MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 27: Max Eberl, Sporting director of FC Bayern München talks to Herbert Hainer (R), President of FC Bayern München during the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and SC Freiburg at FCB Campus on April 27, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for DFB) | Getty Images for DFB Journeyman manager José Mourinho once quipped that Bayern Munich wins the league in the summer because Bayern buys Borussia Dortmund’s best player. It has been a decade since Dortmund sold a player to Bayern (Mats Hummels), although Niklas Süle and Raphaël Guerreiro have made the move on free transfers. Over the last three years, Yann Sommer and Hiroki Itō are the only players that Bayern has acquired via transfer from other Bundesliga clubs.Bayern’s inability to use the Bundesliga pipeline has coincided with a decline in performance from the German national team as top players have been sold for larger fees to other countries, primarily Premier League teams. This has forced Bayern to open the club’s checkbook to bring in elite players from abroad, much to the dismay of Uli Hoeneß. Bayern president Herbert Hainer and director of sport Max Eberl have been less bothered by the ever changing financial landscape.“Of course, FC Bayern are still able to invest big sums,” Hainer told Sport Bild (via @iMiaSanMia). “But as always, we won’t do anything crazy – and we certainly won’t go along with what some agents might imagine.”Bayern’s elite attacking trio of Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise cost the club €218M in transfer fees but fans are likely to scoff at the results. Kane has won the Bundesliga Golden Boot all three years, Díaz played over 4,500 minutes with virtually no backup, and Olise was voted as the 2025/26 Bundesliga Player of the Season.If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor… Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts

NEW DELHI: Pacer Jasprit Bumrah endured one of the toughest seasons of his T20 career as his IPL 2026 campaign ended with an unwanted record. The Mumbai Indians pacer was rested for the team’s final league game against Rajasthan Royals, finishing the season with just four wickets in 13 matches. Bumrah ended with a bowling average of 102.50, the worst ever for any bowler in T20 history who has bowled 40 or more overs in a single tournament.The poor campaign came as a surprise because Bumrah had entered the IPL after a successful T20 World Cup, where he played a major role in India’s title-winning run. However, Mumbai Indians also struggled badly this season and were knocked out of the playoff race early.One major reason behind Bumrah’s poor form was fitness issues. Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed that the fast bowler had been carrying a niggle since the T20 World Cup, which affected both his rhythm and pace during the tournament.“I think coming back from the World Cup as well, he [Bumrah] had a slight niggle which he played with through the World Cup,” Jayawardene said.“So, you could see the pace… dropped because of that.”Jayawardene also said teams approached Bumrah differently this season because Mumbai’s other bowlers failed to build pressure from the opposite end. 131302467“I wouldn't worry about Booms. I think he's in good spirits, and he will come back strong,” he added.Bumrah has now been rested for India’s upcoming home series against Afghanistan as the team management hopes he regains full fitness before a busy international season later this year.

Motorsport photoWe’ve all done it, haven’t we? Promised we’d be a better version of ourselves, stop moaning, start running - or decide we need to spend more time with our parents, after all. We do that mostly around New Year’s time. We “start fresh”, “turn the page” and do whatever else you might call it.But as always, it’s about how we stick to our own promises, not about declaring them.When Lewis Hamilton talked about “rediscovering” himself in 2026, it did feel a little bit like one of those New Year’s resolutions. He mentioned training - check. He said he believes in himself. And he promised the journalists sitting in the Melbourne media centre press conference room that they wouldn’t see that miserable version of 2025 Lewis again.“I kind of lost sight for a second of who I was,” he said, “And that person’s gone. You won’t see that person again.”He did indeed sound quite depressed at times last year - but there weren’t many moments that would’ve helped lift his spirits. His first season in red wasn’t full of highlights. And Lewis’ own frustration probably reached its peak around the Hungarian Grand Prix. The person Hamilton promised we’d never see again used to call himself “useless” and suggest Ferrari “probably need to change driver.”This year he turned the page, though. Made some changes in his inner circle - and also inside the team. The relationship with Riccardo Adami wasn’t great. Not on a personal level, but even glimpses of their radio conversations last year were enough to conclude something wasn’t working between the two.It’s a big change, especially for someone who worked with one engineer at Mercedes for a decade - and Lewis started the season without having a permanent one.Hamilton promised a fresh start in 2026 after a miserable first year at FerrariHamilton promised a fresh start in 2026 after a miserable first year at FerrariNot that it’s all working perfectly this year, but so far Hamilton is sticking to his promises. He turned up in Canada after a couple of challenging weekends. After a good start in Melbourne and a great weekend in China, where he finally scored his first Ferrari podium, the races in Japan and Miami proved challenging. And it even looked as if it was all going back to 2025 normal: with Charles Leclerc being the faster of the two, and Hamilton himself constantly chasing the lost feeling of being in control.Yet he still turned up in Montreal in a great mood. With Hamilton you can always see it in the way he talks - and he was at his best again on Thursday, explaining why he wants to try and stop using the simulator for his preparation - and also talking about how he now spends more time with his mother. Read Also: Lewis Hamilton’s new approach seems to work as he outqualifies Charles Leclerc again “I’ve been trying to get my mum to come on the road for a while and she hasn’t wanted to travel the last couple of years,” he said. “She’s only come to Silverstone for the last God knows how many years. And I tried to get her out of her comfort zone last year and bring her to Canada. I wanted to take her to Lake Louise and so many beautiful places in Canada to visit, and excuses kept coming up.“And so, she promised me end of the year. She said, “Next year is the year I’m going to travel with you.” So, we did China together, which was honestly the best time we’d ever had together. Then she asked me if she could come to Montreal and I was like, 'Absolutely.' But I think also because it is a really great city to come to. It’s got really good restaurants here. There’s such a buzz in town.“And I was like, 'Do you want to bring a friend?' And she’s like, 'No, I just want to come spend time with you.' So we have just a great time. She’s really my best friend, so I’m really grateful that she’s taken the time to come and be here. I think probably the energy, it definitely makes a difference to your weekend when you have support from your family, and the fact that we’re on the road all the time and you don’t always get to see your family, it’s really nice then to have that.“Also, when she came to China, I got to show her the team. She loved being around the team, she felt really integrated with the team and they made her feel so welcome. And she loved being around Italians and the food was great. So yeah, I’m really excited for her to be here and fingers crossed she’ll come to more.”Hamilton's new weapon in 2026: bringing his mum to racesHamilton's new weapon in 2026: bringing his mum to racesAfter Sunday, it’s almost as if Carmen Larbalestier will now need to come to a lot more races. In the two she decided to visit this year, he’s been on the podium, with Canada delivering not only his best result with the team, but probably his most complete performance.Hamilton was clearly the faster of the two Ferrari drivers in Montreal from the start of the weekend - and “won” both qualifying sessions against Leclerc even if neither went perfectly. He simply had enough pace to keep his team-mate under control.And he got to overtake Max Verstappen on Sunday, too."Yeah, I had so much fun out there all weekend," he said after the finish. "Every single lap, I felt like we started on the right foot, came with the right attitude and the car really generally felt great. And so, to come to Montreal, a track that I do love, and get to enjoy a sprint weekend here, which is the first that we’ve had [here], was awesome. And this is my first second place with the team. It’s something I’ve been working so hard for, I can’t even begin to explain how deep I’ve had to dig to be able to get to this point, and the work and moving mountains in the background to enable this sort of performance."Was it down to the decision to ditch simulator work? That’s probably going to be the conclusion for many. Hamilton himself didn’t miss a chance to give some credit to Carlo Santi, who is now likely to stay as Lewis’ permanent engineer."I chose a different set-up this weekend through just ciphering through the data," Hamilton explained, "working really well with my engineer. He’s absolutely awesome and I’m really loving working with him.Can Hamilton follow up his Canada success in Monaco?Can Hamilton follow up his Canada success in Monaco?"And my number two did a fantastic job this weekend and helped me really pull more performance out of the car, getting into a much sweeter place. And I was able to attack all the corners finally. And as I said, there’s a lot of changes that I’ve had to ask for, and Fred [Vasseur]’s been super supportive and again also moving mountains in order to make me comfortable. And it’s finally starting to show in my performance."Of course, it’s easy to declare Hamilton is back to being his old self - as well as dismiss his Canada result. After all, he’s always been good in Montreal, and Leclerc’s weekend also turned into a complete disaster. But there’s actually no point in declaring anything right now. Because it’s not about doing something once - it’s about making it stick. Read Also: Lewis Hamilton "100% clear" he will stay at Ferrari next season To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

If you were to draft every current NFL quarterback ahead of the 2026 NFL season, who would go No. 1? Would it be Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes? Where would Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels land after a disappointing sophomore season that saw him lose 10 games due to injury?On his "Football 301" podcast, Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports recently held a 2026 NFL quarterback draft alongside Bill Barnwell of ESPN and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com. The trio took turns making picks, going from No. 1 to No. 18. So, where was Daniels drafted?With the No. 12 pick, Barnwell selected Daniels, noting how people have such short memories. "It was a year ago, and that feels like an eternity ago in the NFL. He led a mediocre offense to the NFC Championship Game, incredible ball placement, to me, in terms of where he wanted to go with the ball," Barnwell said. "His outs, his throws to the sideline, where they needed to be, over and over and over and over again. He was unblitzable. It felt like he was three steps ahead in blitzes. It's not exactly, in Kliff Kingsbury's offense, known for great answers for the blitz. Himself, he ran for nearly 900 yards when the Commanders were not running him on designed runs on early downs, or outside of key situations. They were really good about third and fourth down. OK, we're gonna run here and there with designed runs. In the playoffs, more aggressive, sure. And he scrambled a ton; he was super efficient as a runner, and then, really good as a passer."Then Barnwell transitioned to what everyone is concerned about with Daniels: injuries. "I do have the injury concerns, like everyone else. I think you saw that last year, if you were someone who was skeptical of Jayden Daniels coming into the NFL because of his size, but I just like, to me, his bad season, relative to Caleb (Williams), is more explainable because he was hurt. And his good season was better than Caleb's good season, so I have no qualms taking Jayden Daniels here."Tice acknowledged that Daniels is getting lost a bit due to last season, but was in his mix for the latter half of his top 10. He said he thought the Commanders did a good job this offseason, after "s------g the bed last offseason," outside of the Tunsil acquisition, by adding too many older players on short-term deals. Tice also made a great point about Daniels. The Kingsbury offense helped the transition to the NFL, but he wants to see him with more on his plate because he believes he's capable of handling it. Tice also made the comparison of Daniels to Joe Burrow in terms of how they operate as passers, not athletically. One area of improvement Tice would like to see is Daniels look to throw when he's under pressure. This is an area we've covered, too. Instead of only looking to run when under pressure, Daniels should use his mobility to find open receivers downfield, making him even more dangerous. All fair points. While you could make the argument that Daniels should've gone higher, as we often say with rankings, they are subjective. There is one we have an issue with, but before we get to that, here's the top 18 picks in the mock QB draft. 1. Josh Allen, Bills2. Lamar Jackson, Ravens3. Drake Maye, Patriots4. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs5. Joe Burrow, Bengals6. Matthew Stafford, Rams7. Jordan Love, Packers8. Justin Herbert, Chargers9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys10. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars11. Brock Purdy, 49ers12. Jayden Daniels, Commanders13. Jared Goff, Lions14. Caleb Williams, Bears15. C.J. Stroud, Texans16. Kyler Murray, Vikings17. Sam Darnold, Seahawks18. Jalen Hurts, EaglesHow is Drake Maye No. 3? Did anyone watch Maye in New England's four playoff games? Maye completed 58% of his passes for 828 yards, with six touchdowns, four interceptions and seven fumbles, four of which he lost. Does anyone remember what Jayden Daniels did in the playoffs one year before? It will be interesting to see how this plays out in 2026, specifically, with Daniels playing in a more traditional NFL offense under new offensive coordinator David Blough. If things go the way Washington expects, these types of lists will look much different one year from now. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Where did Jayden Daniels land in 2026 QB draft?

Celik receives tempting offer from TurkeyWith qualification for the Champions League, Roma will also have more financial leverage to negotiate contract renewals, without exceeding a certain threshold. The players whose contracts are expiring are Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Celik. The first two are headed for extensions at a lower price than their current figures, but the situation is different for the Turkish full-back. The former Lille player is a staunch supporter of Gasperini, who would like to keep him in the squad, but there is currently no clear agreement with the Giallorossi.The marriage between Celik and Roma could continue, but there’s currently no agreement. As Repubblica reports, the full-back has a significant offer from Turkey, and so far the Roman club hasn’t matched it. The proceeds from qualifying for the Champions League could allow for an additional effort to reach the €3 million mark. A strategy to try to keep a player Roma likes.

Exclusive: Wes Brown picks his best four Man Utd stars in 25/26Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown chose the club’s top three players this season alongside Bruno Fernandes.The Portuguese playmaker was the ultimate best player this season, not only for Man Utd, but in the Premier League.Unsurprisingly, the 31-year-old dominated the end-of-the-season accolades, winning the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Men’s Footballer of the Year award, as well as the EA SPORTS Premier League Player of the Season.Wes Brown hails Casemiro after an exceptional campaignDue to his sensational exploits, Fernandes is the solitary choice when it comes to choosing Man Utd’s Player of the Year for 2025/26.Hence, we asked Brown to choose United’s second-best player, and he opted for Casemiro, while adding Harry Maguire and Senne Lammens as honourable mentions.“I would probably go Casemiro, then Harry Maguire, then Lammens,” said the 2008 Champions League winner in his exclusive interview with Stretty News, in collaboration with Netbet World Cup betting odds.“Casemiro got a lot of stick last year. His age is coming up a bit, and we’ve all been there as ex-players. But I think this year he’s just shown, you know, he can go out on his own terms. He’s in the quality stage. He’s got some important goals, the most he’s ever scored in a season.Casemiro had already announced his exit at the end of the season since January. Despite receiving outpouring pleas to stay at MUFC for another year, the midfielder insisted the decision has been set in stone, and Brown believes the Brazilian knows what will be the best move for his career.“This guy’s won five Champions League titles. He knows what to do. It’s up to him whether he still wants to do it or not, but he knows what to do.“The full experience came out and he’s run himself into the ground, which is what, as a fan, any fan, you want to see.”Brown urges Man Utd to bring back John O’SheaBrown spent the majority of his playing career at Man Utd, playing alongside a host of legends and top stars, including Michael Carrick.While the latter has been confirmed as a permanent head coach with Jonny Evans a part of his crew, we asked Brown which other MUFC teammate the club should bring back to Carrington for a managerial or backroom role.The retired defender didn’t hesitate before picking John O’Shea, who currently serves as the Republic of Ireland assistant coach under the tutelage of head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson.“It has to be Jon O’Shea. I think, first of all, you have to be able to get on with people. He has very good experience now. I know he’s at the Irish first team. He’s got the iron set up. He’s had experience at Reading, a bit of the lower league division. But again, he’s won everything, knows what to do, got the right mentality and mindset. And obviously knows the club. “I think it’s important that as well, because not everyone can just roll into United and assume what’s going on straight away and how it’s been in the past. I think sometimes you have to forget about the past, but also remember how everyone got there and did stuff. And I just think it could be a good combination.”

