Tre Donaldson was among the team leaders last season at Miami as the starting point guard, and the 22-year-old is aiming to bring those attributes with him to the NBA.

Donaldson was an All-ACC second team selection, averaging 16.4 points, 5.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals while shooting 35.9% from 3-point range. He was one of 10 players in the country to average at least 16 points and 5.5 assists while shooting over 35% from beyond the arc.

The 6-foot-1 Donaldson ranked third in the conference in total assists with 201, the second-most in a season in program history. He was one of four players in the ACC to dish out at least 10 assists in five or more games this past season.

"I feel like my game is well-rounded, but just continuing to work on every aspect of it, not being complacent, is the biggest thing," Donaldson said this week after working out with the Golden State Warriors. "Then, just keep getting better in all aspects of the game. I feel like you can never shoot the ball well enough, so just continuing to work on shooting, defending and being a pest."

Donaldson was among the 44 prospects who participated in the G League combine earlier this month, averaging 11.5 points, four rebounds and 3.5 assists in two scrimmages. He also recorded a 39-inch max vertical jump, which ranked the fourth-highest among all participants.

The Florida native is considered a potential second-round pick because of his scoring and leadership. He has the ability to create space with his quickness and dribble moves, and he showed that he can pull up from well beyond the arc.

Donaldson has conducted predraft workouts with at least five teams, with others scheduled before the two-night draft on June 23-24. He is looking forward to showing teams what he can bring to the next level, both on and off the court.

"I played four years of college, so they know my game well," Donaldson said. "(I want to show) my personality, my leadership skills, things that they don't get to see every day or on the court as much, or hear. So, just the way I talk, my vocals, the way I encourage others, and the way I can bring everybody together, I feel like that's what I want to show teams and how I can be that glue guy."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Tre Donaldson: Miami senior wants to bring leadership to the NBA

NASCAR arrived at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 2026 Charbroil 300, and the 15th race of the season was fascinating. Connor Zilisch won Stage 1, while Ross Chastain won Stage 2; however, only one JR Motorsports driver made it to victory lane. In fact, it came under very unusual circumstances due to the weather.

At the end of the day, Chastain won his first O'Reilly Series race of 2026 at Charlotte. After a slight overview of the notable moments, here are the NASCAR TV ratings following the 2026 Charbroil 300 at Charlotte!

NASCAR and The CW earned an average of 945,000 viewers for the Charbroil 300 at Charlotte on The CW. It was delayed by rain, which caused the race to resume at 10:00 p.m. ET. Before the rain delay, The CW averaged 1.3 million viewers, trending above 1.0 million.

Now, NASCAR will focus its attention on Nashville Superspeedway, as the 16th NASCAR race weekend will be underway soon.

More: How to watch NASCAR live at Nashville in May 2026, full schedule

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: NASCAR TV ratings for O'Reilly Series race at Charlotte in May 2026

World No. 1 Nelly Korda announced her return to the Dow Championship for the first time since 2022. Korda announced she'll play with good friend Olivia Cowan, a winner on the Ladies European Tour who is ranked 178th, in the week following the U.S. Women's Open.

Korda last partnered with older sister Jessica in 2022, when they tied for eighth. Jessica announced earlier this year that she's pregnant with her second child.

Other commitments include Lydia Ko and Danielle Kang as well as Lexi Thompson and Megan Khang, who finished second last year to Somi Lee and Jin Hee Im.

LPGA Hall of Famer Juli Inkster will tee it up with Angel Yin, who considers the seven-time major winner a mentor. Inkster, 65, last teed it up on the LPGA at the 2025 Standard Portland Classic.

The 2026 edition of the Dow will be held June 11-14 at Midland (Michigan) Country Club. It marks the beginning of a two-week Michigan swing, with the Meijer LPGA Classic in Grand Rapids the following week.

Cydney Clanton and Jasmine Suwannapura won the inaugural Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in 2019.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Here's who No. 1 Nelly Korda will partner with at LPGA team event

Tulloch Camanachd Cup holders Newtonmore cruised through to the quarter-finals of the tournament with a 5-0 defeat of Kyles at Tighnabruich.

In contrast at the Dell, last year's losing finalists Kingussie struggled against unfancied Col Glen, only grabbing a 2-1 win in the penultimate minute.

Glenurquhart produced a spectacular comeback to become the only second-tier side in the draw for the last eight when they eliminated Premiership Lochaber on penalties following a 3-3 draw.

Fort William edged hosts Lovat 3-2 and, along the road at Beauly, it was a 3-1 victory for Oban Camanachd.

Skye had a 1-0 success at Inveraray and there was a 4-2 win for Kinlochshiel against Glasgow Mid Argyll at Yoker.

Brodie MacBean put Newtonmore ahead in the first half but it was not until the second period that two from Matthew Sloss and one apiece from Struan Ross and Aaron MacBean made it comfortable.

Col Glen, newly-promoted from the National Division and still pointless in the Premiership, shocked Kingussie when Neilly MacNaughton scored after just 10 minutes. The game was into the second half before Dylan Borthwick drew Kingussie level and there was only a minute left when Savio Genini grabbed their winner.

Home side Lochaber looked home and dry when Finlay MacDonald, Ross Loughray and an Ali MacLean own goal put them 3-0 up during a 10-minute spell before half-time.

However, in a spectacular comeback, Glen were level before the hour when Neale Reid's double straddled a goal from Fraser Heath, all in just eight minutes. There was no further scoring, and Glen won 4-2 on penalties to become the National Division's only representatives in the quarter-final draw at McCaig's Tower in Oban on Monday.

At Balgate, Lovat's Danny Kelly replied to Ewen Campbell's opener for Fort William and, into the second half, Archie MacKinnon and Hamish Shaw put Fort 3-1 up. Marc MacLachlan scored Lovat's second from the penalty spot with the last hit of the game.

Daniel Madej and a Daniel MacVicar double sent Oban Camanachd comfortably through before Iain Hunter's consolation for Beauly.

Ross Gordon secured Skye's progress in the final quarter of their tie at the Winterton. John MacRae broke the deadlock for Kinlochshiel but Logan Adam equalised for Mid Argyll before Ali Nixon and Archie MacRae with a double made it 4-1 for Shiel at half-time. Adam completed his double immediately after the restart.

The New York Giants are having some rough luck this offseason when it comes to injuries.

On Friday, the news broke that the Giants' wide receiver Gunner Olszewski went down with a non-contact injury in practice and had to be carted off the field. Reports indicate the team fears the injury is a torn Achilles tendon, and he is undergoing further testing to confirm the injury.

"That was a non-contact change in direction kind of a deal on the grass there," coach John Harbaugh said. "So that was disappointing."

Sources: Giants fear that WR Gunner Olszewski, who was carted off the practice field today, tore his Achilles. He will undergo additional testing to confirm the injury. pic.twitter.com/Qp37HGMrp0

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 29, 2026

Does Gunner Olszewski's injury raise questions about Giants head coach John Harbaugh's coaching approach?

If Olszewski's injury is a torn Achilles, it will mark the third player to go down for the Giants with that specific issue this spring, defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris last week and undrafted rookie Thaddeus Dixon earlier this offseason. This is notable as it has come at the beginning of Harbaugh's tenure with the Giants after Ravens wideout Zay Flowers called his former coach out for running practices that were too physically demanding.

“We’re doing 1-on-1 Week 17... Lowkey, that’s why we had a lot of injuries because of how we practiced,” Flowers said on the 4th & South podcast recently.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Giants lose third player to Achilles injury this offseason

One former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, who sat out the entirety of the 2025 season, is apparently gearing up for an NFL comeback, and his workout video has generated buzz on social media.

Popular route-running specialist and trainer James Everett Jr., also known as Routegod, posted a few clips of ex-Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson working out — and it was just as smooth as fans remember.

🛑And🟢 pic.twitter.com/A9GU0VbkcY

— RouteGod (@RouteGod) May 26, 2026

Johnson, who was selected by the Steelers with the 66th overall pick in the third round, emerged as one of the league's top route-running receivers, recording 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns during his five-year stint with Pittsburgh. He was also named Second-Team All-Pro in 2019 as a punt returner and earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2021.

While Johnson didn't exactly leave the Steelers on the best of terms, receiving plenty of fan backlash for his overall effort and drops, the Aaron Rodgers-led offense could use a veteran receiver of his caliber in what's looking like a boom-or-bust 2026 season.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Ex-Steelers WR Diontae Johnson attempting NFL comeback for 2026 season

Betfred Challenge Cup final

Wigan (10) 40

Tries: Farrimond 2, Nsemba, Keighran 2, French, Thompson Goals: Keighran 6

Hull KR (4) 10

Tries: Hiku 2 Goal: Martin

Bevan French scored on his return from a hamstring injury as Wigan Warriors earned their 22nd Challenge Cup title by thrashing Hull KR at a sweltering Wembley Stadium.

French had been absent since March and was expected to be out for four months but marked an early return to action from the bench with a try 15 minutes from time, which put the gloss on Wigan's victory.

Earlier, Jack Farrimond's sensational solo try got Wigan off the mark and he repeated the feat to extend their lead before Peta Hiku responded for Hull KR.

Wigan took control after the break, scoring 30 points, when Junior Nsemba dotted down and Adam Keighran scored a quickfire pair of tries.

Hiku went in at the corner to pull KR into double figures, but Luke Thompson raced in as Wigan capped off their win in style.

Wigan finished the match with 12 players, however, as Sam Walters put in a dangerous tackle on Bill Leyland with two minutes remaining.

The meeting, a repeat of last season's Super League Grand Final, means Wigan pick up their first trophy since their quadruple-winning 2025 campaign, having been shut out by KR's treble last term.

KR, for their part, were unable to offer a comeback as talismanic stand off Mikey Lewis suffered what appeared to be a foot injury in the first half.

Wigan's victory marks a historic double - with the women's team also beating fierce rivals St Helens in the Women's Challenge Cup final earlier on Saturday - the first time a side has won both trophies on the same day since the finals were grouped together at Wembley in 2023.

• Wigan thrash Saints to retain Women's Challenge Cup
• Challenge Cup final: Wonderful Wigan thrashing holders Hull KR - TV, radio & live text

The Warriors took an early lead to lay down a marker of what was to come.

Farrimond received Brad O'Neill's pass and dummied and weaved his way through the Hull KR defence to score.

Keighran swung what should have been a simple conversion wide, however, and an attritional first half then played out in temperatures approaching 30 degrees celsius.

Hull KR suffered a blow when Lewis picked up his injury midway through the half, but he carried on playing.

Yet he was a passenger as Wigan made a moment of pressure count, as Farrimond ran in, with Lewis unable to offer much in the way of defence as he was plagued by his foot injury.

Out of nowhere Hull KR hit back right on the verge of half-time as Tyrone May's sublime kick was met by Hiku, who could not believe his luck as he saw that he was able to run in virtually unopposed.

Yet Rhyse Martin - who had been deployed from the bench in the early stages due to a head injury to Dean Hadley - hit the post while trying to add the extras.

Wigan opened up their lead to 12 points just four minutes into the second half as Hull KR struggled from a high ball, and Farrimond continued his fine showing for the day as he sent a perfect kick through for Nsemba to catch and ground.

Another Wigan kick led to another try, this time as Harry Smith chipped in for Keighran to run in through a Hull KR defensive gap to score and the Australian was in again soon after as he scooped up a pass and outpaced KR again.

French made the difference moments after coming on to cap off a remarkable comeback, but there was still time for Hiku to race to the corner and Thompson to stun the Robins further before the hooter.

Second-half brilliance

Prior to the game, Wigan legend Martin Offiah described the final as being an "unofficial World Club Challenge" given that Wigan and Hull KR are the past two winners of that competition - and the tie did plenty to earn that moniker.

It was a bruising battle in the heat and yet it was genuinely impressive that the first half brought 14 points in the conditions and with such high energy action on show.

Wigan had raised some eyebrows last week when, in a Super League fixture against the Robins which teed up Saturday's final, boss Matt Peet had named a whopping 10 changes to his side ahead of their 62-4 thrashing.

Yet there was further surprising team news to come as French, who had been set to miss four months of the season with a hamstring tear in March, came back into the matchday squad and was named on the bench.

Likewise, Hull KR named Leyland on their bench, as his pair of tries while on a short-term loan with St Helens saw him help clinch a comeback win over Wigan in their Super League derby on Good Friday.

That defeat and subsequent reaction, inspired Peet's side to a 32-0 victory over Saints in the final to set up their place in Saturday's final, with Peet also saying that St Helens had "lost their identity" following Leyland's part in their Easter win.

Yet if there were any lingering fears that Wigan would falter and slip to what would have been an embarrassing defeat in light of last week's line-up, they were put to rest early on.

Wigan were at their very best for virtually the entire 80 minutes, but it was their second-half showing that inspired their win - with the 13-minute period where Nsemba and Keighran's double came being the turning point.

Hull KR were undone in that spell by three moments of genius, the first being Farrimond's pinpoint kick to Nsemba, Smith's perfectly weighted kick to Keighran and Keighran's run to evade the Robins defence to score.

French's try on his return may steal the headlines, yet this was a rounded team performance the like of which draws parallels with their wonderful 2025 season.

In addition to the brilliance, the game ended on a sour note for Wigan, as Walters saw red with Nsemba also involved in the reckless move on Leyland with the game virtually at its conclusion.

A bridge too far for KR

Hull KR assembled the first piece of their treble jigsaw courtesy of their dramatic late win against Warrington almost a year to the day to lift their first Challenge Cup since 1980.

This time around they lost Jai Whitbread in the build-up to this fixture as his partner was due to give birth and Hadley's early injury lay-off made matters worse.

That Lewis was also plagued with his injury meant they were swimming against a Wigan tidal wave which only ever increased as the 80 minutes wore on.

In a sapping first half, it was to Willie Peters' side's credit that they were within just six points of Wigan at the break.

Yet the wheels came off any potential comeback as Wigan dominated the second half and never looked back.

Peters is set to join new National Rugby League (NRL) side Papua New Guinea Chiefs for next season meaning that this is his last bow in the Challenge Cup.

It is a competition he knows well, having reached the final in 2023, won the competition last season and reached the 2026 showpiece.

They have already lifted a trophy this year after clinching the World Club Challenge thanks to their sensational win over Brisbane Broncos in February.

But Peters' side will have to regroup from this chastening defeat in order to mount a defence of their League Leaders' Shield and Super League titles.

With the Robins just two points behind leaders Leeds with a game in hand, they will be in the mix, not least thanks to their goal difference-stretching win over Wigan last week.

Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Hodkinson; Farrimond, Smith; Walters, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Partington.

Interchanges: Havard, Ellis, Mago, French.

Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, Litten, Amone, Hadley, Batchelor, Minchella.

Interchanges: Leyland, Luckley, Martin, Brown.

Referee: Liam Moore

The Brooklyn Nets are in the beginning stages of an offseason where they could be looking to make significant improvements to the roster after coming off a 20-62 record in the 2025-26 season. Brooklyn has the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and more than that, the Nets seem to have enough assets to make moves during this summer.

"Including the No. 6 pick in the 2026 draft, the Brooklyn Nets also have a whopping nine first-round selections available for trade," Grant Hughes wrote for Bleacher Report while discussing the Nets. Hughes did a ranking of the five teams in the NBA with the most trades assets in the league and Brooklyn was ranked first on the list, showing how much they have at their disposal to make some noise this offseason.

"That's the most in the league by a decent margin (Charlotte checks in at No. 2 with seven tradeable firsts) and the main reason Brooklyn belongs atop the list," Hughes continued. "It's remarkable that the Nets land here, despite their own 2027 first-rounder going to Houston in a swap. The most favorable 2028 first-rounder from the Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers (top-eight protected) could make up for that one, though."

The Nets appear to be in a good spot to eventually get back to competing for a playoff spot as they maintain salary-cap flexibility along with having the draft capital necessary to go after marquee players. Brooklyn could practically free up as much as $48 million in cap space this offseason and they have 13 first-round picks to use over the next seven years, including the nine that they can trade, as Hughes pointed out.

At this point, the Nets' rebuild depends on how well they do in the draft over the next few years along with how their five first-round picks from the 2025 NBA Draft progress in their development. It may not look like it now, but Brooklyn has gone about their rebuild in the right way for the most part. However, the good news is that the Nets have plenty of ammunition to use if they want to trade for someone.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets listed as team with the most trade assets in the NBA this summer

NASCAR arrived at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 2026 Coca-Cola 600, and the 13th race of the season was intriguing. Kyle Larson won Stage 1, Denny Hamlin won Stage 2, and Christopher Bell won Stage 3; however, none of the drivers made it to victory lane. Despite a valiant effort from Joe Gibbs Racing, it was a Spire Motorsports driver who shocked the racing world in a rain-shortened event.

At the end of the day, Daniel Suarez won his first career Coca-Cola 600. After a slight overview of the notable moments, here are the NASCAR TV ratings following the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte!

NASCAR and Prime Video earned 3.06 million average viewers for the Coca-Cola 600. Compared to the 2025 event, Charlotte was up 12%, making it the highest-viewed race in Prime Video's history. The results also reflect Nielsen's Big Data + Panel data. Overall, it was a great TV turnout for NASCAR and Prime Video on Sunday night.

Now, NASCAR will focus its attention on Nashville Superspeedway, as the 16th NASCAR race weekend will be underway soon.

More: How to watch NASCAR live at Nashville in May 2026, full schedule

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: NASCAR TV ratings for the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte

Second T20, Bristol

England 168-5 (20 overs): Kemp 39* (13); Sree Charani 3-25

India 142-9 (20 overs): Bhatia 33 (36); Kemp 2-15

England won by 26 runs

Scorecard

Freya Kemp breathed life into England's preparations for the T20 World Cup as they levelled their series against India with a 26-run victory in Bristol.

After being outclassed in the first T20 on Thursday, England were pedestrian with the bat until Kemp took 24 from the last over to finish 39 not out from 13 balls.

That lifted England to 168-5, a total that had looked well beyond them just two overs earlier, though India were still well placed at 70-1 in the ninth over of their chase.

But Kemp, only just returning to bowling after more than a year of back injury restrictions, came to the fore again by having the classy Smriti Mandhana caught at deep square leg for 32.

Her wicket sparked an impressive fightback from England's bowlers as they first halted India's scoring through Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone and then claimed a flurry of wickets.

After India retired out Yastika Bhatia for 33 from 36 balls – the first instance of the tactic being used in a women's T20 between full member nations – Kemp had her replacement Jemimah Rodrigues caught with a slower ball.

Needing 39 from the last two overs, India crumbled to 142-9

Though parts of the batting remain a concern and England also dropped two catches, the win is a significant boost to England as they build towards their opening match of the World Cup at Edgbaston on 12 June.

Rather than facing a dead rubber after another demoralising defeat, they can now clinch the series in a decider in Taunton on Tuesday.

Kemp proves worth to England

In the end, the margin of victory was convincing in England's favour. For long periods, a heavy defeat looked far more likely.

Kemp played her part in the bowling fightback but that, in truth, was a team effort. India also stumbled in disappointing fashion. The boost the 21-year-old all-rounder, who has been plagued by back injuries in recent years, gave to the batting innings was almost single-handed, however.

She hit as many boundaries in the final two overs as the previous 11.

Kemp, after coming in at number six with England 116-4 in the 17th over, only faced 13 balls but hit four fours and two sixes.

Her strike-rate of 300 was the highest by any England woman in an international innings of 20 or more runs and showed what England have been lacking.

Their inability to hit sixes was laid bare in Chelmsford on Thursday and for the first 18 overs here.

Some will question whether Kemp should come in earlier, perhaps ahead of former captain Heather Knight who made 18 from 14, but here she completed her role perfectly, validating coach Charlotte Edwards' call to back her despite an injury-hit career.

• Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

The Prem

Northampton (19) 36

Tries: Hendy, F Smith, Hutchinson, Freeman, Graham, Furbank Cons: F Smith (3)

Gloucester (19) 32

Tries: Gwynne, Thorley, S Atkinson, Loader, Llewellyn Cons: C Atkinson (2) Pens: C Atkinson

A last-minute try from George Furbank secured Northampton Saints home advantage in the Prem semi-finals after a pulsating win over Gloucester at a sweltering Franklin's Gardens.

Fresh off a record 94-33 win over Bristol last time out, league leaders Saints - who had already secured a play-off spot - were made to sweat until the final seconds by a brilliant Gloucester performance in a game which had seven lead changes and 11 tries.

Gloucester raced into an early 12-point lead, but Saints showcased some of their fluid attacking prowess to level the scores at 19-19 before the break, with Rory Hutchinson scoring on his 200th Saints appearance.

The sides exchanged scores after the turnaround, but it looked like Charlie Atkinson's penalty in the 77th minute would win it for the visitors until Furbank plunged over in the dying seconds to spark wild celebrations.

Saints are eight points clear of Bath, while Leicester are another two points back, with a game in hand. Gloucester jumped above Harlequins into eighth.

After incessant early pressure from the visitors, Saints prop Emmanuel Iyogan picked up a yellow card for pulling back an opponent at a scrum inside six minutes.

Deian Gwynne barrelled over following a maul from a close-range line-out seconds later, but Charlie Atkinson's subsequent kick from the whitewash struck the upright.

Gloucester added a second score just before Iyogan returned as they spread the play from left to right for Ollie Thorley to race over in space, with Atkinson adding a fine conversion from out wide for a 12-0 lead.

Saints reduced the arrears on 20 minutes when Gloucester turned it over in their own half and George Hendy received a quick pass to blaze into space down the left and plunge over, with Fin Smith slotting the extras.

The scores were tied seconds after the restart when Saints raced the length of the field from deep in their own 22, with Furbank bursting away on the right before Tommy Freeman found Smith to finish the move by the posts. Smith added the conversion himself to give Saints a two-point lead.

It did not last long as Gloucester replied with a stunning score of their own when Caolan Englefield worked some room with a couple of dummies to send Seb Atkinson over in the left corner, with Charlie Atkinson's boot making it 19-14 inside 28 minutes.

Six minutes later centre Rory Hutchinson latched on to Smith's close-range grubber kick to mark his 200th appearance for the club with a try, though Smith's routine conversion was missed leaving the scores level.

After the break Gloucester picked up the bonus point try as Ben Loader was left in space on the left to dot down after Seb Atkinson had worked some space, though Charlie Atkinson's conversion attempt drifted wide.

It took Saints seconds to follow suit and make it 24-24 as Freeman dotted down in the right corner for his 16th Prem try after some slick hands following Tom Pearson's break through some slack Gloucester defence.

Saints went to sleep as Gloucester added their fifth try just before the hour. Seb Atkinson popped the ball to Max Llewellyn and he darted through untouched, though Charlie Atkinson's subsequent kick drifted wide.

Saints roared back and Sam Graham barrelled over by the posts after good work from Archie McParland on 65 minutes, and the conversion made it 31-29 for the fifth lead change of the game.

Pearson saw a try chalked off by the TMO for a knock-on from the restart and it nearly came back to haunt Saints as Charlie Atkinson stroked a close-range penalty inside the final four minutes to nudge the visitors into a one-point lead.

Saints threw the kitchen sink at it and Freeman was denied by a fine last-gasp challenge from Ben Redshaw, on his first appearance since March, while a brilliant Thorley tackle denied Fraser Dingwall on the other flank, dragging his boot into touch as he dived to touch down.

There was still time for skipper Furbank to take a short pass and plunge over from close range in the final minute, and though Smith's conversion attempt was timed-out, Saints held firm from the restart to ensure a home semi-final.

Northampton: Furbank; Freeman, Litchfield, Hutchinson, Hendy; F Smith, McParland; Iyogun, R Smith, Green, Coles, Prowse, Pearson, Pollock, Chick.

Replacements: Wright, Fischetti, Millar Mills, Lockett, Graham, Weimann, Dingwall, Ramm.

Sin-bin: Iyogun (5).

Gloucester: Redshaw; Thorley, Llewellyn, S Atkinson, Loader; C Atkinson, Englefield; Knight, Blake, Fasogbon, Clark, Thomas, Gwynne, Venter, Trenholm.

Replacements: Innard, Bleuler, Laulala, Alemanno, Clement, Austin, W. Knight, Edwards-Giraud.

Referee: Matt Carley

Will Giannis Antetokounmpo leave the Milwaukee Bucks? And if so, will he be dealt to the Boston Celtics? It seems more likely than ever that the Greek Freak era of the Bucks will draw to a close soon. But we have been on this ride before and it has yet to actually go down -- and if it does, there will be a lot of teams jockeying for his services too.

But that does not mean that Giannis will be traded to the Celtics, nor does it mean Boston fans necessarily need to make the move rumored to be of interested to the Bucks star.

The folks behind the "xxx" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Greg Hill Show" taking a closer look at whether Antetokounmpo will actually, finally leave Milwaukee, and the prospects of him landing with the Celtics. Check it out below!

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Will Giannis leave the Bucks? And if so, will he land with the Celtics?

May

25 v ECB Women's Development XI, Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford

India won by seven wickets

Scorecard

28 1st Twenty20 international, Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford (d/n)

India won by 38 runs

Report. Scorecard

30 2nd Twenty20 international, Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

England won by 26 runs

Report. Scorecard

June

2 3rd Twenty20 international, The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton (d/n) (18:30 BST)

Both teams then take part in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, hosted in England between 12 June and 5 July, before the tour resumes.

July

10-13 Only Test, Lord's (11:00 BST)

NB Fixtures and start times are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made

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May 30—JAMESTOWN — The 2026 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Outdoor Championships looked a lot like a 2022 Jamestown High School track and field meet.

"One of my favorite things is when I get to go to a meet where Yolanda (Nabwe), Julia (Skari) and Allysah (Larson) are competing," said Bernadette Belzer, a Jamestown High School Class of 2023 grad. "It makes me so happy to see them succeed and have those connections. Those girls will always be my teammates."

Belzer, Skari and Larson along with Hunter Petersen, a JHS Class of 2022 alum, competed at the NSIC Outdoor Championships on May 7-9.

"This season made me love track even more because of the memories, experiences and growth that came with it," said Skari, a freshman at Northern State. "Competing alongside supportive teammates, hitting personal records and being part of bigger meets made the season exciting and rewarding, and it gave me even more motivation for the future to get more personal records and achievements."

Skari said one of her biggest goals this year was simply to compete and give her best effort.

"I wanted to push myself, improve throughout the season, and get some new personal records," Skari said. "I definitely feel like I achieved those goals as I gave it my all for my first collegiate season, and also achieved many personal records throughout the season. The NSIC Conference was an amazing experience and a great way to end the season."

At the NSIC Championships, Northern's women's 4-by-100 relay team placed sixth and the 4-by 400 relay team placed eighth. The Northern State 4-by-100 relay team posted a time of 47.55 seconds. In the 1600 meter relay, Skari and her teammates completed the four laps in 4:02.

Individually, Skari posted a personal record in the 100 hurdles, placing 11th. She also ran a personal record in the 400 hurdles. Her time of 1:04.72 placed her 12th overall.

"Both events ended with me placing higher than I was originally ranked, which made the experience even more rewarding and showed how much growth and hard work paid off throughout the season," Skari said. "My freshman season could not have gone any better. I absolutely love the team, school and friends there."

Skari was hurdling alongside Belzer.

"My prelims race in the 400 hurdles barely got me into the last seed in finals, but I knew that the next day I'd have one more race and was able to give it my all," Belzer said. "I ended up moving into sixth place and had an all-time PR (personal record), which felt like a great way to end my season."

Belzer ran a 1:02.11 at the conference meet.

"This season went really well for me," Belzer said. "I accomplished a lot of my goals and learned a lot from my experiences. I was able to get stronger and faster, and consistently build all season long by putting in lots of hard work and dedication. ... I honestly can say now that I am just so grateful every time I get to set foot on that track, and truly just have so much fun when I get the opportunity to compete. People might think I'm crazy when I say I'm excited to go run the 400 hurdles, but I really can't get enough of them."

Belzer just completed her third season with the Marauders.

"I am truly am blessed with the best team ever that feels like a family," Belzer said. "It is pretty special when it doesn't matter if it's a pole vaulter, thrower, 10K runner or a decathlete, they all will cheer for every single person like they're a family member. To feel so supported by every member on your team roster is such a special feeling, and it is something that I will never take for granted. Track and field is such an individual sport, but when everyone comes together, that is what makes you love the sport and the people."

Larson has had the privilege of competing for two NSIC teams. As a freshman, the JHS Class of 2024 grad competed with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. This season, she is competing at the University of Minnesota State-Moorhead. Larson is the current Jamestown High School record holder in long and triple jump.

At the conference championships, Larson placed fourth in the long jump with a jump of 19 feet, 0.75 inches. In triple jump, the sophomore's mark landed at the 37 feet, 9.25-inch mark. She finished fourth in the triple jump.

"My main goals this season were to set a personal best in long jump and continue improving in triple jump," Larson said. "In long jump, I was able to reach a new PR at 19'0.75", which felt like a big step forward after last season. In triple jump, my goal was consistency and continued growth, and I ended up breaking my school record, which was a huge highlight of my season."

Larson said her greatest accomplishment of the season was breaking the school's triple jump record.

"It was really special to break a record that had stood for a long time, and it made all the hard work feel worth it," Larson said. "This was definitely my best season yet. I got a lot faster and stronger this year, which really helped me on the runway, and I exceeded a lot of my personal goals by more than I expected. ... What's exciting too is that now I get the chance to keep pushing myself and hopefully continue improving that record in the future."

Larson was competing with Petersen at the jumps. Petersen has been with the Dragons since the 2022-23 season. To end her college career, the senior placed fifth in high jump with a jump of 5 feet, 5 inches.

"It was a beautiful day to jump, it was awesome and honestly, I just had so much fun," Petersen said. "There was no pressure. I ended attempting 5-06 again and didn't get it but I got on the podium. It was a special moment and super fun."

A week after the four former Blue Jays completed their track and field seasons, Yolanda and Annie Nabwe took the stage at the Summit League and Big Ten Outdoor Championships.

Yolanda, a redshirt sophomore for North Dakota State University, placed first in the heptathlon with 5,308 points and seventh in the long jump with a jump of 19 feet, 0.5 inches.

