We are just seventy-nine days from Texas football being back. Today, I wanted to shed light on a player that I feel is being overlooked this offseason: Ryan Niblett. The junior made national waves on special teams last season and that’s expected to continue, but is he being overlooked as an offensive playmaker? We saw Sarkisian look to get him involved more later last season and I expect that to continue in 2026. “I thought Michael Terry and James Simon did some nice things running the ball and let’s not forget about Ryan Niblett.” — Sarkisian on the running back room. https://t.co/HRGnQwiorZ— Eric C. Henry (@EricCHenry_) March 9, 2026Niblett has shown he’s special with the ball in his hands. The ability to create something out of nothing is as good as anyone on the team. Sarkisian is going to look for ways to get him on the field and give him chances on screens, end arounds and more. While the return game is the headline, I believe Niblett as an offensive playmaker will be a gamechanger this season. Last season, Niblett tallied just 5 carries for 15 yards and 8 catches for 60 yards. He was moved to the defensive side of the ball before the season and never found a permanent home. This season, I’d bet he is consistently in at RB, especially on 3rd downs. Partly because other teams know how dangerous he is, which can open opportunities for others. Ryan Niblett's motion opens up a man advantage in the box for Texas' blockers. Wisner does the rest on a cutback.Finally, Sarkisian is putting Niblett on the field to help get other players involved, not just to force feed it when the entire defense is watching him. pic.twitter.com/SnPfmX4LO8— Evan Vieth (@EvanVieth) November 5, 2025With names like Arch Manning, Cam Coleman and Colin Simmons on this team, it’s easy to lose track of the depth pieces. However, it’s those players that will decide if Texas lifts a trophy this season. Niblett fits firmly into that group. He won’t be the most talked about or the headliner of the team, but he can fundamentally change games just like he did last season. Ryan Niblett is known as a special teamer. I believe he’s just a special player and it seems Steve Sarkisian does as well. This season, Niblett will find the field on offense and will make a game changing play or two. He might be overlooked heading into the season but I find it unlikely he’ll be overlooked by season’s end.This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: One of Texas' top playmakers being overlooked?

Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner corrected his birth year on Thursday, saying he was born in 2001.Every site from Pro Football Reference to ESPN to TheAthletic.com lists Gardner's birthday incorrectly as Aug. 31, 2000, which would make him 25 years old."I’m 24," Gardner said, via James Boyd of TheAthletic.com. "It's crazy that I'm even being asked this."Gardner's age is even incorrect in EA Sports Madden NFL."It's wrong in Madden, too?" Gardner said. "That's crazy because I never checked. Because when it comes to the paperwork and everything I've signed, it all says '01. So I don't know where or how it got messed up unless people just get it straight from Google."

Tottenham Hotspur have completed their third summer signing, securing Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.The move for Van Hecke comes after a challenging 2025-26 campaign for Spurs, where Roberto De Zerbi’s team narrowly secured Premier League survival with a final-day home victory over Everton.De Zerbi, who worked with Van Hecke for two seasons at Brighton, earmarked the Netherlands defender as a key component of rebuilding Tottenham. After two earlier bids were rejected, a £52 million offer was accepted, and the 26-year-old has signed a long-term contract.Van Hecke said: "It’s a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true. I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I’m looking forward to working with again. Micky (van de Ven) has also told me some great things about the club, so I can’t wait to get started. “I’ve been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I’m looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment."Roberto De Zerbi has worked with Van Hecke before (Reuters)After De Zerbi rescued Spurs with three wins during his seven matches in charge, the Italian warned lessons must be learned following back-to-back 17th-place finishes. The club’s majority owners, the Lewis family, have promised to fund the required rebuild.Tottenham’s initial focus has been on defence, with left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi joining on free transfers before Van Hecke’s services were secured. This aims to bolster a team which conceded 122 goals in the last two league campaigns.De Zerbi said: "Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together at Brighton, and I’m delighted to be working with him again. He is a strong, intelligent centre-back who is brave in possession and plays with personality. “Those are important qualities for the way I want our team to set-up. Off the pitch he is mature, a leader and has a hunger to learn and improve every day. Jan Paul has made great progress over the past few years and I believe he can develop even further here at Tottenham Hotspur."Van Hecke began his career in his homeland with NAC Breda before Brighton signed the Netherlands international in 2020.De Zerbi handed Van Hecke his debut during the 2022-23 campaign, and the ball-playing centre-back has since emerged as one of the best players in the Premier League in his position, but will not link up with his new team until after the World Cup.

Jacob Misiorowski is back.One week after his multiple-record-setting performance against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 12, The Miz is getting back on the mound in the Milwaukee Brewers' series opener in Atlanta against the Braves on Friday, June 19.Last time out, Misiorowski led the Brewers to a 6-0 win over the Phillies with one of the greatest pitching performances in Major League Baseball history.Nine innings, 15 strikeouts, no walks and one hit, in 95 pitches.His final K was the most by a pitcher in Major League Baseball history in a complete-game shutout of 100 pitches or fewer. The 15 punchouts tied Corbin Burnes for the second-most in Brewers franchise history, trailing only Ben Sheets' 18 in 2004, and his outing was only the third shutout with 15 strikeouts and one base runner allowed in MLB history.What time does Jacob Misiorowski pitch vs Braves on Friday?Date: June 19Time: 6:15 p.m. CTWhat channel is Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers vs Braves on Friday?TV channel: The game is on Brewers.TV. For Brewers.TV, channels include 1263 on XFinity, 670 on DirecTV and 1743 on U-Verse. For Spectrum customers, the channel varies, depending on the local system – check 308, 1308, 319, 317 and 469 for the channel or channels in your community.Live stream: The broadcasts are available on Brewers.TV and through the MLB app. A full-season plan costs $99.99 and monthly plans are $19.99. It includes all games not covered by a national broadcast, like ESPN or AppleTV. Fubo also offers a free trial for new subscribers.Announcers: Jeff Levering or Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Bill Schroeder, Vinny Rottino or Tim Dillard (analysts) and Sophia Minnaert (field reporter) will call the games.Brewers vs Braves start times Friday, Saturday and SundayDates: June 19-21Times: 6:15 p.m. CT June 19, 3:10 p.m. June 20 and 12:35 p.m. June 21Brewers schedule and probable pitchers vs BravesJune 19: Milwaukee RHP Jacob Misiorowski (8-1, 1.34 ERA) vs. Atlanta LHP Martín Pérez (5-3, 2.90)June 20: Milwaukee LHP Kyle Harrison (8-1, 2.47) vs. Atlanta LHP Chris Sale (8-5, 2.30)June 21: Milwaukee LHP Robert Gasser (0-3, 4.88) vs. Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (5-4, 3.15)This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski will pitch next vs Braves this weekend

The “Law & Order: SVU” actress “was really scared” about starring in “Every Brilliant Thing.” Who does she look to for inspiration? The Knicks, of course.

The late actor's Los Angeles farmhouse was just listed for sale. READ MORE...

Most of them wouldn't pass muster during an inspection. READ MORE...

After the first week of 2026 World Cup action, Brazil is still seeking its first victory in group play. If the tournament's five-time champion is to pick up three points on Friday against Haiti, it will reportedly have to do so without Neymar.The 34-year-old is set to miss the group-stage match in Philadelphia with a calf injury, The Athletic reported on Thursday. Neymar didn't play in Brazil's Group C opener, either. He sat out the 1-1 draw versus Morocco last week.Neymar, who notably starred for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain earlier in his career, suffered the injury in the lead-up to the World Cup and was expected to need two to three weeks before he'd be fit to take the pitch again. That timeline was provided by Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar on May 28, per The Athletic.It's been three weeks since then, however. When Friday rolls around, it will have been 22 days since Lasmar's comments.Group C standingsWTLGDPts.1Scotland100132Brazil010013Morocco010014Haiti001-10Neymar has been dealing with a Grade 2 calf injury that was revealed in an MRI, Lasmar told reporters back in May. Initially, the setback was described by Neymar's current club, Santos, as a "minor calf" issue, as previously reported by The Athletic.This injury is the latest in Neymar's career. In the fall of 2023, he tore his left ACL and meniscus while playing for Al Hilal. A month earlier, Neymar surpassed Pelé as the all-time leading goalscorer in Brazil men's national team history.But 2023 was the last year Neymar has suited up for Brazil in international competition. Even so, he was selected to be part of the nation's revered World Cup squad this time around. He has piled up 79 goals in 129 international appearances.Neymar won’t travel with the team to Philly for Friday’s match, according to The Athletic, which also reported Thursday that he will continue his recovery process in New Jersey.Brazil will wrap group play with a June 24 match against Scotland in Miami.

NEW DELHI: India's dominant run in the ODI series against Afghanistan continued as Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan starred in a crushing 170-run victory in the second ODI, helping the hosts take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.After winning the first ODI by seven wickets, India produced another batting masterclass, led by captain Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Kishan. The duo stitched together a stunning 224-run partnership for the third wicket and completely took the game away from Afghanistan.Gill was at his elegant best, scoring 154 off just 110 balls with 22 fours and two sixes. The India captain also became the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 ODI runs in terms of innings. At the other end, Kishan was equally destructive, smashing 125 off 79 balls, including 14 fours and seven sixes.The partnership helped India race past the 300-run mark in only 35.5 overs, one of the fastest 300-plus totals by a team batting first in ODI cricket.But after the match, it was a light-hearted exchange between the two batters that caught everyone's attention.In a video shared by the BCCI, Kishan jokingly blamed Gill for missing out on what could have been another double century."Mujhe 6 chakke marwaane ke chakkar mein mere 70 runs kam kar diye (You reduced my score by 70 runs)," Kishan said with a smile while speaking to Gill in the dressing room.The joke referred to an incident during India's innings. After Kishan smashed two consecutive sixes in the 37th over, Gill reportedly encouraged him to go for six sixes in the over. Kishan tried to continue the attack but ended up mistiming a shot and was caught in the deep on the very next delivery.— BCCI (@BCCI) Promoted up the order, Kishan made full use of the opportunity. His 125 was his first ODI century in four years, since his famous double hundred against Bangladesh. After the match, he hinted that he had his eyes on another double century before the dismissal.Gill, however, was quick with a cheeky response."Tujhe marna hi toh tha (You had to hit them anyway)," Gill replied with a laugh.Kishan immediately agreed."100%."With the series already secured, India will now look for a clean sweep when they take on Afghanistan in the third and final ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

It is officially U.S. Open week and Shinnecock isn’t holding anything back.This is one of the greatest weeks in golf as it puts the best players in the world to the most difficult test possible. We see players pushed to their limits and ultimately a National Champion emerges, one that is fitting to represent all that golf stands for.Golf as a whole stands for a lot of things and one of those is integrity. Abiding by the rules of the game are of critical importance, and this is something that everyone learns at the very beginning of their golfing journey.The folks at Deloitte are helping to make sure that those rules are more accessible and fan-friendly to all players, not just the professionals. Rules AI launched in pilot just a few weeks ago and delivers fast, trusted rules answers through the GHIN mobile app for anyone on the course.View this post on InstagramThis is an incredible use for AI. It is helping golfers out in the middle of their rounds rely on a point of technology that can problem-solve in the moment, all straight from the app on their phone.While the USGA is responsible as the governing body of the rules, the technology provided by Deloitte is what helps make this possible. They built it into a scalable, production-ready digital product that is smooth and seamless.If you are out on the grounds at the U.S. Open then you have a chance to experience this in a totally different light. There are 7-foot avatars that are helping to make this technology all the more real and tangible for fans in attendance.Let us know if you use this technology out on the course!