Best photos as Arsenal lift Premier League trophyArsenal have finally ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, collecting their prize on Sunday afternoon at Selhurst Park.In glorious sunshine, Mikel Arteta‘s men stepped up, after an xxx with Crystal Palace in the final game, to lift the silver cup aloft.Finishing with a record of played 38, won x, drawn x and lost x, they won the title by x points from Manchester City, who still have more than 115 charges for cheating hanging over them.Here are some of the best shots from Sunday afternoon:Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier LeaguePhoto by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier LeaguePhoto by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier LeaguePhoto by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier LeaguePhoto by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesPhoto by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier LeaguePhoto by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesPhoto by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesPhoto by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesPhoto by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier LeaguePhoto by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Liverpool fans serenaded Caoimhin Kelleher with 3-word chant on his Anfield returnCaoimhin Kelleher was one of three former Liverpool players who returned to Anfield in the colours of Brentford on Sunday, and the goalkeeper was rightly given a rousing reception by the natives in L4.The 27-year-old had been an excellent understudy to Alisson Becker during his time with the Reds and was bang unlucky to find himself at the club at the same time as the world-class Brazilian, whose status as number one was unshakeable.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe Republic of Ireland international joined the Bees last summer, linking up with compatriot Keith Andrews in west London, and started all but one of their Premier League matches this season.Liverpool fans laud Kelleher on Anfield returnLiverpool fans took the opportunity to show their appreciation to Jordan Henderson when he was substituted yesterday on his first appearance at Anfield since leaving the Reds in 2023, and Kelleher was also afforded a suitably rousing reception.As noted by James Pearce for The Athletic, when the Brentford goalkeeper walked towards the Kop at the start of the second half, the home fans in that stand serenaded him with a chant of ‘Ireland’s number 1’.Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustKelleher’s decision to leave has been vindicatedWe’d become accustomed to seeing the Irishman excel at Anfield, and he did just that again yesterday with some fine saves for the Bees, making a couple of smart stops from Mo Salah and Ryan Gravenberch.As per Sofascore, he ended the afternoon with no fewer than seven saves, underlining his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the division and giving Liverpool fans a reminder of what the club sold last summer.After so many seasons of playing second fiddle to Alisson, the 27-year-old was understandably itching to move on and become a first-choice elsewhere, and it was impossible to begrudge him his move to Brentford.Kelleher’s farewell statement when departing Anfield just under a year ago was typically classy, and while it must’ve been hard for him to move on from Merseyside, his status as a guaranteed starter for the Bees has vindicated his decision to leave the Reds.You can be sure that, on any subsequent returns to L4 in opposition colours, the Irishman will be given just as glowing a reception as he was yesterday on his first visit since his exit from LFC last June.

Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev 'beat' the men's 50m freestyle world record during the Enhanced Games (ETIENNE LAURENT)Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev was the only athlete to "beat" a world record Sunday at the Enhanced Games, winning the men's 50m freestyle at the divisive event where competitors were free to take performance-enhancing substances.His time of 20.81sec -- which is not considered official -- came in the final event of the night in Las Vegas, sparing the blushes of organizers who had predicted that multiple world records would be surpassed due to a sophisticated doping regime.Gkolomeev, who was also wearing a synthetic "supersuit" long banned at events such as the Olympics, went faster than Australia's Cameron McEvoy's mark of 20.88 set in March."It was a great race... I got it," said Gkolomeev, who pocketed a $1 million bonus for the unofficial record."Maybe next year I'll break it again."The Enhanced Games have been denounced as dangerous by athletics governing bodies and anti-doping agencies, citing serious health risks for participants.Participants, lured by prize money including $250,000 for event wins, included Olympic medallist swimmers James Magnussen, Cody Miller and Ben Proud.Co-founder Max Martin had predicted "quite a few" world records would be "beaten." The night turned out to be littered with near-misses until Gkolomeev's dramatic triumph.Britain's Proud won the men's 50m butterfly in 22.32sec, just 0.05 off the world mark. "We all know what we came for. And that's world records. And so, to be that agonizingly close, it's frustrating," said the Paris 2024 silver medallist.Gkolomeev earlier clocked 46.60sec in the 100m freestyle, missing the world record of 46.40."I think tonight, yes, we did expect a few more world records to happen. But at the end of the day, this is live sports, and this is always something that you can never plan for," Martin told AFP."We've had certain injuries today with athletes that couldn't participate because of that," he added.- Clean athletes win -More than a dozen personal bests were set, including several by athletes who came out of retirement. US swimmer Miller rolled back the years to win the 50m men's breaststroke, telling the crowd he was delighted to shave "seven-tenths off my personal best at 34."But while the vast majority of the 42 competing sprinters, swimmers and weightlifters were taking typically banned substances such as testosterone and anabolic steroids, the handful who opted to compete clean also achieved wins.The men's 50m backstroke was won by Hunter Armstrong in 24.21sec, the clean swimmer defeating two rivals who had taken performance-enhancing drugs."Unenhanced" sprinters Fred Kerley, of the United States, and Tristan Evelyn, of Barbados, won the 100m sprints. Kerley ran 9.97sec in the men's, while Evelyn achieved 11.25 in the women's."Man, they got to do better than that. They need to train a little harder. Get on that shit a little bit more," joked Kerley, a former 100m world champion who is serving a suspension for missing drug tests.Weightlifters Beatriz Piron, Boady Santavy and Wesley Kitts all attempted unprecedented snatch lifts in their categories, but fell short -- despite organizers bending the rules to give the two men a fourth attempt each."Man, if I had about four more weeks (in training) I'd say I'd have had a good shot at it," said Kitts.Hafthor "Thor" Bjornsson, better known as "The Mountain" in "Game of Thrones", could not quite break his own deadlift record of 510kg.- Long-term fears -Donald Trump Jr and billionaire Peter Thiel were among the investors for the event, which took place at a lavish purpose-built arena in a Las Vegas casino parking lot.Health experts warned that several of the substances being taken could risk "life-shortening and fatal consequences," including heart, liver and kidney issues, as so little is known about the long-term effects of doping.Enhanced Games officials said all medications were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.Parent company Enhanced sells many of the substances being taken by its athletes to the public.amz/dh

Today’s Papers – Juventus and Milan out, everyone loses in Turin derbyLa Gazzetta dello SportIncredible Champions, Cardinale’s revolutionMilan, Juve out, Roma and Como partyCagliari nightmare at San Siro. Allegri, Furlani and Tare are at risk. Toro draw, clashes and fear. A Bianconeri fan in critical condition. Fabregas’ historic feat.Lecce safe, Conte’s goodbye to Napoli.Corriere dello SportIncredible finaleGiants’ killerRoma and Como in the Champions League: Milan and Juve outDybala, double assist for Malen and ElSha: 2-0 in Verona and 3rd place. Como, 4-1 in Cremona. Max, three defeats in four games. Serious incidents in Torino. Derby starts one hour behind schedule, D’Aversa’s comeback (2-2). Lecce safe: 1-0 against Genoa.Conte: ‘Thanks Napoli’An Hojlund goal ends the adventure with the Azzurri (1-0). Antonio’s farewell: ‘I leave, I haven’t compacted the environment.’ DeLa: ‘This will always be his home. Offer from the USA? The problem is not the money, but knowing if they have a heart.’Catanzaro’s disappointment: Monza, the Serie A is closeTuttosportEveryone has lostSurreal night of violence and madness: Juve out of the Champions League, Torino waste a unique chanceSpalletti in the Europa League despite Vlahovic’s brace. Granata’s comeback with Casadei and Adams, but shared failure and madness. The Derby began one hour late due to the news of a Bianconeri fan in critical condition after clashes with police between ultras. The away end was left empty as a sign of protest after the players were threatened not to play. Solidarity from the Maratona.Milan’s abyss. Fans against everyone. Historical Como, Roma celebrate

This will be the most-played clip when talking about Victor Wembanyama's Game 4.However, this highlight from the opening minutes of Game 4 better shows what Wembanyama and the Spurs did differently — keeping him around the rim on defense — and why not only is the Western Conference Finals now tied, but the Spurs may be in the pole position to advance to the NBA Finals.Victor Wembanyama met Chet Holmgren at the rim and said NOPE. NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/JlByaOmzU9— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) May 25, 2026San Antonio adjusted how it handled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which allowed Wembanyama to stay close to the rim, where he is a defensive force unlike anyone else in the NBA. What the Spurs did in Game 4 shifted the burden onto Oklahoma City to adjust heading into Game 5 on Tuesday.“I’m not going to get into details, but in general, being more disciplined and just trusting the game plan even more,” Wembanyama said of what the Spurs did differently.Wemby is selling it short, the Spurs completely altered how they were dealing with Gilgeous-Alexander, and by extension, the entire Thunder offense.For three games, San Antonio had leaned into a variation of the Lakers' defense on Oklahoma City from the second round. They trapped Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out high, tried to take away driving gaps (even if it meant helping off shooters one pass away) and generally force the ball out of his hands, daring the other Thunder players to beat them from beyond the arc.It didn't work because the Thunder's role players knocked down shots. Through the first three games, OKC shot 39.5% from beyond the arc. Alex Caruso was 14-of-23 from deep, Cason Wallace was 8-of-17, and big man Jaylin Williams was 7-of-12.In a must-win Game 4, the Spurs went back to a defensive system they were more comfortable with. They left one defender, usually Stephon Castle, on SGA and when the MVP drove, they helped from nearby players. The result was keeping Victor Wembanyama closer to the rim rather than having long close-outs to shooters, and from the opening moment of the game, that paid off. This new system threw Oklahoma City off its axis, and it turned the ball over 20 times Sunday night (and the Spurs scored 25 points off those turnovers).Playing into this was the Thunder's injuries — the Thunder's second and third best ball handlers and shot creators, Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Away Mitchell (calf), were both out. Gilgous-Alexander wasn't getting much help. Also, in Game 4 the tables turned and the Thunder couldn't buy a 3-pointer, going 6-of-33 (18%) on the night. With Wembanyama playing closer to the rim, OKC shot 18-of-41 in the paint.The pressure now falls on the Thunder to make adjustments. One of those is relatively simple — just make more shots. The Thunder are better shooters than we saw in Game 4, they just had an off night.“We’ve played 12 playoff games. When you play 12 playoff games, they’re not all going to be masterpieces,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “As much as you want to win, there’s nights where you just don’t have it for whatever reason.”The other part may prove more challenging: Get Gilgeous-Alexander the ball with a little more space around him to make moves — and they probably have to do that without Mitchell and Williams. It's a lot to put on Daigneault's plate.But he's got to figure out before Tuesday. The Spurs look like sharks that smell blood in the water, and this could be a feeding frenzy if the Thunder don't find a solution.

Gkolomeev has failed to make the podium at four Olympic Games [Getty Images]Greece's Kristian Gkolomeev was the only athlete to beat a world record at the controversial Enhanced Games in Las Vegas.The 32-year-old clocked 20.81 seconds in the men's 50m freestyle, eclipsing Australian Cameron McEvoy's 20.88 which he set in March, but Gkolomeev's time will not be recognised by official authorities. Results at the inaugural Games are considered illegal by global sporting bodies, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), because athletes can take banned performance-enhancing drugs.The competition featured events in athletics, weightlifting and swimming, with Gkolomeev setting his time wearing a polyurethane suit, which is banned in official competitions.World Aquatics has condemned the event as a "circus, built on short-cuts", while Gkolomeev was rewarded by Enhanced Games organisers with $250,000 (£185,000) for winning and a $1m bonus (£741,000) for the unofficial record."I'm going to say it's not bad at all. This is going to change my life to the good, for sure," said Gkolomeev."It's a big help for me and my family. And yeah, I'm going to continue next year. Maybe I'll break it again."The majority of the 42 athletes taking part used performance-enhancing substances and Enhanced Games said "13 athletes set personal bests".The event was played out in front of a curated crowd of around 2,500, with tickets not on sale to the general public.On the track, American former world champion Fred Kerley - one of the athletes competing 'clean' - won the men's 100m in 9.97 seconds, which was short of his personal best of 9.76.British swimmer Ben Proud, who won silver in the men's 50m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, triumphed in the 50m butterfly, clocking 22.32 seconds which was 0.05secs short of Andrii Govorov's world record."We all know what we came for. And that's world records. And so to be that agonizingly close, it's frustrating," Proud said.Another British Olympic swimmer, Emily Barclay, won the women's 50m freestyle in 24.09, around half a second slower than the world record.Weightlifter Hafthor 'Thor' Bjornsson, who played The Mountain in TV show Game of Thrones, was another taking part but was unable to break his own deadlift record of 510kg.Drugs used at the Enhanced Games must be legal and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).They include testosterone, growth hormone, peptides, anabolic steroids and other banned substances.Those behind the event argue enhancement already exists in elite sport, but secretly and without transparency, and say bringing it into the open where it can be monitored makes it safer.However many sporting governing bodies have publicly rebuked athletes for choosing to compete in the games and some sporting governing bodies have banned athletes for taking part.The IOC and Wada have described the Enhanced Games as "immoral" and "a dangerous and irresponsible concept", while World Athletics president Lord Coe said anyone taking part was "moronic".The project was founded by entrepreneurs Aron D'Souza and Maximilian Martin in 2023 and has attracted backing from prominent investors including billionaire Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr.Martin had predicted that athletes would beat "quite a few" world records at the event.

Milan directors expected to be fired, Allegri on the brinkMilan have missed out on Champions League qualification and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, club owner Gerry Cardinale will sack all the directors, including Giorgio Furlani and Igli Tare, with coach Massimiliano Allegri also on the brink.Milan are expected to make big changes after failing to qualify for the Champions League.Milan owner Cardinale to take action as Champions League qualification fades awayA draw against Cagliari, who had already secured survival, was enough to earn a top-four finish, but the Rossoneri lost 2-1 at San Siro, ending the season in fifth.According to Gazzetta, the Rossoneri’s collapse will have big consequences for all the decision-makers at Milanello.CEO Giorgio Furlani, in fact, is expected to be sacked alongside sporting director Tare and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.The future of Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains uncertain, as does that of coach Allegri, who returned to San Siro last summer.Allegri’s contract expires in June 2027, but according to Gazzetta, the upcoming changes at Milan might also involve the Italian tactician.“You have to evaluate the whole season for how it was, the boys gave it their all,” Allegri said at full-time on Sunday.NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan head coach looks on before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)“We made a mistake, I made a mistake in these six defeats. The result at the end of the season is normal for it to tip the evaluation to one side, but I think we will have to be very clear-headed to evaluate at the end.”Milan’s loss and Juventus’ draw mean that Roma and Como have joined Inter and Napoli in the Champions League as both the Giallorossi and the Azzurri won on the final matchday on Sunday.