Annie, a redshirt junior at the University of Minnesota, won the hammer throw competition with a mark of 69.22 meters. She also placed second in the shot put with a throw of 18 meters. In discus, she placed third, throwing 57.75 meters. Annie picked up a national championship earlier this year during the indoor season. She won the weight throw with a mark of 25.13 meters.

"The season is not over yet, but so far it is going really good," Annie said. "This year made me love track even more because of the growth that has been happening. This year showed me that hard work does pay off. My greatest accomplishment this year (so far) is winning indoor national title and throwing the No. 2 all-time collegiate mark. My mental health has also been better."

Annie will go on to compete at the 2026 NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships next month in Eugene, Oregon.

"It's just so much fun to see her compete and do the things that she is doing," JHS co-head track and field coach Mike Dietz said of Annie. "To be able to see it from afar is just awesome. She's proving it at the next level. She and her sister both had a heckuva weekend, and so did those other girls in the NSIC.

"It's a sign of our Blue Jay pride," he said. "I am really proud of all our former athletes."

Liverpool has fired manager Arne Slot, moving on from the Dutch coach just one year after he led the team to a 20th league title.

While Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy after the 2024-25 season, Slot experienced a sophomore slump in this year's campaign, with the Reds finishing fifth in the table after suffering a dozen defeats and falling to PSG in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.

"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying," Liverpool's ownership said in a joint statement. "The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful."

Yet, Fenway Sports Group has determined that success was not enough, with the former Feyenoord boss dismissed after just two seasons at Anfield.

In a joint statement, Liverpool’s ownership underlined its appreciation for the success Arne brought to the club and also the leadership displayed in his two years in charge ❤️

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 30, 2026

Who will replace Arne Slot at Liverpool?

Reports indicate that Liverpool is lining up a move for Andoni Iraola. The Spanish manager guided Bournemouth to its best-ever Premier League performance this year, a sixth-place finish that secured a spot in next year's Europa League, but announced in April that he would leave the Cherries after the season.

While his name has been mentioned for a number of other openings in England and on the European continent, it appears the 43-year-old might move several hours north and accept the challenge of leading Liverpool as the club seeks to once again be fighting for a Premier League title.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arne Slot fired by Liverpool one year after Premier League win

On Friday afternoon, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell met the media at the Meijer Performance Center on the third day of OTAs.

Asked if there's been any new faces that have stuck out so far, Campbell wasn't ready to start raving about anybody in particular.

"There's been a lot of guys that have done really well for two days in pajamas, and then there's some that are learning through it. They're working through it, they're learning. But, there again, I'm done with the hype of the pajama party in May," Campbell said.

#Lions HC Dan Campbell on who has stood out in OTAs (where there are no pads):

“There are a lot of guys who have done well for two days in pajamas. … I’m done with the hype of the pajama party in May. We’ll find out in training camp who’s who.”

(🎥 @Lions) pic.twitter.com/mRtlMnLAbN

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 29, 2026

But, Campbell is excited about the competition his group will have and about the work his group has gotten in thus far.

"So, man, it's about the mental. It's about the movement skills. All that other stuff doesn't matter. And then we'll find out in training camp who's who. This will be the most competition we've had, in my opinion. I think top-tier competition. I mean, this will be good. This is gonna be good across the board."

"Now, it's just, let's get acclimated. We want to hit the ground running when we get to late July, August. That's what we want, so that's really what this time is about," Campbell said.

With three days of OTAs completed, there will be much more to discuss regarding the team's offseason preparations for the 2026-27 campaign as the season inches closer with each passing day.

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

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions' Dan Campbell done hyping up 'pajama party in May'

The expectation, even in March when Michigan basketball was chasing its second national championship, was that the star player most likely to be the first Wolverine off the board in June was going to be forward Yaxel Lendeborg. However, after the NBA draft combine, the tune is changing, and it's doing so in a hurry.

It's not that there isn't excitement about Lendeborg -- there is. But it's that another has risen sharply up the ranks. And that player is former Wolverines center Aday Mara.

Mara was a force in the middle and certainly outperformed expectations after having been a bench player at UCLA. But once he showcased more of his ability in Chicago earlier this month, he's risen sharply up draft boards. And ESPN has reacted accordingly, putting him at No. 10 overall on its NBA draft big board.

10. Aday Mara, C, Michigan

Junior | Height: 7-3 | Age: 21.1 | Previous ranking: 13

Mara's massive combine measurements helped to validate his unique profile, with no shortage of lottery interest coming out of Chicago. He will be among the tallest players in the NBA from the get-go, entering the league at a time when size and skill remain at a premium.

While Mara's skill set has always been compelling from an NBA standpoint, he took his game to another level in February and March, helped by the freedom Michigan played with as well as his own improved conditioning. There are few 7-footers on the planet with his ability to read the floor, deliver pinpoint passes, finish efficiently and wall off the rim, making him an outlier-type prospect on several levels. Some scouts also think he will become a passable jump shooter, although the statistical case for that happening isn't especially strong.

Rival teams consider him to be in play as high as No. 6 for Brooklyn, with the Hawks, Warriors and Thunder also viewed as potential landing spots in the lottery. Landing with a team that wants to lean into his playmaking skills will give him the best chance to maximize his impact.

Lendeborg isn't far behind, coming in at No. 12 overall -- the same ranking he had before in ESPN's last big board. Morez Johnson, who ended up remaining in the draft, is sitting at No. 14 overall, having moved up from 24th in the previous ranking.

Could all three Michigan NBA draft entrants be lottery picks? It's starting to look more and more likely -- which would be impressive, even for a school that has regularly put its talent into the league in the past decade and a half.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan center Aday Mara surges up NBA draft board

Much has been written about whether or not San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is good or not. While he's boasted some impressive numbers during his four years with the team, some aren't convinced of his talent.

Despite any misgivings from pundits and fans alike, though, the data proved one thing in 2025: Purdy was very unlucky with his throws. According to Pro Football Focus, the 49ers quarterback ranked No. 2 on their unlucky passer scale behind only Geno Smith. Purdy had 4.5 "extra" interceptions that he should have this past year, per PFF.

No quarterback in the 2025 dataset was hurt more by interception variance than this one. He produced just 12 turnover-worthy throws all season, yet nine turned into interceptions.

The bad breaks extended beyond his turnover-worthy throws, too, as four additional interceptions came on passes that were not deemed turnover-worthy. Nearly every form of interception variance swung against him. His official 95.0 passer rating would have climbed to 100.7 under league-average interception luck.

Some of that could be blamed on his lingering issues, or offensive line woes, or bad receiver play. Or it could just be plain bad luck. Whatever the case may be, Purdy proved that not everything was his fault in 2025 and that he's a good candidate for positive regression in 2026.

And now that he has a few savvy vets in tow, like Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, perhaps some of those issues that plagued the team in 2025 can be resolved this year.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Brock Purdy was one of the unluckiest QBs in 2025, per PFF

The Prem

Saracens (12) 26

Tries: penalty try, Malins, Tompkins, Dan Cons: Farrell 2

Harlequins (0) 12

Tries: Bradley, Anderson Cons: Smith

Saracens beat Harlequins to boost their Prem play-off hopes and give departing director of rugby Mark McCall a winning farewell at the StoneX Stadium.

Theo Dan went over from a line-out in the 81st minute to give Saracens a maximum five points to help them climb two points above Exeter Chiefs into fourth place.

Saracens raced into a 12-0 lead through a penalty try and a Max Malins score before Bryn Bradley went over in the final quarter to set up a nervy finale.

Nick Tompkins and Cameron Anderson exchanged tries before Dan crossed for the all-important fourth Saracens score to claim a bonus point.

It was the perfect send-off for the hugely successful McCall, who has won three European Champions Cups and six Prem titles during his 15 years in charge.

Saracens have won five successive games and face Exeter in a shootout for a play-off place at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Their pack showed its strength after seven minutes, pushing over from a five-metre scrum for a penalty try with Harlequins' Chandler Cunningham-Smith sin-binned for being offside.

Harlequins defended stoutly and Cadan Murley celebrated his 150th appearance for the club by making a try-saving tackle on Malins before Sean Kerr denied Tobias Elliott.

Saracens could not be stopped, however, and Tom Willis had to go backwards before shifting play out to the right, and the ball eventually found its way to Malins, who went over in the 24th minute to make it 12-0.

The home side could not shake Harlequins off and the visitors finally scored in the 62nd minute when Will Evans made the break before finding Bryn Bradley to cross near the posts for a try, which was by converted by Marcus Smith.

Saracens responded through Tompkins, who crossed over four minutes from time after great work by Olly Hartley.

Harlequins refused to lie down and Anderson went over two minutes later in the right corner after a fine passing move along the backline.

McCall badly wanted a fourth try in the tight play-off fight and it came in stoppage time when Dan powered over and Owen Farrell, whose wife gave birth to a son overnight, kicked the conversion.

'We got the job done' - reaction

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall told BBC Radio London:

"The most important thing today was what happened on the field. We've worked incredibly hard over the last six or seven weeks to make this game important.

"It probably wasn't our best performance, but we got the job done. It's a good habit we've got now that we find a way to win matches.

"I thought we played well in the first 25-30 minutes, but we spilt the ball over the line or were held up on the line, and we could have been a few more up than we were.

"Quins, in fairness, fought back well, but we got the job done and we go effectively into a play-off game next week."

Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore told BBC Radio London:

"I was really proud of their effort. These games always go down to the wire and we knew it was going to be close.

"If you have a look at it, we had more entries into the A zone, but didn't convert as many as we should have done. Turnover rate was just slightly higher than Sarries and in tight games, in a couple of those areas of our game, we probably let ourselves down.

"But I was really proud to fight back to 12-7 and then 19-12 to put ourselves in with a chance to win the game, but we were not clinical enough today to ice it."

Saracens: Malins; Caluori, Tompkins, Hartley, Elliott; Burke, C Bracken; Mawi, George, Street, Itoje (c), Tizard, Isiekwe, Earl, Willis.

Replacements: Dan, Carre, Clarey, McFarland, Michelow, Van Zyl, Farrell, J Bracken.

Harlequins: Benson; Anderson, Kerr, Bradley, Murley; Smith, Porter; Hobson, Riley, Delgado, Carr, Williams, Cunningham-South, Kenningham, Dombrandt (c).

Replacements: Musk, Wenger, Streeter, Green, Driscoll, Evans, Townsend, Cleaves.

Sin-bin: Cunningham-South (7).

Referee: Luke Pearce

When Michigan football assembled its offensive line last year, it wasn't expected to feature a lot of younger talent. In fact, it was initially comprised of two seniors, two juniors, and one second-year player. However, by year's end, three second-year players were starting, completely upending the makeup of the offensive front.

Now, those three (Blake Frazier, Jake Guarnera, Andrew Sprague) are expected to start the season in their now-entrenched roles. And with last year being their first real playing time (though Sprague started in the ReliaQuest Bowl the year before), the expectation is that they'll improve greatly, understanding more of the game and the speed of it all.

Jake Guarnera shared more with Jon Jansen on the In the Trenches podcast this week.

"I think just having the perspective of guys that have played in the game and be able to use that in practice to help the younger guys develop," Guarnera said. "Especially me, being in the game, I know what to expect sometimes from defenses just based on game experience. So I think that's added a lot of value, too."

Though there certainly was a building affinity and chemistry across the line last year, Guarnera says that they can go further and do more to grow closer as a unit.

He says that one of the things the group wants to do is spend more time with each other when they're not in Schembechler Hall, and if they're able to do that, it should help build their chemistry that much more.

"I think something that we could work on is just spending time outside of the facility," Guarnera said. "I know we're trying to plan going to a Tigers game or going to a Pistons game we went to earlier in the year, but doing stuff like that or just hanging out in someone's house, getting a meal together, just being able to bond outside of the facility, I think, is huge for us."

The offensive line will be back in the building again this next week, with summer conditioning set to kick off for two months beginning on June 1.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football linemen prioritize team bonding

While the 2028 college football season is still years away, the Longhorns have been busy on the recruiting front. That will continue this weekend as they welcome Andrae Maddox to campus for a visit. The talented EDGE is not ranked by 247Sports but has drawn high reviews from scouts. 

During the recruiting process, Maddox has received offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and UNLV. With no commitment date set, that list should continue to grow. That is partly why the Longhorns are making their interest clear early on. 

I will be in Austin Tx this weekend! @InsideTexas@TexasRecruiting@CJVogel_OTFpic.twitter.com/CQs0MqMNfd

— Andrae maddox (@andraemaddox95) May 29, 2026

Although Maddox's high school career is just getting started, he has made the most of his playing time. As a freshman, he showed a talent for frustrating offensive coordinators. That is a trait that would translate well to the SEC and for a team like the Longhorns chasing a title. This weekend, Steve Sarkisian and his staff will get to show Maddox what a future in Austin would look like. 

When it comes to the 2028 class, Texas has cast a wide net so far. They have made offers to four-star recruits such as Neimann Lawrence, Kevin Hartsfield, Deandre Bidden, Braxton Rein, Joey Fleming, Asher Ghioto, and Tahj Gray. Adding any of those players would be a major win for Sarkisian and his staff. 

Blessed to be A 4 ⭐️ and in the ESPN 300! @TheUCReport@TomLuginbill@DemetricDWarren@LawrencHopkins@amaddox9595@MacCorleone74pic.twitter.com/fJADDln0OI

— Andrae maddox (@andraemaddox95) May 27, 2026

Over the next few weeks, the Forty Acres will be filled with recruits. The Longhorns will also welcome elite prospects such as such as Ty Winn, John Meredith, and Montre Jackson to campus. Each player in that group, is still weighing their best options.

As Maddox continues his recruiting tour, the Longhorns will be a team to keep an eye on. While a lot could change over the next few weeks, it is a very good sign that he was willing to visit campus.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Highly graded 2028 DL recruit Andrae Maddox visits Texas Football

Overall leader Jonas Vingegaard launched an attack during the tough final climb to clinch victory in Saturday's stage 20 of the Giro d'Italia.

It ensures the 29-year-old from Denmark will win the race as long as he safely finishes Sunday's final stage in Rome and become just the eighth man to complete the triple crown of road cycling's three-week showpieces.

The two-time Tour de France winner, who also won last year's Vuelta a Espana, is making his first appearance in the Giro and has won five stages of the race.

He started the penultimate stage covering 200km from Gemona del Friuli to Piancavallo four minutes three seconds ahead of second-placed Felix Gall of Austria in the general classification.

Vingegaard was happy to ride safely in the peloton for the first two-thirds of the stage between two Visma-Lease a Bike team-mates, before launching his attack in the final 10km.

Gall tried to chase him down during the attack, but the Dane pulled more than a minute ahead going into the final 5km to secure a sensational solo victory, one minute 15 seconds ahead of second-placed Gall with Australian rider Jai Hindley completing the podium.

"We went all-in for the stage," said Vingegaard. "We decided to go for it - it was the last day in the mountains, so today everything would be decided.

"The boys did an amazing job again today. I had an amazing day also.

"To have won five stages here now and to have a solid lead going into tomorrow is special for me."

Giro d'Italia stage 20 results

1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Team Visma - Lease a Bike) 5hrs 03mins 55secs

2. Felix Gall (Aut/Decathlon CMA CGM Team) +1min 15secs

3. Jai Hindley (Aus/Red Bull - BORA) same time

4. Derek Gee-West (Can/Lidl - Trek) same time

5. Thymen Arensman (Ned/Netcompany INEOS) +1min 19secs

6. Egan Bernal (Col/Netcompany INEOS) +1min 25secs

7. Afonso Eulalio (Por/Bahrain Victorious) +2mins 03secs

8. Damiano Caruso (Ita/Bahrain Victorious) +2mins 13secs

9. Michael Storer (Aus/Tudor Pro Cycling Team) same time

10. Davide Piganzoli (Ita/Team Visma - Lease a Bike) same time

Giro d'Italia general classification results after stage 20

1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Team Visma - Lease a Bike) 80hrs 17mins 01secs

2. Felix Gall (Aut/Decathlon CMA CGM Team) +5mins 22secs

3. Jai Hindley (Aus/Red Bull - BORA) +6mins 25secs

4. Thymen Arensman (Ned/Netcompany INEOS) +7mins 02secs

5. Derek Gee-West (Can/Lidl - Trek) +7mins 56secs

6. Afonso Eulalio (Por/Bahrain Victorious) +9mins 39secs

7. Michael Storer (Aus/Tudor Pro Cycling Team) +10mins 13secs

8. Davide Piganzoli (Ita/Team Visma - Lease a Bike) +10mins 52secs

9. Damiano Caruso (Ita/Bahrain Victorious) +11mins 24secs

10. Egan Bernal (Col/Netcompany INEOS) +12mins 54secs

For an hour at Hampden, Lawrence Shankland was a peripheral figure, a support act for George Hirst - Scotland's number nine - and diminished because of it.

Shankland ran everywhere apart from where he is most effective. He dropped deep and ran wide, he sacrificed himself so that Hirst could be the one leading the line.

He was in the margins of a nervy farewell to Hampden before the team heads for the United States on Sunday.

That would change, of course, And thank goodness. Shankland pushed on, took up more dangerous positions and, surprise, surprise, scored and then scored again. Two chances and two beautiful finishes.

Shankland is, by a margin, Steve Clarke's most accomplished striker. Let's hope the message lands.

No more Che Adams starting the big games. We're firmly in the Shankland era now. He's the one you'd want in a do-or-die moment in America, a chance to keep Scotland alive in the tournament.

When the new Rangers striker made it 2-1, then 3-1, a day of toil against the 10 men of Curacao - world ranking of 82 - turned into something altogether more palatable.

Up until those moments, Scotland were in mortal danger of being sent on their way with a collective shrug from the Tartan Army, a goodbye and good riddance message as they prepared for departure.

Eventually the loss of Jurgen Locadio, the hulking forward who walked in the 38th minute after an elbow on Aaron Hickey, told. That was the turning point.

Curacao were 1-0 ahead at the time and Scotland were struggling. The stadium was like a morgue. This is not how it was meant to be.

Locadio dynamited his team's chances and prepared the ground for Scotland's comeback. Nobody wanted that, not Curacao and not Clarke either.

• Scotland put four past 10-man Curacao
• Clarke '100% worried' about Gilmour injury
• How to watch the World Cup on the BBC

Is Clarke's mind already made up?

How telling was the final scoreline? It's a moot point. When it was 11 v 11, Curacao were probably the better side. Certainly, they were the side with the lead. Powerful and physical and causing problems in Scotland's defence, they were comfortable.

You wouldn't want to read a whole lot into the 4-1 but it was welcome, a fillip when a catastrophe presented itself at 1-0. They'll take it and head off in reasonable heart.

They got a warm reception as they did their walkabout later on. Next stop: New Jersey for a final prep game against Bolivia next Saturday.

Shankland, for sure, will travel in brilliant fettle. Clarke's pecking order of strikers would most likely have had Adams in pole position, but that view is becoming harder to justify.

The quality of Shankland's finishes - neither of them all that straightforward - must now be upsetting the natural order in the head coach's head.

The Rangers striker - how strange it feels to write those words after his dramatic move from Hearts - is in the form of his life; a leader, a finisher and the most clinical and instinctive operator Clarke has up front.

Findlay Curtis will float on to that plane, too. "Everything I've dreamed of," said the 19-year-old winger. The Rangers teenager was the other big winner on the day.

The young man who impressed at Kilmarnock in the latter months of the season came on as a substitute for the injured Billy Gilmour just before the break.

He walked into a bad scene on only his second appearance; a hushed crowd, a team grappling with an opponent that had the bit between their teeth, a total lack of cohesion and conviction.

Curtis took three minutes to score - left foot, right foot, goal. His mum and dad were watching on TV while on holiday in Tenerife. A trip he was supposed to be on.

Scotland are shy of options on the left side and Curtis is stating a big case, not as a starter but as an impact sub in times of strife.

He put in crosses, made things happen, played with a fearlessness that will have impressed Clarke no end. He won the penalty for Ryan Christie to make it four, a culmination of Curacao's 10-men coming under heavy fire.

A pleasing end to a slightly surreal day. What might have happened had the visitors not had Locadio sent-off? Best not linger on that one for too long.

One more friendly to go before Clarke's team for Haiti crystallises in his mind, if it hasn't already. A back four or a back three; a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-5-2? Adams or Shankland or Adams and Shankland?

Clarke is going to get a sore head from all the people telling him that Shankland has to be his go-to guy. The evidence, to be fair, is overwhelming.

These were his 22nd and 23rd goals in his last 37 matches. All season long he's not gone more than three in a row without scoring. He has five goals in five games in May, two in three in April, nine in 13 this year.

He's fresh and he's firing. Timing is everything and Shankland's is impeccable.

Clarke said his players are still angry at what they did - or didn't do - in Germany two years ago and are intending on using it as fuel. They said before that tournament they wouldn't die wondering, but they did. They have a world of regrets, even now.

That's the challenge in America - no what-might-have-beens. Been there, done that, time for something different. Not long to go now. Not long at all.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka dazzled fans not only with her gold-sequined tennis dress but with her play, securing a place in the fourth round at the French Open for the first time in her career after battling through a gripping three-set showdown against American Iva Jovic on Saturday.

The third-round clash on Court Suzanne-Lenglen unfolded over nearly three hours in the sweltering Paris humidity. No. 16 seed Osaka outlasted 17th seed Jovic 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-4, sealing a dramatic victory and breaking a two-decade-long drought for Japanese women’s singles players at the French Open.

Overcome with emotion, Osaka covered her mouth in disbelief and joy as the match was called in her favor. When asked if that was the best match she has played on clay, Osaka answered, "Probably."

"Today I was a lot calmer than my first few matches. I think in Slams the further I get the calmer I am, because it's such a privilege to be here," Osaka said. "I've never been to the fourth round of Roland-Garros before – it's my first time."

Now, Osaka sets her sights on capturing her first Grand Slam title in five years, her last triumph coming at the 2021 Australian Open. She will face No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka on Monday, with Sabalenka currently leading the head-to-head series 2-1.

More: Hailey Baptiste breaks silence after 'heartbreaking' French Open injury

Who does Naomi Osaka play in the French Open fourth round?

Naomi Osaka will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Monday, June 1. The details of the match has yet to be disclosed.

Where to watch the French Open 2026?

Turner Sports will deliver all of the French Open coverage, with TNT and TruTV broadcasting the matches on TV. All matches can also be streamed in full on HBO Max.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Naomi Osaka into French Open round of 16 for first time in career

Angel Reese keeps grabbing those "mebounds," faster than any player in WNBA history.

The All-Star forward had 18 points and 12 rebounds to help the Atlanta Dream to an 86-66 victory over the Portland Fire on Friday. It was her fourth double-double this season and, more importantly, Reese now has 900 career rebounds.

Reese reached 900 rebounds in 71 games, the fastest to the milestone in the WNBA history.

A walking double-double and now in the record books 🫡

Angel Reese set the tone, dropping 18 PTS, 12 REB and 5 AST as the @AtlantaDream picked up their fifth win of the season. She also became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 900 career rebounds, doing so in just 71… pic.twitter.com/dGhZt9c56V

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 30, 2026

“Rebounds are something that I can always rely on, no matter how the game is going," Reese said. "I knew tonight that I was gonna get a lot of offensive rebounds, and I think last game I didn’t do a great job getting offensive rebounds or even defensive rebounds.

"I wanted to take pride in that tonight and going in there and getting those extra second-chance points, but also opportunities to my teammates to kick out on the three."

Reese made 6-of-14 shots from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. She added five assists and one block.

Reese has become a double-double machine in the WNBA. It was her 53rd double-double of her career, she's recorded that stat in 74.6% of her games.

The Dream are now 5-2, a half game back of the Minnesota Lynx for the best record in the WNBA. Reese, who was traded to Atlanta in the offseason from the Chicago Sky, is averaging 13.1 points, 11 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 rebounds.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dream's Angel Reese reaches 900 rebounds in WNBA record 71 games

Jusuf Nurkic never hid that he likes Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Bosnian center talked at X and O's Podcast about him potentially playing for Partizan at some point in his career. Nurkic revealed that so far, at least to his knowledge, there were no offers from Partizan in his career: "I didn't have an offer from the black-and-whites. I didn't, at least I don't know that I did, but I wish that I had," Nurkic started. "I'm now looking for new jobs," Nurkic jokingly claimed, also hinting at his future.

BasketNews

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jusuf Nurkic addresses free agency

Luka Doncic also hopes EuroLeague and NBA can find a solution to work with each other: "It would be best if they could find a common language and a way to cooperate. I spent great years in the Euroleague before going to America and that competition shaped my game in every sense. So I hope that this cooperation will bring good to both of us," he concluded.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Luka Doncic hopes Euroleague and NBA 'can find a way to cooperate'

Behind this undertaking is an investment group led by former NBA official Donnie Nelson, in which the Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic is one of the main investors. The operational part of the deal will be led by Rimantas Kaukenas, while the legendary Valerio Bianchini the creator of the greatest successes of Roman basketball, is also involved in the whole story. "For me, this is not just a simple financial investment. I want to build a club that can compete at the highest level and that will mean something to Roma, because they deserve the best, and we are ready to give them that," Doncic started for Gazzeta Dello Sport.

BasketNews

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "For me, this is not just a simple financial …

Richard Jefferson: Start, bench, cut. LA basketball royalty. Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, LeBron James. DeMar DeRozan: LA Lakers basketball? Jefferson: Yeah, LA. Yeah. DeRozan: Start Magic, bench Kobe, cut LeBron. Jefferson: Yeah, that's fair. LeBron's been here for like 12 years. We don't need to make it a thing.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: DeRozan: LA Lakers basketball? Jefferson: Yeah, LA. …

The New York Jets are hoping to become an up-and-coming team in the NFL starting in 2026.

The front office led by general manager Darren Mougey did its best to improve the roster throughout the offseason...namely via the 2026 draft and free agency. Where did the team succeed the most?

Here are Jets Wire's three most improved position groups on the roster from the 2026 offseason:

Quarterback

The easiest and obvious here. Upon his return to New York, Geno Smith is a steady veteran under center. That's better than what the Jets had last season.

Cornerback

In adding a few veterans, the Jets' overall secondary has improved this offseason. In free agency, Nahshon Wright was signed and is poised to start...meanwhile, the trade acquisition of Minkah Fitzpatrick will likely see him start at nickel cornerback.

Wide receiver

This simply surrounds Omar Cooper Jr. The first-round rookie finally give the Jets offense a real threat across from Garrett Wilson. That has been lacking for years.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: New York Jets' 3 most improved position groups in 2026

The Buffalo Bills are one of the best teams in the NFL in recent years but are not without their faults.

The front office led by general manager Brandon Beane did its best to improve the roster throughout the offseason...namely via the 2026 draft and free agency. Where did the team succeed the most?

Here are Bills Wire's three most improved position groups on the roster from the 2026 offseason:

Cornerback

The Bills invested in their secondary via the draft. On the outside, second-round rookie Davison Igbinosun could push former first-round selection Maxell Hairston for playing time.

In addition, fifth-round rookie Jalon Kilgore is listed as a safety but could see snaps as a nickel cornerback as well.

Edge defender

With the switch to a 3-4 defensive front under new coordinator Jim Leonhard, the Bills needed to add personnel to fit the change in scheme. In doing so, the depth chart looks better on paper on the edge.

Pro Bowler Bradley Chubb was signed during free agency. Then Buffalo's eventual top draft pick was TJ Parker. They join Greg Rousseau in what could be a strong group.

Wide receiver

It remains to be seen by how much the Bills improve at receiver for quarterback Josh Allen. However, on paper, the group lacked size. In trading for DJ Moore and taking Skyler Bell at the draft in Round 4... size is there now, at least.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Buffalo Bills' 3 most improved position groups in 2026

Don’t mess with Shaquille O’Neal, and don’t mess with his Angel Reese! In a new interview, the former Los Angeles Lakers star rushed the Reese’s defense, slamming trolls for “bullying” the WNBA superstar online. And he didn’t stop there. Elsewhere during the interview, O’Neal said he wished he could take his defense of Reese even further by landing a clean one squarely in some of her haters’ faces.

Shaquille O’Neal Makes It Clear That He’s A Big Fan Of Angel Reese And The WNBA

O’Neal appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” recently and opened up about the WNBA’s biggest stars, including Reese and the Washington Mystics’ rookie Lauren Betts.

During the show, O’Neal spoke about their love of the game, saying they are “having fun” and are “determined to do great things” in the league.

At another point, the NBA champion briefly spoke about internet trolls who use their likeness to spread hate for clicks and engagement.

O’Neal Says He Wishes He Could ‘Punch’ Reese’s Critics For ‘Bullying’ Her

“I wish I could punch some of these guys in the face that just pick on my Angel and pick on my Lauren, but I have to be professional,” O’Neal said about the trolls’ apparent attempts to garner engagement off of hate posts about the star athletes.

“It’s just a lot of nonsense, and just a lot of embarrassing, a lot of bullying sometimes. And guys bullying [other] guys is fine, but I can’t let you just bully females, just so you can get likes,” O’Neal said.

And he didn’t stop there. O’Neal slammed the “amateurs” who use an athlete’s off-night to get the media and internet to attack a single player.

“A lot of guys, when they get off air, they want to go to their page. So, what do they do to go to their page? They’ll take a hot topic and promote it on their page to get their followers up,” he said.

O’Neal Has Defended Angel Reese In The Past Against Internet Trolls

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This isn’t the first time that O’Neal has spoken up for Reese. According to a previous report from The Blast, O’Neal previously blasted former NFL player Robert Griffin III (RGIII) for posting a photo of Reese depicted as a monkey.

“Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m gonna punch you in your f-cking face,” O’Neal said in 2025.

He added, “It’s enough. I don’t usually do stuff like this, but stop it, bro. You got your job, you got your podcast. Leave my Angel Reese alone. I’m the one calling her and telling her not to respond. F-cking stop it. That’s the last time.”

O’Neal criticized RGIII for fanning the flame and allegedly sending more hate Reese’s way.

He also dismissed those with negative feelings toward Reese, who defeated Caitlin Clark in 2023 during the NCAA Championship, saying their beef is “not real hate.”

“If you look around at what’s going on in this real country, that’s hate,” he said before adding, “This is sports; I’m not supposed to like you.”

