Blockbuster trade idea involves Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and the Warriors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The NBA offseason has not even officially started, and one proposed trade idea is already wild enough to completely reshape the league.A new four-team blockbuster scenario from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz connects Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors in a massive deal that would immediately alter the championship picture across the NBA.The proposed trade would send Antetokounmpo to Golden State, Durant to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Butler to the Houston Rockets and a package of veterans, young players and draft picks to the Milwaukee Bucks. And while it sounds like something out of a video game franchise mode, there are enough realistic elements involved to make the idea impossible to completely dismiss.Giannis and Stephen Curry would instantly become the NBA’s scariest duoThe biggest headline in the proposal is obvious. Antetokounmpo teaming up with Stephen Curry in Golden State would instantly create one of the most terrifying offensive combinations the league has seen in years.Even at 38 years old, Curry still bends defenses unlike almost any player in basketball. Pairing his shooting gravity with Giannis attacking downhill could create an offensive system that becomes nearly impossible to guard consistently.According to the proposed deal, the Warriors would send out Butler, Brandin Podziemski, Dorian Finney-Smith and multiple first-round picks to land the two-time MVP.It is the exact type of aggressive move Golden State has been expected to explore as Curry’s championship window continues narrowing. The Warriors finished 10th in the Western Conference this season, and Butler is currently recovering from a torn ACL. While Golden State still remains competitive, the roster no longer feels like a true championship favorite in its current form.Giannis changes that instantly. A Curry-Giannis pairing alongside Draymond Green would immediately revive memories of the Warriors’ dynasty years, particularly because of how devastating the pick-and-roll possibilities could become.Kevin Durant to Minnesota suddenly makes a lot of senseThe Durant portion of the trade may actually be one of the more believable aspects of the entire scenario. Minnesota has spent the last two years searching for another elite scorer to ease the burden on Anthony Edwards, and Durant has long been connected to the Timberwolves in trade speculation.Edwards has repeatedly spoken publicly about Durant being his favorite player, and the fit on paper remains extremely intriguing. Minnesota reportedly pursued Durant before he was ultimately traded to Houston, and now the conversation has resurfaced after the Rockets’ disappointing season. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon recently detailed tensions surrounding Durant’s lone year in Houston, including frustrations tied to team chemistry and leadership dynamics.If Houston truly wants a reset, Minnesota suddenly becomes an interesting landing spot again. The proposed starting lineup of Edwards, Durant, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert would give the Timberwolves one of the league’s most dangerous combinations of scoring length and defensive versatility.And unlike a Giannis trade package, Minnesota may actually have enough realistic assets to pull off a Durant move.Milwaukee’s future would hinge on Brandin Podziemski and draft picksNo team faces a tougher decision than Milwaukee. Trading Antetokounmpo would officially signal the end of an era for the Bucks, but Bleacher Report’s proposed framework attempts to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term flexibility.Milwaukee would reportedly receive Julius Randle, Podziemski, Donte DiVincenzo, Finney-Smith and three first-round picks, including Golden State’s No. 11 overall selection in the 2026 draft.Podziemski may ultimately be the most important piece in the entire return package. The young guard took a major step forward this season and increasingly looks capable of becoming a foundational backcourt player. Pairing him with multiple future first-round picks would at least give Milwaukee a pathway toward rebuilding without completely bottoming out.That matters because the Bucks still do not fully control their own draft future for several years.MORE: New York is about to become the undisputed center of the sports worldThis trade probably never happens, but it says about the NBA right nowPulling off a four-team trade involving this many stars would be incredibly difficult financially and logistically. But the fact that the idea even feels remotely possible says everything about where the NBA currently stands heading into the offseason.Giannis trade rumors are becoming louder. Durant’s future already feels uncertain again. The Warriors are desperate to maximize Curry’s final elite years. Minnesota still needs another star next to Edwards.Every team involved has legitimate motivation to explore something dramatic. That is what makes this proposal so fascinating. Even if this exact trade never materializes, the larger message is clear: the NBA offseason is setting up to become absolute chaos.MORE NBA NEWSNew York is about to become the undisputed center of the sports worldJames Harden reaches another NBA milestone as Cavaliers face eliminationCharles Barkley absolutely unloads on ‘poor Wemby’ narrative during Thunder-Spurs seriesMike Brown is suddenly one win away from another shot at an NBA championship