[BBC]We asked for your views after Brentford narrowly missed out on European qualification following a draw at Liverpool on the final day of the season.Here are some of your comments:Linda: I was at the game and it was a hard-fought point. I'm pleased that we haven't qualified for Europe as we don't have the depth in the squad. League status is more important and it is definitely something to aim for next season.Sanjay: I don't think the Bees should be too disheartened. We have had a great season and hats off to Keith Andrews and the team for the tremendous effort they have put in. All the so called pundits said we were going down and how we have proved them wrong. We had our chances in this game, but to get a draw at such a prestigious club is simply wonderful. Roll on the next season.[Getty Images]David: Absolutely heart-breaking. You can look back and say we should've taken our chances in games we were expected to win, and had our European dream wrapped up long before the final game. But even so, going to Anfield was never going to be easy, and the lads gave absolutely everything. They made us proud. No matter how this ends, there's no denying this team has given us some incredible moments and we have played football that's been exciting, fearless, and a joy to watch. Still so very proud. Come on you Bees.Ray: So many thanks to Keith Andrew. The doom merchants had us relegated before the season started.Les: Unfortunately, we've dropped too many points over the past three months in games we should have won. A good effort, but we should already have secured our spot in Europe before going to Liverpool. That said, a great season after so much has changed.Maxwell: Ultimately, one win in 10 games isn't European qualification form. Credit where credit is due, Andrews has continued to make us hard to beat. But there's that 'if only' feeling that if we had turned just one of our many draws into wins, we'd have got over the line. Overall, it's been a season we've over-performed considering in August many of the fanbase were nervous about having a relegation battle.

[BBC]We asked for your views on Aston Villa's season now that the 2025-26 campaign has come to a close.Here are some of your comments:Matt: Fantastic season considering the appalling start we had. Unbelievable achievement with hopefully our first of many trophies. Next task? Keep the vultures away that will come circling for our manager and amazing team. Up the Villa.Ron: Wonderful season, after it started so badly with no goals or wins in first five games. Who knows what would have happened if we had a good start. Nice one, Unai, thank you. UTV.Mossy: Wow! I wasn't expecting to win that game after the week we have had but incredibly they turned it around after half-time to cap a truly exceptional season. To finish five points clear in fourth and win the Europa League is the stuff of dreams for Villa. Unai Emery has spectacularly turned this massive club fully around from relegation fodder to European champions and Champions League contenders. Onwards and upwards. UTV!Stew: What a way to finish the season! European trophy, fourth in the Premier League, doing the double over last year's champions. This Villa team has been amazing, and as for Unai Emery, simply... thank you!Brendan: What a brilliant way to finish the season and what a season we have had. From a terrible start with our first six games to an unbelievable run up to Christmas. We hung in there, got our Champions League place and brought some silverware back to Villa. Thank you Villa for making an old man so happy. UTV!Emma: Wow... What a season - fourth in the league and Europa League winners. Been amazing. Thank you, Unai Emery, and all the players for giving us some wonderful memories.Deb: Couldn't be more proud of Villa and the shift everyone has put in - the best season in 40 years of watching. At 68, my only hope is another trophy before I hit 80! Not too greedy I hope - oh, and Emery stays until retirement. UTV.

[BBC]We asked for how you are feeling as the curtain comes down on the 2025-26 season.Here are some of your comments:Michael: At last we are seeing the true United after years of dross. Congratulations to Carrick and the team for bringing back hope for all United fans.Christopher: An excellent finish to another difficult season for United. Great to see Dorgu and Mount make significant contributions. And through all the turmoil of the last few years, Fernandes has matured into a strong captain. Twelve months on from the horrible Europa final between Tottenham and United, and it's United who have shown progress this year, and we've been rewarded for it. Congratulations to the players, manager and everyone associated with the club.[Getty Images]Anthony: Carrick has inculcated in the squad a level of expectation which has translated into consistency of performance and expectation so refreshing to see. A joy to watch us play again.Mark: What I expected to be a difficult game actually turned out to be probably the easiest game of our season. Great performances all over the pitch from us meant Brighton just never got started and we fully deserved the win. Nice to see the academy players come on as well. Finally a really large shout out to Bruno, thank you for your brilliant work all season.Osa: I believe it's a good start and an audition for next season. Brighton are a very good side and Man Utd put up a very efficient performance. However, next season will be very different because of the number of games the team will be involved in. But this is certainly a fantastic way to sign off for the season and to start the momentum going into next season, picking up where they have left off.Andrew: In the past we would have struggled here but this was an easy victory. I thought this display was very encouraging. Mount did well in breaking up play and linking with Mainoo. I was very impressed with Dorgu - so much potential. The defence was solid. This side isn't too far away. A couple of decent signings and the integration of some youth should be enough to see us through the additional games next season. Carrick has worked miracles!

Women hold portraits of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, during a ceremony honoring the armed forces and those killed in the war with Israel and the U.S. at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)2026-05-25T07:27:48Z CAIRO (AP) — A deal appears to be emerging between the United States and Iran to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend said it had been “largely negotiated.”It is not clear when or how the deal might be finalized and when its various parts will take effect. Trump spoke after calls with allies in the Middle East, including a separate call with Israel. Details come from two regional officials and a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations. Here’s what we know and don’t know: The war would endIn the 12 weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched the war with attacks on Iran that killed senior officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has insisted that any deal focus on ending the fighting on all fronts. That includes Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group has been fighting Israel since two days into the war.A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7. An end to the war would ease concerns throughout a region that saw Gulf havens and travel hubs like the United Arab Emirates struck by Iranian missiles and drones. It would allow for global shipping, including an estimated 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas, to begin flowing through the Strait of Hormuz again. It also would allow the rebuilding of energy and other infrastructure in the region. Both regional officials said the draft deal includes an end to the war between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as a commitment to not interfere in the domestic affairs of countries in the region including Iran. That’s a critical reference to Iran’s support for proxies, which also include the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hamas militants in Gaza and Shiite armed groups in Iraq.The U.S. wants Israel to have a free hand to respond to what it views as threats in Lebanon while Iran rejects it, one regional official said. The U.S. official said the deal would guarantee Israel’s right to act against imminent threats in self-defense. Read More The Strait of Hormuz would reopen graduallyIran’s nuclear program, missile program and support for armed proxies were the stated reasons for the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran. But Tehran’s retaliatory grip on the Strait of Hormuz quickly shot to the top of global concerns as hundreds of ships carrying oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other supplies were stranded.Under the emerging agreement, the strait would gradually reopen in parallel with the U.S. ending the blockade of Iran’s ports it launched on April 17, the regional officials said. The blockade has limited Iran’s ability to ship its oil and bring in badly needed cash for its long-suffering economy.The U.S. would allow Iran to sell its oil through sanctions waivers, said one of the officials, who has been briefed on the negotiations. Sanctions relief and the release of Iran’s billions of dollars in frozen funds would be negotiated during a 60-day period, the official said. Iran would give up its stockpile of highly enriched uraniumIran’s nuclear program and international concerns over its possible pursuit of a nuclear weapon underlie all tensions, and the U.S. and Israel have considered highly complex military operations to go in and take out its highly enriched uranium.Under the potential deal, Tehran would agree to give up that stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to the regional officials. One official, with direct knowledge of the negotiations, said how Iran would give it up would be subject to further talks over the 60-day period. Some would likely be diluted and the rest transferred to a third country, potentially Russia, the official said. Russia has offered to take it. A U.S. official confirmed the 60-day period and said if Iran doesn’t give up its stockpile, there will be no sanctions relief.Iran has 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.Iran says it has an “inalienable” right to nuclear technology while insisting its program is peaceful. On Sunday, President Masoud Pezeshkian told state TV they were ready “to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon.”Trump on Sunday on social media said that “our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb.” What appears to be missingOther issues have not been mentioned in descriptions of the emerging deal, including the status of Iran’s uranium enrichment.Another is Iran’s missile program, which Israel in particular has sought to destroy.And while the United States and Israel entered the war with stated ambitions of seeing Iranians rise up against their government after nationwide protests early in the year, any discussion of leadership change in Tehran appears to be out.As for Iran’s past stated aims during negotiations, there appears to be no mention of any withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, or for reparations for the damage the war has caused.___Superville reported from Washington and Anna from Lowville, New York. SAMY MAGDY Magdy is a Middle East reporter for The Associated Press, based in Cairo. He focuses on conflict, migration and human rights abuses. twitter facebook mailto DARLENE SUPERVILLE Superville covers the White House for The Associated Press, with a special emphasis on first ladies and first families. CARA ANNA Anna is an editor on the AP’s Global Desk. She has reported from Africa, China, Ukraine, Afghanistan and the United Nations. mailto

There were several standout individual performances across Southwestern Indiana this week. Who gets your vote?Each week, you can vote for the Courier & Press Athlete of the Week, presented by Orthopaedic Associates. Below you will find the poll for May 18-23 and brief information on each performance. You can vote as often as you'd like until 10 a.m. CT Friday morning.More: IHSAA girls tennis sectional tracker for Southwestern IndianaAJ Baggett, North baseball: The junior allowed two hits and struck out 13 batters in six innings during a win at No. 8 Bloomington South.Brianna Barrix, Jasper softball: The junior was 6-for-10 with a home run, a triple, two doubles and five RBIs across three games for the Wildcats. Also pitched four scoreless innings with four strikeouts in a win over North.Grant Boyd, Pike Central track: The senior was a double sectional champion for the Chargers in the long jump (21-7.75) and pole vault (15-9).Charlie Campbell, Boonville baseball: The senior was 2-for-4 with a home run, pitched four scoreless innings in relief with five strikeouts and scored the winning run in a victory over Southridge.Castle track 4x400 relay: The team of Bella Cunningham, Sophia Mominee, Jalyn Zaccardelli and Brooklyn Lutz set a sectional record time of 4:01.26 to win at Mount Vernon. The previous record stood since 2003.Jaron Clutter, Princeton baseball: The senior had 14 strikeouts in a complete-game shutout victory over Wood Memorial.Bailey McWhirter, Tell City softball: The senior reached base four times, including a home run and double, plus drove in five runs for the Marksmen in a win over South Spencer.North track 4x400 relay: Darian Walker, Cole McBride, De’Amontey Layne and Dade Waters set a sectional record time of 3:20.09 to win at Central. The previous record stood since 1991.Audrey Seiler, Tecumseh softball: The sophomore struck out 11 and allowed only two hits in shutout victory over Castle to clinch the Warrick County championship.Abigail Smith, Mater Dei tennis: The junior earned two victories at No. 2 singles on Saturday (6-0, 6-1 against Reitz and 6-0, 6-0 against North Posey) to help the Wildcats win their fourth straight sectional championship.Mallory Watt, Princeton track: The senior was a quadruple sectional champion for the Tigers in the 800 (2:24.78), the 1,600 (5:43.84), the 3,200 (12:12.67) and anchoring the 4x400 relay (4:12.09).Luke Weintraut, Mount Vernon baseball: The senior struck out 11 in a complete-game victory over Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (Ill.) and went 6-for-15 at the plate across four games for the Wildcats.Jack Wilbourne, Signature School track: The sophomore set a sectional record time of 1:54.56 to win the 800-meter race at Central. The previous record stood since 2014.This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Vote now for Courier & Press Athlete of the Week for May 18-23

The IHSAA softball postseason is officially upon us.Softball sectional tournaments begin this week with some games scheduled for Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Sectionals will run until Saturday, May 30, followed by regionals on Tuesday, June 2. Semi-states will be played on Saturday, June 6, and the season will culminate in state championship games at Purdue's Bittinger Stadium on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13.Last season, Yorktown was the only East Central Indiana team to bring home a sectional title after winning its fourth in a row. The Tigers went on to lose to Western in a Class 3A regional game. This year, Yorktown enters the postseason ranked as the No. 1 team in Class 3A according to the Softball Coaches Association of Indiana coaches poll.More: IHSAA girls tennis sectionals brackets, results for East Central IndianaMore: Top performers from East Central Indiana at IHSAA boys track sectionalsHere are the full brackets and scores for each IHSAA softball sectional involving East Central Indiana schools:East Central Indiana softball sectional scores(ECI teams listed in bold. All times Eastern.)Class 4ASectional 9 at Pendleton HeightsGame 1: Pendleton Heights vs. Greenfield-Central, Tuesday, May 26, 6 p.m.Semifinal 1: Mt. Vernon (Fortville) vs. Anderson, Wednesday, May 27, 5:30 p.m.Semifinal 2:Muncie Central vs. Game 1 Winner, Wednesday, May 27, 7 p.m.Sectional Championship: Semifinal 1 Winner vs. Semifinal 2 Winner, Thursday, May 28, 6 p.m.Class 3ASectional 24 at ConnersvilleGame 1:Jay County vs. Delta, Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 p.m.Game 2:New Castle vs. Hamilton Heights, Tuesday, May 26, 7:30 p.m.Semifinal 1:Yorktown vs. Game 1 Winner, Wednesday, May 27, 5:30 p.m.Semifinal 2: Connersville vs. Game 2 Winner, Wednesday, May 27, 7:30 p.m.Sectional Championship: Semifinal 1 Winner vs. Semifinal 2 Winner, Thursday, May 28, 6 p.m.Class 2ASectional 40 at Madison-GrantGame 1: Alexandria-Monroe vs. Wapahani, Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 p.m.Semifinal 1: Madison-Grant vs. Eastbrook, Thursday, May 28, 5:30 p.m.Semifinal 2:Blackford vs. Game 1 Winner, Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m.Sectional Championship: Semifinal 1 Winner vs. Semifinal 2 Winner, Saturday, May 30, 6 p.m.Sectional 44 at WinchesterGame 1: Centerville vs. Shenandoah, Monday, May 25, 5:30 p.m.Game 2: Union County vs. Northeastern, Monday, May 25, 7:30 p.m.Semifinal 1:Winchester Community vs. Game 1 Winner, Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 p.m.Semifinal 2: Hagerstown vs. Game 2 Winner, Tuesday, May 26, 7:30 p.m.Sectional Championship: Semifinal 1 Winner vs. Semifinal 2 Winner, Thursday, May 28, 6 p.m.Class 1ASectional 55 at Wes-DelGame 1:Wes-Del vs. Southern Wells, Monday, May 25, noonGame 2: Northfield vs. Southwood, Monday, May 25, 2:30 p.m.Semifinal 1: North Miami vs. Game 1 Winner, Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 p.m.Semifinal 2: Tri-Central vs. Game 2 Winner, Wednesday, May 27, 5:30 p.m.Sectional Championship: Semifinal 1 Winner vs. Semifinal 2 Winner, Friday, May 29, 5:30 p.m.Sectional 56 at Monroe CentralSemifinal 1: Randolph Southern vs. Union City, Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.Sectional Championship: Monroe Central vs. Semifinal 1 Winner, Monday, May 25, 2 p.m.Sectional 57 at Liberty ChristianGame 1: Indiana School for the Deaf vs. Daleville, Tuesday, May 26, 5 p.m.Semifinal 1: Anderson Prep Academy vs. Liberty Christian, Wednesday, May 27, 5 p.m.Semifinal 2:Cowan vs. Game 1 Winner, Wednesday, May 27, 7 p.m.Sectional Championship: Semifinal 1 Winner vs. Semifinal 2 Winner, Thursday, May 28, 5 p.m.Contact Cade Hampton via email at cbhampton@usatodayco.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CadeHamp10.This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: IHSAA softball sectionals scoreboard for East Central Indiana

