Gila, Oliver Provstgaard, Nuno Tavares; Patric, Kenneth Taylor, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Gustav Isaksen, Daniel Maldini, Mattia Zaccagni.
AC Milan lineup vs. Lazio
AC Milan arrive in top form, emerging as favorites against SS Lazio, aiming to close in on the Serie A lead. However, coach Massimiliano Allegri won’t have Adrien Rabiot due to yellow card accumulation, nor Matteo Gabbia and Ruben Loftus-Cheek because of injury. Additionally, Santiago Giménez remains doubtful. Despite this, Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic are expected to make the difference in the scoring side.
Considering this, the Rossoneri will lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Koni de Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic, Alexis Saelemakers, Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modric, Ardon Jashari, Pervis Estupiñan; Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao.
Beşiktaş, Süper Lig'in 26. hafta maçında Gençlerbirliği'ne konuk olacak. Mücadele öncesi teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın Galatasaray derbisine dair açıklamada bulundu.
Beşiktaş, Süper Lig'in 26. hafta maçında Gençlerbirliği'ne konuk olacak. Teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın maç öncesi açıklamalarda bulundu.
Sergen Yalçın'ın açıklamaları şöyle:
-Geçen hafta kaybetmek biraz motivasyonumuzu bozdu ama iyi hazırlandık. Kendi oyunumuzu oynamak istiyoruz, ön alanda oynayıp inşallah kazanmak istiyoruz.
-Taraftarımız her yerde. Onlara teşekkür ediyorum. İnşallah bugün kazanıp onlara sevinç yaşatabiliriz.
Fenerbahçe'nin eski yönetici Hakan Safi Kerem Aktürkoğlu hakkında çıkan iddialar hakkında açıklama yaptı.
Fenerbahçe'nin eski yöneticisi Hakan Safi, Kerem Aktürkoğlu ile ilgili bir açıklama yaptı. Milli futbolcunun transferinde etkin rol oynayan Safi, soruşturma iddialarına açıklık getirdi.
Hakan Safi'nin açıklamaları şöyle:
-Fenerbahçe'mizin ve milli takımımızın futbolcusu Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nun kulübümüze transfer süreci hakkında bugüne kadar; hem geleneksel hem de sosyal medya üzerinden farklı ajandalar ve kişisel çıkarlar gözetilerek yapılan mesnetsiz haberleri yakından takip etmekteyim.
-Özellikle son günlerde, futbol takımımızın şampiyonluk mücadelesi verdiği dönemde UEFA'nın rutin kulüp incelemelerini kasıtlı şekilde "Kerem Aktürkoğlu'na özel soruşturma açıldı" iddiası ile ortaya atarak kaos ortamı yaratmaya çalışan Fenerbahçeli görünümlü kişileri de camiamızın bir kenara not ettiğini bilmekteyim.
-İlgili süreç şahsım gözetiminde; hukuka uygun şekilde kulüp ve federasyonun ilgili birimleriyle koordineli şekilde yürütülmüş ve tamamlanmıştır. Bugünden itibaren, kulübümüzde ve dünya kupası yolundaki milli takımımızda önemli rol oynayan Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nun kontratıyla ilgili aleyhte haber yapan kim varsa bunların Fenerbahçe düşmanı oldukları bilinmelidir!
-Bu haberlere itibar edilmemesini rica ediyor, yöneticiliğim döneminde olduğu gibi bundan sonraki süreçte de Fenerbahçe'nin bir neferi olarak, camiamıza zarar vermek için fırsat kollayan kişilerle mücadele etmeye, kulübümüze gönülden ve karşılıksız vermeye kararlılıkla devam edeceğimi bilmenizi istiyorum.
Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü: Emre Satılmış, Hüseyin Bulut (Dk. 87 Diaby), Oğuzcan Çalışkan, Abdullah Çelik, Ali Dere (Dk. 55 Süleyman Luş), İshak Karaoğul, İbrahim Akdağ (Dk. 87 Ali Akman), Roshi (Dk. 62 Fernandes), Rroca (Dk. 62 Halil Can Ayan), Ezeh, Diouf
Goller: Dk. 14 Metehan Mert, Dk. 61 Poko, Dk. 79 Batuhan Kör (SMS Grup Sarıyer), Dk. 90+2 Diouf (Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü)
Sarı kartlar: Dk. 70 Cebrail Karayel, Dk. 85 Aytaç Kara (SMS Grup Sarıyer), Dk. 74 Fernandes, Dk. 90+3 Ezeh (Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü)
Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında deplasmanda oynayacağı ikas Eyüpspor maçı hazırlıklarına başladı.
Mehmet Ali Yılmaz Tesisleri'nde teknik direktör Fatih Tekke yönetiminde gerçekleştirilen antrenmanda, Çaykur Rizespor maçında forma giyen oyuncular rejenerasyon çalışması gerçekleştirdi.
Takımdaki diğer oyuncular ise ısınmanın ardından rondo ve dayanıklılık çalışması yaptı.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 24-cü turuna yekun vurulub.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, turun qapanış matçında “Qəbələ” “Neftçi”ni qəbul edib.
Qəbələ şəhər stadionunda keçirilmiş görüşün baş hakimi Elçin Məsiyev olub. Dörd qolun qeydə alındığı bu matç paytaxt təmsilçisinin inamlı qələbəsiylə yekunlaşıb.
Daha öncə keçirilmiş oyunlarda “Araz-Naxçıvan” “Karvan”a qalib gəlibsə (2:1, “Sumqayıt” “Şamaxı”ya (0:1), “İmişli” “Sabah”a (0:5), “Zirə” “Qarabağ”a (1:3) uduzub. “Kəpəz” – “Turan Tovuz” görüşündə isə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 1:1.
Premyer Liqa 24-cü tur 15 mart
“Qəbələ” – “Neftçi” 1:3 Qollar: Seydina Keyta, 19 – Bassala Sambu, 22. Emin Mahmudov, 69-pen. Murad Məmmədov, 77. Hakimlər: Elçin Məsiyev, Elşad Abdullayev, Pərvin Talıbov, Rəşad Əhmədov. VAR: Kamal Umudlu. AVAR: Teymur Teymurov. Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov. AFFA nümayəndəsi: Rüfət Əmirov. Qəbələ şəhər stadionu. 18:00.
Qəbələ: 1. Səlahət Ağayev, 28. Murad Musayev (k), 66. Nuğay Rəşidov, 27. Eşqin Əhmədov, 33. Seydina Keyta, 50. Adriel Ba Lua, 6. Xayme Syerra, 8. Sambu Sissoko, 16. İsaak Amoa, 14. Domi Massumu, 30. Prins Ovusu. Ehtiyat oyunçular: 93. Rza Cəfərov, 94. Həbib Hüşənov, 11. Asif Məmmədov, 7. Turan Manafov, 22. Fərid İsgəndərov, 13. Nicat Əliyev, 74. Süleyman Damadayev, 10. Şahin Şahniyarov, 21. Ziya Şəkərxanov, 24. İsmael Akinade, 12. İbrahim Sanqare, 3. Eduardo Kunde. Baş məşqçi: Kaxaber Sxadadze.
Neftçi: 13. Kenan Piriç, 8. Emin Mahmudov (k), 15. Elvin Bədəlov, 7. Emil Səfərov, 24. Mustafa Sek, 5. İqor Ribeyro, 18. İfeanyi Metyu, 9. Bassala Sambu, 33. Breno Almeyda, 70. Andrey Ştoqrin, 11. İmad Faraj. Ehtiyat oyunçular: 1. Emil Balayev, 81. Məhdi Həsənov, 4. Elvin Camalov, 17. Murad Xaçayev, 19. Ağadadaş Salyanski, 47. Murad Məmmədov, 14. Edvin Kuç, 77. Falaye Sako, 6. Sessi Dalmeyda, 10. Freddi Varqas, 22. Luis Ortis, 28. Alessio Kurçi. Baş məşqçi: Yuri Vernidub.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin hücumçusu Mahir Emreli Almaniyanın “Kayzerslautern” klubunun heyətində növbəti matçına çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 28 yaşlı futbolçu 2-ci Bundesliqanın 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 26-cı turu çərçivəsində “Karlsrue” ilə oyunun iştirakçısı olub.
Doğma meydanda baş tutmuş bu görüş “Kayzerslautern”in 3:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb. Baş məşqçi Torsten Liberknext bu matçda Emreliyə də şans verib. Azərbaycanlı hücumçu 83-cü dəqiqədə meydana buraxılıb. Komandasının sonuncu qolunu da Mahir vurub. O, 90+4-cü dəqiqədə fərqlənib.
26 turdan sonra 40 xalı olan “Kayzerslautern” 18 iştirakçı arasında 7-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Komanda keçirdiyi 26 oyunda 12 qələbə qazanıb, 4 heç-heçə edib, 10 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Xatırladaq ki, Mahir Emreli “Kayzerslautern”lə 2025-ci ilin yayında 3 illik müqavilə bağlayıb. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu bu komandanın heyətində 9 oyuna çıxıb, 2 qola imza atıb.
Mahir ötən mövsümü Almaniyanın digər klubu “Nürnberq”də keçirib. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu sözügedən komandanın heyətində 25 rəsmi matça çıxıb, 11 qol vurub, 1 assistlə yadda qalıb.
“Bakı”nın yetirməsi olan Emreli karyerası ərzində “Qarabağ”, “Legiya” (Polşa), “Konyaspor” (Türkiyə) və “Dinamo” (Zaqreb, Xorvatiya) klublarında da forma geyinib. Hücumçu Azərbaycan milli komandasının heyətində meydana çıxdığı 59 oyunda 6 qol vurub, 3 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
“Kəpəz”in baş məşqçisi Azər Bağırov Premyer Liqanın 24-cü turu çərçivəsində “Turan Tovuz”a qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Yevlaxda baş tutmuş görüşündə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 1:1.
Azər Bağırov qarşılaşmadan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Azarkeşlərimizə təşəkkür etmək istəyirəm ki, komandamızı sona qədər dəstəklədilər. İnanıram ki, futbolçular dəstəyin qarşılığını onlara meydançada verdilər. Yaxşı futbol oynadıq. Texniki tərəfdən bəzi çatışmazlıqlarımız var. Amma oyundan-oyuna daha yaxşı olmağa çalışacağıq. İstədiyimiz oyunu sərgiləmək üçün əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik. Vaxt keçdikcə oyun sarıdan başqa “Kəpəz” görəcəyik.
Son matçlarda “Kəpəz” daha istəkli oynayır. “Sumqayıt”a, “Zirə”yə qarşı oyunları buna misal göstərmək olar. Bu gün “Turan Tovuz”a qarşı da istəkli idik. Qeyri-stabil olduğumuzu deməzdim. Son 4-5 matçda stabil oyun sərgiləmişik. Meydançada əsl futbol oynayırıq. Hamı maraqlı futbol izlədi. Futbolçularıma təşəkkür edirəm ki, dediklərimi meydançada həyata keçirdilər”.
Fenerbahçe'de sakatlığı bulunan Anderson Talisca, takımla çalışmalara başladı. Fenerbahçe'de sakatlığı bulunan bir diğer isim Milan Skriniar ise bireysel saha çalışmalarına başladı.
İngiltere Premier Lig'de Manchester United, sahasında ağırladığı Aston Villa'yı 3-1 mağlup etti. Manchester United'da Bruno Fernandes'ten önemli bir rekor geldi.
Kocaelispor – Konyaspor maçında verilen tartışmalı kararlar sonrası Hodri Meydan Taraftarlar Derneği, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun Riva'daki tesislerine giderek siyah çelenk bıraktı. Hodri Meydan, ardından sert ifadelerin yer aldığı bir basın açıklaması yaptı.
Napoli'nin geride bıraktığımız ara transfer döneminde Sporting Lizbon'dan satın alma opsiyonu ile kiraladığı Alisson Santos, İtalyan ekibinde olmaktan ve Serie A'da oynamaktan mutlu olduğunu dile getirdi.
Trendyol Süper Lig’de 26. hafta mücadelesinde Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile Beşiktaş karşı karşıya gelecek. Başkentte oynanacak karşılaşma futbolseverler tarafından merakla bekleniyor. Peki, Natura...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Kasımpaşa sahasında ikas Eyüpspor'u konuk etti. Mücadeleyi ev sahibi Kasımpaşa 1-0 kazanarak 3 puanın sahibi oldu.Devamı için tıklayınız
İngiltere Premier Lig 30. hafta maçında Manchester United sahasında Aston Villa'yı ağırladı. Ev sahibi ekip mücadeleyi 3-1 kazandı. İşte maçın detayları...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol 1. Lig'in 31. haftasında Sakaryaspor sahasında İmaj Altyapı Van Spor'u son dakikada bulduğu golle 2-1 mağlup ederek 3 puanın sahibi oldu. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol 1. Lig 31. hafta maçında SMS Grup Sarıyer sahasında Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü'nü ağırladı. Ev sahibi ekip mücadeleyi 3-1 kazandı. İşte maçın detayları...Devamı için tıklayınız
Referee decisions in a 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday infuriated Inter, but Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport notes that the Nerazzurri looked ‘drained and fearful’ against La Dea.
Despite a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta on Saturday, Inter remain at the top of the Serie A standings with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan.
Inter ‘drained and fearful’ against Atalanta
The Rossoneri have a game in hand, to be played against Lazio tonight, and a win would allow Massimiliano Allegri’s men to move five points below their city rivals with nine games remaining.
Besides the debatable refereeing decisions, Gazzetta dello Sport’s front page summed up Inter’s mood and shape against Atalanta in two words: “drained and fearful.”
Journalist Arianna Ravelli added: “It is clear that refereeing incidents end up affecting not only the match and the standings, but also the evaluations of Chivu’s team.
“What can be said is that an unattractive Inter had nevertheless gained an advantage that should have allowed them to face adversity, real or perceived, without harm. The way the team plays on the field must reflect that of a side that has earned the top spot and believes it deserves it. Simply managing the game is not enough.
“The truth is that Inter should have killed off a game that had a sluggish start and developed with overall lacklustre brilliance. What was missing was the ruthlessness and more courage. The contribution from the substitutes was also lacking: the changes definitely benefited Palladino more than Chivu.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio San Siro on February 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Perhaps the next three league fixtures are the toughest remaining for Inter this season, as the Nerazzurri will first travel to Fiorentina, then host Roma, and then visit Como.
On the other hand, after tonight’s game against Lazio, Milan will face Torino at home, Napoli away and Udinese at home.
Como push for Champions League qualification with Nico Paz and Martin Baturina plus a three-man defence, as Roma rely on Donyell Malen and returning Manu Koné.
This is a huge clash for fourth place, as the two teams are locked together on 51 points, and both were leapfrogged by Juventus on 53 following last night’s victory away to Udinese.
Cesc Fabregas has truly turned Como into a force of Italian football and they’ve won their last three on the bounce, as well as playing the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: Martin Baturina of Como scores his goal 0-1 with team mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
The season is over for Jayden Addai with a torn Achilles tendon, while Maxi Perrone is struggling after a knock.
Fabregas again goes for the False 9 with Nico Paz taking that role, supported by Maxence Caqueret and Baturina, as Sergi Roberto steps into midfield.
The big surprise is Fabregas starting a three-man defence, which he very rarely does.
The biggest problems are in attack, with Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson still out injured.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 13: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Olimpico Stadium on January 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
At least Wesley returns from his ban, but the Giallorossi are without a victory in three competitive games and lost 2-1 to Genoa last week.
Koné is back in action after a muscular issue, while Mario Hermoso is given his first start since February 2.
Malen has made a remarkable impact since arriving from Aston Villa in January, scoring six goals in nine official games, and today he is supported by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Stephan El Shaarawy.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Donyell Malen of AS Roma acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Como vs. Roma line-ups
Como: Butez; Diego Carlos, Ramon, Kempf; Smolcic, Sergi Roberto, Da Cunha, Valle; Baturina, Caqueret; Nico Paz
Thijs Dallinga decided the local derby and ensured Bologna consolidate eighth place, dooming Sassuolo to a second consecutive defeat.
This was not only a local Emilia-Romagna Derby, but also a head-to-head for European ambitions, as only one point separated eighth from ninth. Andrea Pinamonti returned from suspension for the hosts, who missed Alieu Fadera, Daniel Boloca, Fali Cande and Edoardo Pieragnolo after a run of three straight wins was ended by defeat to Lazio. Bologna also lost in Serie A last week and had Lewis Ferguson banned, but otherwise a full squad following Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Roma.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Juan Miranda of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Ismael Koné of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 15, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
It was the ideal start for Bologna, as within six minutes a Jens Odgaard shot was charged down and ricocheted into the path of Thijs Dallinga, who gathered with his back to goal and scored on the turn from just inside the area.
Sassuolo nearly equalised moments later, as Lukasz Skorupski flew to palm the Pinamonti effort away following a Jhon Lucumi slip.
Niccolò Cambiaghi drilled wide, but Lorenzo De Silvestri pulled up clutching his hamstring and limped off after just 29 minutes.
Nikola Moro’s free kick was just off target and Riccardo Orsolini only glanced his head to an Odgaard cross, then fired over from an improbable angle.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Armand Laurienté of US Sassuolo competes for the ball with Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 15, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Odgaard tested Arijanet Muric after the restart, while Cristian Volpato forced a save after good work from Armand Laurienté.
Martin Vitik risked an own goal with a decisive interception to prevent M’Bala Nzola tapping in the Domenico Berardi roll across, while twice Laurienté went for goal when he had better options for the assist.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Nicolò Cambiaghi of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Sebastian Walukiewicz of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 15, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Orsolini also stung Muric’s gloves at the near post after a stepover, but Bologna lost Lukasz Skorupski to a suspected flexor strain at the 88th minute, after completing all their substitutions. After several minutes of stoppages and a very heavy strapping on his left thigh, he managed to finish the game.
Despite being down to 10 men from the 37th minute, Pisa still managed only their second victory of the season, beating Cagliari 3-1 with captain Antonio Caracciolo’s brace.
The hosts were left rock bottom despite the arrival of new coach Oscar Hiljemark, with Simone Scuffet, Juan Cuadrado, Lorran, Daniel Denoon and Isak Vural not fully fit. Sebastiano Esposito was suspended for the Sardinians, with Riyad Idrissi, Gennaro Borrelli, Andrea Belotti and Mattia Felici injured, but Gennaro Gaetano, Alessandro Deiola and Yerry Mina were available again.
The referee initially seemed to point to the edge of the area, but changed it to the spot when Arturo Calabresi was brought down by an Ibrahim Sulemana sliding tackle. The contact seemed to be on the line, so Stefano Moreo converted for his first Serie A home goal of the season.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Stefano Moreo of Pisa Sporting Club scores a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Cagliari Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on March 15, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Cagliari had the opportunity to equalise moments later with an Adam Obert diving header, but it thumped the crossbar from 10 yards.
Pisa lost Marius Marin to a knee injury and Matteo Tramoni’s strike was charged down, but above all they went down to 10 men when the referee spotted Rafiu Durosinmi kicking out at Yerry Mina in an off the ball situation. It was hardly the first time that Mina’s method of frustrating strikers has paid off.
Nicolas got down to fingertip an Obert daisy-cutter round the far post, but it was so nearly 2-0 for Pisa on the stroke of half-time.
More knocked back the cross at the far post for Matlhe Hojholt to tap in from point-blank range, but was denied by a stunning Elia Caprile reaction save.
Instead, 10-man Pisa doubled their lead when Michael Folorunsho flicked on a Simone Canestrelli throw-in, accidentally providing the assist for Antonio Caracciolo to fire in on the half-volley at the near post.
Cagliari seemed to crumble, as Obert’s decisive block prevented Samuele Angori completing the give and go in the box, but Pisa added a third on the resulting Mehdi Leris corner with Caracciolo unmarked to prod in from point-blank range with his knee.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Stefano Moreo of Pisa Sporting Club celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Cagliari Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on March 15, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Semih Kilicsoy forced a flying Nicolas save from distance, but Cagliari did finally get back into it when Alberto Dossena’s header forward bounced, and Leonardo Pavoletti acrobatically turned in on the volley after shoving Raul Albiol aside.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Leonardo Pavoletti of Cagliari Calcio scores a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Cagliari Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on March 15, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Dossena also nodded Obert’s corner just wide of the back stick, but Cagliari went down to 10 men too when Obert received his second yellow card for bringing down Leris.
Caprile kept the scoreline down late on with another tricky save on Moreo’s header.
The World Cup has evolved beyond a mere sporting event; it’s now a global phenomenon. The culture surrounding football fans has shifted dramatically, fueled by digital innovation and commercial interests.
Fans today express their passion through a wide range of merchandise, from scarves and hats to fully custom supporter gear, and show their allegiance to the tournament. Social media has also played a major role in transforming fan culture. Supporters now share their matchday experiences online, display their collections, and connect with fellow fans across the world.
Why Custom Fan Merchandise Is Becoming Essential for Major Tournaments
Major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup have significantly increased the demand for collectable and personalised fan merchandise.
Today’s fans want more than standard souvenirs. They are increasingly looking for items that reflect their personal style and demonstrate a deeper connection to their favourite teams.
When football fans wear the same T-shirts or hats while watching a game, it makes them feel like they are part of a group. From local fan gatherings to global social media communities, these personalised items have become an integral part of the modern football fan merchandise culture.
Football fans consider Enamel Pins to be their most essential collectable item. Football-themed enamel pins can be exchanged, displayed, or worn during matches to help fans commemorate specific events, tournaments, or victories. The pins can be designed using any combination of a player’s name, host cities, match dates, and a team’s name. Custom enamel pins, with their compact dimensions, unique design possibilities, and ease of transport, have become a must-have for any football enthusiast’s collection.
Custom Keychains and Custom Medals for Collectors
For fans who cherish collectables, custom keychains and medals provide more than just utility. They carry a sentimental weight.
Keychains, for instance, are a daily way to display your allegiance. Custom medals can be engraved with achievements, anniversaries, or special events, making them especially collectable.
Unlike usual souvenirs, these personalised items are crafted with exquisite artistry. From vibrant enamel finishes to intricate engravings, they transcend the commercial realm of ordinary goods, becoming a part of a football fan’s life story.
Custom patches are also a common type of football merchandise. Custom PVC Patches offer fans a durable and visually striking way to express their loyalty. Design elements can include team logos, football patterns, or witty football puns.
Fans usually adorn these patches on jackets, backpacks, scarves, and hats, transforming everyday accessories into wearable symbols of team honour. Furthermore, optional 3D craftsmanship, with its layered structure, allows PVC patches to display vibrant textures and colours, highlighting team crests or event logos.
Personalised Apparel and Accessories
One of the most recognisable types of football fan merchandise is personalised team apparel. Items such as t-shirts, hats, scarves, and wristbands can be customised to have the fan’s name, jersey number, or original slogans.
Design inspiration can range from meaningful football graphic designs and national team jersey colour schemes to numbers. These custom items can be worn at matches, fan festivals, and when viewing on big screens with other fans, creating a collective identity among thousands of fans around the world.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring fans together from all over the world. Beyond the usual fan merchandise, fans can also use Custom Luggage Tags as identification and luggage tracking during their travels.
