INGLEWOOD, CA — For a few hours, Iran’s World Cup team found the joy it had been seeking.Once the starting whistle blew, the Iranian players were freed from the tug-of-war they never asked to be entangled in. The squabbling politicians trying to prove they’re tougher than the other, the feckless leaders at FIFA, even the fans in the stands using them as a proxy for their beliefs – those were troubles that could be forgotten until the game was over.For two hours, Team Melli could lose themselves in a game. Passing, shooting, defending. Trying to find an angle or close one off. Elation when they scored a goal and disappointment when New Zealand did.Everything else, good and bad, was reduced to a blurred hum in the background.The game ended in a 2-2 draw. Iran is still looking for its first World Cup win and, now that the game is over, the joy a World Cup usually brings.For weeks now, the Iranian team has been at the center of a global controversy. The United States, one of the co-hosts of this World Cup, had begun bombing Iran in late February. It would be better, the president of the United States suggested at one point, if Iran sit the tournament out.Incensed, Iranian officials threatened not to come. When they finally agreed to, the United States posed such strict conditions that Iran had to move its base camp from Tucson to Tijuana, Mexico, at the last minute.Some members of the delegation were not granted visas. Tickets allotted for Iran’s fans were rescinded.“We are here to play football,” team captain Mehdi Taremi said the day before the Monday, June 15 game against New Zealand. “We are here at the World Cup to bring joy to Iranians wherever they are.“… This kind of tension, it undermines that joy.”On the field, though, the Iranians were finally able to reclaim it.The team was greeted with cheers and whistles of support when it walked onto the field in khakis and polo shirts. Taremi looked around at the crowd — no doubt spotting flags from both Iran’s current regime and, in defiance of FIFA’s ban, the pre-revolutionary one — and nodded as he clapped his hands in appreciation.The Iranians played with ferocity, like kids trying to cram in as much fun as they can before the sun goes down and they’re called home. They carved up New Zealand’s defense, and repeatedly peppered goalkeeper Max Crocombe.When Ramin Rezaeian scored Iran’s first goal, tying the game at 1 in the 32nd minute, all the emotion bubbled forth. After being mobbed by his teammates, Rezaeian spent close to a minute mugging for the cameras. He threw his arms wide and beat his chest. He blew kisses to the crowd. He bent down and kissed the grass.It wasn’t the cleanest effort. Iran easily could have scored another three or four goals if only their touches were crisper, their aim straighter. Elijah Just had Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand figured out.But the final score felt somehow irrelevant. When the game ended, most of the Iranian players stood motionless while a few others bent over or dropped to the turf. They were spent from the game, and everything that had come before.Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iran gets reprieve from political tension on World Cup field

CHICAGO — Two days ago, Pete Crow-Armstrong was a triple away from the cycle at Oracle Park.The Chicago Cubs’ center fielder was well aware of how close he was to the feat and had it on his mind during the final five innings. He fell short, though, striking out in his final two at-bats.Crow-Armstrong avoided the same fate Monday night at Wrigley Field as the Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies 5-4.The 24-year-old star’s single to right field off Rockies lefty reliever Brennan Bernardino in the seventh inning gave him the cycle, the Cubs’ first since catcher Carson Kelly pulled it off March 31 last year in Sacramento, Calif. Crow-Armstrong became the 12th player to do it in franchise history for the 13th time overall. He joins Hack Wilson (June 23, 1930) as the only Cubs center fielders to accomplish the feat.Crow-Armstrong became the first Cub to hit a reverse cycle — home run, triple, double, single in order — in franchise history, reported team historian Ed Hartig.Since Wrigley Field opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park, this is the eighth cycle hit by the franchise.Kelly became the first Cub to hit for the cycle since Mark Grace on May 9, 1993, which ended the longest drought by a National League team. The Kansas City Royals (George Brett in 1990) had gone longer without one, a streak that continues, while Cubs hitters had fallen one hit short 342 times during their drought.The Wrigley crowd was on its feet for the duration of Crow-Armstrong’s at-bat in the seventh. On the third pitch, Crow-Armstrong pulled Bernardino’s sinker into shallow right field for an easy single.But before Bernardino threw a pitch to begin the at-bat against Alex Bregman, he immediately picked off Crow-Armstrong. It cost the Cubs a run with how the rest of the seventh played out. Bregman singled, and Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki followed with walks to load the bases. Instead of the three consecutive baserunners resulting in Crow-Armstrong scoring, Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner both struck out to leave the bases loaded as the Cubs failed to bring home a run in the seventh.That proved costly as the Cubs’ slim 2-1 lead vanished the next inning when Cole Carrigg slugged a go-ahead, three-run home run off reliever Caleb Thielbar.____

[Huw Evans Picture Agency]Brian Barry-Murphy celebrates one year in charge of Cardiff City today (16 June), little more than a month after guiding the Bluebirds back into the Championship.The Irishman signed a three-year contract with the club last summer and led Cardiff to automatic promotion from League One in his debut campaign in the Welsh capital.Cardiff were victorious in 27 of their 46 league games last season at a win rate of 58.7%.Their 91 points came at an impressive rate of 1.98 points per game.They also bagged a league-high of 90 goals in the third tier last season at a rate of 1.96 goals per game.In addition to their stunning exploits in the league, Cardiff enjoyed a memorable run to the quarter-finals of the League Cup.The Bluebirds beat Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town on their own patch before securing successive away triumphs over Burnley and Wrexham.The run was ultimately ended by Premier League Chelsea who beat the Bluebirds 3-1 in the Welsh capital in December.But with all cup competitions included, Barry-Murphy has a win rate of 58.9% from his 56 competitive matches as head coach so far.The 47-year-old was twice named EFL League One Manager of the Month in his debut campaign in south Wales.And having led the club back into the second tier at the first attempt, Barry-Murphy is now seeking to continue his remarkable record at Cardiff so far in 2026-27.

San Francisco Giants star Rafael DeversThe Boston Red Sox cut ties with superstar slugger Rafael Devers a year ago and it sounds like he's available again for a team to try to make a move. On Monday, ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the San Francisco Giants are "open to offers" for Devers, along with shortstop Willy Adames and third baseman Matt Chapman, among others."The Giants are open to offers for their three highest-paid position players — Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman — among other obvious trade candidates, like Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray," Olney wrote. The Giants are open to offers for their three highest-paid position players — Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman — among other obvious trade candidates, like Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray.— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 16, 2026This is a wild development after one of the most shocking mid-season trades in recent memory across the league. The Red Sox traded Devers to the Giants last June after there was drama with the franchise centered around his position with the team, after Alex Bregman came over and signed with the team and then eventually after Triston Casas got hurt. Do you have a take to get off your chest? Do you want to engage in a growing Red Sox community? Comment on our content alongside staff and fans alike!Boston is a team that needs power and someone who has had clear success at Fenway Park is not out there for the taking. Imagine how wild a reunion would be? It shouldn't be considered likely, but it would solve a lot of problems.More MLB: Red Sox-Yankees 'Very Unlikely' To Swing Pre-Trade Deadline Blockbuster

Visit Seattle has launched a first-of-its-kind drone scoreboard that will be visible around the Space Needle to celebrate the World Cup matches in the Emerald City. “At nighttime after each match Seattle hosts, a constellation of drones will light up the sky and broadcast the match’s final score and each team’s flag alongside the iconic Space Needle above Seattle Center,” Visit Seattle wrote on its website. Drone Show TimesThe dates and times for the drone shows are as follows:Monday, June 15 show at 10pm (Belgium vs. Egypt)Friday, June 19 showtime TBD (USA vs. Australia)Wednesday, June 24 show at 10pm (Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Qatar)Friday, June 26 show after TBD (Egypt vs. IR Iran)Wednesday, July 1 show at 10pm (Match 82)Monday, July 6 showtime 10pm (Match 94)Visit Seattle recommends heading to the Fisher Pavilion and the International Fountain at the Seattle Center for the best viewing.

Wilson senior, Michael Glover, commits to James Madison UniversityThe All-State football tight end held more than 20 Division I offers ahead of his senior season, but in a little over a year, he will be headed to Harrisonburg, Virginia, to play for James Madison University.Standing at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Glover has put his name on the map since his freshman year of high school.Every time he touches the ball, whether it’s up the seam or on an occasional handoff, Glover has the ability to make a game-breaking play.“I love being able to do all these different things in receiving, rushing, and blocking,” Glover said after the District 3 6A quarterfinal matchup against William Penn this past season. “That’s why I love being the tight end. It’s awesome that my coaches trust me to use me in different ways. I just want to keep doing that and do whatever I can to help my team win.”As a junior, Glover recorded 572 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 35 receptions while rushing for 216 yards and two more scores. Defensively, he added 44 tackles and three sacks.Glover will join a Dukes program that finished 12-2 in 2025 and qualified for the College Football Playoff before falling to No. 5 Oregon, 51-34.Whether it was quarterback Mason Young last season or Madyx Gruber two seasons ago, Wilson’s quarterbacks have always known where to go with the football when they needed a play.As a sophomore, Glover hauled in 40 receptions for 670 yards and seven touchdowns.Now, heading into the final season of his high school career, he will look to continue making an impact all over the field. He will be joined by former Wyomissing standout Justice Hardy, who transferred to Wilson and committed to Louisville two months ago.Wilson head coach Doug Dahms will have no shortage of playmakers in 2026, as Glover looks to polish his game for one final season before joining the Dukes.

Former All-State Exeter Eagles outfielder Alex Kelsey has announced his transfer to the University of Kentucky after spending his first two collegiate seasons at St. Joseph’s University.The 2025 graduate chose the Wildcats over Clemson and will arrive in Lexington with two years of eligibility remaining.A Reading native, Kelsey started both of his seasons at St. Joseph’s and quickly established himself as one of the Hawks’ top players.In 2026, he was one of three St. Joseph’s players named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Team, joining catcher Blake Primrose and pitcher Cole Fehrman.Kelsey finished second on the team with a .373 batting average and a .996 OPS.The Hawks posted a 36-20 record but saw their season come to an end with a 13-3 loss to top-seeded Virginia Commonwealth University in the Atlantic 10 Tournament semifinals.In 56 games this season, starting all but one, the speedy sophomore recorded 81 hits, including 20 extra-base hits, while driving in 35 runs and stealing 20 bases.Over his first two collegiate seasons, Kelsey has compiled a .348 batting average, collecting 114 hits in 414 at-bats. He has also totaled 68 RBIs, 37 stolen bases, and six home runs.Defensively, he has posted a .960 fielding percentage with just 10 errors in more than 250 chances.As a true freshman, Kelsey earned Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team honors after leading the Hawks in runs scored (47), triples (3), walks (38), and on-base percentage (.458).Now headed to Kentucky, Kelsey joins a Wildcats program that finished 33-23 in 2026 and advanced to its fourth consecutive NCAA Regional Final before falling 6-5 to West Virginia.With his combination of speed, defensive ability, and offensive production, Kelsey is expected to be a key contributor for Kentucky as he begins his SEC career and looks ahead to the 2027 and 2028 seasons.Kelsey is majoring in Business Administration.

Boston Celtics star forward named top trade target for San Antonio Spurs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.After losing to the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals in five games, the San Antonio Spurs will likely look to upgrade the roster over the offseason. Trading for one of the league's best two-way forwards would be one way to do that. Jaylen Brown named top trade target for Spurs after NBA Finals loss Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown was recently named a top trade target for the Spurs by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report. There have been rumblings that Brown could potentially become available over the offseason, and if he does, the Spurs could offer the Celtics an intriguing package of draft picks and/or young talent. "Brown, an All-NBA second-teamer, is arguably the best wing on the market. Now, 'on the market' might be overselling his availability, but his future in Boston has been an actual talking point," Buckley wrote. "While the Celtics would certainly want a fortune for him, the Spurs, who are rich with both draft capital and ascending prospects, are one of the few franchises perfectly positioned to pay an exorbitant price." While intriguing, this one feels like a longshot. There's certainly no guarantee that Brown will be made available by Boston. Plus, after making it all the way to the Finals, the Spurs might prefer small tweaks to the roster as opposed to sweeping changes. Anything is possible technically, but Brown landing in San Antonio should officially be classified as unlikely. More NBA news: James Dolan apologizes to New York Knicks fans after winning NBA championshipLakers' LeBron James makes bold claim regarding NBA GOAT debateDonald Trump shares high praise for Spurs' Victor WembanyamaDallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving provides major offseason injury updateAnthony Davis reveals which Lakers player he misses the most, and it's not LeBron James