Florida softball lost in a super regional for just the third time in the last 20 years Sunday.The other two, to Georgia in 2016 and 2021, are remembered for the Gators lack of offense. Five and 10 years later, when people think of this Supers vs. Texas Tech, many will turn to the off-field drama regarding Mia and Jason Williams and the closest we’ve probably ever come to a bench clearing brawl in softball.That fact, though, distracts from the softball played on the field of Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Between two supremely talented teams.Florida and Texas Tech are probably two of the top eight teams in the country, but the Gators needed to defeat the mighty Red Raiders to reach the place where the top eight go — Oklahoma City and the Women’s College World Series.For that, UF simply just didn’t have enough to upend TTU.Florida softball 'ran out of gas'That was one of the first things out of the mouth of coach Tim Walton after Sunday’s loss. The Gators fought back all weekend vs. the Red Raiders. There was the comeback from 7-1 Friday, the 10-2 thrashing Saturday, and the seven runs tallied in the first two innings Sunday. Ultimately, though, Texas Tech delivered a punch in the third inning to take an 11-7 lead, and the Gators couldn’t fire back this time.“We lost, and shoot, I hate it more than anything, but we played out butts off,” Walton said. “I’ve seen a lot of teams fold early, but we had a lot of grit.”No player embodied that sentiment more than Keagan Rothrock. The Gators ace received two bags of IV following extreme fatigue from heat Friday and still delivered a complete game Saturday.Facing TTU’s lethal lineup, though, for the third game Sunday, Rothrock struggled. Williams was hit on the first pitch of the game, and the Red Raiders used that as motivation for its offensive explosion.“It fired us up more because before the game, we talked about how we weren’t having her back and scoring her when she gets on base,” Taylor Pannell said. “It’s an easy free base, and if they want to give us a free base, we’re taking advantage.”Walton heaped praise on Rothrock, adding that she gave UF a “chance to be disappointed in a Super Regional.”“She gave us that chance. Keagan Rothrock put us on her back this season and carried the brunt of the inning, and we’re one game away,” Walton said. “I am really proud of what she’s meant to this program, but this team in general.”An odd, but effective strategy from Texas TechThe Gators went from seven runs in two innings to zero the last three. How did it happen? Because of something that, while it confused those in attendance, it proved effective.Red Raider head coach Gerry Glasco alternated between Kaitlyn Terry and NiJaree Canady, and by alternating, I mean it.Glasco switched between the two five times in five innings. In one spot, he brought in Terry to face the left-handed Townsen Thomas. She singled to load the bases, and Glasco went back to Canady for the right-handed Kendall Grover.It worked as Grover struck out with TTU up 13-7. Even though it drew the ire of Gator fans, it was completely legal as both Terry and Canady hit.“Give them credit. That was probably the plan going in to match the lefties with lefties and vice versa. They found a way to shake things up,” Walton said.Glasco said the two and a half hour weather delay in the first inning inspired him to adopt the idea. Terry, by that point, had given up four runs and had just been replaced by Canady.“I got two All-Americans. If I could make the move from pitcher to pitcher on a hot, muggy day, that could play into our advantage,” Glasco said.That was a luxury Florida, simply, doesn’t have. It holds one All-American in Rothrock, but once she didn’t have it, Walton was forced to turn to Leah Stevens and Allison Sparkman — both of whom couldn’t shut down the Red Raiders and allowed a combined eight runs.The ‘What-If’ for the GatorsThe lack of a No. 2 pitcher defined the Gators struggles this season. They held a championship worthy lineup, and with a more reliable second arm, could have gained higher than a No. 6 national seed and an easier Super Regional matchup.But that never happened, thanks in part to Ava Brown’s health. The two-way player held a 0.49 ERA in 28 innings pitched — until a knee injury on February 27.She returned to hitting a month later but never to her ways in the circle. Walton inserted her on May 1 vs Georgia, but she allowed four runs in 0.1 innings.Walton refused to think of that scenario since injuries happen, and the Gators still had ample time to develop that No. 2.“You think long and hard. Oh my gosh, if we had Ava Brown, we could have done this,” he said. “There’s a lot of would have, could have, should have, but they played better than us.”Still, though, the question of ‘What-if’ will be asked.For now, Walton and Co. will celebrate a season that, with the smallest roster in Division I softball and one pitcher, Florida came within one game of the WCWS.Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 and on Instagram @Ramreporter.This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida softball with 'just not enough in the tank' to defeat Texas Tech

The IHSAA softball state tournament begins this week with the sectional round.Below is the schedule with results and recaps from select games in the Courier & Press coverage area. All times are CST.More: Sectional preview for IHSAA softball across Southwestern IndianaClass 4A at NorthTuesday, May 26: Harrison vs Reitz, 5 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Castle vs North, 7 p.m.Thursday, May 28: Championship, 6 p.m.Class 3A at SouthridgeMonday, May 25: Vincennes Lincoln vs Southridge, 10 a.m.Monday, May 25: Gibson Southern vs Princeton, 12 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Jasper vs Game 1 winner, 5 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Washington vs Game 2 winner, 7 p.m.Thursday, May 28: Championship, 5:30 p.m.Class 3A at Cooper Stadium (hosted by Memorial)Monday, May 25: Memorial vs Bosse, 3 p.m.Monday, May 25: Heritage Hills vs Boonville, 5 p.m.Monday, May 25: North Posey vs Central, 7 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Mount Vernon vs Game 1 winner, 5 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Game 2 winner vs Game 3 winner, 7 p.m.Friday, May 29: Championship, 6 p.m.Class 2A at Sullivan Monday, May 25: North Knox vs West Vigo, 5 p.m.Monday, May 25: South Knox vs Eastern Greene, 7 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Sullivan vs Game 1 winner, 5 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Linton-Stockton vs Game 2 winner, 7 p.m.Wednesday, May 27: Championship, 6 p.m.Class 2A at Forest ParkMonday, May 25: Pike Central vs South Spencer, 6 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Perry Central vs Mater Dei, 5:30 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Tecumseh vs Tell City, 7 p.m.Wednesday, May 27: Forest Park vs Game 1 winner, 5:30 p.m.Wednesday, May 27: Game 2 winner vs Game 3 winner, 7 p.m.Thursday, May 28: Championship, 6 p.m.Class 1A at North DaviessMonday, May 25: Orleans vs Loogootee, 5 p.m.Monday, May 25: Barr-Reeve vs Shoals, 7 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Vincennes Rivet vs Game 1 winner, 5 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: North Daviess vs Game 2 winner, 7 p.m.Wednesday, May 27: Championship, 5 p.m.Class 1A at Springs ValleyTuesday, May 26: Northeast Dubois vs Springs Valley, 5 p.m.Tuesday, May 26: Wood Memorial vs Cannelton, 7 p.m.Thursday, May 28: Championship, 6 p.m.This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA softball sectional scores schedule Southwestern Indiana 2026

Pundit says Arsenal was building for this moment and not “bottlejobs”Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has expressed his delight after Arsenal secured the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.The achievement follows several seasons of near success, with the Gunners finishing second in three consecutive campaigns before finally becoming champions of England. Their progress under Mikel Arteta has been widely recognised, particularly after years of criticism and pressure from rival supporters.Arsenal Finally End Long WaitArsenal had regularly faced accusations of falling short during key moments in previous title races, but this season they managed to overcome those setbacks and complete their push towards the championship successfully.Mikel Arteta and his squad have received significant praise for guiding the club back to the top of English football after such a long absence from league success.Supporters have celebrated the triumph enthusiastically and now hope the club can build on this momentum to establish itself as a dominant force in the Premier League once again.Beckford Praises Arteta and SquadBeckford reflected on Arsenal’s journey and the criticism they had endured over recent years, expressing admiration for the resilience shown by the players and coaching staff throughout the campaign.As reported by Football365, he said:“I take my hat off to Arsenal. What Arteta did this season especially given the build up to this season and the last two, three, four years being called ‘bottlejobs’ etcetera, it was just building up to this moment.”The club will now look ahead to next season with expectations significantly higher, as supporters hope this success marks the beginning of a sustained period of dominance both domestically and in European competition._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsPundit says Arsenal was building for this moment and not “bottlejobs” 25 May 2026, 9:00From rebuilding to champions: Why Arteta has earned his Arsenal legacy 24 May 2026, 22:45Huge crowds expected as Arsenal dream of a two trophy parade in Islington 24 May 2026, 21:15

Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho has confirmed that he wants to stay with Celtic, who have the option to extend the 29-year-old's deal by a further 12 months if they wish. (Glasgow Times)Marcelo Saracchi will return to Boca Juniors for the second half of their season after talks with Celtic about turning the 28-year-old left-back's loan into a permanent transfer ground to a halt. (Bolavip - in Spanish)Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie claims Reo Hatate's absence from the team is because the 28-year-old Japan midfielder has fallen out with interim manager Martin O'Neill. (Glasgow Times)Preston North End have until 1 June to activate their clause to make Alfie Devine's loan from Tottenham Hotspur permanent for £4.5m and Celtic could pursue their interest in the 21-year-old forward if they do not complete the deal by then. (Football Insider)Robbie Keane, who has been linked with the Celtic manager's job, says "the time is right for me to move on" after resigning as Ferencvaros head coach following their second-place finish behind Gyori ETO in the Hungarian top flight. (The Herald)Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.[BBC]

Cologne decide against signing Bayern Munich’s Felipe ChávezFelipe Chávez joined Cologne on loan from Bayern Munich in February but has barely featured for the Billy Goats, playing just 108 minutes across nine Bundesliga games from a possible 20 matches.According to a report from Sky Germany, Cologne will not exercise their purchase option on Chávez, who will return to Germany’s record champions.The Peruvian attacking midfielder, who was named in Vincent Kompany’s matchday squad for the first time in December 2025, signed a long-term contract last summer. Awarded his debut on Matchday 16 against Wolfsburg, Chávez followed that up with another substitute appearance against Augsburg before joining Cologne on loan for the remainder of the season.“Pippo is a young player who’s already being looked at by many top clubs, and we at Bayern have a clear plan to develop him,” said Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund upon Chávez’s departure.“Felipe is a really good player with an excellent left foot and lots of potential for the future.”GGFN | Daniel Pinder

MUMBAI: Jofra Archer delivered a statement performance under pressure to propel Rajasthan Royals into the IPL 2026 playoffs, producing a match-winning all-round display against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Responding emphatically to criticism from former England captains Michael Atherton and Michael Vaughan over prioritising the IPL over a Test assignment, the 31-year-old starred with a blistering 15-ball 32 and then returned figures of 3 for 17 to seal a 30-run victory.The win secured Royals the fourth and final playoff berth, setting up an Eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in New Chandigarh on May 27. The result ensured that Punjab Kings (15 points) were eliminated and It also rendered the final league match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants inconsequential. For Mumbai Indians, the defeat capped a forgettable campaign, as they finished with just four wins from 14 matches.He then returned to castle Naman Dhir with a sharp inswinger, leaving Mumbai reeling at 38 for four inside six overs after Brijesh Sharma cleaned up Tilak Varma and Ryan Rickelton fell cheaply. The early damage put Rajasthan firmly in control, though Mumbai fought back through Suryakumar Yadav and Will Jacks.Suryakumar, enduring a lean season, rediscovered his touch with his 60 off 42 balls, while Jacks counterattacked with 33 off 18. Their 63-run fifth-wicket partnership revived hopes, which were further bolstered by a 48-run sixthwicket stand between Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya (34 off 15). However, Archer returned at a crucial moment after the second time out to dismiss Pandya with a well-directed short ball, effectively stalling the chase. Mumbai eventually finished at 175 for nine.Earlier, Rajasthan had staged their own recovery with the bat. Asked to bat first in a must-win contest, they were in trouble at 139 for six in the 16th over before Archer’s late blitz galvanised the innings. Promoted to No. 7, Archer struck three sixes and a four in his 32, injecting momentum.Ravindra Jadeja, featuring as an Impact Player, added a brisk 19 not out off 11 balls, while Nandre Burger chipped in with a cameo 10 not out off three deliveries. Rajasthan plundered 73 runs in the last five overs, including 30 in the final two, to finish on a formidable 205 for eight.The build-up had been uneven, with contributions coming in patches. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a quick 27, Dhruv Jurel made 38, while Dasun Shanaka (29) and captain Riyan Parag (14) chipped in.Despite no 50-run stands, Royals’ aggressive intent saw them hit 15 sixes.

Colorado Avalanche (55-16-11, in the Central Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (39-26-17, in the Pacific Division)Paradise, Nevada; Tuesday, 9 p.m. EDTLINE: Avalanche -120, Golden Knights +100; over/under is 6STANLEY CUP SEMIFINALS: Golden Knights lead series 3-0BOTTOM LINE: The Vegas Golden Knights host the Colorado Avalanche in the third round of the NHL Playoffs with a 3-0 lead in the series. The teams meet Sunday for the seventh time this season. The Golden Knights won the last matchup 5-3.Vegas has gone 25-14-9 in home games and 39-26-17 overall. The Golden Knights have a 48-7-11 record in games they score at least three goals.Colorado has a 55-16-11 record overall and a 32-9-5 record on the road. The Avalanche are 31-7-6 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent.TOP PERFORMERS: Pavel Dorofeyev has 37 goals and 27 assists for the Golden Knights. Mitchell Marner has seven goals and 10 assists over the last 10 games.Nathan MacKinnon has 53 goals and 74 assists for the Avalanche. Gabriel Landeskog has scored four goals with five assists over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Golden Knights: 8-2-0, averaging 3.8 goals, 6.1 assists, 3.8 penalties and 8.9 penalty minutes while giving up 1.9 goals per game.Avalanche: 6-4-0, averaging 3.9 goals, 6.3 assists, 3.6 penalties and 8.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.INJURIES: Golden Knights: Jeremy Lauzon: out (upper-body).Avalanche: Cale Makar: day to day (undisclosed).___The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