MLB is looking to make drastic changes to the draft. The league introduced a number of new proposals Thursday, which would eliminate high-school players from the event, significantly reduce the draft and hold a formal draft for international players, per multiple reports. Changes to the domestic draft — the one fans watch on MLB Network every July — were first reported by J.J. Cooper of Baseball America. Under the new proposal, high-school players would no longer be eligible to put their names in the draft. The earliest players would be eligible for the MLB draft would be following their sophomore year of college, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Additionally, the league would cut the draft from 20 rounds to 12 rounds moving forward. Draft bonuses would be reduced by more than 50 percent under the proposal, which would give teams an ability to trade draft picks and “establish hard draft slots,” per Cooper. That would essentially guarantee the signing bonus a draftee would receive based on their draft slot. The proposal, if adopted, could have massive consequences on the future of the sport. Often times, the biggest and best prospects in the game get drafted out of high school. While those picks can sometimes carry massive risk, they also carry massive reward. Alex Rodriguez, Clayton Kershaw, Manny Machado and Mike Trout are just a few examples of players who developed into superstars after being drafted out of high school. Bryce Harper wasn’t drafted out of high school, but left early and obtained his GED so he could be drafted at the same age as most high-school players. Under the new proposal, those players would have to wait until after their sophomore year of college to be eligible for the draft. Under the current system, those players were already in the majors around that age. Harper and Machado made their debuts at age-19. Kershaw was 20. Because of that, all three players were set to hit free agency at early ages, where they were all expected to set salary records, thus raising the cost of future free agents in the sport. MLB increasing the age at which players can get drafted would eliminate that scenario. It could also lead to more multi-sport athletes gravitating away from baseball once they get to college and potentially get more significant NIL offers to play other sports. Reducing the draft and establishing a hard draft slot system could result in some star players never getting a chance to reach the majors. A number of All-Star and Hall of Fame players have been selected in the draft after Round 12. Some of those names include Albert Pujols, Dave Parker and Ryne Sandberg, among many others. Those types of players may never get a chance to develop under the new policy. The ability to be drafted out of high school gives MLB a big advantage over other sports. Amateur prospects might opt for a career in baseball based on how early they could start their careers and how much money they could make in the draft. If MLB eliminates that possibility and caps spending, those prospects could find another sport far more enticing — and lucrative — in college. WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 02: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals bats during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park on Sunday, September 2, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Nationals won the game 4-3. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB via Getty Images)Rob Tringali via Getty ImagesMLB proposes international draftThe league also proposed a formal international draft Thursday. The league has desired an international draft for years, and also brought up the idea back in 2022, when MLB and the MLBPA engaged in a 99-day lockout.Under the new proposal, the league would hold an international draft for players 18 years old. It would have “12 hard-slot rounds, with an initial signing bonus pool totaling $200 million for 360 amateur players residing outside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico,” sources told ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. League owners have sought an international draft for years as a way to gain cost certainty over international prospects. Under the current system, players can sign with teams at 17. There are some limits on how much a team can spend on a player, but there are no hard slots on international player salaries. The new proposal would allow an unlimited number of undrafted players to “sign for a maximum of only $10,000 each, while also getting a $30,000 bonus upon graduating to a full-season minor league affiliate,” per Gonzalez. While the current system does have an age limit, teams rarely abide by it. Prospects reportedly agree to handshake deals with teams well before they turn 17. It leads to situations where corruption and pressure can ruin prospects and encourage predatory behavior. MLB believes an international draft would solve those issues. The MLBPA has countered that argument by saying MLB should punish the teams that engage in that type of corruption more severely if the league really cared about handshake deals with teenagers.MLB, MLBPA still negotiating new CBABoth proposals come as the league and the MLBPA are attempting to negotiate a new collective-bargaining agreement ahead of a Dec. 1 deadline. Both sides have already traded initial proposals with their demands. MLB is seeking a salary cap. While the players have proposed a salary floor. While both sides are talking, those negotiations are expected to linger long past that deadline, with a lockout possible, if not expected.Thursday’s draft proposals are another hint that negotiations will likely remain contentious. The players have long opposed both a salary cap and — more recently — an international draft. Both proposals would very likely limit player earnings moving forward, essentially making them non-starters for the union.

Tottenham complete the signing of Jan Paul van HeckeTottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke for a reported £52 million.The Dutch defender has been at the Seagulls since joining the club from NAC Breda in 20220 before having loan spells away at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers.The 26-year-old, who is currently at the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands, has shown improvements with Spurs now paying £52m to sign the player with Brighton & Hove Albion also possessing a 20% sell-on clause."It's a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it's a dream come true," the new Tottenham signing said on his unveiling."I already have a really strong connection with the Head Coach [Roberto De Zerbi], who I'm looking forward to working with again. Micky [van de Ven] has also told me some great things about the Club, so I can't wait to get started."I've been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I'm looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment."Last season, van Hecke played 40 games for Brighton in all competitions while also contributing three goals from defence.

A church leader in Indianapolis is doubling down on a sermon delivered at the Sure Foundation Baptist Church in the state’s capital city last week that called on gay people to “blow yourself in the back of the head,” among other incendiary statements. Church leader Justin Zhong endorsed the remarks delivered by lay pastor Stephen Falco during a Men’s Preaching Night service on June 29, including his assertion that, “There’s nothing good to be proud about being a f*g. You ought to blow yourself in the head in the back of the head. You’re so disgusting.” Related Preacher calls gay people “AIDS dispensers” in disgusting rant The church posted the sermon to YouTube, and it was widely denounced by members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies who called the hate-filled screed “theologically irresponsible” and “pastorally dangerous.” Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today YouTube has since removed the video for violating its terms of service. A portion of the sermon was reposted by radio station 93 WIBC Indianapolis. An Indianapolis church said members of the LGBTQ+ community should be put to death or kill themselves.During a recent sermon titled “Pray the Gay Away” inside the Sure Foundation Baptist Church on the northwest side of the city, church leader Stephen Falco said the community… pic.twitter.com/w8PDbG5hAD— 93 WIBC Indianapolis (@93wibc) July 3, 2025 “Why do I hate sodomites, why do I hate f*gs? Because they attack children, they’re coming after your children, they are attacking them in schools today, and not only schools in public places, and they’re proud about it!” Falco said during the Pride month sermon titled “Pray the gay away.” Another man identified in the same video as “Brother Wayne” followed Falco at the pulpit with a sermon he called “Worthy of Being Beaten,” according to the Indianapolis Star. He blamed society’s moral decline on a lack of discipline and physical punishment, calling beatings a deterrent that have been lost in American culture, while aiming his harshest rhetoric at immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. “I don’t even understand why we’re deporting these illegal criminals who are murderers, who are doing drug trafficking, sex trafficking, human trafficking. They’re putting them on a plane, and they’re sending them over to a prison in another country,” he said. “I say we put them to death right here. I say we beat them right here.” Brother Wayne said of gay people, “I think they should be put to death. You know what, I’ll go further. I think they should be beaten in public first for all their sick and demented, just [slur] and the things they’re doing to our schools, to our government, to our institutions, to our churches. These people should be beaten and stomped in the mud, and then they should take a gun and blow the back of their heads off.” While not officially associated with the notorious New Independent Fundamental Baptist Church, which has long espoused the death penalty for gay people, Sure Foundation Baptist Church says their pastor, Aaron Thompson, is a new IFB church member from Vancouver, Washington. Both churches are “KJV only”, referring to their literal interpretation of the gospel from the King James Bible. “The Bible is crystal clear that sodomites – homosexuals – deserve the death penalty carried out by a government that actually cares about the law of God,” said church leader Zhong in Falco’s defense. “I will not apologize for preaching the Word of God. I will not apologize for stating facts. I will not negotiate with terrorists, among whom the LGBTHIV crowd is full of domestic terrorists,” Zhong said, before citing multiple verses from the Bible to make his church’s case on Facebook. A sermon by Falco in March even directed ire at Donald Trump for appearing religious to secure political support while having a life of pride, perversion, blasphemy, and mockery of Jesus Christ. He cited Trump’s declaration that he would date his own daughter if they weren’t related. “Unless Donald Trump gets saved, which I hope he does … God will judge him for it and he will go to hell.” In his June sermon, Falco also wished death on former President Joe Biden, whom he described as “a wicked reprobate.” “I have prayed for the death of former President Biden many times,” he boasted. But Falco’s most outlandish and threatening rhetoric was reserved for the LGBTQ+ community, which he shouted down as “evil” and “disgusting”. Allies and activists rallied in the community’s defense, including an association of Black churches and activists. “Such messages are not only theologically irresponsible but pastorally dangerous,” faith-based civil rights group Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis said in a statement. “The pulpit must never be used as a weapon to dehumanize, isolate, or incite fear.” Equality Indiana called Falco’s sermon inflammatory and extremist, saying it could inspire violence against the community. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

JD Vance has commissioned a custom chicken coop to be installed at the official Vice Presidential residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory, where he will personally attend to the birds. What do you think? “Good for him, getting a promotion.” Loretta Bader, Digestion Consultant “So there’s actually a fate worse than the processing plant.” Jay Riley, Tribute Appraiser “If he really wanted to show off his hillbilly bonafides, he’d die in a mining disaster.” Aaron Thumm, Blender Salesman The post JD Vance To Personally Care For Chickens At Naval Observatory appeared first on The Onion.

With the departure of Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia this offseason via trade, there is now a hole opposite Dallas Turner. While this will likely be a rotation of players, the Minnesota Vikings will need to look to make a move to find him a running mate. With the 2027 NFL Draft absolutely stacked at EDGE rusher, Minnesota has ample opportunity to improve. While Colin Simmons and Dylan Stewart are the headliners in this group, the amount of depth to be found on days two and three is stellar. One name that stands out the most in the mind of ESPN's Matt Miller is Yhonzae Pierre out of Alabama. Pierre is a player going under the radar, but has immense upside and should see a bigger role in 2026. He has a similar build to Dallas Turner, and a pair of speed-oriented pass rushers would cause havoc.Pierre is still a work in progress, and 2026 will be a massive year for him. If he improves upon his eight-sack season from a year ago, there's a pathway for him to be in consideration for that third EDGE spot in the class. This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: One edge prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft Vikings fans should watch

It's no secret that the NASCAR Next Gen car has had a hard time on short tracks and road courses because it's so hard to pass. Let's dig into the details of how yaw angle and downforce impact passing on short tracks and what the latest solution from NASCAR will do. TTAC Creator Bozidar "Bozi" Tatarević is a Bosnian-American racing mechanic, writer, and technical consultant born in Sarajevo in 1986. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1995, he learned English in elementary school and eventually turned his passion for cars-fostered by his father Slav-into a full-time career. Laid off from a tech job in 2008, Bozi began wrenching professionally, eventually launching a shop and car export business with his family. His technical message board posts led to a writing career with outlets like TTAC, Motorsport.com, Road & Track and Racecar Engineering.In 2018, he made his pro mechanic debut at Watkins Glen and now works as a tire carrier and mechanic for Vasser Sullivan Racing in IMSA, with 10 wins and a 2023 GTD Pro title. Bozi also consults via his agency Podium Prime, with clients ranging from race teams to media production companies.Ed. Note: this podcast initially ran several months ago, so it's been moved so that those who missed it the first time get a chance to see it.The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.Below is an AI-generated summary of the video transcript, which has been edited by a staffer.[Images: YouTube thumbnail]Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.

Gary Redus had 146 stolen bases over four MLB seasons for the Cincinnati Reds from 1982 to 1985, and played a total of 13 MLB seasons for five teams.But the Reds' 15th-round pick in the 1978 draft did something truly remarkable that summer, and MLB's official Twitter/X account paid tribute in a tweet calling Redus' 1978 season for the Reds' rookie-level team in Billings, Montana, "the greatest statistical season in professional baseball history.""In 1978, Gary Redus hit .462 with 100 runs scored, 42 stolen bases, 17 home runs," MLB tweeted. "And before that season, he almost stopped playing. It was his mom who convinced him to keep going."A video accompanied the tweet, with the narrator explaining, "Gary Redus spent the entire 1978 season making the Pioneer League look like tee ball. Nobody could touch him that year. And it's all thanks to … his mom?""When the Cincinnati Reds drafted him in the 15th round, he had a decision to make," the narrator continued. "It all came down to his mom, whose three simple words quickly would change his life. 'Just go play.' And he did. And he did it better than anyone could have possibly predicted. The Billings Mustangs … went 50-18 that season, and rolled their way into a league championship. Thanks in no small part to Redus' historic performance."Redus' son, Gary II, became Rutgers' women's basketball head coach in March.This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Gary Redus gets 'greatest statistical season in baseball history' nod

Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese beef history, explained: What WNBA rivals have said since 2023 NCAA championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have gone from the faces of women's college basketball to the spotlight of the WNBA.Both catapulted to stardom during the 2023 national championship game, which saw Reese and LSU claim their first national title against Clark and the Hawkeyes. That game drew a bigger audience than ever before, averaging 9.9 million viewers and peaking at 12.6 million.And every one of those viewers bore witness to Reese and Clark's fierce competitiveness.Their respectful rivalry has not cooled off since then. They faced off again in the 2024 Elite Eight, where Clark's Hawkeyes got revenge on Reese's Tigers. It has carried into their respective WNBA careers, where both young stars have remained in the spotlight with constant media coverage.Due to their intensity and competitive nature, the pair is considered enemies on the court. The Sporting News revisits their supposed feud, which comes down to respect between two fierce competitors.MORE: Inside Caitlin Clark's historic rookie seasonCaitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese beef history, explainedThere's nothing but appreciation — and a healthy dose of competitive spirit — between Reese and Clark. The two continuously shut down rumors of any supposed beef in the months following the national championship game.In reality, their time as friends — and opponents — stretches much farther back than their collegiate careers."Oh my gosh, I love Caitlin. We’ve been competing since we were in AAU," Reese said during LSU's media day in October 2023. "It was always fun, always competitive. One day, hopefully, we could even be teammates. She is a great player, shooter, person and teammate.“I don’t care about anything that’s negative. When you know the person and what their genuine intentions are, being able to know that we did something big, that we grew women’s basketball. That’s all that matters."The Bayou Barbie made two gestures during the national championship, hitting the "You can't see me" hand wave and pointing at her ring finger, with Clark just a few steps away.ANGEL REESE HIT CAITLIN CLARK WITH THE "YOU CAN'T SEE ME" 👀 pic.twitter.com/Zj3mqIzkk9— ESPN (@espn) April 2, 2023After LSU won, critics came after Reese's trash-talking. But Clark, who made the same "You can't see me" gesture earlier in the tournament, didn't let that fly."I don't think Angel should be criticized at all," she said in an ESPN interview two days later. "No matter which way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I'm just one that competes, and she competed. I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talk. It's not just me and Angel."That should never be torn down. That should never be criticized because I believe that’s what makes this game so fun. That’s what draws people to this game. That’s how I’m going to continue to play. That’s how every girl should continue to play.”Despite the narrative constructed in the aftermath of the national championship game, one which Reese has called "frustrating," the two remain supportive of each other's accomplishments. At least when they're not sharing the court.Congratulations @CaitlinClark22 KEEP BREAKING RECORDS & MAKING HER-STORY! 🖤💛🔥 https://t.co/jWn7QZZdkQ— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) February 16, 2024But even ahead of their 2023 national championship rematch in the 2024 Elite Eight, Reese, once again, affirmed that she and Clark have no real beef."I don't think people realize it's not personal," Reese said in an interview with ESPN's Andrea Adelson."... I think people just take it like we hate each other. Me and Caitlin Clark don't hate each other. I want everybody to understand that," Reese went on."It's just a super-competitive game. Once I get between those lines, there's no friends. I'm going to talk trash to you. I'm going to do whatever it takes to get in your head the whole entire game, but after the game, we can kick it. I don't think people really realize that."That's fine. I'll take the villain role. I'll take the hit for it, but I know we're growing women's basketball. If this is the way we're going to do it, then this is the way we're going to do it. You either like it or you don't."Clark reassured Reese's stance on their perceived relationship ahead of the Elite Eight, too."There's definitely that competitive fire," Clark told ESPN. "Both of us want to win more than anything, and that's how it should be when you're a competitor and you get into a situation like this, whether it was the national championship, whether it's the Elite Eight."I think that's the main similarity is how competitive we are. We both grew up loving this game, and we're going to do anything we can to help our teams win."MORE: Was Caitlin Clark the greatest women's college basketball player of all time?Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese rivalry continues in WNBAClark and Reese have been at the epicenter of the WNBA's ascension since they were selected No. 1 and 7 overall, respectively, in the 2024 draft.The two are partially responsible for the increased attention around the league, which hit unprecedented heights during their rookie seasons.Clark is often given more credit than Reese, but Reese wanted everyone to know she has also played a role in the W's success."I know I'll go down in history, I'll look back in 20 years and be like, 'Yeah, the reason why we're watching women's basketball is not just because of one person, it's because of me, too. I want y'all to realize that," Reese said days after their first WNBA matchup.The media has done most of the talking for Clark and Reese, who are constantly pinned against each other despite their denial of anything more than a competitive rivalry.Controversy arose when Reese's teammate Chennedy Carter hip-checked Clark for a flagrant foul, with many pointing to a lack of outrage when Reese was thrown to the ground by a player a week prior.Those incidents sparked all kinds of takes from around the sports world, but Clark and Reese never directly took shots at each other. Reese, rightfully, called for better, more fair women's basketball coverage instead."Literally, the play that happened to me was even worse," Reese said. "...Growing the game, everybody's going to be treated the same and should be treated the same."The two were selected to the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game as rookies and Reese spoke glowingly of her counterpart, saying "We're gonna be playing together for a while so this is not gonna be the [last] time. I know we'll be All-Stars again, and hopefully 2028 we'll be Olympians together," Chicago's star told ESPN.As the WNBA All-Stars defeated the United States National Team in the showcase, Clark and Reese shared plenty of moments that strummed up excitement among WNBA fans and could serve as a preview of a potential Olympic pairing.With the rivalry entering another year, these moments are a reminder that is all rooted in a level of competitive respect.Tensions did rise in the 2025 season opener between the Fever and Sky as Clark committed a hard foul that drew a heated reaction from Reese. Cooler heads prevailed, but not before the two needed to be separated.Caitlin Clark received a flagrant foul on this play.Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese received offsetting technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/jzQYEW92TW— ESPN (@espn) May 17, 2025After the game, Clark downplayed the run-in, saying "Let's not make it anything that it's not. It was just a good play on the basketball. I'm not sure what the refs saw to upgrade it. And that's up to their discretion after watching the initial — the whatever happened during the play and then whatever happened after."Heading into the 2026 WNBA season, this marks the first time the rivalry will feature the Atlanta Dream. During the offseason, Reese and a second-round pick were traded to the Dream in exchange for two first-rounders (2027 and 2028) heading to Chicago.MORE:Meet Caitlin Clark's family tree

Jayla Blue of Bearden was named the Gatorade Tennessee Girls Soccer Player of the Year.Blue, who has signed with Tennessee, repeated as Knox News' PrepXtra Girls Soccer Player of the Year after leading Bearden to a 20-2-1 record and its fourth Class 3A TSSAA state championship in the past five years. She scored 33 goals in the 2025 season and added 17 assists.Blue holds the Bearden school record with 135 career goals scored. She was a four-time All-State selection and the 2025 United Soccer Coaches State Player of the Year."Jayla was fantastic," West coach Roberto Castro said in a news release. "She is truly a game-changer on the field. We played them three times and every time she was the difference-maker."Blue maintained a 3.44 GPA and volunteered her time in the Bradley's Gift and Home kitchen and other community service projects through her church.Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.comSupport strong local journalism and unlock premium perks: knoxnews.com/subscribeThis article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Bearden, Tennessee signee Jayla Blue is Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year

NFL training camps begin next month, and after that are the preseason and the regular season. Between now and then, teams will make some final moves with trades, cuts or signings, although most will be small moves or final roster cuts in August. What are some final moves that should happen?Aaron Schatz gave his take for the final move for each NFL team for ESPN. What does he think the Arizona Cardinals should do?He thinks they should trade pass rusher Josh Sweat. Sweat was connected to former coach Jonathan Gannon after playing for him in Philadelphia, but the Cardinals fired Gannon in January. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have almost no chance of contending this season given the quality of their three division rivals and the questions they have at quarterback. But they have a chance to turn a player who had 12 sacks last season into a significant 2027 draft pick. A Sweat trade would help any number of playoff contenders.Sweat would help other teams, especially playoff contenders who need a little extra help off the edge. However, the Cardinals have no sack production off the edge outside of him. Sure, they are going to be bad anyway, but the Cardinals would have to net a really solid pick for a trade to make sense. We already know the Cardinals have no intentions of trading him, even though there appears to be a level of unhappiness from Sweat. He has three years remaining on his contract and he is arguably their best defensive player. A trade might make sense for another team or for Sweat individually, but there is no benefit for the Cardinals to trade him now. Come the trade deadline, they probably will net more than they could now, so it would be a foolish decision to make that move before the season, especially when the rest of the outside linebackers combined for 5.5 sacks in 2025. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals urged to trade Josh Sweat in final offseason move

Where to watch Mexico vs. South Korea live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup Group A match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Mexico is no stranger to the FIFA World Cup, but the team faces extra pressure entering the 2026 tournament.Along with the United States and Canada, Mexico is serving as a co-host for the tournament, making this the third time the World Cup has come to Mexico. Each of the last two times Mexico was the tournament's host, in 1970 and 1986, Mexico made it all the way to the quarterfinals, the furthest Mexico has advanced in the World Cup.From 1994 to 2018, Mexico made the Round of 16 seven-straight before failing to make it out of the group stage in 2022. Therefore, Mexico hopes to make it back on track and return to the knockout stage this year.In Mexico's way is South Korea, who has been a fierce competitor over the past four decades. South Korea has appeared in every World Cup since 1986, peaking with a fourth-place finish in 2002 and making two other Rounds of 16 in that span.The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.LIVE: Follow Mexico vs. South Korea updates from 2026 World CupMexico vs. South Korea live stream, TV channelTV channel: FoxLive stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/websiteThe Mexico vs. South Korea match will be broadcasted nationally on Fox in the United States along with streaming options available on Fox's platforms.Additionally, another streaming service option is fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)What time does Mexico vs. South Korea start?This World Cup battle between Mexico and South Korea will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m. local time at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:DateKickoff timeEastern TimeThurs, June 189 p.m.Central TimeThurs, June 188 p.m.Mountain TimeThurs, June 187 p.m.Pacific TimeThurs, June 186 p.m.World Cup schedule today and tomorrowAll times Eastern.Thursday, June 18Czechia vs. South Africa (12 p.m.)Switzerland vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina (3 p.m.)Canada vs. Qatar (6 p.m.)Mexico vs. South Korea (9 p.m.)Friday, June 19USA vs. Australia (3 p.m.)Scotland vs. Morocco (6 p.m.)Brazil vs. Haiti (8:30 p.m.)Turkey vs. Paraguay (11 p.m.)MORE:Complete World Cup schedule and fixtures2026 FIFA World Cup FAQsWhen is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.When is the 2026 World Cup final?The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.What time do World Cup games start?Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.

Former Braves World Series champion makes interesting Twins decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Minnesota Twins are right in the middle of the AL Wild Card race. Before the season, many fans and the media predicted the Twins to be one of the worst clubs in baseball. Recently, the AL Central club made a notable roster move, designating shortstop Orlando Arcia for assignment. According to a report from The Athletic's Dan Hayes, Arcia went unclaimed on waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A St. Paul. It's an interesting decision for the former Atlanta Braves World Series champion and All-Star to make, as he could have landed a Major League deal elsewhere. However, the odds were not in Arcia's favor for that to happen, considering 29 other clubs passed on an opportunity to add him to their roster. "He’ll have plenty of playing time in St. Paul right now with top shortstop prospect Kaelen Culpepper recently hitting the injured list due to a hip strain," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors noted.MORE: 1 year later, new Rafael Devers trade rumors have arrived"Even if the Twins give Culpepper a shot to prove he’s their shortstop of the future once he returns, Arcia could work his way back to the big leagues with another injury in the Minnesota infield or if infielder/outfielder Tristan Gray (.244/.288/.370) continues to struggle." Arcia hit fairly well with the Twins in 19 games, managing a .271/.300/.354 slash line with one home run and a .654 OPS. He walked just two times in 50 trips to the plate. More MLB news:White Sox are on an astounding stretch at homeA 'gentlemanly' baserunning move confused the umpires, and everyone elsePirates' Paul Skenes is in a bizarre stretchOutfielder retires from baseball to go play college footballDodgers have a very simple reason to trade for Tarik Skubal

Robby Ahlstrom recorded a critical out in the fifth inning July 11 at Kansas City and recorded three more outs. Everyone with the Texas Rangers thought he had earned his first career win (Denny Medley-Imagn Images).Robby Ahlstrom was robbed of his first career victory last week in Kansas City, but the Texas Rangers jumped into action with Major League Baseball to right a wrong.ARLINGTON — Everyone with the Texas Rangers, from the players and coaches to Hall of Fame radio voice Eric Nadel, knew June 11 that left-hander Robby Ahlstrom had earned his first career victory.So did Ahlstrom. He entered for the final out in the fifth inning with the Rangers up 3-2 and got it with the potential tying run at first base, then returned to toss a scoreless sixth. Cole Winn worked the seventh, and Jacob Latz tossed two perfect innings to close out the win.The Rangers greeted Ahlstrom in the clubhouse with a beer shower, a common celebration for a rookie who achieves a career-first. Ahlstrom then took a real shower, looked at his phone afterward and saw that the official scorer in Kansas City had taken it upon himself to give the win to Latz.Nathan Eovaldi “was the first one I talked to, because he was right next to me in the locker room,” Ahlstrom said. “I go, ‘Hey, uh, looking at my phone, I didn’t get the win.’ So he was like, ‘Oh, boy.’ “The Rangers jumped into action, dead set on righting a Royal wrong.A club official filed an appeal with Major League Baseball, and Latz was urged to do the same. He did so without hesitation, glad to exchange a win for Ahlstrom’s first.In his mind, Ahlstrom should have had the win, Winn could keep his hold and he would get the save everyone thought he had secured.“I put, ‘We believe Robby earned his first career win, and I came in in a save situation,'” Latz said. “It made sense to give Robby the win.”Ahlstrom, who made his MLB debut June 3, said that he wasn’t too bummed out because he had pitched in a Rangers win for the first time, and the team win is always the ultimate goal. But Latz told him that he was going to appeal and see what happens.The news was delivered Monday, three days before Ahlstrom turned 27. Manager Skip Schumaker walked to Latz’s locker to shake his hand on a job well done. He and the Rangers had won the appeal. Schumaker’s next stop was to the field, where the relievers were stretching and getting ready to throw.Another handshake was exchanged, this time with Ahlstrom, and the relievers broke into applause. Ahlstrom was 1-0.“Everyone started joking, like, ‘We’ve got to redo the beer shower,'” Ahlstrom said.Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com