Custom Luggage Tags can be designed with World Cup elements, participating country flags, or football-themed patterns. Fans can also personalise them by adding their nicknames or team colours, making it easy to identify their luggage while travelling.
Custom Lanyards for Everyday and Event Use
Custom lanyards, printed with soccer patterns and national team colours, combine practicality and team spirit. Fans can wear personalised lanyards to matches or parties, conveniently carrying tickets, water bottles, or keys while proudly displaying their support.
Custom Stickers for Creative Expression
Custom stickers allow fans to personalise their belongings. Design elements can include football cartoon characters, cute soccer patterns, or stylised event graphics.
Fans can stick them on laptops, phone cases, or suitcases, keeping the World Cup atmosphere with them. Custom stickers are a convenient and fun collectable.
Innovation in Custom Fan Merchandise Production
From Traditional Manufacturing to AI Design
The transition from conventional manufacturing methods to AI design represents the current state of manufacturing processes.
Traditional merchandise production used methods that took excessive time to produce. Today, digital design capabilities and AI design tools enable designers to develop custom products throughout the complete product development process.
How GSJJ Supports Custom Fan Merchandise Production with 3D Modelling
Companies such as GSJJ are helping brands and fans turn creative ideas into real products through advanced manufacturing and digital design tools.
Through 3D Modelling, designers can visualise merchandise before production, making it easier to refine colours, textures, and structural details. Each of these processes ensures that custom pins, PVC patches, custom keychains, and custom luggage tags will not only look great but also meet fans’ expectations.
Conclusion
Custom fan merchandise will continue to evolve alongside fan expectations and technology. The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will offer fans new ways to celebrate their passion for football. From collectable pins to personalised travel accessories, custom fan merchandise allows fans to transform unforgettable matchday moments into lasting memories.
There are growing reports on Tottenham’s interest in Roberto De Zerbi, but the Italian tactician will wait until the summer before taking a new role.
Former Sassuolo and Brighton coach De Zerbi could return to the Premier League in the summer as the Italian is reported to be among the primary names for the Tottenham job.
De Zerbi ‘one of the leading names on Tottenham’s shortlist’ for 2026-27
Ben Jacobs reports on X social media that “De Zerbi is currently inclined to wait until summer before taking a new role, knowing multiple clubs are interested. Italian is one of the leading names on Spurs’ shortlist along with Mauricio Pochettino.”
The transfer expert adds that Tottenham are expected to part ways with Igor Tudor this month as the North Londoners are “actively assessing both caretaker options and whether a permanent appointment could be brought forward.”
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
De Zerbi, 46, already coached Brighton in the Premier League. He was appointed in October 2022 and left the club at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
The Italian tactician won 38 of 89 games at Brighton, losing 31 and drawing 20.
During his first season at Brighton, De Zerbi led the team to their first-ever qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
De Zerbi coached Palermo, Benevento and Sassuolo in Serie A, winning 47 of 155 games in Italy’s top flight.
For years, XRP has been one of the leaders in the PayFi sector. Its focus on cross-border payments and enterprise financial infrastructure helped establish it as one of the most recognizable digital assets in that ecosystem. However, recent discussions around XRP price prediction suggest that things might be about to change.
Recently, several new projects have entered the PayFi space, and they are already attracting strong investor attention thanks to the remarkable performances they’ve been putting up. One particular altcoin that is grabbing the most attention right now is Remittix, a PayFi solution on Ethereum that is already delivering major returns for investors.
XRP Price Prediction: Consolidation Signals Uncertainty For The PayFi Leader
According to the latest XRP price prediction from models, Ripple might be about to lose its spot as the top PayFi altcoin to newer market participants like Remittix. This is coming after a prolonged period of relative inactivity and low returns. Technical analysis shows that XRP has been unable to record significant gains or returns since late February. This is a development that has left a lot of traders frustrated at the lack of profit-making opportunities
Ripple did try to introduce a positive price catalyst earlier in the month by announcing several infrastructure upgrades. This includes upgrades like managed custody services, virtual account collections, and fiat-to-stablecoin settlement capabilities. These additions were supposed to strengthen XRP’s position as a comprehensive enterprise payment solution across more than 60 global markets.
However, in reality, they have not significantly changed short-term price momentum. Right now, XRP is trading around $1.39, and traders are starting to speculate on what’s next for the PayFi giant. Meanwhile, some investors are now exiting their XRP positions in favor of entries in lower-priced, higher-potential altcoins.
Remittix Gains Momentum As Investors Compare New PayFi Solutions To XRP
While discussions around XRP price prediction and what the future holds for the altcoin continue, experts are indicating that investor activity is growing around newer PayFi platforms. One of the most notable projects gaining traction is Remittix. Remittix is positioned at the intersection of crypto payments and international remittance, solving the $19 trillion problem of inefficient global money transfer with performant blockchain-powered solutions.
Already, the PayFi platform is delivering direct crypto-to-fiat settlement in over 30 countries globally. Investor interest in the ecosystem is also growing steadily. Remittix has already secured more than $29.7 million from private investors, a clear marker of interest from institutional quarters. Remittix has also launched its new wallet on the Apple App Store.
It is also worth mentioning that Remittix has completed a full CertiK audit and has been ranked #1 Pre-Launch Token on CertiK Skynet. This, in turn, strengthens credibility and investor confidence in the PayFi project. Some other catalysts responsible for growing interest in Remittix include:
Confirmed CEX listings, including BitMart and LBANK, with more exchanges planned
Growing global community of holders and ambassadors
Operational in 30+ countries
Expanding ecosystem with web apps, payment rails, and developer APIs
The debate surrounding XRP price prediction is becoming more complex as the PayFi sector continues to evolve. Ripple remains one of the most popular altcoins in the PayFi sector but according to analysts, a change is required if this trend is going to continue in 2026.
At the same time, new payment platforms, like Remittix, have emerged and are already recording significant milestones. As such, experts agree that unless something changes soon, Remittix could be on course to flip XRP as the leading PayFi solution in crypto.
Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here:
The best crypto tokens to buy now conversation is in a state of evolution as the crypto market embarks on a new chapter of growth and discovery. The crypto market is witnessing an increased interest in privacy coins, payment infrastructure, and blockchain technology that aims to achieve real-world use cases.
Zcash and Monero, two of the oldest cryptocurrencies in the market that are based on the concept of privacy, are once again in the crypto market limelight due to the increased need for privacy in decentralized finance and Web3 environments. Remittix (RTX) is another newer payment infrastructure coin that is gaining prominence after securing $29.7 million in private funding, indicating high demand for its PayFi technology.
Zcash Market Activity Shows Signs Of Accumulation
Zcash is currently priced at $207.89, showing a 4.51% decline in price over the last 24 hours. Its market capitalization is $3.44 billion, and the daily trade volume is $316.67 million, showing a decline of 15.31%.
A recent technical discussion titled “ZEC vs The Market – Court Is In Session” highlighted that the token has experienced a series of lower highs since its earlier peak above $700. Despite this longer-term downtrend, analysts note that the $200 price zone has repeatedly held as support.
The analysis also indicated a MACD momentum that’s slowly curling up, as well as a compression near the lower Bollinger Band. These indicators are not yet a bullish breakout, although they are showing possible accumulation activity.
The key levels are still important for those who are closely watching the crypto market. A move above $230 will be a sign that the short-term structure will change, and a move above $260 will be a sign that the momentum is building up. A drop below $190 will be a sign that the bears are back.
Monero Maintains Strength In The Privacy Coin Sector
Monero still remains one of the strongest assets in the field of cryptocurrencies, especially when it comes to the field of privacy-based assets. Monero has become synonymous with the terms ring signatures and stealth addresses, and as a result, Monero is one of the most sought-after assets for the purpose of carrying out private transactions in the decentralized finance field.
Monero’s current value stands at $355.98, and there has been a decline of 1.18% in the latest session. However, Monero’s market capitalization still stands strong, and its current value stands at $6.56 billion. There has been an uptrend of 41.79% in the market volume, and the current value of the daily volume stands at $110.65 million.
According to the recent technical outlook revealed in this Monero market analysis, it has been stated that in the near term, the asset might face resistance at $363.63, followed by the recent high at $375.00.
Remittix Expands Utility With Wallet Launch And PayFi Infrastructure
Alongside privacy coins, payment-focused blockchain technology is becoming an important part of the best crypto tokens to buy now. One project attracting attention in recent crypto news is Remittix.
The RTX token is currently priced at $0.13, and the project has already raised more than $29.7 million through private funding. Over 723 million tokens out of the total 750 million supply have already been secured, meaning more than 93% of the allocation has already been taken.
Remittix is developing a PayFi system that aims to integrate cryptocurrency payments with traditional financial systems.
Remittix’s significant product development milestone has been achieved as the wallet is live on the Apple App Store, enabling users to store, send, and manage their digital assets in the expanding system. Development of the wallet on the Android platform is underway.
Community testing played a major role in the product’s development. Early previews of the wallet interface were shared in this beta wallet demonstration, showing the platform’s user interface and transaction features before the full rollout.
Investor interest around Remittix has grown quickly as its funding milestone approaches completion. With most tokens already secured, many early supporters believe the project could become one of the most important crypto with real utility platforms in the payments sector.
Security Validation From CertiK
Remittix also recently received a major credibility boost after its team was fully verified by CertiK, one of the most respected blockchain security firms.
The verification confirms both the team identity and smart contract security assessment, placing Remittix among the most transparent upcoming crypto projects. The platform is also currently ranked among the top monitored tokens on CertiK’s tracking platform.
Why Remittix Is Gaining Attention
Several factors explain why the project continues appearing in discussions about the best crypto tokens to buy now and best altcoin to buy now:
PayFi infrastructure connecting blockchain technology with traditional banking
Wallet already live on Apple App Store with Android version coming soon
More than $29.3M raised through private funding
Over 93% of the total token allocation already secured
Another milestone is around the corner as well. A big CEX reveal is planned for the $30 million mark, with listings on BitMart and LBank already secured, and the team is preparing for a big announcement set to drop in the near future.
Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here:
The global settlement layer is undergoing a new shift as institutional money continues to pour into crypto with renewed vigor. However, predicting the direction of this new wave puts Ethereum at the center as it remains the powerhouse of decentralized finance.
The new inflow poses a challenge, adding a new layer to Ethereum price prediction. Understanding where the ETH price is headed amid all the market noise and the growing number of new DeFi protocols is becoming more difficult by the day.
Furthermore, while Ethereum price prediction remains a strong focus for analysts, investors are gradually shifting to a new utility-focused platform that’s currently bridging the gap between on-chain and real-world payment. Here is a look at how this new change has been unfolding lately.
First-Hand Look Into Ethereum Price Prediction
Ethereum has recently moved above the $2,000 support level, reigniting hopes of bullish potential following a long stretch of drawdowns that saw it near $ 1,500. However, this new recovery has been largely attributed to the aggressive token lock and consistent burn mechanism.
The scarcity these mechanisms are creating is a new macro factor that analysts are now examining for Ethereum price predictions, as it creates a structural environment in which demand could drive the price to jump as quickly as possible.
Market sentiment around Ethereum’s price prediction over the last few weeks shows a technical pattern that could see the coin recover towards $3200 in the coming weeks. However, the $3200 zone is a critical support-turned-resistance level that could fuel further downside toward $1500 if it’s not met with sufficient buying orders.
Also, with Ethereum now moving away from a mere store of value to the structural backbone of many top DeFi projects, analysts speculate this could trigger a new wave of bullish momentum towards $3200 as the broader market stabilizes.
Utility-Driven Innovations and the Remittix Advantage
In the shadow of the current Ethereum Price Prediction optimism, Remittix has emerged as a dominant force in the cross-border payment sector. The project’s native token, RTX, functions as the central liquidity tool for this process, maintaining a fixed supply of 1.5 billion tokens to ensure long-term value alignment with its growing user base.
The momentum behind the Remittix presale is a direct reflection of this utility-first approach. Having already raised over $29.7 million and sold more than 723 million tokens, the project is rapidly approaching a total sell-out. This surge in interest is bolstered by the Remittix wallet already being live on the Apple App Store, moving the project far beyond the typical whitepaper stage. Security remains a top priority, with a CertiK audit ranking Remittix among the most secure pre-launch assets in the market.
Conclusion
The rapid growth of the crypto market requires technology and solutions that keep pace, and Remittix is proving its worth as a project that connects the blockchain network to a high-utility payment solution.
Also, while the Ethereum price prediction now points towards more robust market stability, Remittix solutions are emerging as the protocol that solves existing pain points in global money movement. But with Remittix now in the final leg of its presale, the window is gradually closing for investors looking for early participation.
With the project still pretty much below $1, buying offers investors a front-row seat to watch the next generation of payments unfold. This is because the Remittix token offers a mix of technological importance and immediate real-world application.
Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here:
Dogecoin is currently selling under $0.10. Although certain analysts are already plotting the road to $1 by 2026. It sounds ambitious. The numbers, however, tell a more nuanced story. Three specific conditions need to align for that target to become realistic.
This article breaks down what those conditions are, where DOGE price stands today, and why one under-the-radar payment token is quietly stealing attention from the meme coin crowd.
Dogecoin Price Faces Pressure From Bearish Moving Averages
Dogecoin is on the verge of reclaiming $0.10. The DOGE price today currently stands at about $0.098. At this price point, it would be tempting to say that it is almost there. However, the gap between $0.10 and $1 is wide. Nevertheless, some analysts are not dismissing it in 2026. But, they are explicit on the conditions that must be fulfilled first.
The first condition is Bitcoin. DOGE price prediction models consistently show DOGE performs best when Bitcoin is running. The recent recovery between $67,000 and almost $71,000 brought meme coins a temporary lift. This lift also influenced Dogecoin during the selloff as the market saw the memecoin defend the $0.088 support level. That’s encouraging. But DOGE needs Bitcoin to sustain momentum, not just bounce.
The second condition is a short squeeze. Dogecoin news from the derivatives market shows a dense cluster of short positions sitting between $0.10 and $0.11. If buying pressure pushes DOGE into that range fast, those shorts get liquidated and price spikes higher. A sweep toward $0.11 is plausible. It won’t confirm a bull trend, but it removes significant overhead resistance.
The third and most important condition is clearing $0.127. That’s the level where the bearish structure actually breaks. Right now, DOGE is still printing lower highs. The Chaikin Money Flow sits at -0.1. This is a clear indication of capital outflows. The moving averages are acting as resistance. Everything above the current price is a fight.
A path to $1 exists. It just needs all three dominoes to fall in the right order.
While traders wait for Dogecoin to clear $0.127, another token is already moving. Remittix (RTX) has crossed $29.7 million raised, with over 34,100 holders now on board. It’s not chasing hype. It’s building infrastructure.
RTX targets the $19 trillion global payments market, letting users send crypto and receive cash in local fiat currency. The Remittix Wallet is live on the App Store. Crypto-to-fiat functionality is coming. BitMart and LBank have both confirmed listings.
Here’s why investors are paying attention right now:
CertiK ranked Remittix #1 for pre-launch tokens, with a fully verified team
BitMart and LBank listings confirmed, with more exchange announcements still to come
The Remittix Wallet is live on iOS, with Android and crypto-to-fiat conversion coming next
Over 34,100 holders have already acquired RTX, with the price set to rise
The referral program makes it even more compelling. Refer a buyer and earn 15% of their purchase in USDT, claimable every 24 hours directly through the Remittix dashboard.
RTX sits at $0.13 now, moving to $0.135 soon. If you’re looking for the best crypto to buy now before further big exchange listings, the window is closing.
Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here:
Crypto news today is dominated by comparisons between leading digital assets and emerging presale winners. Analysts are closely watching XRP and updated Ripple price prediction models as the token breaks technical patterns, while early-stage projects are gaining attention as possible high-growth opportunities. One of the most talked-about names among crypto investors searching for the best crypto to buy now is Remittix, which has raised over $29.7 million and is already set to launch its PayFi platform globally.
This pairing of mainstream performance analysis and emerging presale momentum frames the debate: how do historic presales like Solana and Ethereum compare to Remittix’s trajectory, and where does XRP’s Ripple price prediction fit into this picture?
Recent crypto updates around XRP show the asset trading near $1.38 after breaking above a descending trendline that had capped rallies since early 2026. This technical move has pushed analysts to revise short-term Ripple price prediction models, especially as momentum indicators show early signs of recovery within the broader crypto market.
Technical analysis reveals that XRP cleared the upper boundary of its descending channel, a structure that guided the asset lower following January highs. Analysts watching market volatility note that the next major resistance sits near $1.43, while stronger resistance appears near $1.50. If bullish momentum continues, several Ripple price prediction models suggest a move toward the $1.50 to $1.52 range.
Short-term charts also show a cup and handle breakout pattern that formed after the March 9 lows. This structure, combined with improving market sentiment, has strengthened the bullish case for XRP in the near term. Beyond price charts, on-chain metrics are also contributing to the current Ripple price prediction discussion. XRP Ledger activity recently climbed to about 2.7 million daily transactions, reflecting rising on-chain activity and increasing interest in tokenizing real-world assets using blockchain technology.
However, analysts also highlight mixed signals from institutional markets. While the technical breakout supports a bullish Ripple price prediction, recent ETF outflows show that some institutional investors remain cautious amid broader market volatility affecting the crypto market.
Remittix Presale Momentum Compared To Solana & Ethereum History
Remittix has already raised over $29.7 million, making it one of the most compelling presale opportunities in the crypto market today. Compared to Ethereum’s early presale, which offered limited bonuses and staggered vesting schedules, and Solana’s presale that faced slower uptake due to complex tokenomics, Remittix provides a simpler, more rewarding entry.
The instant liquidity at launch, combined with zero vesting restrictions, gives investors immediate access to their assets, something Ethereum and Solana did not fully provide during their presale phases. Early buyers of Remittix also enjoy stronger real-world utility, with the PayFi crypto-to-fiat platform which has launched, and the mobile wallet already live on the Apple App Store, with Google Play release coming soon.
In addition, Remittix has secured its first two centralized exchange listings, with two more confirmed, and maintains top security standards with CertiK verification and a Skynet Score of 80.09 (Grade A). These features, together with a transparent roadmap and clear tokenomics, make Remittix a more attractive option compared to Ethereum and Solana presales, offering early crypto investors a balance of strong utility, immediate rewards, and market-ready adoption potential.
Beyond comparisons to historic presales and Ripple price prediction, Remittix’s current market position highlights several reasons that crypto investors are positioning here:
The PayFi platform enables crypto-to-fiat payments directly into bank accounts, solving a key adoption hurdle missed by many early blockchain products.
A fully live wallet on the Apple App Store allows users to securely store, send, and manage digital assets with real-world utility.
The project has already confirmed two centralized exchange (CEX) listings, with two more secured and awaiting announcement.
Remittix completed KYC verification with CertiK and currently ranks as the number one pre‑launch token on CertiK Skynet with a Grade A score.
Scalability and cross‑chain vision position Remittix as a contender for broader adoption, especially among smaller countries with high demand for efficient payments.
While XRP remains a leader in price action and utility, reflected in ongoing Ripple price prediction models, new ecosystems like Remittix are carving out fresh spaces in the blockchain landscape. Historic presale success stories like Solana and Ethereum show how early entry can multiply value over time, but Remittix’s current execution, with live PayFi features and real‑world use cases, may offer a faster path to meaningful adoption.
For investors navigating the crowded altcoin and presale market, comparing established trends like Ripple price prediction with emerging utility networks provides a broader view of potential opportunities in the evolving crypto space. Remittix’s mix of delivery, adoption, and structural momentum has positioned it as one of the best crypto to buy now among presale assets, even as legacy tokens like XRP continue to fulfill technical forecasting and adoption narratives.
Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here:
There were a lot of roster question marks that the San Francisco 49ers need to answer this offseason. So far through the first week of free agency, two big ones have been answered: wide receiver and interior defensive line.
Wide receiver Mike Evans and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa both are now with the 49ers and are massive additions for the team. But, there is still one major need left to address, and after Bryce Huff's retirement, it doesn't get any clearer than it is now.
As Vic Tafur of The Athletic writes, the 49ers' biggest need is a pass rusher. With Huff's surprise retirement, the need became even greater. The 49ers don't just need another pass rusher to pair with Nick Bosa; they need depth at the position as well.
49ers' biggest need is clearly pass rusher
"The 49ers not only didn't add a pass rusher the first week of free agency, but they lost one as 2025 sack leader Bryce Huff (with four... yes, four) retired suddenly on Thursday at 27 to start a company to build safety infrastructures for the use of lithium batteries," Tafur writes.
After losing Huff, their 2025 sack leader who had only four sacks of the 49ers' league-worst 20 (three fewer than Myles Garrett had on his own), the 49ers' biggest need was very clearly a pass rusher.
They already had to address the position entering the offseason, and now, it's become that much more dire a need for the 49ers.
Outside of Nick Bosa, the 49ers edge defenders are only Mykel Williams, Keion White, Sam Okuayinonu, William Bradley-King, Andrew Farmer II, and Jalen Graham.
That isn't a good enough edge defender group. The depth is suspect, and there is a clear lack of pass-rush upside outside of Bosa.
Fortunately, there are still some options available in free agency that haven't officially signed that the 49ers could look to acquire.
Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa, Denico Autry, Cameron Jordan, Von Miller, A.J. Epenesa, Kyle Van Noy, Jadeveon Clowney, and Anfernee Jennings are a few of the top options still available in free agency.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the 49ers could also look to land a young pass rusher in the first or second rounds. Though with a big need at wide receiver looking into the future, and a possible massive hole at left tackle, the 49ers can't rely on the draft to solve this need.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, along with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, need to find at least one pass rusher to add to the roster in free agency this offseason.
Bosa reuniting with his brother would be fun. But, regardless of how the 49ers do it, they need to add more pass-rusher help to the team this offseason.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed on Sunday confirmed his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to a long international career in which he led the side to memorable triumphs against arch-rivals India national cricket team in two major ICC tournament finals.
The wicketkeeper-batter, who last represented the Pakistan national cricket team in a Test against the Australia national cricket team in Perth in December 2023, announced his decision through a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the formal announcement could now allow Sarfaraz to be appointed as the head coach of the national Test team on a long-term basis.
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The red-ball coaching role has remained unfilled since the board decided not to continue with Azhar Mahmood, who had been serving as the interim head coach of the Test team last year.
Sarfaraz, who will turn 39 in May, has already been given several responsibilities within Pakistan’s cricket structure. Recently, he was named as a member of the national selection committee and also appointed mentor and manager for the Pakistan Under-19 and Shaheens squads.
Despite nearing the end of his career, the Karachi-born cricketer had continued playing domestic cricket and featured in a first-class match as recently as October last year. However, in his statement, he said he now intends to dedicate his time to his administrative and mentoring duties.
"I could never have dreamt of captaining Pakistan in all three formats and winning the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2006 and the 2017 Champions Trophy... they are unforgettable moments for me," he said.
Sarfaraz added that throughout his career he had aimed to encourage fearless cricket while also fostering strong unity within the team environment.