By Hatem Maher INGLEWOOD, California June 15 (Reuters) - Whistles drowned out parts of Iran's national anthem while other fans sang along, setting the tone for a World Cup opener that often felt more ‌significant for political allegiances than the football on show. Before a crowd of more than 70,000 in Los ‌Angeles, home to the world's largest Iranian diaspora, supporters waved flags, chanted and revealed starkly different loyalties as Iran fought back twice to secure ​a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday. Cheers greeted Iran's attacks and goals from much of the crowd, including many supporters carrying the lion-and-sun flag associated with pre-revolutionary Iran. But some boos accompanied the national anthem and pockets of supporters celebrated New Zealand's goals as enthusiastically as their own. The divisions in the stands mirrored the challenges facing Team Melli off ‌the pitch. Iran arrived at the tournament amid ⁠heightened tensions with host nation the United States, forcing the team to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, and commute across the border for a World Cup in which all three ⁠of their group-stage matches are being played on U.S. soil. Some members of the Iranian delegation were also denied entry to the United States. The opener came less than 24 hours after a framework agreement was announced to end months of war between ​Iran and ​the U.S., a conflict that had cast a shadow over ​the country's participation in the tournament. Yet the political ‌backdrop appeared to have little effect on Amir Ghalenoei's side once the match got underway. New Zealand struck first through Elijah Just, who finished off a slick move involving captain Chris Wood midway through the first half. Iran responded through an unlikely source. Right back Ramin Rezaeian, one of the team's most influential performers, surged forward and levelled with a composed finish. Just restored New Zealand's advantage shortly after the interval, again combining effectively with Wood as the winger emerged ‌as the game's standout attacking force. With Iran striker Mehdi Taremi kept ​largely quiet, Rezaeian once again took centre stage. The veteran delivered a ​pinpoint cross in the 64th minute that Mohammad ​Mohebbi guided home to make it 2-2. The equaliser sparked celebrations among most of the crowd, ‌though the atmosphere remained unlike that of a ​typical World Cup fixture. For long ​stretches, the match seemed secondary to the emotions swirling around it. Some fans arrived wrapped in Iranian flags and chanting in support of Team Melli. Others used the occasion to voice opposition to the government in ​Tehran, creating a soundtrack of competing loyalties ‌throughout the evening. By the final whistle, Iran had escaped with a point after twice coming from ​behind. But on a night shaped by diplomatic tensions, war and a divided diaspora, football had ​to share the stage. (Reporting by Hatem MaherEditing by Christian Radnedge)

Brendan Sorsby has officially moved on from Texas Tech, without ever suiting up for a single game.For its part, Texas Tech will not seek reimbursement of NIL payments already made to Sorsby.That information appears in a lengthy, single-spaced, self-serving (frankly) statement from billionaire Cody Campbell, the chairman of the Board of Regents of the Texas Tech University System.Campbell also describes Sorsby's decision to drop his lawsuit against the NCAA and enter the NFL supplemental draft as "purely an output of practical analysis of the situation.""Brendan and Texas Tech stand on very solid and legitimate legal ground, but he faced a June 22nd deadline to be eligible for the NFL's supplemental draft, and there is no practical way to resolve all of the pending legal disputes and ensure his eligibility prior to this date," Campbell writes. "This is the only viable and fair path for Brendan and his future, as well as for his teammates, and our university."Campbell also uses the letter to climb back onto the soapbox for "Congressional action" to solve the "general chaos that persists" in college football.He conveniently ignores the role of the Sorsby situation in highlighting the existing chaos. Which, frankly, serves Campbell's broader interest to convert Sorsby's case into what NCAA president Charlie Baker has called a potential "thunderbolt moment" aimed at securing a federal fix to a problem that flowed directly from decades of blatant antitrust violations by the NCAA and its members.Again, if the NCAA and its members had embraced collective bargaining, the deal would have included a simple arbitration process that would have efficiently resolved the question of Sorsby's eligibility — with the outcome binding on the NCAA, the Big 12, and all universities that are parties to it.Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec and Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt issued a separate (and much shorter) statement acknowledging Campbell's statement and confirming that Sorsby will not play for Texas Tech in 2026.Sorsby's story now shifts to the NFL, and its supplemental draft. There, the most important questions will be: (1) will the NFL grant his application for the supplemental draft; (2) will the NFL suspend Sorsby for his violation of relevant gambling laws and NCAA gambling rules; and (3) will teams shy away from him because of his gambling addiction and associated diagnoses?

South Carolina women's basketball incoming freshman Kelsi Andrews will arrive in Columbia with some new hardware. Andrews won a gold medal with the United States at the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup, beating Canada 90-72 on June 15 in Irapuato, Mexico. Andrews had three points and two blocks in the final game. This is the third gold medal for Andrews, who won at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship. The United States won its 12th straight gold medal and 13th overall.Andrews, a 6-foot-2 forward/center, was South Carolina's first 2026 signee, committing in November. A total of 22 players tried out for 12 roster spots. Andrews averaged 12 minutes, seven points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists. She had a double-double in the semifinal win over Venezuela when she scored 13 points with 10 rebounds.Coach Dawn Staley's incoming freshmen and transfers got to Columbia beginning June 12 but Andrews' arrival is delayed because of her participation in the tournament. She is now the second Gamecocks player to win a gold medal this month.Joyce Edwards was one of four college players who made the USA Women's 3X3 National Team in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup. That group won a gold medal on June 7 by defeating Australia.Andrews played for IMG Academy in Florida but started her journey at Auburn High School in Alabama. After dealing with two ACL tears in her high school career, Andrews tore her meniscus which resulted in surgery in October right before she committed to South Carolina.She missed the majority of her senior season at IMG Academy with the recent knee injury but was able to play in her final game.Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina freshman Kelsi Andrews wins gold at FIBA AmeriCup

Every sports program has that one elusive guest they simply can’t find a way to book. Every show has one. Producers exhaust every avenue to make it happen, often with no success. Hosts even work their own sources to get messages through to the guest in an attempt to sway favor in their direction. However, when miraculous moments happen in sports, miraculous things can happen. Which leads me to ask: Will Stephen A. Smith appear this week on The Pat McAfee Show?In case you missed it over the weekend, the New York Knicks are NBA champions. For the first time since 1973, the city of New York has united around its legacy basketball team. Crowds erupted, buses burned, and Stephen A. Smith showcased himself as ESPN’s chief cheerleader for it all.Everyone loves a good story about overcoming hurdles. Let’s face it, Stephen A. Smith has been the face of New York Knicks fandom on ESPN for many years. He has shown his anger when they struggled and his joy as they celebrated their crowning victory.A couple of weeks ago, he even went so far as to take credit for the team’s run to the NBA Finals. Why? Because he took his team to task on national television, which was followed by an 11-game winning streak on the way to the NBA Finals.No More Perfect TimeNow, the Knicks are champions. Smith opened First Take on Monday with everything but the champagne goggles to begin the week. Never mind the Carolina Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup, UFC Freedom 250, or anything else from the night before. It was all about the Knicks, and Stephen A. Smith was ready to make ESPN his personal stage for celebration.No show on ESPN celebrates sports more than The Pat McAfee Show. It’s often been dubbed a safe haven for sports fans. There are no hard-hitting debates or complicated analysis. It’s simply sports being fun and entertaining. Boys playing games. Pomp and circumstance. Baseball, bets, and beers, all in the name of giving sports the attention they deserve.It’s time for The Pat McAfee Show’s celebration of sports to welcome the face of the New York Knicks on ESPN for an interview. For the first time since December 2023, it’s time for Stephen A. Smith to make an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.Yes, you read that right. 2023. It’s been nearly three years since the two biggest faces of ESPN shared a screen together. But has there ever been a better time for a reunion than now?A New DayObviously, a lot has changed since that last appearance in 2023, which happened to be McAfee’s first year on ESPN programming. Smith signed a massive $100 million extension in the spring of last year. The First Take host has also taken on a new role with SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio, where he hosts a daily show from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Smith has also scaled back some of his ESPN responsibilities over the past year, reaching an agreement to step away from NBA Countdown.In McAfee’s case, he’s added work to his ESPN portfolio as well. Outside of his daily show, he continues to be a major presence on College GameDay and also hosts alternate broadcasts surrounding ESPN’s biggest sporting events. Not to mention the work he has continued to do with WWE over the past two and a half years.McAfee is reportedly in discussions with the network on an extension that could pay him between $60 million and $65 million. The deal would keep McAfee aligned with ESPN while reportedly adding NFL responsibilities to his plate.Despite rumors of a rift between the two megastars, both continue to insist they are on good terms. McAfee’s program hosted LeBron James for an hour last year, and the future Hall of Famer used part of that appearance to take shots at Smith over his criticism of Bronny James. That interview led to further escalation between Smith and James, a dispute that still appears unresolved today.But why hasn’t Stephen A. Smith made an appearance during the height of the Knicks’ championship run? And will he make one before the celebration concludes this weekend with a parade through ‘The Big Apple?’Sure, logistics could be a concern. Smith’s SiriusXM program begins an hour after First Take ends. However, McAfee has conducted plenty of interviews with ESPN talent while they were traveling. How many times have Adam Schefter, Peter Schrager, or other ESPN personalities joined the show from the road while still making time to talk football?If there was ever a moment to make it happen, this is it.Bring Together The MegapowersThe New York Knicks have finally climbed the mountain. Stephen A. Smith is enjoying one of the greatest weeks of his professional and personal life as the most visible Knicks fan in sports media. Meanwhile, McAfee’s show has built its identity around celebrating the biggest moments in sports with the same passion fans bring to them.An appearance by Smith on The Pat McAfee Show wouldn’t just produce compelling television. It would immediately put to rest any lingering speculation that ESPN’s two biggest personalities have a strained relationship. For the past couple of years, rumors have circulated whenever they haven’t shared a screen. One conversation, one celebration, and one championship victory lap would be enough to remind everyone that the relationship is far healthier than outsiders often suggest.ESPN has spent years building around star power, and no two stars shine brighter than McAfee and Smith. With New York celebrating its first NBA title in more than five decades, the timing couldn’t be better.The biggest Knicks fan in sports media and one of ESPN’s premier entertainers coming together to celebrate a historic championship feels less like a booking opportunity and more like a television moment waiting to happen.Some guests are impossible to get. Some moments are impossible to create. But when sports delivers something this rare, sometimes the guest and the moment arrive at exactly the same time.Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.John MamolaJohn Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.linktr.ee/johnmamolaThe post A Stephen A. Smith Reunion With Pat McAfee May Have No Better Time Than Now appeared first on Barrett Media.

PATASKALA - Rita Pendexter has been recognized by her peers as one of the best.Pendexter, the Licking Heights assistant athletic director, recently was honored as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.Pendexter’s time at Heights, which includes stints as softball coach and athletic director, has spanned two decades. She also has been a leader in community outreach for the Licking County League.This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking Heights’ Rita Pendexter recognized for athletic leadership

The U.S. Navy will be deploying a new generation of drone-based countermeasures to search the sea floor and surface for any mines Iran laid.

A society once strongly Roman Catholic has rejected the church’s prohibition on euthanasia, with many instead viewing control over one’s death as an individual right.

Giants reportedly exploring trade offers for $646M veteran trio after abysmal start to season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The San Francisco Giants are struggling significantly this season, and the results have been extremely disappointing. The club is now led by new manager Tony Vitello.Last year, the Giants moved on from Bob Melvin after missing the playoffs. San Francisco president of baseball operations Buster Posey described the season as disappointing.“After careful evaluation, we determined that making a change in leadership was in the best interest of the team," said Posey. "The last couple of months have been both disappointing and frustrating for all of us, and we did not perform up to our standards. We now turn our focus to identifying a new leader to guide us forward."So far this season, the results have not improved. As June progresses, San Francisco’s postseason chances continue to look bleak.“Even the most optimistic Giants fan should start coming to grips with the fact that his favorite team might be left out of the postseason for the fifth consecutive year. According to FanGraphs, the Giants have a 2.6% chance of playing baseball in October, the second-lowest odds in the National League. With 90 games left on the schedule, according to Tankathon, the Giants have the 18th-hardest remaining schedule, with a .496 opponents' winning percentage,” Around the Foghorn’s Nathan Hirschi wrote.With the season trending in the wrong direction, attention has already shifted toward the trade deadline. San Francisco is expected to be active in exploring moves involving some of its biggest names.“The Giants are open to offers for their three highest-paid position players — Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman — among other obvious trade candidates, like Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray,” ESPN’s Buster Olney wrote.Adames, Devers, and Chapman remain core pieces of the roster, but they could also bring back significant returns in potential trades. However, moving them would strongly indicate the beginning of a retool or rebuild.The trio of Adames, Devers, and Chapman collectively accounts for $646 million in contracts. While no team wants to move on from that level of investment, the Giants’ current standing makes difficult decisions necessary. Sitting 14 games below .500 with little momentum, San Francisco may ultimately find that selling high on key players is the most logical path forward.More MLB news:Dodgers' Dave Roberts announces $66M game-changer is nearing return after hamstring injuryBraves receive sobering Tarik Skubal trade update following Spencer Strider elbow injuryBraves predicted to trade for $75M 3x All-Star, Cy Young finalist after Spencer Strider injuryPhillies predicted to trade for Cubs' $85M Silver Slugger finalist to replace injured Adolis Garcia