Detroit — On the first floor of the Henry Ford Performance Center is the Detroit Pistons' practice court. In previous years, the practice court usually has been quiet, except when it is used for pre-draft workouts the franchise conducts in mid-June.This year, however, the practice court has been just as busy as it was during the previous seven months of the 2025-26 season. The Pistons currently have around 11 players on their roster participating in a voluntary training session. They are motivated by their disappointment after being eliminated in the second round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite winning 60 games in the regular season."These guys are in here and want to get better. We have a group that cares," president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said. "We have a staff that has put things in place for our guys to develop, and that everything they do is intentional. I am excited about our guys' summer. I know they are going to attack it in a way that I know they are going to come back different."Improving for next season means players have taken the initiative to change their offseason training and self-evaluate what led to their early postseason exit. While players on the current roster have begun working hard to build on last season's success, Langdon has taken a similar approach in the front office.More: Should Pistons trade for disgruntled Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo?For the first time in his tenure, Langdon is responsible for improving a roster that faces lofty expectations. The pressure of being seen as a contender has Langdon considering all possibilities for revamping the roster.The first step in making changes to the Pistons' roster will take place during the 2026 NBA Draft, scheduled for Tuesday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Pistons hold the No. 21 pick in the upcoming draft, and Langdon is very clear about the attributes they are looking to add with this selection — prospects who can improve Detroit's shooting or ball-handling."We feel like we are going to get a really good player here. We did not anticipate the number of players who decided to go back due to NIL. That has thinned the draft, but we still think it will be a good one," Langdon said. "For us, it is going to be who is the best player there. Does this player fit our environment and our identity?"Langdon believes the Pistons are fortunate to have the 21st pick. They obtained the selection in a swap for No. 28 with the Minnesota Timberwolves, part of a three-team trade that also brought Kevin Huerter to Detroit from the Chicago Bulls in February.The depth of the 2026 NBA Draft has led the Pistons to believe they will have the opportunity to address their two primary needs as they upgrade their roster. As a result, the Pistons are not considering trading down or out of the first round of the draft. Langdon said the Pistons have considered moving up in the draft to improve the team's shooting and floor spacing.The Pistons were subpar with 3-point shooting this season, finishing 17th in the league at 35.6%. Detroit's shooting performance stagnated in the postseason (35.9%), contributing to its inability to advance to the Conference Finals. However, Langdon recognizes that they are not the only team looking to improve their 3-point shooting, given the importance of the skill set around the league.If the Pistons cannot draft one of their preferred shooters, they will shift to selecting a player who can enhance the team's ball-handling and playmaking abilities. The absence of a secondary player was another key factor that hindered the Pistons' postseason success.More: 3 prospects Pistons could target with No. 21 pick of NBA Draft"We know that we need to be more equipped to compete in the postseason, and that is what we are looking at doing," Langdon said. "Adding pieces to accentuate our three best players (Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson). We feel like we need to get better."The Pistons' draft strategy will remain consistent as they reshape through free agency and trades. While considering every scenario, Langdon will continue to prioritize the team's continuity while being mindful of the asking price. He will seek players who can integrate easily into the Pistons' identity on and off the court, while aiming to bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to the Motor City."We have to get better, whether internally or externally," Langdon said. "All of our guys will get better next season, and we will come back as a better team. Overall, internal growth is the best way to grow by taking a step. But we will continue to look to see if we can add pieces that will help us to continue improving and come back as a better iteration of the Detroit Pistons."Coty.Davis@detroitnews.com@cotydavis_24This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Trajan Langdon shares Pistons' roster-building insight as draft nears

Two members of Gov. Jared Polis’s board that reviews commutation requests came forward to say the secretive panel had twice rejected the release of Tina Peters, convicted of election tampering.

The cutest chairs that can grow alongside your little(s). READ MORE...

LONDON (AP) — Tottenham confirmed the signing of Netherlands international Jan Paul van Hecke on Thursday from Brighton for a reported fee of 52 million pounds ($68 million).The 26-year-old Van Hecke, who is playing at the World Cup, will be reunited with coach Roberto De Zerbi, having played for him at Brighton.“I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I’m looking forward to working with again,” Van Hecke said in the Premier League club's announcement.Tottenham described Van Hecke as “passionate and imposing." The team said he signed a “long-term contract” without specifying the number of seasons.“He is a strong, intelligent centre back who is brave in possession and plays with personality,” De Zerbi said. “Those are important qualities for the way I want our team to set up.”Van Hecke made his World Cup debut on Sunday in the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan.After narrowly avoiding relegation, Tottenham has been bolstering its defensive ranks. Spurs signed Argentina center back Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth and left-back Andy Robertson from Liverpool on free transfers.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Malachi Fagan-Walcott finds it "surreal" that he will be playing a Champions League qualifier with Hearts within a few months of helping York City win England's National League.Chats with former Hearts players Daniel Oyegoke and Malachi Boateng also helped fuel the 24-year-old defender's excitement about the prospect of signing for the Tynecastle club."I spoke to Daniel Oyegoke and Malachi Boateng," the Englishman told Hearts TV. "They had nothing but good words to say, an unbelievable club, if you get the opportunity, go there, the place is unbelievable and Edinburgh is unbelievable. "They just added fuel to the fire to make me want to come here. I'm most excited to walk out here."You go from National League to Champions League qualifier in the space of a couple of months, it sounds surreal."Fagan-Walcott also remembers how Hearts "easily cleaned up" the Scottish Championship title while he was on loan to Dunfermline Athletic from Tottenham Hotspur. "It's a club that's ambitious, that wants to go to another level and it kind of goes hand in hand with me," he said while revealing that the transfer for an undisclosed fee had been in the offing "for some time". Fagan-Walcott is grateful for "a special season" with York but is looking forward to playing in front of bigger crowds than the 7000-8000 that the English side attract.As for what kind of player those Hearts fans can expect, he added: "I like to just play at my tempo, I'm a ball playing centre-half, but I can get a bit nasty and I can do the other side of it. I love scoring goals too."

New York knows how to throw a celebration. The city had a huge party for its champion Knicks on Thursday.There were around a million fans along the Canyon of Heroes parade route. And there were plenty of stars along with the conquering heroes.The ceremony at City Hall saw the players and coaching staff receive Keys to the City. Speaking of Keys, after all the pomp and circumstance, Alicia Keys concluded the festivities by singing "Empire State of Mind."Knicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationKnicks' championship celebrationThis article originally appeared on The List Wire: Knicks' ticker-tape parade

Detroit — With free agency approaching in a few weeks, the Detroit Pistons have the chance to strengthen their roster and address several issues that prevented them from reaching the conference finals this season.At the forefront of their needs is 3-point shooting.Malik Beasley, a former guard for the Pistons, easily can fulfill this attribute in a potential reunion. However, for Detroit's president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, bringing Beasley back is still a long shot, given the two respective parties have not had any form of communication, despite earlier reports."I have not (talked to Beasley about coming back). He doesn't have an agent right now. So, that would make it hard," Langdon said Wednesday. "I have not talked to him about coming back."Beasley played a key role in the Pistons' outstanding turnaround during the 2024-25 season. He arguably had the best year of his career, averaging 16.3 points on 41.6% shooting from 3-point range. Beasley also finished the regular season as one of three players with at least 300 3-pointers made, joining the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry. He finished second in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting behind Boston Celtics' Payton Pritchard.Beasley was close to signing a multi-year deal to rejoin the Pistons last summer. However, just before the start of free agency, he underwent a federal investigation regarding allegations of gambling on NBA games and prop bets.The Pistons had to back out of their deal and shifted their focus to acquiring players like Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson. For Beasley, the investigation not only ended his time with the Pistons but also put his entire career in jeopardy.At the Pistons' end-of-the-season press conference in May, Langdon said Beasley remains under investigation."The Beasley situation was difficult, getting word on it days before the start of free agency and having to pivot," Langdon said. "Losing a type of player who was so instrumental to our success the year before (and having him this season) would have been helpful, but things happen. Those are things that you cannot control, so you are forced to make the best of it."Coty.Davis@detroitnews.com@cotydavis_24This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons' Trajan Langdon says he has not talked to Malik Beasley

How to watch MLC 2026 live in India, Australia, USA and UK: Start time, schedule, TV channel and streaming details worldwide originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:MLC 2026 runs for a month from June 18 and will have six teams playing a total 34 matches.Fans in India, US, Australia, and UK will be able to follow the game live through TV and online streaming.Defending team MI New York return to compete against five other franchises.Final match of MLC 2026 will take place on July 18.MLC 2026 preview and formatMajor League Cricket (MLC) will return for its fourth edition between June 18 and July 18, following on the continued success of the franchise game in the United States, with six sides fighting for the championship title in 34 games.The six teams will face each other twice during the league stage, and the top four will proceed to the playoff stages.The top two teams compete in Qualifier 1 for direct qualification to the finals, while teams ranked third and fourth play each other in the Eliminator. The winner of the Eliminator faces the loser of Qualifier 1 in the Challenger, which will decide the finalist on July 18.MORE:Rise of Gill: How the 'Prince' of Indian cricket is turning into Men in Blue's new poster boyWhen is MCL 2026?Major League Cricket 2026 starts on June 18, whereas the final game of the fourth edition will take place on July 18.MCL 2026 team listThe six teams that will compete in MLC 2026 are:TeamHome cityMI New YorkNew YorkTexas Super KingsDallasWashington FreedomWashington, D.C.San Francisco UnicornsSan FranciscoSeattle OrcasSeattleLos Angeles Knight RidersLos AngelesMI New York start the season as the defending champions, having won their second MLC championship in 2025. The league takes place between June 18 and July 18 and comprises 34 games.MORE:Lamine Yamal to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The crushing weight of the prodigy's crownMCL 2026 venues listMLC 2026 games shall be held at three stadiums in America:Grand Prairie Stadium (Grand Prairie, Texas)Oakland Coliseum (Oakland, California)Knight Riders Cricket Field (Pomona, California)The Oakland Coliseum is set to host all the playoff games and the grand final of MLC 2026, and the Knight Riders Cricket Field is an entirely new venue for the 2026 season and the home stadium of the Los Angeles Knight Riders team.MLC 2026 TV channels and live stream details by countryCountryTV channelLive streamIndiaStar Sports NetworkJioHotstarUSAWillow TVWillow by CricbuzzAustraliaSeven Network7plusUK & IrelandPremier SportsPremier Sports PlayerPakistanA SportsA Sports appSub-Sahara AfricaESPN-MENA-CricbuzzMORE:When is IPL 2027 starting? Likely date and number of matches for season 20How to watch MLC 2026 live in IndiaIndian viewers can watch MLC 2026 on:TV channel: Star Sports NetworkLive stream: JioHotstarHow to watch MLC 2026 live in the USAFans in the United States can follow the tournament through:TV channel: Willow TVLive stream: Willow by Cricbuzz app and websiteSelect regional broadcasts may also be available for specific franchises.How to watch MLC 2026 live in AustraliaAustralian viewers can watch MLC 2026 via:TV channel: Seven Network (selected coverage, including the final)Live stream: 7plusHow to watch MLC 2026 live in the UKCricket fans in the United Kingdom can tune in through:TV channel: Premier SportsLive stream: Premier Sports PlayerFor all the latest cricket news, opinion and commentary and to share your voice head to our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

The Obamas each took to the microphone, delivering speeches before a crowd of dignitaries, elected officials and Democratic supporters.

After the Knicks promoted Gavin Snider’s watercolor painting in the wake of their N.B.A. title, one of the most famous artists on social media posted an uncannily similar work.