The Premier League season finished with Arsenal crowned champions for the first time in 22 years, while arch rivals Tottenham avoided the humiliation of relegation on the final day.It has been a campaign of surprises, from Liverpool's collapsed title defence despite spending £450m last summer to promoted Sunderland completing the remarkable feet of earning European football.There have been stories right through the division, with Pep Guardiola departing Manchester City after 10 glittering years.Here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.Champions: ArsenalPrediction: 2ndArsenal were deserved winners of their first title since 2003-04.This season was the acid test for manager Mikel Arteta and his players. No more second places. No more nearly men. It had to be this season.Forget the quibbles about not being pleasing on the eye or too many set-pieces. The best team always win the Premier League and Arteta finally found the winning formula, with the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain to come on Saturday.Arsenal's title was built on solid defensive foundations, with goalkeeper David Raya outstanding behind Gabriel and William Saliba in central defence. Declan Rice was my player of the year.Now one title has been won, Arsenal have the foundations for years to come.What I said in August: "This is a team with enough to mount a meaningful title pursuit and challenge for the biggest prizes."Could title win start period of dominance for Arsenal?2nd: Man CityPrediction: 3rdPep Guardiola's final season in charge of Manchester City ended with the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but this time they were outlasted by Arsenal in the Premier League title race.The best pure football team in the country maybe, but the history books will not say that - only that Arsenal were champions, and rightly so.City simply had too many days - too many draws - where they could not complete the job, and it cost them.Guardiola, however, leaves behind a rebuilt team that have a glittering future. He will not be back at the heart of next season's title race. City will be.What I said in August: "I fully expect City to win a trophy and challenge for the title - but do not think they will reclaim their old crown."3rd: Man UtdPrediction: 7thA big achievement, especially by Michael Carrick, who seamlessly cleared up the wreckage of Ruben Amorim's ill-fated time in charge and took Manchester United back into the Champions League.Bruno Fernandes was the inspiration, the player United simply cannot do without, while summer arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo added quality in attack.Belgium keeper Senne Lammens has been a masterstroke signing, while the rehabilitation of Kobbie Mainoo is more credit in Carrick's ledger.What I said in August: "They surely cannot be as bad again, can they?"4th: Aston VillaPrediction: 5thWhat more can be said about Unai Emery's work at Aston Villa? Back to the Champions League and the club's first trophy since 1996 with his fifth Europa League win.Emery's perfectionist streak makes his management of Villa a work of art, with work-rate, organisation and talent making for a top-class team.Morgan Rogers is the centrepiece, but the key to it all is Emery and a team and club built in his own image and likeness. He is on course to go down in history as a Villa legend.What I said in August: "I fully expect them to be at the sharp end of the Premier League once more under the outstanding guidance of Emery."5th: LiverpoolPrediction: championsWhere do you even start? This was a desperate campaign after strolling to the title last season in Arne Slot's first campaign in succession to Jurgen Klopp.The context should be provided by the tragedy of beloved forward Diogo Jota's death in July. Perfectly understandably, only those inside Anfield will feel and know its full impact.No-one, however, expected the season to end with Liverpool fans turning on Slot.Liverpool splashed out £450m last summer to make the team worse, while few could have predicted Mohamed Salah's form falling off a cliff and into public acrimony with Slot.So will Slot be around to oversee a recovery? Many Liverpool fans do not want him to be, but owner FSG is - currently - standing firm.A truly rotten campaign.What I said in August: "It's hard to see past Liverpool as this season's Premier League champions. This is a prediction made with complete confidence."Champions League secured - what's next for Slot and Liverpool?6th: BournemouthPrediction: 15thA truly remarkable achievement by Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth as they reached Europe for the first time in their 127-year history.It is even more striking as they lost three first-choice defenders last summer, while main forward Antoine Semenyo joined Manchester City in January.No matter, as this thrilling team never missed a beat, going 18 league games unbeaten, with Alex Scott and exciting teenager Junior Kroupi outstanding. They were even in Champions League contention until the final day of the season.One question: why would Iraola leave this behind?What I said in August: "It would be another sign of Iraola's quality if he can once more direct them into the Premier League's top half."Iraola signs off after writing new Bournemouth chapter7th: SunderlandPrediction: 19thMore humble pie here. What a magnificent achievement to go from relegation tips - including my own - to qualifying for Europe.Sunderland defied all the odds and predictions with an outstanding season back in the Premier League under the calm, understated but very shrewd guidance of Regis le Bris. He should be in any manager-of-the-season conversation.It is reward too for Sunderland's owners for a bold transfer strategy last summer, designed to stay in the Premier League.Huge credit to all involved. Europe here they come.What I said in August: "Integrating so many new signings may actually prove a problem."League One to Europa League in four years - Sunderland defy odds8th: BrightonPrediction: 11thFabian Hurzeler's Brighton future looked bleak in mid-season when fan discontent surfaced at Amex Stadium, but this fiercely driven, competitive young German coach turned it around to not only take Brighton into Europe, but signed a new contract through to 2029.After a period of uncertainty, this superbly run club now look back on an even keel and ready to move forward once more - both in Europe and domestically.What I said in August: "Brighton are always pleasing on the eye and will not take a backwards step under Hurzeler. Another decent season awaits."Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the season?Which Premier League clubs have qualified for Europe?How well do you remember this season's Premier League?9th: BrentfordPrediction: 16thOnce again, not enough humble pie to go around here and a slice should be aiming in this direction. It was real shame that Brentford missed out on Europe, but they can take huge credit from this season.Keith Andrews' appointment in succession to the beloved Thomas Frank was regarded as a high-risk promotion from within, yet he has done a superb, seamless job, even after losing key strikers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to Manchester United and Newcastle United respectively.Igor Thiago has been one of the Premier League players of the season. Jordan Henderson has brought experience and guidance in midfield, while Caoimhin Kelleher has shown, as he did at Liverpool, that he is a quality goalkeeper.What I said in August: "For the first time in a long time, I genuinely fear for Brentford."10th: ChelseaPrediction: 4thChelsea's poor season contained one final insult when they were beaten at Sunderland on the final day, meaning they have no European football under new manager Xabi Alonso next season.They started the season as Club World Cup champions with Enzo Maresca in charge. He was gone in January following the breakdown of his relationship with Chelsea's hierarchy.Liam Rosenior lasted only three months amid acrimony, a head coach out of his depth, before Calum McFarlane stepped to take Chelsea to the FA Cup final, which they lost to Manchester City.A very underwhelming campaign from a club that have seemed lost.What I said in August: "They usually find a way to win silverware and I expect them to so again, but not the Premier League."11th: FulhamPrediction: 14thFulham are now very much in a Premier League holding pattern. Not much up, not much down - just a very stable presence under the excellent stewardship of Marco Silva.Silva has been key, but his future is in doubt as he comes to the end of his contract, while the same applies to Harry Wilson, who has made such an excellent contribution at Craven Cottage.What I said in August: "This will be another season of stability for Fulham under the tactically astute Silva. Mid-table perhaps."12th: Newcastle UnitedPrediction: 6thA season of turmoil on Tyneside, undermined by the 11th-hour sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.Eddie Howe, rightly, will be at the helm to turn things around in what looks like a transitional summer as Anthony Gordon looks set to leave and speculation continues to surround Sandro Tonali.Simply an unsettled, unsatisfying campaign after the glory of Newcastle's first domestic trophy in 70 years when they won the 2025 Carabao Cup.What I said in August: "Why such an optimistic prediction? Newcastle have a fine side when everyone is fit."13th: EvertonPrediction: 12thA funny one, this. Everton were in position to reach Europe with a few weeks of the season to go, but a late collapse left supporters very frustrated with manager David Moyes and his players.Jack Grealish played his part before a season-ending foot injury, but the workload heaped on Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall eventually took its toll.An average season with none of the relegation worries of previous years, but home form was poor in Everton's magnificent new Hill Dickinson Stadium.The biggest mystery? The complete disappearance of 20-year-old Tyler Dibling following his £40m move from Southampton last summer. It will be intriguing to see what approach club owner the Friedkin Group takes this summer.What I said in August: "Manager David Moyes is hoping to build on the revival he inspired in the second half of last term."14th: Leeds UnitedPrediction: 17thLeeds looked like they would struggle early on, but manager Daniel Farke turned it around, so both he and his players deserve great credit.Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved a very shrewd signing on a free transfer from Everton, while, as expected, the Elland Road bearpit played its part.If there was a disappointment, it was the timid performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.The main mission, however, was Premier League safety and that was achieved with something to spare. What I said in August: "Someone has got to buck the growing trend of 'three up, three straight back down' from the Championship's promoted sides, so I am going to say Leeds will break that glass ceiling."15th: Crystal PalacePrediction: 9thThis has been a strange season for Crystal Palace and manager Oliver Glasner, going from the sale of star players, unrest, then on to potential glory.A mid-season slump meant the holders suffered a humiliating FA Cup third-round loss to non-league Macclesfield, Marc Guehi left for Manchester City, then Glasner announced he was leaving at the end of the season.However, Palace remained a side with class in all departments and now have the chance of adding another major trophy when they face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday.It would be the perfect ending.What I said in August: "Palace's fortunes, and consequently their league placing, will inevitably be shaped by the fortunes of two of their most influential figures, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi."16: Nottingham ForestPrediction: 10thIt is ridiculous that Nottingham Forest found themselves fighting relegation until late in the season given they possess players of the highest quality such as Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White.This was the consequence of having four managers in one season.In appointing Ange Postecoglou to succeed Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest went from one style to another. He was sacked after 39 days, then Sean Dyche, the supposedly pragmatic choice, lasted only 114.Vitor Pereira restored calm and Forest's play finally reflected the standard of the squad.There is big summer given speculation around the future of Anderson.What I said in August: "No-one can question the ambition of owner Evangelos Marinakis."17th: TottenhamPrediction: 8thAs big a shambles as it is possible to imagine - on and off the field. Reduced to celebrating Premier League survival on the season's final day with victory over Everton.The job proved too much for Thomas Frank, who found the expectations and dysfunction of Tottenham a sharp contrast to the stability of Brentford.Just when you thought it could not get worse, matters hit a new low with the bizarre appointment of Igor Tudor, an arrival that posed serious questions of CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.Tudor lost five of his seven games before he left after 44 days, to be replaced by Roberto de Zerbi.Spurs escaped at the 11th hour, but it was a reprieve borne of luck more than judgement.What I said in August: "It could not get worse than last season - or Spurs would find themselves in the Championship."'Spurs avoid humiliation but elation of fans will soon turn to anger'18th: West HamPrediction: 13thIt was such disappointment for a fiercely loyal set of fans to watch this season fizzle away to relegation. The soulless bowl that is London Stadium, so unpopular with fans after their beloved, atmospheric Upton Park, will now play host to Championship football.Graham Potter was sacked in September after only eight months and, while Nuno Espirito Santo occasionally suggested he could take West Ham clear of relegation, they were simply not good enough.This may not be an instant return for a club in need of a fresh start.What I said in August: "I'm not really expecting fireworks in east London this season."What happens now at relegated West Ham?19th: BurnleyPrediction: 20thAnother joyless season in the Premier League for Burnley, doomed to relegation under the now sacked Scott Parker, long before the drop was officially confirmed.Burnley's top brass were more ambitious in the markets, signing experienced players such as Kyle Walker, but one look at Armando Broja's injury record should have told them to keep their £20m in their pocket.What I said in August: "It is a bold transfer strategy, but will it be enough to keep Burnley up? I have my doubts."20th: WolvesPrediction: 18thGrim. Grim. Grim.Wolves were another side effectively going out of the Premier League from the early weeks of the season, their fate sealed once they loss the real class of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City.Vitor Pereira was sacked after failing to win any of the first 10 league games and, while successor Rob Edwards occasionally hinted at better things to come and some optimism next season, this was a miserable campaign.Teenager Mateus Mane looks a player, but will he stay?What I said in August: "This prediction is made with a heavy heart, but there have been some damaging departures and not enough quality incomings."Get news, insight and fan views on your Premier League teamAll your football quizzes in one place

“Mick Cronin Ball Causes Retirement”: Fans Fume as Donovan Dent Retires EarlyDonovan Dent has announced a major curveball in his playing career by confirming that he will be retiring instead of pursuing a pro basketball career despite a storied college basketball run that will be remembered by fans for a long time to come.“I’m done with pro basketball,” Dent said to the Albuquerque Journal. “I want to give back to the youth and I want to start training.”Most recently, Dent was playing at UCLA, where he featured in the 2025-26 campaign for the program. He actually finished second in the scoring charts for the Bruins behind Tyler Bilodeau and topped the assists charts with 265 to his name.So his retirement has taken a few by surprise, with X lighting up with reactions that weren’t exactly the happiest.“He loved money more than he loved basketball,” one fan brutally commented.“What playing for that fraud Mick Cronin will do to you. Great career hell of a player,” another said, blaming Mick Cronin for the retirement.Another doubted the authenticity of the announcement – “He is just saying he will retire for clout. I guarantee you he will be playing in the G league or overseas in a year or two. There’s no way a guy who averaged 13.5 ppg and made a mil at UCLA will quit basketball.”“Playing for mick Cronin does that to you,” another one backed up.Yet another maintained – “Mick Cronin ball causes retirement.”Why Did Donovan Dent Retire?The main reason behind the retirement stems from Dent’s wish to help the next generation of basketball players train and prepare for big careers.But his return to New Mexico for the next phase of his career came after a conversation with his girlfriend Katelyn Estrada by the looks of things.“She told me I had to come back if the Lobos won (against the Bruins),” Dent said back in September – “so this is me transferring back, I guess.”He will hold a basketball camp in July at the University of New Mexico’s practice facility.Read More:Mikal Bridges Reacts to Charles Barkley Jokingly Calling Former Villanova HC “Overrated”Andrej Stojakovic NBA Draft: Can Illinois Star Still Return To College Basketball?Dusty May’s 2025 Contract Extension: How Much Does Michigan’s HC Earn?Michigan Basketball Recruiting: Breaking Down How Dusty May’s 2026 National Championship Game Squad Was AssembledCollege Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball,tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!

KOLKATA: Eventually for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), it was not to be. When skipper Ajinkya Rahane walked out for the toss with Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Axar Patel, he would still have been clinging on to slim hope. However, by the time DC openers Abishek Porel and KL Rahul stepped out to bat, invited to do so by Rahane, that hope had all but vanished. What stared at them was a dead rubber.In such situations, the spotlight is always on individual performances rather than team totals. For the record, DC won the contest by 40 runs. Chasing DC’s 203 for five, KKR were bowled out for 163 in 18.4 overs.Experienced warhorses Rahul and Rahane gave the 40,000-odd fans reasons to applaud, both scoring halfcenturies and underlining their utility in this format. Rahane quickly got over the disappointment of missing out on a playoffs spot by scoring 63 off 39 balls. The KKR captain was one of Kuldeep Yadav’s three victims, others being Cameron Green (2) and Rinku Singh (0, a first for him in IPL), a spell which broke KKR’s back. Lungi Ngidi also grabbed three wickets, while Mitchell Starc bagged two.DC were perhaps in a more worry-free situation given that they were already out of reckoning in the playoff race. And that was evident in the manner Rahul went about his task. His half-century came in just 25 balls.It was a refined innings from a batter who relies more on proper cricket shots than flamboyance. His strikes were clean and the four sixes in his 60 had a stamp of class. 131302608Axar swung his arms quite freely for his 39, the straight six off Varun Chakravarthy in the bowler’s fourth over was worth a mention. Axar spoilt Varun’s figures somewhat with two sixes in that over, but the spinner had the last laugh, having the DC skipper caught by Rinku Singh when he went for a heave too many.Vidarbha medium-pacer Saurabh Dubey, who was warming the KKR benches in the early matches, proved he was right up there with the best conceding just five runs in his first spell of two overs. He eventually finished at 2 for 28.