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (32), who's played just one game in two seasons, will be in a fight for a roster spot this summer.Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.It’s still 110 days until the Green Bay Packers begin their 2026 season at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.The Packers’ voluntary workouts ended last week. Organized team activities begin today, a mandatory mini-camp will take place June 9-11 and a full training camp awaits.That means a lot of decisions still loom. But with the heart of the offseason program upon us, here’s my best guess as to what Green Bay’s 53-man roster will look like come Sept. 13.Quarterbacks (2)Keep: Jordan Love, Tyrod Taylor.Cut: Kyle McCord, Kyron Drones.Analysis: Love has established himself as one of the game’s top quarterbacks. He’s missed two starts each of the last two seasons, though, making the No. 2 QB job critical.With Malik Willis now in Miami, the Packers are hoping Taylor — who turns 37 on Aug. 3 — is up to the task. Taylor has gone 29-31-1 as a starting quarterback, but must prove this summer he still has tread on the tires.Running Backs (3)Keep: Josh Jacobs, Chris Brooks, TBD.Cut: Marshawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong, Damien Martinez, Jaden Nixon.Analysis: The biggest question here is whether Lloyd, a third round draft pick in 2024, can stay healthy. To date, the answer has been a resounding “No”, as Lloyd has played just one game and 10 snaps in two years.Using history as a guide, the best guess is Lloyd won't make it through the summer. Considering Brooks is strictly a third down back, general manager Brian Gutekunst will need to make a trade for his No. 2 back or sign a street free agent.Receivers (6)Keep: Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Bo Melton, Skyy Moore.Cut: Will Sheppard, Jakobie Keeney-James, Isaiah Neyor, Brenden Rice, J. Michael Sturdevant.Analysis: The Packers’ depth isn’t what it’s been after Romeo Doubs (free agency) and Dontayvion Wicks (trade) left this offseason. The group could be better, though, as the explosive trio of Watson, Golden and Reed will see more snaps if they can remain healthy. Williams should see an expanded role in Year 2, Melton has had his moments, and return ace Moore has 48 catches in four NFL seasons.Tight Ends (4)Keep: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Josh Whyle, TBD (trade or street free agent.Cut: Drake Dabney, Messiah Swinson, R.J. Maryland.Analysis: The biggest question is if Kraft, who’s recovering from a torn ACL, will be ready for Week 1? If he’s not, this unit ranks among the NFL’s worst. Musgrave is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons and Whyle is limited. With or without Kraft, the unit could use one more contributor, and the best guess is that player isn't on the current roster.Offensive Line (10)Keep: LT Jordan Morgan, LG Aaron Banks, C Sean Rhyan, LG Anthony Belton, RT Zach Tom, OT Darian Kinnard, C Jager Burton, OT Travis Glover, C Jacob Monk, G Donovan Jennings.Cut: T Brant Banks, G John Williams, G Josh Gesky, G Dillon Wade, G Karsen Barnhart, G Dylan Barrett, T Dalton Cooper.Analysis: This was one of the most disappointing units on the team last season, and the heat is on offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and line coach Luke Butkus to get more out of the group.The top five seem set, Kinnard appears to be the top backup, and Burton — a fifth round rookie — is a good bet to stick. The final spots will be highly competitive, though.Glover was a disaster in the 2024 playoff loss at Philadelphia and missed all of 2025 after having season-ending shoulder surgery, but the Packers need tackles. Jennings was brought back as an exclusive rights free agent. Monk has played sparingly his first two years and faces a make-or-break summer. And Williams, a seventh round draft pick in 2025, missed his entire rookie season with a back injury.Edge rushers (5)Keep: Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Collin Oliver, Brenton Cox Jr.Cut: Arron Mosby, Nyjalik Kelly, Dante Barnett.PUP: Micah Parsons.Analysis: This group lacks sizzle without Parsons, who suffered a torn ACL in December and seems likely to begin the year on the physically unable to perform list. A player to watch this summer will be Oliver, a 2025 fourth round draft pick, who missed all of 2025 with a hamstring injury.Defensive Tackles (6)Keep: Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Chris McClellan, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse.Cut: Jonathan Ford, Jordon Riley, Anthony Campbell, Jaden Crumedy.Analysis: While six might seem like a lot for this positional group, remember the Packers struggled mightily to stop the run the second half of 2025 and might be inclined to keep more big bodies than past years. The final roster decisions between Brinson, Stackhouse, Ford and Riley will be tough ones.Linebackers (5)Keep: Edgerrin Cooper, Zaire Franklin, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann.Cut: Kristian Welch, T.J. Quinn.Analysis: This unit seems largely set. The Packers believe Cooper can become a star, Franklin is a steady veteran, and McDuffie has been productive when called upon. It’s time for the third-year Hopper to take a jump, while special teams standouts Niemann and Welch figure to battle for the final job.Cornerbacks (5)Keep: Keisean Nixon, Brandon Cisse, Carrington Valentine, Benjamin St. Juste, Domani Jackson.Cut: Kamal Hadden, Jaylin Simpson, Shemar Bartholomew, MJ Devonshire Jr, Marlon Jones.Analysis: Nixon and Valentine could be the lone returners from a unit that was mediocre, at best, last season. Second round pick Cisse and free agent addition St. Juste will also compete for starting jobs. If the Packers keep just five corners, the final job is likely to come down to Jackson, a sixth round draft pick, and Hadden, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury late in the 2025 campaign.Safeties (3)Keep: Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard (slot), Kitan Oladapo.Cut: Johnathan Baldwin, Mark Perry, Murvin Kenion.Analysis: Green Bay’s trio of McKinney, Williams and Bullard rivals most in football. Oladapo played just 6.1% of the defensive snaps in 2025, but played 47.5% of the special teams snaps.Specialists (3)Keep: K Trey Smack, P Daniel Whelan, LS Matt Orzech.Cut: K Lucas Havrisik.Analysis: The only question here is whether Smack, a sixth round draft choice in April, is ready for prime time. The Packers clearly believe he is after releasing Brandon McManus on May 8. If Smack falters, Havrisik — who kicked in three games last season — is an option.