During his international journey, the wicketkeeper-batter represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 One-Day Internationals and 61 T20 Internationals. He also captained the national side in 100 matches across the three formats.
ADCC Trialsseason has already begun, with thousands of talented grapplers from various continents competing for slots at the ADCC 2026 World Championships.
While the last few iterations have been hosted in the US, the prestigious biennial grappling event happens at the Tauron Arena in Krakow, Poland this time around. ADCC 2026 happens on September 12-13, 2026, and with the first few sets of invites already handed out, it’s worth tracking the confirmed competitors to the highly anticipated event.
ADCC World Championships are typically headlined by the reigning “Super Fight” champion defending their belt against the previous absolute tournament winner. That should be Gordon Ryan vs. ADCC 2024 double gold medalistKaynan Duarte, but with Ryan seemingly retired, the ADCC 2026 headliner still appears to be up in the air, as of this writing.
Below is the current fight card and full list of competitors that have a slot booked for ADCC 2026. We will be constantly updating this post every time an athlete gets confirmed for the event.
March 13, 2026: Fabricio Andrey and Mateusz Gamrot have both been invited to ADCC 2026 at 66 kg and 77 kg, respectively.
March 15, 2026: Added the 5 winners from the 1st ADCC South American Trials.
ADCC 2026 World Championships – How to watch, live stream
ADCC 2026 happens on September 12-13, 2026, in Krakow, Poland.
Broadcast details and start times have yet to be revealed, but ADCC 2026 is expected to be streamed live on FloGrappling, with the earlier portions of the event likely streamed live for free on YouTube. We will update this section once more details become available.
For the latest Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and grappling-related news click here.
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Kevin Gausman #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning against team Canada during a game at TD Ballpark on March 03, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There isn’t a lot for Blue Jays’ news this morning.
The team has announced that Kevin Gausman will be our opening day starter. So far he’s thrown 4.1 innings of ‘official spring’ ball so fair. He hasn’t allowed a run, with four hits, one walk and six strikeouts. Last year he had a 3.59 ERA in 32 starts.
Brendon Little has added a couple of pitches and dropped one from last year:
Pitch Repertoire Update! ⚾️🚨📢 Brendon Little (TOR) has added a four-seamer & slider this year in place of the cutter he threw in 2025; his full arsenal is now SI / FF / SL / KChttps://t.co/U7PVgzr9Xm
He’s looking to have a something else he can throw in the strikezone. It looks like he’ll be the number one lefty in the pen, so it’s good to see him looking to fix things up that weren’t working at the end of last season.
So far this spring, he’s thrown five innings, three hits, four walks and eight strikeouts with no runs against. we’ll see how things go.
The Jays play at 1:00 Eastern. Grant Rogers is starting. Since Berrios is suddenly out, we get a spring bullpen day. But the team is bringing a surprising number of regulars to St. Lucie County. Google maps says it is a 3 hour 15 minute days. Generally veterans don’t like to make bus rides that long.
Today’s Lineups
BLUE JAYS
METS
George Springer – DH
Francisco Lindor – SS
Daulton Varsho – CF
Marcus Semien – 2B
Davis Schneider – 2B
Bo Bichette – 3B
Addison Barger – 3B
Jorge Polanco – DH
Jesus Sanchez – RF
Luis Robert – CF
Nathan Lukes – LF
Brett Baty – 1B
Leo Jimenez – SS
Francisco Alvarez – C
Brandon Valenzuela – C
Mike Tauchman – RF
Charles McAdoo – 1B
Tyrone Taylor – LF
Grant Rogers – RHP
Zach Thornton – LHP
The game is on Sportsnet.
And tonight we have the USA vs Dominican Republic in the semifinal for the WBC. Paul Skenes starts for the US (that couldn’t have worked out better for them. Luis Severino starts for DR.
We’ll have a GameThread up for that.
Italy and Venezuela play tomorrow.
What should we expect the Jays rotation to look like the first time through?
Gausman, Cease, Scherzer, Ponce, Lauer? Or will Yesavage be ready? Pretty doubtful.
Then it is a game of when will Yesavage, Bieber and Berrios be ready. Maybe Mr. Grant Rogers there is closer than I think.
On the bullpen side, does Spencer Miles make the team? Angel Bastardo?
Beyond that: Hoffman, Tyler Rogers, Varland, Nance, Little, Fisher, Nance and Fluharty. That’s eight guys without Miles or Bastardo.
Opening Day is on the 27th, and there is still a few decisions to be made.
Mar 14, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Austin Rapp (22) reacts after making a three point basket against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images
The Wisconsin Badgers fell short in a 68-65 loss to the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, sending them home a day early in the Big Ten Tournament as they now look ahead to Selection Sunday and the NCAA Tournament.
While Wisconsin did ultimately lose by three in a tough contest to the Wolverines, it was a highly successful last two weeks for them, as they went on a nice five-game winning streak and secured a pair of Quad 1A wins to bolster their resume. In that stretch, they beat the Maryland Terrapins, Purdue Boilermakers, Washington Huskies (2x), and the Illinois Fighting Illini before falling just short to Michigan.
So, they should expect to hear some good news on Selection Sunday with their seeding (likely to be a No. 5 seed). In other news, because Wisconsin saw Michigan and Illinois again in the Big Ten Tournament, they are not expected to be on the side of the bracket of either of those two teams.
But Sunday’s Selection will be crucial, as the No. 5 seed tentatively lines up with the No. 1 seed of a region in the Sweet Sixteen should both teams make it there, making the draw very important. As we’ve seen in previous years, matchups are everything in the NCAA Tournament. Last year, we saw the Badgers run into a rough matchup with the BYU Cougars, prompting their season to end in the Round of 32 with a 91-89 loss.
This year, let’s see how far this exciting group can go. On an interesting note, Wisconsin’s odds to reach the Final Four shot up this week from +3500 to +1500, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, having the 15th-best odds of any team in the country. But, their sights will start on making it to the second weekend, which the program hasn’t done since 2017.
It all begins on Selection Sunday, with the show set to take place after the Big Ten Championship Game. Here’s how you can watch:
🐰 Werder’s revival over? Defence as chaotic as Thioune’s Looney Tunes
Actually, SV Werder Bremen seemed to be on a good path. Under new coach Daniel Thioune, the approach was right from the start, and in recent games, the results followed as well.
Against 1. FC Heidenheim (2:0) and Union Berlin (4:1), the Green-Whites celebrated two well-deserved wins in a row. The next step towards staying in the league was supposed to follow today against FSV Mainz 05.
But that seems unlikely now! Despite numerous top chances, Werder is now even trailing 0:2.
On both conceded goals, the recently much-improved Bremen defense looked anything but good.
Especially before the second Mainz goal, the chaos in Werder’s back line was much more reminiscent of an episode of the Looney Thiounes than Bundesliga football...
Report: Manchester United ready to meet €100m clause for La Liga attacker
Manchester United Eye Nico Williams Clause as Summer Transfer Plans Take Shape
Manchester United’s recruitment planning ahead of the summer window appears to be gathering pace, with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams emerging as a serious target. Reports from Fichajes suggest the Old Trafford hierarchy are closely monitoring the Spanish international and could be prepared to trigger a sizeable release clause to secure his signature.
Williams has long been regarded as one of the most exciting wide players in European football. Now, with his development accelerating both domestically and internationally, the timing of a potential move is becoming a growing talking point across the continent.
Rising Reputation Across Europe
At just 23, Williams has become a standout figure for Athletic Club. His blend of acceleration, technical quality and direct attacking play has elevated his profile well beyond La Liga. According to the report from Fichajes, “Nico Williams’ future is once again at the centre of the European market.”
That sentiment reflects a wider reality. Williams has been central to Athletic’s attacking threat for several seasons and has steadily improved his output and decision making in the final third. His performances for Spain have also strengthened the perception that he belongs among the continent’s elite attacking talents.
As the original report states, “the Spanish international has established himself as one of the most unbalanced wingers in European football.” In practical terms that means defenders rarely feel comfortable facing him in one on one situations. His pace and willingness to drive forward consistently create openings.
Those attributes inevitably attract attention from clubs seeking dynamism in wide areas.
Photo IMAGO
Manchester United Monitoring Situation Closely
Manchester United are understood to be among the most attentive observers. Fichajes notes that “the English team has been following the player’s evolution for some time and considers that he could be a very important reinforcement for their attack.”
That assessment aligns with United’s broader recruitment needs. The club have lacked consistent penetration from wide positions in recent seasons, something Williams offers in abundance. His direct style, willingness to attack defenders and capacity to stretch defensive lines would fit naturally within the Premier League.
United are also known to prioritise players entering their prime years with further development ahead. The report highlights that “in England they especially value their youth and their room for growth.” Williams fits that description perfectly.
Within recruitment circles, there is also recognition that his tactical maturity continues to evolve. One scout quoted in discussions surrounding the player recently remarked, “When a winger combines elite pace with improved decision making, that is when top clubs begin to move seriously.”
Release Clause Sets Transfer Challenge
Of course, any move would require significant investment. Williams’ contract contains a substantial release clause that protects Athletic Club from losing their star easily.
Fichajes reports that “Nico Williams has a release clause of close to 100 million euros, a very high figure that Athletic Club set to protect one of its most important players.” That valuation reflects both his current impact and projected trajectory.
Athletic’s stance is equally clear. The club historically refuses to negotiate below release clauses for their key players. As the report explains, “Athletic’s philosophy has always been clear: if any team wants to sign one of its key players, they must pay his clause in full.”
For Manchester United, however, the financial demand may not be prohibitive. The club possesses the resources required for such a deal, provided they believe Williams can become a cornerstone of their attacking rebuild.
Should the move develop further in the coming months, the Spanish winger could become one of the defining names of the summer transfer window.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Manchester United perspective, the links to Nico Williams are both exciting and logical. Supporters have spent much of this season watching a side that often struggles to create consistent danger from wide areas. A player with Williams’ profile could change that dynamic quickly.
With Michael Carrick currently guiding the team until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January, there is a sense that the club must make bold attacking additions this summer. Carrick has emphasised quicker transitions and more aggressive wing play, which suits Williams perfectly.
Fans would understandably be drawn to the idea of a winger who thrives in one on one situations. Too often United attacks slow down in the final third. Williams brings speed, direct running and the confidence to beat defenders repeatedly.
The reported clause of around 100 million euros is significant, but supporters will argue that elite attacking talent carries elite prices. If the club truly want to return to competing at the top level, investing in players entering their peak years is essential.
There is also the excitement of what Williams could become in the Premier League. His pace and bravery in possession suggest he would adapt well to the intensity of English football.
From a fan’s viewpoint, the idea is simple. If Manchester United want to rebuild their attacking identity, signing a player like Nico Williams could be a statement that the club are serious about returning to the top.
Nice’s Elye Wahi to represent Côte d’Ivoire at international level
Elye Wahi (23) has begun the process of applying for a biometric passport during a visit to the Consulate General of Côte d’Ivoire in Paris, the authority announced on Facebook.
The forward, who was loaned by Eintracht Frankfurt to OGC Nice this winter, should therefore very soon be able to represent his parents’ country of origin. In which case, given the progress of his application, Wahi could well be part of the squad selected by Émerse Faé to fly to the United States next June, where the Elephants will compete in the World Cup. Drawn in Group E, they will face Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao.
Before that, the 2023 African champions are set to face South Korea and Scotland on 28th and 31st March respectively. All this ahead of a World Cup warm-up match against France on 4 June.
Wahi, who has represented France at various youth levels, could thus be reunited with some of his former teammates.
Watch: Benjamin Sesko scores from close range to put Man United 3-1 up vs Aston Villa
Manchester United have now scored their third goal of the game against Aston Villa through Benjamin Sesko, and they will be confident of wrapping up all three points now.
The Red Devils are fighting for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season, and the win over Aston Villa today could prove to be massive for them. The West Midlands club is pushing for a top-four finish as well.
Manchester United took the lead through Casemiro early in the second half, but they were pegged back by Ross Barkley. Bruno Fernandes unlocked the away defence with an exceptional through ball, which was finished by Mattheus Cunha. The Brazilian has now played a key role in creating the third goal for his team.
Benjamin Sesko makes immediate impact
Sesko took advantage of a ricochet and put the ball in the back of a net, thanks to a deflection.
Manchester United created plenty of opportunities in the first half, and there were questions about whether Michael Carrick should have handed the Slovenian international a start. A clinical number nine could have made a big difference in the box, and Sesko has proven just that by scoring almost immediately after coming on.
Even though reflection played a key part in the goal, the Slovenian decision-making and movement were integral.
Jon Sumrall, who started his coaching career at Troy going 23-4, has spent the past two seasons in the American Athletic Conference with Tulane, where he continued his success.
During his time at Tulane, taking over for a good coach in Willie Fritz, Sumrall led the Green Wave to two straight conference championship games. Following the 2024 season, Tulane lost the game against Army, while in 2025, the team was able to defeat North Texas to win the conference and gain a spot in the FBS playoffs. The playoffs did not go well as Tulane suffered a 41-10 defeat to Ole Miss, but his ability to take over the program and keep it at the top of the conference led him to getting an SEC job at Florida.
A good but not all expected hire by Florida, Sumrall is the second straight Gators coach to come from the Group of Six ranks. This notion left fans weary. That was before hearing his opening press conference changed their minds. Where Billy Napier was an elite recruiter, he lacked SEC ability in game day coaching. He was able to get the recruits who would make up a majority of Sumrall’s first team. He was unable to utilize them to their fullest.
Sumrall, on the other hand, excels on game day and being able to work with the talent in the cupboard left by Napier can only lead to more success than he may have had on a completely dismantled program.
The Gators also brought in significant transfers. The main two being QB Aaron Philo from Georgia Tech who will compete with returning redshirt Freshman Tramell Jones Jr. for the starting position and Eric Singleton, the talented WR from Auburn who will add to the receiving depth on the roster alongside returner Varnell Brown III. But the biggest transfer will be new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner from Georgia Tech who almost led the Yellow Jackets to an ACC title game in 2025. His first course of action after getting hired was to convince Aaron Philo to come with him. He succeeded and if he beats out Jones Jr., he can bring this team back from the dregs.
If he does not beat out Jones, he will be a great mentor for Jones Jr. in learning the offense with which he is already experienced. Either way, Sumrall and his QB selection will be ecstatic to have Jadan Baugh at RB. One of the best freshmen in the country last season, Baugh is set to be one of the best running backs in the country in 2026.
Sumrall, a former linebacker at Kentucky, will have talent to work with. This includes LJ McCray, a five-star recruit who was convinced to return under the new regime. A smart move considering the ability of Sumrall to get the most out of defensive players.
McCray will hope to have a good sophomore season under Sumrall in helping a talented squad hold down opponents while the offense gets their swamp legs.
If the defense can hold up their end of the bargain and the offense under Faulkner can mesh quickly, Florida has the talent and desire to make a push for a berth in the FBS Playoffs following the upcoming season.
With a lot of help from Napier, Sumrall would have accomplished what AD Scott Strickland and Florida hired him to do.
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta has turned into something of a walking double-double these days, and it's beginning to feel like he's a legit candidate for Most Improved Player.
Queta's story in 2025-26 has been one of the best across the NBA, as he's completed the narrative arc of a G League regular to a starting big man for one of the NBA's best teams.
The Athletic's John Hollinger wrote about Queta's rise this week, including a quote from Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla suggesting that Queta's FIBA performances for Portugal over the summer activated a new level for the center.
“(When) he was playing in FIBA this summer, I thought he had a different approach to it. And then, just his growth,” Mazzulla said, per Hollinger. “I think the evolution of his game, but also the evolution of his mindset, taking on the ownership and responsibility of what it means to be the starting center for the Celtics. He takes a lot of pride in that.”
Neemias Queta had his 13th double-double of the season this evening:
Queta is now averaging 10 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for the Celts through 63 games played this season.
Standout recent performances include a career-high 27 points and 17 rebounds against Philadelphia on March 1, 16 points and 15 rebounds versus Dallas on March 6, and, most recently, 24 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Washington on Saturday night.
SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 12: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Cadillac F1 Team walks in the paddock with Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Cadillac F1 Team during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 12, 2026 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Every step along Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey has been a significant milestone for the team, and Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix was no exception.
In just their second race on the grid, Cadillac saw both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez take the checkered flag, with Bottas finishing in P13 and Pérez in P15.
Problems for several other teams helped Cadillac on this day as three drivers — Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Lance Stroll — did not finish the race while four more did not even get to start due to pre-race mechanical problems. But after Cadillac saw Bottas fail to finish the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, both drivers made the full race distance in Shanghai, marking a fresh milestone for F1’s newest team.
“We can be very pleased with that result,” said team principal Graeme Lowdon after the race. “We saw today that the complexity of the new cars has given some experienced teams significant issues, so to get two cars to the finish at the end of our second-ever race weekend is a great achievement for everyone in our team in Indianapolis, Charlotte, Silverstone and Germany.
“More than that, we showed a good step forward in pace and overall performance throughout the weekend and were able to race other teams. It’s been a tough couple of weeks and I am very grateful to everyone in the team for all of their hard work. We can leave this first double-header with our heads held high, confident that we have a really good foundation which we can build on going forward.”
Pérez, who made contact with Bottas shortly after the lights went out, noted that the team should be “proud” given what they have accomplished in such a short time.
“It was a good race today and we can be happy with our performance as a team, getting both cars to the finish in just our second Grand Prix. My race wasn’t straightforward – I had contact with Valtteri at the start, which was on me. I was a bit over-optimistic and didn’t realize he had nowhere to go, which cost me some time,” said the veteran driver. “Then, every time I was closing the gap, I had a couple of issues with energy deployment and ended up losing more than 20 seconds overall. But we should be proud of what we’ve achieved over these two race weekends, and I’m looking forward to building on this at the next race in Japan.”
As for Bottas, he shared the pride noted by his teammate.
“A great result for the team to finish with both cars in P13 and P15 in only our second Grand Prix. It’s not something I expected as other teams had multiple issues across the race. From my side, I had a relatively trouble-free race, which put us in a solid finishing position,” said Bottas. “We were racing and managed to get Aston Martin with some good battles. We’ve clearly made progress in all the areas needed from race one to race two. I’m really proud of this team as we’re heading in the right direction, but we know there’s still work to do.”
Cadillac, along with the rest of the grid, will be back in action in two weeks at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Alex Matthews has now scored four tries in the Premiership Women's Rugby season [Getty Images]
Premiership Women's Rugby
Saracens (14) 17
Tries: Apps, Hardy. Cons: Harrison (2). Pen: Harrison
Gloucester-Hartpury (12) 22
Tries: Matthews (3), Dallavalle. Cons: George
Unbeaten Gloucester-Hartpury came from behind to snatch a dramatic win over Saracens and return to the top of the Premiership Women's Rugby table.
Alex Matthews grabbed a hat-trick, with the number eight's third try in the closing stages clinching a bonus point for the defending champions at the Stone X Stadium.
Saracens were a player down for the last seven minutes after Marlie Packer was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.
With four matches of their league campaign remaining, Gloucester's victory put them four points clear of second-placed Saracens - who have played a game more - and secured home advantage in the semi-finals at the end of the season.
The hosts led 14-12 at the break following tries from Liv Apps and Emma Hardy, but could only add a Zoe Harrison penalty after the break despite playing with a strong breeze at their backs.
Apps raced in under the posts early on, but the scrum-half was substituted in the first half following a cut to the head.
Hardy finished off a superb Sarries move that started in their own half to put them ahead again, after Matthews had picked up off a scrum for the first of her treble.
Her second try was a repeat of her first, but her side trailed after Lleucu George missed her drop-kick conversion attempt, the ball having been blown off the kicking tee with the shot clock winding down.
Hannah Dallavalle's try near the corner after 64 minutes put Gloucester ahead for the first time, before a Zoe Harrison penalty levelled the game at 17-17.
But Packer's error, which she immediately acknowledged, put Saracens under mounting pressure and Matthews barged over from a ruck at close range for the try that secured a bonus point for the three-time champions.
Saracens were not done, though, and were threatening the try-line when Gloucester-Hartpury stole their throw in their own 22 with 80 minutes up on the clock.
The Miami Dolphins made some big decisions this offseason in a bid to improve.
The team moved on from Tua Tagovailoa and replaced the longtime starter with Malik Willis. Willis received a three-year. $67.5 million deal to be the team's franchise signal-caller.
There's reason to be excited about Willis, but the Dolphins need to surround him with more talent. Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is no longer around, and there's not much to be excited about at the tight end spot either.
As a result, Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports thinks the Dolphins will add a former Pro Bowl tight end to the roster. Dajani believes David Njoku would be a perfect fit in Miami and a solid target for Willis.
Regarding that possible pairing, Dajani offered the following analysis:
Njoku turns 30 this summer, but he was a productive and athletic pass catcher for the Browns for years. He made the Pro Bowl in 2023 after catching 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns. Njoku's 384 career receptions rank third in Browns history, his 4,062 yards receiving rank 12th and his 34 receiving touchdowns rank sixth.
The Miami Dolphins offense is going to look very different with Malik Willis replacing Tua Tagovailoa, and Njoku would provide a versatile security blanket for a young quarterback who is getting his first shot to be a full-time starter.
As Dajani mentioned, Njoku has a Pro Bowl selection under his belt and is one of the best pass-catchers in Browns history. Considering the tight end will turn 30 this summer, he also shouldn't force the Dolphins to break the bank.
In 2025, Njoku played in 12 games and caught 33 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns. The veteran has ended with at least 500 receiving yards in four separate seasons and made the Pro Bowl in 2023.
The Dolphins did re-sign Greg Dulcich and add Ben Sims in free agency, but neither tight end has ever been a primary receiving option. Njoku would be a perfect security blanket for Willis and would take some pressure off of Jaylen Waddle.
Khing Thibodeaux is one of the top defensive linemen in the 2027 recruiting class and a key target for the Florida State Seminoles. They have been recruiting him for over a year now, and they are one of several schools prioritizing him.
“Florida State, Colorado and Mississippi State have been making me feel like a priority,” he told Sam Spiegelman of Rivals.
He has several visits set with FSU coming up as they look to separate from the competetion, he has an unofficial visit for April 13 per Spiegelman and will return to Tallahassee on June 19 for an official visit. He also has an official visit with the Colorado Buffaloes.
Thibodeaux is ranked as the No. 270 overall player and No. 34 defensive lineman in the Rivals industry ranking. The Garland native is also the No. 36 player from Texas. He explained why FSU is standing out in his recruitment.
“Florida State has been consistently in touch with my family and me since I was a sophomore and they’re making me feel like it’s a family bond between us,” he said.
He had a productive junior season at Lakeview Centennial High School, starring on defense and also making plays on offense. He finished the year with 75 tackles, 11.0 sacks, 20.0 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback pressures, and four forced fumbles. He also caught six passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
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Andretti Global’s Max Taylor pulled off a dramatic late pass to claim his first-ever Indy NXT win at the Grand Prix of Arlington.
After starting fourth, Taylor snagged the race lead with less than two minutes remaining in the 30-minute timed race, crossing the finish line 1.8925s ahead of Enzo Fittipaldi in the #67 HMD Motorsports entry.