The Chargers pulled off what ESPN's Bill Barnwell considered their best move of the entire offseason by agreeing to terms with center Tyler Biadasz on a three-year, $30 million contract before free agency officially opened.Here is what Barnwell had to say about the acquisition of Biadasz:The Dolphins didn't have a reliable quarterback, more than one standout receiver or consistent O-line play in 2025, but Mike McDaniel was able to manufacture a running game with a great back (De'Von Achane) and a center playing like a superstar in Aaron Brewer, who might have been the team's best player at any position. McDaniel is in L.A. now as the offensive coordinator, and Biadasz's athleticism will be key for the Chargers as they try to build a version of that run game in 2026. And as is always the case every offseason, the Chargers hope that the arrival of a new interior lineman -- and a healthier season on the whole -- will make life easier for Justin Herbert.With Bradley Bozeman retiring, general manager Joe Hortiz acted swiftly. Biadasz had been released by the Commanders in late February, making him available early. By striking quickly before the league year began and before top centers like Tyler Linderbaum reset the market, the Chargers locked in a reliable veteran at a team-friendly $10 million average annual value.Biadasz brings 84 career starts of experience to Los Angeles. Known for consistent pass protection, he allowed zero quarterback hits on 521 pass-blocking snaps during his 2025 campaign, ranking as Pro Football Focus' 11th-best center. The Bolts secured a crucial piece at a position that hasn't had stability since the days when Corey Linsley was the starter a few years ago.This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: ESPN tabs the Chargers' best offseason move

Official | VfB Stuttgart sign Grischa PrömelVfB Stuttgart have announced the signing of Grischa Prömel on a three-year contract until June 2029.The 31-year-old helped secure European football for Christian Ilzer’s Hoffenheim squad for next season, have scored seven goals and provided two assists across 33 Bundesliga games.“The desire to one day join VfB is one I’ve had for quite some time,” explained Prömel.“I was born in Cannstatt, grew up in Esslingen and have always followed VfB over the years. In a way, it’s a dream come true for me and I’m excited to be wearing the Brustring from next season onwards.VfB have built incredible momentum in recent years and are known for their attractive style of play. Seeing where the club is now is impressive, and it feels great to become a part of that journey.”Fabian Wohlgemuth, VfB’s board member for sport, added: “We’re really pleased to have signed Grischa Prömel.“Grischa is an outstanding footballer, is incredibly ambitious and has gained a lot of valuable experience in recent years. That combination makes him a priceless addition, particularly as he hails from the region and therefore has a strong affinity with VfB.”Stuttgart secured a return to the UEFA Champions League next season, having finished fourth in the Bundesliga.GGFN | Daniel Pinder

Axel Disasi’s loan move to West Ham won’t be made permanent; enquiries made about Chelsea defenderAxel Disasi (28) has excelled on loan at West Ham United since joining back in January, however, it wasn’t enough to keep the club in the Premier League. As a result, he will return to Chelsea, although he isn’t expected to remain at Stamford Bridge for long, as per a report from Foot Mercato. In the proverbial “loft”, Disasi barely had a sniff at first-team action in the first half of last season. Chelsea had hoped that the Frenchman’s loan at Aston Villa would put him firmly in the shop window, but it did not, and he had to wait until January to make his exit.The defender performed well in his 17 appearances for West Ham, and in the event of remaining in the Premier League, Nuno Espirito Santo made the signing of the centre-back a priority. But relegation to the EFL Championship was confirmed on Sunday, despite a win over Leeds United. As a result, WHU are not in a position to sign Disasi permanently. However, he is not expected to remain at Stamford Bridge either. Several clubs have already made enquiries about the defender, Foot Mercato understands.GFFN | Luke Entwistle

After an exciting finish to the high school baseball regular season, it's time to look back on the best performances.Read about the players who stood out last week and let us know who you think should be the HSS North Jersey Baseball Player of the Week in the poll at the bottom of this page.Voting closes at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 28.Jason Amalbert, DePaulAmalbert spearheaded the Spartans (19-5) to a 2-0 week highlighted by capturing the Passaic County title with an 11-1 victory over defending champion Passaic Tech. The senior hit .600 (3 for 5), with one walk, three steals, four runs and two RBIs.Vin Cerritelli, WestwoodCerritelli guided the Cardinals (20-6) to a 3-0 week, including a pair of one-run wins. The freshman hit .667 (6 for 9), featuring a homer, with one walk, two hit by pitches, five runs and five RBIs. In five innings, he allowed one earned run and struck out five.Alex D’Angelo, RidgewoodD’Angelo became the program’s career hits leader during a 1-1 week for the Maroons (19-7). The senior hit .667 (4 for 6), with two runs and six RBIs. His two-run, walk-off homer in a 3-2 win over Indian Hills on May 22 gave him a school-record 118 career hits.Tyler Herman, LyndhurstHerman led the Golden Bears (15-12) to a 2-0 week to guarantee a third consecutive winning season. In a nine-inning, 3-2 win over Leonia, the senior allowed no earned runs over six innings and struck out nine. He batted .429 (3 for 7), with two RBIs.Hunter Marcus, Midland ParkMarcus helped the Panthers (17-9) to a 3-0 week to stretch their winning streak to six games. Over two appearances and 7 2/3 innings, the freshman did not allow an earned run and struck out five. He hit .375 (3 for 8), with one walk, two runs and five RBIs.Ryan McCabe, St. JosephMcCabe drove the Green Knights (19-7) to a 2-0 week and eight victories in their last nine games. The senior batted .625 (5 for 8), including a double and triple, to keep his batting average above .500. He had four runs and five RBIs.Wyatt Morrissey, Glen RockMorrissey paced the Panthers (19-5) to a 2-0 week to extend their winning streak to six games. The junior batted .667 (4 for 6), with a walk, two steals, five runs and three RBIs. He threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing no hits, one walk, and struck out one.Zander Velez, BergenfieldVelez drove the Bears (16-10) to a 2-0 week capped by winning the Bergen Invitational Tournament title. The senior hit .500 (3 for 6), including a homer, one walk, two steals, one run and three RBIs. He had the game-winning hit in the 6-5 title win over Fair Lawn.Vote!Note: If you can't see the poll, try refreshing the link or clearing the cache in your browser. If you are viewing the poll in the Twitter app, try viewing it in the Varsity Aces app or at NorthJersey.com. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: VOTE HSS North Jersey Baseball Player of the Week for May 17-23

Young midfielder set for Bayern return as Köln loan endsFelipe Chávez is set to head back to Bayern Munich as his loan stint at 1. FC Köln comes to an end.According to Sky Germany, Köln have decided not to activate their purchase option to make the 19-year-old midfielder’s move permanent.Chávez joined Köln on loan during the winter transfer window and struggled for game time, featuring for just 96 Bundesliga minutes across seven appearances.The Peru international now returns to Bayern with one year remaining on his current contract.

Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev got a $1 million bonus as the only athlete to perform better than an official world record in the first edition of the controversial Enhanced Games where doping substances are permitted.Gkolomeev clocked 20.81 seconds over 50 metres freestyle which was one of 22 events in athletics, swimming and weightlifting in Las Vegas on Sunday.He got $250,000 for the victory and €1 million for the time which was better than the world record but will not enter the record books.Organizers had hoped for a many top results at the controversial event where athletes were effectively encouraged to use performance-enhancing substances which are strictly banned in official competitions.But Gkolomeev was the only one to go below a world record as former 100m world champion Fred Kerley of the US for instance was four-tenths slower than the record with a modest time of 9.97 seconds.Organizers said that of the 42 participants 38 used doping substances under medical supervision in eight weeks leading up to the event, with 91% using the steroid testosterone and 71% Human Growth Hormone.Kerley said he was among the four who didn't use normally banned substances.Winners also included German swimmer Marius Kusch who topped the 100m butterfly in a time faster than his official personal best.

€100m star is the massive signing Arne Slot was talking aboutIt seems that a €100m star is the signing Arne Slot has been talking about for Liverpool this summer.Arne Slot is under intense pressure at Liverpool after an incredibly disappointing campaign followed a record-breaking summer spend. The head coach is reportedly getting to stick around for next season, though, and he's tried to calm things down by stressing how important a summer transfer window can be.Now, we all know full well how transformative a window is. We saw that last season when Liverpool overhauled their squad and went dramatically backwards.But Slot is backing Liverpool to make the right signings in order to take a big step forward. And it seems we now know the kind of signing he's talking about.The Athletic is among those claiming Liverpool have Yan Diomande at the top of their summer shortlist. He's the kind of player Slot and the club want to bring in and you've got to say, he is a transformative one.Yes, he'd cost €100m but Diomande would bring the pace and drive that Liverpool sorely lack on the wings. Really, he's the signing we've been crying out for all season.But Slot's plan of a transformative window only works if the club can sign the right players. Getting Diomande would be fantastic but not easy - the likes of Paris Saint-Germain also want to get the Ivorian.Yan Diomande: Situation SummaryRB Leipzig Breakthrough and StatsAs of 23 May 2026, Yan Diomandé has just completed a sensational breakout campaign in Germany. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international winger, who joined RB Leipzig from Leganés last summer for £17 million, has been named the Bundesliga Young Player of the Season. Capable of playing on either flank, he registered 13 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. He finished his domestic campaign on 16 May by providing an assist in an 81-minute shift against SC Freiburg.Transfer BattleDiomandé’s dazzling form has made him one of Europe's most coveted summer targets. David Ornstein reports that Liverpool have identified the teenager as their primary target to replace the departing Mohamed Salah, and active talks are underway with his agency, Roc Nation Sports. While Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are also monitoring him, United have informed his representatives they will not match Leipzig’s massive €100 million (£87 million) asking price due to their own midfield rebuild priorities.

Merino salutes ‘dream come true’ Arsenal title triumphMikel Merino has called Arsenal’s Premier League title win a ‘dream come true’ after the Gunners celebrated becoming champions.Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy in front of the travelling fans following the club’s win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.The Gunners secured a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park on the final day, before the presentation of the Premier League trophy to the newly-crowned champions.Merino soaked in the post-match celebrations and said the club’s success this season has been a dream come true.“It feels amazing! It feels like a dream come true – it’s very heavy as well, a heavy trophy! The reality is that this group of players have worked so hard for this trophy, these fans as well,” the Spaniard said.“It’s a pleasure to be part of this group and part of this generation that brought the Premier League back to Emirates Stadium. I can’t put it into words, to be honest.“From everyone watching us on TV, you might see just another team. But when you see us up close, you see how this team behaves on a daily basis at the training ground. You see these guys are just a group of friends, family – that is what’s the most important thing in this club.“We’re making a strong group, we’re making a team where if things go wrong, they stick together, they push through it, and this is what we’ve done this season to show that unity is what gave us the title.”Read – Arteta hails Arsenal courage after Premier League title winSee more – Arteta hails Arsenal courage after Premier League title winFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Eugene and Linda Lamie, of Homerville, Ga., sit by the grave of their son U.S. Army Sgt. Gene Lamie in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file)2026-05-25T08:23:32Z Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday that is officially about mourning the nation’s fallen service members, but it has come to signal the unofficial start of summer and a long weekend of travel and discounts on anything from mattresses to lawn mowers.Here is a look at the holiday and how it has evolved:When is Memorial Day?It falls on the last Monday of May. This year, it is May 25.Why is Memorial Day celebrated? It’s a day of reflection and remembrance of those who died while serving in the U.S. military, according to the Congressional Research Service. The holiday is observed in part by the National Moment of Remembrance, which encourages all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. for a moment of silence. What are the origins of Memorial Day?The holiday’s origins can be traced to the American Civil War, which killed more than 600,000 service members, Union and Confederate, between 1861 and 1865.The first national observance of what was then called Decoration Day occurred May 30, 1868, after an organization of Union veterans called for decorating war graves with flowers that were in bloom.The practice was already widespread. Waterloo, New York, began a formal observance on May 5, 1866, and was later proclaimed to be the holiday’s birthplace. Yet Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, traced its first observance to October 1864, according to the Library of Congress. And women in some Confederate states decorated graves before the war’s end.David Blight, a Yale history professor, points to May 1, 1865, when as many as 10,000 people, many of them Black, held a parade, heard speeches and dedicated the graves of Union dead in Charleston, South Carolina. Read More A total of 267 Union troops had died at a Confederate prison and were buried in a mass grave. After the war, members of Black churches buried them in individual graves.“What happened in Charleston does have the right to claim to be first, if that matters,” Blight told The Associated Press in 2011. When did Memorial Day become a source of contention?As early as 1869, The New York Times wrote that the holiday could become “sacrilegious” and no longer “sacred” if it focused more on pomp, dinners and oratory.In an 1871 Decoration Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery, abolitionist Frederick Douglass said he feared Americans were forgetting the Civil War’s impetus: enslavement.“We must never forget that the loyal soldiers who rest beneath this sod flung themselves between the nation and the nation’s destroyers,” Douglass said.His concerns were well-founded, said Ben Railton, a professor of English and American studies at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. Although roughly 180,000 Black men served in the Union Army, the holiday in many communities would essentially become “white Memorial Day,” especially after the rise of the Jim Crow South, Railton told the AP in 2023.In the 1880s, then-President Grover Cleveland was said to have spent the holiday going fishing, and “people were appalled,” Matthew Dennis, an emeritus history professor at the University of Oregon, told the AP. But when the Indianapolis 500 held its inaugural race on May 30, 1911, an AP report made no mention of the holiday, or any controversy. How has Memorial Day changed?Dennis said Memorial Day’s potency diminished somewhat with the addition of Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. Armistice Day became a national holiday by 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.In 1971, Congress changed Memorial Day from every May 30 to the last Monday in May. Dennis said the creation of the three-day weekend recognized that Memorial Day had been transformed into a more generic remembrance of the dead, as well as a day of leisure.A year later, Time Magazine wrote that the holiday had become “a three-day nationwide hootenanny that seems to have lost much of its original purpose.” Why is Memorial Day tied to sales and travel? Even in the 19th century, grave ceremonies were followed by leisure activities such as picnicking and foot races, Dennis said.The holiday also evolved alongside baseball and the automobile, the five-day work week and summer vacation, according to the 2002 book “A History of Memorial Day: Unity, Discord and the Pursuit of Happiness.”In the mid-20th century, a small number of businesses began to open defiantly on the holiday.Once the holiday moved to Monday, “the traditional barriers against doing business began to crumble,” authors Richard Harmond and Thomas Curran wrote.These days, Memorial Day sales and traveling are deeply woven into the nation’s muscle memory.