O’Neal Is Always Rooting For Angel Reese

O’Neal and Reese go way back. In fact, their relationship started when Reese rose to fame as one of the star players of LSU’s 2023-2024 rosters.

After the 6’3″ Maryland native was drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2024, O’Neal spoke with PEOPLE about their relationship.

“I am described as Angel’s understandable ear,” he said. “I know things that she went through, I know what she’s going through, I know what’s about to happen to her and I could give her advice.”

Reese Signed With Reebok Because Of O’Neal

Something else that makes their relationship so strong is that O’Neal made Reese the face of Reebok Basketball when she signed with the shoe giant in October 2023.

Now, the superstar has her own line of sneakers and clothing, with more on the way. In the past, she opened up about why she signed with the company and how O’Neal played a role in that.

“He spoke about me being able to bring Reebok back,” she said. “I already knew everything he and A.I. were able to do, and their swag. I love A.I.’s swag, what they were able to do while they were playing. But like me, being able to have my own creative control and being able to have my hands on everything was something that I really wanted to do, and I was like, ‘All right, let’s do it. Let’s talk.’ And everything went great.”

The Shaq Slams ‘Guys’ Who Are ‘Bullying’ Angel Reese For Popularity: ‘Embarrassing’ first appeared on The Blast

It has been a troubled qualifying week at the Isle of Man TT, with the tragic death of racer Daniel Ingham casting a dark shadow over this year's event.

Several other incidents have seen competitors hospitalised, while eight spectators were taken to hospital for treatment following a crash in Monday's practice session.

Meanwhile two incidents involving sidecar crews resulted in the class being removed from the remainder of this year's schedule.

Despite the often trying circumstances, riders covered significant mileage in qualifying in largely favourable conditions, with two competitors in particular asserting their authority.

With racing called off on Saturday and now scheduled to begin with the six-lap Superbike race on Sunday, BBC Sport looks at the prospects for potential winners.

• Weather postpones opening Isle of Man TT race
• Harrison fastest in final Isle of Man TT qualifying

Harrison hot on the big bikes

Honda Racing's Dean Harrison has dominated qualifying for the Superbike, Superstock and Senior races, immediately throwing down the gauntlet to his rivals in first qualifying and incrementally improving his lap times throughout the week.

The Yorkshire rider posted a lap speed of 133.925mph on his Honda Fireblade Superbike to record the fastest-ever circuit of the Mountain Course in an opening qualifying session, having gone just marginally slower on his first standing start lap.

The 37-year-old bettered that on Friday with 134.877mph in cooler and windy conditions, firmly establishing him as a firm pre-race favourite for the Superbike and Senior races.

Peter Hickman was second fastest on the qualifying leaderboard on his 8TEN Racing BMW with 132.712 and looks likely to be one of the main challengers to Harrison if the continuing problems he is experiencing with nerve damage to his shoulder as a result of a practice crash at last year's meeting do not prove overly prohibitive.

Australian Josh Brookes is the fifth fastest rider ever around the circuit and looks to be well in the mix for podium finishes this year after circulating third fastest in qualifying on his DAO Racing Honda.

The two-time British Superbike champion has a best finish of second in the Senior race in 2024 so will look to emulate that achievement in some of the 'big bike' outings.

After much speculation about which machinery he would campaign, Michael Dunlop opted to ride a Hawk Racing Honda in the Superbikes and despite some problems in practice, the record 33-time winner has got faster as the week progressed and can never be discounted for a victory.

Harrison was a double winner in the Superstock category 12 months ago and practice form would indicate that he is in a strong position to add to his career tally of five wins in that class also.

While his best lap time was some 16 seconds faster than his nearest challenger in Superbike qualifying, the now Isle of Man-based rider had almost 27 seconds to spare over BMW-mounted Dunlop, who was second in the qualifying standings in Superstocks.

Harrison's speed to top the timesheets was 135.484 and he will take all the catching for the two scheduled three-lappers in that class.

Brookes was again well to the fore with the third quickest time, with a host of riders behind him all capable of vying for rostrum places.

Those include Ian Hutchinson, Nathan Harrison, Jamie Coward, Mike Browne, David Johnson, Paul Jordan, Dominic Herbertson and 23-time victor John McGuinness, still competing 30 years after making his TT debut.

Dunlop dominant in lower capacity classes

If Harrison stamped his authority on the larger capacity machinery, Dunlop bossed the sessions for Supersport and Sportbike [formerly Supertwin] bikes, the lap records for which he holds in both cases.

The Northern Ireland rider has been the dominant figure in both classes in recent years, winning the past eight races for Supersports, thereby taking his total tally to a record 15 in the middleweight class.

The 37-year-old is a seven-times winner in the Twins class, including doubles in the past two years, and looks well set to repeat that feat in 2026 should mechanical gremlins not intervene.

Dunlop set an unofficial lap record of 123.557mph on his Paton to give him 20 seconds to spare over Mike Browne, who occupied runner-up spot on the leaderboard.

Hickman, Jordan, Jamie Coward and Michael Evans should contend strongly for top-three placings in the two four-lappers.

Dunlop led Hickman by 18.5 seconds in terms of best lap times in the Supersports, with Harrison and Brookes again showing their pedigree by coming in third and fourth in the overall qualifying speeds.

Harrison has the advantage of competing regularly on his bike in the British Supersport championship, including a maiden finish at the most recent round at Donington Park.

The battle for manufacturing supremacy in that class looks set to be a hotly contended one, with Ducati, Triumph, Honda and Suzuki bikes filling those top four berths.

With two riders so dominant ahead of eight scheduled races, one record to look out for could be Hutchinson's now 16-year-old record of five individual races in a single race week.

For Dunlop's part he looks well placed to add to his five previous four-timers, including achieving that in each of the past three years.

The Philadelphia 76ers have made a hire and are now being led by a new voice in the front office. After parting ways with Daryl Morey after six seasons as the team's President of Basketball Operations, the Sixers went through a search, and decided on Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey.

Gansey has an extensive history in the game of basketball as he has been around the game for so many years. Now is the time to get to know the new Sixers president and what he brings to the table in the City of Brotherly Love.

Life as a player

Gansey played four years of college basketball starting with St. Bonaventure for two years before transferring over to West Virginia for two more years. He made the 2006 All Big East Team with West Virginia when he averaged 16.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals while shooting 42.9% from deep. He then went undrafted, signed a deal with the Miami Heat, but toiled in the G League before playing for Eisbaren Bremerhaven in Germany. He retired from basketball in 2009.

Life in an NBA front office

Gansey caught on with the Cavaliers in the 2012-13 season as Director of Development League Operations. He then took the same position with the team's G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, in 2014-15. Gansey was then promoted to GM of the Charge before being promoted to GM of the Cavaliers in 2021-22.

Work with the Cavaliers

Obviously, the Cavs are led by President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman and he makes the final decision on things, but Gansey was part of a front office that identified undrafted talent such as Dean Wade, Craig Porter Jr., and Nae'Qwan Tomlin. Also, per Yahoo! Sports' Kevin O'Connor, Gansey pushed for the additions of Sam Merrill and Max Strus, who were both instrumental in helping Cleveland reach the Eastern Conference finals this season.

Always heard good things about Mike Gansey. He was very involved in targeting guys like Sam Merrill and Max Strus — pro personnel types of decisions. Should be a good hire for the Sixers. https://t.co/NyEAZi17W4

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 29, 2026

Obviously, Gansey has proven he has an eye for talent in a league where winning on the margins is so, so, so important. The Sixers have a top-heavy roster filled with real star talent such as Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and emerging VJ Edgecombe, but they need somebody who can identify the moves around the margins to help Philadelphia take the next step forward in the East. It appears that Gansey is the guy who the Sixers feel comfortable enough to hand the keys to and let him find those guys.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Get to know new Sixers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey

Penn State football will have a completely overhauled roster to get to know in 2026 under new head coach Matt Campbell. Following one of the most active offseasons in recent memory for Penn State with a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, fans will have a lot of catching up to do in getting to know this year's Penn State roster. Fortunately, not every face will be brand new to fans. Regardless, we will be here to give you a fresh overview of every player on the roster for the 2026 season with a series of player profiles.

From all of the returning players, a long list of new faces from the transfer portal, and incoming recruits from the Class of 2026, we will have you covered with this year's player profiles for the Penn State roster. Here is a quick look at offensive lineman Liam Horan for the 2026 season.

Preseason Player Profile

• Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 292
• Class in 2026: Redshirt Sophomore

Recruiting Rankings

Class of 2024: No recruiting ranking information available

Liam Horan was not offered a scholarship out of high school in the Class of 2024 but joined the Penn State program as a walk-on player under former head coach James Franklin.

Career Stats

Liam Horan did not appear in any games during the 2024 or 2025 seasons. He redshirted the 2024 season and did not get on the field last fall with the Nittany Lions.

Depth Chart Overview

Liam Horan will once again likely be a deep reserve for the Penn State offensive line in 2026. The former walk-on player is in a crowded spot in the interior offensive line heading into the 2026 season with players like Cooper Cousins and Trevor Buhr leading the way at the guard positions and Brock Riker leading the way at center.

Random Fact

Liam Horan was part of a Malvern Prep team that went 30-5 during his four seasons. He also lettered in rugby field, and basketball.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 2026 Penn State football: Liam Horan player profile

The New York JEts know their schedule and potential journey to a Super Bowl next season and spring practices are underway.

Could the Jets pull off the unlikely? It will take a 17-game slate to get there first and how could that unfold?

Here is Jets Wire's game-by-game prediction for the 2026 schedule:

Week 1: at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m.

The Jets have a huge Robert Saleh storyline here. Let's give a win.

Record: 1-0.

Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers, 1:00 p.m.

The Packers are in a tight NFC North and will pull one here.

Record: 1-1.

Week 3: at Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m.

Similar to the Packers, the Lions will prevail from the NFC North. Their offense clicks.

Record: 1-2.

Week 4: at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m.

The Bears are such a curious case. But they found ways to win through turnovers last season.

Record: 1-3.

Week 5: vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m.

The Jets and Browns will be viewed as a lowly game. If the Jets mean it? This has to be a win.

Record: 2-3.

Week 6: at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m.

Even if the Patriots are having a tough start to 2026, they'll need a win here.

Record: 2-4.

Week 7: vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m.

The Dolphins are in a full rebuild. The Jets need to flex their own might.

Record: 3-4.

Week 8: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 1:00 p.m.

The Raiders are another rebuilding team. The Jets should take this one as well if they are looking to take a step forward.

Record: 4-4.

Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 p.m.

While a .500 team... the Jets on the road against the Chiefs will be a difficult one.

Record: 4-5.

Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m.

The Bills will be motivated to attack the AFC East in 2026 after not winning the division last season.

Record: 4-6.

Week 11: at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m.

On the road and across the country is a tough task. It could be a close one, but the Bolts are the pick.

Record: 4-7.

Week 12: at Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m.

Again, motivation toward beating the Dolphins to prove something will be on the Jets' mind.

Record: 5-7.

Week 13: Bye week.

Record: 5-7.

Week 14: vs. Denver Broncos, 1:00 p.m.

This late in the season the Broncos will be keen on beating an AFC opponent, making this a tough loss.

Record: 5-8.

Week 15: at Arizona Cardinals, 1:00 p.m.

Another retooling side, the Cardinals are in No. 1 pick territory. Beating such teams will be key.

Record: 6-8.

Week 16: vs. New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m.

Similar to the Broncos.

Record: 6-9.

Week 17: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 p.m.

The Vikings could be a brand new team that gets it together by this point with quarterback Kyler Murray.

Record: 6-10.

Week 18: at Buffalo Bills, TBD.

If the Bills are locked into a position in the postseason, a late-season win heading into the offseason is on the table for the Jets

Record: 7-10.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Jets Wire game-by-game predictions for the 2026 NFL season

This weekend could be a big recruiting weekend for the Auburn Tigers.

One of the many prospects on the plains will be 2027 four-star linebacker Isaac McNeil. It is a last chance for Auburn to make a great impression on the in-state prospect, as he is expected to make his choice on June 2, according to Chad Simmons of Rivals. McNeil is also considering Florida, Georgia, and LSU.

According to Simmons, Auburn has made McNeil feel like a high priority. Also, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin and the defensive coaches have been aggressive in recruiting McNeil. The competition is great, though, for the Tigers and the other teams pursuing him.

McNeil is from Mobile, Alabama, where he plays for Vigor High School. The team had a successful 2025 season, compiling a 12-3 record that ended with a loss to Moody in the AHSAA 5A State Championship Game. McNeil was second on the team with 92 tackles and had 16 tackles for loss. He also has shown an ability to put pressure on the quarterback with nine sacks and nine hurries. McNeil also made an impact on offense, scoring four rushing touchdowns. He is rated as the No. 2 player in Alabama and the No. 4 linebacker nationally for 2027 by 247Sports.

A strength for the current Auburn team is the linebackers position, but they will need to replenish that talent in the future. McNeil would be an important addition for future teams. Auburn has only one linebacker committed for the 2027 class, three-star Kareem Palmer.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Phillip on Twitter @PJordanSports

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football: 2027 target Isaac McNeil is ready to commit

Some departures are easier to replace than others. Players come and go every offseason. Front offices prepare for that reality. Coaches leave, too, but every now and then, an organization loses someone whose influence extends far beyond a job title. That's what happened when Jeff Stoutland's 13-year run with the Philadelphia Eagles came to an end.

It was one of the most surprising developments of the offseason. Stoutland had survived two coaching changes. He had helped develop countless offensive linemen. He had become as closely associated with Eagles football as almost any assistant coach in franchise history, but he left early during the 2026 offseason. Everyone knew replacing him was never going to be easy.

That's exactly why ESPN's Bill Barnwell recently identified Stoutland's departure as Philadelphia's worst move of the offseason in his breakdown of each NFC team's best and worst transactions, signings, and decisions.

Bill Barnwell questions whether the Eagles can replace Jeff Stoutland

Barnwell's argument centers on a fairly simple premise. Stoutland wasn't just another position coach. During his time in Philadelphia, he helped develop Jordan Mailata from a rugby player into one of football's premier left tackles. He played a major role in the growth of Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and several others. His fingerprints are all over one of the NFL's most respected offensive line cultures.

Barnwell also raised concerns about the current state of the unit. Lane Johnson is now 36 years old. Philadelphia's depth isn't quite as proven as it has been in years past. While the Eagles still possess one of the league's best starting offensive lines on paper, Barnwell believes they could eventually look back and wonder why they allowed one of football's premier position coaches to walk away.

"Few positional coaches are more known and beloved locally than Stoutland, who joined the Eagles as part of the Chip Kelly experience in 2013 and stuck around after Kelly was fired. The line wasn't as effective last season, owing in part to injuries and in part to a scheme that didn't have many answers when the line wasn't dominating. It was no surprise when the Eagles fired offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, but they weren't able to smooth things over with Stoutland, who was disenfranchised by late-season changes to the offense."

It's a fair concern. The problem with replacing legends is that comparisons are unavoidable. Whoever followed Stoutland was always going to be viewed through that lens. The Eagles, however, appear far less concerned than outside observers. Chris Kuper wasn't a panic hire. He wasn't someone Philadelphia stumbled into after exhausting other options.

According to multiple reports and comments made by those inside the building, Sean Mannion specifically targeted Kuper for the role. Vic Fangio later revealed he was consulted during the process and offered a glowing endorsement.

Fangio even stated he has the "utmost confidence" that Kuper will succeed in Philadelphia. Mannion has been equally complimentary. Having worked with Kuper previously with the Minnesota Vikings, the Eagles' offensive coordinator repeatedly described him as a detail-oriented teacher, a strong communicator, and someone capable of connecting with a veteran offensive line room.

Coach Kuper is inheriting a group that includes respected veterans like Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and Landon Dickerson. None of that guarantees success, of course. He enjoyed mixed results while serving in the same role for the Vikings. Barnwell is correct about one thing. Replacing Jeff Stoutland represents one of the biggest unknowns surrounding the Eagles entering the 2026 season. Coaches of his stature don't come along often. Still, Philadelphia didn't make this decision blindly. The Eagles trust their evaluation. They valued the endorsement from voices that they respect.

The question isn't whether Chris Kuper is Jeff Stoutland. Nobody is. The real question is whether Kuper can become the next outstanding steward of a tradition Stoutland helped build. The Eagles clearly believe the answer to that question is 'yes.'

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jeff Stoutland's exit is called the Eagles' worst offseason move

Jayden Maiava did not get due credit for the season he had as a first-year starter. The talent is there, but more than that, one big underrated trait for Maiava is his confidence in throwing deep. Last season, he had weapons that gave him great trust in his game. This season with his new roster, he will have to sustain that same confidence to keep the train rolling.

In a recent article, analyst Jordan Reid broke down what makes Maiava special. Here is what he had to say on Maiava's strengths:

"Maiava completed his first full year as a starter in 2025 with 3,711 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He is a composed passer who is a perfect fit in Lincoln Riley's adaptable scheme. His best moments come when stretching defenses vertically, as he consistently throws with excellent touch. His 37 completions on passes of 20 or more air yards led the FBS; he excels when able to layer throws downfield. Maiava is also a quick decision-maker who gets the ball out of his hand with confidence."

The USC Trojans' offense last season was an explosive offense, mostly because of Jayden Maiava. He knew exactly how to get the ball out to his best playmakers, and he did not shy away from giving them every opportunity to make plays. This season, for the Trojans' offense to have the same success, he needs to remain the gunslinger he is and continue taking shots downfield. That is when he and the Trojans' offense are at its best.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Jayden Maiava's deep ball remains underrated for USC offense

Betfred Women's Challenge Cup final

Wigan (28) 54

Tries: Wilson, Hunter 4, Salihi, Davies 2, Banks, Wilton Goals: Rowe 7

St Helens (6) 6

Tries: McColm Goals: Gaskin

Wigan Warriors retained the Women's Challenge Cup as they scored 10 tries to thrash rivals St Helens in a clinical performance at Wembley.

Denis Betts' side reigned supreme in a 42-6 victory one year ago, but this was an even better performance as they took control through Georgia Wilson's early try and never looked back.

Eva Hunter scored two tries to further extend their lead, with Beri Salihi and Anna Davies also touching down before Luci McColm spared St Helens' blushes just before the half-time hooter.

Davies dotted down inside the first minute of the second half, while Grace Banks and Remi Wilton got on the scoreboard and Hunter added another brace of tries to bring her tally up to four on an afternoon to forget for St Helens.

Wigan's win comes shortly before their counterparts take on Hull KR in the men's final later on Saturday.

Since 2023, the men's and women's finals have taken place on the same day at Wembley - but no one side has ever won both finals.

Inside the opening six minutes, Wigan were ahead courtesy of a neat and tidy set as they worked the ball wide to Wilson, who duly crossed over.

Such was their clinical start that Wigan's second try came from their second attack and was even better, as Jenna Foubister teed up Hunter, who evaded Paige Travis to run in with ease.

Hunter's stunning start continued with a second try just minutes later. She raced in again down the left wing to put Wigan in control, this time outpacing the St Helens defenders after exploiting a gap in the line.

A long afternoon continued for St Helens as Foubister's high lateral pass to Ellise Derbyshire was played quickly to Salihi, who did well to keep control of the ball before dotting down.

Wigan rounded off the half with an impressive score, as Davies dived down at the right-hand corner and successfully managed to do so without going into touch by a matter of millimetres.

St Helens finally hit back as McColm showed great strength to touch down just before half-time.

The first half was as chastening for Saints as it was in 2025's cup final defeat by Wigan, with Izzy Rowe's final conversion attempt of the opening 40, which dipped down and off the crossbar, the only blot on her copybook in an otherwise excellent first period with the boot.

Wigan virtually put themselves out of sight just 44 seconds into the second half as Davies ran in past a depleted St Helens defence, before Grace Banks outpaced the St Helens defence again as the Warriors threatened the 40-point mark with half an hour remaining.

Hunter battered her way through to ground the ball for a sensational hat-trick with 20 minutes still to play and showed great skill to run in for her second of the half and fourth of the afternoon.

But Wigan did not let off despite their bumper score, as Wilton added their 10th try of the afternoon soon after to put the gloss on a stunning performance.

Wigan performance shows they have changed the game

The late-May heatwave continued into Saturday but the conditions did not slow down Wigan, who turned up the heat from minute one and never looked in doubt of retaining their crown.

Betts' side were once again sublime with the ball and dominated the match, leaving St Helens with very little to do but watch them race in time and again.

Yet it was not just Wigan's brilliance that was the story of the game - St Helens were simply outmatched.

Saints had won this competition four times in a row leading up to Wigan's first-ever win in a final last year, yet that era has ended with a resounding thud.

Wigan dominated possession but when Saints did have a rare spell with the ball, they were slow to pass and move and struggled for shape to give them options.

While Wigan seemed unfazed by the heat on the field, Saints were uncharacteristically placid and struggled for much in the way of attack.

McColm's try on the verge of half-time was the outlier for St Helens, yet it was their defence that was their undoing.

Wigan carved them open with ease, as Hunter and Davies played havoc with their defence either side of the break.

If 2025's thrashing of Saints and subsequent treble was Wigan announcing themselves in the women's game, this clinical performance on Saturday was a marker that the game has changed.

Wigan: Banks; Davies, Wilson, Salihi, Derbyshire; Foubister, Rowe; Coleman, Wilton, Dainton, Hunter, Jones, Williams.

Interchanges: Marsh, Atherton, Gentles, Sams.

St Helens: Rotheram; Burke, Hardcastle, Woosey, McGifford; Harris, Gaskin; Hoyle, Casey, McDonald, Travis, Rudge, Cunningham.

Interchanges: Mottershead, Whitfield, Bridge, McColm.

Referee: Aaron Moore.

Last summer was a turbulent one for Newcastle, particularly without an executive structure in place.

However, boss Eddie Howe believed the club would be in a position to make smarter and quicker decisions - in and out - following the appointments of sporting director Ross Wilson and chief executive David Hopkinson earlier this season.

Gordon's situation felt the first real test.

It was clear the forward was the likeliest of Newcastle's key players to depart after he was left on the bench for each of the final four games of the season.

But would this turn into a situation which played out in public and dragged on like the Alexander Isak saga to Liverpool last summer? Not at all.

Progress on this particular transfer moved quickly in private.

Barcelona had a prior interest, but the club's formal talks with Newcastle only emerged publicly on Wednesday morning. By the evening, an agreement had been reached.

It feels like a rare big-money transfer where all three parties end up being relatively satisfied.

Barcelona land a top target before the window even formally opens, while Newcastle secure their second biggest ever transfer fee, and Gordon gets a dream move.

Newcastle ideally do not want to lose key players like Gordon, but the club simply have to get better at becoming more strategic traders and recognising when is the right time to sell.

Given the impressive Champions League campaign Gordon enjoyed, it felt like the opportune moment.

Newcastle are still likely to do further trading this summer as part of an extensive rebuild, but this first key sale feels significant in enabling the club to reinvest.

Factoring in potential departures, they could end up being in the market for a goalkeeper, full-back, midfielder and multiple forwards this summer.

Newcastle did not quite get it right when they brought in a similar number of players last year after losing out on some ambitious top targets.

So this window has to be different if the club are to bounce back following a disappointing 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.

It was just over two weeks ago when Arne Slot told reporters at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre that he had "every reason to believe" he would be the Liverpool manager next season.

Slot was a major part of planning for next season and, at various times over the past few months, spoke about the importance of the summer ahead for Liverpool as they continue their transition, following a record spend of £415m in the same period last season.

So when the Dutchman was informed on Saturday morning by Liverpool, after a decision made by sporting director Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, chief executive of owners FSG, that he was to be sacked, it was a shock to Slot.

His contract was set to expire next summer.

As early as yesterday, Slot's representatives believed there was no change in the support shown by Liverpool over the course of what the 47-year-old described to BBC Sport in February as the "toughest season" he has had.

A campaign that started with the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and saw Liverpool engulfed with injuries ended with the team losing 19 games across all competitions.

Add in the regular occurrence of boos from supporters at Anfield and the ugly breakdown of his relationship with Mohamed Salah and you can see why Slot and Liverpool were truly pushed to the limits.

Liverpool belive that, having had a chance to assess the situation now the season is over, the team must evolve again.

Major signings were made last summer with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni joining and more are planned this summer, with Jeremy Jacquet, already confirmed in a £60m deal from Rennes.

Fundamentally, the feeling is that the next phase demands a front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football, and that Slot is not the man for that.

• Slot sacking completes a remarkable fall from grace
• Latest Liverpool news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Liverpool - what do you want to know?

'Lacked that authority Jurgen had'

That much was clear as the season went on and when Salah called out Slot's style of play indirectly in a social media post earlier this month, it was a clear attack on his manager's leadership.

There were also question marks over whether the players truly believed in Slot's methods.

One club source, who was also at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp's tenure said: "Arne's a great person but you always felt he lacked that authority Jurgen had and that became more evident when things weren't going well on the pitch."

The departure of veterans Salah, Andy Robertson and now Ibrahima Konate is telling too.

Slot was never going to be Klopp but he won the Premier League title at the first time of asking and deserves immense credit for that

For that alone, he will be a part of Liverpool's illustrious history.

Questions must also be asked about Liverpool's hierarchy because, if they had made this decision a few weeks earlier, then one of their own in Xabi Alonso would have been available and such a decision would have had the blessing of plenty of Liverpool supporters.

Alonso, of course, joined Chelsea as manager on a four-year deal.

The understanding is that FSG initially backed Slot next season to rebuild the supporter faith that has waned considerably during last season's struggles.

But, as the season concluded, they believed that delaying the decision which looked increasingly inevitable would be unfair on the squad and damaging to preparations for next season.

It was a decision made with enormous reluctance with Slot becoming the first Liverpool manager to be sacked despite winning the league - Kenny Dalglish was sacked in 2011-12 but that was his second stint as Liverpool.

Andoni Iraola - who was appointed by Hughes at Bournemouth - is the leading candidate and contact has already been made.

For Slot, there is no bad blood with Liverpool but he is of the belief that he has been dealt a tough card with the situation this past season. With perspective, if you were to switch his two seasons around - one where Liverpool win the title and one where they qualify for the Champions League - then he would be hailed as a genius.

But modern day football is brutal and Liverpool have acted in a manner that is not usual with their tradition. This is a club firmly in transition and sadly for Slot, Liverpool want a new man to manage that transition.

The "Tarps Off" movement is taking MLB by storm. On Friday in Tampa Bay, the Rays got into the action while bringing a franchise legend into the mix.

Brett Phillips, who was crucial to Tampa Bay's World Series run in 2020, took his shirt off and got hyped alongside the Rays faithful during the bottom of the eighth inning. The Rays led the Los Angeles Angels 8-5 at the time and eventually won by that same score.

It was an electric scene at The Trop. The Rays certainly have reason to party, as they're 35-19 and atop the AL East. They've gotten off to that hot start despite ranking 24th in payroll, per Spotrac, in typical Rays fashion.

BRETT WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE pic.twitter.com/i4tpQBBDcW

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 30, 2026

The Rays face the Angels again Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET. We'll see if Phillips, who the Rays hired as a brand engagement executive in February, has another memorable celebration up his sleeve.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Rays World Series hero joins 'Tarps Off' movement at Tropicana Field

A well-known thing in the college football recruiting world is that if you can get your quarterback on board early in the cycle, the rest of the class gets easier to put together. Why? Because skill-position players and linemen often like to know who they're going to be catching passes from or blocking for before they make these life-changing decisions.

For prospective Oregon Ducks in the 2027 class, that should be an enticing prospect.

The Ducks landed 5-star QB Will Mencl earlier this spring, the No. 1-ranked QB in the class, according to Rivals. This week, Mencl is down showcasing his talents at the Elite 11 camp, where the top passers in the nation are set to throw.

Mencl got a chance to talk to the media before the camp got underway, and he put out quite the recruiting pitch for some top-ranked WRs that Oregon is after.

The Oregon Ducks & QB commit Will Mencl are coming for WRs!

Mencl said: "We want Dakota Guerrant, we want Xavier Sabb, we want Blake Wong, we want Bode Sparrow. In the 2028 class we really want Braylon Clark - just to name a few.

"I feel really good about Xavier Sabb, Dakota.… https://t.co/2EULosO8J4pic.twitter.com/oxaHOEdag2

— Jackson Moore (@JacksonMoore247) May 29, 2026

"We want Dakota Guerrant, we want Xavier Sabb, we want Blake Wong, we want Bode Sparrow," Mencl said. "In the 2028 class, we really want Braylon Clark - just to name a few. I feel really good about Xavier Sabb, Dakota. We're pushing."

The Ducks have long been considered the leader for Guerrant, the No. 15 player in the class, per 247Sports. They have also made some big moves with Sabb, who is rated as the No. 31 player in the class. The Ducks currently have the No. 12 class in the 2027 cycle, but are hosting a long list of major official visitors this weekend, and will continue to make moves over the coming weeks and months.

At this point, the expectation is that Oregon signs a top-five class once again this year.

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

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: 5-star QB Will Mencl puts recruiting press on top WRs for Oregon Ducks

We asked for your reaction to the sacking of Arne Slot, whether it was the right call and what you make of the timing.

Here are some of your comments:

Jack B: Too slow by FSG! The opportunity to make this change has been there for months and yet they make it now that prime candidate (Xabi Alonso) has moved to a Premier League rival. And all this after spending so heavily on players last summer presumably following Slot's vision! Sums up the season - a dismal mess.

Charlotte: I feel bad but I think he needed to go. Regrettable that Mo Salah has already announced his departure because maybe he could have stayed. This is what is best for the club if we want to get back to the standards we need to uphold.

Sonny: For Liverpool to sack a coach it usually takes a lot, and while he may have been sacked by Chelsea or Manchester United, I didn't see us being that bold. I feel sorry for him, as winning the league surely buys you a third season, or at least part of one. While I was not optimistic in the slightest for next season, it still feels as if it has ended in an unsatisfactory way. Thank you for everything, Arne. You will always be remembered for that 20th title.

Adrian: Sad but necessary. Slot had an amazing first campaign but we have lost our way this season. A lot of challenges on and off the pitch but the right decision. Thank you for the Premier League title Arne - good luck!