Jeff Teague thinks Dylan Harper's postseason run made people forget Cooper Flagg originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Despite the 2025 NBA Draft class being called one of the worst in recent history, it still produced some star players. The biggest examples of this are the top two, which are Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg and San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper.They were both excellent this season alongside fellow rookies VJ Edgecombe and Kon Knueppel. Amidst all of their solid rookie campaigns, Flagg was the Rookie of the Year. However, it seems the tide has turned, and more people respect Harper now.Dylan Harper is garnering more respect than Cooper Flagg latelyWhile Flagg and Knueppel were the biggest names during the regular season, Harper got the last laugh with his postseason performance.The two Rookie of the Year frontrunners failed to make the Playoffs, so more people got to see Harper stand out for the Spurs. He was arguably their second-best player behind Victor Wembanyama, which is a special achievement, considering the Spurs made the NBA Finals.MORE: How Dylan Harper's rise to stardom could make things difficult for the SpursThis has led to a lot of people, like Jeff Teague, speaking about Harper like he is the superstar of his class. Of course, other players will argue against that, and chief among them is the Rookie of the Year himself, Cooper Flagg."Like nobody remembers Cooper Flagg's rookie year, like right now. With Dylan Harper playing, they like 'He’s the best rookie in the league; he had 300 points or something; he had the most from a rookie ever.' He played so well that he got an All-Star, a max player. He got the world calling this guy sad," Teague said on his Club 520 podcast.Both players will have long careers in the NBA. They are on the right trajectory, which will be interesting to look at moving forward because they have the talent to back up all the hype they have built up.It will be interesting to see which one will end up being the better player. In the meantime, the NBA and its fans will enjoy the quality of basketball from the young players.More NBA news:Draymond Green calls Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs sore losers after Game 5 of the FinalsOG Anunoby wanted to get a highlight dunk rather than his game-winning tip in Game 4Karl-Anthony Towns knows the NBA is in good hands with Victor WembanyamaDylan Harper is proud of what the Spurs achieved in their first postseason runDevin Vassell speaks about how Dylan Harper got frustrated with his role earlier in his rookie year

PHOENIX (AP) — Pavin Smith hit a tiebreaking solo homer off the right-field foul pole, Ryne Nelson threw seven quality innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Monday night.Smith broke a 2-all tie in the seventh when he launched his first homer in nearly a calendar year. The veteran first baseman — who came into the game with a .103 batting average — has spent most of this season on the injured list after having surgery to remove bone chips in his left elbow.Geraldo Perdomo added an RBI double later in the seventh that made it 4-2. Paul Sewald gave up a solo homer to Donovan Walton with two outs in the ninth, but struck out Oswald Peraza to earn his 18th save in 19 chances.Nelson (3-5) allowed two runs over seven innings, scattering nine hits and striking out five. The right-hander has thrown at least seven innings in five of his last seven starts.Los Angeles slugger Mike Trout hit his 16th homer — an opposite-field shot — to tie the score at 2 in the fifth. It was the three-time MVP's 420th career home run.Walbert Ureña (4-5) threw seven innings for the Angels, giving up four runs — three earned.The Angels grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first on Jo Adell's double down the right-field line that brought home Trout. The D-backs tied it in the bottom half on Gabriel Moreno's RBI single.Lourdes Gurriel Jr. returned to Arizona's lineup after missing roughly three weeks with a strained left hamstring. He had an RBI single in the fourth.Up nextThe Diamondbacks throw RHP Merrill Kelly (5-5, 5.46 ERA) while the Angels counter with LHP Reid Detmers (2-5, 4.00) on Tuesday.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Illinois will get another meeting with Fran McCaffery — less will be at stake this time around. After a matchup with Fran and the Penn Quakers in the NCAA Tournament, Illinois is inviting the Ivy League squad to Champaign. According to Rocco Miller and TCR’s Robby Nardini, Illinois will host Penn on Nov. 5. That will be one of the first games of the 2026-27 season for the Illini. Illinois will host Penn on November 5th and Eastern Illinois on November 20th at the State Farm Center The annual Braggin Rights game in St. Louis vs Mizzou will be Sunday December 20th Reported first by @RoccoMiller8— RN2 (@RobbyNardini) June 15, 2026They also reported on Monday that Illinois will host EIU on Nov. 20. That has become a reoccurring matchup for Illinois in recent years under Brad Underwood. Finally, the 2026 Braggin’ Rights game against Missouri in St. Louis is set for Sunday, Dec. 20. Give us the full schedule please. We need it. Bad.

The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2025 season near the bottom of the league in offensive explosiveness, ranking below the league average in both explosive rush rate (10-plus yards) and explosive pass rate (20-plus yards), according to a chart from @sfdata9ers.The 49ers sat at roughly 9% in explosive rush rate and 9% in explosive pass rate — right at the league average horizontally but below it vertically, placing them in the lower half of the league overall. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers all posted markedly better numbers in both categories.Offensive Explosive Play Rates 2025 pic.twitter.com/9R7uu55ngZ— SFdata9ers🏈📊 (@sfdata9ers) June 12, 2026The data is notable given that running back Christian McCaffrey, the engine of San Francisco's offense, ranks among the most explosive players in the NFL over the past five seasons.But McCaffrey, who turned 30 in June, showed signs of slippage as a rusher in 2025. His 3.9 rushing yards per carry were his lowest since 2020, although he still had a league-high 17 explosive catches. McCaffrey, though, isn't enough to raise the tide of this offense heading into 2026.Additionally, the 49ers don't have an obvious replacement waiting behind McCaffrey unless they think Kaelon Black and Jordan James can deliver the same punch. The receivers aren't explosive, either, save for perhaps 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall. New additions Mike Evans, Christian Kirk and 2026 second-round De'Zhaun Stribling aren't known as game-breakers, so perhaps the identity of this offense will change in the coming yearsThis lack of explosiveness didn't really negatively affect the offense, though. The 49ers offense still ranked 10th in points and 11th in yards per play before going on to win 12 games and their Wild Card playoff match. This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL stats: 49ers ranked among least explosive offenses in 2025

At its first game in Los Angeles, the men’s national team drew spectators who weren’t coming for the soccer, but rather to protest the regime in Tehran.

Iran fans during the 2-2 draw with New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium [Getty Images]On the tickets and in the listings, this match was billed as Iran v New Zealand.But in the stands and chanting outside the stadium, it was not the Kiwis who were Iran's most vocal opponents - it was their own dissidents.Time and again, Iranian team officials have said they want football to unite people. The mood here was anything but united.Outside the Los Angeles Stadium, the atmosphere was politically charged.Hundreds of Iranian flags were flying. The most visible were the pre-revolutionary flags bearing the Lion and Sun emblem. For many Iranian-Americans, the flag has become a symbol of opposition to the regime in Tehran. Fifa has banned it inside stadiums as a political symbol.But it was flying inside nonetheless and emblazoned on t-shirts.A few hundred protesters gathered outside, angry at Fifa's decision and at what they see as a national team that represents the Islamic Republic rather than the Iranian people."Mullahs' team is not my team," one group chanted. "Regime change in Iran," sang another.Then they broke into song - Iran's pre-revolutionary national anthem.A young man, when asked to translate, smiles."It means freedom and pride," he says.The soundscape changed dramatically inside the stadium.Just scores twice but New Zealand held by spirited IranIran fans during the match with New Zealand [Getty Images]'I'm here to support Iran, not the regime'Outside, chants against the regime and the team. Inside, roars of support for the players. Cheers when Iran scored to twice come from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand.There were thousands of Iranian flags in the stands. From a distance they looked identical. Up close, they told a different story.Some carried the official flag of the Islamic Republic. Others displayed the Lion and Sun. All were dressed in Iran's colours.This is what the footballers were up against: Iran versus Iran."It's complicated," says Samaneh, an Iranian-American who has lived in the United States for a decade."I'm here to support Iran, not the regime. I miss my country."She said she cried when Iran's national anthem played."My dad is here, but my mum is stuck in Iran because of paperwork and President Trump's travel restrictions. I'm worried about her all the time. I'm also scared to go back and visit."The contradictions were visible throughout the match.When New Zealand took the lead, some anti-regime spectators celebrated, waving Lion and Sun flags.Outside the stadium, the politics quickly came back into focus."We don't want a deal," says Nini, referring to the latest agreement between Washington and Tehran to end the war between the US and Iran."The people of Iran deserve regime change. People were slaughtered on the streets of Tehran.""We can't normalise what happened in January through a sporting event," says Farimah, who is wearing a T-shirt bearing the Lion and Sun emblem."This team doesn't represent the people of Iran."Nearby, Kourosh stands with a makeshift noose around his neck."It's a symbol to stop the execution of brave and innocent people in Iran," he says.Like many here, he says the players on the pitch represent the regime, not the people.The players reject that characterisation.Before the match, striker Mehdi Taremi said the team plays for all Iranians, at home and abroad, and does not get involved in politics.Some supporters heading into the stadium agreed.Despite the tensions between his adopted and native countries, Iranian-American Mostafa believes football should unite people."Soccer is about friendship, cultural connections and putting politics aside," he adds on his way into the stadium.'I try to separate the regime from the team'Pourmand travelled from San Diego to Iran's training camp in Tijuana, Mexico. He also attended the past two World Cups in Qatar and Russia.Dressed head to toe in Iran's colours, he says the players are not political."The people of Iran are represented by these players," he says. "They're here to show we're worthy of being here - a message of friendship and human values."Iranian-American Elika also feels torn. She says she is able to separate the team from the government.Her father died in 2020, and watching Iran at the World Cup was something they always did together."I felt compelled to come in honour of my dad, and in honour of Iranians who just want peace and the chance to enjoy a game like this," she says."I try to separate the regime from the team."Even without the protests, politics has overshadowed Iran's World Cup campaign.Visa problems forced the team to move its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, meaning the players are competing in the United States while staying across the border in Mexico.A deal to halt hostilities may have reduced fears of further escalation, but tensions remain high.All of that is playing out as the players try to focus on football.Standing outside the stadium, it was hard to see how football and politics can be separated here.The Iranian team may want to unite people through the game.What this opening match revealed is just how divided many Iranians remain.2,500 passes since Spain's last World Cup goal - key stats as Cape Verde earn pointThe 40-year-old keeper who inspired Cape Verde's historic debutWorld Cup hydration breaks - who are the winners and losers?World Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBC

MLB provided its first update on All-Star voting Monday and, to the surprise of few, Shohei Ohtani leads the way. The two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers is one of only two players to have so far cracked 1 million votes with 1,165,133 votes to play designated hitter in the National League. The other is Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez, who is the top-vote getter in the American league. He received 1,015,768 votes as the leader to play designated hitter in the AL.The top vote getters in each league through Phase 1 of All-Star fan voting will earn a starting spot on their respective All-Star teams. The field will then be whittled down to Phase 2 of voting, which will determine the starters at each remaining position. Phase 2 voting starts on June 29.As for whether or not Ohtani will start as a pitcher for the NL during a season in which he’s an MVP and Cy Young candidate, fans don’t have a say. Pitchers and backup position players are determined via player ballot and the commissioner’s office. Here’s where the voting stands as of MLB’s reveal on Monday.American LeagueFirst base 1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays: 603,014 2. Ben Rice, Yankees: 509,830 3. Munetaka Murakami, White Sox: 437,107 4. Nick Kurtz, Athletics: 269,658 5. Pete Alonso, Orioles: 202,781Second base1. Ernie Clement, Blue Jays: 904,702 2. Ezequiel Duran, Rangers: 287,996 3. Travis Bazzana, Guardians: 279,862 4. Jose Altuve, Astros: 244,131 5. Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees: 230,846Shortstop1. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals: 890,575 2. Andrés Giménez, Blue Jays: 354,651 3. Kevin McGonigle, Tigers: 266,239 4. Colson Montgomery, White Sox: 176,673 5. Jeremy Peña, Astros: 162,537Third base1. Junior Caminero, Rays: 625,520 2. Kazuma Okamoto, Blue Jays: 556,172 3. Miguel Vargas, White Sox: 329,208 4. Josh Jung, Rangers: 285,827 5. José Ramírez, Guardians: 269,973Catcher1. Shea Langeliers, Athletics: 715,625 2. Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays: 298,401 3. Adley Rutschman, Orioles: 261,607 4. Dillon Dingler, Tigers: 261,084 5. Ryan Jeffers, Twins: 235,679Outfield1. Aaron Judge, Yankees: 977,460 2. Mike Trout, Angels: 926,601 3. Cody Bellinger, Yankees: 533,842 4. Byron Buxton, Twins: 497,562 5. Riley Greene, Tigers: 422,835 6. Julio Rodríguez, Mariners: 421,205 7. Randy Arozarena, Mariners: 412,273 8. Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays, 337,581 9. Jesús Sánchez, Blue Jays: 310,970Designated hitter1. Yordan Alvarez, Astros: 1,015,768 2. George Springer, Blue Jays: 323,112 3. Yandy Díaz, Rays: 267,585 4. Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees: 160,727 5. Joc Pederson, Rangers: 120,603National LeagueFirst base1. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers: 870,606 2. Matt Olson, Braves: 802,848 3. Bryce Harper, Phillies: 651,792 4. Jake Bauers, Brewers: 207,276 5. Alec Burleson, Cardinals: 155,211Second base1. Ozzie Albies, Braves: 517,147 2. Bryson Stott, Phillies: 399,729 3. Brice Turang, Brewers: 373,656 4. Hyeseong Kim, Dodgers: 345,924 5. Luis Arraez, Giants: 325,994Shortstop.1 CJ Abrams, Nationals: 579,796 2. Mookie Betts, Dodgers: 567,566 3. Elly De La Cruz, Reds: 473,485 4. Trea Turner, Phillies: 414,652 5. Otto Lopez, Marlins: 230,286Third base1. Max Muncy, Dodgers: 941,218 2. Alec Bohm, Phillies: 386,425 3. Nolan Arenado, D-backs: 363,091 4. Austin Riley, Braves: 353,394 5. Nick Gonzales, Pirates: 267,518Catcher1. Drake Baldwin, Braves: 972,813 2. Will Smith, Dodgers: 662,883 3. J.T. Realmuto, Phillies: 446,915 4. William Contreras, Brewers: 303,240 5. Hunter Goodman, Rockies: 110,450Outfield1. Andy Pages, Dodgers: 800,496 2. Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves: 693,472 3. Brandon Marsh, Phillies: 668,191 4. Michael Harris II, Braves: 635,473 5. Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers: 507,625 6. Jordan Walker, Cardinals: 437,071 7. James Wood, Nationals: 431,607 8. Corbin Carroll, D-backs: 425,814 9. Juan Soto, Mets: 421,513Designated hitter1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers: 1,165,133 2. Kyle Schwarber, Phillies: 820,009 3. Dominic Smith, Braves: 371,508 4. Christian Yelich, Brewers: 174,746 5. Iván Herrera, Cardinals: 101,738