Arsenal's opening bid for Jeremy Monga rejected by Leicester, Liverpool ready to offer a package approaching £86m for Yan Diomande and Arsenal preparing bid for Bradley Barcola. Arsenal have had their first bid for Leicester City and England Under-19 winger Jeremy Monga rejected – the 19-year-old one of the Gunners' long-term targets for the summer. (Telegraph - subscription required) Liverpool are ready to offer a package approaching 100m euros (£86m) for 19-year-old RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande. (Athletic - subscription required) Arsenal are preparing a bid for Paris St-Germain and France winger Bradley Barcola, 23. (Independent) Real Madrid are looking to continue their summer rebuild by signing a midfielder and a centre-back, with Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 25, being one of the options highly rated by the club. (ESPN) RB Leipzig have made contact with Everton over 23-year-old France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry. (Times - subscription required) The Toffees are yet to receive a formal offer for Barry, but if a bid arrives from German side RB Leipzig or any other club, Everton's football leadership group will decide how to proceed.(Liverpool Echo) Tottenham are firmly in the mix to sign Anderlecht and Belgium midfielder Nathan De Cat, with Manchester United among the 17-year-old's other admirers from the Premier League. (Teamtalk) Liverpool have reignited their interest in 25-year-old Juventus and France midfielder Khephren Thuram. (Corriere dello Sport via Football Talk) The Reds are also pursuing a central midfielder, centre-back and right-back after triggering 22-year-old Osasuna and Spain winger Victor Munoz's 40m euro (£34.5m) release clause. (Football Insider) Get the latest on your Premier League teamAll your football quizzes in one placeListen to the latest Football Daily podcast

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is willing to get his hands dirty to get a job done. That was clear on June 18 as the longtime executive was tasked with spreading mulch and cutting down tree branches."Any job you get involved with, you try to do it right," Cashman said. "I've been doing mulching, so I want to be the best mulcher I can possibly be for them."Cashman joined Yankees players, coaches and employees to team up with a North Jersey-based non-profit to clean up the lawn at a family home in Leonia.As part of the team's 17th edition of HOPE Week, members of the Yankees collaborated with Wayne native Brian Schwartz and his nonprofit company "I Want To Mow Your Lawn", providing lawn care for older adults, veterans and those with financial hardships."It's bigger than lawn care," Schwartz said. "It's a byproduct of our mission to spread kindness with a simple thing like yardwork. Helping out neighbors in my community, I didn't think it was anything groundbreaking. I never thought 'Hey, one day I'll be mowing with the Yankees.'"Schwartz, 44, was laid off of his job in digital advertising during the pandemic and launched the company, which has logged close to 3,000 service visits in all 50 states since its creation."It was just a way for me to stay busy until I figured out the next step in my life," Schwartz said. "Little did I know that simple decision would transpire into something bigger than myself."Yankee players Fernando Cruz, Jasson Dominguez, Amed Rosario, Camilo Doval and Ali Sanchez joined coaches Luis Rojas, James Rowson and Dan Fiorito in assisting the landscaping company with work. Yankee Stadium head groundskeeper Danny Cunningham was also on hand to lend his expertise."First and foremost, I have to give a shoutout to Jason Zillo and his staff because they keep finding people that amaze," Cashman said. "Every year, I'm blown away. The other day, 'I asked Jason how did you find this organization or these individuals?' The great thing is that there are so many people out there doing work for others."The Yankees launched HOPE Week, which stands for Hoping Others Persevere and Excel, in 2009 as an annual, week-long community outreach program to use acts of goodwill to provide hope and encourage more good deeds in the surrounding area."[It's about] having our players connect and having our brand shine a light on true difference-makers on behalf of others throughout the community, especially in the tri-state area." Cashman said. "It's vitally important for us to use our platform to elevate someone else's platform, which is all about giving."This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees spotlight Wayne NJ man's nonprofit during HOPE Week

Report: Chelsea have joined the race to sign Real Madrid starChelsea Transfer News: Álvaro Carreras Race Takes ShapeCarreras Emerges as Premier League TargetChelsea have entered a developing transfer race for Real Madrid left-back Álvaro Carreras, with Arsenal and Manchester United also monitoring the defender’s situation.SportsBoom report that Carreras could become available after Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid changed the landscape at the Bernabeu. The former Chelsea full-back is expected to be positioned as first choice, leaving Carreras facing a period of uncertainty.“According to information obtained from sources close to SportsBoom, the Real Madrid management plans to position Cucurella as the undisputed first choice.”That sentence matters because it frames the entire deal. Carreras may not be pushing to leave Madrid yet, but football has a way of altering ambition when minutes disappear.Chelsea Advantage Through AlonsoFor Chelsea, the most intriguing detail is Xabi Alonso. SportsBoom state that Alonso, now Chelsea manager, knows Carreras well after working with him at Real Madrid.“Alonso, who became the new manager of Chelsea, knows Carreras closely because he developed the young player himself at Real Madrid.”That relationship could prove decisive. Transfers are rarely only about money. Players want clarity, trust and a manager who understands what they can become. Chelsea can offer that if Alonso views Carreras as more than squad depth.Carreras also fits the broader Chelsea model. He is young, technically polished and already familiar with English football after his time in Manchester United’s academy structure and his loan spell at Preston North End.Madrid Asking Price Sets BenchmarkReal Madrid’s position is clear. They want to recover the €50 million they paid for Carreras in July 2025.“Los Blancos want to regain the €50 million they paid for Carreras in July 2025.”That figure could make him cheaper than other options Chelsea have explored, including Lewis Hall and Antonee Robinson. It also reflects the modern market, where elite full-backs with age, athleticism and upside rarely come cheap.Manchester United’s interest adds another layer. Carreras spent four years in their system and, according to SportsBoom, has returned to their internal agenda. Arsenal are also watching closely, which means Chelsea may need to move early if this develops.Playing Time Could Decide EverythingThe key question is simple. Does Carreras believe he can play regularly at Real Madrid?If Cucurella becomes the automatic starter, that answer becomes harder to justify. Carreras is at the age where development requires rhythm, responsibility and trust. Sitting behind another left-back would not serve him, especially when Premier League clubs are circling.Photo IMAGOSportsBoom’s report also claims Jose Mourinho became supportive of Carreras leaving after a meeting with former manager Alvaro Arbeloa. That adds political weight to the story.For Chelsea, this feels like a smart situation to watch. Not a vanity signing. Not a panic move. A chance to secure a left-back who knows the English game, understands Alonso’s methods and may soon need a clearer route to minutes.Our View – EPL Index AnalysisFrom a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, this is exactly the type of report that makes you lean forward a little.Carreras is not the loudest name in the market, but that might be part of the appeal. Chelsea have spent too many windows chasing status as much as structure. This feels different. If Alonso genuinely knows him, genuinely trusts him and genuinely believes he can step into the Premier League, then this becomes a football decision rather than a spreadsheet one.The Cucurella angle is fascinating too. Chelsea know him well, of course, and if his move to Madrid indirectly opens the door for Carreras to come the other way, that would be one of those strange transfer-market circles that somehow makes sense.The big concern is price. €50 million is not loose change, even in this market. Chelsea cannot keep collecting talented players without building a proper hierarchy. Carreras would need a defined role, not just another promise of future importance.Still, with Manchester United and Arsenal both hovering, there is a danger in waiting too long. If Chelsea believe Carreras is Alonso’s player, then they should act like it. Not recklessly, but decisively. Sometimes the best signings are the ones that make sense before everyone else realises they do.

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — As he stood on the range with Rory McIlroy, laughing and joking during Thursday morning’s fog delay at the U.S. Open, Keith Mitchell had no idea he was about to make history at Shinnecock Hills. Many hours later, he was the owner of the one of the strangest scorecards ever signed at the renowned course.After starting at the 10th hole and laboring to a six-over-par 41 in his first nine, Mitchell produced an incredible turnaround, with four birdies and an eagle to shoot a six-under 29 that tied the 126-year-old championship’s record for a low nine score. Better yet, no one had ever shot 29 on Shinnecock’s front nine, and Mitchell’s comeback gave him a 70 that put him into the top 15 as the afternoon wave continued play.Mitchell, a one-time winner on the PGA Tour, started with a quick hook with his opening tee shot and a chip that rolled off the green; that led to an opening double bogey. It didn’t get much better with four more bogeys to follow, and when Mitchell tapped in a par at the 18th, he’d shot 41.Then things quickly changed.The first hole at Shinnecock is the definition of a “handshake” opening hole. A 75-yard-wide fairway sits below the tee, welcoming whichever long iron a player chooses to hit. It doesn’t require a driver. Unless you are already six over par and in need of a spark.Fueled by some morning frustrations, Mitchell reached for his driver. His ball carried 335 yards and found the fairway just steps from the front edge of the green. A short pitch and a putt later and Mitchell’s score was finally headed in the right direction.He followed with another birdie on the third and again at the fourth. Another huge drive on the par-5 fifth set up a chance to take on the green and Mitchell obliged with an approach from 228 yards that came to rest pin-high, just 12 feet from the hole. The putt dropped for an eagle and Mitchell was now, amazingly, just one over par.Pars followed at the sixth, the tricky par-3 seventh and the eighth hole. However, it seemed almost inevitable as the 34-year-old played up to the ninth green, that the idea of getting back to level par for the day was within reach.A 174-yard approach landed in the middle of the green and rolled out nine feet below the hole, and Mitchell’s opportunity to finish where he started was one putting stroke away. And it never looked anywhere else. Mitchell dropped the putt right in the middle of the hole and finished off a second nine of 29, becoming the seventh player in U.S. Open to shoot 29.The day that started with smiles and laughs on the range, finished in the same manner on the ninth green at Shinnecock. A historic comeback.

Watch: "New York is alive again" - Knicks parade through Manhattan after NBA winNew Yorkers celebrated the Knicks' championship on nearly every available surface along the parade route in Lower Manhattan. Climbing on delivery trucks, hanging off lampposts, standing on the roofs of newsstands, clinging to the concrete pillars of City Hall, and filling up courtyards and sidewalks, thousands of exuberant fans packed streets to party. The parade on Thursday was the culmination of weeks of electric energy across the city that grew during the Knicks NBA Finals run - the excitement finally bubbling over when the team won the championship on Saturday for the first time in 53 years. "The vibes are absolutely amazing. This is just unreal," said parade-goer and 19-year-old college student Daniel Nemesure.[Getty Images][Getty Images]Streams of Knicks fans flooded up the steps from City Hall train station, spilling out into a large street-side courtyard already undulating from the massive pool of people. With a drum line beating in the distance, everyone here had their eyes excitedly turned toward the cordoned-off street as they awaited the Knicks parade floats - and the possibility of catching a glimpse of their favourite players. The throngs of people appeared to come from nearly every walk of life, but all had one thing in common: their blue and orange Knicks gear, and a love of New York City.[Getty Images][Getty Images]Parade-goers told the BBC they were thrilled to be part of the festivities - with many taking the day off from work. "My boss is actually here too," said 29-year-old Devyn Lara, laughing. "For everyone to come together for a team... was just really special."After the Knicks won game five of the Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday - clinching the title - everyone was hugging and celebrating, Lara said. "Seeing pictures of people kissing, it honestly felt like the end of World War II."A number of people at the parade remarked on how unified the often abrasive city has felt since the Finals began, and especially on Thursday. "Just being here - everyone is wearing their Knicks hat, their Knicks merchandise. The city kind of feels united after so long," said Mallika Singh, a 19-year-old college student. Singh said it's been incredible to see a team that her family has loved and watched since she was born finally win after so many decades of losses. Singh woke up at 04:00 local time (09:00 BST) and got on a 05:00 train into the city from Connecticut on Thursday morning to be there. With her friends, Singh had been bopping around the parade route for hours, since around 06:00, she told the BBC."The city is so electric... Everyone's just really happy to be here," she added. "There's a unity about it," echoed Eric, a native New Yorker who lives in Harlem. "The Knicks have brought the city together.""Even during the whole playoff run, the city's been magnetic, energetic. Everywhere you go, people are wearing Knicks shirts," added Eric's companion, Angeline.Travelling along the Canyon of Heroes - the famed route of New York City's ticker-tape parades - the parade moved from Lower Manhattan up to City Hall. [AFP via Getty Images][Getty Images][Getty Images]Knicks players, including Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, waved to crowds penned in by police on the sidelines, as confetti rained down on the rivers of blue-and-orange. Celebrities also took part, including Knicks game regulars Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Mariska Hargitay. The procession concluded at City Hall with a ceremony honouring the team, featuring speeches from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Knicks head coach Mike Brown, Knicks owner Jim Dolan, and others. "So often, when this city comes together, it is because we are forced to by a moment of tragedy or adversity," Mamdani told the crowd. "What a gift it is to be brought together by pure, unfiltered joy."New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on a parade float [Getty Images][Getty Images]Several parade-goers said the Knicks' run has made New Yorkers friendlier."I see people holding the doors open for each other, just being genuinely nice to each other. I don't think New York's been this united ever," said Nemesure. "The city's been so different than it normally is," his friend Yashas Balguri, 19, also a college student, added. "Jalen Brunson really brought everyone together this year."The effects of the parade could be felt more than 100 blocks away uptown, as passengers in Knicks jerseys filled subways and a conductor announced trains were delayed over congestion caused by the festivities miles away. "For as long as we live, we will remember this feeling of a city together, a city alive, a city overcome by happiness," Mayor Mamdani said during his parade speech. 'Traitor' - Elmo in hot water with New Yorkers over Knicks NBA finalsTeen shot and buses torched in Manhattan after historic NBA win for KnicksTicketmaster says Knicks fans won't be locked out of game after last-minute panicNew York Knicks win NBA championship for first time in over 50 yearsTrump booed in New York as he becomes first US president to attend NBA Finals