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Gilham, Booker, Graham and Phillips pay tribute to late Brentford chair Dan TanaFormer Brentford chair Dan Tana passed away in August 2025 at the age of 90.Under his stewardship, Brentford earned promotion to the Third Division at the end of the 1977/78 season alongside manager Bill Dodgin Jnr.Tana remained involved with the club until 2002, when he resigned from the board.On what would have been his 91st birthday, Peter Gilham, Bob Booker, Jackie Graham and Steve Phillips have shared their memories of one of the most important and influential figures in Brentford’s post-war history.Peter Gilham"When Dan became chairman at Brentford, it was a time when I was travelling on the train with the fans and, indeed, he used to travel on the train and would mix with fans. He was a really good guy. He wanted to talk to the fans, to get to know what they wanted and was very keen on that aspect, unlike the vast majority of chairmen, who wouldn't even think about having time with fans."He was an amazing man and so good for Brentford. We needed somebody like that at that time. It wasn't a great period in our history, certainly if you look at our more recent history, but we just needed somebody like him to come in and try to put the club back on track, which he did. He stabilised the club because we were in a poor way and he brought good people in."I got to know him better over the years and he was the most interesting person I've ever met in my life. I was lucky enough to have dinner with him on a number of occasions and I could sit there all night. "He was a people's person and just very, very approachable. In certain respects, he opened Brentford up because he was so personable. I think a lot of people warmed to Brentford Football Club at a time when we had been struggling, thanks to Dan's personality.'He was an amazing man and so good for Brentford. We needed somebody like that at that time'"He was a real football man and, wherever he was in the world, he would call me probably every four or five weeks to talk about Brentford and how things were going. He would follow Serbia as well and I think he’d been to every country in Europe just with football. His in-depth knowledge of football was incredible. "If he was in London, we'd try and meet up. He came to Brentford two seasons ago and I gave him a tour around the stadium. Another time, I invited Bradley Walsh and Chris Kamara, who knew him as well."There were so many wonderful stories he could tell you. For example, he met up with Marilyn Monroe the night before she died, as her house was just a few miles from his restaurant. A short walk away was The Troubadour, where everybody started out in the States, and he even had stories about presidents."Dan Tana’s opened in 1964 as a restaurant and it became the hub. Spago or Dan Tana’s were the main two restaurants stars would go to after the Oscars. In 2004, they had been going for 40 years, and he had 12 footballs signed by 40 stars, including George Clooney and Elizabeth Taylor."10 of those he kept in the States, one went to a guy he knew at Red Star Belgrade and the other he sent to me at Brentford - and I’ve still got that ball wrapped and secure at the training ground. He told me the very first one went to auction in Hollywood and sold for $100,000."He sold the restaurant to a friend of his for about $6 million in 2009 and retired back to Belgrade. He still had his place in Jelsa on the island of Hvar."The last time I heard from Dan was just a few weeks before he passed away."Up until the end, he had a love for Brentford, he wanted us to do well, wanted to know what was happening and was on top of the situation. He would know the results and we’d talk about games that were coming up."His daughter Gabrielle lives in London most of the time as a film producer and I keep in touch with her. She was at the Aston Villa game. I told her what we were doing as a tribute to Dan and she said she was going to send a film crew herself, but I told her we could get it covered."I picked up an email after the game and she said she was actually there at the game and was so moved by what Brentford had done."We were very close friends. Like I said, there probably wouldn't be any more than two months at any time that he wouldn't contact me, over the last five or six years particularly. It was just a fantastic relationship and one I hold very dear."He was, most certainly, one of a kind."Bob Booker"Dan was my first chairman and, people might disagree, but back in the 70s and 80s, that’s when chairmen were chairmen. They let the manager get on with the job in hand and that was important."When Bill Dodgin was manager, Dan stayed out of his way, but he wasn’t one of those that kept away from the club; he was involved with the players. He was a player’s man and would keep the club functioning."You would see him at social events and the games and you knew you could just have a normal chat with him as he was very approachable.'He wasn’t one of those that kept away from the club; he was involved with the players. He was a player’s man and would keep the club functioning'"We had a couple of trips out to his place in Yugoslavia. I remember getting a boat to this fantastic little island where he had a villa and restaurant. The waiters came out with a pig roasted on a spit and he would sit and have a beer with us."He knew his football and had strong opinions about the game. On the Friday before most home games, we’d have a nice meal at a restaurant in Ealing and Dan would turn up and have a glass of red wine with us. It was all very laid back; he was just part of the group."He gave me my first contract, so I should thank him for that! Bill signed me, but the chairman had to A-okay it. I left my job in 1978 on £350 a week and signed for Dan for £60 a week - my mum went mad and my dad was happy!"Jackie Graham"He was a really nice guy; just a really smashing guy and very interesting to talk to about what he’d done. He wanted to get to know us all and no one had a bad word to say about him."He had a good sense of humour and I’ve got some good stories I couldn’t mention here!"He tried to get me over to America to play as well, but Bill Dodgin wasn’t having any of that. I had been in Dallas when I was at Dundee United, but I don’t like flying. Eventually, he took Andy McCulloch over for a little while.'He was a really nice guy; just a really smashing guy and very interesting to talk to about what he’d done... no one had a bad word to say about him'"I never heard him interfere with the playing side of things. He’d always encourage us in the dressing room before games and would shake my hand. He used to bring stars to the dressing room as well sometimes. He wined and dined us up in London."I met him a couple of times after I left in 1980 and we’d have a chat and a drink and he was just the same guy he always was."I will just remember him as such a gentleman. He was just a lovely man - one of a kind."Steve Phillips"Dan treated everyone the same the whole time I was there, from the apprentices to me and Andy McCulloch. He was as good as gold with them."When we got promoted in 1978, he celebrated with us in the bath with his suit on! That night, we all went round to Jackie Graham’s house afterwards - you wouldn’t see a chairman in a player’s house today, would you?!"It just so happened that he brought the paper round with him and Spurs had offered £120,000 for me. He asked me what I