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lionel Scaloni tends to be pensive about a lot of things, but especially when the subject turns to another Lionel — a much more famous one, arguably the most famous athlete in the world, and one the Argentina coach gets to see on a daily basis.You see, Scaloni has watched Lionel Messi for much of his life. Both hail from the Argentine province of Santa Fe, Scaloni from the small town of Pujato and Messi from the much larger Rosario. Both of their paths passed through Newell's Old Boys, the historic club that has produced the likes of Maxi Rodriguez, Gabriel Batistuta and the current U.S. coach, Mauricio Pochettino.So when Scaloni speaks about Messi's legacy, it bears listening.“Not only the Argentinian population but everybody — the whole planet — wants to see him play,” Scaloni explained. “Everybody wants to see him on the pitch, because he has an effect not only on Argentina fans but supporters all over the world.”Those supporters will likely get their last chance to see Messi wearing his light blue striped shirt at the World Cup beginning Tuesday night, when the defending champions open their tournament against Algeria at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.Messi had been dealing with a minor hamstring issue in the lead-up to the World Cup, but he's looked comfortable in the rare chances reporters have witnessed training. And in last week's final tuneup against Iceland at Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium, he came into the game as a second-half substitute, scored moments later on a penalty kick and played 20 minutes without any problems.So barring an unforeseen event, Messi — who has yet to speak publicly since the national team congregated for the World Cup about two weeks ago — will earn his 200th cap during its match against Les Fennecs.“There's nothing negative to say,” Scaloni said. “He's always been there, and he's essential for us. He's going to remain that way.”Everybody wants to be part of Messi maniaTapash Chakraborty, the 57-year-old owner of an engineering design company, posted up Monday inside a Kansas City bar, hoping to catch a glimpse of an Argentina player at a meet-and-greet held roughly 24 hours before the match.He had one in particular he wanted to see.“Messi is Messi,” said Chakraborty, who will be in the stands Tuesday. “He is the god of football.”He wasn’t alone, either. The room teemed with Messi shirts, just as the streets have in the early days of the World Cup. His famous No. 10 is ubiquitous, whether it be on his old Barcelona jersey, his current Inter Miami kit or that of the national team.“We’re all Messi fans. He’s the best player in the world,” said Michelle Lemmon, who made the 160-mile (257.50-kilometer) drive with her four children from her home in Kirksville, Missouri, to Union Station in Kansas City on Monday to celebrate her 42nd birthday. Lemmon, who played college soccer at a Catholic school after captaining the boys' team at her high school, will be cheering for the U.S. throughout the tournament. But her dream matchup, Lemmon said, would be for the Americans to face Argentina in the final.“It’s hard. You've got to like him,” Lemmon said. “I’m nervous that this might be his last World Cup, so we’re very excited. Honored that they chose Kansas City as their home base. To have the World Cup champions here, you know, from 2022 is amazing.”Messi seeks to join Pele as repeat World Cup championThe list of greatest soccer players in history often begins with Messi and ends with Pele, the Brazilian star who not only took Brazil to World Cup glory but was instrumental in growing the game in the U.S. during his time with the New York Cosmos.What would tie the two even tighter? Argentina successfully defending its title.Only twice before has a nation been a repeat winner of the World Cup. Italy did it in the 1930s and Brazil did it in 1962, when despite an injury to Pele in the group stage, the Canarinho went on to beat Czechoslovakia in the final in Chile.France nearly made it three repeat winners, but Argentina denied that four years ago in a shootout in Qatar.“What happened back in Qatar was just amazing. The whole country united,” recalled Messi's longtime national teammate, Nicolas Otamendi. “We have that engraved in our minds, and it's just injected us with the strength to keep trying. There's no relaxing. We need to keep working with that level of humility that is required in these types of competitions.”There are few more humble superstars than Messi, whom Otamendi described as “simple man that just focuses on training.”“He's also a competitive animal,” Otamendi said. “You want to be there with him, supporting him, serving him, and laughing our hearts out all the time. As I've said, when the ball is rolling, that's when you need to press, unite and come together as a family on the pitch.”___Associated Press writer Heather Hollingsworth contributed to this report.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup

Collage featuring WNBA: Seattle Storm at Minnesota Lynx and WNBA: Seattle Storm at Indiana Fever. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesThe Minnesota Lynx knew exactly what they were getting when they selected Olivia Miles with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 Draft. The 23-year-old has wasted no time taking over the league and emerging as one of the front-runners for the Rookie of the Year honors.Miles’ impressive start to her rookie season has put opposing players, including Sophie Cunningham, on notice.Olivia Miles’ Stellar Rookie Season Draws Praise from Fever’s Sophie CunninghamMiles captured May’s Rookie of the Month award after averaging 15.4 points and 5.9 assists per game, leading all rookies in scoring, assists, steals, and efficiency metrics during that stretch.Then in June, Miles broke Caitlin Clark’s rookie record for most 3-pointers in a game, recording eight in the Lynx’s 87-84 win over the Golden State Valkyries.The former Notre Dame star’s production is not going unnoticed, with Indiana Fever’s Cunningham weighing in on the optics around Miles and her ROTY contention.MORE:‘It Was Really Cool’ — WNBA Superstar Paige Bueckers Blown Away After Attending Her First-Ever World Cup MatchDuring the latest episode of her “Show Me Something” podcast, the Fever star detailed exactly what makes Miles so difficult to contain.“I know that they said Olivia Miles was like up for rookie. She’s going to get rookie of the year,” Cunningham said. “I don’t know if anyone has watched her play, whoever’s listening to this, she is a beast. An actual beast. She is. I’m not kidding.”Cunningham pointed to the rookie’s physical style of play and unorthodox movements off the dribble as primary reasons for her early dominance.“She like, she just has like the wiggle of a guy,” Cunningham explained. “Like she is so good. Her passing, her shooting, her court vision. Like she is, she is good.”“I like her. And I know people think it’s weird when like you compliment other people in our league because you have to play against them,” Cunningham continued. “But I also like, give this girl her flowers. Like she is a freaking beast.”Miles brought an impressive collegiate resume to the WNBA. During her time in South Bend, she became the first freshman in NCAA Tournament history to record a triple-double, and also set the program’s all-time record for career triple-doubles.SEE ALSO:‘Not a Leader’ — WNBA Analyst Rips ‘Spoiled’ Caitlin Clark, Argues Angel Reese Has ‘Shown More Maturity Growth’That momentum seamlessly translated to the professional level, as Miles dropped nearly 30 points on the Las Vegas Aces in a narrow defeat before bouncing back to help her team to a 33-point blowout win over the Portland Fire on Monday night.Averaging 18.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds across 14 games, Miles will have her next opportunity to back up Cunningham’s praise when the Lynx face the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.

Texas A&M head coach Michael Earley continues to reshape the roster through the transfer portal, and while the Aggies haven’t landed that headline‑grabbing “splash” addition yet, they may have just secured one of the most important pieces of the offseason. With veteran catcher Bear Harrison expected to begin his professional career in the MLB Draft, filling the void behind the plate quietly became one of A&M’s biggest needs.Earley may have found his answer. Former Clemson catcher Nate Savoie, one of the top backstops in the portal, announced his commitment to Texas A&M, choosing the Aggies over programs such as Texas and Georgia. Savoie confirmed on social media that he will use his final year of eligibility in College Station.Savoie emerged as Clemson’s most consistent offensive threat in 2026, slashing .329/.413/.569 with a 1.009 OPS, 75 hits, 13 doubles, 16 home runs, and 52 RBI. His production earned him Third‑Team All‑ACC honors, and Perfect Game ranked him the No. 50 sophomore in the nation entering last season.Before transferring to Clemson, Savoie was already a proven star at Loyola Marymount, where he earned First‑Team All‑American honors as an outfielder and Second‑Team All‑American recognition as a catcher as a freshman. Few players in the portal can match his résumé: elite offensive numbers, defensive versatility, and success in multiple conferences.For Earley, this is more than a depth addition; it’s a foundational piece. Savoie brings a veteran presence, a disciplined approach at the plate, and the defensive reliability needed to anchor an SEC pitching staff. After proving himself in two different leagues, he now steps onto the biggest stage in college baseball with a chance to make an immediate impact.TYJ! See you in College Station 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/bPLNXt9jtu— Nate Savoie (@Nate_Savoie) June 16, 2026Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M baseball adds All‑ACC catcher Nate Savoie to 2027 roster

Going against Prime Minister Takaichi’s wishes, Japan’s central bank acted amid U.S. pressure, a tanking currency and inflation from energy disruptions.

The unexpected decline in retail sales underscored China’s growing reliance on exports to sustain economic growth as domestic demand continues to falter.

CHICAGO (AP) — Pete Crow-Armstrong put his name in the Chicago Cubs' record book next to Hall of Fame slugger Hack Wilson — and then nearly ruined the celebration at Wrigley Field.Crow-Armstrong completed the first cycle by a major leaguer this season with a seventh-inning single Monday night, then was promptly picked off first base by Colorado Rockies reliever Brennan Bernardino in a one-run game.“My excitement was a little short-lived,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell quipped after his team scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth for a 5-4 win.Crow-Armstrong, who was a single short of the cycle Saturday in San Francisco, hit a leadoff home run in the first inning, tripled off the wall on almost the same trajectory in the third and doubled down the right-field line in the fifth.When he came up again to lead off the seventh, the 24-year-old said he was more prepared for the moment than he might have been earlier in his career, or even earlier this season. “Earlier, it probably made me a little nervous," Crow-Armstrong said. "I felt like I ‘had to’ instead of ‘I get to' hit in this really cool moment with this crowd of 40,000 pulling for me. I think I'm learning to use that to my advantage instead of me shaking in my boots when I'm up there and wanting to get the job done so badly. It's also a regular thing at Wrigley. That happens a lot."With both Crow-Armstrong and the crowd fully aware of what was at stake, Crow-Armstrong lined a 1-1 fastball from Bernardino to right to finish the 13th cycle in Cubs history and only the second since 1993.Just two Cubs center fielders have hit for the cycle since 1901: Crow-Armstrong on Monday and Wilson on June 23, 1930.“I know it’s a rare feat," Crow-Armstrong said. He also added a key sacrifice fly in the eighth to cut the Rockies' lead to 4-3.“I absolutely put up great at-bats tonight and I’m proud of the production that I’ve helped have over the past few weeks,” Crow-Armstrong said. “But you saw it tonight: The game’s not over until it’s over. I did everything I could to help the team. But I also had a real lapse in focus and that really could have hurt us tonight. That’s what I’m talking about. Not going to dwell on that. Something so simple as someone gets in your ear and says that can’t ever happen again, and it can’t ever happen again.”Crow-Armstrong has a 19-game on-base streak dating to May 26, hitting safely in 18 of those games. He's batting .402 with seven doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 12 RBIs during that span.“Watching him every day, he's a player who overcomes your imagination,” Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga said through an interpreter.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

(Photo credit: The Tonight Show/YouTube)Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns admitted they found themselves believing in superstitions after their team, the New York Knicks, took home the NBA championship.Following their big win on Saturday, Brunson, the Knicks team captain, and Towns, one of the star players, stopped by “The Tonight Show” to celebrate their historic win. During the sit down, host Jimmy Fallon asked the NBA stars to address a couple of the superstitions that emerged during the finals.Neither Brunson nor Towns were willing to shut down fans’ theories – with the Knicks captain even admitting he was “a little skeptical” at first, but was now a believer.Brunson’s comment was directly in response to WWE star Danhausen publicly lifting a curse off of the team, which he had put on them in the middle of April. “There’s a WWE wrestler, Danhausen, who uncursed the Knicks. And apparently, after he uncursed the Knicks, you guys won every single game,” Fallon highlighted. “It did work.”Brunson, a WWE fan, added: “You have to believe it now.”Towns was equally open-minded regarding the superstition surrounding his fiancée Jordyn Woods’ orange clutch, which had been viewed as a lucky totem.“There are different reasons of why everyone thinks the Knicks won this year,” Fallon said. “Everyone has different superstitions, one of them is Karl your fiancée’s bag. When she brings the bag, it’s good luck.”“What do you want me to say? We were undefeated in the playoffs,” Towns responded. “Obviously, she made some magic when she made that Woods by Jordyn bag, for sure.”Of course, the Knicks stars also credited their dedicated fans for bringing electricity and energy to every game, defending that the loud fans were actually helpful during the games. “When we get the fans involved and we give them something to cheer for, it’s something special. It’s something once in a lifetime,” Towns added.Watch their full “Tonight Show” interview above.“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC.The post Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns Admit They Now Believe in Superstitions After Knicks’ Championship Win | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