Is this the most open group at the 2026 World Cup? It’s certainly right up there. Co-hosts United States are the top seeds and the favourites to progress as Group D winners, but the other contenders will also fancy their chances. Mauricio Pochettino is the man entrusted with leading the US at their second home tournament. In 1994, they progressed to the round of 16, losing to eventual champions Brazil. Thirty-two years on, the US are long shots to win the tournament but will be backed by a boisterous home crowd on the west coast. As for the rest, it’s extremely open. Just 18 ranking spots separate Turkey (22), Australia (27) and Paraguay (40), with the South Americans’ impressive qualifying record (second-best defence) evidence that they will be no pushover. Australia have always gone well on the world stage, reaching the knockout stage last time out in Qatar, while Turkey have momentum after progressing through the European play-offs in March. Group D fixtures(all times BST)13 June, 2am: USA 4-1 Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles 14 June, 5am: Australia 2-0 Turkey – BC Place, Vancouver19 June, 8pm: USA vs Australia – Lumen Field, Seattle20 June, 4am: Turkey vs Paraguay – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara26 June, 3am: Turkey vs USA – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles 26 June, 3am: Paraguay vs Australia – Levi’s Stadium, Santa ClaraUnited States Expectations are naturally high for the co-hosts and their manager Pochettino, who has been building towards this tournament since replacing Gregg Berhalter two years ago. Results in the last year have been patchy and the US missed out on glory at last summer’s Gold Cup after losing to Mexico in the final. Fascinatingly, the squad captained by ex-Fulham defender Tim Ream (now playing for Charlotte FC) have faced all three Group D opponents in the last year in friendlies, beating Australia and Paraguay but losing to Turkey. Progression to the knockout stage is the minimum requirement, but the US will have their sights set on going deep. If that’s to happen, they’ll need their star players – such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun – to make the difference when it really matters. As they say stateside, it’s show time. Mauricio Pochettino has coached the United States since 2024 (Getty)Squad:Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic).Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City)Coach: Mauricio Pochettino Star player – Christian Pulisic, AC Milan: Long heralded as the USA’s truly world-class player, the winger has often flattered to deceive in his topsy-turvy club career. A mixed bag at Chelsea, Pulisic’s hip issues have hampered him at AC Milan. However, his speed and cutting-edge in the final third still makes him Pochettino’s biggest asset. Breakout talent – Folarin Balogun, Monaco: The ex-Arsenal frontman, who was born in New York but grew up in London, has impressed at Monaco this season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. The 24-year-old’s record for his country is also respectable, with nine goals in 26 caps. Fifa ranking: 16.Odds to win the World Cup: 80/1, latest odds via betting sites UK.Christian Pulisic is vital to USA's chances at their home World Cup (Reuters)Paraguay Qualifying for their first World Cup since South Africa 2010 – when they narrowly lost to winners Spain in the quarter-finals – Paraguay head into the tournament with confidence, having finished with the joint-second best defensive record in South American qualifying and beating Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay in the capital of Asuncion. However, their style of play is obvious: soak up the pressure, allow opponents to dominate the ball and then break quickly on the counter-attack. Sunderland’s Omar Alderete is a leader at the back, with ex-Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron and Brighton’s Diego Gomez their star players going forward. They did lose to the US in a friendly last November, 2-1, but have beaten Mexico and Greece in the past year too. Squad:Goalkeepers: Roberto Fernandez (Cerro Porteno), Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), Gaston Olveira (Olimpia)Defenders: Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras), Junior Alonso (Atletico Mineiro), Fabian Balbuena (Gremio), Omar Alderete (Sunderland), Juan Caceres (Dynamo Moscow), Jose Canale (Lanus), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Gustavo Velazquez (Cerro Porteno)Midfielders: Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Diego Gomez (Brighton & Hove Albion), Damian Bobadilla (Sao Paulo), Braian Ojeda (Orlando City), Matias Galarza (Atlanta United), Mauricio Magalhaes (Palmeiras)Forwards: Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), Ramon Sosa (Palmeiras), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Gabriel Avalos (Independiente), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), Isidro Pitta (Red Bull Bragantino), Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth)Coach: Gustavo AlfaroEx-Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron will star for Paraguay at the World Cup (Getty)Star player – Miguel Almiron, Atlanta United: A first World Cup for the popular ex-Newcastle man, now plying his trade at Atlanta United. Not only does the 32-year-old have 75 caps to his name – the second-most in the squad – but perhaps worryingly, he has the most international goals in the squad. However, that’s not even double figures, with nine. Breakout talent – Julio Enciso, Strasbourg: Formerly of Brighton (with a six-month loan spell at Ipswich last year), the incisive, blonde-haired attacker is now at Strasbourg and scored 12 goals in all competitions. Capable of a spark at any moment, he could be a difference-maker in the final third. Fifa ranking: 40.Odds to win the World Cup: 300/1.Australia Compared to previous eras which had the likes of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer in the squad – all proven Premier League players – this 2026 team is lacking in star names and expectations are minimal heading into North America 2026. Coach Tony Popovic prefers a back five system, with the onus on set-pieces at the attacking end of the pitch with the likes of Leicester’s Harry Souttar and Feyenoord’s Jordan Bos. At the other end, ex-Brighton keeper Mat Ryan is an experienced No 1 in between the sticks.They lost narrowly to champions Argentina in the round of 16 in Qatar, sliced open by some Lionel Messi magic. Progression to the knockout round would be a commendable achievement this time around. Squad:Goalkeepers: MatRyan (Levante), Paul Izzo (Randers), Patrick Beach (Melbourne City)Defenders: Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Jordan Bos (Feynoord), Cameron Burgess (Swansea), Alessandro Circati (Parma), Milos Degenek (APOEL), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Jacob Italiano (Grazer), Harry Souttar (Leicester), Kai Trewin (New York City)Midfielders: Cammy Devlin (Hearts), Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Jackson Irvine (St Pauli), Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli), Paul Okon-Englster (Sydney), AidenO’Neill (New York City)Forwards: Nestory Irankunda (Watford), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Awer Mabil (Castellon), Mohamed Toure (Norwich), Nishan Velupilly (Melbourne City), Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo), Tete Yengi (Machida Zelvia)Coach: Tony PopovicJackson Irvine will captain Australia at his third World Cup (Getty)Star player – Jackson Irvine, St Pauli: The 33-year-old is captain of both his country and his club, German outfit St Pauli. Known in the UK for his time at Hull City and in Scottish football (Celtic, Kilmarnock, Ross County and Hibernian), the pony-tailed midfielder has endured an injury-plagued season but will be appearing at his third World Cup this summer. Breakout talent – Tete Yengi, Machida Zelvia: Five years ago, aged 20, Yengi wasn’t even a professional footballer. However, having moved to the UK with Ipswich Town and impressing at Livingston in Scotland, he moved to Japan to play for Machida Zelvia, scoring six goals across 22 games. He has not yet been capped by his country. Fifa ranking: 27.Odds to win the World Cup: 500/1.Turkey A first World Cup appearance in 24 years for Turkey, who stunned the world last time out when they reached the semi-finals in 2002, only narrowly losing to champions Brazil in the semi-finals. A pair of 1-0 victories in March’s play-offs, against Romania and Kosovo, secured their passage to this year’s showpiece and they will be champing at the bit in what is a winnable group. They will have the group’s star player in Real Madrid’s Arda Guler leading their attack while, defensively, some familiar faces to Premier League fans are Man Utd back-up keeper Altay Bayindir in goal and Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu in defence. Squad:Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir (Manchester United), Mert Gunok (Fenerbahce), Ugurcan Cakir (Galatasaray)Defenders: Abdulkerim Bardakci (Galatasaray), Caglar Soyuncu (Fenerbahce), Eren Elmali (Galatasaray), Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton), Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli Saudi), Mert Muldur (Fenerbahce), Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim), Samet Akaydin (Caykur Rizespor), Zeki Celik (Roma)Midfielders: Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan), Ismail Yuksek (Fenerbahce), Kaan Ayhan (Galatasaray), Orkun Kokcu (Besiktas), Salih Ozcan (Borussia Dortmund)Forwards: Arda Guler (Real Madrid), Baris Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray), Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt), Deniz Gul (Porto), Irfan Can Kahveci (Kasimpasa), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Kerem Akturkoglu (Fenerbahce), Oguz Aydin (Fenerbahce), Yunus Akgun (Galatasaray)Coach: Vincenzo MontellaStar player – Arda Guler, Real Madrid: After a breakthrough campaign with Real Madrid, the left-footed playmaker won the Champions League’s Young Player of the Season award and was a regular for Los Blancos, playing 51 games across all competitions. Still just 21, his prowess from long-distance and free-kicks could be a killer weapon for his country this summer. Arda Guler is the standout player in Group D (Getty)Breakout talent – Kenan Yildiz, Juventus: Versatile and capable of playing in several different forward positions, the Juventus player scored 10 Serie A goals this season and should link up well with Guler. Also strong from long distance. Fifa ranking: 22.Odds to win the World Cup: 100/1.Group D predictionA tough one to call. Instinct says USA and Turkey will be the top two, and I’ll plump for the European side to top the group, given their momentum and attacking quality. In at third will be Paraguay, given their strong defensive record, though it admittedly feels like an oversight to overlook the Socceroos.

Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks owner James Dolan shakes hands with New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani during a ceremony at New York City Hall following the Knicks championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesOver the past several weeks, New York Knicks team owner James Dolan has been in the midst of a public perception battle with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. That battle continued again on Thursday at the team’s victory celebration outside City Hall, and once again, Mamdani came away as the winner.Mamdani delivered a rousing and inspirational speech that connected the team’s historic NBA Championship run to the culture and spirit of the city while recounting the history of the Knicks, naming several players from the past, both legendary and underappreciated. Dolan, meanwhile, used his speech to seemingly take a shot at Mamdani.Needless to say, Mamdani’s speech was a hit while Dolan faced heavy criticism.Mamdani Praised For SpeechDuring Thursday’s celebration, Mamdani delivered what was instantly hailed as one of the best sports speeches ever delivered by a politician. In the speech, the New York City Mayor recounted the history of the Knicks since their last championship 53 years ago, praising dozens of current and former Knicks players, including rather deep pulls like Mardy Collins and Toney Douglas.Mamdani connected the team’s historic 29-point comeback in Game 4, where the odds gave them just a 0.4% chance of winning the game at that point, to the overall spirit and culture of New York City as a whole.“There is one thing that the pundits just don’t get about this team, what they don’t get about this city: it is in that 0.4% that we go to work,” Mamdani said.“The Knicks did not just win for New York City, they won like New York City,” Mamdani said later in his speech. “What is New York without your back against the wall? A dream that feels just out of reach? A rent payment you don’t know how you’ll ever make? What is New York if not 99.6% of the world stacked against you? And who are New Yorkers who hear those odds, and smile?“This is our city. This is our team. For 53 years we’ve watched. For 53 years we’ve waited. Now, we’ve won.”The speech was highly praised, with commenters calling him a “certified ball-knower” and his speech “the best sports speech in political history.”Dolan Responds, Faces CriticismDolan addressed the crowd following Mamdani’s rousing speech. But instead of offering some inspirational words the way Mamdani did, he decided to use the opportunity to take a not-so-subtle swipe at Mamdani’s speech.“I don’t need your vote. I don’t need to quote to you about what happened here, because if you’re real Knick fans, you know it already,” Dolan said, clearly responding to Mamdani’s speech.Needless to say, these comments did not go over well with fans.“James Dolan is a thoroughly unlovable human being,” one fan wrote in a post on X.“Guy can’t help himself lmao, just so unlikeable,” someone else said.“Billionaire gonna billionaire: I don’t need you! You need me!!” another person criticized.“What a loser, even as a champion, he can’t escape it,” someone else added.Real Knick fans know the team won in spite of James Dolan. He is 1 of the worst owners in sports,” another fan wrote.After losing their public perception battle during the finals, it’s clear that Dolan lost during the parade, too.The post ‘Just so unlikeable’: Knicks owner James Dolan continues to lose to Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Substitute Manzambi scores twice as Switzerland lead 10-man BosniaVargas also nets for SwissManzambi was picked as one of BBC Sport's 20 young players to watch before tournamentMuharemovic sent off for Bosnia at 1-0Both sides drew first games, Qatar & Canada also in Group BWorld Cup last-32 fixtures as it stands | How to watch the World Cup on BBC | Your guide to all 48 teams Substitute Manzambi scores twice as Switzerland lead 10-man Bosnia at World Cup

Baseball owners proposed banning high school players from signing with major league teams, raising the age for international amateurs and slashing the money spent on signing bonuses in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement Thursday.The amateur draft for players residing in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico would be cut from 20 rounds to 12 beginning in 2027 under the proposal Major League Baseball made during a bargaining session with the players’ association. An identical 12-round draft would be started for international prospects, a proposal the union has rejected in the past.Starting in 2028, a prospect for the amateur draft would have to be at least 20 years old by the Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of his high school class — a restriction that also would eliminate players who completed their first year of junior college.The amateur draft started in 1965, high schoolers have been eligible along with college players who are in or have just finished their junior years.Raising signing ages would likely lead to players being older when they become eligible for free agency, which currently requires six years of major league service.MLB cited increased revenue in college baseball as reasoning. In addition, MLB said 75% of high schoolers signed from 2012-19 did not reach the major leagues.“Expanded scholarships, NIL opportunities, revenue sharing and significant investments in facilities and player development have made college baseball an increasingly important pathway that is producing major league-ready talent at an accelerated rate,” MLB said in a statement. “By creating a draft system centered around college-aged players and making most college players eligible one year earlier, more players will benefit from both a college education and an elite development environment while reaching professional baseball — and ultimately the major leagues — more quickly.”MLB said it will not seek to reduce the 120 minor league teams in the top four levels when it negotiates new professional development licenses in 2030 to replace expiring 10-year deals.For international amateurs, the age to sign would be raised to 18 on the Sept. 1 of their signing year, up from 17.Each separate draft would have $200 million in signing pools in 2027. There would be hard caps for each draft.Teams would be able to trade draft picks but a club couldn’t trade its first-round pick in consecutive drafts. A team couldn’t acquire more than three additional selections among the first three rounds.Spending on signing bonuses for players eligible for the 2025 amateur draft totaled about $402 million and signing bonus pools for 2026 increased by 2.5%.Each team would have the same amount to spend under the proposal rather than the current system which gives higher pools to teams with poorer records in the previous year. Pittsburgh is at just over $19 million this year and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at slightly under $4 million. Teams currently can go over their pools and often do as much as 5%.Teams have spent about $193 million on signing bonus for international amateurs in 2026. The current signing period runs from Jan. 15 to Dec. 15 each year, but the initial international draft would be no earlier than September 2027 and no later than March 2028.MLB proposed eliminating competitive balance round picks that began in 2023 and cutting the draft lottery that started in 2023 from the top six picks to four.Bargaining began May 13 and the sides exchanged initial proposals two weeks later as management proposed a salary cap for the first time since 1994, which resulted in a 7 1/2-month strike and the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years.