thought and I asked he if wanted to sell me. He said no, so I said I wasn’t bothered about going. In those days, I would only have been sitting on the bench. That was the end of the conversation.'When we got promoted in 1978, he celebrated with us in the bath with his suit on!'"After that, we all went up to Morton’s in Berkeley Square and there were three or four of us, Bill Dodgin, Dan Tana and Rick Wakeman. Rick was on the piano playing, shall we say, rugby songs, and we were all in there having a drink. It was absolutely brilliant."He later put me on a good contract and added a clause that no one could earn more money than me. He said, if another player came in that wanted more than me, I would get a rise, so I said, ‘Well, I’d better sign it then!’"Another time, when I was looking to buy a new car, I went to the bank to get a loan and he told me after training one day to leave my car open - and it turned out he put the money underneath the seat for me. When I left, I mentioned paying him back and he denied all knowledge!"He was like a friend and all the players thought the world of him. He was a lovely man."

Sam Kennedy Responds To Theo Epstein's 'Spot On' Red Sox Assessment originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Former Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein hasn't said much publicly about the Red Sox since rejoining the organization as a senior advisor and part-owner in 2024. Last week, however, he weighed in on the team's rollercoaster season so far."Their pitching and defense have been fantastic. And that's not an easy feat to have that foundation now. Having to figure out the offense and fix it midstream is important," Epstein said during his appearance on the "Dirt From The Dugout" podcast. "There's something to build around with the pitching and defense, and I know Bres and the guys are hard at work on fixing the offense."Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy, who grew up with Epstein in Brookline and has worked with him for over a decade in Boston's front office, responded to Epstein's comments during his radio appearance on Friday's episode of "The Greg Hill Show."Red Sox on the lookout for a bat?Kennedy: "There has been conversations going on earlier than ever before on that front" Red Sox President and CEO, Sam Kennedy joins! What does Kennedy make of this offense/pitching?Road Show presented by @millerliteFlying Bridge, Falmouth MA pic.twitter.com/jWunQK2LyU— The Greg Hill Show (@TheGregHillShow) May 22, 2026"I think his comments were spot on," Kennedy said. "The pitching and defense have been outstanding, and the offense has been woeful. We have to improve. It's hard to do in-season, but we have to. We have to be better on the offensive side of the ball. We gotta score more runs... That assessment is spot on."The stats support Epstein and Kennedy's conclusions. The Red Sox have one of the best pitching staffs and defenses in baseball, entering play on Tuesday ranked ninth in ERA and first in defensive runs saved by a considerable margin.Boston's offense has been subpar, however, ranking near the bottom of the league in many categories, including runs per game, home runs and OPS.That's why Craig Breslow is reportedly focused on adding a bat before the trade deadline as he tries to turn the Red Sox's season around.More MLB: Red Sox Insider Urges Drastic Pivot For Boston Front Office

Alabama is likely to appeal the ruling, which stops an effort to use a new congressional map that would redraw one majority-Black district.

The New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 and tickets for Games 3, 4 and 6 inside Madison Square Garden are a very hot item.Knicks fans are feeling unbelievable following the team’s sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. New York has now won 11 straight games and outscored the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Cavaliers by an average of 19.4 points per game.Knicks fever in New York City is also affecting the ticket re-sale market for the three NBA Finals games at MSG. If you want to get in the building, it will cost you.Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentSince the Knicks closed out the Cavaliers on Monday night, here are the highest sales for tickets for their home games in the Finals, via Gametime:Game 3 (Monday, June 8): $12,022Game 4 (Wednesday, June 10): $8,820Game 6 (Tuesday, June 16): $13,956If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, the get-in prices are a big more affordable if you’re willing to pony up.Game 3 (Monday, June 8): $3,410Game 4 (Wednesday, June 10): $3,255Game 6 (Tuesday, June 16): $4,583These prices, according to Gametime, are around what the get-in prices were the day before Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, which saw the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots.The 2026 NBA Finals begin on Wednesday, June 3 with the Knicks taking on the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

The 2023 NFL draft class became eligible for contract extensions this offseason. The New York Jetsdidn't have much success in that draft. They've already picked up the fifth-year contract option for 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald IV.Second-round pick Joe Tippmann is also entering a contract year. The Jets obviously don't have a fifth-year option on Tippmann, because he wasn't a top-32 selection. The Jets should strongly consider signing him to an extension this offseason.Tippmann began his career as a center. The former Wisconsin standout took a massive step as a sophomore in 2024. After an offseason injury to Alijah Vera-Tucker shuffled the Jets' offensive line last year, Tippmann made a successful move to right guard out of necessity.Tippmann now projects as the Jets' starting right guard for a second consecutive season. The Jets lost Vera-Tucker and John Simpson to free agency. It added another layer of importance to Tippmann's presence and development inside for the Jets.The NFL values high-level guard play. Interior blockers are being paid market-resetting money nowadays. Jets general manager Darren Mougey possesses the financial flexibility needed to sign Tippmann to a multi-year extension at training camp.The rebuilding Jets need long-term building blocks. Tippmann has developed into a difference maker on the offensive line. He's selfless and versatile. The Jets should strongly consider locking Tippmann up for the foreseeable future.This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Should the New York Jets sign Joe Tippmann to an extension?