“Oh, I wanted it with every ounce of my body,” Taylor said. “I mean, I had to fight for it. That was some hard racing out there, but this track just creates such good racing.
“Absolutely incredible to drive around here and, yeah, to make some moves out there. It was a lot of fun. A lot of carnage happening, but we were able to show our pace. Missing qualifying yesterday, but we definitely didn't miss it today.”
Fittpaldi, who led the majority of what ended up being 15 laps, had mixed emotions finishing second.
“Yeah, it was hard racing,” Fittipaldi said. “I love to race hard and that's what I love about, you know, racing here in the States. It's raw racing and I really enjoy that. We had some good battles out there. Unfortunately, we came home second. I think we were leading most of the race there.
“I'm just a bit frustrated with the result, but super happy at the same time, you know, first podium of the season. And you know, we had a tough start at St. Pete with that mistake in qualifying, and I'm just happy to bounce back here and be able to be fighting at the front.”
Tymek Kucharczyk, driving the #71 HMD Motorsports machine, finished third on the 2.73-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit.
Juan Manuel Correa (Cusick Morgan Motorsport) and Lochie Hughes (Andretti Global) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
The Race
Chaos struck right out of the gate as Jack Beeton jumped the start from fifth as the field got stacked up at the alternate start line on the backstretch, which resulted in Colin Kaminsky being forced out and punted into the outside wall.
A delayed yellow then saw pole-sitter Alessandro de Tullio hit in the right-rear by Tymek Kucharczyk, sending de Tullio off course in Turn 10 and falling to 22nd.
The caution finally came out, and upon further review Race Control deemed Beeton was penalized for jumping the start and forced to drop to the back of the field. As a result, Fittipaldi assumed the race lead.
The race restarted with just over 16 minutes left, with Fittipaldi breaking away from Kucharczyk, who was under review for his earlier contact on de Tullio. Kucharczyk began to close on Fittipaldi, with third-place man Taylor holding serve 1s behind.
After an extended review, Race Control deemed no action was required on the earlier contact between Kucharczyk and de Tullio.
With 11 minutes to go, Kucharczyk began to hound Fittipalid for the race lead, popping out on the backstretch but unable to complete the pass. It became a three-horse race as Taylor joined in the battle. Kucharczyk passed Fittipaldi at the inside of Turn 9. Fittipaldi fought back and reclaimed the lead in the following corner as Taylor nearly took it three-wide.
Taylor pulled off a late dive on Kucharczyk in Turn 14 and took second. Kucharczyk then came under attack by Correa, but held serve.
Fittipaldi held a 1s lead on Taylor when the caution with six minutes remaining after Andretti Global’s Josh Pierson was stopped on course in Turn 2 after contact with HMD’s Salvador de Alba.
The restart came with roughly 3 minutes, 38 seconds left as Fittipaldi pulled away from Taylor, but there was contact in the back of the field that resulted in de Alba spinning. Fortunately, de Alba got back going and the race stayed green.
Taylor got under Fittipaldi on the exit of Turn 11 and took the lead with less than two minutes to go. Fittpaldi continued to stalk the leader, with Kucharczyk right in the thick of the fight and ready to pounce if the top two made a mistake.
With a clean race track ahead, Taylor was able to inch away from his rivals and secure the first win of this Indy NXT career, ahead of Fittipaldi and Kucharczyk.
Team Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata announced that he will step down from his position after the World Baseball Classic.
Japan was eliminated from the WBC on Saturday with an 8-5 loss to Venezuela in the tournament quarterfinals. Samurai Japan built a 5-2 lead after three innings, powered by home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Shota Morishita.
However, Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia and Wilyer Abreu each hit home runs in the surprising comeback victory. Garcia’s two-run shot cut the deficit to one run and Abreu’s three-run blast in the sixth inning was the decisive blow, giving Venezuela a 7-5 lead.
Ibata, managing in his first WBC, made a questionable decision, as pointed out by Yahoo Sports’ Jake Mintz. The manager opted for soft-throwing left-hander Chihiro Sumida to replace starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the fifth inning. Sumida gave up Garcia’s homer, allowing Venezuela to get back into the game.
TWO-RUN HOMER FOR MAIKEL GARCIA AND IT'S A ONE RUN GAME!
Two of Japan’s best pitchers were unavailable for the WBC. Yuki Matsui suffered a groin injury during spring training with the San Diego Padres and Tatsuya Imai opted to prepare for the 2026 season with the Houston Astros.
An uncharacteristic error by Japan led to Venezuela’s eighth run. In the eighth inning, pitcher Atsuki Taneichi attempted to pick Ezequiel Tovar off second base, but his high throw went into center field and Tovar came around to score.
The ball is thrown into centerfield and it's now 8-5 Venezuela!
Following the game, Ibata said the other countries competing in the WBC have gotten better, making Japan’s path to another championship more difficult.
“I know we lost this time, but Team Japan — I would hope Japan would get better next time,” Ibata said. “I will hope Team Japan will win next time.”
Ibata took over as manager for Samurai Japan three years ago, succeeding Hideki Kuriyama, who managed the 2023 WBC champions. Prior to managing Team Japan, he was a coach on the national team staff and spent three years as a coach with the Yomiuri Giants.
As the defending WBC champions (and a three-time winner overall) and a roster that included four-time MVP Ohtani and World Series MVP Yamamoto with six other players currently playing in Major League Baseball, the Japanese were expected to play for the championship again this year.
Instead, Samurai Japan will have its worst finish in its WBC history, having reached the semifinals in all five of the previous tournaments.
Raphinha pulls off unique penalty feat not seen in a decade 🎯
When big moments arrive, it's crucial that the big stars can convert their opportunities.
Following Real Madrid's emphatic 4-1 win over Elche on Saturday, Barcelona needed to ensure things went their way on Sunday to maintain a four-point advantage in LaLiga.
So, only nine minutes into the clash with Sevilla, Raphinha made the most of his chance. And he did so in some style.
Barcelona were awarded a penalty, to which the Brazilian scored a cheeky Panenka beyond Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Then, roughly 10 minutes later, a handball in the box and a little help from VAR awarded the home side yet another spot-kick.
The in-form Brazilian once again grabbed the ball and this time opted to send the ball low and into the bottom left corner, to which Vlachodimos chose correctly but couldn't get a hand on it.
This means Raphinha is the sixth Barcelona player to score two penalties in a single LaLiga game in the 21st century and first in a decade (Patrick Kluivert in 2002, Samuel Eto’o in 2005, Lionel Messi 2012 [twice] and 2014, Neymar in 2015 and Luis Suárez in 2016.).
According to Golf Digest, Thorbjornsen has a chance to join a small group of pros if he wins on Sunday.
“Contending in your Players debut is rare,” Golf Digest’s Joel Beall wrote. “In 52 years, only Hal Sutton and Craig Perks have managed it, names that now occupy a very specific and exclusive ledger.”
On Sunday, Michael Thorbjornsen has a chance to do something that's only happened twice before.
Sutton won the first of his two Players Championship titles in 1983 on the way to winning the money title and player of the year honors. Perks claimed the 2002 Players, his only PGA Tour win, when he covered the final three holes in nine strokes — and just one putt.
Ultimately, it comes as no surprise Thorbjornsen has felt right at home at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course. He and Aberg call TPC their home course.
Michael Thorbjornsen plays his tee shot to the 17th hole during the third round of The Players Championship. | Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
Thorbjornsen’s hometown is Wellesley, Massachusetts, but he lives about 15 miles from the course and practices there regularly. Thorbjornsen played collegiate golf for the Stanford Cardinal, while Aberg competed for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
“He’s a great guy. I love playing golf with him,” Thorbjornsen said of Aberg, per Golf Digest. “He was one of the guys in college that I looked up to, even though he’s only one year older than me. Very solid, very solid player.”
The final round of The Players Championship will be televised on NBC and Peacock beginning at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
The New York Jets have added a ton of help to the defensive side of the ball through the first week of free agency, but they now need to focus on offense.
With Dylan Parham rounding out the offensive line at left guard, and Geno Smith taking over as the starting quarterback, there is one position the Jets need to address: wide receiver.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, amid a likely plan to target a WR in the 2026 NFL Draft, linked the Jets to two free agent wide receivers, both formerly with the Arizona Cardinals, as possible bargain-bin options to fill their WR need this offseason.
Jets linked to ex-Cardinals WRs to fill biggest need
"They will wait to see if anyone interesting falls through the cracks at minimal cost," Rosenblatt writes, "someone of the Darnell Mooney, Christian Kirk, or Marquise Brown ilk would be interesting - but more likely they'll try to find someone in the NFL Draft."
Of the three options Rosenblatt listed, Darnell Mooney has already signed, joining the New York Giants on a one-year, $10 million deal.
But adding one of Marquise Brown or Christian Kirk would make a ton of sense for the Jets this offseason. And if they're cheaper bargain-bin free agent additions, it makes even more sense.
Kirk is 29 years old and coming off a lackluster season for the Houston Texans across 13 games as a backup receiver. He caught 28 passes on 58 targets for 239 yards and one touchdown. It was the worst year of his eight-year NFL career.
Brown, on the other hand, caught 49 passes on 74 targets for 597 yards and five touchdowns for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025. It wasn't a bad season, as the 28-year-old veteran was a solid contributor for the Chiefs despite their shaky offense.
Of these two free-agent wide receivers, Kirk is the far more realistic one for the Jets. He's coming off the worst year of his NFL career and should be very affordable to sign for the Jets.
And with wide receivers like Jauan Jennings, Tyreek Hill, and Stefon Diggs still available, Kirk will be overlooked by most teams in free agency.
Brown might draw more interest as his 2025 wasn't terrible, but even he could get lackluster offers and become a realistic target for the Jets.
Rosenblatt makes it well-known that the Jets are not going to overspend at the WR position in free agency. But if a receiver's market dips, and they become a bargain, the Jets will be a very likely option.
While there are plenty of interesting free agents out there still, Brown and Kirk are the two the Jets are linked to by Rosenblatt that are worth keeping an eye on.
NORTH PORT, FL - MARCH 14: A general view of a baseball cap and glove of the Atlanta Braves sits on the field prior to the spring training game between the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves on March 14, 2026 at CoolToday Park in North Port, FL. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
JR Ritchie was slated to start today’s game, but instead, Jose Suarez gets the start, with Ritchie set to get some work later in the game. Taijuan Walker will take the mound for Philly, coming off of a rough two seasons and looking to bounce back in a contract year.
The Braves are running out the quad-A lineup, while the Phillies are starting a number of their regulars. You can see the lineups below.
You can watch today’s game on MLB Network or MLBTV at 1:05 PM ET.
Join us and discuss today’s game in the comments below!
Build Your Winning Bracket!
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)
VCU took care of Saint Joseph’s in the second Atlantic 10 semifinal, but the Rams need to beat Dayton this afternoon to be assured of a bid. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Don’t expect the final version of this bracket to differ too much from what I release before the Selection Show. For a time on Saturday afternoon, it looked like we might have a new No. 1 seed in the South, thanks to Florida’s no-show against Vanderbilt. But both Houston and UConn lost in their respective title games, with the Huskies’ loss to St. John’s being particularly gnarly. So, we have the same four top seeds as in yesterday’s projection. The Gators’ “reward,” however, is being paired with second-seeded Houston in the Cougars’ backyard for a potential South Regional final. And you can bet Kelvin Sampson’s team will be amped for that possibility.
After reviewing the Cut Line profiles and learning that B.J. Edwards would be available for the postseason for SMU, I moved the Mustangs back into the field, replacing San Diego State following the Aztecs’ loss to Utah State in the Mountain West final. The Ponies are the penultimate team in, so it’s Texas who could drop out should Dayton win the Atlantic 10 title and the Committee see fit to keep VCU in.
More on that in today’s TV preview, which follows the second-to-last bracket projection of 2026.
NOTES:
Changes since Saturday’s bracket are noted with (★) for new entrants, (▲) for teams moving up one or more seed lines, and (▼) for teams moving down one or more seed lines.
Teams that have clinched auto bids are in ALL CAPS BOLD.
The highest-remaining seed in an active conference tournament holds its auto bid.
(4) ST. JOHN’S (Big East) ★(13) CALIFORNIA BAPTIST (WAC)
Portland (Thurs./Sat.)
(6) BYU (11) South Florida (American)
(3) GONZAGA (WCC) ▼(14) NORTH DAKOTA STATE (Summit)
St. Louis (Fri./Sun.)
(7) UTAH STATE (MW) ▲(10) Texas A&M
(2) Purdue (15) IDAHO (Big Sky)
Rundown
Last Four Byes: Saint Louis, Miami (Ohio), NC State, Texas A&M Last Four IN: Santa Clara, Missouri, SMU, Texas First Four OUT: San Diego State, Oklahoma, Auburn, Indiana Next Four Out: New Mexico, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, Stanford Also Considered: Cincinnati, West Virginia, California, Florida State, Dayton, USC, Tulsa, Nevada
ARRIVALS (5): California Baptist (WAC), Hawai’i (Big West), Kennesaw State (CUSA), Prairie View A&M (SWAC), SMU
DEPARTURES: Louisiana Tech (CUSA), San Diego State, Southern (SWAC), UC Irvine (Big West), Utah Valley (WAC)
(3) Penn (17-11, 9-5) vs. (1) Yale (24-5, 11-3), 12 (ESPN2)
The Bulldogs defeated the Quakers twice, but Penn’s visit to New Haven on February 21st only resulted in a 74-70 Yale win. While the Bulldogs are likely to be a 12 seed with a win, a Quaker victory would result in some shuffling between lines 12 and 15.
The Rams really needed Saint Louis to beat the Flyers yesterday. A loss to the Billikens would have been more helpful to VCU’s at-large case than a potential one to Anthony Grant’s current team. Now, Phil Martelli Jr.‘s club could find themselves frozen out with a loss today.
In Saturday’s first semifinal, it was the Commodores who looked more like national title contenders than the very off Gators. Can they repeat that performance against the Razorbacks? Arkansas needed OT to knock Ole Miss out of the bid thief race. As you can see above, I moved the ‘Dores up to a 3 seed and the Hogs to a 4 heading into this afternoon’s showdown. The loser might see themselves drop down a seed line. But since it is a Selection Sunday afternoon game, who knows.
(2) Wichita State (22-10, 13-5) vs. (1) South Florida (24-8, 15-3), 3:15 (ESPN)
While it feels like it’s been forever since the Shockers made the field, it’s only been five years since their appearance in the COVID-affected 2021 Tournament’s First Four. The Bulls, on the other hand, last qualified in 2012, when they reached the Second Round out of Dayton. USF last won a conference tournament title in 1990—when they were in the eight-team Sun Belt of that era.
Bryan Hodgson’s club is the last 11 seed in this bracket. Paul Mills’s squad might very well be in the same spot with a win given the late tip in Birmingham.
The goal puts Manchester United 2-1 up against Aston Villa, and they will be hoping to hold their advantage this time. Both teams are fighting for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season, and Manchester United will not want to drop points against the West Midlands club.
A win here could be a huge boost for Manchester United in their pursuit of Champions League football, and it remains to be seen whether they can preserve the lead until the end of the game.
Manchester United opened the scoring through Casemiro, but Aston Villa picked them back through Ross Barkley. The home side has now managed to unlock the Aston Villa defence once again with an exceptional ball from Bruno Fernandes.
Cunha, who has otherwise had a quiet game against Aston Villa so far, managed to make the most of the opportunity with his clinical finishing when his team needed it most.
Report: Chelsea ready to pay €45m for Ligue 1 midfielder, it’s not Valentin Barco
Chelsea have made it clear to French side Lens they want to sign midfielder Mamadou Sangare in the summer according to reports.
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The Blues were quiet in January and didn’t do any business, but they’re expected to be busy this summer with a number of positions needing to be filled
Chelsea are reportedly still in the market for a centre back, whilst they are also said to be looking for a midfielder and an attacker.
Chelsea want to sign Mamadou Sangare
The Blues are said to have made midfield a priority with the club looking to lessen the burden on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
Africa Foot have reported the Blues have expressed an interest in Len midfielder Sangare with a view to making a move in summer 2027.
The report adds the Blues are considering making an offer of €45m for the Mali international, but Lens would like to keep him for one more year.
Tottenham, Manchester United, West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to be interested, whilst it’s believed clubs from Saudi Arabia have also enquired.
Sangare has made 31 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing three assists, with Lens sitting just a point behind PSG at the top of Ligue 1.
Chelsea need a new centre back
Whilst a midfielder appears to be on the radar for the summer, a more pressing issue is at centre back, with the Blues in desperate need of reinforcements.
Chelsea missed out on Jeremy Jacquet to Liverpool, and have really struggled defensively this season, and managed just three clean sheets in the last 14 games.
Levi Colwill’s return will help, but Chelsea need a top quality starting level player to help ease their defensive problems.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
TEMPE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 21: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the dugout before the spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on February 21, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have both been well represented throughout the ongoing World Baseball Classic tournament as both teams gear up to battle for a National League pennant next season.
On the Dodgers’ side, star players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Will Smith have been participating in the WBC. And Cubs fans have had the chance to see Pete Crow-Armstrong and Daniel Palencia represent their respective countries as well.
But following a quarterfinals matchup between Team Japan and Team Venezuela, Cubs fans received an ominous update on star slugger Seiya Suzuki courtesy of the Dodgers’ franchise player.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Offers Chicago Cubs Fans A Seiya Suzuki Injury Update
"He hasn’t had any imaging done yet so right now it's just based on how he feels,'' Shohei Ohtani told the press after Team Japan’s loss in the matchup, which included Suzuki limping off the field following a steal attempt in the first inning, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. "I'm just hoping it turns out to be something positive and that it won't affect his season.”
Significant injuries to star players have occurred in the international tournament before and Ohtani’s update seemed to leave the door open to that possibility. And an impact on Suzuki’s upcoming season with the Cubs would be a significant loss for the team.
He slugged 32 home runs last year and played more than 150 games for the first time in his big-league career. Another productive and healthy season from Suzuki would go a long way in the Cubs’ hopes for a deeper postseason run next season.
In the immediate aftermath of the play, some Cubs fans likely feared that Suzuki had suffered a significant injury. He struggled to walk off the field under his own power but the team has not issued a clear update as of this writing. Initially, it indicated that he was managing knee “discomfort.”
Team Japan Loses Chicago Cubs Outfielder Seiya Suzuki In World Baseball Classic Injury
“Suzuki, who was thrown out to end the inning, limped off the field with a trainer and had difficulty walking down the dugout steps,” Jorge Castillo reported for ESPN. “Team Japan said during the game that Suzuki is still being evaluated.”
Team Japan’s loss to Team Venezuela was a surprising one after Ohtani’s team came in as the tournament’s defending champion. Team Japan has never before been eliminated prior to the WBC semifinals and this iteration had gone undefeated in pool play.
Team Venezuela is now set to play Team Italy next week for a chance at a championship game against either Team USA or Team Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Team Japan’s run is over and Suzuki will be hoping to return to a diamond as soon as possible.
Spurred by the ability to sell pieces of teams to private-equity funds, plenty of NFL owners have been converting slivers of equity into stacks of cash. Most recently, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross sold one percent of his team at a $12.5 billion valuation.
The lone publicly-owned franchise could be at risk of being left behind.
In a recent interview with Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, Packers president and CEO Ed Policy expressed concern that the Packers are at a disadvantage when it comes to the increasing flow of money that the 31 other franchises are in position to capture.
“If you think about, any other team, they’ve got deep-pocketed owners, most of them are worth significantly more than that, and they could sell less than 10% of their team, give up no controlling interest, and raise a heck of a lot more than that,” Policy told Fischer.
That forces Policy to find ways to generate more revenue for the Packers — with a stadium naming-rights deal possibly inching toward being on the table.
“We’re soon to be the only stadium without naming rights,” Policy said. “That’s not a threshold we’re looking to cross any time soon, but we might be a little more aggressive with some of the other entitlement inventory we just hadn’t taken advantage of in the past, including things like training facility entitlements and the Titletown campus."
Still, it sounds as if Lambeau Field presented by Google, or something truly jaunty like Fontainebleu Lambeau Field, could be coming, sooner or later.
One way to raise money is to raise ticket prices. This year, face values for Packers home games are rising by three to 11 percent. And there's more meat on the bone, given the basic realities of supply and demand.
“Despite the fact that we are probably a top-three team in terms of demand, we are middle of the pack in terms of price,” Policy said.
That's the team's biggest selling point. No effort is needed to sell tickets to games. The massive, six-figure waiting list shows that the price point is too low.
Ultimately, the Packers may have no choice but to make the game-day experience more expensive. As franchise values go up and up and as the people who buy teams become richer and richer, the Packers could be running out of options to compete with the oligarchs who collect sports franchises as part of the broader competition to get more.
For now, it's not a crisis. Policy wants to be sure that doesn't happen.
“Finance and economics really don’t play into our football decision-making right now, and it’s my job to ensure that it never does," Policy told Fischer. "Given the pace that the expenses have accelerated over the past few years, if we find ourselves falling behind, it’s going to be really hard to catch up. So, we have to keep ourselves in a position where we’re not falling behind.”
A cynic would see this as a part of the potential plan by owners to overhaul the cap system in the next round of labor negotiations. Especially since the Packers still emerged from their most recent fiscal year with a profit of $83.7 million.
If that number starts to drop, it could be a problem. Then again, the Packers can always sell more stock to folks who'd like to put an ownership certificate in a frame, right next to the spot where they hang their cheeseheads.
While the Miami Dolphins front office and coaching staff are bringing in players to try to build the roster for the 2026 season, the players who are already here are enjoying their offseasons.
That includes wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was spotted at an amateur fight promotion, where the headline fight was between rapper Blueface and streamer Chibu Dunga.
Before the fights, Waddle was interviewed on the promotion's version of a red carpet and was asked if he'd consider fighting someday. While Waddle was thinking of someone to fight, a former teammate came to his mind.
"Pat Surtain, I would beat the [expletive] out of him. I'd beat the dog [expletive] out of him," Waddle said (video is explicit and NSFW). "There are a lot more people, but that's just top of my mind. I'd beat the dog [expletive] out of bro."
Miami's wide receiver and Denver's cornerback spent all three years together at Alabama from 2018-20 before going their separate ways in the NFL. There's no doubt that Waddle's joking here, but it honestly might be a good fight to see.
Inter Milan 1-1 Atalanta – Netherlands Star ‘Shows How Much Inter Missed Him’ Despite Blame For La Dea Equaliser
Denzel Dumfries made his long-awaited return to the Inter Milan starting lineup against Atalanta and gave an immediate reminder of his quality, though his afternoon was inevitably overshadowed by the controversial circumstances surrounding Atalanta’s equaliser.
The Dutchman’s last start had come on November 9th against Lazio, and his impact on Esposito’s opening goal was the clearest possible signal of what Inter had been missing.
“The dominance with which he wins the duel with Kolasinac for the 1-0 is proof of how much Inter have missed him.”