OMAHA, NE — As Xander Mercurius walked off the hill he owned for 7 ⅓ innings, Christina Mercurius stood from her seat atop the Oklahoma baseball parents’ zone in Section 117, waved her left arm and cheered on her son.With her right hand, Christina filmed, aiming to document every moment when she wasn’t wiping away tears. She zoomed in with her smart phone camera on Xander’s final line shown on Charles Schwab Field's jumbotron.Six hits. Three runs. Two walks. Career-high nine strikeouts.“It's just so surreal to see him from a baby to now in college,” Christina told The Oklahoman, standing in the concourse of the mecca of college baseball, which packed in 24,455 fans Monday night during the Sooners’ 4-3 win over Georgia to advance to the semifinals of the College World Series.Oklahoma is one win away from the championship series.CARLSON: OU baseball is now team to beat in College World Series after clutch win over GeorgiaChristina remembers a serious conversation she had with a then-4-year-old Xander when he told her he was going to be in the MLB someday. Like most mothers do with their wide-eyed children, she rattled off the statistics detailing how few and far between major leaguers are.Xander didn’t care.That same confident kid Christina raised in Las Vegas set the college baseball world on fire in only his fourth collegiate start. He had only pitched 33 ⅔ innings throughout the regular season before being slotted in as OU’s No. 2 starting pitcher for the NCAA Tournament.Freshmen Cord Rager and Xander have combined for 14 ⅓ innings of the 18 played at the College World Series, recording two wins and hurling 17 strikeouts with only three earned runs.“(Xander's) just a tough kid,” said Sooners coach Skip Johnson, seated next to his freshman flamethrower who he compares to two-time MLB All-Star Marcus Stroman. “His fastball command has been there for a while, he’s been up to 99 mph this year. He pitched a great game… He executed pitches when he had to execute pitches.”It was that fastball that did the Bulldogs in. Mercurius consistently hovered around 93-95 mph and put away six Georgia hitters with the heater.“Really dominated us,” Bulldogs coach Wes Johnson said.MUSSATTO: Cord Rager brings 'tunnel focus' to College World Series as OU baseball rolls past Alabamamake it seven K's ⚔️@XanderMercurius // 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/Ju35vqhN60— Oklahoma Baseball (@OU_Baseball) June 16, 2026When asked postgame where the roll he’s been on during the postseason came from he gave all the credit to Johnson, who shook his head when he heard the praise. “The guy next to me,” Xander said.The Mercurius family knew from their first official visit that Johnson was going to work wonders with Xander and his brother, junior right-hander LJ Mercurius. “Skip is amazing,” Christina said. “He was very humble. He was very honest with us, he never tried to sell us. As I left, I already knew. I’m a mama bear, so I didn't want my kids to go far. I was comfortable when I left, like, 'OK, I know I'm gonna be OK to leave him there.'“To see Skip work with him and see him develop so much, it's just been amazing.”Like his mother, LJ was living and dying with every one of his brother’s 104 pitches from his perch in the left field bullpen. The brothers fought a lot as kids and didn’t attend the same high school, but have grown closer throughout the past year since playing on the same team. LJ gave his younger brother a pep talk this morning, letting him know he belongs on this stage and can pitch against anyone, including the No. 2 ranked offense nationally this season.“It's nothing other than special,” LJ told The Oklahoman from the field minutes following the game. “Extraordinary is the other word. It's just awesome. To get to see him every day and come this far this year is awesome. I honestly don't want it to end anytime soon.“He’s a freaking goofball and he’s always going to fight and compete.”REQUIRED READING: College World Series double the fun for brothers Kolby and Kyle Branch and familyNext, after a day off, Oklahoma will face the winner of Georgia-Texas at 6 p.m. Wednesday. If the Sooners win that, they're two wins away from a national championship — and Xander will play a vital role.Xander has a unique ability to block out noise. Amidst the raucous where a ferris wheel lights up the skyline and the smell of hot dogs and cotton candy fill the air, Xander is still. If you look closely enough in between pitches, you’ll notice him utter words of encouragement to himself.A ritual he started involves a deep breath and a glance over to wherever Christina is sitting during any given game. She says they locked eyes more than once during his career night.It was hard for Christina not to think back to the young kid watching the game he loves on his iPad or TV and perfecting his pitches in the backyard.“Now look at him,” Christina said with tears in her eyes. “In the College World Series as a freshman.”Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How OU baseball freshman Xander Mercurius dominated Georgia in CWS

OMAHA, NE — As Xander Mercurius walked off the hill he owned for 7 ⅓ innings, Christina Mercurius stood from her seat atop the Oklahoma baseball parents’ zone in Section 117, waved her left arm and cheered on her son.With her right hand, Christina filmed, aiming to document every moment when she wasn’t wiping away tears. She zoomed in with her smart phone camera on Xander’s final line shown on Charles Schwab Field's jumbotron.Six hits. Three runs. Two walks. Career-high nine strikeouts.“It's just so surreal to see him from a baby to now in college,” Christina told The Oklahoman, standing in the concourse of the mecca of college baseball, which packed in 24,455 fans Monday night during the Sooners’ 4-3 win over Georgia to advance to the semifinals of the College World Series.Oklahoma is one win away from the championship series.CARLSON: OU baseball is now team to beat in College World Series after clutch win over GeorgiaChristina remembers a serious conversation she had with a then-4-year-old Xander when he told her he was going to be in the MLB someday. Like most mothers do with their wide-eyed children, she rattled off the statistics detailing how few and far between major leaguers are.Xander didn’t care.That same confident kid Christina raised in Las Vegas set the college baseball world on fire in only his fourth collegiate start. He had only pitched 33 ⅔ innings throughout the regular season before being slotted in as OU’s No. 2 starting pitcher for the NCAA Tournament.Freshmen Cord Rager and Xander have combined for 14 ⅓ innings of the 18 played at the College World Series, recording two wins and hurling 17 strikeouts with only three earned runs.“(Xander's) just a tough kid,” said Sooners coach Skip Johnson, seated next to his freshman flamethrower who he compares to two-time MLB All-Star Marcus Stroman. “His fastball command has been there for a while, he’s been up to 99 mph this year. He pitched a great game… He executed pitches when he had to execute pitches.”It was that fastball that did the Bulldogs in. Mercurius consistently hovered around 93-95 mph and put away six Georgia hitters with the heater.“Really dominated us,” Bulldogs coach Wes Johnson said.MUSSATTO: Cord Rager brings 'tunnel focus' to College World Series as OU baseball rolls past Alabamamake it seven K's ⚔️@XanderMercurius // 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/Ju35vqhN60— Oklahoma Baseball (@OU_Baseball) June 16, 2026When asked postgame where the roll he’s been on during the postseason came from he gave all the credit to Johnson, who shook his head when he heard the praise. “The guy next to me,” Xander said.The Mercurius family knew from their first official visit that Johnson was going to work wonders with Xander and his brother, junior right-hander LJ Mercurius. “Skip is amazing,” Christina said. “He was very humble. He was very honest with us, he never tried to sell us. As I left, I already knew. I’m a mama bear, so I didn't want my kids to go far. I was comfortable when I left, like, 'OK, I know I'm gonna be OK to leave him there.'“To see Skip work with him and see him develop so much, it's just been amazing.”Like his mother, LJ was living and dying with every one of his brother’s 104 pitches from his perch in the left field bullpen. The brothers fought a lot as kids and didn’t attend the same high school, but have grown closer throughout the past year since playing on the same team. LJ gave his younger brother a pep talk this morning, letting him know he belongs on this stage and can pitch against anyone, including the No. 2 ranked offense nationally this season.“It's nothing other than special,” LJ told The Oklahoman from the field minutes following the game. “Extraordinary is the other word. It's just awesome. To get to see him every day and come this far this year is awesome. I honestly don't want it to end anytime soon.“He’s a freaking goofball and he’s always going to fight and compete.”REQUIRED READING: College World Series double the fun for brothers Kolby and Kyle Branch and familyNext, after a day off, Oklahoma will face the winner of Georgia-Texas at 6 p.m. Wednesday. If the Sooners win that, they're two wins away from a national championship — and Xander will play a vital role.Xander has a unique ability to block out noise. Amidst the raucous where a ferris wheel lights up the skyline and the smell of hot dogs and cotton candy fill the air, Xander is still. If you look closely enough in between pitches, you’ll notice him utter words of encouragement to himself.A ritual he started involves a deep breath and a glance over to wherever Christina is sitting during any given game. She says they locked eyes more than once during his career night.It was hard for Christina not to think back to the young kid watching the game he loves on his iPad or TV and perfecting his pitches in the backyard.“Now look at him,” Christina said with tears in her eyes. “In the College World Series as a freshman.”Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How OU baseball freshman Xander Mercurius dominated Georgia in CWS

INGLEWOOD, CA — Too many teams in the World Cup? Don’t tell that to the teams that defied expectations on Monday, June 15.When the field grew from the 32-team format to a whopping 48 for the 2026 edition, there were collective groans around the world about how adding 16 more teams would dilute the field. The global superpowers would trounce the inexperienced nations, only in the tournament because there were spots needed to be filled.But as sports often does, it flipped everything everyone thought they knew about the World Cup upside down.Monday belonged to the underdogs. “Today was the day,” said New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley. “Today’s the day for the lesser-ranked teams to be with these higher-ranked teams.”It was a day for some can’t-miss action.In the opening match, Cape Verde provided the most shocking result of the World Cup thus far by holding tournament favorite Spain scoreless for a 0-0 draw. Right after that, Egypt made Group G favorite Belgium work to get a 1-1 tie. Then in the nightcap, New Zealand did the same to Iran, playing effective offense to get a 2-2 draw.The results all sent shockwaves. Is Spain overhyped? Maybe Belgium isn’t as threatening as we thought. Iran isn’t a heavyweight and is dealing with all sorts of political unrest, but it’s still a solid team expected to make it to the knockout round. “We’ve maybe taken a few people by surprise in showing who we are in the football that we can play,” Bazeley said.It was a day worthy of celebrating for all three nations. Although there was plenty of reason to smile, it would be delusional to think the day’s result was the outcome each team wanted. Of course they wanted to win. But the thing to take away is Cape Verde, Egypt and New Zealand all didn’t lose, proving that David is a lot closer to Goliath than most think.This isn’t a stage any of those three nations are used to. Cape Verde just played its first World Cup match ever. Egypt is in its fourth tournament, while it’s the third for New Zealand. Yet, they don’t know what success looks like in the World Cup. Egypt and New Zealand each have played seven World Cup matches, and neither has won. In fact, only Honduras (nine) has played more World Cup matches without recording a victory. When it feels like you could just pencil in some results the way you automatically put a No. 1 seed through the second round in March Madness, the potential Cinderellas are there to remind you that they can compete with just about anyone.“In the world of football, it’s leveling,” Bazeley said. “The big teams have still got great players, but every team here at the World Cup has threats.”Monday showed all three may not have to wait long to get that signature win. It may have come as a surprise to most, but best believe none of the underdogs don’t view it the same.Actually, a tie seems like a little bit of a letdown.“If people were surprised, then maybe they haven't been following because we have such a talented group,” said New Zealand’s Elijah Just, who scored both of his team’s goals to become the first Kiwi to score twice in a World Cup match. “We work really hard and coming into the tournament, our goal was to get out of the group. So yeah, we're almost a little bit disappointed. We think that today could have been three points, but of course, a lot of positives and now we look forward,” he added.Bazeley echoed the same sentiment, feeling good his squad got a point but disappointed it let that first World Cup win slip away.Cape Verde, Egypt and New Zealand all commanded everyone’s attention, and are on the cusp of fully breaking through.Will they win the World Cup? Probably not, but when there’s plenty of headliners on a crowded stage, three nations showed on Monday their spot on stage is well deserved.“It's the World Cup. It's the biggest football event in the world and when you turn up, you have to expect that every team is going to be a challenge,” Just said. Contributing: Nancy ArmourThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup underdogs power through to show they belong in tournament

Iran’s defiance in the face of Western aggression has become a rallying cry.

A new Israeli-Palestinian political party, A Place For Us All, was born out of joint activism and organizing focused on the daily realities on the ground, not grandiose policies.