Former Yomiuri Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe cries during a news conference Tuesday in Tokyo. Photo by EPA/JIJIMay 26 (UPI) -- Yomiuri Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe resigned after being arrested for an alleged assault of his teenage daughter, he announced Tuesday.Abe, 47, issued an apology at a news conference in Tokyo. Offensive coach Hideki Hashigami was appointed acting manager of the Giants, the oldest professional sports team in Japan."I have caused great trouble to many baseball fans, pro baseball officials and the company through my family troubles," Abe said. "I have also tarnished the name of manager of the prestigious Yomiuri Giants, so I deeply apologize."The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, which owns the Giants, reported that Abe was arrested Monday night for the alleged assault of his 18-year-old daughter at their home in Tokyo. He was released Tuesday morning from the Shibuya Police Station.The Giants said in an announcement that Abe attempted to stop a fight between his daughters. The newspaper reported that Abe "grabbed her [the 18-year-old] by the collar and threw her to the ground." Abe later confirmed the allegations to police.Abe's 18-year-old daughter said in a statement, read Tuesday by Abe's representative, that she consulted ChatGPT during the incident, which led to her contacting a child guidance center. The center reported the incident to police. She said she was "shocked" when officers responded hours later to their home and arrested her father. She said she was not injured during the incident and apologized for it becoming "such a major news story."The Giants hired Abe in 2023 to serve as manager. The former star catcher played for the team from 2001 through 2019. Abe won a World Baseball Classic title as a player for Japan in 2009. He was a three-time Japan Series champion, the 2012 Central League MVP and the 2009 Japan Series MVP.The SoftBank Hawks beat the Giants 8-3 on Tuesday in Tokyo. They will battle the Giants again Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome. The Giants (24-23) sit in third place in the Central League, 4.5 games behind the first-place Hanshin Tigers.The reigning Japan Series champion Hawks, who owned the best record in Nippon Professional Baseball last season, sit in third place in the Pacific League, 3 games behind the first-place Seibu Lions.

The Section 1 regular season finished with a flurry, quickly segueing into the opening round of the playoffs, and Rye Country Day School and Hackley concluded their seasons with runs to their respective league finals. With consideration to the outstanding performances from the closing games of the regular season and the playoffs, we've got 12 candidates for Girls Lacrosse Player of the Week, presented by White Plains Hospital.Our previous poll winners this season were Sofia Conners (Somers), Fin Degl (John Jay-Cross River), Emily Butler (Tappan Zee), Amelia Walsh (Brewster), Olivia Saccomanno (Brewster), Lauren Rogers (White Plains), Ella Wendol (Putnam Valley) and Scarlett Gristina (Pelham).Read below about what the nominees accomplished last week, then cast your votes. The poll will be open until 3 p.m. Thursday, May 28, and the winner will be featured on lohud sports social media accounts.Harper Canell, HarrisonThe senior had five goals and four assists for Harrison in a 13-11 win over Byram Hills in the Huskies’ regular-season finale last Monday.Bridget Frazer, HackleyShe had five goals and two assists to lead No. 4 Hackley in a 14-9 upset of top-seeded Fieldston in the NYSAIS semifinals. Frazier went on to score three goals in the Hornets' eventual loss to Poly Prep in the league final.Ella Gould, NyackThe senior had six goals and two assists to lead the RedHawks in a 16-13 win over Suffern to close the regular season last week. That win helped Nyack climb to No. 22 in the nation, according to USA Lacrosse Magazine.Cailin Hanrahan, UrsulineThe midfielder scored five goals and had seven draw controls and three forced turnovers, leading the Koalas to a decisive win over Ossining in the first round of the Section 1 Class A playoffs.Kaeleigh Larkin, NanuetShe had seven goals and an assist for the 10th-seeded Golden Knights in an 18-12 win over No. 7 Ardsley in the first round of the Section 1 Class C playoffs.Elle Mason, Rye Country Day SchoolThe junior had five goals and four draw controls to lead the Wildcats in a 13-9 win over Greenwich Academy in the Fairchester Athletic Association final. This was the program’s third consecutive league championship after winning the NYSAIS title the previous two years.Caitlyn Mayfield, SomersThe midfielder had four goals, four assists, two draw controls and a groundball recovery, and contributed to a lights-out defense, as Somers topped Sleepy Hollow in the opening round of the Class C playoffs. Mayfield also scored six goals in their 16-15 win over Arlington to close the regular season.Charlotte Murray, BronxvilleShe had six goals, three assists, four draw controls, two groundballs and a caused turnover to lead the Broncos in a win over Albertus Magnus in the first round of the Section 1 Class D playoffs.Katelyn Quinlan, Croton-HarmonThe midfielder scored four goals and won 17 draw controls, leading the Tigers in a dominant win over Dobbs Ferry in the opening round of the Section 1 Class D playoffs.Federica Ricciardella, IrvingtonThe senior had three goals and four assists for the 14th-seeded Bulldogs in a 15-6 win over No. 3 Rye Neck in the first round of the Class D playoffs.Kayla Ruggiero, HaldaneThe senior had seven goals, an assist, nine draw controls and five groundballs to lead the Blue Devils in a 15-12 win over Blind Brook, earning the first Section 1 playoff victory in program history.Maeve Traynor, New RochelleShe scored six goals, including the winner in double overtime as the Huguenots eked out a 15-14 win over Tuckahoe in their season finale. Traynor also had two assists and nine draw controls.Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Who is Girls Lacrosse Player of the Week for May 18-23?