Inter 1-1 Atalanta – Dumfries Return Welcomed Despite Involvement In Equaliser
It was the kind of powerful, direct contribution that Luis Henrique, for all his effort, has been unable to replicate consistently in his absence.
Gazzetta dello Sport were equally appreciative of his return while noting the complexity of his role in the equaliser.
“He protects the decisive ball poorly, but aside from that, a fine comeback. He gets into the goal, attacks the area. Quite different from Luis Henrique.”
The suggestion of a push on Dumfries before he went to ground remains the subject of fierce debate, with multiple analysts arguing the contact was sufficient for a foul.
The Italian media were unanimous in their rating, a 6 across all five outlets, reflecting a player who delivered enough to justify his selection while being unable to escape the controversy that defined the closing stages.
WATCH: Raphinha scores two early penalties as Barcelona take control against Sevilla
Barcelona will restore their four-point lead in the La Liga title race if they defeat Sevilla, and they are on course to do so after scoring twice early on at the Spotify Camp Nou on the day of their presidential election.
Hansi Flick opted not to make too many changes to the side that started in Newcastle in midweek, although one of those saw Lamine Yamal drop to the bench. So far, Barcelona have not missed him, as they have struck the opening goal inside 10 minutes.
Joao Cancelo’s driving run into the penalty area was illegally stopped by Djibril Sow, and that allowed Raphinha to step up and score from 12 yards.
10 minutes later, Barcelona have been awarded another penalty. Cancelo was again involved, as his dribble was stopped by the arm of Jose Angel Carmona, and that has allowed Raphinha to score his second of the afternoon.
With Lamine Yamal on the bench, Raphinha was entrusted with both spot-kicks, and he made no mistake on each occasion. The Brazilian has been goal-shy in recent weeks, as these are only his fourth and fifth in his last 12 appearances, but they will give him confidence to add to his tally before full time.
Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters absolutely knocked the ball out of the park during the first week of free agency, setting Washington up with very few needs heading into the draft this April. Peters’ 2026 free agent acquisitions were in stark contrast to his first two seasons in D.C. where he handed out very few three-/four-year deals and signed a lot of veteran players who were at, or over, 30 years old.
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of the signings, I first can’t state enough how critically important it was for Washington to have a transforming offseason. This roster, as it stood heading into the new league year, was one of the oldest and slowest in the entire league. By adding the pieces he did, combining both an infusion of youth and athleticism, Adam has once again restored hope to this fanbase.
“Old” in the NFL is synonymous with slow. Last year’s oldest team just got a lot younger/faster:
DE Odafe Oweh – 27 (4.36) CB Amik Robertson – 28 (4.45) LB Leo Chenal – 25 (4.53) TE Chig Okonkwo – 26 (4.52) S Nick Cross – 24 (4.34) DT Tim Settle – 29 DE K'Lavon Chaisson – 27
Adam did an incredible job addressing Washington’s many needs and filling them with young, impact free agents on deals that made sense for the future of the organization.
Odafe Oweh (27) EDGE: 4 yrs/$100M
The former first-round pick out of Penn State is coming off 7.5 sacks in just 12 games (2 starts) with the Chargers after he was traded there by Baltimore early in the 2025 season. He profiles best as a stand-up EDGE where he can use his incredible burst and secondary moves to disrupt the passer. At age 27, he’s in his prime and his best days could be ahead of him after he got off to a relatively slow start during his first three seasons with the Ravens.
Back in 2021 Odafe Oweh absolutely smashed the RAS score. Adam Peters has a type pic.twitter.com/nJ86VCi8hb
The 6’3” 238-pound former Terrapin joins Washington as one of the best, young MOVE tight ends in the league. He has not missed a game during his first four years in the league (all with the Titans), and despite inconsistent (and sometimes downright BAD quarterback play), he amassed 194 total receptions for 2017 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s not a good in-line blocker but Washington has that already in John Bates, so Chig will be used from the slot to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties with his 4.5 speed and exceptional RAC ability.
Washington desperately needed an upgrade at linebacker and they got just that with the 25-year-old Chenal. The 6’3” 250 pounder plays like a throwback linebacker from the 1990’s but has the athleticism of today’s NFL centerpiece. He never saw more than a 60% snap share in Kansas City and he wasn’t known for his coverage, but there is no better in the game today at stacking and shedding blocks at the point of attack, and he’s excelled as a blitzer – something Daronte Jones likes from his off-the-ball linebackers. I do think Chenal can be effective as a three-down linebacker if he’s not asked to do too much in coverage, however he’s shown good improvement since his rookie year in zone drops and spying running backs out of the backfield. He’s another player who hasn’t even touched his immense potential.
Leo Chenal was drafted with pick 103 of round 3 in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 9.99 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 3 out of 2410 LB from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/unnXwkfpiT#RASpic.twitter.com/pPAYfWdtih
Settle joins Washington for his second stent after being drafted by the team in the 5th round in 2018. He’s been listed anywhere between 308-323 and can play as a 0, 1, 3 or 4i technique. It feels like he’s been in the league forever, but he’ll only be 29 in July. He looks to be Washington’s primary nose tackle when Jones uses one but can play up and down the defensive line.
Amik Robertson (27) CB: 2yrs/16M
Robertson brings both grit and experience to Washington’s back end. Despite his 5’9” 187-pound frame, “Mik” is a dog who has inside/outside versatility and will give Jones a much-needed chess-piece to move around his secondary. He’s coming off a bit of a down year which saw him allow career highs in yards allowed and touchdowns, but he’s still very much in his prime and should be a vital piece to this revamped secondary.
Amik Robertson is a real dawg! I gotta give him his flowers 1 of only 2 cornerbacks in the entire NFL listed at 5”8. This guy makes big time plays vs the best of the best! S/o to Mik! #ARTpic.twitter.com/Pd3Cze8nCq
Cross is an intriguing safety prospect who excels near the box as a run defender but has the speed (4.34 40) and athleticism to be an impact player all over the back-end. At 6’0” 212, the Bowie, MD native who grew up a Redskins fan, has started all 17 games the past two seasons in Indy and has eclipsed 120 total tackles both years, recording a career best 146 tackles (six for a loss), three interceptions and a sack in 2024. His best football lies ahead of him, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts together a Pro Bowl-type season in 2026.
Nick Cross tied for the most run stops resulting in an unsuccessful offensive play among safeties last season with 33.
Chaisson is a bit different than the others on this list. Although he signed a one-year contract, he’s getting paid like a starter and may indeed be one depending on what Washington does in the draft and how Armstrong’s knee is progressing.
Charles Omenihu (28) DL: 1yr/4M+incentives
Dyami Brown (26) WR: 1yr/3M
Rachaad White (27) RB: 1yr/2M+incentives
Jerome Ford (26) RB
Van Jefferson (29) WR
Re-signing Vets:
Marcus Mariota
Chris Paul
Treylon Burks
Deatrich Wise
Andrew Wylie
Drake Jackson
Trent Scott
Shy Tuttle
Tress Way
Jake Moody
Because of the amazing work Peters did in free agency, Washington can now head into the NFL Draft with much less holes to fill, leaving their pick at number seven open to many different options.
Could still use an upgrade at pick #7:
WR: Despite adding Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson, the Commanders are still without a number two to compliment Terry McLaurin. It’s been widely speculated for quite some time that Brandon Aikuk will be joining the team once released by the 49ers, but John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan are being petty and supposedly are in no hurry to release him – instead holding out for a late-round draft pick (which will never come).
Draft Options:
Jordan Tyson 6’2” 203 Arizona St.
Carnell Tate 6’2” 192 Ohio St.
Makai Lemon 5’11” 192 USC
EDGE: Washington added Oweh on a four-year deal, but the rest of their free agent moves at the position were just one-year deals. Veteran Dorance Armstrong is entering the final year of his three-year contract he signed in 2024, and there are question marks surrounding his knee.
Draft Options:
David Bailey 6’3” 251 Texas Tech
Arvell Reese 6’4” 241 Ohio St.
CB: Second-year corner Trey Amos looks to be Washington’s top man, but there remain question marks around Mike Sainristil and his ability to be effective on the outside. Peters didn’t make any big swings in free agency, so there could be room for a top corner to be added in the draft.
Draft Options:
Mansoor Delane 5’11 3/4 187 LSU
RB: Bill Croskey-Merritt appears to be RB1, with White and Ford as reserves, however, if the right opportunity presents itself for the Commanders to upgrade the position, there is not a back on the roster that should prevent them from doing s0.
Draft Options:
Jeremiyah Love 6’0” 212 Notre Dame
S: Nick Cross was a great young signing, but veteran Will Harris, who turned 30 in December, is entering the last year of his contract, and Quan Martin was benched late last season for poor play.
Draft Options:
Caleb Downs 5’11 5/8” 206 Ohio St.
LB: Washington has some nice young options on this team with Chenal, Magee, Medrano and Kaho, and still has one more year with Frankie Luvu under contract. That doesn’t mean they could look for another piece come April.
Draft Options:
Sonny Styles 6’5” 243 Ohio St.
Being that most of the glaring holes on this team have been filled with young, ascending talent via free agency, Washington will have the opportunity to sit back and watch the first six picks play out without panicking. If the right player falls to them at pick number seven, they can pull the trigger. If a great trade-back opportunity presents itself, they could drop back a few spots and see if they can recoup the second rounder they gave up in the Laremy Tunsil trade.
I wanted to look at some possible trade-back scenarios so I ran a few mocks
Rams wanted to move up for Tyson and offered #13, 61 and 93. Both Bailey and Love were gone.
IMO – McCoy is the best CB in the draft (missed ‘25 with injury). Hurst, Sutton andSingleton are RAS freaks. pic.twitter.com/5NQllgvVtN
Whatever the decision is in round one, Adam Peters has done a heck of job so far this offseason setting his team up for future success, and unlike his past two offseasons, this one really has the potential to be special.
Not only was James Crole "over the moon" with his first football league goal, it is one which could prove crucial in Newport County's quest for League Two survival.
"I'm relieved in all honesty because I haven't done as well as I would have liked in my first few games," said Crole.
"Today (Saturday) I came on and made an impact, I was a nuisance, I obviously got my goal which is what I'm here to do.
"I've dreamed about the moment 100 times and it couldn't have really got much better, in front of the fans.
"I'm hoping now I can kick on and take some momentum into the next couple of games and do well for the rest of the season."
County have nine games left to secure their football league status for another season, starting with the visit of leaders Bromley to Rodney Parade on Tuesday (19:30 GMT).
"This team is capable of beating anyone in the league," said Crole.
"We'll go into every game with a mindset of 'we can win' and that won't change against Bromely.
"The belief is there. Every game we show fight, willing and desire, especially in that second half [against Barnet].
"We're out of the bottom two, now we can start looking up rather than down."
🤔 What now? Argentina have no opponents before the World Cup
The Finalissima has finally been canceled between Spain and Argentina after no agreement was reached. UEFA confirmed it with a harsh statement against the AFA.
Both parties tried to have the match played in Rome, in Lisbon, and Spain even attempted to have it played at the Santiago Bernabéu, something to which the Albiceleste was completely opposed.
Negotiations, after the match was ultimately not played in Qatar, have not come to a successful conclusion, but now the AFA has a key role to play in finding, within two weeks, two friendlies for their national team.
Not playing against anyone before heading to the World Cup would be detrimental for Argentina, especially as one of the favorites.
However, as 'Diario Olé' reports, they are looking for friendlies, mainly to bid farewell to their players before the World Cup and to test those players who are currently in doubt.
At long last, the historic streak is finally over. It lasted more than a month into the season, but on Saturday, the USC baseball team finally suffered its first loss of the year.
On Tuesday night, the Trojans defeated Long Beach State 6-1 to improve to 16-0, breaking the 1988 team’s record for the best start in program history. After a 7-6 extra innings walk-off victory over San Diego on Wednesday night made it 17 straight, USC hit the road for its first Big Ten road trip of the season with a three-game series at Northwestern.
The Trojans took the first two games of the series, winning 15-1 on Friday and 2-0 in Saturday’s first game. However, due to a storm in the weather forecast, Sunday’s series finale was moved up a day, and the two teams played a doubleheader on Saturday.
As it turns out, all that it took for this team to lose a game was a doubleheader on the other side of the country and some of the craziest baseball weather that you will ever see. Playing in a snowstorm, low visibility, and high winds, USC’s perfect start to the season finally came to an end, as Northwestern won the second game of the doubleheader 2-1 on a walk-off.
While it is obviously sad to see the streak end, USC still has a ton to be proud of. Given how long a baseball season is, the Trojans were inevitably going to lose at some point. Not only did USC set the school record for longest winning streak to open a season, but the Trojans were also the last undefeated team remaining in the country.
After the weather that they saw in Evanston, Illinois over the weekend, the Trojans will likely be very happy to return to Southern California for five home games this week. USC will host San Diego State on Tuesday night and Cal State Bakersfield Wednesday night before resuming Big Ten play with a three-game series against Washington at Dedeaux Field next weekend.
There has never been a player this accomplished in a Los Angeles Kings uniform when you boil it down to one thing: points. Kopitar is officially the all-time record holder for the Kings, making his special mark on hockey history on Saturday night.
Kopitar reached the 1,500-games played milestone last week, which made him the 25th player in NHL history to get there, and only the eighth to do it with one franchise.
There have been 39 players in NHL history to total 1,300 career regular season points.
Kopitar is 38 years old.
Originally from Slovenia, Kopitar is one of the best players from outside North America in NHL history.
He ranks 28th on the all-time assists list and 38th on the all-time points list.
Kopitar has simply been a model of consistency for the Kings, and now he's got a special record to prove it.
MUNICH (AP) — An unlikely run of injuries has sidelined Bayern Munich's top three goalkeepers and could mean the German champion starts New York-born 16-year-old Leonard Prescott for its upcoming Champions League game against Atalanta.
With first-choice Manuel Neuer recovering from a calf muscle tear, Prescott was on the bench in the Champions League last week as Bayern beat Atalanta 6-1 in the first leg of their round-of-16 encounter.
At the time it seemed mostly like a chance to familiarize a promising young player, who starts for the Bayern under-19 team, with a more professional environment.
Prescott was born in New York but started his playing career at Union Berlin before a 2023 move to Bayern’s academy. He has also played for the German under-17 national team.
Prescott has suddenly become a possible starter after Jonas Urbig was concussed in a collision in the final minute of the game. Backup Sven Ulreich tore his right adductor in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen but stayed on the field. He will be “sidelined for the time being,” Bayern said Sunday, after he was examined following the game.
If Neuer or the others can't recover in time, that could leave Prescott as Bayern's starter against Atalanta on Wednesday after he was also the backup for Ulreich on Saturday.
Among the other goalkeepers under contract to Bayern, reserve-team goalkeeper Leon Klanac has been injured since December and Daniel Peretz is on loan at Southampton.
One other option besides Prescott might be the 19-year-old Jannis Bärtl, who has played reserve games since Klanac's injury and was on the bench for two Bundesliga games this season.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 03: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Team Venezuela and the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Houston Astros (8-10-3) host the Miami Marlins (8-10-2) in Grapefruit League play.
RHP Cristian Javier is set to make his second start of the Grapefruit League. RHP Eury Perez will be on the mound for the Marlins.
TODAY’S STARTER: RHP Cristian Javier is making his second start of the Grapefruit League this season. In his only outing in the Grapefruit League on March 9 vs. STL, he allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks with three strikeouts in 1.2 innings.
In his return from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Javier made eight starts, going 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA (19ER/37IP), 34 strikeouts and a .230 opponent average. In his career, Javier has held opponents to a .203 (397×1956) batting average. Among AL pitchers to toss 525.0-plus innings between the 202025 seasons, Javier ranks first in the AL in that category.
He’s also helped author several notable moments in his career, starting a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, as well as a combined no-hitter in June of that season at Yankee Stadium.
TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: RHP Bryan Abreu, RHP AJ Blubaugh, LHP Bryan King, LHP Steven Okert and RHP Christian Roa
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have reassigned LHP Tom Cosgrove and RHP Amos Willingham to minor league camp.
LINEUP NOTES: Astros top prospect Kevin Alvarez will play LF and bat fifth. Alvarez, 18, played last season for DSL Astros Blue in his first year of professional baseball. He slashed .301/.419/.455 with 12 doubles, 3 triples and 2 homes in 156 AB. He also walked more than he struck out (23/19) and stole 11 bases.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, March 15, 12:05 p.m. CST
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches – W. Palm Beach, Florida
Are the Oklahoma City Thunder hot or not? With seven straight wins, OKC has its longest win streak since winning 16 in a row during its 24-1 start to the season. However, the Thunder have failed to cover in all seven games.
That changes today. Minnesota is finishing a road trip and may be without MVP candidate Anthony Edwards, who's dealing with a bad knee. My Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks see the Thunder getting a cover as they win again.
Timberwolves vs Thunder prediction
Timberwolves vs Thunder best bet: Thunder -7.5 (-105)
The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak — both straight up and ATS — with a win at Golden State. However,they've failed to cover in the game following a victory 60% of the time this season.
Minnesota has been this large an underdog just one other time this season, and that was also against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They've covered in all three games against the Thunder this year, but the teams haven’t played in a month and a half.
Since then, Minnesota has gone 6-12 ATS. OKC had been 8-3 ATS since that game before the current, puzzling 7-game streak.
Timberwolves vs Thunder same-game parlay
OKC plays at the No. 18 pace in the league. Minnesota is at No. 10. Lately, both teams seem to have slowed things down. OKC has gone Under five of the last six games, including two games with cutoffs below 220. Minnesota has gone Under in six of the last eight, including two with a points cutoff lower than today’s.
Ajay Mitchell faces the prospect of having to defend against a Minnesota team that's either missing Anthony Edwards or he’ll be guarding a hobbled Edwards. That should free him up to spend more energy on the other end of the floor, where he’s scored at least 15 in four of the last five.
Timberwolves vs Thunder SGP
Thunder -7.5
Under 226.5
Ajay Mitchell Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ajay Against Ayo!
Edwards is a game-time decision. If he doesn’t play, Ayo Dosunmu will likely see an increase in shots. Even if Edwards plays, Dosunmu has scored in double digits in four of the last five and remains a good pick to go Over.
OKC center Isaiah Hartenstein is day-to-day with a calf injury. That means Chet Holmgren will need to handle more of the work in the paint. He’s pulled down 58 rebounds in the last five games, so getting 9+ against a Minnesota team that ranks No. 19 in the league in offensive rebounding seems likely.
Timberwolves vs Thunder SGP
Under 226.5
Ajay Mitchell Over 13.5 points
Ayo Dosunmu Over 10.5 points
Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
Timberwolves vs Thunder odds
Spread: Timberwolves +8.5 | Thunder -8.5
Moneyline: Timberwolves +275 | Thunder -320
Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Timberwolves vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Thunder have gone Under their team total in 13 of their 17 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Thunder.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Tip-off
1:00 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Timberwolves vs Thunder latest injuries
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While the news certainly was not a surprise to many Iowa women's basketball fans, the No. 9 Hawkeyes (26-6, 15-3 Big Ten) have earned the right to serve as one of 16 hosts for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
While the actual seeds will be announced during Selection Sunday, the significance of this news is that the Hawkeyes will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
March in CHA 🔥
We're officially a host site for the NCAA First & Second Rounds.
A limited number of tickets will go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. (CT) on Monday! pic.twitter.com/5NZpv3qdr7
The Hawkeyes are projected as a No. 2 seed in ESPN's latest bracketology. Games will be held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on either March 20 and 22 or March 21 and 23. Iowa announced that a limited number of tickets will go on sale on Monday at 9 a.m. CT.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
After dropping two points against the San Jose Sharks at the Bell Centre on Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens will have to bounce right back to take on the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night. The Habs lost their first meeting against Anaheim last week in a lengthy shootout session with Samuel Montembeault in what would be his last start before the decision was made to call up Jacob Fowler.
The good news for the Canadiens is that the Ducks will be without their captain, Radko Gudas, who is serving a five-game suspension for ending Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews’ season. No, that Gudas has that much of an impact, but he plays carelessly, and the last thing Montreal needs would be an injury to a key player.
Neither team has confirmed who will be their starter today, but given the fact that both teams played yesterday, we should see a Jacob Fowler vs. Lukas Dostal matchup. The Ducks were shut out 2-0 by the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night with Ville Husso in the net.
Fowler has never played the Ducks, but he has a 5-4-2 record this season, including a shutout with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. Meanwhile, Dobes has never faced them, but he is 21-7-4 with a 2.97 GAA and a .891 SV% on the season. He should be the one who backs up Fowler tonight, even though that hasn’t been confirmed yet, and there will be no media availability before the game.
As for the Ducks, Dostal has a 3-1-1 record with a 3.11 GAA and a .882 SV in five career games against the Canadiens, while Husso is 4-0-2 with a 1.95 GAA and a .929 SV and two shutouts.
Up front, we know that Brendan Gallagher will be back in the lineup tonight. Martin St-Louis was clear about that on Saturday morning, but we’ll have to wait until game time to know who will make way. Zachary Bolduc or Alexandre Texier could be possibilities. The alternate captain is the Canadiens’ point leader against Anaheim with 12 points in 16 games, followed by Phillip Danault with 11 points in 26 games, and Nick Suzuki wraps up the top three with nine points in just 10 games. It’s also worth mentioning that Lane Hutson has four points in three games against Anaheim, while Zachary Bolduc has six points in as many nights, and Cole Caufield has six points in seven tilts.
As for the Ducks, new acquisition John Carlson has 28 points in 46 games, but he has yet to play for his new team since he was traded and is currently listed as day-to-day. Chris Kreider comes in second place with 22 points in 33 games, including four in last week’s game. Veterans Alex Killorn and Mikael Granlund both have 21 points, the former in 43 games and the latter in just 20 games. As for Troy Terry, who’s currently listed as day-to-day, he only has 10 points, but he got them in just nine games.
Since beating the Habs last week, the Ducks have lost three of their last four games and have a 6-4-0 record in their last 10 games. They are involved in a three-way battle with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division lead and sit in second place, a single point behind the Knights, making tonight’s game all the more important for them. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are 5-2-3 in their last 10 games and now only have a two-point lead on the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings, who occupy the two wild-card spots. The Habs have games in hand on both teams, but they still need the win, ideally in regulation. Should they end the season tied in points, the number of regulation wins is a tie-breaker, and Montreal only has 25 of them, just like Detroit, while the Bruins have 27. The Ducks have won six of the last 10 duels between the two teams.
The game is set for 7:00 PM, and you can catch it on RDS, TSN2, KCOP-13, and Victory+. Frederick L'Ecuyer and Francis Charron are set to officiate, while Julien Fournier and Jesse Marquis will serve as the linemen. After seeing Macklin Celbrini, the Bell Centre crowd will get to see Beckett Sennecke in action. The youngster is second in points amongst rookies with 51, just one behind Ivan Demidov, who has 52. Rookie blueliner Matthew Schaefer is catching up on both of them; however, he now has 48 points.
Free agency’s top dogs found new teams this week — most of them, anyway — and more of the process’s waves await. In the meantime, a handful of famous Minnesota Vikings players await their 2026 fate.
A few recognizable former Vikings still have nowhere to go in mid-March.