Ian: I'm not sure this is the best decision but a lot of fans will be happy. Only time will tell.

Alfie: I have mixed feelings about it. However, I am happy we did it now rather than wait and do it in the first few months of the next season. There are many decent managers on the market at the minute so I think the club have made the right decision.

Dean: Sad but it needed to be done. He had lost the dressing room and his tactics were too erratic. Also he never had any stability in his squad choices - there was little consistency.

Lisa: Definitely the right thing to do, but too late. Too late to get Alonso in as manager, when he was free and perfect to step in. More importantly, too late for Mo Salah and Andy Robertson. We need someone who truly understands what Liverpool means - to the players, to the fans and to the city.

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Shankland double has Scotland in control against 10-man Curacao in World Cup send-off

Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson says "it doesn't get much better" after his spectacular century spearheaded an emphatic win over defending T20 Blast champions Somerset.

It was Carlson's second hundred in the format - two seasons after his county record score of 135 against the same opponents, also at Sophia Gardens.

"It felt like deja vu - it was really cool against one of our closest rivals, Friday night, big crowd. It was really special," Carlson told BBC Sport Wales after the seven-wicket victory.

His innings of 109 off 45 balls helped Glamorgan pass their target of 172 with a remarkable 37 balls to spare, earning a much-needed win after two last-ball defeats on the opening weekend of the competition.

Carlson's high-octane approach saw him enjoy some good fortune early on in a stand of 146 with Will Smale (40) before taking the Somerset bowling apart.

"I nicked my first 30 runs over third man, but from there managed to find the middle a bit, rode my luck and it was good fun," said Carlson.

"It's really good fun batting together with Smaley [Will Smale] once we get going - we were having a good time."

He is only the second player to score more than one T20 century for Glamorgan, with the currently injured Colin Ingram having three to his name.

It was the second-fastest hundred for a Glamorgan player, beaten only by Chris Cooke's 38-ball effort.

Aussie debutant Nathan McAndrew was the key man with the ball, taking four for 15 to peg Somerset back after they had raced to 100 off 10 overs.

"It's always nice to have a good performance early in the tournament coming into a new team, it just lets you take a breath and settle, but it's just about trying to play my role for the team," said McAndrew.

Glamorgan now face a demanding spell of three away games in four days, starting with the return at Somerset on Thursday, 4 June before visits to Worcestershire the following day and Lancashire at Blackpool on Sunday, 7 June.

"To be able to put in a performance like that after losing off the last ball twice, shows where we're at as a squad, so I'm really proud of the lads.

"It's a long competition, loads of games [nine] to go, and hopefully we'll be in the mix come the back end," Carlson said.

"It's going to be a very tough game down at Somerset because they're a quality team, they don't lose many games down there and they'll be really keen to beat us.

"Tough games coming up, but that's the nature of the competition."

Experienced New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham could be a key player in the coming weeks after making a low-key debut less than 24 hours after stepping off the plane from Auckland.

His signing followed the withdrawal of Afghanistan pace bowler Faz Farooqi when his national board demanded he return to Kabul for fitness tests, even though he took six wickets in the first two games for Glamorgan.

"It hasn't been an easy week with a lot of moving parts, changes left right and centre, but the boys still managed to put in a really good performance with loads going on behind the scenes," said Carlson.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group has issued a statement confirming the decision to dismiss head coach Arne Slot.

Here it is in full:

"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful.

"As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.

"From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it. This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.

"At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly - anything but.

"We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool's 20th league title.

"That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.

"He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.

"As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.

"Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team's trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.

"Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield."

What's your reaction to this news? Is it the right call? And what do you make of the timing?

Get in touch with your views here

Arne Slot's sacking at Liverpool completes one of the most remarkable falls from grace of any Premier League title-winning manager.

Chelsea sacked three managers swiftly after the same success as Slot – but then owner Roman Abramovich's unique demands made them a special case.

This is Liverpool, the supposed bastion of stability.

Carlo Ancelotti was sacked by Chelsea at the end of his second season in 2011 after winning the league and FA Cup double in his first. Jose Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge ended when he was axed in December 2015, seven months after winning the title, as they lay one point above the relegation zone.

Antonio Conte went the same way in July 2018 after winning the title in his first season then FA Cup in his second, while Leicester City dismissed Claudio Ranieri in February 2017 as they were only one point off the relegation places nine months after their remarkable Premier League triumph.

But none, arguably, have been shown the door from an earlier position of such strength as Slot – sacked a year after winning the title with ease in his first season in succession to Jurgen Klopp, then having his squad bolstered by a staggering £450m spending spree.

So why did it unravel for the Dutch head coach who many Liverpool fans initially regarded as the calm, transitional Bob Paisley figure to predecessor Klopp's firebrand, charismatic Bill Shankly?

Was it Klopp's Liverpool 2.0 that won title?

Slot's seamless transition from the iconic Klopp saw the German's squad – with only the addition of £10m Juventus forward Federico Chiesa – win the title by 10 points with four games to spare, losing only twice until the job was done with victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

So was Slot purely the beneficiary of taking over ready-made title winners then simply steering them to glory?

This would be incredibly harsh on Slot and his achievements.

Slot calmed understandable post-Klopp anxiety with his measured approach, but made key alterations that took away some of the thrilling chaos that preceded him to turn the title race into a procession.

Liverpool's main transfer target on Slot's appointment was Real Sociedad's Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, now at Arsenal.

With the deal almost done, Zubimendi decided to stay in La Liga, to the widespread angst of those Liverpool fans demanding big signings.

Slot blocked out the noise, turning to his countryman Ryan Gravenberch, something of an under-achiever under Klopp, to take the "number 6" role designated for Zubimendi.

It was a masterstroke, with Gravenberch outstanding as he provided the platform for a more organised Liverpool, not as exciting as under Klopp but cohesive, organised winners.

Slot also produced another key tactical move by using Luis Diaz, a gifted but occasionally erratic winger, as a striker. It was not the Colombian's natural position but it suited him perfectly as he made many match-winning contributions.

He also won over Liverpool's biggest names who had under-pinned the Klopp glories of winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two League Cups.

Mohamed Salah had arguably his finest season as Liverpool's squad bought into Slot's methods as one - although this relationship turned to open hostility, at least on the Egyptian's side, surfacing in two public outbursts, one in an interview and another on social media, that undermined the head coach.

Salah's form fell off a cliff in previously unimaginable fashion before he announced this would be his final season at Liverpool after a magnificent career.

Yes, Slot inherited what Klopp described as Liverpool 2.0, but it was also a squad that had finished nine points off the title when the German left. The Dutchman changed that.

Slot was bequeathed quality, but he put his own stamp on it to make Liverpool title winners. To suggest otherwise is to downgrade his work unfairly.

Summer of celebration turned to tragedy

Liverpool's 20th title, equalling Manchester United, was a cause of rejoicing from their global fanbase. The summer was meant to be a time of celebration basking in that success.

Instead, it was a summer of tragedy.

The title parade around the city was predictably joyous, with red plumes of smoke engulfing the famous Liver Birds at the Pier Head.

Joy turned to horror as 54-year-old Paul Doyle crashed his car into supporters on nearby Water Street during the celebrations, injuring more than 130 people.

Doyle was jailed for 21 years and six months after pleading guilty to 31 charges, admitted dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.

And then, on 3 July, much-loved striker Diogo Jota, 28 was killed in a car crash, along with his 25-year-old brother Andre Silva, while driving in the Spanish province of Zamora.

Liverpool, as a club, city and fanbase, were heartbroken. Jota was hugely-popular as a team-mate and player, leaving those at Liverpool grief-stricken.

Jota's song is sung in the 20th minute of every game – he wore number 20 – while Andrew Robertson referenced his close friend after Scotland qualified for the World Cup.

Only those at Liverpool know how much of an emotional toll this has taken as their grief has been mostly private, but it was a devastating occurrence and is still raw.

Was £450m transfer spree Slot's downfall?

Most observers – including this one – believed Liverpool's title was theirs to lose after one of the most spectacular summers of spending in Premier League history.

After keeping their power dry following Slot's arrival, a strategy rewarded with the title, Liverpool embarked on a remarkable spree.

This included £125m British record signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, £116m Germany golden boy Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, another £70m striker in Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, as well as another £70m on full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong from Bournemouth and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

Liverpool raked in more than £250m from sales of players such as striker Darwin Nunez to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich and Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid at the end of his contract while, of course, the whole club and its support was devastated by Jota's death.

Alexander-Arnold and Diaz, outstanding at Bayern, have been sorely missed.

Liverpool's outlay, however, did not strengthen their squad. It made it worse, which takes some doing.

It left the squad mediocre and unbalanced as expensive new acquisitions spluttered or suffered injuries, while their recruitment team failed to deliver one of their most significant targets.

There are many questions around Slot's transfer dealings, although owners Fenway Sports Group's CEO of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes must also take responsibility.

Liverpool's key pair of power brokers were showered with bouquets in the summer. Now they must take the brickbats.

• How did such a splurge leave an unbalanced team?

• Why did Liverpool not sign competition for Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on the flanks?

• Was enough thought given to how Wirtz would be utilised as Liverpool revelled in beating Manchester City to his signature?

• Did they really need to spend £125m on Isak having spent £70m on Ekitike?

• Were they too complacent in assuming Crystal Palace would just give up on Marc Guehi?

Liverpool appeared so committed to the Isak deal, the player so exiled at Newcastle after his one-man strike to get a move, that it felt like they could not turn away, even after signing Ekitike.

Did they really need Isak? The more you watched Liverpool before he broke a leg while scoring a goal in a victory at Tottenham Hotspur in December, the more he resembled the most expensive vanity purchase in Liverpool history.

Isak arrived unfit then got a groin injury. When he did play, at the expense of the one signing who was playing well at that point, Ekitike, he looked listless and off the pace, poor value for money at such an exorbitant fee.

The broken leg was another serious disruption for a player meant to provide Liverpool with a lethal spearhead. Even his return was interrupted by "minor" fitness issues.

Wirtz, whose deployment behind the strikers disrupted Liverpool's midfield bedrock to leave them horribly vulnerable all season, has been shifted around from his central role to the flanks as Slot has sought answers. He has shown glimpses of real class but, like Liverpool, nowhere near enough.

And having collected new signings at such a rate, did it mean Slot and Liverpool pushed a key capture down their list of priorities then failed to get it done?

Crystal Palace captain and England defender Guehi was a top target, not merely as partner to Virgil van Dijk but as cover to Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is coming to an end.

Cue the perfect storm.

Palace refused to sell. Konate's form went into sharp decline. Van Dijk suddenly looked fallible. A solution was lost as Quansah had been sold.

When January came, Manchester City needed defensive reinforcements and paid a bargain £20m for Guehi, £15m less than Liverpool belatedly agreed.

It was intriguing to hear Slot describe Guehi as a "great signing" after he was outstanding in Manchester City's win at Anfield.

And through it all, Slot lost the golden touch that was so assured in his first season.

He changed formations and personnel without success. The substitutions that worked so well last season now whiffed off desperation – such as defender Konate for striker Ekitike after 55 minutes of the 3-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest – accompanied by some delusional post-match verdicts and talk of "positives" when there were none.

The season started with Liverpool looking gung-ho and wide open. Wins were secured through the high-wire act of last-gasp winners, but once Crystal Palace turned the tables with an injury time goal at Selhurst Park in September to inflict their first defeat, it all fell apart.

Were Van Dijk and Salah deals a mistake?

The precious gift of "20/20" hindsight is a wonderful thing.

It is easy to say now that Liverpool bowed to sentimentality by giving lucrative new two-year deals to captain Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, when to not do so at the time would have sparked fury among supporters.

Van Dijk had captained Liverpool to the title in imperious fashion, cementing his status among the Premier League's finest defenders.

Salah, meanwhile, looked on a personal mission to return the title to Anfield, which he duly did, scoring 34 goals in 50 starts in all competitions.

The news of the deals, after much speculation, was greeted rapturously by Liverpool's fans. The sight of Salah - "The Egyptian King" - marking the new deal by being photographed sitting on a throne at Anfield should have been an iconic image.

This season 34-year-old Van Dijk's game has become error-strewn, the air of invincibility he carried gone as he has been regularly exposed, as proved by moments of panic-stricken defending previously out of character. He has started to look his age.

Salah, 33, lacked the pace and spark of previous years – although he will always have legendary status as a Liverpool great having scored 257 goals in 441 games since arriving from AS Roma in summer 2017.

He did, however, temporarily tarnish his standing with his infamous "thrown under the bus" outburst at Elland Road after he was left on the bench at Leeds United in December.

And Salah's outpouring of angst after a 4-2 loss at Aston Villa did Slot no favours at all. It increased the noised around the Dutchman at a time when he needed it least.

It also carried all the hallmarks of a fading superstar shaking his fist at the skies after such a poor season for Liverpool and, we must not forget, Salah.

The new contracts for two ageing stars suddenly look very dubious – but this is easy to say now. Very little criticism came Slot or Liverpool's way when they were paraded as a coup in the summer.

All this combined to produce a desperate situation Slot could not control as the damaging defeats piled up, leading to an inevitable conclusion.

Now, a year after being hailed a hero, Arne Slot is out of Anfield.

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Head coach Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool after two seasons in charge.

The Dutchman, 47, guided the Reds to their 20th league title in his debut season but they have struggled during his second year, finishing fifth in the Premier League.

Recently departed Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the leading contender to replace Slot.

"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and - most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves - successful," Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) said in a statement.

"As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.

"From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it."

The decision was made by Michael Edwards, FSG's chief executive, and Richard Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director.

Throughout the season, Liverpool insisted that a change of head coach was not on the agenda, but after assessing the situation following the end of the season last weekend, the club's hierarchy believe the next phase requires a more front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football.

Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss in 2024 after the German stepped down at Anfield after nine years as manager.

• Slot sacking completes a remarkable fall from grace

Earlier this month, forward Mohamed Salah said the club must return to being a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear" after "crumbling" to a defeat at Aston Villa.

Much of Liverpool's success under Klopp - where they won every major trophy - came through this style of play.

"The conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team's trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach," the statement added.

"Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield."

Liverpool spent £415m last summer on six players - the highest outlay in a single window by a British club - in a bid to retain their title.

They broke the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle for a fee of £125m and also bought Bayer Leverkusen and Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz for a club record £116m.

In July, forward Diogo Jota died in a car crash - a player who featured regularly under Slot.

"We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool's 20th league title," the statement added.

"That accomplishment - made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge - was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.

"He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.

"As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come."

• Latest Liverpool news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Liverpool - what do you want to know?

World Sevens Football (W7F) is a seven-a-side professional women's football competition featuring eight clubs in a 'grand slam' series.

The third edition of the tournament is running from 28 to 30 May at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium in London.

Bayern Munich won the inaugural competition in May 2025 in Estoril, Portugal, while San Diego Wave won the next tournament in December 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, US.

The eight women's clubs taking part are Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton, Leicester City, London City Lionesses, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

What is the format?

Each team will play between three and five matches, on grass pitches half the size of the usual 11-a-side pitch. Each match will be played over 30 minutes, in two 15-minute halves.

The eight teams will be split into two groups, playing in a round-robin format over the first two days.

Chelsea, Everton, Leciester and London City Lionesses form Group 1, while Aston Villa, Manchester United, Spurs and West Ham make up Group 2.

The top two clubs in each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will be followed by a third-place match and the final.

Teams will have up to 14 players in their squads, with unlimited rolling substitutions allowed.

• How Toone is navigating grief through football

Who is funding the competition and what is the prize money?

The tournament was co-founded by American entrepreneurs Jennifer Mackesy and Justin Fishkin.

Mackesy has a minority stake in Chelsea Women and is co-owner of NWSL club Gotham FC.

While previous events in Estoril and Fort Lauderdale provided a prize money pool of $5m (£3.76m) spread among its eight teams, this year's prize pot will be lower, at $1.5m (£1.1m).

The winner will receive $500,000 (£372,000), with $250,000 (£186,000) for the runners-up.

For comparison, Bayern Munich earned £1.8m ($2.5m) in prize money for winning the inaugural tournament.

Teams finishing in the top four have their prize money split evenly, with half of it contractually bound to go to competing players and staff, and the rest distributed as the club chooses.

Why has the prize money been lowered?

Prize money is lower for this tournament compared to previous editions as organisers assess where best to distribute funds globally for the competition.

English clubs continue to generate the most revenue in women's football globally, and according to analysis by Deloitte in January, Arsenal top the charts.

Who is playing when?

Thursday 28 May results

• Chelsea 4-3 Everton (after extra time)
• London City 1-2 Leicester
• Man Utd 5-4 West Ham
• Spurs 3-6 Aston Villa
• London City 1-2 Everton
• Chelsea 3-1 Leicester

Friday 29 May results

• Man Utd 4-0 Aston Villa
• Spurs 4-1 West Ham
• Everton 8-2 Leicester
• Chelsea 5-2 London City
• Aston Villa 3-2 West Ham
• Man Utd 8-2 Spurs

Saturday 30 May results

• Chelsea 8-2 Aston Villa
• Man Utd 5-2 Everton
• Final: Chelsea v Man Utd 14:30 KO

Where can I watch World Sevens?

The matches can be attended in person at Brentford's ground and there are also streaming options for online viewing.

Most clubs will be streaming the games on their own websites, and UK viewers can also watch every match on Sky Sports.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

More questions answered...

• Who won the Premier League golden boot?
• Which Premier League clubs have qualified for Europe?
• Who has won the most French Open titles?

• Watch 24 Hours with Ella Toone on BBC iPlayer

“Typically he’d get into the lead, open out a devastating gap in the first two or three laps, and then just monitor it from there, and just keep just out of reach.” That’s how veteran F1 journalist Mark Hughes perfectly sums up the peak Sebastian Vettel Red Bull era in a recent clip from The Race Members’ Club, highlighted by @wearetherace.

If you were watching Formula One between 2010 and 2013, you already know exactly what Hughes is talking about. The lights would go out, Sebastian Vettel would absolutely vanish into the distance by lap three, and then you’d essentially just watch him manage his tires for the next hour and a half.

But how exactly was he doing it? Why was Vettel suddenly light-years ahead of his own teammate, Mark Webber, in the exact same machinery?

Vettel Mastered the “Blown Diffuser” Dark Arts

It all came down to a completely unnatural driving technique tailored perfectly to Adrian Newey’s greatest weapon: the exhaust-blown diffuser.

To get maximum downforce out of those V8-era Red Bulls, the hot exhaust gases had to be constantly blowing over the rear floor. A normal driver approaches a slow corner, lifts off the throttle, coasts to the apex, and then slowly squeezes the gas on the exit. But if you completely lift off the throttle in a blown diffuser car, the exhaust gases stop flowing, and you instantly lose a massive chunk of your aerodynamic rear grip.

So, Vettel did something completely counterintuitive. He would purposely squeeze the throttle while turning into the apex. To any normal racer, mashing the gas mid-corner is a guaranteed one-way ticket into the nearest tire barrier. But for Vettel, that early burst of throttle sent a massive blast of exhaust gas over the diffuser, instantly gluing the rear tires to the tarmac right when he needed it most.

The Double-Edged Sword

Was it a ludicrous way to drive a race car? Absolutely. But it made him nearly invincible through low-speed traction zones.

The problem? It completely hardwired his brain to rely on extreme rear-end stability. Once the FIA banned the blown diffusers in 2014, and when he later moved to a Ferrari that loved to step out at the rear, Vettel notoriously struggled to overwrite his own muscle memory.

But for four glorious years? Seb wasn’t just driving the car; he was playing an entirely different sport than the rest of the grid.

Penn State football will have a completely overhauled roster to get to know in 2026 under new head coach Matt Campbell. Following one of the most active offseasons in recent memory for Penn State with a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, fans will have a lot of catching up to do in getting to know this year's Penn State roster. Fortunately, not every face will be brand new to fans. Regardless, we will be here to give you a fresh overview of every player on the roster for the 2026 season with a series of player profiles.

From all of the returning players, a long list of new faces from the transfer portal, and incoming recruits from the Class of 2026, we will have you covered with this year's player profiles for the Penn State roster. Here is a quick look at offensive lineman Vaea Ikakoula for the 2026 season.

Preseason Player Profile

• Hometown: Lale, Hawaii
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 339
• Class in 2026: Redshirt Freshman

Recruiting Rankings

Class of 2025: Composite 3-star recruit, No. 122 interior offensive lineman per 247Sports

Vaea Ikakoula was a three-star recruit out of Salt Lake City, Utah in the Class of 2025 who committed to Matt Campbell at Iowa State. Ikakoula picked Iowa State over offers from Stanford, California, Boston College, and Oklahoma State, among others. Penn State was not among the schools to recruit Ikakoula out of high school. Ikakoula was rated as a three-star transfer player by 247Sports as he was among the many to follow Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State since last season.

Career Stats

As a true freshman at Iowa State, Vaea Ikakoula played in four games for the Cyclones. That included two starts.

Depth Chart Overview

It appears likely that Vaea Ikakoula will be playing a reserve role for the Penn State offensive line this season. He is positioned to play guard for the Nittany Lions but the starting jobs appear to be taken by Cooper Cousins on one side and Trevor Buhr on the other. Both of those players have a leg up in starting experience that Penn State will rely on this fall, but Ikakoula will be a name to watch for as a potential top backup option.

Random Fact

Although he was recruited out of the state of Utah, Ikakoula is a native of Hawaii and won a state championship with Kahuku High School before moving to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 2026 Penn State football: Vaea Ikakoula player profile

With the second of three weeks of offseason team activities (OTAs) now in the books, one of the biggest unanswered questions for the Tennessee Titans still has no real answer.

The interior of the Titans' offensive line remains a significant question that likely won’t be answered until deep into training camp and the preseason, and it appears to be by design. When asked about the offensive line ahead of practice, offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo had an interesting but believable answer.

#Titans OL Coach Carmen Bricillo before today’s practice: pic.twitter.com/p67jxNJEBA

— 104-5 The Zone 📻 (@1045TheZone) May 29, 2026

“There's competition across the offensive line, but right now it's about getting better across the board.”

While that may come across as coach-speak, the reality is that no answers can be made until the pads go on, and the competition really starts at center and right guard. Heading into that, players such as Austin Schlottmann, Jackson Slater, and even Cordell Volson should have an advantage over Fernando Carmona and Pat Coogan, but once the pads go on and the reps are live, much can change.

With the Titans planning multiple joint practices, the reps that the offensive line gets during those sessions will go a long way toward building a consistent unit that is comfortable playing together. Something that is a must in Bricillo’s line scheme.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: OL coach Carmen Bricillo focused on improvement

No. 7 national seed Tennessee (48-10) will play No. 11 national seed Texas Tech (58-7) on Saturday in a winners' bracket game in the College World Series.

First pitch between the Lady Vols and Red Raiders is slated for 3 p.m. EDT at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ABC will televise the game.

Tennessee and Texas Tech have played three times and the two schools have ties in softball.

Tennessee assistant coach CraigSnider as the Texas Tech's head coach from 2023-24. He compiled a 60-43 record in two seasons with the Red Raiders.

Taylor Pannell is Texas Tech's starting third baseman in 2026 after transferring from Tennessee.

In her first season with the Red Raiders, she has recorded a .348 batting average, 12 home runs, 57 RBIs, 69 hits, 59 runs, 10 doubles, one triple and 14 stolen bases.

In three seasons with the Lady Vols, Pannell appeared in 124 games, including 122 starts. She was a two-time First-Team All-SEC student-athlete (2024-25) and a Second-Team All-American (2025). Pannell redshirted in 2023 after appearing in eight games, including six starts.

Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Craig Snider to face Texas Tech softball in College World Series

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has faced notable backlash after introducing President Donald Trump at a recent political rally.

The appearance, which took place during an event in support of Rep. Mike Lawler, has stirred controversy within the organization and among fans.

The situation intensified when Giants linebacker Abdul Carter publicly voiced his disagreement, stating that some issues transcend football. Carter made clear his personal opposition to Dart’s decision while emphasizing that the matter has not fractured team relationships or created division in the locker room.

Unexpectedly, retired Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant has emerged as an unlikely defender of Dart.

Bryant, a long-time rival of the Giants and now facing criticism as a Black man for his position, took to social media to argue that individuals should be free to hold their own beliefs without judgment. He stressed that politics should not overshadow personal conscience or professional respect.

"I really don’t understand the hate [Jaxson] Dart got for introducing President Trump. Good or bad..if you support Trump or not..you're in a lose-lose situation. Politics and religion are difficult for sports. Folks have the right to believe in whatever the [expletive] they want. I don't know," Bryant wrote on X.

"I just live by a code..As long as it's not interfering with my [expletive]..do whatever you want because you've got to take whatever you're on up with God. I'm too much of a sinner to be judgmental and political."

Other Giants players, including veterans, have described the locker room as unified, with the team choosing to focus on football amid the external noise. Dart addressed his teammates directly, aiming to put the matter to rest and reaffirm his commitment to the group.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Jaxson Dart finds unlikely ally amid President Trump drama

Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.

During the Lakers' 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.

When the Lakers brought in Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant during the summer of 1996, many fans expected the team to instantly start winning championships. In reality, it took the Lakers a while to build a championship-caliber cast, and in the meantime, they had to endure some ugly playoff losses.

During the 1999 season, they knew they needed more 3-point shooting threats to open up the court for O'Neal and Bryant. So they shipped off Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell to the Charlotte Hornets for Glen Rice, B. J. Armstrong and J.R. Reid.

Rice wasn't just a 3-point specialist — he was a bona fide star who had made the All-Star team in each of the previous three seasons and had a career average of 20.8 points a game to that point. He had once scored 56 points in a game, and it was thought he would form a "big three" with O'Neal and Bryant.

While Rice played well at times with the Lakers, he was coming off elbow surgery, and it eventually became clear that he was on the downside of his career. In two seasons with them, he averaged 16.3 points a game and shot 43% overall and 37.6% from 3-point range, while he had shot 46.3% overall and 40.9% from downtown for his career prior to coming to L.A.

Rice did contribute to L.A. winning the 2000 NBA championship as a starter. Following that season, he was sent to the New York Knicks in a four-team trade, and he retired in 2004 with a career average of 18.3 points per game.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 41 — Glen Rice

The Oregon Ducks certainly made a statement on Friday night in their first postseason game of the year.

A 14-2 blowout of the Yale Bulldogs was enough to make Oregon the easy team to beat in the Eugene Regional, and they're now set up for an exciting second-round game against the Washington State Cougars on Saturday night, with a trip to the final on the line. If you are wondering how to watch the action live, you have come to the right place.

The Ducks entered Friday night's game as favorites in the regional, but after hanging 14 runs with 15 hits on the Bulldogs, it's clear that they are the dominant team in the northwest regional. This was made even clearer after the Oregon State Beavers — the No. 2 seed in the regional — were upset by Washington State earlier in the day, throwing their tournament future into question.

The Ducks will now play the Cougars on Saturday night, with a spot in Sunday's final on the line. The winner will move straight to the final, while the loser will face the winner of the elimination game between Oregon State and Yale.

Where to watch Oregon baseball vs. Washington State game today?

• TV Channel: Not Televised
• Streaming: ESPN+

The game between Oregon and Washington State will not be televised on normal cable, but can be streamed on ESPN+.

What time does Oregon baseball play today?

• Time: 6:00 p.m. PT
• Location: Eugene, Oregon

The game between Oregon and Washington State is set to start at 6:00 p.m. PT at PK Park in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks are 24-5 on the road this season.

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

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks vs. Washington State in regional clash; Time, channel

The Kentucky Wildcats seem to be in the lead for Milan Momcilovic, who, like Malachi Moreno, tested the NBA Draft waters and ultimately decided to return to college. Momcilovic wasn't seen as a lottery pick and likely will have a significantly better return in the era of NIL while at the collegiate level.

However, with many of the top transfers already committed, there isn't a ton of capital left from top-tier programs. Kentucky is a team that has some, after whiffing on the No. 1 overall high school prospect, Tyran Stokes, late in the spring and after passing on offering a high amount to many of the best transfers. That has kept the money available, and Momcilovic could be the perfect weapon to add for Mark Pope and his staff.

The 6-foot-8 Momcilovic is set to be a senior, having spent all three years prior with Iowa State. He started 101 of the 102 games he competed in and shot a Big 12-best 48.7% from three-point range last season. Those types of numbers pop, and Louisville is among the names that want a crack at the star.

Louisville zoomed today with Milan. I am told their offer remains the same, which is likely slightly less of a number than Kentucky. Arizona is also less as well

Kentucky has done all it can so now it’s just whether Milan wants to play here.

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 29, 2026

Arizona might be in the mix as well, but Kentucky has done what it can to get the star to Lexington. He averaged 16.9 points per game a season ago and shot 50.6% from the field. He was on the All-Big 12 Team and is the go-to scoring weapon that this team desperately needs to add.

Getting Moreno back and then adding Momcilovic would be exactly what the doctor ordered for this Kentucky team. The high-end talent on the roster should be capable of competing with any other team in the country at that point.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Milan Momcilovic meets with Kentucky rival but Cats in driver's seat

There were few players more critical to the success of the Los Angeles Rams than Kevin Dotson last season. The stout offensive guard was brilliant in 2025, continuing to cement his legacy in Southern California. Ever since he joined the Rams in 2023, he has been the team's best and most consistent lineman, along with being a pivotal piece along the line.

According to Pro Football Focus, Dotson was at his best when the pressure was on. PFF ranked Dotson as one of their 10 highest-graded players in the fourth quarter and overtime from 2025.

Dotson finished last season as PFF’s third-highest-graded guard overall, driven largely by his dominance late in games. He allowed just two pressures in the fourth quarter and overtime all season, and neither resulted in Matthew Stafford taking a hit.

He was even more dominant in the run game. Dotson’s PFF run-blocking grade improved from 84.5 through the first three quarters to 90.8 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Only Lions tackle Penei Sewell graded higher as a run blocker in late-game situations.

Dotson’s ability to move defenders off the ball was a major reason the Rams led the NFL in fourth-quarter rushing yards before contact.