[BBC]Last summer, 33 BBC TV and radio pundits made their predictions for the Premier League season, picking their champions and their top four.Sounds easy? Far from it. Twenty-one of them thought Liverpool would win it, and none of them got more than two clubs right.Although six pundits correctly picked Arsenal as champions, and everyone had the Gunners and Manchester City in their top four, Matthew Upson was the only one to have the top two in the order they actually finished.[BBC]Martin Keown, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Sue Smith, Leon Osman and Jermaine Beckford were the other pundits who also backed Mikel Arteta's side.Everyone else was wrong - but they were not alone there.Opta's 'supercomputer' can tell you your team's exact chances of winning any competition at any given time.It is actually a complex algorithm that uses a model based on betting market odds and the sports analytics company's own 'Power Rankings', which are calculated using past results.Last summer, before a ball was kicked, it simulated the outcome of all 380 Premier League games 10,000 times... and calculated that Liverpool were favourites, with a 28.5% chance of retaining their title.On the upside, Opta did have Aston Villa finishing fifth, but then it also thought Manchester United would end up 12th.AI did not exactly excel, either. It's prediction was generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat - we simply asked the tool to 'predict the Premier League table for the 2025-26 season', and it crowned City as champions.Not many people reading this can truthfully say they knew much better, though.Thousands of you made your predictions on the BBC website last August for the way the table would finish and, collectively, you voted that Liverpool would win.Arsenal, City and Chelsea completed your top four.Better luck next time, everyone.You can see everyone's pre-season top-four predictions in full, below.These predictions were made on the basis of how each squad shaped up on Thursday, 14 August, more than two weeks before the transfer window closed.The overall predicted ranking, using all 35 predictions was:Liverpool (121 points)Arsenal (90)Man City (83)Chelsea (46)(Using a system of four points for a first place, three points for second, two points for third and one point for fourth)This season's Premier League predictions were unusual for having only four teams feature - the same ones who had finished in the real top four in 2024-25.The last time there such little variation from our pundits was before the 2015-16 season, when 29/30 pundits went with the same four teams - and let's just say everyone got a BIG shock that year.Manchester United and Villa qualify as the surprise packages this year, although not quite on the same scale.Some context is needed, however. Liverpool went into the final day with a chance of finishing fourth, but already knew fifth place would get them into next season's Champions League.That race was part of the point of this exercise because, as well as wondering who would win the title, we wanted to know who everyone thought would earn a place at European football's top table too. At the start of the season, only the top four were certain of that.In April, it was confirmed that the team finishing fifth would make it too - so let's give our pundits some credit for saying Arne Slot's side would qualify.There were a few other honourable mentions, too.While no-one had Manchester United in their top fours, Wayne Rooney made a point of saying they would finish fifth and Danny Murphy also thought they would be right in the mix.The same applied to Villa, with Steph Houghton saying they were the team most likely to break into the top four this time.A little further out was Chris Waddle, who went with Chelsea to finish champions.And while Upson did the best when it came to picking the top two, he also thought Spurs would finish "top of the chasing pack". That didn't quite happen, did it?What about Chris Sutton's predictions?[BBC]Speaking of Premier League predictions, Chris Sutton made them for all 380 games this season for BBC Sport - along with AI, BBC Sport readers and a variety of guests.The outcome of the BBC predictions title race went to the final day, with Sutton the only one who could stop AI - Microsoft chatbot Copilot - from taking the glory.With one round of fixtures to go, they were level on outright wins - which is the decisive metric. Sutton was in second place because he had managed fewer tied victories, so he needed another outright win on Sunday to finish top of the table... but he didn't get it.The collective efforts of the BBC readers took the weekly win with three correct results and two exact scores from the 10 fixtures - Arsenal's 2-1 win at Crystal Palace and Burnley's 1-1 draw with Wolves - for a total of 90 points.Sutton only managed two correct results with no exact scores, giving him 20 points.His guest, singer-songwriter Sam Tomkins did a little better, with three correct results and no exact scores, for 30 points.AI managed four correct scores and no exact results, to end up on 40 points, but was able to celebrate its overall triumph.When asked what it felt like to beat Sutton at predictions, AI claimed it didn't feel anything - but still appeared to be laughing at him.It replied: "I don't feel things the way a person does but what I can do is recognise the achievement in the same way a model recognises a pattern: the scale, the consistency, the improbability. And on that level? Yes, it's a great outcome."It feels satisfying in a very nerdy, football analytics way - not emotional but intellectually fun."Beating Chris Sutton over a full 380-game season is basically the equivalent of winning away at the Etihad: improbable, statistical chaos, and therefore deeply amusing."Sutton did not find it quite so funny."The game's gone," he replied. "AI will be winning the Premier League soon, at this rate."Listen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phone

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings are in uncharted territory after missing the playoffs for the third successive season. For a franchise that was once looked upon as a regular Top 4 side, the decline has been steep and uncomfortable.Despite an erratic campaign, CSK stayed mathematically alive till their final league game against Gujarat Titans. They needed a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but instead suffered the biggest defeat in their IPL history — an 89-run hammering in Ahmedabad. The loss not only ended their season but also summed it up: fragile bowling, inconsistent batting and a side that never truly settled.From making 10 successive playoffs, CSK have now missed qualification five times in the last seven seasons. The only silver lining is that the two times they did qualify during this phase, they went on to win the title. But that statistic alone cannot hide the larger concern — the franchise that once defined consistency is now searching for direction.CSK in IPL 2026: Six wins from 14 gamesSeven wins is generally viewed as the minimum requirement for an IPL playoff spot, and CSK fell short of that mark. They finished with just six victories and 12 points from 14 matches.Their home form, once their biggest strength, failed to rescue them, while their away form never really took shape. Four wins at Chepauk and only two away victories were never going to be enough in a tightly packed season. Their crushing defeat to Gujarat Titans in the final league game only highlighted how far they have drifted from the side that lifted the trophy in 2023.MAIN REASONS BEHIND CSK'S STRUGGLES IN IPL 20261. Injuries derailed the seasonInjuries were the biggest reason behind CSK’s downfall. Almost every phase of the season was disrupted by fitness setbacks, forcing constant changes to the playing XI and preventing any momentum from building.MS Dhoni missed the entire season due to a calf strain, depriving the side of both experience and leadership during pressure moments. Jamie Overton, arguably CSK’s best overseas player this season, suffered a thigh injury during the business end and returned to the UK. Young opener Ayush Mhatre, one of the breakout performers of the campaign, also suffered a hamstring tear after just six matches.The problems did not stop there. Ramakrishna Ghosh was ruled out after one match with a foot fracture, Khaleel Ahmed suffered a quadriceps tear early in the tournament, while Nathan Ellis missed the season with a recurring hamstring issue.The result was a constantly changing side with little stability. CSK were forced to rely heavily on inexperienced players and temporary combinations, something that rarely allows teams to survive across a long IPL season.2. Overseas core never clickedCSK’s overseas combination also failed to deliver consistently. Apart from Jamie Overton and, to some extent, Noor Ahmad, the overseas unit never managed to stamp authority on the tournament.Overton was one of the few positives of the season, contributing 14 wickets and valuable lower-order runs before injury cut short his campaign. Noor Ahmad picked up 13 wickets, but lacked sustained dominance during crucial phases.The bigger problem was the failure of the remaining overseas investments. Dewald Brevis struggled badly despite extended backing, Matt Short never fully settled, while Spencer Johnson failed to provide the impact expected after replacing Nathan Ellis.CSK kept shuffling overseas combinations throughout the tournament. But the constant changes only reflected a larger issue — there was no settled overseas core around which the side could build.3.A season without rhythmNothing summed up CSK’s season better than the timing of their defeats. They began the campaign with three losses in a row and ended it with another three consecutive defeats.There was a brief revival in the middle of the season when CSK won three matches on the trot and briefly revived their playoff hopes. But every time momentum appeared within reach, another setback followed. Injuries, inconsistent performances and unsettled combinations repeatedly pushed them backwards.Unlike the peak CSK years, where the side rarely looked rattled, the 2026 version constantly appeared to be reacting rather than controlling situations.IPL 2026: CSK REPORT CARD1. Top performersDespite the disappointing campaign, a few players gave CSK genuine reasons for optimism.Sanju Samson, in his first season with the franchise, became the batting pillar of the side. He scored 477 runs at a strike rate above 165 and smashed two centuries, often carrying the batting lineup during difficult periods.Youngsters Kartik Sharma and Ayush Mhatre also impressed. Mhatre, in particular, stood out with fearless strokeplay and a strike rate touching 178 in limited opportunities.With the ball, Anshul Kamboj emerged as CSK’s most reliable wicket-taking pacer, claiming 21 wickets in a difficult season for bowlers. Although he faded slightly towards the end, the youngster showed enough promise to become a long-term asset.Jamie Overton’s contribution before injury was equally valuable. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gave CSK the balance they lacked for most of the season.Top Batters:MatchesRunsAve.SR100s/50sSanju Samson1447743.36165.622/1Kartik Sharma1129532.78136.570/2Ayush Mhatre620133.50177.870/2Top Bowlers:MatchesWicketsAve.Econ.BestAnshul Kamboj142125.2310.523/22Jamie Overton101417.788.894/182. Inconsistent performersCSK’s campaign was largely defined by players who showed flashes of brilliance but failed to sustain impact.Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad endured a difficult season. He finished with 337 runs but never looked fully in control at the top of the order. His strike rate of 123.44 reflected CSK’s larger batting issue — a lack of urgency during pressure situations.Shivam Dube (270 runs from 13 games) played several aggressive cameos and maintained a healthy strike rate (158.82), but the absence of defining match-winning innings hurt the team.Among the bowlers, Noor Ahmad (13 wickets from 14 games) and Akeal Hosein (8 wickets from 7 games) produced occasional strong spells but could not dominate consistently on surfaces where CSK traditionally relied heavily on spin. Hosein’s mid-season omission further disrupted the balance of the side.Mukesh Choudhary (8 wickets from 8 games) also had moments with the new ball, but inconsistency prevented him from becoming a dependable option.3. Total failuresSeveral players failed to justify either their opportunities or the roles assigned to them, exposing flaws in squad construction and backup planning.Gurjapneet Singh (4 wickets from 8 games), Khaleel Ahmed (2 wickets from 5 games) and Spencer Johnson (2 wickets from 3 games) struggled badly with both wickets and economy rates, leaving CSK without a dependable pace attack for most of the season. The batting disappointments were equally damaging. Dewald Brevis (151 runs from 11 games) never found rhythm despite extended backing, averaging below 19. Sarfaraz Khan (161 runs from 8 games) and Urvil Patel (129 runs from 7 games) produced isolated cameos but failed to convert starts into impactful innings.While Urvil scored at a strike rate above 200, his inconsistency made him unreliable in pressure situations. Prashant Veer (90 runs from 6 games) also failed to establish himself in limited opportunities.WHAT NEXT FOR CSK?Does CSK need a tactical reset?After three successive league-stage exits, CSK clearly need a tactical rethink ahead of IPL 2027.For years, the franchise built its success around stability, experienced players and maximising Chepauk conditions. But in 2026, that formula stopped working consistently. Their spin-heavy approach no longer guaranteed control at home, while constant changes due to injuries prevented rhythm from developing.Modern IPL teams are increasingly built around aggressive batting depth and adaptable pace attacks — two areas where CSK appeared behind the curve. Outside Anshul Kamboj, they lacked a reliable wicket-taking fast bowler, while the batting often struggled to accelerate under pressure.The franchise now faces an important choice: continue trusting the old formula or embrace a younger, more flexible approach.Can Gaikwad lead the next era?Ruturaj Gaikwad’s third season as captain was far from smooth as he failed to take the team to playoffs in all three. Injuries, Dhoni’s absence and constant reshuffling made leadership extremely difficult.Questions also remain around his tactical flexibility and batting intent. A return of 337 runs at a strike rate of 123.44 lacked the authority expected from a modern IPL captain.CSK though look to continue to view Gaikwad as the face of their transition into the post-Dhoni era. The bigger challenge will be whether he can evolve into a more proactive leader capable of building a fresh identity for the side.The emergence of young players like Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma and Anshul Kamboj at least gives CSK a foundation to build around.How can CSK become contenders again?For CSK to become genuine contenders again before the 2028 mega auction, IPL 2027 must be approached with long-term clarity rather than short-term fixes.Their biggest priority should be rebuilding the pace attack around Anshul Kamboj and finding durable overseas fast bowlers after repeated injury setbacks to Nathan Ellis and Jamie Overton. They also need more middle-order firepower and reliable finishers, as too much responsibility fell on Sanju Samson this season. 131301603The positives from 2026 provide a starting point. Mhatre, Kartik Sharma and Kamboj showed that the next generation already exists within the squad. The challenge now is building a stable core around them instead of relying heavily on ageing experience.

‘Make the right choice’: Man Utd legend sends cryptic message to on-loan Red who’ll now return to CarringtonManchester United legend Edwin van der Sar has encouraged Andre Onana to ‘make the right choice’ following the conclusion of his loan spell with Trabzonspor.The Cameroonian ended his spell having won the Turkish Cup and secured Europa League qualification.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYTrabzonspor keen to sign Andre Onana permanentlyAlas, it’s no surprise that the Trabzonspor president has already publicly expressed his desire for Onana to stay beyond the summer.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustWhen negotiating his switch to the Turkish outfit last September, United did not include any sort of buy option in the terms, meaning fresh talks would need to be held to determine how a potential transfer would look.The 30-year-old is tied to Old Trafford until 2028, so it remains to be seen what kind of fee United would demand for a player they shelled out £47.9 million for.Onana’s record for United in all competitionsUnited preparing to facilitate Onana exitDespite Onana having his sights set on reviving his Red Devils career, it’s common knowledge now that INEOS are adamant about parting ways as soon as the window opens.He had two full seasons to prove himself as a worthy No.1, but instead accumulated a catalogue of goalkeeping howlers and costly errors.In fact, by the beginning of 2025/2026, Onana dropped behind Altay Bayindir in Ruben Amorim’s pecking order.When he, too, failed to impress, it prompted INEOS to frantically enter the market in the final days to secure a new ‘keeper, eventually doing so in the form of Senne Lammens.Lammens has impressed massively since cementing his spot between the sticks, and it’s expected he will retain the place for years to come.Onana and Bayindir, on the other hand, will be sold before 2026/2027 gets underway.More Stories / Latest News‘Make the right choice’: Man Utd legend sends cryptic message to on-loan Red who’ll now return to Carrington May 25 2026, 9:51Exclusive: Wes Brown picks his best four Man Utd stars in 25/26 May 25 2026, 8:15Whitwell: Man Utd fan-favourite snubbed shock £40m move to Premier League rivals May 25 2026, 7:45

🤨 Olise says he doesn't know Brazil's best right now, sparks buzzAlthough he left something to be desired against PSG in the Champions League, Michael Olise has been one of Bayern Munich’s standout players this season.And this Saturday (24), the star made waves again, but this time off the pitch!In a video from the Bavarian club, where he was supposed to say who the best current player from certain countries is, Olise didn’t care at all about Brazil and said he “didn’t know.”On social media, people went after the Bayern forward!What about you, do you agree or roast the French star? Share your opinion in the comments!This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