This happens every year — it’s the nature of the beast — so let’s take a peek at this offseason’s edition.
Four Familiar Minnesota Names Remain Stuck in Free Agency
These are big-name ex-Vikings still looking for work.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) celebrates on the field after New England defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card Round at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on January 11, 2026, as the Patriots advanced in the postseason behind a late-game surge. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images.
1. Stefon Diggs (WR)
Diggs represented the New England Patriots‘ top receiving threat during their Super Bowl runner-up season, and now Mike Vrabel and Co. want nothing to do with him, even if he banked over 1,000 yards. Perhaps the strangulation charges have sullied his name.
The former Vikings miracle-maker won’t be unemployed for long, assuming his legal affairs get sorted out. Diggs proved in 2025 that he’s still productive. He’ll turn 33 in November. He’s not ancient.
Patriots de facto general manager Eliot Wolf said this week about a reunion with Diggs, “We’re always open to trying to improve the team any way we can. If we see something out there that we think can help us out, we’ll look into it.”
NESN’s Dakota Randall on Diggs’s newfound free agency: “Diggs likely will point toward his strong stats, which were undeniably impressive for a 32-year-old coming off a torn ACL, as evidence of his considerable ‘ability.’ And that’s fair. However, it’s also true that Diggs was limited against better defenses, especially during the playoffs, and struggled to gain separation against high-end defensive backs.”
“He remains an above-average receiver, but there’s no denying his declining ability, which the Patriots surely factored in when deciding to release him. Nevertheless, the Patriots replaced Diggs with former Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs, who could be an upgrade. They also reportedly remain interested in pursuing a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown.”
Diggs is the perfect WR2 for a weapon-needy team.
2. Kirk Cousins (QB)
Cousins was supposed to factor into the 2026 offseason quarterback carousel, but that dream has resulted in a whimper. Almost all quarterback-needy teams have filled their rosters with other people. Cousins, freshly released and still handsomely paid by the Atlanta Falcons, can sign anywhere in the NFL.
The Las Vegas Raiders could sign him for bridge quarterback duty if they’re not comfortable with Fernando Mendoza in Week 1. The Pittsburgh Steelers could call Cousins if Rodgers retires. Cousins would also wait until the summer or autumn when some team’s QB1 inevitably gets hurt for the season. He’d play the savior role.
Sportsnaut‘s Matt Johnson noted on the notion of Cousins becoming a Raider: “One of the most common NFL comparisons for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is Kirk Cousins,” Johnson wrote. “While that might not sound that enticing, let’s remember that Cousins boasts a career 96.8 passer rating and he’ll likely reach 45,000 career passing yards with 300 passing touchdowns in 2026.”
“He also fits what Las Vegas is looking for. The Raiders want an experienced quarterback who can mentor Mendoza during his rookie season and temporarily serve as the starting quarterback. Cousins can start the first few games, while Mendoza gains a better feel for Klint Kubiak’s playbook and adjusts to playing under center, and then take over in October.”
3. Cam Robinson (OT)
Minnesota traded for Robinson in the middle of the 2024 campaign when Christian Darrisaw tore his ACL. Thereafter, he’s bounced around from the Vikings, the Houston Texans, and the Cleveland Browns to the open market as a free agent.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) lines up during NFC Wild Card action against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on January 13, 2025, as Minnesota’s offensive line battles in the postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Last year, he produced a dreadful 48.2 Pro Football Focus mark, which is about as bad as it gets for a starting left tackle. And it’s not like Robinson played just a tiny bit. He saw the field on over 700 offensive snaps for the Browns.
Henceforth, he’s probably slated for LT2 duty with his next team. Not for nothing, the Vikings could use one of those.
4. D.J. Wonnum (EDGE)
Wonnum appeared in 16 games last year, tabulating 42 tackles, 3 sacks, 29 pressures, 1 quarterback hit, and an interception. The problem? He started 15 games. Those are numbers for a backup outside linebacker.
Carolina Panthers linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) reacts alongside cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (26) during first-quarter action at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 8, 2025, as Carolina’s defense celebrates a play during the preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.
Sadly, Wonnum proved in 2025 that he’s not quite cut out for starting EDGE duty, a factoid Vikings fans have known for about six years. He’s a textbook depth pass rusher.
Carlos Alcaraz admitted Daniil Medvedev produced an extraordinary performance after ending his 16-match winning streak at Indian Wells.
The Spaniard had entered the semifinal in red-hot form during the early months of the 2026 season.
But Medvedev halted that run with a straight-sets victory that left Alcaraz full of praise for his opponent.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz praises Daniil Medvedev after Indian Wells defeat
Speaking after the match in comments shared in the post-match interview, Alcaraz admitted Medvedev delivered one of the highest-level performances he has faced.
“First of all, I just have to give credit to Daniil. I think he just played an amazing match. Since the start of the match until the end of the match, you know, the match he was playing unreal, I gotta say. I have never seen, to be honest, playing Daniil like this,” Alcaraz said.
“He deserves completely the win today. He deserves completely to get through and playing a final here. All I can say is just congratulations to him,” he added.
The Russian defeated Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6(3) in the Indian Wells semifinal, ending the world No. 1’s unbeaten start to the 2026 season.
The result also stopped a 16-match winning streak that had seen Alcaraz dominate the early part of the ATP calendar.
Carlos Alcaraz explains what went wrong against Daniil Medvedev
Alcaraz also pointed to a few key moments where the match slipped away from him.
“From my side, I just played a few games mostly in the first set that I just let go of my serve game, and part of that, I was just running all the time against him,” Alcaraz continued.
He concluded, stating: “So it was tough for me, but, you know, just proud to see that I just fought until the last ball.”
According to Alcaraz, Medvedev’s relentless baseline pressure forced him into constant defensive positions throughout the match.
Despite the defeat, the Spaniard said he was proud of how he continued battling until the final point. The loss marked his first setback of the season but also set up a highly anticipated final for Medvedev at Indian Wells.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 12: Head coach Kevin Willard of the Villanova Wildcats looks on during the first half of the 2026 Big East Men's Tournament - Quarterfinal game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What time is the Selection Show: 6:00 PM EST
What channel is it on: CBS
Can you stream it: Yes, via Paramount + or the March Madness Live App
The ugly loss on Thursday night to Georgetown has justifiably left a sour taste in the mouth, but let’s not forget where things were the last three years and how expectations were coming into the season. We should all be excited to hear this team’s name called later today.
John Morrison AKA Johnny TV wearing a hat - YouTube/Insight with Chris Van Vliet
On June 24, 2007, Chris Benoit no-showed WWE's Vengeance: Night of Champions pay-per-view, where he'd been scheduled to wrestle CM Punk and win the ECW World Championship. Benoit was replaced that night by Johnny Nitro – now known as Johnny TV, who real name is John Hennigan – before the world later heard that Benoit was not only dead, but had murdered his wife and son before ending his own life.
Now, 19 years later, Johnny TV opened up about that night, his success following the PPV, and the guilt that came after during an interview on "Insight with Chris Van Vliet." "Around 3, I hear Chris Benoit hasn't shown up, and if he doesn't show up, I might need to fill in or something," Hennigan recalled.
At the time, Hennigan thought it was unlikely that Benoit would miss a show, let alone a PPV, but by 5 p.m., he and fellow WWE star Mordecai were told to be ready as possible replacements, and that one of them would be winning the title. "I spend the next two hours pacing, hoping that Chris Benoit does not show up."
As history notes, Hennigan wound up beating Punk and winning the title. Though it was a milestone moment for him, it also led to deep feelings of guilt. "The next day, we get the news about Benoit and what happened," Hennigan said. "I felt like crap. I felt so guilty just for being happy with something that came to be because of the tragedy." Even today, it's a difficult moment for Hennigan to look back on, and something he still feels confused about benefiting from.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - JANUARY 29: A close up view of a referee's whistle with the March Madness logo during the women's college basketball game between the NC State Wolfpack and the Boston College Eagles on January 29, 2026 at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Selection Sunday is here, and tonight we find out who’s dancing — and who’s staying home.
The men’s bracket will be revealed at 6PM ET on CBS, followed by the women’s bracket at 8PM ET on ESPN. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch both shows.
How to Watch Selection Sunday 2026
Men’s Bracket Reveal
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Women’s Bracket Reveal
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Men’s Tournament Schedule
First Four: Tuesday, March 17 / Wednesday, March 18
Round of 64: Thursday, March 19 / Friday, March 20
Round of 32: Saturday, March 21 / Sunday, March 22
Sweet Sixteen: Thursday, March 26 / Friday, March 27
Elite Eight: Saturday, March 28 / Sunday, March 29
Final Four: Saturday, April 4 — Indianapolis, Indiana
National Championship: Monday, April 6 — Indianapolis, Indiana
Women’s Tournament Schedule
First Four: Wednesday, March 18 / Thursday, March 19
Round of 64: Friday, March 20 / Saturday, March 21
Round of 32: Sunday, March 22 / Monday, March 23
Sweet Sixteen: Friday, March 27 / Saturday, March 28
Elite Eight: Sunday, March 29 / Monday, March 30
Final Four: Friday, April 4 — Phoenix, Arizona
National Championship: Sunday, April 6 — Phoenix, Arizona
Where Things Stand for WVU
On the men’s side, the Mountaineers are on the outside looking in. WVU sits at 18-14 overall and 9-9 in Big 12 play, sending them to the College Basketball Crown rather than the NCAA tournament.
The WVU women finished as Big 12 champions at 14-4 in conference play and 27-6 overall, securing an autobid to the NCAA Tournament. They’re a legitimate program on the rise under Mark Kellogg, and tonight’s reveal at 8PM on ESPN will tell us their seed and their path. This team — led by Jordan Harrison and Mimi Wheeler — deserves your attention if they haven’t had it yet.
Odds and Bracket Tips
If you’re looking to get in on the bracket action, check out the latest odds and lines at FanDuel.
The SEC Tournament title game pits the No. 4 seed Vanderbilt Commodores against the No. 3 seed Arkansas Razorbacks in Nashville, with the conference crown and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid on the line.
Mar 14, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) reacts after a made three point basket during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt advanced to the championship by dominating the semifinals, rolling past No. 4 Florida 91–74 behind balanced scoring and efficient offense, including strong work from Tyler Tanner and Jalen Washington to keep the Commodores in control throughout the game. As the No. 4 seed in the SEC Tournament, Vanderbilt enters the final fresh off a significant statement win while carrying confidence from a season that saw them finish with a solid conference record and earn their place among the league’s top teams.
Arkansas reached the title game as the No. 3 seed, defeating its opponents in Nashville to set up the clash with Vanderbilt. The Razorbacks have shown they can compete with the conference’s best all season, and despite a lopsided meeting earlier in the year in which Arkansas beat Vanderbilt handily, this tournament final offers a chance for redemption; both teams will be looking to impose their style, Vanderbilt with its offensive balance, and Arkansas with its depth and physicality, in a game that could come down to execution in the closing minutes.
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Japan's Yuki Ito celebrates her victory on the podium after the women's large hill of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Oslo Christoffer Andersen/NTB/dpa
Yuki Ito ended a 26-month ski jumping winning drought as she soared to victory in Oslo in a Japanese one-two, while Slovenian champion Nika Prevc suffered a second worst result of the season in sixth place.
Ito rose from fourth to first with 127 and 126.5 metres as she edged team-mate and first round leader Nozomi Maruyama by half a point. Maruyama had 123m and 125m to finish second like on Saturday.
Double Olympic champion Anna Odine Strøm repeated third place with 122m and 120.5m for hosts Norway at the famous Holmenkollen venue.
Ito claimed her 10th career win and first since January 2024.
World Cup champion Prevc rose from fifth to first on Saturday but was unable to repeat the trick on Sunday when she dropped from fifth to sixth with two jumps of 120m.
Prevc had only fared worse once in 2025-26 when she came 15th in the season-opener in November in Lillehammer. Since then, apart from one disqualification, she had not finished worse than fourth en route to claiming a World Cup season points record. Prevc also has a record 17 wins in one campaign, which ends in a fortnight.
A men's large hill event was scheduled for later Sunday in Oslo.
(L-R) Japan's runner-up Nozomi Maruyama, Japan's winner Yuki Ito and Norway's third-placed Anna Odine Stroem celebrate on the podium after the women's large hill of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Oslo Christoffer Andersen/NTB/dpa
Mexican cyclist Isaac Del Toro of UAE Team Emirates XRG competes in the Stage 7 of the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race, 142-kilometer from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto. Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa
Mexican talent Isaac del Toro won his second stage race of the season on Sunday when the 22-year-old secured a maiden victory in Italy's Tirreno-Adriatico.
On the final 142-kilometre stage of the "race between the seas" to San Benedetto del Tronto, del Toro crossed the finish line more than 2 minutes behind stage winner Jonathan Milan. However, as the Mexican had been held up by a crash, he was awarded the same time.
In the general classification, the potential heir apparent to top cycling star Tadej Pogacar finished 40 seconds ahead of US rider Matteo Jorgensen. Italian Giulio Pellizzari came third, a further two seconds behind.
Del Toro had previously won the UAE Tour this year and finished third in the Strade Bianche gravel race.
The prestigious Paris-Nice stage race is also finishing on Sunday, with Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard poised for overall victory.
The pack rides during the Stage 7 of the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race, 142-kilometer from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto. Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpaThe pack rides during the Stage 7 of the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race, 142-kilometer from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto. Marco Alpozzi/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa
"I used to say that you can't teach AI to have a bad childhood, but now I'm thinking maybe there's an algorithm for that" – award-winning game music composers are surprisingly positive about AI and how it could influence composing.
ESP-Blast centers on an ESP32 board serving as the flight controller, a role usually handled by dedicated flight-control hardware in high-performance drones. The ESP32, which integrates a dual-core processor along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, is typically used in connected devices and hobbyist electronics rather than in high-speed aerial platforms.
The effort is part of AMD's broader Agent Computer initiative, which argues that the future of AI isn't limited to remote infrastructure. Instead, it envisions a world where users control both their data and their computing environment – where AI assistants operate continuously with reduced network dependence, fewer external subscriptions,...
A new LLVM patch has added V_FMA_F32, a 3-operand fused multiply-add (FMA instruction and introduced the VOPD3 instruction format for RDNA 5. Both of these changes should make it easier for compilers to use dual issue execution, working around the strict pairing rules that would otherwise limit max FP32 throughput in certain workloads.
Zorpa automates your social content pipeline by generating images, writing platform-optimized captions, and scheduling and posting across multiple accounts from one dashboard. It includes 50+ AI Studio templates with face consistency, an 8-platform caption writer, a content calendar, and a daily review process to ensure nothing posts without approval. Choose BYOK for low cost or managed credits with features like Autopilot, Competitor Spy, multi-account management, Ghost Mode, DMCA protection, CRM, campaigns, and a 24/7 DM chatbot.
Postmarkr lets you send physical USPS mail from your computer. Upload a PDF, enter a recipient address validated against USPS, choose your mail class, and we handle printing, enveloping, and postage. Real-time USPS tracking is included for every piece.
Built for small businesses, law firms, and healthcare providers who need to send letters, certified mail, or priority mail without the post office. Pay per piece starting at $1.50 — no subscriptions or monthly fees.
Discover Babbacombe, Devon, a picturesque village offering breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, and a charming coastal retreat perfect for a UK staycation.
Tickets are now available for the second annual Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, featuring top chefs, exquisite wines, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Discover upcoming roadworks, closures, and diversions in Suffolk towns including Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Newmarket, and Haverhill. Plan your travels accordingly.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will drive a global surge in sports tourism, boosting airline bookings, hotel occupancy, and visitor spending across North America.
Air India Express has canceled all flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah today, March 15, 2026, due to the escalating security situation in the Middle East.
Skiathos strengthens air connectivity and extends its tourism season, driving growth in key European markets while fostering sustainable travel and tourism development.
North Somerset Council unveils new road safety measures and temporary road closures. Details on proposed changes and impacts on travelers available now.
Amadeus River Cruises will make its long-anticipated debut in Portugal in 2028 with a new ship, the Amadeus Douro. Find out everything you need to know!
Finchingfield Bridge in Essex will be closed for five days starting March 16 due to vehicle strike damage. Diversion routes will be in place for affected traffic.
Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra are the first phones to ship with One UI 8.5; among these, the Ultra variant has some extra headspace in the taskbar compared to its predecessor.
It can be confirmed that the One UI 8.5 has an increased margin from the taskbar icons to the top bezel than the S25 Ultra with the same software version. This difference is quite apparent when you bring the two device closers, and screenshots make this absolute. Check the comparison below (focus on the black horizontal line to measure the margin difference).
This change may be highly influenced by the larger corner radius. Previously, Samsung had sufficient accurate margin on all sides with fewer rounds on the corners, thus supporting the UI to maintain its existing margins. However, that might not be the only reason behind this headspace expansion.
It is speculated that this headspace change could be due to a new selfie camera, which is wider than the S25 Ultra. Furthermore, the front camera hole is larger than the predecessor’s, which is another reason why One UI 8.5 had to adjust the taskbar items to a lower alignment for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Besides this new change, the taskbar works as usual, but it might be an indicator that future Galaxy Ultra phones will maintain this taskbar UI margin.
Author’s Take
This is a tiny but noticeable change, and shows the complication in bringing new devices and hardware upgrades. It doesn’t impact the user experience, and first-time users won’t see any major difference, but it’s hard for me to let it slip.
On the other hand, Samsung has already given up on those Note-like corners, and the new design is likely to stay for the next few years. We’ll see what Samsung comes up with the Galaxy S27 Ultra in 2027.
A leak has revealed the key specs and price of the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds. The two pairs of earbuds will have an AI chip, a charging case with a touch display, among other features.
Deal | A handful of new free games have been spotted on Steam. Among them, most don't have player ratings yet, and as for the ones that do, many are nothing out of the ordinary. However, there are some that seem worth playing.
Dreame, the company that made its name sucking dust off floors, detailed the Nebula Next 01X electric SUV under the Starry Sky Plan to integrate L4 self-driving hardware. Besides impressive acceleration thanks to Dreame's record-beating electric motors, it comes with a true solid-state battery.
Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 globally this week and we have reviews for all three models: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26. During pre-orders, the phones came with a free upgrade from 256GB to 512GB storage. Now that pre-orders are over the deal is slightly different but still very good.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is dominating – according to Samsung, it made up 70% of pre-ordered S26-series units. In Europe, it is the only model with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. And globally, it’s the only phone with a Privacy Display. You can get a 512GB model for the price of a...
Santos host Corinthians on Matchday 6 of the 2026 Brasileirao season. Fans in the United States can follow every moment of the contest, with complete kickoff times and broadcast details for both TV and streaming platforms listed below.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Santos vs Corinthians on US television and via legal streaming:
A fierce rivalry returns in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A as Santos host Corinthians in a matchup with early-season implications. The Peixehave managed just five points from five games and will be without injured star Neymar.
Meanwhile, Corinthianssit slightly higher with seven points after two wins, one draw, and two losses but still aim to climb the standings. With momentum and pride on the line, this rivalry clash is shaping up to be must-watch action—don’t miss it.
More details about watching the game on Fanatiz
With Fanatiz, you can watch Santos vs Corinthians and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
In addition, standard Fanatiz plans include access to beIN SPORTS – the network with the rights to Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, the Turkish SüperLig, African club and international competitions, and more. It also has GolTV, the hard-to-find channel that airs the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Ecuadorian Serie A, Peruvian Liga 1, and Uruguayan Primera. The service also has Spanish language coverage of the Argentine Primera and Brasileirão leagues, as well as Colombian and Honduran leagues.
The Fanatiz app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
TFF 2'nci Lig Kırmızı Grup 28'inci hafta mücadelesinde Somaspor, evinde Adanaspor'u ikinci yarıda bulduğu gollerle 5-0 yenerek kümede kalmayı garantilerken, Adana temsilcisi bitime 6 hafta kala küme düştü.
TFF 2'nci Lig Kırmızı Grup 28'inci hafta mücadelesinde Somaspor, evinde Adanaspor'u ikinci yarıda bulduğu gollerle 5-0 yendi. Ev sahibi takım kümede kalmayı garantiledi. Öte yandan bu sonuçla birlikte Yeni Malatyaspor ve Yeni Mersin İdmanyurdu'nun ligden çekildiği grupta 3'üncü lige düşen son takım Adanaspor oldu.
Tarihinde 3 kez UEFA Kupası'nda mücadele eden Adanaspor, daha önce 2006-07 sezonunda yer aldığı 3'üncü lige 19 yıl sonra düştü.
Soma Nazım Yavuz Stadı'nda ilk yarısı 0-0 biten maçta Somaspor'un ikinci devdereki gollerini 52'nci dakikada Ömür Pektaş, 65'inci dakikada Arda Gülmez, 70'inci dakikada Namık Barış Çelik, 86'ncı dakikada Mustafa Taner Tamer, 90+2'nci dakikada ise Osmancan Öztürk kaydetti. Bu sonuçla ev sahibi ekip 26 puana ulaşırken, Adana temsilcisi 4 puanda kaldı.
Fenerbahçe Kulübü Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Cem Ciritçi, Onvo Büyükçekmece Basketbol ile oynadıkları mücadelenin ardından "Kulüp başkanı, kendi adamlarını seferber ederek aralarında kadın ve çocukların da bulunduğu bir gruba küfür ve darp talimatı verdi." açıklamasını yaptı.
Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi'nin 22. haftasında Gazanfer Bilge Spor Salonu'nda oynanan mücadeleden Fenerbahçe Beko, 91-85 galip ayrıldı.
Karşılaşmanın ardından Fenerbahçe Kulübü Basketboldan Sorumlu Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Cem Ciritçi, sosyal medya platformundaki hesabından açıklamalarda bulundu.
Ciritçi, "Büyükçekmece Basketbol maçında yaşanan yakışıksız olaylar hakkında" başlığıyla yayımladığı açıklamasında şu ifadeleri kullandı:
"Büyükçekmece Basketbol Kulübü başkanından kadın ve çocuklara yönelik darp ve küfür skandalı. Kulüp başkanı, kendi adamlarını seferber ederek aralarında kadın ve çocukların da bulunduğu bir gruba küfür ve darp talimatı verdi. Bu davranış, basketbol gibi elit bir sporun imajına tamamen zıt şekilde, ailelerin ve çocukların bulunduğu bir ortamda gerçekleşti. Saldırı sırasında bazı mağdurlar hafif yaralandı ancak ciddi bir tıbbi müdahaleye ihtiyaç duyulmadı. Olay yerine çağrılan polis ekipleri tarafları ayırarak soruşturma başlattı. Büyükçekmece Emniyet Müdürlüğüne tüm şikayetlerimizi ilettik. Taraftarımızın emniyetini sağlayan kıymetli emniyet görevlilerine teşekkürlerimizi sunuyoruz."
Galatasaray, UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 turu rövanşında 18 Mart Çarşamba günü İngiltere'nin Liverpool takımıyla deplasmanda oynayacağı maçın hazırlıklarına başladı.