Dotson graded out at 90.5 in the fourth quarter and overtime, the seventh-highest grade of any player. Dotson is returning for his fourth year with the team, as 2026 is the final season of his current contract.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' Kevin Dotson graded as one of NFL's best clutch performers

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill addressed the media on Thursday for phase 3 of OTAs. He shared his thoughts on the Chiefs taking four defensive players with their first four picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

"It's super exciting. They're talented players. Obviously, there's a lot of work to do and put in. Certainly, losing some of our guys this offseason, you talk about Mike Danna, J Wat (Jaylen Watson), Trent (McDuffie) – some of our defensive tackles," said Tranquill, It was nice on draft day to see that we were reloading a little bit on the defensive side and getting those guys in there. Those guys are hungry, high-energy guys; they did a lot of studying, obviously, on them. You can see why they brought them here in the first few days."

General manager Brett Veach's mindset to immediately address key defensive positions presents new opportunities on the depth chart. The veteran linebacker pointed out several players who have impressed him so far at OTAs.

"I mean, you can see it along the line of scrimmage. For me, it always starts in the trenches and the addition of Peter Woods and just seeing his tenacity, his get off and what he brings. R Mason Thomas and what he's bringing on the edge, and his ability to dip and lean and get off the ball," said Tranquill, "We were messing around in the meetings today, and (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) was like, 'I want to see George (Karlaftis) and R Mason lining up in a get-off drill.' I think he's (R Mason Thomas) got a great get-off. You talk about Soor(Mansoor Delane) on the outside, (he) had some great reps yesterday in practice where he's just locking down (and) getting his hands on the ball. I think he had an interception as well. A lot of young guys making plays. JC (Jadon Canady) in the slot, and so these guys, we're going to need them down the stretch. It's a long season, and they've got a long way to go, but I love their energy early on."

Tranquill recently renegotiated the final year of his deal, taking his base pay from $6 million down to $3.5 million. He finished the 2025 season with 103 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill opens up about the 2026 draft class at OTAs

One of the most iconic players in Wisconsin basketball history earned a spot in the UW Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026. 

The 12-person class, which was revealed by Wisconsin Interim Director of Athletics Marcus Sedberry at Camp Randall Stadium, spans across nine sports and includes over 15 All-American honors. A year removed from seeing icon Frank Kaminsky inducted, the men's basketball program will officially witness former Badger forward Sam Dekker join the list of luminaries.

After being named Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior at Sheboygan Lutheran High School, the in-state product joined the Badgers ahead of the 2012 season. Despite starting just three games during his first season, he was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman and received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors under Bo Ryan.

An honor. On, Wisconsin. https://t.co/yNdtDXqBY3

— Sam Dekker (@dekker) May 28, 2026

Dekker started all 38 games as a sophomore in 2014 and was named to the Second Team All-Big Ten (coaches). The Badgers reached the national semifinals that season with Dekker in the fold, the first of two Final Four finishes during his time with UW.

The former Badger exploded during the NCAA Tournament as a junior, posting a career-best 27 points in UW’s Elite Eight win over Arizona in 2015 to earn the NCAA West Region’s Most Outstanding Player honor. Dekker would score 16 against the Kentucky Wildcats to send Wisconsin to the title game against Duke, and he declared for the 2015 NBA Draft shortly thereafter. When he departed Madison, Dekker finished his career at No. 15 in Wisconsin history with 1,363 points.

He will now join Kaminsky, Alando Tucker, Michael Finley, Bo Ryan, and Ab Nicholas as former basketball giants to earn a spot in UW's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Sam Dekker UW Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Announcement

Do the New England Patriots have the best quarterback-coach duo in the NFL?

The Patriots reached the Super Bowl last season behind coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye. Coach Vrabel carried over his exceptional coaching with the Tennessee Titans to New England in his first season with the team, while Maye finished as the runner-up for the AP NFL MVP award, proving them to be one of the most effective QB-coach pairings in the league.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame in his appraisal of all 32 QB-coach duos in the league, the Maye-Vrabel pairing ranked No. 3 overall.

Maye threw for 4,000 yards last season and led the NFL in completion rate at 72 percent. The UNC product led the Patriots on a torrid 10-game winning streak in 2025 and established himself as one of the NFL’s best deep-ball passers in the process.

Coach Vrabel orchestrated the Patriots’ ascent last season, as he led New England to an NFL-best 14-3 record, which marked a 10-win turnaround from the 4-13 record that they finished with in 2024.

Kansas Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid were ranked No. 1 overall. Mahomes is likely to contend for, if not be the frontrunner for, the AP MVP award next season behind the brilliant schematics of coach Reid. Los Angeles Rams' reigning AP MVP quarterback Matt Stafford and coach Sean McVay were ranked No. 2 overall and are projected to be the strongest Super Bowl contender in the NFC next season.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Where Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel rank in NFL's best QB-coach duos

Denver Broncos wide receiver and All-Pro returner Marvin Mims showed promise in his first two years in the NFL, nabbing an All-Pro selection in those two years as a returner and a worthy contributor on offense. While he had a good season as a returner in 2025, totaling 1,110 yards, he had career lows on the offensive end, only tallying 322 yards and one touchdown, down from 503 yards and six touchdowns a year before.

This is why Bleacher Report's Alex Kay believes the Broncos should avoid extending Mims, mostly due to the apparent decline in his offensive performance and the addition of Jaylen Waddle.

“Mims has had ample opportunity to seize a key role in the passing game, but he has yet to reel in more than 40 receptions in a single season," Kay wrote for B/R. "He peaked with 503 receiving yards in 2024 and regressed to tally a career-low 322 receiving yards this past year. Mims went from being the second-most productive receiver on the roster two years ago to falling behind Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Evan Engram, Pat Bryant and RJ Harvey in receiving yardage in 2025. There's little chance he ascends the pecking order in 2026, either, given Denver made a marquee trade to land a prolific pass-catcher in Jaylen Waddle.”

While Mims contributed heavily to the return game, it’s possible his days as a contributor on offense could be dwindling. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Mims is approaching an important season in his career. Time will tell if the Broncos decide to give him an extension.

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

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Should the Broncos give Marvin Mims a contract extension?

About to embark on his fourth NFL season, what have been the main points of emphasis for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson over this offseason?

He discussed that topic following Wednesday's OTAs practice.

"Really, everything, mainly my mechanics and my footwork, still," Richardson said. "I'm just trying to make sure I'm consistent with that, and then I'm trying to take another step into like diving into the playbook a little bit more and just becoming an OC kind of."

Both of those elements, the footwork and overall mechanics, will help improve Richardson's accuracy. Through his first three NFL seasons, Richardson has a career completion rate of 50.6 percent, according to PFF.

Footwork is often the foundation for accuracy for a quarterback. Balance is key, but a quarterback's feet must also move in unison with his eyes as he works through his progressions. Continuing to refine his overall throwing mechanics will be crucial as well when it comes to improved accuracy.

Keep in mind that it was only one practice in late May, but by all accounts, Richardson did look sharp on Wednesday. ESPN's Stephen Holder posted that Richardson looked "really good," throwing a "couple of dimes."

Head coach Shane Steichen said that Richardson will be competing with Riley Leonard for the backup role.

As far as we know, Richardson is still seeking a trade,  but that is not what he is focused on at this time.

"I'm not really focused on that right now," Richardson said of the trade request. "I'm here right now. I'm just trying to make sure I'm staying healthy and keeping everything up there in the mind."

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' Anthony Richardson reveals his points of emphasis from offseason

It's Moving Day at the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge. The 132-man field has been reduced after the 36-hole cut. A 33-year-old Englishman leads by a shot and he'll play in the final group on the weekend for the first time in his PGA Tour career.

Refresh this page throughout the day during Saturday's third round for live updates, highlights, scores, breaking news and more.

2026 Charles Schwab Challenge leaderboard

See the third-round tee times and pairings and keep tabs on all the scores on the Charles Schwab Challenge leaderboard.

Where to watch the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge

• PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, 8:30 a.m. ET to 6:30 p.m. ET
• Golf Channel, 1:30 p.m. ET to 3:30 p.m. ET
• CBS, 3:30 p.m. ET to 6:30 p.m. ET
• Paramount+, 3:30 p.m. ET to 6:30 p.m. ET
• PGA Tour Radio on SiriusXM, 1 p.m. ET to 6:30 p.m. ET

Who leads the Charles Schwab Challenge after 36 holes?

That would be Jordan Smith, a PGA Tour rookie. He's been playing pro golf since 2014 and has two international wins but he's big-game hunting this week for the first time. He's getting the full Texas treatment this week, too: he went to a rodeo on Thursday night.

"It was good fun," he said. "It was a lot of fun. Cool experience. I mean, I wouldn't like to be those bullriders or the guys in the ring there with bulls. So, yeah, like I was saying to my caddie, I hope they get paid a lot to do that."

Who missed the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge?

Rickie Fowler for one. He's the biggest name to miss the weekend at Colonial. And he missed by a lot. The cut was 2 under and he finished 3 under after a disastrous second nine on Friday with five bogeys and a double to end his day and week. It's one of the few sore spots on an otherwise strong year for Fowler in 2026.

What does the winner of the Charles Schwab Challenge get?

Besides the $1.782 million first-place check and a sweet tartan jacket, the winner of the tournament will get the keys to a tricked-out custom 1982 Jeep. This continues the cool car tradition at Colonial.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Charles Schwab Challenge leaderboard, scores, tee times third round

Ryan Hopkins forced his way into Wisconsin’s quarterback conversation this offseason, turning what looked like a settled depth chart behind presumed starter Colton Joseph into what may be a real battle for the No. 2 job with Deuce Adams headed into fall camp.

Wisconsin entered the offseason talking up a quarterback room that finally felt deep, and Hopkins’ rapid development put that claim to the test in practice. Hopkins showed beyond his years potential as he took his first reps as a Wisconsin Badger, and his natural athleticism might be too tempting to keep off the field.

Joseph remained the clear favorite to open as QB1, but the fight behind him carried real weight for a program that has lived through uncertainty at the position in recent years. Wisconsin’s staff carried more confidence in its options than it has at times in the past, with Hopkins pushing Adams and making the No. 2 spot something the Badgers still had to earn rather than assign.

Carter Smith, who is a former four-star recruit, seems like he may need to make up ground in the fall if he's going to challenge for playing time. The fact that Smith may be the 4th string QB shows the improved depth the team has built this year. That experience still mattered as insurance, especially in a league built on attrition, but the day-to-day momentum centered on whether Hopkins could keep closing the gap on Adams.

Wisconsin headed into the official visit season with quarterback depth that looked different from what it had been in much of the Luke Fickell era. The next practices will continue to define whether Hopkins can turn his rise into the first call off the bench behind Joseph.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin's Ryan Hopkins pushes for backup QB role vs. Deuce Adams

Shamrock Rovers teenager Josh O'Dwyer has been added to the Republic of Ireland squad for their friendly against Canada in Montreal.

The 16-year-old joins club team-mate Matt Healy and St Patrick's Athletic's Kian Leavy in receiving first call-ups to the senior side.

O'Dwyer, who has represented Republic of Ireland at under-15 and under-17 level and will join Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in July for an undisclosed fee, has been invited to join Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad as a "training player".

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said "O'Dwyer will gain valuable experience with the senior squad in Montreal before linking up with the Ireland Under-17s for their international window next week".

The Irish squad has also been bolstered by the arrival of goalkeeper Mark Travers and midfielders Conor Coventry and Dawson Devoy, all of whom were earmarked to join the travelling party for the Canada game after missing Thursday's 1-0 win over Qatar in Dublin.

As part of the pre-arranged squad management plan for the double-header, Caoimhin Kelleher, Dara O'Shea, Jayson Molumby and Jack Moylan, who was sent off at the Aviva Stadium, have all returned to their respective clubs.

Kick-off for the Canada game at the Stade Saputo is at 00:30 BST on Saturday, 6 June.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Mark Travers (Everton), Ed McGinty (Shamrock Rovers), Conor Brann (Cork City)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Liam Scales (Celtic), James Abankwah (Watford), Corrie Ndaba (Lecce), Alex Murphy (Newcastle United).

Midfielders: Joe Hodge (Tondela), Killian Phillips (St Mirren), Jamie McGrath (Hibernian), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Matt Healy (Shamrock Rovers), Kian Leavy (St Patrick's Athletic)

Forwards: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Mason Melia (Tottenham Hotspur), Jaden Umeh (Benfica), Adam Brennan (Shamrock Rovers), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town).

• McGrath expects Israel fixtures controversy to 'heat up'
• 'Great human' Coleman helped me on debut - Ndaba

After spending time with both Arizona and Tennessee last season, former Detroit running back Jermar Jefferson has found a new home in San Francisco.

Recent injuries to the 49ers' running backs room compelled the franchise to sign the Lions' 2021 seventh-round selection to a one-year deal on Thursday afternoon.

Jefferson's time with the Lions was mostly spent on the team's practice squad, but he did manage to record two touchdowns and 74 rushing yards on 15 carries. The Oregon State product also caught four passes for 23 yards in seven games played during his rookie campaign with the Lions in 2021.

During his two games played with Arizona last year, Jefferson recorded 22 yards on six carries and caught one pass for 10 yards.

The #49ers signed Jermar Jefferson and Jordan Mims to one-year deals. In corresponding moves, the team placed Darrick Forrest on the Injured Reserve List and waived Sincere McCormick.

📰: https://t.co/fvs6itm6EFpic.twitter.com/qGDeMtBRvF

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 28, 2026

Jefferson joins a highly competitive running backs room that features superstar Christian McCaffrey. The former Lions now has another shot to showcase his skill set on the national stage in the Bay Area this season.

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

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Former Detroit Lions RB Jermar Jefferson signs with 49ers

Glasgow secured their place in the URC semi-finals with a 33-21 win over Connacht at Scotstoun. We asked for your opinions, and here's a taste of what you had to say...

Chris: Brilliant to see Scott Cummings back but I think Alex Samuel might be even harder in the physicality stakes. Forwards were outstanding. Backs delivered too, although George Horne's injury looked serious - hopefully not as bad as it looks.

Brian: A hard-fought game tonight and we just couldn't put Connacht away until late on in the game. Worrying injury for Horne, looked like he's dislocated his wrist passing the ball. If he's out then we'll need Jamie Dobie fit for the semi-final to stand a chance. Well played tonight though, got there in the end.

Stuart: Firstly, a nod to Connacht. They were only a couple of unforced knock-ons in the first half away from an early lead, and had some unlucky injuries in the second, but they were great to watch.

Well done Glasgow for dealing with a really dangerous side. First-half was a little clunky, second half the plan clearly changed and Dan Lancaster found his passing range after a shaky start.

Kyle Steyn was monumental and Stafford McDowall is the in-form centre for Glasgow just now above the vaunted 'Huwipulotu' combination. The forwards set the standard for form though, endless grinding hard work to put Glasgow in the right positions.

Tom: That was an intense, aggressive performance against a very strong opponent. Our defence was excellent and we were totally committed to getting into the semi. Good performances all over the pitch and just hoping that George Horne is fit for next week

Greg: Superb Glasgow, probably the hardest opponents to get in the first round of playoffs and dealt with them with aplomb. Even if they go out next week, this team should be proud of themselves. They are the pride of Scottish rugby and if they get to the final, I will be making my way up the road!

David: Another clinical display as Glasgow made better use of the conditions than Connacht, who hardly kicked at all when they were playing with the wind in the first half. Glasgow's kicking for position in the second half was the major difference between the two sides. Scott Cummings had a great game considering how long a lay off he has had.

On Friday, the USC baseball team opened up NCAA Tournament play in the College Station Regional against Texas State. This marked the second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for the Trojans, who had only made the tournament once in the two decades prior to last year.

Unfortunately, the game did not go well for the Trojans, as USC -- up 4-3 in the ninth inning -- booted a chopper to third and then gave up a go-ahead two-run home run to Texas State's Chase Mora. The offense was unable to capitalize in key moments, including the bottom of the sixth, in which the Trojans stranded a leadoff double and couldn't get a runner home from third with one out. The end result was a 5-4 loss in a game USC led multiple times. 3-1 and 4-3 leads slipped away, as the Trojans wasted Adrian Lopez's go-ahead home run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth.

As a result, USC now finds itself in a less than ideal position. If the Trojans want to advance, they will need to win four games in three days. While that is certainly possible—Oregon State did it in USC’s regional last year—it is definitely not where the Trojans wanted to be.

USC will now play an elimination game against No. 4 seed Lamar on Saturday. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Pacific time/3 p.m. Central time on ESPN Plus.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC baseball squanders leads, throws away NCAA Tournament opener

The Washington Commanders opened OTAs this week, and quarterback Jayden Daniels was back on the practice field. Daniels, who missed 10 games with various injuries in a disappointing 2025 season, is 100% healthy and looking for redemption.

With Daniels injured for much of last season, fellow second-year quarterbacks Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Bo Nix had outstanding sophomore seasons. Daniels, who had been considered by some to already be a top-five quarterback ahead of last season, was now an afterthought. Out of sight, out of mind, it seemed.

Washington fans didn't forget Daniels' spectacular rookie season. Daniels didn't just have a record-setting regular season; he carried the Commanders to two road wins in the NFC playoffs and into the NFC Championship Game. It was Washington's first championship game appearance in 33 years. When we say that Daniels put his team on his back, he often carried the Commanders in the playoffs. When Washington needed a third-down conversion, Daniels found a way to make it happen. Daniels was even better on fourth downs, converting at a record rate.

Most importantly, Daniels saved his best work for when it mattered the most: the fourth quarter. How impressive has Daniels been in the "money quarter" over the first two seasons of his NFL career? Consider this stat from a senior NFL researcher.

Highest passer rating in the 4th quarter over the last 2 seasons...

1. Jayden Daniels - 116.9
2. Lamar Jackson - 115.5
3. Matthew Stafford - 112.6
4. Josh Allen - 105.9
5. Jalen Hurts - 101.4
6. Joe Burrow - 101.4

— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) May 29, 2026

So, when the inevitable Eagles or Cowboys fan mentions how terrible Daniels was in 2025, the NFL Researcher hit them back with this:

Highest passer rating in the 4th quarter in 2025...

1. Jayden Daniels - 128.7

— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) May 30, 2026

The said fan was still not happy that his original response was found to be moot.

What some forget about Daniels is that he did more with less. Yes, he had Terry McLaurin in 2024, but the duo played together in only three games last season. And, for as good as the other three quarterbacks were in 2025, Daniels was far better in 2024. Did anyone catch Maye's performances throughout the playoffs, despite New England's run to the Super Bowl? Compare that to Daniels in 2024.

Speaking of fourth-quarter comebacks, Daniels had five during his rookie season. He set an NFL rookie record with 12 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and overtime. Even more impressive, Daniels was the first rookie quarterback in 74 years to lead back-to-back double-digit comebacks. His Week 16 comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles was one of the best performances across the NFL in 2024. Daniels passed for five touchdowns, including the game-winner to Jamison Crowder with only seconds remaining. Daniels led the Commanders to the comeback win against the NFL's best defense despite five turnovers from Washington's offense.

How good can Daniels be in 2026? ESPN's Louis Riddick has a reminder.

JD5 about to remind everyone exactly who he is… one of the 5 best QB’s in the #NFL. https://t.co/KLcVymnqDH

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) May 28, 2026

The Commanders have a brutal stretch to open the 2026 regular season, but with a healthy Daniels under center, they are a threat to beat anyone on their schedule.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels out for redemption in 2026

For the past 11days it's been hard to process the enormity of what we've achieved.

I'll never forget the celebrations that first night - the streets where I took the bus to school or walked the dog, painted with unbidden Arsenal joy. But I often found myself feeling a little detached as well. Is this really happening? Is this what winning is?

When that red banner with white text appeared across the Sky Sports broadcast of the Bournemouth v Manchester City game announcing Arsenal as champions, many remarked that it felt like Fifa.

Add to that the strangeness of Martin Odegaard actually lifting the trophy over his head at Selhurst Park on Sunday - though perhaps that was just because David Raya was dressed head to toe in the Arsenal home kit.

There are subtle differences, though. The past week, which happened to be the week before a Champions League final, has been completely nerveless.

What would I have felt if they'd played on a little longer at Vitality Stadium and Manchester City had found something late, like they did against Everton? Would the final day have played out in the same way? Almost certainly not.

For Arsenal, so much of this season has been spent battening down the hatches, both in a football sense and as fans. We've had so much to weather. Perhaps that's why people are enjoying singing The Angel so much at the moment (not me, but I support everyone in doing so). I heard a surprisingly tuneful rendition by Lee Dixon on the radio where he chirped out "whatever the weathaaaa".

I feel like I've sleepwalked to Budapest and a glamorous date with the most prestigious European prize.

Should I feel more nervous? Probably. But, suddenly, trophies - in particular this most elusive accolade - have been transformed into something to gain rather than something we might lose.

We should let the enormity of this occasion breathe, too. History isn't usually kind to newbies in the competition, but we have a 50/50 shot at our best season ever. Process that.

Find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts at the Goal Difference podcast

Police in Budapest are studying camera footage to identify supporters fighting before Saturday's Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris St-Germain.

A police statement said the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Footage emerged on social media showing what was said to be about 30 supporters of each club brawling and lighting flares.

"Several fans got into a fight on May 30, 2026, at around 00:20 in Budapest's 7th district, on Kiraly Street," a police statement said.

"The BRFK 7th District Police Department has initiated proceedings against unknown perpetrators for the crime of gang violence, within the framework of which the camera recordings are also being analysed."

Nearly 4,000 police officers will be deployed across the Hungarian capital for the Champions League final, with tens of thousands of fans expected to travel to Budapest without tickets.

On Tuesday, Hungary's deputy national police chief Zoltan Janos Kuczik said: "This will be the largest single-day police deployment in Hungary's history."

It was described as a "high-risk event" with security preparations beginning more than a year ago.

Two Portuguese and a British man were arrested on Friday following a fight at the Champions League fan festival site and charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said a British man who climbed on to the roof of a parked car and damaged the vehicle was also arrested.

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A big opportunity awaits Jacksonville Jaguars' linebacker Ventrell Miller this season. The fourth-year linebacker will have the opportunity to compete for a starting role, following Devin Lloyd's departure in free agency.

Over the last two seasons, Miller has filled a rotational role defensively off the bench and made some spot starts when needed.

"I'm excited for the year," Miller said while on the O-Zone podcast. "I also know nothing is really handed to you, so I have to go out and work and earn whatever I get. So, I'm excited. I feel like things are falling into place for me a little bit, getting to know the system better the second year in, so I'm feeling confident and comfortable going into it this year."

While Lloyd signing with Carolina can certainly leave a big void to fill in the middle of the defense following an All-Pro level season from him in 2025, the Jaguars have remained bullish about Miller stepping into that starting role, alongside Foye Oluokun.

This was evident with how the Jaguars approached the offseason, by not making any major additions at the linebacker position.

Also, not to be forgotten, but before Lloyd took off last season, Miller also impressed during training camp and the preseason. So much so that on the Jaguars' unofficial depth chart prior to Week 1, one of the starting linebacker roles was listed as Devin Lloyd or Ventrell Miller.

Helping Miller step into a much more significant role will be Anthony Campanile and his defensive scheme. Not only with Lloyd, but going back to Campanile's time in Green Bay and Miami, linebackers have often thrived under his coaching.

Miller will enter the 2026 season having appeared in 32 career games, while making 11 starts. He's recorded 118 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, and seven pass deflections.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Will Ventrell Miller earn starting role? Jaguars LB discusses opportunity

No. 7 national seed Tennessee (48-10) will play No. 11 national seed Texas Tech (58-7) Saturday during the 2026 NCAA Women's College World Series in a winners' bracket game.

First pitch between the Lady Vols and Red Raiders is scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT at Devin Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ABC will televise the matchup.

Saturday will mark the fourth meeting in the all-time softball series between the two schools. Tennessee has a 3-0 record in previous games contested in the series. All three games have been played at neutral sites, and the Lady Vols have recorded three shutouts in the series, dating to the 1997 season.

Tennessee first played the Red Raiders on Feb. 15, 1997. The Lady Vols earned a, 3-0, victory in Arlington, Texas. On March 4, 2006, Tennessee defeated the Red Raiders, 4-0, in Fullerton, California.

The schools last played on Feb. 10, 2012 and the Lady Vols defeated Texas Tech, 1-0, in Tempe, Arizona.

Tennessee's all-time softball results versus Texas Tech

1997: Tennessee 1, Texas Tech 0

2005: Tennessee 4, Texas Tech 0

2012: Tennessee 3, Texas Tech 0

Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Lady Vols versus Texas Tech softball series all-time results

This weekend, Texas A&M will host a talented group of 2027 prospects, which began on Thursday night, led by the return of five-star blue-chip cornerback John Meredith, who moved up his official visit date before taking his OV with the Texas Longhorns next weekend. After receiving an early prediction to land with the Aggies, the Longhorns are now the frontrunners.

Still, Texas A&M is also slightly favored to land five-star CB Joshua Dobson, and Mike Elko will be ecstatic to secure either star corner over the next two months. Before Dobson makes his way to College Station, the focus is on Meredith and several of Texas A&M's current 2026 roster members, who participate in a TikTok video that has become a recruiting trend, as the application is extremely popular with Generation Z.

Whatever helps the bonding experience works for Mike Elko and his staff, who hope that this weekend's OV places the Aggies back in the lead for Meredith. In the video, starting quarterback Marcel Reed and freshman cornerback Brandon Arrington, who was the crown jewel of the Aggies' 2026 signing class, performed the usual run-of-the-mill dance you'll see scattered across the online recruiting landscape.

Brandon Arrington chose the Aggies over Oregon last summer, and even after DB coach Jordan Peterson departed to become Kansas State's new defensive coordinator, Arrington stayed the course and signed with the program, believing that College Station is the best place for him to develop and reach his NFL potential.

While Arrington continues to be a rare prospect, Meredith's man coverage skill set and elite instincts as a defender make him a likely first-year starter, and even his OV, the five-star told AggieYell's Joseph Hastings that Texas A&M "feels like home" and continues to be one of the top teams he'll consider before a potential commitment next month.

Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed and CB Brandon Arrington with five-star 2027 CB recruit @JOHN_MEREDITH2 at the start of his official visit. pic.twitter.com/auXRoZPyf0

— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) May 29, 2026

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

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Two Texas A&M players helping recruit 2027 5-star CB in TikTok video

While many debate about the merits of the 2027 NFL draft class, the QB position gets thrown around as potentially one of the deepest position groups we have seen in recent draft history. Whether it be veterans such as Arch Manning and Dante Moore returning to play more, or sleepers such as CJ Carr and Trinidad Chambliss, there is a lot of talent to be found. However, one name is shockingly absent from those conversations: Penn State's new starter Rocco Becht, one of the nation's most experienced QBs.

So when Jordan Reid posted his names to know in the draft on ESPN, it must have come as some surprise that Becht's name was not even mentioned once. Still, it somewhat makes sense considering the fact that Becht is in a highly competitive new conference with names such as Jayden Maiava and Dante Moore. Despite the fact that he has played in over 35 collegiate games, he has never played the caliber of opponent he will play this fall.

He also does not have some of the measurables that scouts desire in a QB. At just 6 foot 1, he doesn't have the blend of size and athleticism that teams covet nowadays. Still, one could believe he is more competent of a player than those who were first year starters last year, such as Carr and Manning. It would not be a surprise if we are later comparing Becht to another former Iowa State QB in Brock Purdy the way his career has gone.

At the end of the day, chances are Becht truly does not deserve the hype just yet. Some may need to see him play at the Big Ten level before making that decision. Still, considering his longevity, don't be surprised if he could outlast some of the names on Reid's list.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Is Rocco Becht being overlooked in early draft discussions?

Wisconsin Interim Director of Athletics Marcus Sedberry revealed the UW Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on Thursday at Camp Randall Stadium. 

A total of 12 athletes, staff, and supporters of Wisconsin Athletics across nine sports will be inducted into the university's Hall of Fame the weekend of Sept 18 this fall and honored during the Badgers' test against Eastern Michigan on Sept. 19 at Camp Randall Stadium.

The loaded class includes Chris Borland (football) Bob Bruce (special service), Kelsey Card (track & field), Sam Dekker (basketball), Alan Fish (administration), Melvin Gordon (football), Janet (Huff) Dyer (basketball), Bob Konovsky (wrestling & football), Sis Paulsen (hockey), Ron Vincent (hockey), Ron Wuensche (golf) and Barbara Urbanska-Lucido (tennis).

Your 2026 inductees into the #Badgers Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/Vynw8NBicA

— Karl Winter (@KarlWinterTV) May 28, 2026

Established in 1991, over 260 athletes, staff, and supporters have been inducted into the UW Athletic Hall of Fame. Notable members include Ron Dayne, J.J. Watt, Joe Thomas, Troy Vincent, Frank Kaminsky, Michael Finley, Alando Tucker, Hilary Knight, and Sherri Steinhauer.

The class of 2025 was headlined by Kaminsky, Travis Frederick (Football, 2009-12), Mary Massei Landini (Softball, 2010-14), Joe Pavelski (Men's Hockey, 2004-06), Cara Walls (Women's Soccer, 2011-14), and James White (Football, 2010-13).

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Badgers UW Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Announcement

Texas A&M entered the College Station Regional with little momentum after Auburn shut out the Aggies 7-0 in the Quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament, but before hosting Lamar on Friday afternoon, the 12-seed Aggies received news that freshman third baseman Nico Partida was set to return to the starting lineup after missing the last four games.

However, the Cardinals shot out to an early 1-0 lead against junior LHP Shane Sdao, who continued to struggle with two outs, allowing two solo home runs that increased Lamar's lead to 5-0 heading into the fifth frame. Thanks to Texas A&M's top of the batting lineup, the Aggies came alive in the fifth, starting with Gavin Grahovac's solo home run, followed by Chris Hacopian's two-run homer to cut the lead to two.

Trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the seventh, Nico Partida's bases-loaded walk was paired with Bear Harrison's sacrifice fly, tying the game, and thanks to relief pitchers Gavin Lyons and elite closer Clayton Freshcorn, Lamar was held scoreless for the rest of the game.

Texas A&M went on to take its first lead in the bottom of the eighth, thanks to Travis Chesnut's bunt, leading to a Lamar throwing error that scored Ben Royo, while Chris Hacopian's pop-up resulted in another score in the bottom of the eighth. After Freshcorn shut out the Cardinals in the ninth, the Aggies entered wait-and-see mode, but will now officially face Texas State on Saturday night in the Winner's Bracket.