"A very difficult moment" – VfL Wolfsburg release statement after Bundesliga relegationAfter their relegation from the Bundesliga was confirmed following a 2-1 extra-time playoff defeat to SC Paderborn on Monday, VfL Wolfsburg have issued a club statement.In the brief message, the club expressed regret over their first-ever Bundesliga relegation, thanked the fans and appealed for continued unity.“The relegation of our men’s team from the Bundesliga is a very difficult moment – for our fans, employees, partners, and for everyone who carries this wonderful football club in their hearts. Coming to terms with it is hard for us, and finding the right words even harder,” the statement read."This season, our team has fallen short in almost every respect. We failed to achieve our objectives and must now face the consequences."We would like to thank our fans. For your support – at home, away, and in the many moments when we gave very little back in return. This loyalty is not something we take for granted. Your support is first-class and worthy of the Bundesliga.“For decades, VfL Wolfsburg has stood for the close bond between the company, the city, and the club. It is exactly this unity that will now be crucial once again. We will draw the necessary conclusions, analyze the season honestly, and do everything we can to regain trust step by step.”VfL Wolfsburg have been in the Bundesliga since the 1996/97 season.

A demonstrator holds up a sign outside the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala., on Thursday, May, 7 2026. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)2026-05-26T14:04:31Z Federal judges on Tuesday temporarily blocked Alabama’s plan to use a new congressional map that could give Republicans an advantage in a key U.S. House race in the midterm elections.A three-judge panel in the state’s long-running redistricting case issued the preliminary injunction that prevents the state, at least for now, from switching maps. It requires Alabama to continue using the same court-ordered districts under which congressional representatives were elected in 2024.Lawyers representing Black voters in the state’s lengthy redistricting case had sought the preliminary injunction, arguing the same panel in 2023 found the state map was intentionally discriminatory against Black voters. They also argued Alabama was creating chaos by trying to change lines in the middle of an election year.The ruling was a defeat for state Republicans who want to use a map for the November midterms that will give the GOP a chance to reclaim the seat now held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures. However, the state could appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. The court order is the latest development in the twisting legal and political saga following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a Black-majority district in Louisiana and weakened the federal Voting Rights Act. That ruling has led Republicans in several Southern states, including Alabama, to take steps to reshape voting districts with large minority populations that have elected Democrats. The redistricting frenzy is part of a broader push by President Donald Trump to try to hold on to Republicans’ slim House majority in the November elections. Read More Other states also have considered adjustments to their primary elections to allow time for congressional redistricting after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision affecting the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana’s congressional primaries, scheduled for May 16, were postponed until later this summer by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry so that state lawmakers could consider a new U.S. House map that would eliminate a majority-Black district. In South Carolina, the Republican-led legislature considered a plan that would throw out the votes from its June 9 congressional primary and instead hold a new primary in August under revised districts that could improve Republicans’ chances of winning an additional seat. Tennessee also moved quickly to enact new U.S. House districts after the Supreme Court’s ruling by carving up a Black-majority district based in Memphis that had elected the state’s only Democratic representative. The new map gives Republicans a chance to sweep all nine of the state’s seats. As part of the plan, Tennessee temporarily reopened the candidate qualifying period for its August congressional primaries, allowing new candidates to enter the race and existing ones to either switch districts or drop out.Since Trump first urged Texas to redraw its U.S. House districts last summer, about a half-dozen Republican-led states have enacted new voting districts, though some still face legal challenges. Democrats countered with new districts in California and also expect to gain a seat from new court-imposed districts in Utah. DAVID A. LIEB Lieb covers issues and trends in state governments across the U.S. He’s reported about government and politics for The Associated Press for 30 years. twitter mailto

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Detroit Tigers 3-year MLB outfielder has stats so bad they're hard to comprehend originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Detroit Tigers are not living up to their preseason expectations this season. Detroit sits at 21-33, and is in the cellar of the AL Central (fifth place). A large reason for the recent struggles (2-8 in last 10 games) is due to being without Tarik Skubal, but Skubal can't hit, and with Gleyber Torres sidelined, the Tigers are having a hard time generating any offense. Tigers' outfielder Wenceel Perez had a solid 2025 season over 100 games (OPS+ of 104 in 344 at-bats). However, 2026 has not been so kind to Perez, who has arguably the worst stats of any qualified MLB player this season. Tigers' Wenceel Perez's 2026 season, by the numbersAccording to Ben Bosscher, Wenceel Perez's -1.1 WAR is the worst of 1125 players to suit up in a major league baseball game this year, per Fangraphs. Wenceel Perez is hitting .162 this season over 117 at-bats, with two home runs, 19 total hits, and an OPS+ of 29. The weird thing, too, is that he only has 20 strikeouts in 125 plate appearances, but Perez has walked just eight times and carries an on-base percentage of .216. He's definitely a candidate to be optioned by the Tigers soon, as they just can't keep slotting him in the lineup with the expectation that he will turn things around. Perez is a 26-year-old outfielder out of the Dominican Republic who has played in parts of three MLB seasons. He has 24 total home runs in 250 games played in his career, and carries an OPS+ of 88 across 850 total at-bats.