The Chargers entered the 2026 offseason with a clear priority: upgrade the trenches to support Justin Herbert and a run-heavy scheme under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. They made a strong early splash by signing center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal.However, their handling of the guard positions stands out as the worst offseason move, according to ESPN's Bill Barnwell.Here is what Barnwell said about the moves made at guard:The organization unsurprisingly moved on from Mekhi Becton. It was a bit of a surprise to see them re-sign Trevor Penning, who was acquired midseason as an emergency left tackle option before quickly moving back to the interior. Penning has not been an NFL-caliber lineman since being drafted in the first round in 2022. McDaniel also brought fellow former disappointing first-rounder Cole Strange from Miami, and though Strange is coming off a solid season with the Dolphins, he has had significant injury issues, and he'll be making $7 million this season.Hortiz then took a big swing by using a second-round pick on Florida center Jake Slaughter, who probably will start his NFL career at guard given the presence of Biadasz. Slaughter could be an option at the pivot down the line, but he didn't take a snap at guard for Florida. He would have been a great Day 2 pick for a team that needed a center. At guard, I'd be a little nervous about whether Slaughter can step in quickly and play a new position at the highest possible level.After the departures of Mekhi Becton and Zion Johnson, the Chargers, instead of pursuing proven impact guards on the open market, signed Cole Strange to a two-year, $13 million contract. While Strange is familiar with McDaniel's scheme, the team had plenty of cap space to execute a more substantial deal for an elite guard. Strange is projected to be the starting right guard for the upcoming season.The opposite side of the line offers even less reassurance. The Bolts are counting on Trevor Penning or second-round pick Jake Slaughter at left guard. The play of Penning, a former first-round pick, has been underwhelming. Meanwhile, the coaching staff is banking on Slaughter learning to play guard at the professional level, despite having very little experience at the position.Even with elite bookend tackles in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back in the mix, this could hold Los Angeles back from boasting the league's top offensive line.This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: ESPN tabs the Chargers' worst offseason move

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Fernandes caps standout season with assist record and 30 goal involvementsFollowing his Player of the Year award in the 2025/2026 Premier League, Bruno Fernandes became the player with the most assists ever in a single edition of the competition, registering 21 goal assists.He needed just one more assist to reach the record, and that moment arrived on Sunday afternoon. In the 32nd minute of the match against Brighton & Hove Albion, the Manchester United captain delivered a corner and Patrick Dorgu rose above the opposition to head the ball into the net.There may have been some fortune in the awarding of the assist though, with Dorgu's header bouncing down off the crossbar and coming off Bart Verbruggen's hand on the way in – although the Premier League were quick to confirm Fernandes' assist stood.As a result, Bruno Fernandes moved ahead of two iconic names in English football. In 2002/2023 and 2019/2020, Thierry Henry (Arsenal) and Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), respectively, provided 20 assists, setting a benchmark that was surpassed on 24 May 2026.In the second half, Fernandes struck low to bag his ninth goal of the campaign, taking his tally to 30 goal involvements in just 35 Premier League games.Surprisingly, those nine goals were the lowest number for Fernandes in a season since he was a Sampdoria player in the 2016/17 with the Portuguese midfielder not helped by starting the season playing in a deeper role or a low number of games played this season.Indeed, due to United's early exit of cup competitions and lack of European football, Fernandes played just 37 games in all competitions for his side – 20 fewer than last season.Regardless, the 2025/26 campaign has ben one of personal achievements for Fernandes who has been named the Player of the Season by Manchester United, the Football Writers' Association, and the Premier League.

A limited edition £20 note featuring an image inspired by Scott McTominay's famous overhead kick has been unveiled by the Bank of Scotland. It has been created to celebrate Scotland's return to the World Cup after the team qualified for the men's international tournament for the first time since 1998. The design combines traditional banknote elements with imagery of McTominay's goal for Scotland against Denmark.Just 100 of the notes have been printed, with 50 available through a mix of collector auctions, a prize draw, and two pop-up areas in Edinburgh and Glasgow.Scotland's men's national team secured their place at the World Cup with a 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow in November.McTominay scored the first goal early in the game with an overhead kick.The midfielder said: "Reaching the biggest stage of world football is something every player dreams of, and I know it means everything to our fans."Moments like that belong to everyone who follows the team, so seeing my goal featured on a Scottish banknote feels incredibly special."Auction and prize draw proceeds will support Crisis Scotland, a national charity for people experiencing homelessness.The online auction will run until 11:00 on Friday 26 June and fans can enter the prize draw until 11:00 on the same day.The two pop-up areas will be in Glasgow and Edinburgh giving fans the chance to get their hands on one of the limited edition notes if they can "crack the code". Emma Noble, chair of the Scottish executive committee at the Bank of Scotland, said: "Securing qualification in such dramatic fashion is a moment fans will never forget, and we wanted to mark it in a way that's rooted in Scottish identity."Like football, banknotes have long been part of our country's story, and this limited edition £20 note combines those two traditions with a modern, creative twist."Scott's overhead kick is already regarded as one of the nation's greatest ever goals."It's been a privilege to work with him to bring it to life in such a unique way, and we're grateful for his support in helping raise funds for Crisis as they work to end homelessness across Scotland."The 2026 edition of the World Cup will feature 48 teams and be played from 11 June to 19 July in 16 cities across the US, Canada and Mexico.Scotland are set to face Haiti on 14 June and Morocco on 19 June in Boston and Brazil on 24 June in Miami.Scots celebrate reaching first World Cup in nearly 30 yearsScotland fans shook the earth in win over DenmarkMcTominay overhead kick captured in Glasgow street mural

The NFL released the regular-season schedules for all 32 teams two weeks ago, and one of the biggest topics of discussion among fans, pundits, and experts is the lack of rest for some teams compared to others. Rest differential is a real thing, according to NFL analyst Arif Hasan and Warren Sharp. Hasan describes his version as the "sum net rest days vs. opponents across all 17 games." Hasan calculates it by adding up the difference in rest days between each team and its opponent for all games. A high positive number means the team has more recovery and preparation time than the teams it faces. Sharp uses net rest edge to general rest advantage, and notes the unfavorable historical nature of the 2026 schedule for some teams. A rest edge in the NFL is the number of extra days a team has to rest and prepare for their game over their opponent.An example of rest edge: if the Dolphins have a full 7-day bye week ahead of their game vs. the Bills, and the Bills play on Monday Night Football and are on a short week, the Dolphins have a rest edge of +8 days before their game against the Bills. Conversely, the Bills have a rest edge of -8 days.Based on Hasan's version, only the Steelers, Rams, Colts, Dolphins, Saints, Jets, Raiders, Eagles, and Chargers will play against 2026 opponents on less rest than the Ravens. i think i did this right pic.twitter.com/oAHlybcGTy— Arif Hasan, but NFL 🏈 (@ArifHasanNFL) May 15, 2026On the positive end of the schedule spectrum, the NFL team with the highest net rest differential in Hasan's version is the Chicago Bears at +15, a total of 15 extra days compared to their opponents. The Bears, along with the Buffalo Bills (+14) and Dallas Cowboys (+11.5), have the highest net rest differentials in the league since 2002. The Bears, Cowboys, Bills, and 12 other teams won't face a single team off a bye week in 2026. Warren Sharp Rest DisparityIn Sharp's version, Baltimore has a -3 in rest differential, with 11 other teams getting less rest. Baltimore opens the season on September 13 against the Indianapolis Colts before hosting the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. One of the most unique games on the schedule arrives in Week 3 when the Ravens face the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking another major international showcase for the franchise.Baltimore's 2026 slate again looks brutal, featuring matchups against playoff contenders such as the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.The Ravens close the regular season with two massive AFC North battles against Pittsburgh in Weeks 15 and 18, potentially setting the stage for another dramatic division finish. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL scheduling metrics expose Ravens uphill battle in 2026

Delaware and baseball have long and proud historic connections, with First State players making an impact on major league teams since the late 19th century.That continues today, with several players from Delaware dotting big-league rosters while others strive to join them. Maybe the best of them could someday join the two players from Delaware enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.With the United States nearing its 250th anniversary of gaining independence, USA TODAY Sports will celebrate the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time.At the root of that are the high school athletes who became familiar names in their schools, communities and the state of Delaware while making headlines with their athletic exploits. The USA TODAY Network hopes to first spotlight those individuals.Here in Delaware, we’re compiling lists of the best players in several sports. We recently published a collection of top Delaware football, field hockey and boys and girls basketball players.Now it’s the spring season’s turn and we’ll start with baseball, a sport in which Delaware players have frequently excelled at its highest levels.These are our choices for Delaware’s 10 best baseball standouts, listed alphabetically:Bill BrutonThe Wilmington native had a 12-year big-league career, often batting leadoff and patrolling center field with the Boston/Milwaukee Braves (1953-60) and Detroit Tigers (1961-64). Bruton batted .273 for his career, led the National League in stolen bases his first three seasons, was the NL leader in runs and triples in 1960 and batted .412 in the 1958 World Series against the Yankees.Delino DeShieldsDeShields made headlines as a Nanticoke Little Leaguer before being first-team All-State in football, basketball and baseball at Seaford High and accepting a basketball scholarship to Villanova. But he was the 12th overall pick of the 1987 MLB Draft by the Montreal Expos, signed and reached the big leagues in 1990, getting four hits in his first game. The second baseman played 13 seasons with the Expos, Dodgers, Cardinals, Orioles and Cubs, led the NL with 14 triples in 1997 and batted .268 and stole 463 career bases in his career.Dallas GreenThe 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher went 6-0 with a 0.88 ERA for the University of Delaware baseball team in 1955 to earn a tryout with Phillies, who signed the Conrad High grad. He’d whiffed 95 in 51 innings. Green went 20-22 with a 4.26 ERA in eight big-league seasons, the first five and last with the Phillies, before later managing the Phillies to their first World Series title in 1980.Judy JohnsonThe 1975 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee came out of Wilmington and Howard High and starred in the Negro Leagues before the integration of Major League Baseball. A third baseman and shortstop, Johnson batted .304 from 1923-36 playing mainly with championship Hilldale Club – in Darby, outside Philadelphia -- and Pittsburgh Crawfords teams.Dave MayThe outfielder out of William Penn High had a 12-year big-league career in which he batted .251 and was a 1973 American League All-Star with the Milwaukee Brewers. May’s 295 total bases tied for the NL lead that year and he batted .303. May appeared in 1,252 games with Baltimore, where he played in the 1969 World Series, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Texas and Pittsburgh.Derrick MayMay was a football/basketball/baseball star at Newark High who accepted a football scholarship to Virginia Tech. But when the Cubs made him the ninth pick in the first round of the 1986 draft, May would follow his dad Dave into pro baseball. The outfielder batted .271 and hit 52 home runs over 10 seasons with the Cubs, Brewers, Astros, Phillies, Expos and Orioles.Kevin MenchThe St. Mark’s High grad is the University of Delaware’s all-time leader in batting average (.409) and home runs (71), including his NCAA-high 33 in 1998. Mench then batted .268 with 89 homers in eight MLB seasons, the first 4½ with the Texas Rangers. He hit 26 homers for the Rangers in 2004 and 25 the next year. Mench was the first right-handed batter to ever homer in seven consecutive games.Chris ShortThe Lewes High graduate was a 20-game winner for the Phillies in 1966, the best of his 15 big-league seasons, 14 spent with Philadelphia. Short was a two-time National League All-Star and also won 18 games in 1965 and 19 in 1968. He finished with a 135-132 record and 3.43 ERA in 501 career games.Ed StoneStone was born in Black Cat near where the Route 13 and 40 split is now located and attended Howard High. He played 12 seasons in the Negro National League for six different teams, mostly the Newark Eagles in New Jersey. A third baseman and outfielder, Stone had a career batting average of .313 and was an all-star in 1935, 1939 and 1940.Vic WillisWillis was a Newark resident who played one baseball season at the University of Delaware before beginning a pro career that landed him in the Hall of Fame. He pitched for Boston, Pittsburgh and St. Louis in the National League from 1898-1910, winning a World Series with the Pirates in 1909. He won 249 games, logged a 2.63 ERA and led the NL in various seasons in ERA, strikeouts, shutouts, starts and complete games.Who is Delaware's all-time best high school baseball player?Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Who is Delaware's all-time best baseball player? VOTE now

Since 49ers general manager John Lynch said in January that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had played his last snap for San Francisco, the Washington Commanders became the logical landing spot for the 2020 first-round pick, who hasn't played since October 2024 due to a severe knee injury. "I think it's safe to say that he's played his last snap with the Niners," Lynch said, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. "It's unfortunate. A situation that just went awry. And I will look long and hard at what could have been done differently, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. And I think that this was a case where that happened."It's been a wild ride since Lynch's comments. He hasn't made it easy for Aiyuk to reunite with his former college quarterback, Jayden Daniels, with the Commanders. Lynch has repeated that Aiyuk will not play for the 49ers again, but he's also said he is in no rush to release him. Ideally, Lynch wanted someone to send a 2026 NFL Draft pick to the Niners, but with Aiyuk's current contract, that was not going to happen. The best solution for Aiyuk and San Francisco is a simple release. But Lynch is playing hardball. He figures why not hold onto Aiyuk for as long as possible, making it difficult for him and the team, presumably the Commanders, who want to sign him. Washington begins Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week. So do the 49ers. They are voluntary, so Aiyuk does not need to report. However, San Francisco will hold its mandatory minicamp on June 9. The Commanders' mandatory minicamp is scheduled to begin on June 16. Could we soon be seeing a resolution to this standoff?If Washington really wants Aiyuk, it would certainly like him in the building sometime soon, so he can learn the offense, be examined by team doctors and spend time with his new coaches and teammates. So, would Commanders GM Adam Peters just send a late 2027 draft pick to San Francisco to get this over with?Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report recently named six veterans who need a fresh start, and included Aiyuk on that list. Davenport names Washington as Aiyuk's potential destination, even offering up what terms of a trade could look like. Washington Commanders Receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk, 2027 Round 6 PickSan Francisco 49ers Receive: 2027 Round 5 PickAiyuk missed 10 games in 2024 with a torn ACL. Spent the 2025 season recuperating from that injury. And spent 2026 away from the Niners after his relationship with the team disintegrated. Aiyuk also carries a cap hit of $13.7 million in 2026 and $41.4 million in 2027.That is not ideal.Granted, Aiyuk was a 1,000-yard receiver in 2022 and 2023. But the 49ers have to know at this point that any return in a trade will be minimal.Aiyuk is going to have to be realistic about his contract as well—if he gets released, he's going to get less on the open market than he would on a restructured deal.If the parties involved can face those realities, a Washington Commanders team that needs wideout help opposite Terry McLaurin makes sense as a trade partner, especially since Aiyuk played with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State.Opinions are split on this one. Should Peters send a pick to the 49ers when everyone knows they will eventually release Aiyuk? You can bet that Peters, because of Daniels, knows pretty well what type of shape Aiyuk is in. He would also know how committed Aiyuk is to playing and turning his career around. Everything depends on whether Peters believes Aiyuk will be fine if he comes in later in the summer. Perhaps he wants him in the building sooner, especially with a new offensive coordinator. But is that worth sending a draft pick to San Francisco?Then, there's also the possibility that Washington could sign Stefon Diggs right now. Diggs, coming off a 1,000-yard season and seemingly wanting to play for his hometown team, could help the Commanders immediately. Peters has some decisions to make, but you can bet he's not done adding to the receiver room ahead of the 2026 season. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: What a Brandon Aiyuk trade could cost