In one of the tighter matchups on the day, Texas State defeated USC after Chase Mora's two-run home run in the top of the ninth, responding after the Trojans took the lead with a solo homer in the prior inning. For the Aggies, this is the result they were hoping for, especially after star freshman reliever Wade Cooper threw 55 pitches to help seal the win.

Texas A&M will face Texas State at 8:00 p.m. CT. and will be available to stream on ESPN+.

OH MY GOD. CHASE MORA. TEXAS STATE LEADS 🔥

HOW DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING TO USC??? pic.twitter.com/3zsSnGRqqp

— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) May 30, 2026

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

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M will face Texas State in Saturday's winner's bracket game

Who will back up Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2026? That seems to be the question on everyone's mind. But one well-respected insider revealed, between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, which signal caller has the advantage.

On a new episode of ESPN's NFL Live, insider Jeremy Fowler revealed that one of the quarterbacks competing for the backup role behind Rodgers has an "inside track" to the job.

"The more fascinating subplot is what [the Steelers] do with the other quarterbacks," Fowler said. "Who's gonna be the two? That's what they're working on right now. Will Howard probably has the inside track at that right now. They've been impressed with him."

Howard, selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was expected by some to be the odd man out of Pittsburgh's four-man quarterback room. But Fowler's report that the Steelers have been impressed by him may leave Rudolph on the outside looking in.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Will Howard has 'inside track' for backup job behind Rodgers

Stephon Marbury: "Spike Lee asked me to play, to audition to play Jesus. Yeah, he asked me and I told him no. I said, why am I going to audition to play myself?"

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "Spike Lee asked me to play, to audition to play …

Is that something you sometimes see with big NBA competitors? When that 21st pick goes by, and Joseph Forte gets picked, do you still remember the names of the guys selected before you? Tony Parker: Of course. All of them. Alex: All of them? Tony Parker: Of course. And I even remember the European point guard who was drafted ahead of me at 24 by the Utah Jazz: Raul Lopez. Alex: Raul Lopez. Ah, you remember him. Tony Parker: Yeah. Well, he did not really have an NBA career. Alex: He had a career outside the NBA. Tony Parker: He had a career in Europe. Alex: A little bit, yes. Tony Parker: Exactly.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Tony Parker: Of course. And I even remember the …

Bibi: Exactly. LeBron misses his shot, the Spurs play the possession, and I have someone next to me who was not only on the floor, but also on the bench and may have some insight. One of the best rebounders in NBA history is not on the floor. The Spurs are playing smaller. I understand it was to defend the three-point line, but— Tony Parker: It was to defend the switch. It was not to defend the three-point line. It was to defend the switch. Pop preferred having Boris for the switch rather than Tim. After that, with coaching choices, you never really know. That has been said and repeated. It is clear that most people would have preferred Duncan to be on the floor. But as a player, with things like that, you never know. It is difficult.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Tony Parker reveals why Gregg Popovich chose Boris Diaw over Tim Duncan in the final second of Finals Game 7

Arsenal are back in the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years and are on the cusp of a historic double.

After lifting the Premier League title after a 22-year wait last week there had been a suggestion that this match against Paris St-Germain (17:00 BST kick-off) is something of a free hit.

But Mikel Arteta has been quick to shut that talk down saying that their "ambition is bigger than ever" and that they want "the second one" when referring to the Champions League trophy.

Arsenal fans have travelled to Budapest in their thousands such is the magnitude of this match.

The only other time the Gunners have been in the final of the Champions League was when they lost to Barcelona in 2006.

The Arsenal players and Arteta himself look like a pressure has been lifted after securing their first major trophy in six years and they seem to be relishing the feeling of being winners.

Arteta will hope the extra confidence his side feel is enough to get them over the line.

Record goalscorer Thierry Henry who was part of the "invincibles" of 2004 said that this current squad will be remembered as the "unforgettables" if they manage to bring Champions League success to north London for the first time.

Listen to commentary of Saturday's Champions League final on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with build-up from 15:00

And watch highlights on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 22:20

The New York Giants and their top pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, made things official on Friday, with Big Blue inking Reese to a four-year, fully guaranteed $47.831 million contract.

Reese was the final player in the Giants' 2026 draft class to sign his rookie contract, which naturally includes a team option for a fifth season.

Arvell locks it in 🔏 pic.twitter.com/zIxeAhsh01

— New York Giants (@Giants) May 29, 2026

Reese has looked incredibly fit at the Giants' second round of OTAs this week. He will be their starting WILL backer this season, per head coach John Harbaugh.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants officially sign Arvell Reese to rookie deal

After going 5-12 in 2025, it was clear that the Washington Commanders needed to make some big changes this offseason.

That's exactly what they did, especially on defense. The team added Leo Chenal, Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Amik Robertson, and others in free agency, while adding star linebacker Sonny Styles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. It's clear that Dan Quinn's defense should be better than it was in 2025, and if Jayden Daniels can play close to his 2024 form, this team could be scary.

It's not just fans of the Commanders who are buying the hype, either.

ESPN's Ben Solak recently ranked the 10 most improved position groups in the NFL, and the Commanders landed two entries. At No. 3, Solak has the Commanders' linebacker room. The team added Chenal and Styles while allowing veteran Bobby Wagner to move on.

"Washington's linebackers were a mark for opposing offenses last season," Solak explained. "This year, they should be a far faster and more versatile group -- one that forces offensive attention elsewhere."

Then, at No. 10, Solak has the Commanders' edge rusher group. The team brought in Oweh, Chaisson, Charles Omenihu, and Joshua Josephs to replace Jacob Martin, Von Miller, Preston Smith, and Jalyn Holmes. Miller and Martin were productive in 2025, but the new additions are faster, younger, and have more upside.

"The Commanders still don't have a true ringer of a defensive end -- Oweh was a rotational player with the Chargers even as he was breaking out," Solak said. "But they have a deep group with different body types and much more juice than last season. Good work."

It's definitely a good sign that the Commanders' defense is seen as vastly improved. The team also has a new defensive coordinator, bringing in DMV native Daronte Jones. Add all these things up, and it's easy to get excited about what the Commanders are doing.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Defense has 2 of most improved position groups

Rodrigo Vera made the most of his second UFC opportunity.

Vera (22-1-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) impressed in his octagon debut when he knocked out Kangjie Zhu (21-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC) with a counter left and array of right hands at the 1:50 mark of Round 1 on Saturday's prelims at UFC Fight Night 277 at Galaxy Macau in China.

Check out the video of Zhu's finish below (via X):

ON SHORT NOTICE 😮‍💨

Rodrigo Vera gets the RD1 victory in enemy territory!

[ #UFCMacau | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Vt9Daymj0o

— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2026

Vera was not selected by either coach Michael Bisping or Daniel Cormier to be a part of Season 34 of "The Ultimate Fighter," but got the short-notice call to face Zhu. The 30-year-old Peruvian is now on a 14-fight winning streak.

Up-to-the-minute results of UFC Fight Night 277 include:

• Rodrigo Vera def. Kangjie Zhu via KO (punches) – Round 1, 1:50
• Jaqueline Amorim def. Loma Lookboonme via submission (armbar) - Round 1, 4:04

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Macau video: Rodrigo Vera knocks out Kangjie Zhu in Round 1

The first episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Liverpool focuses on defender Gary Ablett, who played for both Merseyside clubs, John Aldridge and the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul.

Striker Aldridge was signed in January 1987 to replace Ian Rush, who was leaving at the end of that season, and won the league title and FA Cup in his two and a half years at Anfield - becoming a cult hero and scoring 50 goals in 83 league games for Liverpool.

"He came to Liverpool and didn't have a moustache but he grew it back and I think that helped in him replacing Ian Rush," said Radio Merseyside's Carl Woodward.

"What a goalscorer he was. I was gutted when he left. I didn't want him to go because he was so good. The goals he would score. He was just in the right place at the right time all the time.

"He could score with his head, score from two yards out, score some decent goals from the edge of the area.

"He was just a great striker and he did replace Rush really. He was in that 1987-88 team which was arguably Liverpool's greatest ever."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Explore more Liverpool content on BBC Sounds

Imagine tearing down your own house, only to realize your new landlord is already drafting up an eviction notice. That is exactly the terrifying reality Alpine might be staring down right now.

According to a massive rumor floating around the paddock, highlighted by PG10__Inside back on X, Mercedes is allegedly plotting a ruthless cut to its engine supply program. Word on the street is that the Silver Arrows want to reduce their customer teams from four down to just two, starting with the 2031 regulations. With the factory Mercedes squad obviously taking one of those slots, that leaves McLaren, Williams, and Alpine playing a brutal game of musical chairs for the remaining engine deals.

And let’s be honest, out of those three, Alpine is the one that should be sweating bullets.

Alpine’s Ultimate Engine Irony

Can we just take a second to appreciate the absolute irony of this situation? Alpine literally just burned their own bridges to get here.

To boost performance for the 2026 rules cycle, Alpine made the incredibly painful decision to shut down the historic Renault engine factory in Viry-Châtillon, effectively killing their status as a true factory F1 team. They signed a deal to become a Mercedes customer from 2026 until at least the end of 2030.

But if this rumor holds up and Mercedes really does swing the axe for 2031, where does that leave the French squad? They won’t have the machinery or the personnel to build their own engines anymore. They’d be completely stranded, forced to crawl to Audi, Honda, or even Red Bull Ford, begging for a power unit just to stay on the grid.

Who Survives the Cut?

If Mercedes decides to drop a customer, who actually gets the boot? Williams has an incredibly tight, historic partnership with Brackley that stretches all the way back to 2014. McLaren is a massive commercial powerhouse, and while Zak Brown has teased the idea of building an engine in-house, they will absolutely fight tooth and nail to keep that Mercedes unit if they decide a custom powertrain is too expensive.

That makes Alpine the clear odd man out. They just bought a ticket to the Mercedes customer party, but it looks like they might be the very first ones kicked out the door. Talk about a massive backfire, right?

Manchester United fan Jordan Smith says the "trust" the dressing room have in new permanent head coach Michael Carrick allows him to "let them get on with it".

He told BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast: "Can you imagine if we'd been poor for 12 years and we have someone who's come in and basically taken us from 16th to third and then said goodbye?

"I just watch players that wouldn't be playing well last season now fighting and getting me excited going into next season.

"Carrick must be going in with confidence that the dressing room love him. If you look at the past few managers we have had, you can tell halfway through that they are losing the dressing room and the big players.

"The trust they have in Carrick has allowed him to let them get on with it, like Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] did. They are elite footballers so let them do their job. Players like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire are like second managers on the pitch.

"I also can't remember the last time we had three summer signings that actually worked. I'm buzzing, I can't wait for next season."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked for your views on which players Crystal Palace should sign from the three relegated Premier League sides Wolves,Burnley and West Ham United.

Here are some of your suggestions:

Kiyan: I think we should sign El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham as another wing-back as he plays there for West Ham. Maybe we could get Konstantinos Mavropanos as a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, if he ends up leaving.

Joe: Joao Gomes [Wolves] would be the obvious choice but I'd take a look at Zian Flemming from Burnley. As Jean-Philippe Mateta is most likely going, he'd be great back-up - 11 goals in a horrid season is no easy feat!

John: I wanted Crysencio Summerville when Leeds went down and after a year at West Ham I want him even more at Palace. Just as long as he isn't cursed with the relegation bug!

Darren: Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Summerville from West Ham and Gomes from Wolves please! That would surely add strength in depth. We will need a larger squad to cope with the workload from the Europa League.

Tony: We need cover for Daniel Munoz at right wing-back. Wan-Bissaka could be another former player tempted to return to Selhurst Park for a couple of years with eyes on playing in a European competition again.

Michael: Would love to get Jarrod Bowen, who chose West Ham over Palace, but suspect there will be more attractive suitors this time as well. Could bring Wan-Bissaka back home, as useful cover/back-up for Munoz.

Stephen: Tough without knowing the reality of outgoings - but at face value I would look to bulk our squad for Europa with West Ham's Wan-Bissaka, Taty Castellanos, Bowen, Mateus Fernandes and Summerville. Mateus Mane at Wolves but no-one from Burnley stands out. Only Fernandes and possibly Summerville would improve our first XI.

"When you get the taste of winning and lifting a trophy you know how nice it feels, so we want to do it again."

That was the rallying cry from Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who was confident his team are "ready" to add to the Premier League title by winning the Champions League.

"It's something special that we can achieve that's not been done before," he told the media in his side's pre-match news conference before Saturday's final against Paris St-Germain.

"We want to make even more history and when you get the taste of winning and lifting a trophy you know how nice it feels, so we want to do it again. It would mean a lot to everyone and we're ready to do it.

"To do it with this group is unbelievable. Special, special feeling. Good vibes and we're ready to go again.

"It's been like that since I was a little kid. I was dreaming of this moment since I was a kid playing with my friends in the park."

Despite becoming the first Arsenal captain to lift the Premier League trophy in 22 years last weekend, Odegaard was keen to emphasise nothing has changed.

"I don't feel like a different person but obviously it was really special," he added.

"For us, it doesn't change a lot other than it is an amazing feeling and achievement. It is the same mindset. We are ready for it and looking forward to playing."

Everton are still weighing up whether to trigger Tyrique George's option-to-buy clause this summer following his loan spell from Chelsea.

The 20-year-old forward's future remains unclear, as does the value of the option, although it could be in a similar ballpark to the £22m fee agreed with Fulham on deadline day last summer.

George made just one start in 11 appearances at Hill Dickinson Stadium but, at times, looked impressive from the bench.

When asked about his future and that of Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish last week, Everton boss David Moyes replied: "At the moment, they go back to their clubs and we'll take it from there.

"As the summer goes on, we'll decide what path we're going to take on both of them. We like Tyrique, obviously we like Jack a lot – but we've not got an answer [yet].

"We've enjoyed having Tyrique here – he's been an excellent boy and his work-rate and everything has been excellent, so we're happy with him."

Chelsea have been looking to sell George during the past two transfer windows and would be likely to consider suitable similar offers in future.

The Stamford Bridge club still need to raise funds through player sales because of their Uefa settlement agreement and, as an academy graduate, George would represent pure profit in the club's accounts, increasing the incentive to sell the homegrown winger.

Multiple sources have denied rumours that manager Xabi Alonso has spoken to George, or any other player, before the new season to assure them they are part of his plans.

Mercedes has officially walked away from negotiations to purchase a minority stake in the Alpine Formula 1 team. As highlighted by a recent social media post from @formularacers referencing a BBC Sport report, the Silver Arrows pulled the plug after determining the Enstone-based outfit was severely “overpriced.”

The $3 Billion Disconnect

The core of the collapse lies in a massive discrepancy over what a Formula One team is actually worth in the modern era. New York-based investment group Otro Capital, which purchased a 24 percent stake in Alpine for roughly $230 million in 2023, is currently attempting to cash out. Reports indicate Otro was demanding an astronomical $720 million for its share.

This asking price would value the entire Alpine operation at a staggering $3 billion. Mercedes firmly drew the line, estimating the French squad’s true market value to sit closer to the $2.2 billion to $2.4 billion mark. Rather than return to the table with an increased bid, the German manufacturer entirely exited the discussions.

Mercedes Dodged A Bullet?

For the wider paddock, Mercedes walking away resolves a rapidly escalating political nightmare. McLaren CEO Zak Brown had recently lobbied the FIA to explicitly ban this exact type of cross-team ownership. Brown and other rivals feared Mercedes was attempting to create a “B-team” dynamic, similar to the controversial relationship between Red Bull and Racing Bulls.

While Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff vehemently denied those claims, insisting the purchase was purely a financial investment and a natural extension of Alpine becoming a new Mercedes engine customer this season, the optics were creating severe tension. This withdrawal immediately kills that specific political headache.

With Mercedes out of the picture, the boardroom doors have suddenly swung wide open for another major player. Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner has been actively pushing forward with his own attempt to purchase the available Alpine shares.

While Alpine’s parent company, Renault, retains veto power over any sale until September, Mercedes’ refusal to overpay removes the biggest financial heavyweight from the bidding war. This leaves the ultimate fate of Alpine’s ownership completely up in the air as Otro Capital searches for a buyer willing to meet their extreme valuation.

Only one player caught more touchdowns in the 2024 NFL season than Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders. Only the duo of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase (17) connected for more touchdowns than the combination of Jayden Daniels and McLaurin (12).

If you count the playoffs, McLaurin and Daniels connected for 15 touchdowns. McLaurin also caught a regular-season touchdown from Marcus Mariota. The 13 touchdowns in the regular season were a career high for McLaurin. His previous career high was seven, set in his rookie year of 2019.

The duo of Daniels — the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year — and McLaurin led the Commanders to their first NFC Championship Game appearance in 33 years.

There were high expectations in 2025. Unfortunately, Washington failed to live up to expectations last season, primarily due to injuries. Daniels missed 10 games, while McLaurin missed 7. McLaurin had only missed three career games before last season. Of course, it was his worst career season, as he caught only 38 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns. It ended a streak of five consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards receiving or more.

The Commanders have had a busy offseason, as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026. While there are plenty of new players on both sides of the ball, much of Washington's optimism centers around a healthy Daniels and McLaurin returning to form.

Washington began OTAs this week, and from the looks of it, the duo appeared to be back on the same page.

things you love to see: pic.twitter.com/5gAbDs9fF7

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 29, 2026

It's good to see Daniels and McLaurin back healthy and apparently picking up where they left off before a lost 2025 season. There's still a long way to go until Week 1, but a motivated and healthy Daniels and McLaurin will be trouble for the rest of the NFC East in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin connect in OTAs

Saturday afternoon. Kick-off approaching. Preparations complete. Crowd filing in. Excitement building.

David Raya fastens his gloves and breathes out.

But this is not the Champions League final. This is Moss Rose, home of National League side Macclesfield Town and a teenage Spanish goalkeeper is embarking on a journey that will lead him to the biggest stage in European football.

In front of fewer than 1,500 spectators, Raya was part of a Southport side beaten 3-0 by Macclesfield in September 2014.

Now aged 30, he is set to become only the third person to make the journey from non-league football to the Champions League final when Arsenal face holders Paris St-Germain on Saturday.

Raya will join Steve Finnan and Chris Smalling in achieving that feat.

Full-back Finnan, who lifted the 2005 title with Liverpool, had earlier played for Welling United in the National League, while centre-back Smalling turned out for Maidstone before going on to be an unused substitute when Manchester United lost the 2011 final to Barcelona.

Even people who have witnessed the journey from a 19-year-old making his first-team breakthrough - after joining Southport on loan from Blackburn Rovers - have struggled to envision Raya's rise.

Paul Carden, Southport's former assistant manager, said: "I don't think anybody could have predicted or scripted it. You wouldn't be 100% surprised but you wouldn't have put a bet on him."

Read the full piece on Raya's ascent here

It’s hard to keep a good offense down.

Particularly when it keeps hammering pitches into the stratosphere.

Regaining its powerful form after getting largely shut down the previous day in the Women’s College World Series, the UCLA softball team warded off elimination with an epic drubbing.

The Bruins crushed four homers Friday night during an 11-0, five-inning run-rule rout of Arkansas at Devon Park in Oklahoma City that gave them their largest shutout win in the history of the event.

Along the way, they added to their record-setting power surge.

Megan Grant’s three-run homer as part of a nine-run second inning gave her 42 homers for the season, extending her NCAA record. It also gave the senior slugger 91 homers for her career, surpassing Stacey Nuveman’s school record of 90.

Soo-Jin Berry also smashed a three-run homer in that inning and Kaniya Bragg missed another one by maybe an inch after her blast bounced off the top of the wall in right field and back into play.

UCLA (53-9) sent 14 batters to the plate in the second, when it logged its second nine-run inning of the postseason. It also tied for the second-most runs the Bruins have scored in one inning in their lengthy WCWS history.

Aleena Garcia and Jolyna Lamar also homered for UCLA, extending the Bruins’ single-season NCAA record homer tally to 206.

What it means

The Bruins bounced back in a big way after dropping their WCWS opener.

Winning in blowout fashion also provided a lesser workload for pitcher Taylor Tinsley, who will get a much-needed day off after having thrown every pitch for her team in its first two games.

Turning point

After each team went in order in the first inning, things changed quickly in the second.

Garcia led off with a homer to center, leading to celebratory bubbles being blown in the dugout. By the time Grant and Berry added their homers later in the inning, the Bruins were on their way to a runaway.

MVP: Taylor Tinsley

UCLA’s ace — and the only pitcher it truly trusts — went the distance for a second consecutive game.

After giving up six runs against Alabama, Tinsley (33-7) was much stingier against the Razorbacks. She allowed just three hits in five scoreless innings, striking out two and walking two. 

Up next

The Bruins will play the loser of Saturday’s game between Alabama and Nebraska at 4 p.m. Pacific on Sunday.

The game will be broadcast by ESPN.

Defender Adam Webster will leave Brighton when his contract expires next month after seven years and 158 appearances.

The 31-year-old defender joined the Seagulls in 2019 from Bristol City and was part of the side that earned the club its highest league finish when they came sixth in 2023 and qualified for the Europa League.

Webster suffered a knee injury during pre-season in summer 2025 and did not feature in his final campaign.

"I will never forget what you did for us, especially last season in a tough period," said Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler.

"You stepped up as a great leader. You stepped up as a great person. You really showed our principles on the pitch and beside the pitch.

"You have a great positivity in your character, and that always makes a team run, makes a team work hard and makes a team successful."

Brighton say Webster will continue his rehabilitation with the club's medical staff over the summer.

"You will come back stronger. Rehab feels lonely sometimes, but I want you to know that you should never feel lonely," added Hurzeler.

"You have so many people here in Brighton - in the team, players and staff - who will be there for you, who will support you even when you're not here any more.

"I always said to you that good things will come to good people, and you are a great person, so great things will come to you. All the best for your future. Stay strong, and we will see each other on the pitch."

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are hoping to follow up their Premier League triumph with a Champions League trophy against Paris St-Germain on Saturday but know a mammoth task is ahead.

Arsenal's men have thrived in Europe with a high possession approach that has minimised the number of chances they concede, boasting the most clean sheets (9) in the competition so far.

Luis Enrique's PSG, by comparison, have only five clean sheets but are the tournament's top scorers with 44 goals to Arsenal's 29.

Although these stats set the game up as the best attack against the best defence, Arteta will hope his side are front-footed, playing in PSG's half as they did for large parts of the two legs in last season's semi-final exit.

• From non-league to Champions League final - Raya's fairytale rise
• The 7,000 minutes difference - why PSG could have edge over Arsenal

The value of a different type of number nine

A tactic that worked impressively - despite the narrow defeat - in the second-leg tie between the two sides last season was the use of midfielder Mikel Merino as a number nine.

PSG, known for their ability to press intensely and often in a man-to-man fashion, stepped up to Arsenal as they looked to build out from the back.

A key principle of positional play is finding the free man. When opponents apply man-to-man pressure, finding a free man is harder.

With Merino dropping deep into central midfield, PSG centre-back Willian Pacho was reluctant to follow him, which allowed the French team to keep an extra player in the defensive line.

Arsenal, without a striker, however now had an extra man in midfield.

PSG's midfield trio, alert to Arsenal's midfield three, looked to shift across onto Merino at times but this would leave another Arsenal midfielder free helping the Gunners get up the pitch.

Although Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has seen out the season in strong form, both Merino, who is fit again after a long absence, and Kai Havertz are players naturally suited to this tactic.

Against high man-to-man pressing, the long ball over the opponent's attack and midfield is also a valuable tactic.

Merino and Havertz, again, are best placed to bring down or flick on long passes from David Raya before Arsenal's midfield swarm the second ball making this another tactic to look out for.

Gyokeres could make use of long balls by duelling with defenders in wider areas, looking to run the channels.

• The tactical fluidity that makes PSG so impressive

The bravery to play in small spaces

Last season, Arsenal struggled to score against PSG, often thanks to Gianluigi Donnarumma's heroics.

PSG have not conceded many goals this season but Chelsea, RC Lens and Bayern Munich have all attacked well against them.

By positioning their players close to each other, those teams have been able to draw PSG and their man markers higher up the pitch into crowded clusters. This then leaves other parts of the pitch with fewer players.

Releasing the ball from these crowded areas into more open spaces is a tactic that has helped teams break down a resolute PSG, particularly while attacking down the middle.

Arsenal tend to shy away from playing centrally, focusing more on safer attacking play and crosses, as losing the ball centrally makes you more susceptible to a counter attack.

But this might be a risk they could lean into with the likes of Leandro Trossard, Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze capable of playing in close proximity under pressure paired with players capable of finishing moves centrally.

Stopping PSG's fluid attack

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, an explosive right-footed left winger is one of football's most dangerous players, and Arsenal will need to keep him quiet.

PSG under Luis Enrique are a very fluid side but follow certain rules as outlined in this tactical analysis of the side earlier in the season.

One of these ideas is that they have certain areas of the pitch they look to keep occupied throughout the game including the two centre-back positions, both flanks, and the centre-forward position - but who moves into these positions is less important.

The many rotations of different players into these areas helps PSG pull apart the opposition's defensive shape.

Kvaratskhelia naturally finds himself on the left touchline often. From here, his off-the-ball movement stands out.

In PSG's first leg against Bayern, Desire Doue dropped deep from the attacking line - a common movement Arsenal will need to be alert to.

With Bayern's Dayot Upamecano less than touch-tight, Doue had time on the ball. Kvaratskhelia feinted to run in behind, then dropped short, then looked to run in behind, dropped short again before eventually running in behind.

These movements froze Bayern's full-back and Doue clipped a pass in behind for his team-mate to run onto before he cut inside and scored.

If Arsenal are to nullify PSG, in these situations they will have to commit to an approach.

This could be to stay very tight on the players that drop deep so as not to give them time to find runners in behind or they could drop off, letting them have the ball in certain areas but reducing the space in behind their defence.

After going 1-0 down in that first leg last season, Arteta tweaked his side's defensive approach, saying after the game that "we had one issue that we corrected after 15-20 minutes, that turned the game around".

Martin Odegaard's role in the press changed higher up the pitch making it harder for PSG to find their midfielders but the other key difference was the increased pressure and attention William Saliba applied to Dembele. He went man-to-man even when Dembele dropped very deep.

This echoes former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca's sentiment too who, after a 3-0 win against PSG in the Club World Cup, said: "The idea was to go man-to-man. PSG are so good that if you give them time you are going to struggle. You have to press them very intensely."

Set plays could decide the final

It would be negligent to write about Arsenal beating a direct opponent without mentioning their most effective tool this season.

PSG have only conceded 29 goals in the league this season but six of them have come from non-penalty set-pieces. The size of their squad makes this an obvious area of weakness.

Thomas Frank’s Spurs lost to PSG in the Champions League earlier this season but managed to score three goals, one coming from a corner. They also lost on penalties against them in the Uefa Super Cup in August, scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw from crossed free kicks.

Under Frank, Spurs adopted various Arteta-isms including making set-plays one of their main methods of breaking teams down.

For all three set-piece goals, Spurs targeted the back post before heading the ball back across goal, either for a teammate or directly to goal.

PSG appear uncomfortable dealing with crosses that float over their heads as they track back and the header back in the other direction goes against the direction they are moving in, giving the attacking side, who know where the ball will go, an advantage.

Arsenal are even better placed for that, so if they are able to get up the pitch in the first place, forcing corner kicks or winning free-kicks will produce good looks at goal.

While there is little that can be done about potential moments of brilliance, there are at least signs of hope that Arsenal can hurt the defending champions.

Jose Mourinho's return to Real Madrid was always going to get people talking. Among the many questions surrounding his reappointment, one stands out: How will he manage his relationship with Vinicius Junior?

It will be one of the most closely watched aspects of Mourinho's second spell in charge at the Bernabeu.

Mourinho has signed a three-year deal to return to Real, but the 63-year-old's contract will only be valid if current president Florentino Perez wins the presidential election on 7 June.

The Portuguese coach was at Benfica when they faced Real in the Champions League in February.

After the first leg of the knockout phase play-off, Mourinho faced criticism for comments he made about Vinicius Jr's behaviour. The Brazil forward had alleged that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni had racially abused him. Prestianni strongly denied the accusation.

Mourinho will now coach not only one of the best talents in football, but also one of the most scrutinised players in the world.

He is a manager whose success has often been built on trust, loyalty and a connection with his players. But his relationship with Vinicius could become a defining narrative of his second spell in charge.

• Mourinho signs three-year deal to return as Real boss

What happened between Mourinho and Vinicius Jr?

During February's Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica, Vinicius had put Real Madrid 1-0 up in the second half, before being booked for an excessive celebration where he danced around the corner flag.

Moments later, following an interaction with Prestianni, the Brazilian ran over to the referee while gesturing towards the Benfica winger.

The referee made the crossed arms gesture to signal a racist abuse report, activating Uefa's anti-racism protocol, and stopped play for almost 10 minutes as tensions escalated inside the stadium. Vinicius and some of his team-mates left the field.

A Real Madrid statement said Vinicius told the referee he had been racially abused by the Argentina winger - which Prestianni denied.

It led to Uefa suspending the Benfica player for the second leg while an investigation took place.

Prestianni was eventually handed a six-match ban, although not for racist abuse, as Uefa said there was insufficient evidence to prove the alleged remark.

Instead, the punishment related to a homophobic insult, which Prestianni admitted directing towards Vinicius.

How did Mourinho react?

Mourinho was seen speaking with Vinicius after he walked off the pitch following the interaction with Prestianni.

But it was Mourinho's post-match comments that were the most shocking.

While publicly backing his player Prestianni, Mourinho suggested Vinicius had incited tensions through his celebration in front of the home support.

"You score a goal from another world, why celebrate like that?" Mourinho said.

"The same thing always happens in so many stadiums. In how many states has this happened? In how many stadiums? How many? How many?

"He's an out of this world player, I love him. Vinicius tells me one thing and Prestianni tells me another. I want to be balanced."

The remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing Mourinho of shifting attention away from the racism allegations and placing responsibility on the victim instead.