Johnny Walker will look to rebound in a new division.Walker (22-10 MMA, 8-7 UFC) takes on Ante Delija (26-8 MMA, 1-2 UFC) in a heavyweight bout at UFC Fight Night 283 on Aug. 1 from Belgrade Arena in Serbia, promotion officials announced Tuesday.Bringing the big boys to Belgrade 😤 👊 #UFCBelgrade🇭🇷 Ante Delija vs @JohnnyWalker 🇧🇷🇷🇸 Jovan Leka vs Max Gimenis 🇧🇷Tickets on sale this FRIDAY 🎟️ Register your interest 🔗 ➡️ https://t.co/zbioyeUGsTpic.twitter.com/hhoxcxeuAF— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 26, 2026A longtime contender at 205 pounds, Walker will compete at heavyweight for the first time since 2018. After scoring an upset finish of Zhang Mingyang in the UFC Fight Night 257 headliner last August, Walker was edged out in a split decision loss to Dominick Reyes at UFC 327 in April.Delija, the 2022 PFL heavyweight champion, is on a two-fight losing skid. After knocking out Marcin Tybura in his UFC debut, the 35-year-old Croatian fighter dropped two straight fights to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Serghei Spivac.The current lineup for UFC Fight Night 283 includes:Uros Medic vs. Daniel RodriguezAleksandar Rakic vs. Marcin TyburaDusko Todorovic vs. Robert ValentinMax Gimenis vs. Jovan LekaVlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert UrbinaAnte Delija vs. Johnny WalkerThis article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Belgrade: Johnny Walker makes heavyweight return vs. Ante Delija

What is Play Coll3ctive? adidas Foundation, Beyond Sport & Common Goal’s World Cup initiative supporting equitable access to youth sport across North America originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to North America for the first time since 1994, and with its newly expanded format featuring 48 teams competing across three countries, it promises to be the biggest tournament yet. Not only is North America hosting the world’s biggest soccer event, but this time the adidas Foundation, Beyond Sport and Common Goal have come together to launch the Play Collective, a multiyear initiative designed to expand access to inclusive sport and youth development opportunities in host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.What is Play Coll3ctive? Play Collective is an initiative under the adidas Foundation’s Playing for Purpose program, designed to strengthen access to, and retention in, sport by creating safer spaces and opportunities for underserved youth. The initiative will support a variety of community sport organizations that focus on inclusive, youth-centred programming and operate within the region of a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city. The program is backed by a total commitment of $4.87 million over three years. Each community sport organization will receive a multi-year grant of up to $180,000, alongside learning support and a collaborative network designed to strengthen delivery. The broader goal is not only to increase sport participation and access for young people but also to leave behind a stronger and more equitable youth sport ecosystem after the World Cup concludes on July 19, including a cross-continent “Community of Practice” with representatives from all the project partners, to enhance the long-term impact and collective learning.Why does it matter?Young people globally are not meeting recommended physical activity levels, especially in communities across North America that historically receive fewer resources. Play Collective is designed to respond to that gap by supporting organizations that can create safe, consistent and inclusive sport environments for youth.That matters because the benefits of sport go well beyond the pitch, and it isn’t just about the Ronaldos or Messis of this world.Research has shown that regular participation in sport can improve physical and mental health, build teamwork and resilience, and help young people form meaningful connections in their communities.Why is Play Coll3ctive different?Many World Cup community programs are short-lived, but Play Collective is structured for continuity and a lasting legacy. Its emphasis on multi-year investment, safeguarding, governance and collective learning gives it a durable model compared with previous World Cup initiatives. This holistic approach also aligns with the way we are seeing audiences engage with World Cup coverage: People want the tournament headlines, but they are also looking for stories about the people, places and off-field impact that shape the event’s wider legacy.Play Collective is an example of how a major sporting event can be used to support lasting community impact: By pairing funding with practical support, Play Collective gives community-based youth development initiatives a better chance to grow, retain participants and improve long-term outcomes for young people across North America, rather than temporary visibility alone.MORE: Read more about Beyond Sport and the work they do