The 2026 World Cup continues on Tuesday with Groups I and J in action.Four star-filled matches are on the schedule with the finalists from the 2022 World Cup final in action, as well as Erling Haaland leading Norway in their first World Cup since 1998. Here's what you need to know for a busy day of soccer.France vs. SenegalTuesday, June 16 | 3 p.m. ET | East Rutherford, New Jersey | TV: FoxOdds: France (-220), Senegal (+600), Tie (+340)The 2022 World Cup runners-up look to make another deep run in the competition as they return yet another deep, dangerous roster under departing manager Didier Deschamps. Champions in 2018, Les Bleus were nearly back-to-back winners four years ago and remain one of the favorites this summer.This France team is so talented, even Paul Pogba, who was on the 2018 winning side, says that the 2026 squad is better than the one from Russia eight years ago."Yeah. I think everybody sees them as favorites," Pogba told ESPN. "They have to [be]. They have probably the best players in the world. But obviously, that is not enough to win a World Cup, and there is more pressure on them," he continued, adding that "they have to keep the standard as high as possible."Senegal faced France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup and shocked the reigning champions with a 1-0 victory. In only three appearances, the Lions of Teranga have done fairly well after making the quarterfinals in 2002 and the Round of 16 in Qatar in 2022.This will not be an easy game against a powerful France team, and points being very important with a rising Norway also in the group.Iraq vs. NorwayTuesday, June 16 | 6 p.m. ET | Boston | TV: FoxOdds: Iraq (+1300), Norway (-550), Tie (+600)The Røde, Hvite, Blå have returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and feature one of the world's most dangerous goal scorers in Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has shown his dominance on the club and international stage, but this competition will place him under an even bigger spotlight.Norway features a "golden generation" squad with Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth among those playing well for their club sides. There are expectations with this group, and anything short of advancing out to the Round of 32 would be labeled as a major disappointment.Iraq is still seeking its first World Cup point after failing to win any of its three matches in its only other appearance at Mexico 1986.The Lions of Mesopotamia needed to go through 21 qualifying matches to get here. They were boosted by the goals of Aymen Hussein, who scored nine times during qualifying, and a defensive block that will look to stunt Haaland's advances.Argentina vs. AlgeriaTuesday, June 16 | 9 p.m. ET | Kansas City, Missouri | TV: FoxOdds: Argentina (-260), Algeria (+750), Tie +360The reigning champions look to kick off their title defense with a better start than the 2022 World Cup, when they lost to Saudi Arabia. Will this be Lionel Messi's final games in an Argentina shirt? Time will tell, but Lionel Scaloni's squad will be eager to take an early three points in what is set to be a very tough group.Emiliano Martínez, the Golden Glove winner in 2022, will be between the sticks after recovering from a fractured ring finger on his right hand. It was only late last week when he began training using both gloves.Algeria reached the Round of 16 at Brazil 2014, but failed to qualify for the next two World Cups. The Fennecs are back, though they will miss veteran defender Ramy Bensebaini for the opening match due to injury.The side has set up base camp in Lawrence, Kansas, and picked up a strong local following. Featuring a large number of Algerian immigrants in the area, the team has earned the support of the area, and while Messi and Argentina will have their fans in attendance, the Desert Foxes will see a vocal contingent in Kansas City.Austria vs. JordanTuesday, June 16 | 12 a.m. ET | Santa Clara, California | TV: FS1Odds: Austria (-320), Jordan (+850), Tie (+460)Austria is back at the World Cup after a 28-year wait and looks to follow up a ninth-place finish at the 2024 Euros with a strong showing this summer. Das Team is full of experience, led by David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautović. Manager Ralf Rangnick's high press has delivered results, and this opening match will be a good opportunity to take an early three points.Jordan has been surging over the past year. After reaching their first-ever Arab Cup final in December, The Chivalrous Ones automatically qualified through the Asian Football Confederation.World Cup first-timers, Jamal Sellami's side will have to play organized if they are to scratch out points in this group. With a 48-team field and eight third-place teams advancing, the door is open for a surprise team like Jordan to sneak into the Round of 32.

Ayyoub Bouaddi: United emerge as frontrunners for World Cup hero Manchester United are looking to revamp their midfield department with Michael Carrick eyeing as many as three new signings.The Red Devils have already agreed a deal with Atalanta for Ederson, while the English giants are currently locked in talks over a deal for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.Despite stiff competition from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur, INEOS remain confident of sealing the deal for the Portugal international as early as this month.Deals for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali have fallen through, which means United are currently scouring the market for their third signing.United in pole position for Ayyoub BouaddiBournemouth pair Alex Scott and Tyler Adams are on the club’s radar, even though the Cherries will make it as difficult for United as possible. This is why the co-owners have widened their search to players outside the English top flight.It was recently reported that Arsenal and Liverpool have opened talks with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi, but Football FanCast have a blockbuster update on the Moroccan.They claim that the Old Trafford side are in pole position and have opened club-to-club talks with the Ligue 1 giants for the 18-year-old.“Arsenal, PSG and Liverpool have all held talks with the camp of Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi. However, it is United who have launched their move in recent days and made the most concrete steps to sign the 18 year-old, Football FanCast sources understand.What a stunning World Cup debut for Ayyoub Bouaddi“Red Devils chiefs have enquired with Lille over the cost of the deal, and are the only suitor to make club-to-club contact so far. They believe Bouaddi, who was born in France, would be open to joining up with Carrick this summer. Lille are expected to demand upwards of £70m for the teenager.”The price tag is bound to be as high, judging from the Morocco international’s exploits against Brazil in their World Cup opener.He literally played Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes off the park, with the United superstar forced to come off at half-time.United have been long-term admirers of the midfield wonderkid, whose price will only skyrocket as the tournament progresses.Lots of suitors for Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose price will only keep risingThe balance and poise shown by Ayyoub Bouaddi on the ball and his work-rate off it heralded the birth of a new superstar in world football.Whether INEOS can pull off this deal remains to be seen. But fans will be excited nonetheless after reading this update.Feature image Kevin C. Cox via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Mets get major trade deadline update for Francisco Lindor reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Mets are hopeful that shortstop Francisco Lindor will return sometime in June, with the expectation that the switch-hitting future Hall of Famer is going to get back to the level that everybody knows he can play at. Prior to his last appearance on April 22 for New York, Lindor was one of the worst stars in baseball.It's almost crazy to say, but Lindor was perhaps having one of his worst starts that we've seen in a Mets jersey, and that's wild to think about considering what we've seen him do to start years in the past.The 32-year-old was hitting just .226 with 19 strikeouts, two home runs, and five RBIs in 93 at-bats.While it was ugly, I personally expect Lindor to bounce back and return from this injury at the level that we all know he can play at. If he does, there's a good chance the Mets are going to be buyers at the trade deadline, as the latest report suggests that how he looks and how the team looks will have a major impact on the decisions at the trade deadline.“Francisco Lindor is expected back at some point this month, New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Friday. While the exact date remains unknown, the star shortstop’s return holds significant meaning for the Mets’ chances of a turnaround and their direction come the Aug. 3 trade deadline,” Will Sammon of The Athletic wrote.I'm in a weird position when it comes to the Mets and buying. On the one hand, I can understand why David Stearns wants to continue to improve this roster, even if it's for years beyond this. At the same time, the Mets just haven't played well this year, and buying can hurt the future more than it could help.More MLB news:Dodgers predicted to add star, but his name isn’t Tarik SkubalYankees rumors should lead to trade for former No. 1 pickYankees seemingly showing they won’t fix biggest trade deadline needBlue Jays and Mets predicted to make most obvious dealRed Sox predicted to make strange Aroldis Chapman decision

Jun 15, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) hits a three-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Tonight showed what the Athletics are capable of when their pitching does its job. The team got the start it needed from J.T. Ginn, who has become its most consistent starter. The A’s offense, led by Kurtz’s three-hit, two-home-run All-Star-caliber performance, provided Ginn plenty of run support in this 11-2 series-opening victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park.A’s Waste Early Scoring OpportunityIn the bottom of the first, Pirates starter Jared Jones worked into trouble. A’s first baseman Nick Kurtz, catcher Shea Langeliers and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom opened the frame with three consecutive singles. Jones responded by striking out the next three hitters, and the A’s came away empty-handed despite loading the bases with no outs.A’s starting pitcher J.T. Ginn got off to a good start, pitching a scoreless first two innings, only giving up a single and a walk.A’s Take the Lead with a Three-Spot!With one out in the bottom of the second, Athletics’ center fielder Henry Bolte hit his fifth double of the season to the right field corner. Second baseman Jeff McNeil promptly delivered an RBI single to left field, with Bolte beating the throw home to give the hosts a 1–0 lead. That hit snapped the veteran infielder’s 0-for-20 streak.The A's strike first 👊 pic.twitter.com/9lQ4v9EXOs— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) June 16, 2026The A’s were not done scoring that inning. Kurtz made it two hits in two at-bats as he hit his 17th home run, a two-run 112 mph line drive missile over the left field fence. Now THAT'S an All-Star#VoteAthletics ⭐️ https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/rF675Gpgs6— Athletics (@Athletics) June 16, 2026Ginn Keeps A’s in FrontGinn got the first two outs in the third inning before allowing an infield single and a walk. The A’s starter struck out Pirates’ right fielder Ryan O’Hearn to escape the runners in scoring position threat unharmed and complete the shutdown inning. The Pirates first batter of the fourth inning reached on A’s third baseman Zack Gelof’s sixth fielding error of the season. Then, the Pirates’ catcher Endy Rodriguez singled, making it two on with no outs for the visitors. Center fielder Jake Mangum blooped a one-out RBI single to left field to get the Pirates on the scoreboard. Ginn limited the damage to one run by inducing an inning-ending double play that he started on a comebacker. Like the A’s in the first inning, the Pirates failed to capitalize on a runner at third with fewer than two outs.So many times, the pitcher fires wildly to second base here.Instead, J.T. Ginn gets off the mound well, makes an accurate throw and starts a 1-4-3 double play to end a lengthy fourth inning with only one run allowed. pic.twitter.com/FO0EmFwpg9— Theo DeRosa (@Theo_DeRosa) June 16, 2026McNeil Having A GameThe Athletics regained the momentum in the bottom of the fourth. Right fielder Lawrence Butler led off the inning with an infield single. He moved to second on Bolte’s groundout and then scored on McNeil’s third home run of the season, a two-run shot into the A’s bullpen in right field. GO JEFF GO #VoteAthletics ⭐️ https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/k8qvnTcW3q— Athletics (@Athletics) June 16, 2026Ginn fired an eight-pitch, 1-2-3 shutdown fifth inning, keeping the A’s up 5-1. Jones did not come out for the fifth as right-handed reliever Carmen Mlodzinski entered out of the Pirates bullpen.A’s Add a Sixth Run Soderstrom greeted Mlodzinski with a single to right. A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson followed with a fly ball to right field that O’Hearn failed to catch, resulting in a ground-rule double that advanced Soderstrom to third. With one out, Gelof lined an RBI single up the middle to score Soderstrom, extending his hitting streak to 19 games—the longest active streak in the majors. Mlodzinski retired the next two batters as the A’s only pushed one run across in the fifth inning.19-game hit streak for Zacky G 👏#VoteAthletics | https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/VgoWYxiCSR— Athletics (@Athletics) June 16, 2026The Pirates got two singles against Ginn in the sixth, yet the A’s burgeoning ace wiggled out of another jam to finish six strong innings of work. He earned his fifth win, allowing just one unearned run on six hits while recording three strikeouts, eight groundouts, and six fly outs.Ginn delivered 👊 pic.twitter.com/ssm5KK31h4— Athletics (@Athletics) June 16, 2026Right-handed reliever Justin Sterner replaced Ginn in the seventh inning. He preserved his team’s five-run lead, striking out two in a scoreless appearance.A’s Two-out Rally!Gelof reached on Pirates’ second baseman Brandon Lowe’s fielding error with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Butler punished the visitors’ mistake by lining an RBI double off the left-center field fence, scoring Gelof from first to give the A’s their seventh run of the night. Law Dawg cranks an RBI double 🐶 pic.twitter.com/l7VPrKPZtO— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) June 16, 2026Bolte kept the inning going by speeding down the line to beat Pittsburgh’s third baseman’s throw across the diamond. Then McNeil lined a single into right field for his fourth RBI of the game. Kurtz put an exclamation mark on the inning with his second home run of the game and 18th of the season, a three-run opposite-field shot that just snuck over the left field fence. The hosts’ seventh inning rally off Mlodzinski doubled their advantage. 5 RBIs 🤝 5 Votes per day#VoteAthletics | https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/UQaeyIlZVu— Athletics (@Athletics) June 16, 2026With three more home runs today, the Athletics set a franchise record for the most home runs over a seven-game span. Additionally, Kurtz’s seventh home run since last Sunday left him one shy of the Athletics’ franchise record for home runs by a player in his first two MLB seasons. Big Amish doing big things 🧈 pic.twitter.com/QDcBugqk8l— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) June 16, 2026The “Big Amish” has shown no signs of a sophomore slump, as he now leads MLB in both RBIs and walks. How is he not in first place in the early All-Star voting? Pirates Score A Consolation RunIn the eighth inning, Rodriguez collected his third hit of the game, a two-out solo home run off A’s reliever Mason Barnett to make it an 11-2 game. Barnett came back out and sealed the A’s win with a scoreless ninth inning. Tomorrow, the A’s will return at the same time and place as they look to clinch the series against the Pirates and move above .500. Right-hander Jack Perkins will make his third start since joining the A’s rotation. Pittsburgh counters with right-hander Mitch Keller, who is 5-4 with a 5.14 ERA across 14 starts this season.