In addition to expressing his belief that Vinicius had been disrespectful with his goal celebration, he pointed to the club's legendary striker Eusebio as proof that Benfica are not a racist club.

Asked if he felt Vinicius incited the crowd, Mourinho said: "Yes. I believe so.

"It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal. Unfortunately [he was] not just happy to score that astonishing goal. When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way."

He added: "When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club [Eusebio] was black.

"This club, the last thing that it is, is racist. They [Vinicius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don't believe in one or another. I want to be an independent."

• Real Madrid named football's most valuable club

Reaction from pundits

Mourinho's comments were heavily criticised by global media.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf said at the time: "I think he [Mourinho] is still emotional. He's saying it's OK, when Vinicius provokes you, to be racist - and I think that is very wrong.

"We should never, ever justify racial abuse. Vinicius has had enough of that unjustified behaviour from people. I know Mourinho by heart would agree with me but he expressed himself a bit unfortunately."

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott agreed, saying: "I love everything Jose Mourinho has done in football but he has made a poor decision. It was maybe the one time we shouldn't have heard from him, the one night he should not have been in front of the cameras."

Later that evening, Vinicius posted an Instagram statement condemning both the incident and the handling of it.

"Racists are, above all, cowards," he wrote. "They need to hide behind others to show how weak they are.

"Nothing that happened today is new in my life or my team's life."

Will Vinicius Jr want to stay at Real Madrid?

Vinicius' Real Madrid future is uncertain, but there are strong signs he wants to stay.

Although his contract runs until 2027, renewal talks have reportedly slowed because of disagreements over wages and status within the club.

The 25-year-old is believed to want recognition as Los Blancos' top star financially, especially after carrying the team for years before the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid, however, are traditionally strict about maintaining their salary structure under president Florentino Perez.

Despite this tension, Vinicius has publicly described Madrid as "the club of my dreams" and said he hopes to remain there "for many years".

A successful World Cup in Brazil this summer could strengthen his team's negotiating position with Real Madrid.

Ultimately, the relationship between Vinicius and Mourinho could prove decisive in shaping his long-term future.

A strong relationship, a clear shared vision, and unwavering support, particularly in the face of any future racism allegations or incidents, may be key to convincing the Brazilian star to extend his stay beyond 2027.

With expectations high both on and off the pitch, next season will play a defining role in determining whether Vinicius commits his future to the club.

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Surgery to repair ligament damage in the elbow is scary for any pitcher, young or old. Teenagers, in particular, wonder if they’ve been given a road block to future success. Right-hander Julian Garcia was stuck in the St. John Bosco dugout last season recovering from his surgery while cheering on his team as it won the Southern Section Division 1 championship.

On Friday night, before a packed crowd of 4,762 at Cal State Fullerton’s Goodwin Field, Garcia was throwing pitches so hard — 95 mph — and so precise — zero walks— that healthy pitchers might want to start volunteering for InternalBrace surgery to be like him. He struck out 14 and gave up one hit to lead the Braves to a 2-0 win over Norco and a second consecutive Division 1 title.

Julian Garcia of St. John Bosco with an amazing pitching performance. 14 strikeouts. One hitter. 2-0 win over Norco. pic.twitter.com/XoFtkWgXye

— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) May 30, 2026

“This is what every high school team plays the season for to win this championship,” Garcia said. “It was something that shattered my heart last year that I didn’t play. I told my teammates for the last three outs, ‘Let’s do it.’”

The pitching duel for the first four innings was nothing short of spectacular. Garcia had eight strikeouts and only gave up a first-inning double to Codey Brown. Jordan Ayala of Norco retired the first 10 batters and had six strikeouts without giving up a hit. He finished with 10 strikeouts and gave up three hits.

A passed ball put runners on second and third and Miles Clark delivers the sacrifice fly. Bosco 1, Norco 0. That may be all Julian Garcia needs. T5 pic.twitter.com/W5g3XeEFoU

— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) May 30, 2026

Moises Razo led off the fifth inning for St. John Bosco with his team’s first hit. A walk gave the Braves two runners aboard with none out. After a strikeout, the runners moved up to second and third following a passed ball. That enabled Miles Clark to hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Razo for the game’s first run.

All the predictions before the game that a single run might decide looked true. As good as both teams’ hitters have been performing this season, these two pitchers were throwing at a level that even major-league scouts could appreciate.

“He looked really good,” Norco third baseman Jayden Serna said of Garcia. “He had his best stuff. It’s tough. It hurts right now.”

Jack Champlin gave Garcia an insurance run in the sixth with a booming RBI triple off the wall in left field, only the Braves’ second hit of the game.

Whatever this pitch is from Jordan Ayala it’s unhittable. pic.twitter.com/GcZk5ZmJxw

— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) May 30, 2026

Norco (28-5) was seeking its first baseball title and should be the preseason favorite in 2027 with eight starters returning next season. St. John Bosco (27-5), under coach Andy Rojo, had a much tougher challenge this season in trying to repeat, but in the playoffs, its experienced players kept delivering and players like each other so much that they voted to keep playing in next week’s Southern California Regional tournament instead of joining their club teams.

Julian Garcia five strikeouts in less than two innings. pic.twitter.com/ffXiuqOjBx

— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) May 30, 2026

Garcia is committed to Long Beach State but his performances in the last month must intrigue pro scouts. Rojo just appreciates the redemption Garcia earned. He was the losing pitcher in a 1-0 game his sophomore year, had to overcome his injury and returned to peak form to deliver a pitching performance that will be remembered and admired for years.

“For me, it’s the story of the year,” Rojo said. “It was the arc of redemption. He deserved that moment.”

Three pitches by Jordan Ayala to strike out James Clark. pic.twitter.com/XQMWXJARpU

— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) May 30, 2026

Division 9

Webb 12, Rolling Hills Prep 6: Sophomore Aidan Kaushal finished with two triples, a double and four RBIs while senior Alec Kaushal added three hits to help Webb win the Division 9 championship. Geoffrey Yang pitched 6 1/3 innings of relief after Rolling Hills Prep opened the game with four runs in the first. Jake Levin had three hits for Rolling Hills Prep.

Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Layne Riggs won the pole, swept the stages, and claimed victory in Friday's very late-night NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) race, but that doesn't even begin to tell the whole story.

Riggs made a dramatic late-race charge, defeating Rajah Caruth in a full-contact battle at the white flag to win at Nashville and collect a custom guitar. 

This is Riggs' eighth career NCTS victory, and second consecutive win. Just like he did one week ago in Charlotte, he bowed in honor of Kyle Busch, as the fallen NASCAR legend would do after every win.

"Not until I passed him and cleared him," said Riggs when asked when he knew he had the win in-hand. "That's how you win a NASTRUCK race, boys and girls. I put on a show for you guys. I didn't want to fall back, and I don't know what happened to that set of tires, but it was literally undriveable. (We) made the right adjustments there, got me the right tires, got me the motivation, and drove it to the front."

LAYNE RIGGS WINS! Watch him go from 3rd to the lead late at Nashville. That was awesome. pic.twitter.com/gf6oUfmIkw

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 30, 2026

Caruth, driving the truck Busch was supposed to drive tonight before his untimely passing, finished an agonizing second.

"I was trying to make this thing as wide as possible," said Caruth, sporting a No. 8 hat in honor of KB. "Obviously, on a tire disadvantage, but that was a great call. We were strong, just started at the back. No qualifying kind of impacted our night, and we got the truck really strong there. There's probably some things I should have done better there ... I really wanted to get that one obviously for everyone that was at KBM, for KB's family."

Chandler Smith finished third, Ross Chastain fourth, and Tyler Ankrum fifth. Stewart Friesen, Grant Enfinger, Christian Eckes, Gio Ruggiero, and Daniel Dye filled out the remainder of the top ten.

Stage 1 -- Calm and straightforward 

Three hours later than planned due to a rain delay, the Truck race finally went green just after 11pm EST. Riggs started from pole and he held that position for the entire opening stage. He lapped all the way into the low 20s, and held a multi-second lead over the competition.

There were no incidents during the first run, and Riggs easily won Stage 1 over Honeycutt, Love, Eckes, Ruggiero, C. Smith, Rhodes. Tan. Gray, Garcia, and Hemric.

During the stage break, Clayton Green needed a push back to the pits, which delayed the opening of pit road for a moment.

Stage 2 -- Chaos and cautions

Riggs won the race off pit road, while Rhodes was penalized for speeding. In the pits, Retzlaff collided with Tyrrell and spun around, with both trucks suffering minor damage.

Tyler Reif backed into the wall on the restart after getting loose under teammate Parsons, triggering the first natural yellow of the race. The next restart didn't stay green for long either, as Carson Ferguson suffered a flat tire and crashed heavily into the outside wall.

The rash of yellows continued, and a three-truck pileup followed on the ensuing restart. The trucks of Jesse Love, Jake Garcia and Tanner Gray all suffered significant damage. It began with Gray getting lose, sending himself and Garcia spinning while Love had nowhere to go.

Garcia's wounded truck ended up dropping debris on the track, causing yet another yellow. In the first 35 laps of the second stage, the longest run was just three laps. A handful of trucks decided to pit during this yellow, led by Chastain, who was running fifth. 

Riggs held the lead through all of these restarts, and finally, the run went green to the end. Riggs continued to lead every lap up to this point, winning Stage 2 over Honeycutt, C. Smith. Eckes, Enfinger, Rhodes, Dye, Majeski, Hemric, and Chastain.

Stage 3 - A game of track position

For the first time, there was a lead change. As Riggs and the rest of the leaders came down pit road, Chastain and his group stayed out.

A total of four trucks stayed out including Chastain, and Riggs was now running lower than P1 for the first time the entire race. He also a handful of spots on pit road with Retzlaff, Lajoie and Ruggiero all taking two fresh right-sides, but he notably got overtaken by Honeycutt as well.

On the restart, Caruth powered into the race lead, trying to defend his 2025 Truck win at Nashville. Meanwhile, Riggs was now running outside the top ten. It was a very different story for Honeycutt, who had a great restart and was already back up to third.

As Honeycutt pressured Chastain for the runner-up position, the No. 11 Tricon Toyota suddenly lost power. Honeycutt's machine slowed to a stop, forcing a caution with just over 30 laps to go.

Caruth held the lead through a wild restart, and the next caution flew for a runaway wheel that disconnected from Rhodes' truck and came to rest in the infield grass.

After briefly getting a nose ahead of Caruth on the restart, Chastain fell back to third behind C. Smith -- a truck with fresher tires. His FRM teammate Riggs had even fresher tires than him and was charging as well, moving up to third around Chastain a few laps later.

With two laps to go, Riggs was there, and Smith cleared the way for him. Caruth tried his best to aero block, and the two trucks actually made contact at the white flag. Riggs then roared around on the outside with 40-lap fresher tires and the fastest truck of the night, taking a dramatic win for Front Row Motorsports.

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Most of the time, a team is only as good as its head coach and quarterback. That duo can sometimes swing the momentum toward a successful season just because of their connection.

The San Francisco 49ers have a good pair in head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy. Together, they've gone 30-15 in the regular season and 5-3 in the postseason since 2022. They also ranked No. 6 on Sports Illustrated's top head coach-quarterback duo list.

Shanahan has primarily been defined by his Super Bowl shortcomings, but league insiders see a coach who has mastered the run game while creating easy throws for his quarterbacks. With five playoff appearances over his nine seasons, including four NFC title games, Shanahan has shown he can adapt despite having average quarterback play.

Speaking of Purdy, he’s trying to recapture his 2023 form when he threw for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns. Since then, Purdy has played 24 games and thrown for 251.2 yards per game, with 40 passing touchdowns against 22 interceptions. If he continues to play at that pace, he’s at risk of being a cap casualty after the 2027 season, when he can be released for a savings of $42.2 million.

It should not be surprising, then, to see that two of the other teams ahead of them won Super Bowls, while the other three are either young (Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel), consistent (Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh) or ascending (Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love). This isn't a dig at Purdy or Shanahan, but they're very clearly on the same tier of non-Super Bowl winners, just perhaps a bit below this trio.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers' QB-HC duo of Shanahan and Purdy ranks outside top 10

Lonzo Ball's time with the Los Angeles Lakers was, by and large, disappointing and frustrating. He was taken by the Lakers with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of the University of California, Los Angeles, amidst tons of hype and extremely high expectations. Not only did he not even come close to meeting those expectations, but he has also been plagued by injuries from day one.

The point guard also had a lot going on off the court, including his "Ball in the Family" reality show and the Big Baller Brand sneaker company he got involved in along with his father, LaVar. On a recent podcast, the younger Ball said the Lakers told him to stop wearing his Big Baller Brand sneakers at one point (h/t Fadeaway World).

“Bro, I tried to wear them though,” he said. “I actually wore them for a fair amount of time. And I wore them longer than I wanted to wear them, but me and my pops had got into it and [expletive]. But it came to a point, really, the Lakers made me stop wearing them. Called me into the office and [expletive], played a video, they were like, 'bro look at this [expletive],' and it was like my shoe was already turning before I hit the ground type [expletive]. Like, 'you can’t wear these no more.'”

In his two seasons with Los Angeles, the younger Ball played in a total of 99 games due to multiple injuries, including a severely sprained ankle he sustained during the 2018-19 campaign that forced him to sit out the rest of the season. He was then shipped to the New Orleans Pelicans in the trade that brought Anthony Davis to the Lakers, and while he dramatically improved his 3-point shooting, he couldn't stay healthy.

Midway through the 2021-22 season, as a member of the Chicago Bulls, the younger Ball sustained a meniscus injury, and he wouldn't play again until October 2024. He has appeared in a total of 70 games since then, and he has shot just 33.9% from the field during that time.

According to Doug Gottlieb of CBS Sports, the Lakers believed the allegedly poor quality of the younger Ball's Big Baller Brand sneakers caused one of his major injuries. The guard himself admitted that it might have been true and said that he didn't have any real injury problems until he started wearing those shoes.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lonzo Ball says Lakers made a big demand of him

BYU distance runners Carter Cutting, Isaac Hedengren and Tayvon Kitchen and the school’s 4x400 relay team punched their tickets to the national finals on Friday night in the NCAA West prelims in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

However, BYU’s Olympic steeplechaser, James Corrigan, came up short in his attempt to get back to nationals, which will be held in two weeks in Eugene, Oregon.

Cutting, a junior from Wilsonville, Oregon, placed second in the 1,500 meter quarterfinals to Oregon’s Simeon Birnbaum with a time of three minutes, 37.64 seconds. Birnbaum, the college record holder in the event (3:31.69), clocked in at 3:37.00 at John McDonnell Field, with temperatures hovering in the low 80s and 77% humidity.

Hedengren, older brother of the great Jane Hedengren, turned in a time of 13:43.28, good enough for eighth place in the 5,000 meters, to advance. His teammate, Kitchen, also advanced with a time of 13:45.94.

BYU’s Creed Thompson was 17th and Noah Jenkins was 21st in the same event.

Corrigan, a senior who has battled some injuries this season, placed 20th in the 3,000 meter steeplechase and will not be advancing to nationals. Teammates Jefferson McMullin (23rd), Max Davis (29th) and Garrett Stanford (30th) also failed to qualify for Eugene.

Utah Valley’s Cameron Jacobs placed 22nd in the steeplechase.

Weber State’s Peter Visser is in, however, after placing 11th in the steeplechase with a time of 8:37.57.

In the 4x100 relay quarterfinals, Utah Valley and Utah State finished 19th and 20th, respectively.

In the 800 meters, Utah State’s Landon Bott qualified for nationals with a time of 1:46.96 to earn the race’s final automatic bid.

In the 4x400 relay quarterfinal, BYU placed ninth to advance to Eugene with a time of 3:03.79. Runners included Ben Barton, Jonah Heimuli, Jayden Jessee and Josh Taylor.

On Wednesday, BYU’s Hunter Kitchen placed 19th in the 10,000-meter run with a time of 29:21.67. Teammate Creed Thompson was 22nd (29:24.49), while Dalton Mortensen placed 43rd and Davin Thompson placed 46th.

Utah State junior Walker Deede secured his first career berth in nationals in the javelin with a 12th place finish at the prelims.

Also in the javelin throw, BYU’s Carson Riner was 18th after recording a throw of 65.82 meters, while teammate Brinton Paulson had a season-best mark of 65.46 meters in the same event, finishing 19th.

While the men competed Wednesday and Friday, the women will wrap up the four-day competition in Arkansas on Saturday, and once again all eyes will be on BYU’s phenomenal freshman, Jane Hedengren.

Having won the women’s 10,000 meters on Thursday in thrilling fashion, Hedengren will go for the distance double in the 5,000 meters. That race is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:15 p.m. MDT on Friday and can be viewed on ESPN+.

The UCLA Bruins entered Friday’s game against the Arkansas Razorbacks with their backs against the wall. UCLA stood tall, staying alive in the Women’s College World Series with a 11-0 run-rule win.

The Bruins’ power showed up versus Arkansas, slugging four home runs in a clutch performance to keep their season alive. Megan Grant became the UCLA all-time home run leader, hitting her 91st career home run in the second inning.

THE ALL-TIME UCLA HR RECORD IS MEGAN GRANT'S 🔥

No. 42 on the season, 91st of Megan Grant's career, the most in UCLA history 💪 pic.twitter.com/de3ZF0hwHH

— ESPN (@espn) May 30, 2026

That second inning was a big one for the Bruins. UCLA matched a WCWS single-inning record with nine runs, with the Bruins hitting three of their homers to quickly bury the Razorbacks. Aleena Garcia and Soo-Jin Berry joined Grant as the two other Bruins with bombs in the second.

FIRST #WCWS HOMER FOR SOO-JIN BERRY!! 💣

📺: ESPN
📲: https://t.co/Q5hqjvN3yB#GoBruins | @sjberry2023pic.twitter.com/sAI895TaCr

— UCLA Softball (@UCLASoftball) May 30, 2026

UCLA needed this sort of performance from their offense, giving Bruins pitcher Taylor Tinsley some breathing room early on in the game. If UCLA is going to make a deep run in the WCWS, they’ll need the offense to lead the way.

Tinsley bounced-back from a shaky WCWS opener versus the Razorbacks. After allowing six runs versus Alabama on Thursday, Tinsley answered the call a day later and threw a complete game shutout, allowing five total baserunners and striking out two. After Jolyna Lamar went deep in the fifth inning, hitting her 14th of the season, Tinsley closed things out in the bottom of the fifth. 

RUN-RULE VICTORY FOR THE BRUINS ‼️#WCWS x 🎥 ESPN / @UCLASoftballpic.twitter.com/IRfQRCZMUg

— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) May 30, 2026

The Bruins will return to action on Sunday, where they’ll face the loser of Texas Tech-Tennessee. UCLA hasn’t faced Texas Tech this season but the Bruins did lose 11-0 to Tennessee back in February in Florida for the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA offense crushes Arkansas in 11-0 win to stay alive in the WCWS

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Battlehawks wrapped up the 2026 regular season Friday with a 20-16 loss to the Dallas Renegades.

It was a close battle the entire time with neither team ever leading by more than one score. The Battlehawks took a 19-16 lead with nearly 10 minutes left, but the Renegades jumped ahead with a go-ahead touchdown with under four to go, hanging onto the lead to play spoiler.

Battlehawks quarterback Luis Perez completed 18 of 29 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown while throwing two interceptions. Wide receivers Steven McBride and Hakeem Butler each finished with more than 70 receiving yards. Running back Kylin James led the rushing attack with 40 yards on six carries.

Up next, the Battlehawks will host a first-round playoff game on June 7 at the Dome at America’s Center. Their opponent will be on of the Louisville Kings, DC Defenders or Birmingham Stallions, depending on other outcomes to close the regular season.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.

May 29—JAMESTOWN — The 2026 NDHSAA Class B state baseball and softball championships are set.

Top-ranked Kindred will face off against second-seeded Park River Area in the Class B state championship. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Jamestown's Jack Brown Stadium.

The Vikings defeated Velva/Drake-Anamoose 12-0 in five innings in Friday's semifinal. Park River topped Thompson 9-1 in the semifinal.

Kindred's softball squad will also play for a state championship. The Vikings defeated Velva/Drake-Anamoose 3-5 in Friday's semifinal. Central Cass topped Beulah in the second semi 12-11. Central Cass is the defending state champion in Class B softball.

Jamestown's girls soccer team will face Grand Forks Red River on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. for the seventh-place trophy. Jamestown dropped 2-1 to Minot in Friday's consolation semifinal.

Four of the five Berks teams that qualified for the PIAA lacrosse tournament will be on the road in the opening round, with only District 3 Class 2A girls champion Wyomissing at home.

The Spartans (20-1), who beat Twin Valley for the district title, play South Fayette (13-7) at home Tuesday at 4 p.m. South Fayette finished third in the District 7 tournament.

Twin Valley (18-2) plays at District 2 champion Abington Heights (20-1) at 5 p.m.

The Wilson girls (16-4), third in 3A, play at District 1 runnerup Conestoga (19-2) at 1 p.m.

In the boys tournament, Twin Valley (16-3), third in District 3, is at District 12 winner Cardinal O’Hara (19-3) on Monday at 7 p.m.

The Wilson boys (17-4), third in 3A, are at District 1 runnerup Radnor (17-5) at 7 p.m.

Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar.

All household names that any soccer fan — or casual sports fan, honestly — instantly recognizes.

How about Tim Payne?

A week ago, it might have been the name of the mailman or a local laywer.

But now, it's the soccer player the internet is buzzing about just weeks ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Payne is a defender who is on New Zealand's 26-man roster for the upcoming tournament. The 32-year-old plays for the Wellington Phoenix, a team in the Australian A-League. New Zealand isn't exactly a soccer powerhouse. The All Whites will be playing in their third World Cup this summer and have never made it out of the group stage.

But Payne is a celebrity before he even plays his first World Cup match when New Zealand takes on Iran on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in Group G play.

Earlier this week, his Instagram page skyrocketed to 2 million followers in 48 hours. He happened to be chosen by Argentinian soccer influencer and content creator Valen Scarsini to highlight as the "least-known player in the World Cup." Scarsini, who goes by the nickname "El Scarsco," published a video on Tuesday, May 26 to his nearly 2 million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. He broke down how he went through all 48 nations in the field and decided on Payne, encouraging his followers to post about him and, saying in his caption in Spanish, "May he be the main character of the World Cup!"

Well, fans listened and flocked to Payne's Instagram page, which had only 4,715 followers before he went viral. They followed him in droves and created the tagline, "No Payne, No Gain." KitKat, Samsung, Pizza Hut and the NFL Mexico Instagram accounts were commenting on his posts. Fans on X were pulling his Panini World Cup card and asking if they should keep it or "sell for millions?" He received so much attention that the official Instagram account for the World Cup posted a gallery of images of Payne with the caption, "Two words: Tim Payne."

Scarsini published follow-up posts chronicling the journey, including a post celebrating Payne crossing the 2 million follower mark while holding up two celebratory drinks.

On Thursday, May 28, Payne responded with his own thank you video on Instagram. He started by speaking in Spanish, which he said he learned via Duolingo, and then thanked Scarsini in English.

"It's been a pretty crazy 48 hours to say the least," he continued in English with Spanish captions on the video. "I just also wanted to express that I'm very grateful to be representing my country at this World Cup and I appreciate all the love from all around the world."

At the time of publication, Payne's Instagram has 2.4 million followers. That's more than USMNT stars Timothy Weah, Gio Reyna and Matt Turner combined.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tim Payne goes from unknown to viral sensation ahead of World Cup

TEXARKANA, TX (KTAL/KMSS) — The Hawks are heading home with smiles on their faces and soaking wet jerseys after jumping right into celebrating their state semi win after defeating West Plains 10-0.

“Just excited for the team, excited for the community, the fans, the support that they bring out for these players, these young men,” head coach Riley Fincher said. “It’s phenomenal and just want the kids to soak up every moment. Enjoy this, enjoy jumping in the pool, enjoy the bus rides, enjoy practice. But we know next Friday, you know, it’s going to be a dog fight.”

While bats were hot, the defense was the star of the show with pitcher Spencer Browning finishing off what Hunter Rose started last night.

“I just wanted to attack the zone. Throwing strikes is probably the best thing you can do out there. So, throwing as many strikes as I can, let them get themselves out, and it was working pretty well,” Browning said.

Browning’s was not the only defensive effort noticed.

“Our defense played phenomenal behind him. Harrison Hoover at third base made play after play after play. That was huge. To see that young man grow up throughout the season is amazing for us and then at the plate offensively we just kept attacking,” Fincher said.

Last year the team of mostly juniors fell just short of a state title, and now with one game left in their high school career they have a second chance.

“Pretty crazy to know like it’s gone this fast. I’ve loved these guys, playing with them ever since I was little, and we’ll all be on our different journeys after this one game but we got one more game and it’s the most important one yet so I’m excited to play with them,” Browning said.

While Fincher has a close relationship with all of his guys, doing it with his son, Landon, makes it extra special.

“He’s been a part of this for five years or since he was five years old and he struggled at the plate yesterday and felt like he let the team down. And I know, just stay with, stay with it. For him to come up with two strikes in this first at bat with a big triple, extend the inning, that’s huge. And I just, like all of them, I want them to succeed. I want them to play the game, be happy. I’m hard as crap on them, but I love them all to death. And it is very, very special having my son a part of this,” Fincher said.

The Hawks final game of the season will take place next week at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. They will face the winner of Calallen and Bullard, whose series begins Friday, May 29 at 7 pm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.

Muhlenberg, riding a four-game win streak that carried the Muhls to the district title, open play in the PIAA Class 6A baseball tournament on Monday at home.

The Muhls (18-7) host District 1 sixth-place finisher Haverford (20-3) at 7 p.m.

Brandywine Heights (12-7), the Class 2A district softball champ, travels to District 11 champion Schuylkill Haven (16-7) for a 4 p.m. game on Monday.

Wilson (21-6), fourth in the District 3 Class 6A softball tournament, plays District 1 champion Owen J. Roberts (23-1) at 4 p.m. at Spring-Ford High School on Monday.

Muhlenberg, the 11th seed in the District 3 tournament, beat four teams seeded higher to the win the title.

The Muhls beat sixth-seeded Manheim Township, 6-3, in the first round and then third-seeded Waynesboro, 6-3, in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals, they beat second-seeded Ephrata, 2-0, before scoring a 10-0 six-inning mercy rule win over Chambersburg in the championship game.

GEORGETOWN, Texas (FOX 44) — With a runner on third and no outs, chants of ‘Eddie’ rained down on Eagle Field as Eddie Villareal got the Rockets out the jam and sent the Rockets to the state championship for the first time since 2017 with a 1-0 win in game three over Wimberley on Friday night.

Robinson scored the first and only run of the night on their only hit of the night in the first inning on a RBI single from Caden Coe that proved to be the difference.

The Rockets advance to the 4A Division II State Championship game and will play the winner of Brock and Panther Creek on Friday, June 5th at 12:00 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.

May 29—JAMESTOWN — A sure sign of summer is returning to Jamestown as the Jamestown Area Youth Baseball (JAYBAL) league prepares to host its fourth annual Opening Day celebration on Wednesday, June 3, at Jack Brown Stadium.

Community members of all ages are invited to attend this seasonal tradition, which marks the official start of youth baseball across the area. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a game between Jamestown's Post 14 Eagles and Valley City.

"Opening Day is one of the highlights of our year," said Matt Perkins, JAYBAL President. "It's an opportunity to celebrate our players and recognize the families, volunteers, and supporters who make this program possible. More importantly, it's a chance for the entire community to come together and enjoy a great night at the ballpark."

UCLA, facing elimination in the Women’s College World Series on Friday night, erupted for nine runs in the second inning against Arkansas and rolled to an 11-0 win in five innings that ended the Razorbacks’ first appearance on college softball’s biggest stage.

The Bruins (53-9) got home runs in the inning from Aleena Garcia, Soo-Jin Berry and Megan Grant — her 42nd of the season and the 91st of her career, a program record. Kaniya Bragg homered to right field in the top of the fifth to make it 11-0.

Read more:National title hopeful UCLA stunned in loss to Saint Mary's in regional opener

The Razorbacks (47-13) were limited to three hits in five innings by UCLA starter Taylor Tinsley.

UCLA will play another elimination game at 4 p.m. PT Sunday when the Bruins face either Texas Tech, the defending national runner-up, or Tennessee.

Arkansas starter Payton Burnham didn’t last long against UCLA’s powerful lineup.

Garcia homered to lead off the second. Burnham hit Bragg with a pitch, Alexis Ramirez singled, and Berry launched a homer to left field to make it 4-0.

Saylor Timmerman replaced Burnham and walked Jolyna Lamar and Rylee Slimp before Grant crushed a 260-foot no-doubter that hit a metal fence beyond the wall in left-center field.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The 2026 Iowa Park baseball team advanced to the state semifinal round of the class 3A, DI playoffs, tying the deepest run in program history.

Head coach Scot Green leading the Hawks to the fifth round of the the postseason for the second consecutive year.

In game one of the best-of-three series with Boyd, the Yellowjackets won 4-0.

Game two of the series was win-or-go-home for the Hawks. Despite scoring three runs in the first inning, Iowa Park was unable to hold the lead. Boyd coming from behind to win 4-3.

Hawks’ head coach Scot Green has now coached his final game.

The longtime local baseball coach is retiring after a storied career on the diamond. The pinnacle of his career was winning a state championship with the Rider Raiders in 2011.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.

The 2026 Stanley Cup Final is set.

The Carolina Hurricanes will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL championship series, starting Tuesday, June 2 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Hurricanes, who finished with 113 points in the regular season, will host Game 1 and 2, plus 5 and 7, if necessary

The Golden Knights, who finished with 95 points, will host Games 3 and 4, plus 6, if necessary.

Both teams are 1-1 in the Final. Carolina lost in 2002 and won in 2006, in seven games against the Edmonton Oilers. Vegas lost in 2018 and won in 2023, in five games against the Florida Panthers.

Here is the schedule, dates, times and TV broadcast information for the 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.