Sarı-kırmızılı kulübün açıklamasına göre Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Tesisleri'nde, teknik direktör Okan Buruk yönetimindeki idman, dinamik ısınmayla başladı.
Pas ve topa sahip olma çalışmalarıyla devam eden antrenman, çift kale maçla sona erdi.
“Turan Tovuz”un baş məşqçisi Kurban Berdıyev Premyer Liqanın 24-cü turu çərçivəsində “Kəpəz”ə qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Yevlaxda baş tutmuş görüşündə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 1:1.
Kurban Berdıyev qarşılaşmadan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Təəssüf ki, çox vacib 2 xal itirdik. Oyunun ikinci hissəsi bir qədər fərqli alındı. Növbəti oyuna hazırlaşacağıq.
Faiq Hacıyev uzun müddət idi ki, oynamırdı. Ona görə də, bu səhvlər təbiidir. Roderik Miller də zədəli olduğu üçün oynamır.
İddialı rəqiblərə qalib gəldikdən sonra daha aşağı pillələrdə qərarlaşan komandalarla matçlarda istədiyimizi reallaşdıra bilmirik. Həm “Zirə”, həm də “Neftçi” ilə oyunlardan sonra belə oldu. Fikirləşirəm ki, emosiyalar kifayət etmir. Liderlərə qarşı olan köklənmə bu cür komandalara qarşı olmur. Bunun üzərində işləyəcəyik”.
“Qəbələ-2” – “Turan Tovuz-2” Hakimlər: Kamal Umudlu, Pərvin Talıbov, Teymur Teymurov, Rəşad Əhmədov. Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov. AFFA nümayəndəsi: Novruz Əzimov. Qəbələ şəhər stadionu (ehtiyat meydança), 15:00.
1. Lig'in 31. haftasında deplasmanda Özbelen Sivasspor'a 1-0 yenilen Eminevim Ümraniyespor Teknik Direktörü Levent Açıkgöz maç sonunda açıklamalarda bulundu.
1959'dan beri oynanan Süper Lig tarihinde toplam puanda Fenerbahçe hâlâ lider olsa da, Galatasaray bu sezon performansıyla galibiyet sayısında eşitleyip puan farkını azaltırken en çok şampiyonluk ve lider olunan hafta rekorlarını elinde tutuyor.
Arda Güler'in Real Madrid - Elche maçında 68 metreden ağları sarsmasının ardından dünyanın en uzaktan atılan golleri listesi de merak konusu oldu. Bunun yanı sıra Arda'nın uzaktan avladığı Elche kalecisi Matias Dituro hakkında da ilginç bir tesadüf ortaya çıktı.
Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük yenilgisinin ardından Fenerbahçe'de yönetim ile Tedesco-Devin Özek ikilisi arasında gerçekleştirilen toplantının detayları ortaya çıktı. İşte İtalyan-Alman çalıştırıcının...Devamı için tıklayınız
Galatasaray son olarak Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında sahasında RAMS Başakşehir'i 3-0'lık skorla mağlup etti. Sarı-kırmızılıların şampiyonluk yarışındaki en yakın rakibi Fenerbahçe'nin ise deplasmanda...Devamı için tıklayınız
Fenerbahçe, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında deplasmanda Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük'e 2-0'lık skorla mağlup olurken sarı-lacivertlilerin forveti Sidiki Cherif ile ilgili ortaya çıkan o gerçek...Devamı için tıklayınız
İspanya LaLiga'da Real Madrid forması giyen milli yıldızımız Arda Güler, 68 metre uzaklıktan attığı tarihi gol ile geceye damga vurmuştu. Tarihi gol sonrası maçın hakemi Gil Manzano bile şaşkınlığını gizleyemedi...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Kasımpaşa, ikas Eyüpspor'u konuk ediyor. Ligin alt sıralarını ilgilendiren Haliç derbisini haberimizden canlı takip edebilirsiniz.Devamı için tıklayınız
Fenerbahçe Kulübü Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Cem Ciritçi, Onvo Büyükçekmece Basketbol ile oynadıkları mücadelenin ardından "Kulüp başkanı, kendi adamlarını seferber ederek aralarında kadın ve çocukların da bulunduğu...Devamı için tıklayınız
UEFA, Arjantin ile İspanya arasında 27 Mart'ta Katar'da oynanması planlanan "Finalissima" maçını güvenlik gerekçesiyle iptal edildiğini resmen duyurdu. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Uluslararası Görme Engelliler Spor Federasyonu (IBSA) tarafından düzenlenen 2026 IBSA Goalball Dünya Şampiyonası’nda mücadele edecek takımların grupları ve rakipleri belli oldu. Kadınlar ve erkekler kategorilerinde...Devamı için tıklayınız
TFF 2'nci Lig Kırmızı Grup 28'inci hafta mücadelesinde Somaspor, evinde Adanaspor'u ikinci yarıda bulduğu gollerle 5-0 yenerek kümede kalmayı garantilerken, Adana temsilcisi bitime 6 hafta kala küme düştü...Devamı için tıklayınız
Galatasaray, UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 turu rövanşında deplasmanda İngiliz ekibi Liverpool ile oynayacağı maçın hazırlıklarına yaptığı antrenmanla başladı. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Gürcüstan Respublikasının Gəncə şəhərindəki Baş konsulu Kaxaber Abdaladze və konsulluğun inzibati meneceri Malxaz Xulordava “Kəpəz”in qonağı olub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, akademiyada keçirilən görüşdə “Kəpəz” PFK-nın İdarə Heyətinin üzvü Fərman Əlizadə, icraçı direktor Ruslan Məmmədov, seleksiya üzrə məşqçi Əli Rəhimov, komandanın baş məşqçisi Azər Bağırov, gürcüstanlı futbolçumuz Mate Abuladze, həmçinin “PatriotNews.az” saytının rəhbəri və “Qarabağ Qaziləri” İctimai Birliyinin Gəncə şəhər filialının sədr müavini Ceyhun Əliyev iştirak ediblər.
Qonaqlara klubun bazası, Akademiyanın fəaliyyəti və son dövrlərdə infrastruktur sahəsində görülən işlər barədə ətraflı məlumat verilib.
Görüşün sonunda “Kəpəz” PFK-nın İdarə Heyətinin üzvü Fərman Əlizadə tərəfindən baş konsul Kaxaber Abdaladzeyə klubun forması hədiyyə olunub. Həmçinin 44 günlük Vətən müharibəsində şəhidlik zirvəsinə ucalmış futbolçu İlqar Burcəliyevin əziz xatirəsinə həsr olunan Anar Burcəliyevin müəllifi olduğu “Qayıtmayan igidim, zəfərimin İlqarı” kitabı da baş konsula təqdim edilib.
Sonda tərəflər gələcəkdə qarşılıqlı əməkdaşlığın inkişaf etdirilməsi, idman və futbol sahəsində birgə təşəbbüslərin həyata keçirilməsi ilə bağlı fikir mübadiləsi aparıblar.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, referee chiefs believe it was legitimate to allow play to continue in the build-up to Atalanta’s equaliser against Inter, but the table leaders should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Davide Frattesi.
Referee chiefs have given their verdicts on the controversial incidents that infuriated Inter in their 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday.
Referee incidents that upset Inter in 1-1 draw vs. Atalanta
The table leaders protested for La Dea’s equaliser as they felt Kamaldeen Sulemana had pushed Denzel Dumfries in the build-up. Inter were even more upset a few minutes later when Giorgio Scalvini challenged Frattesi inside the box, making contact with the Italian midfielder.
According to Gazzetta, referee chiefs feel the match official was right to let the play flow in the build-up to Atalanta’s goal scored by Nikola Krstovic. Still, Manganiello should have awarded a penalty to Inter for Scalvini’s foul.
Manganiello should have correctly assessed the penalty incident, so he’s considered more responsible than the VAR official.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Referee Gianluca Manganiello disputes with FC Indernazionale players during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
However, the AIA executives were also not pleased that VAR remained silent and did not advise the match referee to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Manganiello is not expected to referee any Serie A game next week as part of the routine rotation. He’ll return to action after the international break, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll take charge of a Serie A or Serie B match.
Vitinha and Leo Ostigard’s goals gave Genoa a crucial 2-0 win away at Verona, and while Daniele De Rossi’s side nears survival, the Gialloblu seem destined for relegation to Serie B.
De Rossi’s Genoa secured a massive 2-0 win at the Stadio Bentegodi in Verona on Sunday, climbing to 13th in Serie A with 33 points, nine above the relegation zone.
The first half at the Bentegodi was quite dull, with Verona midfielder Jean Akpa Akpro producing the only decent goal-scoring opportunity for the home side when his cross from the right hit the crossbar.
Caleb Ekuban had the best chance for the visitors, backed by over 2,000 fans travelling from Genoa, but Lorenzo Montipò easily blocked the striker’s weak shot.
The first half ended with Verona producing just 0.7 Expected Goals against Genoa’s 0.14.
VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Vitinha of Genoa CFC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 15, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
De Rossi’s second-half substitutions made the difference, as Vitinha replaced Ekuban and scored with his first touch.
The Portuguese striker saw Montipò off his line and unleashed a powerful shot from 32 yards. It was strong, but straight down the middle, and the Verona goalkeeper was poorly positioned to stop it.
Ostigard sealed the match a few minutes later, powering in a decisive header from a Martin free kick delivered from the left.
The only real Hellas response came through a Tomas Suslov free kick that sailed over the crossbar.
VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 15: Daniel Oyegoke of Hellas Verona competes for the ball with Ruslan Malinovskyi of Genoa CFC during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 15, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
For the Grifone, it marked their first away victory in three months, while Verona’s winless run at home stretches on since the beginning of December.
Italian talent Luca Reggiani, 18, became the youngest Italian goalscorer in the Bundesliga as he found the net in a 2-0 win over Augsburg on Saturday.
Italian defender Reggiani scored his first Bundesliga goal for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
The 18-year-old played the full 90 minutes and bagged his first goal for the German side with a header from a corner kick routine in the second half.
As reported by Opta, Reggiani has become the youngest Italian player to score in one of the top five European leagues, excluding Serie A, since Pietro Pellegri in 2018. Reggiani has also become the youngest Italian to score a goal in the Bundesliga.
“It’s crazy. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the ball going in. I can’t say how the feeling was because it was really amazing to score my first goal,” said at full time.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 14: Luca Reggiani of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Julian Ryerson during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Augsburg at Signal Iduna Park on March 14, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images)
“It’s all happening so fast. Last month, I made my debut, then the Champions League, and now my first goal. I’m very happy with what is happening. I thank the club and everyone.”
A product of the Castelvetro Calcio and Sassuolo academies, Reggiani joined the Borussia Dortmund youth sector from the Neroverdi in 2014.
The promising defender made his debut with the Italy U19 squad this past January.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Nicola Zalewski of Atalanta is fouled by Luca Reggiani of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 2/3 Bookmaker: Dachbet Seeking a major Champions League miracle on Tuesday night, Manchester City will welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad for their second-leg showdown. Manchester City Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a nightmare Champions League performance on foreign soil last week […]
Ethereum Price action has been in the spotlight this week as the asset broke past $2,100. The jump in ETH price is a sign that confidence is returning after several months of cautious optimism. Previously dormant whale wallets are starting to become more active in key exchanges and on-chain metrics reveal an increase in Ethereum volume.
The recent Ethereum Price surge has shifted attention to ecosystem projects that could address day-to-day payment issues. Analysts add that with Ethereum rebounding, there is increasing demand for projects built on Ethereum that combine crypto with traditional finance.
Remittix is one PayFi project that has been frequently referenced in those discussions. The top Ethereum layer 2 alternative has already established itself as one of the best new DeFi projects, raising over $29.7 million so far in its initial funding round.
Market Confidence Returns As Ethereum Price Breaks $2,100
Ethereum Price recently surpassed $2,100. Within the last week, Ethereum recorded a huge inflow of traders who believe the network is still the backbone of the DeFi industry. Crypto exchange data reveals that there is increased volume and renewed interest from long term holders.
Several analysts attribute the recent rise in Ethereum Price to broader market indicators. BTC has been trading above significant support levels and the entire market has increased in capitalization. Ethereum is also gaining the attention of developers creating DeFi technology, NFTs and payments.
The demand of ERC-20 coin infrastructure is another cause of the Ethereum Price movement. Ethereum has a rich ecosystem and a vast number of users, with new projects and tokens launching. This is a continuous stream of new ventures that keeps the liquidity alive.
Remittix Gains Attention as PayFi Utility Expands
Remittix has entered the conversation as a DeFi project that focuses on real payments rather than speculation. The project aims to connect crypto wallets with real bank accounts across multiple countries. Its core idea is simple. A user sends crypto. The recipient receives local currency in a bank account. This approach targets one of the biggest problems in digital finance: slow and costly global transfers.
The platform has gained traction fast. Over $29.7 million has been raised so far. This rapid uptake has created urgency among buyers who see the project as a potential high growth crypto platform.
The biggest milestone came with the release of the Remittix Wallet on the Apple App Store. This marks the first live product in the ecosystem. The wallet already allows users to store, send, and manage digital assets.
Why Remittix Is Drawing Market Attention
Send crypto directly to real bank accounts within seconds
Global payment system designed for borderless finance
Supports more than 40 cryptocurrencies and over 30 fiat currencies at launch
Real-time FX conversion with clear exchange rates
Mobile wallet now live on the Apple App Store
Verified by CertiK and ranked #1 for pre-launch tokens
More than 25,000 holders and over 300,000 giveaway entries
A limited bonus pool remains available for buyers, and part of the allocation sold within the first day. This type of scarcity has drawn attention from top ICO investors who watch early stage crypto investment opportunities.
Combined with the wallet launch and the upcoming fiat gateway, analysts say Remittix now sits among the best crypto to buy now for investors who want real payment utility.
A Payment Project Emerges as Ethereum Momentum Returns
Recent Ethereum price action shows that confidence is returning to the crypto market. When Ethereum gains strength, the wider altcoin market often gains traction as well. Remittix fits directly into that trend by linking digital assets with everyday banking systems.
With a live wallet, strong community growth and a major crypto-to-fiat launch scheduled, the project now stands at an important stage. Analysts say that if the Ethereum price rally continues, low-cap altcoins with solid fundamentals like Remittix may be targeting gains of 40-50x in 2026 .
Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here:
Today, wrestling fans likely know "WWE NXT" star Tatum Paxley for her darker character, which blends intense emotions with dangerous actions. As noted in her interview with "Going Ringside," though, they might be surprised to learn that she has an extensive athletic background as well.
"Right now, I have no idea how strong I am right now. I am nowhere near as strong as I was when I got hired, but even when I got hired, I think I was a very sneaky athlete," Paxley said, referring to her background in powerlifting and cheerleading. "I've always been involved in athletics and I'm a very athletic person, but to me, my core is something else. When I got here in WWE, I thought maybe I would show off that strength side of me. And though I could do it, it wasn't my personality. Strength isn't me. I can do it. It's like a hidden talent."
Cheerleading made up the majority of Paxley's pre-WWE athletics as she performed — both for fun and competitively — from a young age up until college. According to the "NXT" star, cheerleading was the entire motivation for her college pursuit, so when she no longer felt invested in it, she dropped out of school.
With cheerleading out of the picture, Paxley then needed another thing to "obsess over," thus the decision to elevate her workouts to specifically powerlifting. Through it, Paxley later became a multi-time powerlifting champion. Now in WWE, she's a former NXT Women's Champion and the reigning NXT Women's North America Champion, set to defend the latter title in a steel cage on Tuesday.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Going Ringside" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Carro nevertheless also specifically noted that Brandt’s return hinged on whether or not “Simon [Rolfes] wants him“. Rolfes made clear that Brandt’s position was filled.
Simon Rolfes rules out Leverkusen return for Julian Brandt
“We have a great player in that position in Ibo Maza [Ibrahim Maza] who will develop excellently over the next few years,” Rolfes noted on Germany’s famed Sunday footballing roundtable Doppelpass on Sport1 “It is such that Julian will not be an option for us. I’ve always said that I’m skeptical about bringing back former players.“
Rolfes then went on to note that there were two exceptions to that. Current Premier League players Kai Havertz (Arsenal) and Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) are welcome back at Germany’s red company team at any time. Rolfes offered up some comments on Havertz as the discussion went on.
Rolfes opens door for Kai Havertz
“There will always be a situation where we’re open to talking with Kai,” Rolfes said. “Right now, he’s in a different phase of his career and has other goals. He feels very comfortable at Arsenal. But Kai is always a special player whom we have to keep an eye on, even as a former player.”
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 12: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Julia Jacome/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Believe it or not, but today is the final Sunday for the Dodgers in Arizona this spring training. By this time next week, they’ll be back in Southern California for the exhibition Freeway Series against the Angels. Here’s a look at the schedule for the week ahead, which includes Cactus League action, one more split-squad day, the final three games of the World Baseball Classic, and prospects in the spring breakout game.
With Korea, Japan, and Puerto Rico eliminated Friday and Saturday, the Dodgers will get Hyeseong Kim, Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Edwin Díaz back in camp at some point this week.
Sunday, March 15
Dodgers vs. Rangers, 1:05 p.m. (SportsNet LA, AM 570) Dodgers at Cubs, 1:05 p.m. (Marquee Sports Network) WBC: United States vs. Dominican Republic, 5 p.m. (FS1)
Monday, March 16
Dodgers vs. Brewers, 1:05 p.m. (SportsNet LA, AM 570) WBC: Venezuela vs. Italy, 5 p.m. (FS1)
Liverpool will see the visit of a Spurs side devoid of inspiration as the perfect chance to get back to winning ways, while Tudor will know the walls are already closing in on his interim tenure.
Defeat at Anfield could see Tottenham, winless in 2026, finally drop into the drop zone, having gone into the weekend a mere point ahead of Nottingham Forest and West Ham below them.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Liverpool vs Tottenham?
Liverpool’s meeting with Tottenham kicks off at 4:30pm GMT on Sunday 15 March at Anfield.
How can I watch it?
Fans in the UK can watch the clash on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm GMT. The match can also be streamed on Sky Go. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Team news
The big news for Liverpool is Arne Slot has made changes ahead of the second leg of their Champions League clash against Galatasaray. Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah drop out as Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo start. Joe Gomez also comes in for Ibrahima Konate, but Alisson returns.
Igor Tudor is only able to name seven substitutes for the trip to Anfield - and two of them are goalkeepers. That includes Antonin Kinsky, who is replaced in goal by Guglielmo Vicario. It looks like Archie Gray could be played in midfield - with Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso and Djed Spence the possible back three.
Confirmed line-ups
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Ngumoha, Gakpo, Wirtz.
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - MARCH 20: The National Championship trophy is seen before the Division I Womens Ice Hockey Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs held at Pegula Ice Arena on March 20, 2022 in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/NCAA Photos/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
A dominant women’s hockey season for the Nittany Lions continued on Saturday as Penn State defeated UConn in their NCAA Regional Final to secure a spot in the program’s first Frozen Four.
— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) March 14, 2026
That goal actually ended up being all the Nittany Lions truly needed as they shutout the Huskies on the day, thanks in large part to goalie Katie DeSa who had 37 saves on the afternoon. Still, that didn’t stop Penn State from tacking on a few additional goals. Captain and Olympic Gold Medalist Tessa Janecke put one in the back of the net with just over 6 minutes to go in the third period, and Abby Stonehouse scored an empty netter that was the exclamation point for the Nittany Lions victory.
— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) March 14, 2026
Penn State will be joined by Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Northeastern in the Frozen Four next weekend, with the Nittany Lions drawing Wisconsin for their semifinal matchup. One major thing going in Penn State’s favor? Pegula Arena is the host for the Frozen Four, meaning the Nittany Lions will be skating on home ice for the semifinal and potentially the final as well.
With Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Andreas Christensen injured, options for Hansi Flick have been very limited, which is why Espart will take up the right-back role, while Joao Cancelo will be the left-back.
Furthermore, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin will form the centre-back partnership, meaning Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia have been rested.
In midfield, the likes of Pedri and Marc Bernal retain their places after featuring against Newcastle United earlier in the week. Notably, Bernal finished the match with cramps, but he has recovered since.
The attacking midfield role will be occupied by Dani Olmo, as Flick has decided to rest Fermin Lopez.
Meanwhile, Gavi has returned to the squad, although the midfielder’s participation will largely depend on how the match progresses.
The biggest change has been in the attack as Lamine Yamal has been rested. Instead, Flick has opted to choose Roony Bardghji on the right wing.
On the other hand, Raphinha will take up his left wing and while everything pointed to Ferran Torres starting against Sevilla, Robert Lewandowski will lead the lines for this young Barcelona side.
A general view shows the headquarters of QatarEnergy in the West Bay district of Doha. Stringer/dpa
The Finalissima football match between Euro 2024 champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina scheduled for March 27 in Qatar has been cancelled because of the Middle East war.
Europe's ruling body UEFA said the match was scrapped because Argentina rejected playing the match at the original date in Madrid or at a neutral venue as well as a two-legged variant in Madrid and Buenos Aires.
Argentina's offer to play on March 31 or after the World Cup in summer could not be fulfilled by Spain and UEFA.
"As a result, and to UEFA’s regret, this edition of the Finalissima has been cancelled," UEFA said.
The Finalissima in its current form was introduced in 2022 when Argentina beat Italy 3-0 in London.
Playing the game in Qatar was deemed impossible for safety and logistics reasons after the United States and Israel started air strikes against Iran on February 28 and Iran retaliated against countries in the region that have an American military presence.
The cancellation comes the day after Formula One cancelled the April 12 race in Bahrain and that a week later in Saudi Arabia.
MotoGP postponed the April 12 race in Qatar to November 8, and other sports events have also been affected by the war.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will play his first spring training game on Sunday since undergoing surgery to repair the hamate bone in his left hand. He will lead off and play shortstop facing the Toronto Blue Jays, days after taking live batting practice and taking ground balls in the field.
Lindor, 32, was expected to be sidelined for six weeks when he had the procedure on Feb. 11 to repair a stress reaction in the bone, located on the lower outside edge of the hand. At the time, the Mets expected him to be ready by Opening Day, which is now less than two weeks away.
The Mets have eight games remaining on their Grapefruit League schedule before opening the season at home on March 26 versus the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Francisco Lindor ripped a ground-rule double off AJ Minter in live BP
When Minter asked if hit was a home run or a ground-rule double, Lindor said "ground rule, I don't got it like that" and joked about it being a pop-up 😂 pic.twitter.com/wL8hR5XWFj
Lindor had surgery the day before pitchers and catchers reported to Port St. Lucie, Florida for spring training. He had complained of soreness in his left hand previously, but played through the discomfort. However, with the issue lingering before preparations for this season began, the team encouraged Lindor to get evaluated by a specialist.
Returning in time for Opening Day is an encouraging sign for Lindor, compared to other major leaguers who also had surgery in early February to repair hamate injuries this spring.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll played in his first Cactus League game on Wednesday. Unlike Lindor’s stress reaction, Carroll broke his hamate bone during batting practice and underwent surgery on Feb. 11. Hewas unable to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic because of the injury and the D-Backs have not said whether or not he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday suffered his hamate injury during early spring workouts and had surgery on Feb. 12. Like Carroll, he had the hamate removed in surgery. The Orioles have already said he will not be in their Opening Day lineup.