Spurs predicted to cut ties with veteran NBA champion after NBA Finals loss to Knicks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The San Antonio Spurs lost in five games against the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals, but they have nothing to hang their head over. The Knicks proved throughout their playoff run that they were the best team in the NBA, and for much of that series, the Spurs were just as good, if not better, than them. San Antonio's youth obviously became an issue at times, with the Knicks capitalizing on their mistakes and New York proving why depth and veteran leadership matter more than they sometimes get credit for.Now, because the Spurs have struggled with some of the young guys on their roster, it wouldn't be crazy to say they need to go out and add a veteran. However, that isn't expected to be the case, as there seems to be a better chance that San Antonio will cut ties with some of its older players. One of those guys could be Harrison Barnes, with a recent prediction suggesting that they'll cut ties with him.“He’s younger than Olynyk, but will be in his age 34 season next year. He just finished a three-year, $54 million contract. Could he yield a similar cap hit? If so, the Spurs have no reason to overpay for him. It’s hard to pass up on his consistency, but at some point, you have to figure out what’s worth it. It just doesn’t feel like Barnes is worth it when they can save money with a younger player,” Wynston Wilcox wrote.The one thing about Barnes is that while he didn't play a ton in the playoffs, getting just 17 minutes in the NBA Finals, he didn't have a bad regular season and gave the Spurs 25.8 minutes per night. That doesn't mean he's someone they should keep for the future, but it's important to remember that this is a team that won 60-plus games and was arguably the best in the Western Conference throughout the entire year. He played nearly 26 minutes and averaged 9.9 points, shooting 38.8% from 3-point range.More NBA news:Lakers trade proposal replaces Deandre Ayton, but there’s much more to itLakers proposal makes major trade including first-round pickLakers trade pitch lands Bucks star, and it isn’t Giannis AntetokounmpoLakers predicted to poach soon-to-be NBA championLevel of interest LeBron James has in joining the Warriors

Looking for fantasy football rookie rankings for your dynasty or keeper league? We have you covered.Injuries and radical personnel changes cannot be forecasted with much certainty. Variations in league settings and scoring formats notwithstanding, here are snapshot rankings depicting how the top rookies stack up for the long haul.This year's draft was widely expected to be a down year for fantasy purposes, and the landing spots disappointed in many cases. Nevertheless, it is our job to find diamonds when it appears there are none.These rankings will be updated as necessary throughout the summer.Rookie Rankings by PositionQuarterbacksPlayerTeamAgeFernando MendozaLV22Ty SimpsonLAR23Taylen GreenCLE23Drew AllarPIT22Carson BeckARI24Cole PaytonPHI23Cade KlubnikNYJ22Garrett NussmeierKC24Running BacksPlayerTeamAgeJeremiyah LoveARI20Jadarian PriceSEA22Jonah ColemanDEN22Emmett JohnsonKC22Nicholas SingletonTEN22Mike Washington Jr.LV22Kaytron AllenWAS23Demond ClaiborneMIN22Adam RandallBAL21Kaelon BlackSF24Eli HeidenreichPIT22Seth McGowanIND24Jaydn OttKC23Roman HembyLV23Wide ReceiversPlayerTeamAgeJordyn TysonNO21Carnell TateTEN21Makai LemonPHI21KC ConcepcionCLE21Chris Bell **MIA21Denzel BostonCLE22Skyler BellBUF23De'Zhaun StriblingSF23Germie BernardPIT22Antonio WilliamsWAS21Omar Cooper Jr.NYJ22Ted HurstTB21Bryce LanceNO23Ja'Kobi LaneBAL21Malachi FieldsNYG22Chris Brazzell IICAR22Zachariah BranchATL22Deion BurksIND23Elijah SarrattBAL23Brenen ThompsonLAC22Zavion ThomasCHI22Kevin Coleman Jr.MIA22Caleb DouglasMIA23Cyrus AllenKC23Malik BensonLV23** - Recovering from ACL tearTight EndsPlayerTeamAgeKenyon SadiqNYJ21Eli StowersPHI23Oscar DelpNO22Eli RaridonNE22Justin JolyDEN21Max KlareLAR22Michael TriggDAL23Top 50** - Recovering from ACL tearThis article originally appeared on The Huddle: 2026 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 1 QB (June Update)

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson gets excellent free agency news after winning NBA Finals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Mitchell Robinson perhaps had the most important rebound in New York Knicks history, securing an offensive rebound with seconds remaining in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs. Had the Spurs gotten that rebound, who knows what could have happened? While Robinson did what he had to do in the second half of Game 5, with Karl-Anthony Towns playing limited minutes due to being in foul trouble, I'd still go out on a limb and say that most Knicks fans, and the Knicks, can't really be too happy with how Robinson played in this series. That doesn't take away from him being the longest-tenured Knick, New York finally getting over the top and winning a championship once again, or anything else, but if we're going by how he played, things were not great.While I wasn't impressed with what Robinson did, and don't think the Knicks should re-sign him, as we've seen over the past few years that running back a similar team with all of the same core in the past hasn't worked, it doesn't sound like that's going to be a problem for New York. In fact, it sounds like the Knicks are ready to re-sign Robinson, with Brian Windhorst saying they're trying to keep him.“Mitchell Robinson, he is an unrestricted free agent in two weeks here, and the Knicks are going to definitely try to keep him,” Windhorst said Monday on SportsCenter. “[The Knicks] are about $8 million under the luxury tax line. They know they’re going over the luxury tax. They intend to make Mitchell an offer that will keep him. He might have some outside interest, but they’re going to make him a priority.”Perhaps now that Robinson has a championship and delivered what many Knicks fans were hoping for, he feels his time with the organization can be done, and he doesn't need to stay around. However, if continuity means anything to him, staying in New York might be the easiest outcome for him and the organization.More MLB news:Mets’ Freddy Peralta being traded to this team makes senseBlue Jays predicted to make blockbuster trade with Red SoxMets get major trade deadline update for Francisco Lindor reasonDodgers predicted to add star, but his name isn’t Tarik SkubalYankees rumors should lead to trade for former No. 1 pick

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pinch-hitter Miguel Rojas launched a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers erased an early deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 on Monday night in the opener of a six-game homestand.Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer for the Dodgers and threw out a runner at the plate from right field. Kyle Hurt (2-1) earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief, and Tanner Scott retired the side in order in the ninth for his eighth save.Rojas batted for Alex Freeland with one out in the seventh and sent the first pitch he saw from Steven Matz (4-4) into the left-field stands to snap a 3-all tie. It was the Dodgers’ first pinch-hit home run this season and the second of Rojas’ career.Eric Lauer allowed three runs over six innings for Los Angeles. He remains unbeaten in four starts since the Dodgers acquired him from the Toronto Blue Jays on May 17.Ryan Vilade hit a two-run homer and Taylor Walls executed a perfect safety squeeze for the Rays. Nick Martinez gave up five hits and three runs over 5 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out six.The Dodgers climbed out of a 3-0 hole to hand the Rays their fourth loss in five games. Vilade hit a towering homer in the first inning and Walls extended the lead with a safety squeeze to score Austin Slater in the second.Tucker tied it with one swing in the bottom half, pulling a full-count changeup from Martinez over right-field fence.Up nextRays RHP Drew Rasmussen (6-2, 2.71 ERA) looks to extend his 14-inning scoreless streak Tuesday night. LHP Justin Wrobleski (7-2, 2.95) starts for the Dodgers.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

BYU head coach Kevin Young looks to the floor as a play unfolds against Texas during a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament held at the Moda Center in Portland, Ore., on Thursday, March 19, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Finding size and better shooters are the off-season assignments for Kevin Young and his staff.BYU feels good with the point-scoring additions of Collin Chandler (Kentucky), Tyler Betsey (Syracuse), Dawson Baker (back from injury), returning point guard Rob Wright III and five-star freshman Bruce Branch III.It’s finding the size that’s taking a little more time.“This is something I’ve learned as I’ve gotten into college. Getting someone into school is a lot harder than I thought it would be,” Young told the “Y’s Guys” livestream show on Monday.“I thought you’d say, ‘Do you want to come to BYU?’ and they show up the next day like they do in the NBA. You sign a free agent, he’s literally there the next day. There are a lot of logistics that go into some of this stuff, particularly when you are scouring the globe.”The anxiety felt by Cougar Nation is recognized by Young and his staff, but the Cougars remain on track to signing a solution.“We have been in lockstep with one guy in particular for what feels like months,” he said. “There are certainly things we can’t talk about or report, but we feel great about where we are at with some of those things. Hopefully the plane lands soon enough and we can get some things out to the public. Make no mistake about it, my staff is tirelessly working on not just this year’s roster — we are tracking the next class and the next class after that.”The Big ThreeYoung will fire up his third season in Provo with his third freshman superstar in Branch.Already billed as a top-five selection for the 2027 NBA draft, Branch follows AJ Dybantsa, next week’s projected No. 1 pick and Egor Demin, who was the 8th-overall pick in the 2025 draft.“They are all super unique. They are different players with different strengths. They all affect the game in a different way,” Young said. “For me, it is a process. Egor had to learn physicality. AJ had to learn how to slow down. I think (with) Bruce, he affects the game is so many different ways, but there are going to be times when we need him to be a guy to go get a bucket, so what does that look like? Understanding when it’s time to turn it on and things like that.”Branch, a McDonald’s All-American from Gilbert, Arizona, just returned from representing the United States on the U-18 national team at the AmeriCup in Mexico.“He is just a simple guy. He likes to play basketball. He likes his family. He just loves to hoop,” Young said. “What’s been fun for me to see since he’s got here is just the level of work, the things he’s trying to improve on every day — just keep it simple and play basketball. I know that sounds overly simplistic, but sometimes, especially in this era, you can get caught up in a lot of the nonsense on social media. He is a young man who just puts his head down and works.”Branch’s work ethic comes from his mother, Constance.“For me, it’s not all about scoring,” Branch told the Y’s Guys. “I try to find other ways to help us win. For example, rebounding, my mom wants me to average 12-15 rebounds a game.”“That’s why I like (his) mom,” Young interrupted with a laugh.“She wants me to make the right plays. She doesn’t say, ‘Oh good shot’ or anything like that. She’ll say, ‘Great pass.’ She has shown me that it’s not all about scoring. You don’t need to score 30 points a game, (just) keep it simple and have fun.”Demin, Dybantsa and Branch are the kinds of players coaches dream about, but they still need to be coached.“There are just different things you have to teach these guys, and it is a process,” Young said. “I have to remind myself of how young (they) are, especially coming from the NBA, but it goes back to the character of these guys. All three are high-character guys and those are the types of guys we like working with the most.” Prolific Prep Bruce Branch (3) is seen against Dynamic Prep during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Monday, January 19, 2026, in Springfield, MA. | Gregory Payan Draft WatchNext week’s NBA Draft (June 23-24) will be the conduit to increasing BYU’s presence in the NBA from one (Demin) to three (Dybantsa and Richie Saunders).“I’m super excited about having what’s soon be three of our BYU guys in the NBA. Just for the pride of turning an NBA game on and watching our guys in the big leagues. That’s amazing,” Young said.“I’m super excited for AJ and Ritchie. I’m just like everybody else. I’m on pins and needles in terms of waiting to see where those guys are going to go. That’s something I said we wanted to do when I took this job. It’s been fun to see that come to light.”Saunders was sidelined with an ACL injury on Valentines Day, but his successful rehab has him thinking about playing next season.“I’m planning on it. This is not a redshirt season,” Saunders told the “Y’s Guys.”Ultimately, it’s going to be up to the front office. I don’t have an exact date, but this fall is my target.”Saunders projected as a second-round pick.“It’s all good stuff. I’m excited to see how it all plays out,” he said. “We are in a great spot.”Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com. BYU guard Richie Saunders (15) drives past Oklahoma State guard Vyctorius Miller (5) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in Stillwater, Okla. | Mitch Alcala

Jake, 10, met his best friend Tommy, 11, at Bristol Ringside [BBC]The founder of a boxing club offering young people structure, discipline and somewhere to belong says it "keeps them safe and gives them focus".Bristol Ringside, set up just 10 months ago, now runs several classes a week for children and teenagers aged six to 19. The charity says it was created to fill a gap left by the decline in youth clubs across the Chew Valley and south Bristol.Founder Jordan Doherty said: "God knows what some of them would be doing without this."Sam, who is 16-years-old, said: "To be honest, without boxing I'd probably be on the streets like all my mates, just getting up to no good." More from Bristol Boy was 'playfighting' before fatal stabbing - courtCan you block a driveway without a dropped kerb?Attempted murder arrest after hit-and-runFor some of the teenagers who train there, it has become a lifeline.As well as learning boxing skills, members complete circuit training and fitness sessions focused on discipline and routine.George, 13, joined the club last year. He has Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), which affects movement and coordination. His coaches say boxing has helped him improve his balance and control, helping him throw straighter punches – and George says it has changed his behaviour too."I've learned discipline," he said."My behaviour in school has got a lot better – things like rudeness. I'm actually listening to people now. You listen here, and then you take that back into school."Businessman Jordan Doherty, 37, is the founder and head coach [BBC]Bristol Ringside is based at Winford Cattle Market and already has more than 60 members, with space to take on more.Doherty gives his time for free, alongside other volunteers. Local businesses help fund equipment and travel to competitions.He said the club offers more than sport."For us seeing them progress makes it all worthwhile, it's worth everything."George, 13, started boxing last year and says it has changed his behaviour [BBC]For younger members, the club has also become a place to build friendships.Jake, 10, met his best friend Tommy, 11, through boxing. Although they go to the same school, they had never spoken before joining the club.Jake said he is pleased he has learnt practical self-defence skills from boxing.He now cannot imagine life without the club."I'd just be bored out of me mind," he added.Archie, 13, has travelled all over the country to compete [BBC]As well as improvements in discipline, respect, and self-esteem, the club is also getting results in the boxing ring.Archie, who has just turned 13, started boxing at Bristol Ringside nine months ago. He has already won three titles, including National Schoolboy Champion for his age group.Archie said he managed to stay focused during the final: "Adrenaline was just going right through me, nerves picking up, but I just stuck to my boxing, didn't get scrappy, throwing different combos, moving off, listening to coaches, and that paid off. "I was just flying, couldn't stop. Magnificent really," he added.Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More stories like this Inside the youth hubs tackling the knife crime effortBoxer converting skittle alley into community gymBoxing coach helping Ukrainian refugee achieve dream