England captain Ben Stokes is on the verge of an international return for next week's third Test against New Zealand, potentially drawing a line under recent doubts surrounding his future in the sport. Stokes was sidelined from the second Test at the Kia Oval after breaching a team curfew during a night out in London, an incident that sparked widespread speculation about his captaincy and even his career.However, tensions appear to have eased, with sources indicating Stokes could rejoin the squad at Trent Bridge as twin investigations into the protocol breach are nearing their conclusion. Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, also involved after the Lord's series opener, were interviewed by the independent Cricket Regulator on Thursday. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is now keen to swiftly conclude its own inquiry.Initially allowing the process to unfold, the ECB is now prepared to act quickly, potentially reinstating Stokes in time for next Thursday's match in Nottingham. While no definitive decisions have been made, a reconciliation seems the most probable outcome.Stokes and Atkinson were deemed unavailable for the second Test against New Zealand (PA Wire)The question of Stokes' captaincy remains, though it is understood that ECB management are open to him continuing his four-year tenure. His close friend and predecessor, Joe Root, stepped in for the ongoing Test but viewed the role as temporary, indicating he would not obstruct Stokes' return to leadership.In the immediate future, the 35-year-old Stokes is set to play for Durham on Friday in the Rothesay County Championship against Northamptonshire at Trent Bridge. The ECB retains the authority to withdraw him, but despite the county match concluding just before Test training begins, they are not inclined to do so.Stokes has made only one public comment since the episode blew up 11 days ago, a brief Instagram message wishing England and their debutants well at the Kia Oval. Head coach Brendon McCullum had previously voiced "worry" and "concern" for his absent skipper's wellbeing.Conversely, Durham coach Ryan Campbell offered a different perspective after working with Stokes in the nets. He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Ben knows he made a mistake and broke the curfew, but some of the reaction has been a little over (the top). From what I’ve seen, he’s in good spirits, he’s back in training, working hard and the rest will take care of itself. Ben is a competitor and he loves to play and he wants to play."Cricket legend Lord Ian Botham had earlier speculated that Stokes might consider leaving the sport if he were to lose the captaincy. "It wouldn’t surprise me, if Ben did lose the captaincy, he probably might walk away from the game, but I just don’t know," Botham stated on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show. He added: "To be honest with you, it was an unnecessary procedure and one that I think he will regret." Botham also criticised the lack of discipline, remarking: "Some people just don’t learn, do they? Everybody supported him, but I really can’t see how you can justify what happened after the game. We used to love going out for a drink, but we weren’t quite so obvious."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., leaves the chamber, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)2026-06-18T20:20:10Z WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders on Capitol Hill, including top national security figures, were voicing strong reservations Thursday —- and some outright condemnation — of the Trump administration’s agreement to end the fighting in Iran. The memorandum of understanding signed by President Donald Trump started a 60-day negotiating clock to reach a final deal on the future of Iran’s nuclear program. While Trump allies noted the agreement is not final, the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran’s sale of oil and the plan for a $300 billion fund to rebuild Iran and its economy were met with criticism from Republican leaders and conservative influencers, including some close Trump supporters. “President Trump has pursued peace through strength. I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective,” said Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who has urged Trump to keep up the pressure on Iran and last month warned against striking a bad deal. “The $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran — though not funded by U.S. taxpayers — would make Iran’s payoff under President Obama’s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison,” Wicker said, referring to the Democratic administration’s Iran agreement that Trump withdrew from during his first term. The criticism from within Trump’s own party — though hardly unanimous — comes as he is trying to bring an end to the unpopular war fewer than five months from midterm elections, where Republicans are facing headwinds in their effort to hold their narrow majorities. Trump calls his critics ‘fools’Wicker’s points were backed by a number of his colleagues, many of whom supported the war when it began.“History demonstrates giving billions of dollars to the theocratic lunatics who want to kill you is an exceptionally bad idea,” said Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a staunch supporter of the war. “And so I hope we don’t do that.”Trump on Truth Social called his critics “fools” and said the $300 billon payment to Iran by the United States is “fake news.” The interim pact promises a $300 billion fund for postwar reconstruction. It’s not clear where that money will come from — but Trump said, as Wicker noted, the U.S. would not contribute.“All there is for the U.S. is Success, Lower Oil Prices, and Victory,” he posted. Read More Some senators question financial provisionsAs the memorandum was released to Congress on Thursday, several Republican senators said it left them with questions, many of them about its financial provisions. Majority Leader John Thune and South Dakota colleague Sen. Mike Rounds were seeking clarity on how financial incentives to Iran and conditions barring funding terrorism would be enforced, because “right now, a lot of money’s going to go to Iran,” Rounds said. To be sure, there were Republicans more closely aligned with Trump’s America First policies in the Senate and elsewhere who were giving him the benefit of the doubt. Sen. Roger Marshall stressed the point in the memorandum that supporters say gives the U.S. the upper hand. In a social media post, the Kansas Republican said one of the most important provisions “lays out a key commitment that strengthens regional security and ensures that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” Louisiana GOP Senate candidate John Fleming, who has focused on Trump’s most loyal supporters ahead of a June 27 Republican primary runoff, said that means Trump has suggested that the U.S. will strike Iran again if it does not live up to the agreement. “The criticism may be worthy if there isn’t follow-through,” Fleming said. “He’s using the speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick in offering them plenty of help, but at the same time he’s got that stick ready if they don’t live up to their agreements.”MAGA voices send a warningStill, some of Trump’s strongest supporters in conservative media have warned against the agreement. Conservative radio host Mark Levin suggested a strategic rethinking to hold off on an agreement with Iran until after the midterms. “We should consider slow-walking the enemy, building up our munitions, our oil reserves, get the price of gasoline down, get through the midterms, then knock them out,” he said in a social media post. Instead, the U.S. seemed to be “rushing to a deal, building up their oil industry” and agreeing to governments “transferring billions to them.” Right-wing social media influencer Laura Loomer, who has long supported Trump while also promoting conspiracy theories, was more pointed in her criticism. “Who is giving the President tainted, pro-Islamic intel?” she posted on X. What all the critics shared is an abiding distrust of the Iranian regime, no matter their relationship to Trump. “It does smack of the kind of appeasement,” said former Vice President Mike Pence, whose relationship with Trump was fractured after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. “Bottom line. I don’t trust the Iranians.” ___Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. THOMAS BEAUMONT Beaumont covers national politics for The Associated Press. He is based in Des Moines, Iowa. twitter mailto

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes speaks at the Arizona State Prison, March 19, 2025, in Florence, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb, File)2026-06-18T18:43:21Z PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is dismissing a sprawling criminal case that alleged President Donald Trump’s former chief of staff Mark Meadows, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and others tried to overturn Trump’s 2020 loss in the state.The decision announced Thursday marks the third such fake elector case filed by states to be dismissed, though the Democratic attorney general is vowing to bring it back to a grand jury in hopes of securing another indictment.The legal maneuver is aimed at getting around a Friday deadline for starting new grand jury proceedings after Mayes lost an appeal earlier this month. The appeal was filed after defense attorneys argued successfully that the original grand jury hadn’t been shown the relevant parts of a law that governs how presidential contests are certified.“This case is complex and will require substantial presentation of evidence and time to accommodate defendants’ request to testify and present evidence,” prosecutors wrote, explaining the new presentation of the case to a grand jury won’t happen by the deadline. Mark L. Williams, an attorney for Giuliani, said his client and the others charged in the case did nothing wrong and were only exercising their rights to free speech and to petition the government. “This action was brought to punish Mr. Giuliani and the other Republican defendants for exercising their constitutional rights,” Williams said. “It’s appropriate that it’s being dismissed.” Courts have dismissed similar cases in Michigan and Georgia, and a special prosecutor dropped a federal case in late 2024 that charged Trump with conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. Those cases ended after Trump defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. Cases related to the fake elector scheme remain in Nevada and Wisconsin. Read More The Nevada charges were dismissed in 2024 after a judge concluded Clark County, the state’s most populous county and home to Las Vegas, was the wrong venue for the case. Later that year, though, the case was refiled in Carson City, Nevada’s capital. The Arizona case had been stalled for well over a year while Mayes pursued the appeal.In Arizona, defense lawyers argued the law allowed for multiple slates of electors to be submitted to Congress in case the results were disputed. Federal law was amended in 2022 to specify that any given state could put forward only one slate of electors and that state governors are responsible for signing off.Joe Biden won Arizona in 2020 by 10,457 votes.The state attorney general has faced steep challenges in making her case.It was filed nearly three and a half years after the 2020 election and levels complicated conspiracy charges against the 18 defendants. A dozen dismissal requests filed by defense attorneys have slowed progress in court.The first judge on the case recused himself in late 2024 after an email surfaced in which he told fellow judges to speak out against attacks on Harris’ campaign for the presidency. The next judge ordered the case to be sent back to a grand jury. Of the 18 Arizona defendants, two were former Trump aides, five were lawyers working for Trump and 11 were Republicans who submitted a document falsely claiming Trump won Arizona.Three defendants have resolved their cases, including one who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.The rest pleaded not guilty. Some said they signed the certificate in case Trump won court challenges and a new slate of electors was needed urgently before Congress’ Jan. 6 deadline to tally votes.The case has factored into Arizona’s attorney general race, where both Republican challengers to Mayes have publicly said they will dismiss the charges if they were elected to the post. Mayes is running unopposed in the July 21 primary. JACQUES BILLEAUD Billeaud is an Associated Press reporter who covers courts and law enforcement in Arizona. He previously covered immigration and the Arizona Legislature.