2026 Stanley Cup Final schedule: dates, times, TV information

All times p.m. ET

• Game 1: Tuesday, June 2, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
• Game 2: Thursday, June 4, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
• Game 3: Saturday, June 6, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
• Game 4: Tuesday, June 9, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
• x-Game 5: Thursday, June 11, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
• x-Game 6: Sunday, June 14, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
• x-Game 7: Wednesday, June 17, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricanes vs Golden Knights Stanley Cup Final schedule, TV info

What better way to end your last home game of the baseball season than with a walk-off.

That’s what the Warrenton Warriors did Wednesday against Lakeview High School in the first round of the 3A state baseball playoffs. In what ended up being a compelling battle between the 5th-seeded Warriors and 12th-seeded Honkers, ended with Warrenton’s current hottest hitter wrapping things up.

Junior Ryan Palmer had his third and final hit in the seventh inning to bring home Dylan Ballard and send the hometown crowd into a frenzy. The 2-1 victory will see Warrenton travel to Eastern Oregon to take on a scorching hot Vale team. Vale is 21-4 on the season and the team has won 18 straight games after starting off the year 3-4.

Warrenton’s head coach Lennie Wolfe was pleased with his team’s performance. “That’s a great playoff game,” said Wolfe. “It had everything you could ask for from a quality opponent — and of your own kids. That was fun.”

For those who got to witness the game, coach Wolfe’s words ring true. Fans got see both Aaron Neahring and Andrew Greer shove on the mound. Plus, each team had a lot of runners stranded on base. There was a walk-off hit — and two of the coaches had local ties.

Honkers coach Andy Rygg attended Astoria High School from 1998-2001 and actually played baseball under current Warrenton Athletic Director and coach Ryker Thornton before moving to Lakeview. Despite being a No. 12 seed, the Honkers were one of the only teams to defeat 3A No. 2 Cascade Christian — and they also knocked off Brookings Harbor earlier this year. With a difficult schedule, Lakeview was well prepared for this game and pushed Warrenton to the limit.

In fact, Lakeview had the better scoring opportunities in the game. In back-to-back innings, the Honkers had a runner on third with less than two outs and were not able to score either time. This was due to fantastic defense from Warrenton and a call by one of the Warriors assistant coaches.

“Coach Ron Dyer called one of the pickoffs where we picked off the guy at third. That’s an assistant coach doing an incredible job,” Wolfe said. “It took everyone.”

The Warriors scored one run in the first and then had to hang on the rest of the way. Lakeview proceeded to get a run in the sixth, only to see the Warriors walk things off in the bottom half of the seventh. Leadoff hitter Ballard got hit by a pitch, senior Zephan Pierce laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt and then the three hole hitter Palmer continued swinging a hot bat as he lined a base hit into right field. Palmer also picked up the victory as he relieved Neahring to get the final out of the seventh inning.

Though the Warriors got to celebrate their playoff victory with their home fans, the boys didn’t have a very long layover — they had a game set for Friday afternoon against Vale.

“Vale are an awfully good team,” Wolfe said. “We need to go there — and the goal is to be playing our best ball at that point and see how it goes.”

While the score was not available at press time, you can check the Oregon School Athletic Association website: osaa.org.

Warrenton softball loses contact

The No. 13 seeded Warrenton girls softball team kept in contact for most of the time during Wednesday afternoon’s game against Dayton.

After winning the first ever playoff game in school history on Monday, the Warriors looked to keep their magical season going against No. 4 seed Dayton. The Pirates entered Wednesday with a 20-5 record. The five losses were to some of the best teams in Oregon including: 4A teams Scappoose and Astoria as well as 3A powerhouses Scio and Yamhill-Carlton, plus Shadow Hills High School of Indio, California.

The Warriors came in as heavy underdogs, but kept things were close through four innings. Warrenton trailed just 4-0 going into the fifth inning and after scoring two runs in the top of the fifth, looked to be in contention for a late game upset. But a two run blast by pitcher Charly Upmeyer opened the flood gates as the Pirates scored six runs in the fifth inning and one more in the sixth to end up winning, 11-2.

While defeated, senior Natalie Pike still had a great performance. The senior ended her final game as a Warrrior with two hits and one run batted in. Pike is now set to retire her Warriors jersey and put on a Clackamas Community College softball jersey next spring. Sophomore trio Natalie Davis, Hannah Leavitt and Scarlet Anderson had the other hits for Warrenton.

Dayton had a big game at the plate as they accumulated 12 total hits with two home runs, one by Upmeyer. The other was a first inning shot by catcher Sophie Sweeney.

The loss closes the books on a historic season for the Warrenton softball girls as they finish 16-11. With a strong junior core — and both Banks and Valley Catholic moving up to 4A next season — the Warriors could very well be in the pole position for a 3A Coastal Range League championship.

Halftime shows at basketball games are a high school staple. In Clatsop County, there’s a variety of local entertainment on display. The Astoria High School Pizazz Dance Team is a darling at the Brickhouse — but in Seaside, the Tsunami Skippers jump roping club is the highlight.

Stacey Dundas, owner of Dundess Bar and Grill Seaside, started Tsunami Skippers 20 years ago as a way to connect with her kids. They had always gravitated towards jump roping, she said. Dundas decided to start a club in Seaside to give other aspiring jump ropers a chance to experience community with other jump ropers and to enhance their skills.

The club started off as a small local one, but has since grown to about 20 to 25 jump roping athletes. There is no specific age requirement, so spectators at Seaside basketball games often will see high schoolers jumping with elementary school-age kids. In addition to entertaining at Seaside basketball games, the Skippers have performed nationwide, including at the Harlem Globetrotters — and at Six Flags in California over spring break this year. In the past, the team has also performed at Portland Trail Blazers basketball games.

Competition-wise, the group has taken part in the Oregon Coast Classic. This tournament is hosted by the Skippers and Seaside High School, however 2026 was the first time since 2019 that the Skippers got to jump in their home gym. For Dundas and her two senior jumpers Ella Clyde and Theia McCarthy it was a great moment.

“This was the first time it’s been in Seaside since 2019,” Dundas said. “In 2020 we had to cancel due to COVID and then 2021 we did a small event over at the convention center and then 2022 to 2025, it was in Astoria — so this was our first year back in Seaside.”

Twenty years ago, the Oregon Coast Classic was just a three team event — this year, the tournament had 157 competitors from four different states. In addition to Oregon, teams from Montana, Idaho and Washington made the trip to the coast on April 24, 25 to take part in it.

“The event went great,” Dundas said. “(People from out of town) loved the view. … And it’s actually the biggest jump roping competition on the West Coast.”

McCarthy and Clyde agreed that having the tournament is Seaside was a great experience.

“It was pretty cool having it here rather than Astoria,” McCarthy said. She said events like the Coast Classic are good for the local community. “It’s really important for our town because it increases tourism.”

Clyde agreed that Seaside was a good draw for participants. “It’s just a lot more convenient to have it back in Seaside because that’s where most of the teams have known it. The tournament being at Astoria for so long was kind of out of the ordinary. Even when we had it in Astoria, most of the teams would always stay in Seaside hotels,” Clyde said.

A jump out senior project

Last year, Dundas’s youngest daughter Malory created her senior project around jump roping. This year, so did McCarthy and Clyde. They designed all of the club’s jumping routines this year — and for their efforts, each received a $1,000 scholarship.

“We took on more of role in coaching and putting group routines together,” McCarthy said.

“We taught the younger jumpers new tricks like donkey kicks and double dutch,” Clyde said. “On our competition (routine) we made sure (jumpers) were in the right spots.”

As members of the team for more than 10 years each, McCarthy and Clyde have a lot of fond memories jumping rope. McCarthy said her favorite experience from this past year was the trip to Six Flags, while Clyde said the Harlem Globetrotters show was her favorite.

““I was really proud of a lot of our jump ropers because our routine was mostly flawless,” said Clyde.

Jumping rope, making friends

But jump roping means more than just a fun physical activity for them. McCarthy and Clyde said jumping rop was a bonding experience for them. McCarthy said she saw Clyde jump roping one day and was immediately intrigued.

“Ella is the reason I joined (the jump roping club),” McCarthy said. “I saw her perform at our elementary school and I said ‘I want to do that.’ She took the whole year to teach me all the jumps so I would make the team the next year. That’s how we became friends.”

Dundas and her jumpers love the club and hope to bring more into it by hoping to continue spreading the word about Skippers.

“I love this sport,” Dundas said. “The opportunities you get through jump rope are unique to any other sport that’s out there. … It’s the best sport to be involved in because it will take you places that no other sport can take you.”

The next local event for the Skippers will be the Seaside July 4th parade.

Montana is a state known for its natural beauty. It’s also the backdrop for a great sporting scene, especially on the high school level. 

Super Bowl champion Pat Donovan, World Series champ Dave McNally and Olympic bronze medalist Gene Davis are just a sample size of the many athletes who called the Treasure State home in their youth. 

While Montana may not be on the level as others with the type of talent it produces, there are several notable high school programs in the state.

Which high schools in Montana are considered the best for athletes today? 

According to one study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents, and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.

25. Bigfork High School

Total number of sports: 4

24. Laurel High School

Total number of sports: 14

23. Superior High School

Total number of sports: 10

22. Gallatin High School

Total number of sports: 19

21. Forsyth High School

Total number of sports: 10

20. Billings Senior High School

Total number of sports: 20

19. Sidney High School

Total number of sports: 13

18. Whitefish High School

Total number of sports: 20

17. Capital High School (Helena)

Total number of sports: 18

16. Choteau High School

Total number of sports: 8

15. Chinook High School

Total number of sports: 10

14. Frenchtown High School

Total number of sports: 17

13. Red Lodge High School

Total number of sports: 17

12. Belt High School

Total number of sports: 9

11. Columbus High School

Total number of sports: 13

10. Manhattan Christian School

Total number of sports: 11

9. Billings West High School

Total number of sports: 20

8. Manhattan High School

Total number of sports: 13

7. Loyola Sacred Heart High School (Missoula)

Total number of sports: 13

6. Hamilton High School

Total number of sports: 22

5. Beaverhead County High School (Dillon)

Total number of sports: 14

4. Bozeman High School

Total number of sports: 19

3. Sentinel High School (Missoula)

Total number of sports: 18

2. Billings Central Catholic High School

Total number of sports: 22

1. Glacier High School (Kalispell)

Total number of sports: 14

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Montana's best high schools for athletes in 2026 revealed

May 29—INDIANAPOLIS — On Sunday, May 24, Bemidji Speedway held a pre-race prayer in memory of a driver who had never stepped foot at its racetrack.

Around 800 miles away in Indianapolis, the NTT Indycar Series honored the same driver during the Indianapolis 500, despite the driver never racing in the series.

From the outside, it seems puzzling. Why would these two tracks — and countless others across the country — honor a driver who had almost nothing to do with them?

There's a simple answer: motorsports is different. So was Kyle Busch.

The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion suddenly passed away from complications of pneumonia and sepsis on May 21 at the age of 41. It's the most shocking death in NASCAR since Dale Earnhardt died on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.

A driver who was impossible not to have an opinion on, "Rowdy" became one of the most talented drivers to sit behind the wheel of a stock car.

He was in the twilight of his career, but he still had some competitive fuel left in his tank. Heck, he had just won a race at Dover in the Craftsman Truck Series six days prior to his death. It was there when he said he enjoys every win "because you never know when the last one is."

And all of a sudden, he's gone.

The news sent ripples across the motorsports community. Formula 1, Indycar, IMSA and other racing series sent statements to social media mourning the loss of the firebrand driver.

NASCAR didn't cancel its next race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch wouldn't have wanted that.

Scenes from the track were similar to Rockingham in 2001, the race after Earnhardt's death. Busch's No. 8 car was renumbered to No. 33, and a pre-race ceremony was held in honor of him, with his wife, Samantha, 11-year-old son Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix bravely in attendance.

All the tributes, from the roses placed on the black No. 8 painted on the infield grass to the missing man formation during the pace laps, were expected from NASCAR at Charlotte. What some didn't expect were the tributes to Busch at racetracks all across the country.

At Indy, Busch was mentioned in a pre-race prayer, and during lap 18 — honoring his number from 2008-2022 — the track announcers fell silent as a tribute was shown on the scoring pylon.

Even in our own backyard at Bemidji Speedway, there were multiple tributes to Rowdy. Along with drivers doing his signature bow in victory lane, two Busch jackets, representing his two Cup Series championships, were hung along the front stretch fence during the Chicken Shack Nationals. The tribute came along with tributes to local racer Allen Foster, who tragically passed away in the offseason.

The dirt track scene is vastly different from racing on pavement like NASCAR. Still, Bemidji Speedway found it important to pay tribute to one of the greats.

"And you know, Busch was not one of the most well-liked individuals," track veteran Dennis Peterson said. "But yeah, they (wanted to) support the family and his legacy."

Since I've become a race fan, I've learned that whether it's on pavement, dirt or ice, racing is a brotherhood and sisterhood. That's the reason why these tracks, along with others, paid tribute to a driver from a completely different series.

Race fans like myself tried to do the same. I attended the Indy 500 last weekend wearing a Busch M&M's pit crew shirt as a tribute. I got a number of comments on it from passersby, many of whom were wearing Busch apparel themselves. "Do it for Kyle," one of them said.

Race fans are different. I learned that at my first NASCAR race at Road America in 2022.

The best example of that was small, but surprising to a then-outsider. I vaguely commented to my friends that I needed water, only for three fans surrounding us to offer me a bottle of water from their coolers. Welcoming gestures like that are common at other races I've attended, from Indy to dirt tracks.

Peterson has seen thousands of those gestures first-hand in his 40 years at Bemidji Speedway. If a driver, fan, or anyone with a connection to the track needs help, they get it tenfold.

Peterson got that himself a few years ago after he developed skin cancer on his face. After years of writing recaps of the races for the Pioneer, Peterson felt like his diagnosis forced him into retirement. But the track owner made accommodations for him to still attend the races in the shade, and he still writes recaps for the Pioneer to this day.

When discussing the motorsports community, Peterson and I came across one perfect word to describe it: family. It's an overused word — just ask anyone who's worked for a corporation. But there isn't more of an apt word to describe race fans, and ever since I got into racing, I've felt like I've been welcomed into one.

And Busch is one of our own. He was a racer, a wheelman, one of the best to ever do it in stock car racing. No matter how one feels about NASCAR, Busch's death is a death in the racing family, and motorsports across the country have treated it like so.

"Most dirt track guys don't necessarily get into the NASCAR scene," Peterson said. "But when a member of the family like that, something happens, they band together. ... It's all one family."

I'm a proud fan of other stick-and-ball sports, but racing is different, it always has been. Whether it be stock cars, open wheel, modifieds, go-karts — drivers and fans can always bond with their love of racing, no matter what it looks like.

Racing is different from any other sport in a lot of ways, but the one that separates it the most is its fandom, and the reaction to Busch's death proved that.

NEED TO KNOW

• A 12-year-old boy is in critical condition following an injury involving his youth baseball team
• Xavier Taylor was struck in the neck with a baseball during pregame warm-ups on the field
• “He will walk out of this hospital," his father said

A New Jersey child has been hospitalized after suffering a sports injury while with his youth baseball team.

Xavier Taylor, 12, was struck in the neck with a baseball during pregame warm-ups with Maple Shade Youth Baseball on Tuesday, May 26, ABC 7 NY, CBS News and NBC Philadelphia reported.

PEOPLE reached out to Maple Shade Youth Baseball for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. 

Xavier was airlifted from the field to Cooper University Hospital, and remained in critical condition as of Friday, May 29, per ABC 7 NY.

Following the incident, the youth baseball organization shared several messages of support from other teams on its Facebook account.

“The Pittsgrove IronPigs are keeping Xavier, his family, teammates, coaches, and the entire Royals organization in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” one post read.

“Baseball is about family and community. Competition fades, but community stands strong! We stand beside you with love, strength, and support — because this is more than baseball,” the post continued.

The child’s father, Greg Taylor, explained how the injury happened, adding that he did not blame anyone for the freak accident.

"An unpredicted ball got loose from one of the players and struck him in his neck and he collapsed on the ground," the retired firefighter said, per CBS News.

On Thursday, May 28, the community gathered for a prayer vigil at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field, the same place the incident happened, where Taylor addressed those who came out for his son. 

"My son Xavier loves this game. He will play this game again," he told the crowd in footage captured by ABC 7 NY. 

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"Tonight, we are here to lift him up in prayer, strength and hope and love," an attendee said, per the news station. "Baseball teaches us about teamwork, showing up for one another and never giving up, and tonight, that's exactly what we're doing for Xavier."

Many who showed up wore No. 6 on their clothing, which is Xavier’s number for the Maple Shade Youth Baseball team.

"I could not have asked or ever dreamt of support like this right now, but our end goal is for our son to be back on this field or whatever field is next destined for him," Taylor said.

Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!

Xavier is Taylor’s middle child, and loves baseball so much that he plays for three different teams, Taylor told CBS News.

He added that his kid is happiest on the field, and reiterated how much the community’s support means to their family.

"The outpouring of love, the texts, the support, the donations, the visitors that have come and seen him have been absolutely the reason myself, wife, and family have gotten through everything so far," Taylor said. 

"Just keep all the prayers and the love and support coming, a miracle will happen for our boy. He will walk out of this hospital," he added.

Read the original article on People

May 29—BRAINERD — Even down eight runs in the fifth inning, the Lumberjacks still believed.

Unfortunately, belief only went so far for the Bemidji High School softball team in the Section 8-4A championship game against Brainerd.

The Warriors scored in each of the first five innings, pulling away to a 9-4 win. They will play in the Class 4A state tournament for the second consecutive season.

Bemidji, though, saw its season end at Brainerd High School.

"You have to give credit to them," Bemidji coach Brad Takkunen said of the Warriors. "If we had beaten them, you'd have to give credit to us. It was two good teams with two good pitchers, but their pitcher kept us a little more off balance. We hit some balls, but they hit the ball harder and caught some breaks on balls they made great plays run. We never quit, but we never really found the holes we needed to."

Maddie O'Grady and Hadley Erlandson each brough home two runs on singles in the first two innings. Ari Halbert made it 5-0 in favor of Braienrd with a sacrifice fly in the third inning.

Halbert's RBI followed a missed opportunity for the Jacks.

Bemidji loaded the bases in the top of the third inning. Amelia Vernlund singled before Karley LaZella and Clara Sherwood reached on a fielder's choice and an error, respectively. However, with two outs, O'Grady struck out Aubrey Hanson to strand all three runners.

"It was just a game they earned," Takkunen said of Brainerd, a team Bemidj played five times in 25 games this season, including three Section 8-4A Tournament games. "We played five times, and it ends up being a series of some sort. That's softball."

The Warriors extended their lead to 8-0 with a three-run fourth inning, thanks to RBI hits from Carlson, O'Grady and Keira Rademacher. However, the Jacks found some life.

Clara Sherwood brought home two runs with a double before Aubrey Hanson made it 8-3 with an RBI single.

"They just had too much to overcome," Takkunen said. "I'm just proud of the way they kept going after it. If you're down 8-0 going into the fifth inning, you could easily just say, 'Let's get it to 10-0 and go home.' But they stepped up and kept trying. It might seem odd to say, but there wasn't really a whole lot standing between us getting a few more runs and winning this one."

Bemidji (15-10) attempted to rally one more time in the seventh inning, with Olivia Birt and Ridley Hadrava reaching with singles to lead off the inning. However, on LaZella's sacrifice fly to make it 9-4, Hadrava was doubled up at first base.

O'Grady got Emma Greiner to fly out to clinch Brainerd's (17-8) section championship.

A year ago, programs like Bemidji and Brainerd couldn't have been further apart.

The Warriors had just won the Section 8-4A championship. The Jacks hadn't played for over a week when that happened after being eliminated in two games from the postseason.

The year before was more of the same, as was the year before that, and the year before that.

Since becoming a Class 4A program, Bemidji's highest-ever seed in the 8-4A playoffs was No. 6 in 2025. The Lumberjacks played and lost two play-in games at home and had never won a winner's bracket contest.

Bemidji's 2026 season wasn't just a few steps forward; it was a remarkable and unexpected testament to the competitive maturity gained after years of early exits.

"Tremendous growth from this group. Tremendous," Takkunen said. "We started the season saying, 'Who's going to play here? Who's going to play there? I'm not exaggerating in any way. We were pretty sure Karley was going to pitch and Liv was going to catch. The reality is, we had to sort through all of that, and we did. And not only did we do that, but we flourished. They embraced this. They started believing in themselves and what we're trying to do. It was just really fun to watch."

For Bemidji's five seniors — Hayden Dahl, CeCi Brown, Hadrava, Birt and Vernlund — the sting of wearing a red medal instead of a blue one will be fresh for the foreseeable future. But Takkunen hopes their legacy is being the group that pushed his program to the brink of a historic season.

"It's what they should be remembered for," Takkunen said. "They were great leaders. They demonstrated that, even through all of the chaos, they didn't want this to end. And even though we didn't get (to state) and even though that hurts, the reality is that Brainerd beat us today. We did our best, they did their best. Their best was just a little better today. When that happens, what else can you do?

"I think the seniors modeled that tremendously. I think this will be something they remember. Obviously, there will be a new group of kids next year, but that's what a program is. You hope they follow the mentorship that came before them."

Bemidji will return its core of players, including six starters, next season. They will have a wealth of experience that the graduating seniors never had to bring into a season.

"Games like this are why you try to fill the bench up as much as you can," Takkunen said. "You want them to feel the ups and the downs, the pain and the glory. Experience is irreplaceable. As a team, you hope to be right back in this position, fighting for the section again next year. We're going to lose a few key pieces, but we have a lot of pieces coming back and pieces who will grow from the JV team, too."

For Takkunen, now Bemidji High School's longest tenured head coach after completing his 31st season at the helm, the 2026 campaign sticks out among his most memorable.

"It was such a unique and fun year, and it's hard to replace it," he said. "The characters on the team were so unique this year. That's what makes this fun, and that's what will make them missed."

Brainerd 9, Bemidji 4

BEM 000 030 1 — 4-10-0

BRD 221 310 X — 9-13-3

WP: O'Grady (7 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K)

LP: LaZella (6 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 BB, 8 K)

Young NFL star Jaxson Dart spoke Friday at a press conference about the controversy surrounding his decision to introduce President Donald Trump at a political rally last week.

Dart said he has “always loved this country,” and that he respected the position of president “regardless of political affiliation.”

Dart’s New York Giants coach John Harbaugh and teammates Abdul Carter and Jameis Winston also spoke to reporters.

Introducing the president at a New York rally a week ago, former Utah high school quarterback Dart said he was “honored” to introduce Trump. After, some of his teammates criticized his decision.

Dart, who finished his rookie season with the New York Giants this past year, ended up working to clear the air after a few teammates appeared frustrated with his move.

Second-year outside linebacker Abdul Carter took to X after he saw the video.

“Thought this (expletive) was AI, what we doing man,” he said, in a post that was later deleted.

Friday’s press conference

Dart told media the responsibility that comes with being a quarterback in New York is something he has embraced.

“I loved being here. I’ve loved the city of New York. I love the city of New Jersey, the people that I’ve met here. It’s just been a really amazing experience, and there’s not another place that I’d rather be.”

Dart says he understands “politics can be a sensitive matter.”

“We’ve had a lot of honest conversations, with each other, as a team and I’d like to keep those things private between me and my teammates,” he said. “But I love these guys, and going forward, I can’t wait for what more we have to grow.”

Carter, who recently returned from celebrating Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, and missed a team meeting on Wednesday, told the media Friday that “Some things are bigger than football, and this is one of those things.”

Abdul Carter says he will only address Jaxson Dart introducing Donald Trump one time:

"Some things are bigger than football, and this is one of those things.

Jaxson is one of our leaders - he's the face of our franchise. He represents himself and what he does, and he represents… pic.twitter.com/u6ohplXL6l

— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) May 29, 2026

“(Dart) represents himself and what he does, and he represents all of us. If he chooses to align himself with a man like President Trump, it’s my responsibility based on what I believe and what I stand on to not only show my teammates that I’m against that, but to show the world,” he said.

Carter continued by saying he and Dart are “close” and “talk.”

“As long as we make sure we have the same goal as a team, and our goals align — which they do — that’s all that matters.”

Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston said the “uncomfortable situation” is good for Dart and Carter to experience as young athletes who were drafted together to understand the platform they hold as athletes and how to come together.

"It reflects what togetherness looks like - we don't have to agree with people's perspective, but we should support their perspective because that's what they believe in"

Jameis Winson on the situation with Jaxson Dart, Abdul Carter, and the Giants: pic.twitter.com/47aigqhxP3

— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) May 29, 2026

“We don’t have to agree, we don’t have to respect or even understand people’s perspectives,” he said. “But I think we should support their perspective, because that’s what they believe in.”

New York Giants coach, John Harbaugh was also asked about the situation.

He brought up a story with former BYU football player and current Kansas City Head coach Andy Reid. He said Reid always had a card behind his desk that said “don’t judge.”

“I finally had the nerve to ask him, and he explained that, it’s a biblical principle. But the point is everybody comes from a different place, a different space a different background. People were brought up in all kinds of different ways,” Harbaugh recalled.

John Harbaugh on the situation around Jaxson Dart's introduction of Donald Trump and how it has affected the Giants:

"It was a good opportunity for us as a football team to have good conversations...we're in a good place now, we're moving forward" pic.twitter.com/3ddPuLdLCq

— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) May 29, 2026

Harbaugh said he was impressed with the way the players and the team handled the situation, telling the media the players had already talked before he ever got involved, calling it a “really a good opportunity for us, as a football team, to have these kind of conversations around a real life incident.”

“We’re in a good place now, and we’re moving forward.”

Reaction to Dart’s Trump endorsement

Dart’s decision garnered plenty of attention as people questioned why he would make such a move when he plays for a team in a predominantly blue state.

But Carter gave an update on X, “Me and (Dart) are good! We spoke earlier as Men. Yall can keep yall narratives.”

According to ESPN, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Winston were among Giants leaders discussing Dart’s appearance at New York Rep. Mike Lawler’s rally, where Trump was in attendance.

Sources say the topics discussed in the meeting will be kept “internal” and the team has moved past it.

Some condemned teammates calling Dart out on social media, like former Giants placekicker Lawrence Tynes.

“The locker room is a sacred place because it brings together everyone from all walks of life and beliefs for one common goal. Calling a teammate out publicly for his political views and to get attention is nasty work,” he wrote according to Newsweek.

Giants offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor responded to a claim on X from Boston Globe writer Ben Volin, insisting the locker room is not divided.

“Locker room is fine. Focus on New England.”

Locker Room is fine. Focus on New England https://t.co/oMEckjlkji

— Jermaine Eluemunor (@JEluemunor) May 23, 2026

The No. 12 Florida State Seminoles faced off against St. John's in the first game of the Tallahassee Regional after a two-hour rain delay, and were defeated, 6-5.

After St. John's didn't get on the board in the first inning, on the first pitch for Florida State, John Stuetzer hit a homer to deep left field to give the Seminoles an early 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second, St. John's would tie it up with a homer to center field by Adam Agresti. Gabe Fraiser would hit his first homer of the season for FSU in the bottom of the second to deep left field to make it a 2-1 game.

No scoring in the third, but a Brayden Dowd single to center field in the bottom of the fourth allowed Fraiser to score again, this time from second base.

In the top of the fifth, Cristian Bernardini singled to right field and Will Cowan scored for St. John's to make it 3-2 FSU.

In the bottom of the sixth, Cal Fisher singled, and Carter McCulley scored off a fielding error to extend FSU's lead to two. St. John's nearly robbed Dowd of a homer later in the inning, but he was unable to make the catch, and it became a double, allowing Fisher to score and making it 5-2 FSU.

The eighth was not good for FSU. A solo homer by Dylan Fitzsimmons, Jon LeGrande scoring on a wild pitch, and Jayde Raifstanger scoring on a passed ball tied the game at 5-5.

In the top of the ninth, Raifstanger singled to center field, and Fitzsimmons scored to give St. John's their first lead of the game and put FSU on the brink of being sent to the losers' bracket.

Three outs later, the Seminoles now find themselves one loss away from their season ending early.

Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of FSU news, notes, and opinions. Jacob Smith is a contributor for FSU Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can also follow Jacob on X at @jsmith_sports.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Baseball: Seminoles fall to St. John's

The No. 10 FSU Seminoles were stunned by the St. John's Red Storm in the first game of the Tallahassee Regional, losing 6-5 in Dick Howser Stadium. FSU led 5-2 in the eighth inning, but the bullpen was unable to protect the lead as the offense went cold.

It is FSU's first time losing in the regional round under Link Jarrett after they won the first six games. The Seminoles will now have to come out of the losers' bracket as they look to advance to the Super Regional round for the third straight time, requiring them to win four straight elimination games.

FSU had a chance to tie the game in the ninth when Brayden Dowd and Hunter Carns singled, putting the tying run in scoring position with one out for Eli Putnam. He was unable to come through, hitting into a game-ending double play in his only at-bat after replacing Ben Barrett in the field. The Seminoles struggled all game with runners on, going 5-22 and stranding nine runners.

It was a stunning loss for FSU, which was 35-0 when leading after seven innings prior to the game. Here is a look at how FSU fans reacted to the shocking loss.

FSU loses to St. John's

Final, Florida State falls to St. John's, 6-5.

We'll be back tomorrow at 1 pm.

— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) May 30, 2026

Is FSU baseball cursed?

Dawg this program is CURSED

— Jake Del Mauro (@NJNole79) May 30, 2026

This is a costly loss for FSU

Imagine losing this game and using up our best relievers doing so

— FSU Soccer National Champs! (@WoodyCumbie) May 30, 2026

The winning run for St. John's

No. 4 St. John’s STUNS No. 1 Florida State in the Tallahassee opener 🔥

That’s the FOURTH four seed to defeat a national seed today 👀

(🎥@espn) pic.twitter.com/k1IrduVuUe

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) May 30, 2026

Not at all

Well, losing the opening game in Regionals at home is not ideal.

— TaReef KnockOut (@TaReefKnockOut) May 30, 2026

The 8th inning was terrible for FSU

Wild pitches, blown lead, catcher’s interference, dropped fly ball… what else can go wrong this inning?!

— EFESHEW (@EFESHEW) May 29, 2026

A shocking loss for FSU

Unbelievable.

— JBA (@JenBassAllen) May 29, 2026