Last season, Lindor hit .267/.346/.466 with 31 home runs, 35 doubles, 86 RBI and 31 stolen bases in 732 plate appearances. He played in 160 games, the third time during his Mets career that he appeared in at least that many games.
SEATTLE, WA - November 4: Washington players run to from the tunnel during a college football game between the University of Washington and the Oregon State Beavers on November 4, 2022 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Happy Sunday Husky fans. The Huskies are a couple weeks out from spring football and after a successful junior day where they impressed a ton of top targets I wanted to look at who could potentially jump into the boat sooner rather than later.
3 star offensive tackle Reis Russell from Valor Christian HS, CO has been a frequent visitor to Montlake over the last year. The Huskies have continued to recruit Russell hard, despite offers coming in from Georgia and Oregon recently. Russell, who is rated as the 50th best interior offensive lineman, looks to be a perfect fit for center in college and the Huskies would love to add him to their roster. I would keep an eye out on Russell as I think the Huskies lead by a wide margin, thanks to coach Switzer, and are likely going to land his commitment sooner rather than later IMHO.
4 star composite running back Jeremy Adeyanju from Sandra Day O’Connor HS, AZ is another priority recruit that I believe is close to choosing UW. Running back’s coach Scottie Graham has focused a lot of his attention on Adeyanju so much so that the Huskies have surged to the lead of his recruitment over USC. Adeyanju, who is rated as the 27th best running back in the composite rankings, is a speed back who has flown under the radar until recent offers started pouring in. Listed at 6’0” and around 215 pounds he has good size already and could come in and compete for carries right away. I like where the Huskies sit with Adeyanju and I suspect we could see some a commitment from him sooner rather than later.
4 star composite safety Isala Aisa Wily-Ava from St John Bosco HS, CA is another recruit to monitor over the coming weeks. Safeties coach Taylor Mays has recruited Wily-Ava for a long time and the Huskies would like to add the lengthy safety to their DB class. Wily-Ava has a visit set to UW and ASU, but after coming up for Junior day I think the Huskies could get a commitment from him at some point soon. Listed at 6’2” and around 195 pounds Wily-Ava has the size to come in and play early. I would keep an eye on his recruitment over the coming weeks.
AG2G!! Junior Season not how we wanted but definitely Grateful for the Blessings and Lessons learned that came along with it!
Rarely tested up top unfortunately and respected by opponents.
Locally I think the Huskies could wrap up the top defensive lineman in-state sooner rather than later. Tevita Nonu from O’Dea HS has visits scheduled to UCLA, AZ, and UW however it wouldn’t be a shock if a couple of those visits get cancelled if UW is able to reel him in. Rated as the 24th best interior defensive lineman in the country in the composite rankings, Nonu is a high motor interior defensive lineman with a good frame to add some weight on and develop into a solid 5 tech defensive lineman (he’s listed at 6’4” and around 270 pounds). Nonu would be a big pickup for the Huskies and further solidify coach Fisch’s strategy of keeping the top in-state players home.
It is finally time for March Madness. The brackets for the 2026 NCAA men's and women's tournaments will be revealed on Selection Sunday and the action on the court begins in only a few days.
You have until Thursday morning to fill out your men's bracket and Friday morning for the women's. Don't worry. We've got you covered. Our experts will have picks for every matchup and will break out Cinderellas and more in the coming days.
Just click on the photos below for a printable men's or women's NCAA tournament bracket. Be sure to also make your picks in the Yahoo Sports Bracket Mayhem game.
On the men’s side, there are four clear-cut favorites and they’ll almost assuredly be the No. 1 seeds in the tournament. Duke, Michigan, Arizona and Florida look like absolute wrecking machines heading into March Madness, though the Gators did slip up in the SEC semifinals on Saturday.
On the women’s side, there’s no question who is the favorite to cut down the nets in Phoenix. UConn heads into the NCAA tournament undefeated and on a 50-game win streak. The Huskies are massive -275 favorites, the shortest odds of any team heading into the tournament in four years.
The First Four starts on the men's side on Tuesday; the women begin the First Four games on Wednesday.
See the full schedule below for both tournaments.
Printable NCAA men's tournament bracket
Printable NCAA women's tournament bracket
2026 NCAA tournament schedule:
The tournament unofficially kicked off with Selection Sunday, but we won't see any action on the court until March 17.
2025 March Madness men’s schedule:
First Four: March 17-18 (TruTV)
First round: March 19-20 (CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV)
Second round: March 21-22 (CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV)
Sweet 16: March 26-27 (CBS, TBS)
Elite Eight: March 28-29 (CBS, TBS)
Final Four: April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (CBS)
NCAA championship game: April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (CBS)
It didn't take long for former Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown to land with a new team. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Brown is joining the Houston Texans on a one-year contract worth up to $3.5 million.
Brown was released last week before he was due a $500,000 roster bonus. He would have made almost $4.2 million in salary for the Cardinals in 2026 had he not been released.
Brown, enters his ninth NFL season. He has played for the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks and Cardinals, entering the league as an undrafted rookie in 2018. He has been a starter at all three interior line positions since 2021.
He played every snap of every game in 2024 for the Cardinals and re-signed last year on a two-year deal. He started 11 games at left guard last season and missed the final six games, out for personal reasons when his newborn son needed open-heart surgery.
The Cardinals signed Isaac Seumalo to a three-year deal, and he will be the Cardinals' new starting left guard.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
On Sunday at the 2026 Players Championship, $25 million is up for grabs.James Gilbert/Getty Images
The 2026 Players Championship comes to an end on Sunday with the final round at TPC Sawgrass. Here’s what you need to know to watch the tournament on Sunday, including full Players Championship TV coverage, streaming details and Round 4 tee times.
How to watch Players Championship on Sunday
Heading into Sunday’s final round at TPC Sawgrass, Ludvig Aberg is the man to beat.
The 26-year-old pro has long been predicted to achieve greatness in the game, and now he has a great opportunity to put his first stamp on history.
Aberg started the third round in the lead, then steadily shot a one-under 71. It was good enough to extend his lead further. He’ll start the final round with a three-shot advantage over Michael Thorbornsen. If he holds on to win, it would represent the biggest victory of Aberg’s young career, and it would earn him $4.5 million.
You can watch the final round of the Players Championship on NBC starting at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive streaming coverage starting on Sunday at 7:45 a.m. ET, as well as featured group and featured hole coverage. You can stream NBC’s Sunday coverage on Peacock.
Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the final round of the 2026 Players Championship.
Get ESPN+
With an ESPN+ subscription, you gain access to PGA Tour Live, where you can stream the best PGA Tour events live from wherever you want.
NBC will provide exclusive final-round 2026 Players Championship TV coverage from 1-6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
How to stream online Sunday
You can stream the final round of the 2026 Players Championship on PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will offer streaming coverage beginning on Sunday at 7:45 a.m. ET, in addition to featured group and hole coverage. Peacock will provide a live simulcast of NBC’s TV coverage.
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Inter Milan 1-1 Atalanta – Not Just Frattesi: Dumfries Denied A Penalty Too
The refereeing controversy surrounding Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta runs deeper than the Frattesi incident with a second penalty claim, this one involving Denzel Dumfries and Ederson, emerging as another flashpoint that Manganiello and VAR both failed to address.
The sequence began in the same passage of play that has already drawn widespread criticism.
After the initial contact further up the pitch, the ball moved toward the byline.
While still inside the area, Ederson and Dumfries contested possession in a shoulder-to-shoulder duel.
Inter 1-1 Atalanta – Dumfries & Ederson At Heart Of Second Controversial Call
According to SportMediaset, via FCInterNews, the Atalanta midfielder then extended his left leg and brought Dumfries down.
Neither Manganiello on the pitch nor the VAR team intervened, a decision that is now drawing significant scrutiny.
The AIA, it is reported, have already privately acknowledged that the officiating in the closing stages was below the required standard, and the matter will be addressed at the Open VAR broadcast.
The Frattesi penalty denial has dominated the headlines, but the Dumfries incident adds another layer to Inter’s legitimate grievances.
And, indeed, strengthens the case that the Nerazzurri were denied far more than a single spot kick in a match that could prove pivotal in the Scudetto race.
There’s a moment in every young driver’s career where the narrative around them either becomes true or falls apart under the weight of expectation. For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, that moment came on a Sunday afternoon at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, 56 laps around one of the most demanding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, in front of a global audience watching to see whether the teenager Mercedes bet their future on could actually deliver.
Antonelli Wins in Shanghai — and Makes History Doing It
Antonelli won the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix in a performance that was commanding, intelligent and — for one genuinely terrifying moment with four laps remaining — almost spectacularly undone by a massive lockup at Turn 14 that sent him deep into the runoff. He gathered it, held the gap and crossed the line 5.5 seconds clear of teammate George Russell to become the second youngest race winner in Formula 1 history.
Only Max Verstappen, who won his first grand prix at 18 years old in Spain in 2016, has done it younger. Antonelli is 19. He has now started two Formula 1 grands prix and finished both of them on the podium.
A Weekend That Was a Statement For Kimi Antonelli
The Chinese Grand Prix weekend itself told you everything about where Antonelli is as a driver right now. On Saturday, he became the youngest Grand Prix polesitter in the history of the sport, beating a record that had belonged to Sebastian Vettel since 2008.
When the lights went out Sunday, he briefly lost the lead to Lewis Hamilton, who made a brilliant launch from third on the grid and surged past both Mercedes into Turn 1. What Antonelli did next revealed more about who he is as a racing driver than the pole position did. He didn’t panic. He didn’t push past the limit chasing Hamilton down. He raced cleanly, found his way back to the front before the end of the second lap and managed the rest of the afternoon with a composure that drivers twice his age sometimes can’t find in the heat of a real fight.
From meeting in 2018 as a grid kid to standing on the podium together 🥹
That composure is what separates the truly special drivers from the merely fast drivers. F1 has no shortage of fast drivers. It has very few who can process the chaos of a race at the front of the field — the tire management, the energy deployment decisions, the pressure of a teammate hunting in clean air — without making the kind of mistake that hands a race away. Antonelli made one late error, that lockup at Turn 14, and he absorbed it. The gap was large enough, the mind calm enough. He got back on track and finished the job.
Mercedes Made the Right Call Replacing Hamilton with Antonelli
Mercedes knew what they were doing when they placed Antonelli in the seat Lewis Hamilton vacated after 11 years. The scrutiny that came with that decision was immense, and not entirely unfair: replacing the most decorated driver in the history of the sport demands a certain kind of proof before the paddock is willing to accept the choice.
Two races in, Antonelli has 19 points, a race win and is the second-youngest-winner in the record books. Russell leads the drivers’ championship by a single point. The two of them are already setting up what could become one of the most compelling intra-team rivalries the sport has seen in years, and the season is barely two weekends old.
For fans in the United States who are newer to F1 and still building their mental map of who matters in this sport, here’s what you need to understand: Antonelli is going to be one of the defining figures of this era.
The regulation reset that 2026 brought with it created a level playing field that doesn’t come around often, and Antonelli is thriving on it in a way that suggests this isn’t a hot start that cools once the field catches up. When he crossed the finish line in Shanghai and came on the radio, he said he was about to cry. He thanked his team. He said he’d promised himself he would bring Italy back to the top step, and for the record, he’s the first Italian race winner since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.
He is just 19 years old and he meant every word of it. Pay attention to this kid.
Hamilton appears to be enjoying the new F1 regulations; Verstappen less so [Getty Images]
The three most successful drivers in Formula 1 summed up the conflict and paradox at the heart of the sport's new look after a Chinese Grand Prix that showed off its best and worst sides.
Lewis Hamilton, fresh from his long-awaited first podium finish for Ferrari, called his battle with team-mate Charles Leclerc "awesome" and "the best racing I've ever experienced in F1".
Max Verstappen, who retired with a problem in his Red Bull's energy recovery system after a dispiriting race in the lower half of the field, said the new F1 was "terrible".
"If someone likes this," he said, "then you really don't know what racing is like. Not fun at all. Playing Mario Kart. This is not racing. Boosting past, then you run out of battery, the next straight they boost past you again. For me, it's just a joke."
Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, often finds phrases of elegant simplicity that nail the heart of an issue.
Living a nightmare of deja vu from a decade ago with a Honda engine short of power and hybrid capability, Alonso described the new season as "the battery world championship".
Their opinions, doubtless influenced by their own competitive positions, reflect layers of the same, complex issue.
Cars can race closely together, but can drivers push to the limit? [Getty Images]
Engine boosting
The new hybrid engines - with their 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, and energy recovery limited by regulatory choices - have led to a new style of racing wheel to wheel, and changed the fundamental nature of what drivers do.
Hamilton's battle with Leclerc - and theirs in the opening laps with the Mercedes drivers of maiden race-winner Kimi Antonelli and George Russell - was a function of what many would consider the positive effects of the new engines on racing. Certainly, the most superficially attractive.
The "boost" and "overtake" modes provide extra electrical energy to help drivers pass their rivals. But then leave the driver who has used them short of battery charge, so they are vulnerable to being re-passed.
Even when a driver has a fundamentally superior car - such as the Mercedes - it can take time for this to balance out. While it does, the result is several laps of position-swapping.
This is even allowing the fast-starting Ferraris to mix it with the fundamentally superior Mercedes in the early stages of race, for a few laps at least.
In the case of Hamilton and Leclerc, in identical cars, the battle ebbed and flowed for two thirds of the race, with peaks of several laps of excitement interspersed with periods of stalemate, before Hamilton finally came out on top.
As Hamilton put it while sitting alongside Antonelli and Russell in the post-race news conference: "Of course, these guys are pulling past us at crazy speeds, but to be able to all be so close…
"Hopefully it was an exciting race to watch for you guys because it was awesome in the car. It felt like go-karting - back and forth, back and forth - and you could really position your car in a nice way where there was a thin piece of paper between us sometimes, but we didn't exchange any paint.
"Great wheel-to-wheel battle, very fair and just what we want. I think that's down to great drivers and respect."
The flip side is the philosophical questions at the heart of this debate.
On a surface level, boost buttons and extra electrical energy smack of computer games - hence Verstappen's remark about Mario Kart, the second time he had used the analogy in four days in Shanghai.
But the engines are also affecting what the drivers do on their own. The cars' energy starvation has changed the nature of driving.
The job of an F1 team is to get their car around a lap as fast as possible. In 2026, that means keeping the battery levels high enough to deploy where it has maximum effect on lap time. And because the electrical components are so powerful - 350kw (470bhp) - they over-ride cornering.
In the lead battle, that's why a car with a better engine, the Mercedes, is currently beating a car faster around the corners, the Ferrari.
A loss of drivers' skill?
Beyond that, it means that some elements of driver skill are being removed.
Some of the sport's most demanding corners, which in the past would have been the most extreme tests of a driver's skill and bravery, are no longer taken at the limit of grip because it is more effective to recover energy through them instead.
Among the corners drivers mentioned in this context in China were the Esses at Suzuka - considered by many the most challenging piece of race track on the planet - and Pouhon at Spa, a fearsome downhill double left-hander that is the most demanding corner on one of the world's greatest circuits.
Verstappen said: "I speak for most of the drivers. Some of course will say it's great because they're winning races, which is fair enough. When you have an advantage, why would you give that up, right? Because you never know if you're going to have a good car again.
"But if you just speak to most of the drivers, it's not what we like. I don't think it's what the real F1 fans like. Maybe some fans like it but they don't understand racing.
"This has nothing to do with racing - and I would say the same if I would be winning races. Because I care about the racing product. It's not about being upset with where I am."
What do the bosses think?
F1's bosses are caught in the middle of this debate, recognising the superficial appeal of the back-and-forth racing, but concerned about what the new cars are doing to the sport they grew up loving because they were attracted by its essence as the ultimate test of driver and machine.
Andrea Stella, team principal of world champions McLaren, said: "In qualifying, there's some aspects of driving that could be counterintuitive.
"Like, occasionally there are comments from our drivers that once they make a mistake, actually save some energy, you go faster overall in a sector, because the energy you saved with the delay on the throttle because you had a problem is going to reward you at the end of the straight."
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff said: "From an entertainment perspective, I believe that what we've seen today between Ferrari and McLaren was good racing. Many overtakes.
"We were all part of Formula 1 where there was no overtake, literally. Sometimes we're too nostalgic about the good old years.
"But I think the product is good in itself. We saw quite some racing in the midfield also. And that is, I think, the positive.
"Now, from a driver's standpoint, when it comes to the qualifying lap, that is different. Clearly, lift and coast in the qualifying, I'm sure for someone like Max, who is a full-attack guy, it's difficult to cope and digest.
"Qualifying flat-out would be nice. But when you look at the fans and the excitement that is there, live, the cheering when there's overtakes and also on social media, the younger fans, the vast majority, through all the demographics, like the sport at the moment.
"So, yes, we can always look at how we're improving it. But at the moment, all the indicators and all the data say people love it. And I spoke with Stefano (Domenicali, the F1 president). He says that, too."
The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix gives the sport a little more breathing space to consider all this.
There is a meeting of team bosses with F1 and governing body the FIA this week, and another race in Japan in two weeks' time before a five-week break before the next Grand Prix in Miami at the beginning of May.
A number of ideas to reduce the degree to which the purity of the driving experience has been polluted are already in the mix, such as removing a lower limit for energy recovery currently in force in a certain phase of the straights. And others may yet emerge.
Stella says: "Do we want to be faithful to the DNA of racing in a traditional sense? Do we accept that this counterintuitive situation belongs to the business or not? This is a high-level philosophical question."
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers need an infusion of talent at cornerback. Brian Gutekunst hasn’t used a Top 100 pick on the position since he drafted Eric Stokes with the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Since the Stoke selection, Green Bay’s general manager has only used three picks on the position, with all three of those selections coming in the seventh round.
Given the state of Green Bay’s cornerback room, it would be shocking if Gutekunst doesn’t address the position in the upcoming draft.
A potential target in the third or fourth round is Devin Moore. The Florida cornerback checks in at No. 45 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A four-star recruit from Florida, Moore played in five games during his first season on campus before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. In 2023, Moore played in seven games and recorded one interception and three pass deflections. That season he missed five games as he dealt with back issues and a concussion.
In 2024, Moore recorded two interceptions and two pass deflections before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
This past season, Moore stayed clear of the injury bug and responded with two tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and four pass deflections.
If the Packers feel comfortable with his medicals, Devin Moore could be a target in the 3rd or 4th RD.
Impressive frame (6-3, nearly 32-inch arms). The Florida CB uses every inch of that frame to his advantage. pic.twitter.com/AWBGmzX0Xp
At 6-3 with nearly 32-inch arms, Moore is well put together and uses every inch of that impressive frame to tighten passing windows. He uses his reach to challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and reroute them. The Florida cornerback has the vertical speed to stay attached on a vertical plane, with the recovery speed to make up for any missteps. The former four-star recruit is smooth in his pedal and has impressive change-of-direction skills for a taller cornerback. He does a good job of tracking the ball and attacking it in the air.
“Moore’s greatest strengths are his size, length, and speed,” Nick Marcinko, a reporter for Gator Country, said. “He can physically press receivers at the line of scrimmage while also having the speed to cover ground in the secondary. Moore excels in coverage, using his awareness and ball skills to create big plays.”
Moore won’t back down against the run and uses his length to work off blocks. This past season he recorded 13 run stops and was tagged with just four missed tackles. He consistently gets his man to the ground to limit YAC.
“Moore is an aggressive defender,” Marcinko said. “He has posted strong tackling numbers throughout his career, including a 10.0% missed tackle rate his senior year.”
Fit with the Packers
Green Bay’s ‘remodel’ of the cornerback room started in free agency with the addition of Benjamin St. Juste. The tall and lanky cornerback gives the Packers some much-needed size.
The former Minnesota Golden Gopher will likely challenge for a starting role and will provide an impact on special teams.
Even with that addition, the Packers still need plenty of help. Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are both entering contract years. As it stands right now, it doesn’t look good for either one of them getting another contract in Green Bay.
Adding Moore to the mix would give the Packers a long cornerback who could challenge for a starting role as a rookie or he could sit for a year and look to take on a starting role when Nixon and Valentine walk in free agency.
“He would be a steal at any point after the first two rounds,” Marcinko said. “He is faster than his 4.50 40-yard dash suggests. He possesses ideal size for an NFL cornerback, and excels in coverage. Moore has all the traits you look for at the next level. Health is the only question mark.”
Moore may or may not be on Green Bay's board due to durability concerns. If the Packers feel comfortable with his medicals, he could prove to be a steal in the third round. With his frame and athleticism, he's worth the gamble
Conor McGregor has been keeping an eye on BKFC’s newest heavyweight, and it just so happens he is also a former WWE tag team champion.
The Irishman took notice of Gzim Selmani’s debut performance. Selmani, who WWE fans know better as Rezar from the Authors of Pain, had to pick himself up off the canvas before stopping Daniel Curtin with a brutal knockout in the second round.
Selmani came in with a fair bit of buzz, thanks in part to his background in professional wrestling. The former Bellator fighter lived up to expectations too, delivering an eye-catching finish that included four knockdowns.
Gzim Selmani lands brutal KO over Daniel Curtin
After his second release from WWE last year, Selmani chose to return to combat sports rather than staying on the wrestling circuit. Years earlier, he had left a promising MMA path – which included a stint with Bellator – to chase a pro wrestling career.
His decision to join BKFC drew attention right away, and he wasted no time backing up the hype. Despite being knocked down early by Daniel Curtin in Newcastle, Selmani quickly recovered and made his power felt.
He returned fire straight away and floored Curtin three times before the bell rang. When they came out for the second round, it only took 22 seconds for Selmani to finish it off.
McGregor is part-owner of BKFC alongside David Feldman, and he did not miss any of the action. He shared clips from the card throughout the night, but made sure to post Selmani’s finish on his Instagram story, tagging him with ‘The Albanian Psycho’ nickname.
Curtin ended up bloodied and bruised while Selmani hardly looked marked at all. As for what comes next for him, that is still up in the air. He has previously called out former World’s Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall given his years of fighting experience.
Gzim Selmani’s post-fight interview gets wild
Selmani wasted no time embracing his ‘Psycho’ moniker after his BKFC debut, dropping an x-rated promo that was a far cry from the scripted promos of his wrestling days. And unlike his WWE run, there was no Paul Ellering to handle the talking this time around.
He stated: “I’m here to knock motherf—ers out, anywhere in the motherf—ing world. Come get it motherf—ers, I’m f—ing done with everybody motherf—ers, come get it.”
Selmani drew loud boos from the Newcastle crowd after defeating a British opponent, to which he retorted: “F— this place too! What? Give it to me, I’m the motherf—ing Albanian Psycho. I’m the motherf—er who came from WWE to this place, I fought my a– off and I’m here.”
The 31-year-old then thanked McGregor and Feldman for their participation, concluding with this declaration: “I am here to stay motherf—ers whether you like it or not. The Albanian psycho has arrived at BKFC, the most dominant, the most crazy combat sport.”
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