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Fight fans are still reeling from the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn. They're also trying to make sense of Alex Pereira's reaction to his heavyweight title loss, while still awaiting viewership numbers that seem, well, realistic.All that and more in this week's mailbag. To ask a question of your own, hit up @BenFowlkesMMA on X or @Ben_Fowlkes on Threads.@formyxscarfalo1: What do you think about the Gane back of the head shots on Pereira?I think they were real, but they did not make the difference in that fight, and Alex Pereira is not doing himself any favors by fixating on it so publicly. I also think this fight was a great example of why MMA has such a problem enforcing that rule and why we need to figure it out. All those things can be true at the same time.Let's start with figuring out what we really mean by "back of the head" for the purpose of this rule. It's not as simple as the space behind the ears. The way the rule is interpreted confines the no-fly zone to a pretty narrow strip, almost an extension of the spinal cord.Did Ciryl Gane still manage to hit that strip at least a couple times? He did. But he mostly did it while Pereira was moving, which usually earns a fighter a little extra leeway on that rule. One of the things I learned at the officials' summit back in January is that kicking a guy in the groin isn't always a foul. If you go to kick my leg and I jump forward or redirect your kick into my own bathing suit area, brother that one is on me.But also, what would we have wanted referee Herb Dean to do differently there? If he paused the fight the instant one of Gane's fists or elbows hits the back of Pereira's head, Pereira would have gotten a chance to rest and recover. Then we would probably have accused Dean of saving Pereira and interfering in the fight. Instead he let it play out, and Gane finished Pereira with entirely legal strikes a few seconds later.Here's where I reiterate that MMA refs have a job that's so difficult as to be almost impossible. Practically every decision they make (or don't make) is the equivalent of a play at home plate in the bottom of the ninth. Any intervention on their part can change the entire fight. And taking a hands-off approach gets them blamed for all the stuff they didn't do.Alex Pereira (left) was not having a great time against Ciryl Gane on Sunday night.Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images@bodkins_nick: What makes this loss to Gane so hard for Alex? Because he does not seem to be taking it wellNo, he doesn't. And it's a little surprising, since we have seen him take other losses with more grace and humility. Maybe he really believes he was egregiously wronged in this fight. But then, he also seems to think that he was on the verge of winning since Gane was about to run out of gas, and there's nothing we saw to back up that version of events.He tried to make history by going up and winning a UFC title in a third division. He failed at that. There's no shame in it. I think fight fans would still respect him for being so willing to try and fail if only he'd shut up and let them.@GreggoDeCarlo: Is Cyril Gane the dirtiest fighter to ever hold a UFC belt?I'm tempted to say no, if only because I feel like we've seen some dirty, rotten cheaters get their hands on UFC gold over the years. I mean, Jon Jones. He's probably the greatest fighter in MMA history, but he's also a notorious skewerer of eyeballs who could have easily lost his title to Anthony Smith due to a blatantly illegal blow.But it must be said that the past two fights haven't helped Gane's reputation. He ruined one title shot by going full Three Stooges on Tom Aspinall's eyes, and now he beats a two-division champ to claim an interim belt but all anyone can talk about is his illegal blows. If I were Aspinall right now, here's where I'd be serving everyone a healthy dose of “I Tried To Tell You Guys.”@ewillcock: Now that it's over, what was the biggest surprise of UFC Freedom 250? (Other than the obvious awesomeness of the Marine Corps band)To me it was how smoothly the UFC production staff pulled this off. I was expecting something much crasser, with hiccups caused by the outdoor venue and the unprecedented setting. Any time you go to put on a live event at a place not made for live events, it's always tricky. And when we saw that giant "claw" go up on the White House lawn, I think it gave a lot of people strong county-fair vibes. I was worried the UFC would go over the top with the Trump worship and the whole thing would end up feeling like the Kid Rock halftime show. (Though the band deserves a lot of credit for classing up the joint, too.)It didn't. It felt almost understated, but with a visually impactful grandeur about it. That was the biggest surprise to me. Justin Gaethje showing up and having one of the best and most tactically sound fights he's had in years? That was also a big surprise. I think I speak for the whole Uncrowned crew, none of whom picked Gaethje, when I say I didn't see that one coming.@InterMetr0: I've been following UFC since the very first event and yourself since back in the Cage Potato days and don't recall ever hearing ANYTHING about corruption/fight fixing in UFC until this latest DC/Trump Jr. purported twitter direct message exchange. What do you make of this?This was a very bizarre story. One of the things that made it seem potentially plausible is not that the UFC itself has ever engaged in fight-fixing (it hasn't, though individual fighters may have), but that someone like Eric Trump might believe that's how at least some of this worked. Let's face it, the idea of profiting off who you know and how they might be able to rig things in your favor is very much a part of his world. It's not inconceivable that someone like that, who does not know this world, might think he could use his name and influence to get insider information from a UFC employee like Daniel Cormier.It's also not totally unthinkable that Cormier would be outraged by that suggestion, and decide to go public with it in a moment of anger. He wonders why people are stupid enough to believe it was real? That's why. Because they think he's a straight-shooter who wouldn't stand for that. And because a tweet that came from his account seemed to reinforce things that many people already believed about both men.I've got to say, he didn't exactly help things with his response. For one thing, he didn't offer up the "hacked or something" explanation until several hours later, after the event. His explanation this week on YouTube was that someone hacked his account, posted these fake screenshots, and then deleted that tweet, all before he ever saw it. He said he only learned it had happened when he arrived at the White House and others told him. But he also said he did post the tweet wondering how people ever believed this, so he had access to his account then, presumably at the same time as the hacker.So you're telling me someone hacked into his account to send just this one tweet and then delete it themselves? That's all they did with this access? If that's what happened, I guess it was effective as a multilayered attack to sow chaos for its own sake, because here we are talking about it. It's also super weird, though.But then, there's a part of his explanation that bothers me. It's where he says, several times in his YouTube video, that he "would never do that." Except in this case, what he means by "that" is … tell us that a powerful person was soliciting insider information? Because if that had happened, wouldn't exposing it make him the good guy? Isn't that what he should do? Telling us you'd never do it suggests that you'd be totally willing to keep it a secret, which ain't a good look either.I've known Cormier a long time and have always known him to be an honest man. So if he says he was hacked, I'm inclined to believe him. But also, that would make him the victim of a cyberattack that had major implications for not just the UFC but the U.S. President's family. Seems like that ought to merit an investigation of some kind to see who was behind it.@NoahSas23: Why is it when Netflix and Jake Paul announced their viewership, everyone excepted it without pushback and praised them for such an event. But when Rogan says what paramount's viewship was for the White House, MMA media is being skeptical and negative about it?Sure, let me see if I can explain this one for you. Netflix is a publicly traded company, so there could be legal consequences if it lied about its numbers and potentially artificially inflated its value. Joe Rogan is a podcaster known for Just Saying Stuff, and sometimes that stuff is proven to be totally fakeimmediately after he says it.Point is, one of those parties can spout whatever numbers it wants with total impunity, and the other can't. That's why there's a difference in how willing people are to believe one and not the other.But while we're on the subject, I think there's this perception that some of us in the media want to see the UFC do badly. What that doesn't take into account is that, if UFC viewership fell and interest in the UFC dissipated, it would mean the end of our jobs. No media outlet pays you to cover a sport that people aren't watching. I know because I was writing about this sport back when hardly anyone was watching, and there were very, very few paying gigs for that at the time.At the same time, most people who go into any branch of journalism have an allergic reaction to bullcrap. Even if the lies are pleasant ones that we might want to believe, we have a hard time just nodding along and going with it if we don't think it's true. Rogan saying that this event drew 150 million viewers between Sunday night and Monday? That strains belief. That's almost twice as many total subscribers as Paramount+ had going into the weekend. And this was an event that didn't even start until 9 p.m. ET on a Sunday night.Maybe once we finally see some firm numbers from Paramount — another publicly traded company — we'll know better what to make of it. I think any figure north of 20 million would be a huge success for this event. And I think it's possible the UFC hit that number. This was a big event, no question about it. That doesn't mean I need to sit here and pretend it was bigger than every single Super Bowl, though.@pmsdeadandalive: whos gonna tell michael chandler enough is enough? 40 years old, more straight losses than punches landed vs ruffy, 6/7 losses, 2-6 ufc. and gettin beat BAD. id tell him myself from up here at the top where we were supposed to meet but dont think hed hear me way down where he is.Based on Michael Chandler's comments on social media after the loss, he's not seeing this the same way you are. He's still grinding and he still expects to see us at the top. The fact that he was not the least bit competitive in this fight has not dimmed his optimism or enthusiasm.But that's the way it goes. The type of person who gives up easily is not the type of person who makes it to this level. Chandler turned 40 this year and he's still in the UFC, still getting big fights on big cards. If he could be easily convinced to quit and stay home, that would have happened years ago. This is a familiar story. To be a pro fighter requires a degree of stubbornness and toughness and optimism that also usually makes it hard to know when to stop. If there's a cure for that, I don't think we've found it yet.

Mar 11, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Steve Forbes during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images I was trying to wait for the Deacs to add another point guard before posting this transfer portal recap for the basketball team, but it’s the middle of June and I’m starting to think that isn’t going to happen anymore (Wake did add Dimitrije Kovacevic in the middle of August last year, so I guess there’s always a chance that they could add another player before the end of summer). As with most teams in DI basketball, Wake Forest had a massive amount of turnover in the transfer portal during the 1st month of the offseason, so here is the quick rundown of what the team looks like right now.Transfers OutJuke Harris —> TennesseeMyles Colvin —> CincinnatiCooper Schwieger—> Florida StateOmaha Biliew—> Grand CanyonSebastian Akins—>Washington StateMarqus Marion—> ETSUJaylen Cross—> Coastal CarolinaDimitrije Kovacevic—> MercerThe clear, massive loss here is Juke Harris, who accounted for nearly 30% of the Deacs’ points last season and almost 25% of their rebounds. Just losing him alone probably dropped Wake’s predicted win total next season by 5+ games. Myles Colvin is also a significant loss, as the junior was 2nd on the team in scoring and 3rd in rebounding. The rest of the transfer losses, in my opinion, aren’t really going to move the needle that much. Schwieger was either completely out of his league or asked to do things he was incapable of doing (we will find out in a few months which it was), Biliew never developed into more than a spot up shooter, Akins had moments but was far too inconsistent to start at PG in the ACC, and Marion, Cross, and Kovacevic hardly or never saw the court.Transfers InKevair Kennedy: PG | Merrimack | Sophomore | 6-2, 165 | Driver who gets to the line a lot.Jamari McDowell: SG | Kansas | RS Junior | 6-5, 200 | Defensive specialistJustin Ray: SG | Monmounth | Junior | 6-3, 175 | 42% 3-point shooterRing Nyeri: F | Northern Colorado | Junior | 6-8, 185 | Rebounder and 35% 3-point shooterAntonio Dorn: C | Virginia Tech | Sophomore | 7-0, 230 | LargeXander Pintelon: F| FAU | Senior | 6-11, 220| Tall, 35% 3-point shooterVincent Chaudhri: F | George Washington | Sophomore | 6-7, 190 | Probably a practice bodyThis class is clearly missing a splashy name like a Hunter Sallis or a Tyree Appleby. The offensive success is probably going to depend solely on whether or not Kevair Kennedy will have similar success driving to the basket as he did at Merrimack, because the Deacs don’t really have anyone else who can create offense for themselves or their teammates. If Kennedy struggles against bigger ACC defenders, Wake may have to revert to a slower tempo and rely more on set plays than the freelance motion style they are accustomed to using.The defensive side is where I think—and hope—this team can pick up some of the slack. The Deacs added plenty of length on the perimeter with McDowell (6-5) and Nyeri (6-8) and have 2 bigs around 7 feet tall. Throw in the Placide twins (6-11 and 6-10, allegedly, their heights are blank on the official roster) and the Deacs have plenty of size to make things difficult for opponents next season. It was just 1 year ago that we saw Wake Forest finish 4th in the ACC with a 145th ranked offense that was 275th in the nation in points per game and couldn’t make a 3-pointer if their life depended on it. That team won games on the back of a top 35 defense that held opponents to 40% shooting and 68 points per game. The pivot to a slower, more defensive oriented style of play is probably in the future for Wake Forest anyways if they can’t increase their NIL budget—for the most part, great defenders who struggle to score are simply much cheaper than great scorers who aren’t good at defense. As far as expectations go, it won’t shock me if this team has trouble putting points on the board since they lost 98% of their scoring from last season and didn’t add a whole lot of firepower in the portal. If the Deacs play defense like they did in the 2025-26 season (113th), they will probably not being making the ACC tournament. If they get back to defending like they did in the 24-25 season (34th) or the 21-22 season (42nd), I think their ceiling is probably somewhere around the middle of the pack of the conference. Sometimes in sports the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, so maybe the Deacs will surprise us.

June 12, 2026; Toronto, Canada; Canada's Cyle Larin celebrates scoring their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images of the FIFA 2026 World Cup is in the books. Every team has played a match, and starting Thursday we will begin the second round of games for each nation.And some teams can already clinch a spot in the knockout round.Here are the scenarios for Group B heading into Thursday’s matches.What are the Group B standings?Here are the current Group B standings, ahead of matches on Thursday, June 18:TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsSwitzerland11052+34Canada0101101Bosnia and Herzegovina01125-31Qatar0101101What are the next Group B matches?Here is the rest of the Group B schedule, starting with today’s matches.Thursday, June 18Switzerland 4, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1Canada vs. QatarWednesday, June 24Switzerland vs. CanadaBosnia and Herzegovina vs. QatarWhat are the current scenarios for Group B?What are the scenarios for Group B?Ask us in a few days.Because with the results from the opening matches, all four teams have one point, after playing in a 1-1 draw. Therefore, none of the teams can clinch Group B on Thursday, and none of the teams can be eliminated from knockout round contention.

Former Celtics Forward Thinks Trading Jaylen Brown For Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Right Move originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.A Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could be on the horizon, and there are plenty of rumors of the Boston Celtics trying to acquire the two-time MVP.If the Celtics were to acquire Antetokounmpo, they would seemingly have to move on from Jaylen Brown to make the salaries work. They could deal him to the Milwaukee Bucks, move him in a separate trade or send him to a third team in a three-team deal. Regardless, splitting up the duo of Brown and Jayson Tatum could be risky.While Antetokounmpo is a great player, Brown and Tatum have proven they can work together and compete for championships. Fans may be split on whether trading Brown for Antetokounmpo is actually the right move, but former Celtics forward Marcus Morris thinks it is the right move."I think Jaylen Brown needs his own team," Morris said on "First Take" on Thursday. "I think it's about time. I love the combination of him and Jayson Tatum. I was there. I watched him grow up. I played two years with him. I think it's time that Jaylen Brown goes and gets his own team, and establishes himself as a superstar and gets to the role that he wants to be in. I think this is a great trade for both teams because Giannis and Tatum are complementary of each other."Brown was named All-NBA Second-Team for the second time in his career last season. He played most of the season without Tatum and set a new career high in points per game. He is extension eligible, and after a first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs, Brad Stevens may be open to making a big change.More NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo Rumors: Significant Update On Trade Sweepstakes