Phillies not expected to replace Andrew Painter for this one reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.What was once viewed as one of the more impressive prospect pools in Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies' prospects just haven't been playing at the level that everybody has been hoping for over the past few years. Whether that be Andrew Painter struggling at the big league level, Aidan Miller dealing with what seems to be a major back issue, and other unfortunate realities, the Phillies need to be hopeful that a team is still willing to take a chance on some of their high-upside guys in the minor leagues.There's an obvious need for starting pitching now, but two teams have to make a trade for it to work out. The Phillies definitely need to add on that front, but according to the latest from The Athletic, the Phillies might not have the depth required in the prospect system to make a big trade for an elite starter.“I wouldn’t be surprised if they look for some swingman depth, but I don’t know that they’ll be prioritizing starting pitching — or that they have the depth required to trade for a strong starting pitcher,” Charlotte Varnes wrote.If there's one thing Dave Dombrowski has been very good with in the past, it's figuring out ways to improve his roster. I've been a bit disappointed with some of what he's done on the offensive side of things, but pitching-wise, he typically finds a way to get the job done. At the same time, I agree here that adding a starter might not be as easy as it sounds.More MLB news:Mets’ Freddy Peralta being traded to this team makes senseBlue Jays predicted to make blockbuster trade with Red SoxMets get major trade deadline update for Francisco Lindor reasonDodgers predicted to add star, but his name isn’t Tarik SkubalYankees rumors should lead to trade for former No. 1 pick

Do you need to win multiple World Cups to be considered the greatest soccer player of all time? Or is one simply enough?Those are questions hanging over Lionel Messi as Argentina begins its quest for back-to-back World Cups on Tuesday against Algeria. Messi, 39 on June 24, is certainly playing in his last World Cup. He even flirted with the idea of retiring after Argentina won its first World Cup since 1986 less than four years ago.But Messi is back for more. And can another win for Argentina vault him over Pelé and all others in debates about who is the greatest player ever?The case for PeléThe legendary Brazilian is the only player ever to win three World Cups. Pelé, now 82, won his first World Cup at the age of 17 in 1958. As he became the youngest player to ever play in the World Cup at the time, he also scored two goals in Brazil's 5-2 win over Sweden in the final.Brazil repeated the feat four years later even though Pelé appeared in just two games due to injury. After England won the 1966 World Cup — the nation has famously failed to reach a World Cup final since — and Brazil didn't make it out of the group stage that season, Pelé added a third World Cup in 1970 before retiring from international play the following season.World Cup hub | Viewer's guide | Rankings | Predictions | Players to watchHis goals-to-matches ratio at the World Cup is simply otherworldly. Pelé scored six goals as a teenager in that 1958 World Cup and added four more in 1970. In total, he has 12 World Cup goals in just 14 matches. Messi has one more goal than Pelé does at the World Cup. But he's already played in 12 more matches.Overall, Pelé scored 77 goals across 92 international caps for Brazil and helped revolutionize the game of soccer as he became a cultural icon. After a near two-decade club career at Santos in Brazil, he joined the New York Cosmos for three seasons at the end of his career. Even though he was not the player he once was, Pelé's move to the now-defunct North American Soccer League paved the way for other stars to come to the States long before Messi decided to spend the final years of his career in Miami.Lionel Messi can solidify status as soccer's GOAT with another titleHayden Hodge/Yahoo SportsThe case for Messi as GOATPelé may have more World Cup trophies, but good luck finding anyone else with a résumé that compares to the Argentina legend. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or, the award for best men's soccer player, eight times. That's three more than any other player.(Note: Pelé was ineligible to win the award, which was given only to European players during his career. In 2016, France Football redid previous awards under the current standards and deemed that Pelé would have won seven Ballon d'Ors.)Messi's club teams have won their leagues 13 times, including in Spain, France and the United States. He won four Champions League titles while at Barcelona, and scored 627 goals across 714 matches with the club across all competitions before moving to PSG in 2021. For his club career, Messi has averaged 1.32 goals and assists per 90 minutes played. Cristiano Ronaldo, the only man who can be considered Messi's modern contemporary, has a career average of 1.11 goals and assists per 90 minutes.Messi also has the top-level longevity that Pelé didn't have. Pelé's last World Cup came when he was 29 years old. Tuesday’s game against Algeria will make Messi the first player to appear in games in six World Cups, though Ronaldo will join him in that club soon after and Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa will as well if he plays at all during the tournament.There's no debating Messi's cultural relevance, either. As the most popular athlete in the world, he's also being introduced to the millions of Americans who aren't soccer fans. Go to any grocery store and simply count how many times you see his likeness. He's everywhere, selling things like potato chips and beer. And a certain home improvement store is even selling a giant inflatable Messi to put in your yard.Why Messi can top Pelé in 2026Four years ago, Messi had a career-high 10 goals and assists over seven games as he led Argentina to the World Cup title. Yes, four of his seven goals were from the penalty spot, but he played every single minute of the tournament as the focal point of his team's offensive attack at the age of 34. And he scored twice in the World Cup final, including from open play in the 108th minute before the match went to extra time.The tournament was the crowning moment of an indescribable career. And if Messi can lead this Argentina team to another World Cup title, it'll be an even bigger feat.No team has won back-to-back titles since Pelé's Brazil and Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as an older version of itself without many real tests in the past four seasons.Ángel Di María is the only starter from the 2022 team who isn't returning for 2026. The familiarity among Argentina's starters is a definite asset. But its key players haven't been in the best of form, either.Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) and Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) had up-and-down club seasons. Center back Lisandro Martínez played just 19 games due to injury at Manchester United. And his defensive partner Nicolás Otamendi is also 38 years old.The attack is stout with Julián Alvarez up front and Lautaro Martinez fully healthy for this World Cup and set to come off the bench. But it also still hinges on Messi, who was still playing Champions League soccer at the time of the 2022 World Cup.Now, he's spent two seasons in MLS, a league that's gotten significantly better but is still behind Europe's top leagues. And it's not like Argentina has tested itself recently against top opponents, either. Yes, Argentina cruised through CONMEBOL qualifying, but its list of opponents since a 1-0 loss to Ecuador on Sept. 9, 2025 are, in order, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Angola, Mauritania, Zambia, Honduras and Iceland.With a favorable group, Argentina should cruise to the knockout rounds — though a 2022-like early stumble isn't out of the question. Remember, the Argentines lost to Saudi Arabia to open the tournament. But the knockout-round path may well include Portugal and England to make another final.To slay those teams, Messi will need to be at the peak of his powers. Argentina isn't good enough to win the tournament if he isn't. That's asking a lot of a man turning 40 less than a year after the conclusion of the tournament. There's also no other player in the world who could shoulder that burden.

Lakers expected to at least make one upgrade this offseason in major way originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of holes, and I'd go so far as to say that, after watching the NBA Finals, they have to be very worried about what their future looks like. It was rather obvious that the Lakers just don't have the same caliber of talent as some other teams in the NBA, and for a team with Luka Doncic and other star players, that's just as big an issue as anyone could imagine. The Lakers have to hope things change for them over the next few months, as they have assets and players to trade, but that doesn't mean everything will work out. Among the many moves that the Lakers need to make, finding a competent center seems to be at the top of the priority list. According to the latest from NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN, there's a strong expectation that, at the very least, the Lakers are going to do something at the center position.“They’re going to do something at the center position. If they don’t do it in free agency, they’re going to make a trade. They’re going to have an upgrade at center. Just how big the upgrade is, we’ll wait and see. I’m sure they have plan A, B C, D, and E,” Windhorst said, H/T Heavy.Now, I don't want to be on the side of caution that says the Lakers aren't going to improve on all fronts, but to hear they're focused on the biggest task at hand is important. The Lakers, unfortunately, won't have many options to choose from, as the center market isn't exactly strong.More NBA news:Lakers get bad news on Knicks NBA champion Lakers trade proposal replaces Deandre Ayton, but there’s much more to itLakers proposal makes major trade including first-round pickLakers trade pitch lands Bucks star, and it isn’t Giannis AntetokounmpoLakers predicted to poach soon-to-be NBA champion

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty ImagesCape Verde’s World Cup debut against Spain led to the kind of breakout moment only this tournament can deliver.Spain’s pressure made the 0-0 draw feel like an early shock of the group stage, but the biggest individual story came from the player who stood between Cape Verde and defeat.By the time social media caught up with the match, the scale of his rise was impossible to miss.Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty ImagesVozinha’s Instagram following jumps past Josh Allen after Cape Verde hold Spain to a drawBefore the match, Vozinha had around 50,000 Instagram followers. By the end of the day, that number had climbed to 5.3 million, roughly 2.3 million more than Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who sits near the two million mark.The contrast is striking. Allen is an NFL MVP and one of the most recognizable names in American sports, while Vozinha was an unknown figure to most fans outside Cape Verde before the tournament kicked off.Vozinha’s story grew out of the way he stood up to Spain’s attack. Cape Verde were making their tournament debut, and his string of saves helped turn a match many expected Spain to control into a scoreless result that traveled worldwide.Different sources credited Vozinha with seven or eight saves, but the numbers barely captured the impact. Spain kept pushing, and he kept Cape Verde in it.Vozinha during Spain’s draw turns into World Cup social media surgeThe jump in followers says as much about the World Cup as it does about one player.Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar Dias, is 40 years old and has played in several countries, but never in the kind of club spotlight that usually brings global fame.Brazilian and international soccer accounts helped spread the story, while fans rallied around the image of a veteran goalkeeper from Cape Verde standing up to one of the sport’s traditional powers.The Josh Allen comparison works because it shows how quickly the World Cup can make someone a global name. It does not suggest Vozinha has had a bigger career than an NFL superstar.One day earlier, Vozinha was a respected Cape Verde captain with a modest online following. After Spain, he became one of the clearest examples yet of how fast this tournament can make someone famous.Read more:Cape Verde star Ryan Mendes shown teammate Vozinha’s new social media following on live TV, it’s brilliantCape Verde’s hero vs Spain Vozinha opens up on US visa issue that stopped mom attending World CupCape Verde World Cup hero gains 3,100% more Instagram followers after Spain draw

New York Knicks owner James Dolan (center) celebrates with the Larry O'Brien trophy on Saturday night in San Antonio.Photograph: Ronald Cortes/Getty ImagesThe New York Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years may have been built on many things: Jalen Brunson’s brilliance, Mike Brown’s steady hand, a suffocating defense and a healthy roster when it mattered most.According to much-maligned team owner James Dolan, it may also have required a little self-denial.A video released Monday by the Roommates Show podcast revealed that Dolan urged Knicks players to consider abstaining from sex during what he anticipated would be a 10-week march to an NBA title, part of a broader appeal for sacrifice delivered shortly before the playoffs began.“I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks,” Dolan told players during a surprise speech to the team on 3 April. “The Spartans, they denied themselves, right, so they can have an edge. Get the edge.”The remarks came as part of a lengthy address in which Dolan implored the team to seize what he described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to end one of the longest championship droughts in North American sports.“This team can win it all,” Dolan said. “I don’t know if you understand what it would mean for you to win the championship this year. It would be life-changing for all of you.”At the time, the Knicks had five regular-season games remaining. They would go on to win four of them before resting starters in the finale, then storm through the postseason with a 16-3 record, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games to capture the franchise’s first title since 1973.Related: Knicks in five and the NBA is alive: New York’s era-defining title is a win for the believersDolan’s comments have quickly become the most discussed portion of the speech, though the owner framed the suggestion as part of a wider message about commitment and discipline. He urged players to improve their diets, prioritize sleep and eliminate distractions during the playoffs.“It’s not a long time,” Dolan said. “Sacrifice everything you’ve got these next 10 weeks to win that championship.”The Knicks owner also acknowledged that any championship pursuit would require buy-in from players’ families.“Go home, talk to your wives,” Dolan said. “Don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this commitment is going to be like, and how they’re going to have to sacrifice too.”“They were a little surprised, but the words hit,” a source told SNY.Whether any Knicks players followed Dolan’s advice remains unclear. One person who apparently did not was head coach Mike Brown.Speaking to the New York Post after the video surfaced, Brown said he had no intention of implementing the owner’s recommendation in his own household.“There was no way that I could get that done,” Brown told the Post.The speech was delivered during Brown’s first season in charge after replacing Tom Thibodeau, a controversial coaching change that Dolan also addressed during the meeting. He told players that Knicks leadership believed the roster was talented enough to compete for a title but needed a more collaborative approach.