Nico Paz wants to stay at Como for another season as Real Madrid decision looms – reportWith the La Liga season now concluded, Real Madrid have already begun preparations for the next campaign and are actively working in the transfer market.Jose Mourinho is expected to be named as manager once the presidential elections are out of the way. While the Portuguese has given the club a list of positions he wishes to strengthen, one transfer which has been taken for granted for some time now has been the return of Nico Paz.Indeed, multiple reliable sources have indicated that Real Madrid intend to re-sign their former academy graduate from Como 1907 by activating their €9 million buyback clause this summer after the Argentine’s exceptional progress over the past two years.Nico wants to stay at ComoHowever, in what could be a twist in the tale, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Nico Paz would like to remain at Como for one more year.Nico Paz wants to continue at Como. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)Indeed, the Argentine playmaker wishes to continue under Cesc Fabregas for another year after playing a crucial role in helping the Italian club qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.Como, for their part, are also doing everything possible to keep the former La Fabrica graduate at the club for another season.Final decision up to Real MadridHowever, the final decision ultimately rests with Real Madrid, who have not yet communicated their intentions either to Como or Nico Paz yet.The Argentine has a contract with Como until 2028, but Real Madrid included three buy-back clauses within the transfer agreement. Fabregas wants to keep Nico Paz at Como. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)The first option, worth €8 million during the summer of 2025, has now expired. However, further clauses remain active, allowing Los Blancos to re-sign the player for €9 million in 2026 or €10 million in 2027.Despite Como’s desire to retain the player, the club’s hierarchy are aware that Mourinho, who is expected to return to Real Madrid, would like to attempt to bring Nico back immediately, although no definitive decision has yet been made.As a result, Como are hoping that the upcoming presidential elections at Real Madrid could delay proceedings, potentially allowing them to continue their project with the Argentine for one more season.

Few things remain in memory when you have years upon years of San Francisco 49ers seasons chiseled into your brain. Brock Purdy’s emergence is one of those things. 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan met with Tom Tolbert, in Tolbert’s backyard of all places, for the Tom Tolbert show. The entire show is worth a listen, but there was the question of Brock Purdy and just when the duo knew they had something special with him. Most fans didn’t get a glimpse of Purdy in the preseason, so the knowledge of the then-rookie quarterback was minimal. Obviously, Shanahan and Lynch got to see a lot more. It began with the 49ers giving Purdy a fourth-round grade, but waiting until the end of the draft, thinking no one else would take the quarterback. As you know, Purdy went with the final pick. Lynch and Shanahan saw who they had when training camp began. “There’s an old saying for guys that are on the fringe of the roster,” Lynch said. “Don’t count your reps, make your reps count.” Purdy had roughly four reps per practice to make count. Lynch noted that the usual trend was for the quarterback to go through progressions and then check the ball down. “Not Brock,” Lynch said. “Brock was coming back, boom! Tight window. We were kind of looking at each other. Then we’re looking around and see Trent Williams looking at [George] Kittle.”While Purdy impressed with his limited reps, neither Lynch nor Shanahan knew he’d be one of the most accurate and rapid-processing quarterbacks in the league months later. It was on December 4, 2022, against the Miami Dolphins, that they concluded they had more than just a quarterback who could hold down the fort. In that game, the 49ers lost both starter Trey Lance and backup Jimmy Garoppolo for the season due to injuries. Purdy was thrust into the Dolphins game early with no preparation. And this happened: Awesome throw and read by Brock Purdy here. Stood talk in the pocket, took a hit and delivered a great throw pic.twitter.com/ecliagowGc— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) December 5, 2022“They brought the kitchen sink to him,” Lynch said, recalling the game. “I’ll never forget the throw to Kittle. Brian Flores was the coordinator; he’s famous for coming at quarterbacks. He came at him and threw a little bang-eight to Kittle. It was a big-time throw.” “That night in bed,” Shanahan said. “To answer your question, that might have been the first time I was like, ‘We might have something special.’” That play is nothing we haven’t gone over numerous times. We, along with every sports journalist analyzing Brock Purdy that day, broke it down when it happened, and we continue to reference it now. That play displayed that Brock Purdy could hang in the NFL; it was a rookie quarterback taking a vicious shot, and still getting the ball out to his tight end for a gain. I asked a similar, but different question a couple of years ago, but framed it more as when you knew Purdy had the starting job. This was a team that had invested a ton of draft capital in Trey Lance and was going to go with the last pick of the 2022 draft? If you thought that Purdy won the starting job but was also special, more power to you. Special wasn’t a word I wanted to use after having seen so many debuts of quarterbacks lead to deep regressions—so call me skeptical. Still, there’s always that play a week later against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where Purdy threw a dime to Christian McCaffrey for a touchdown. The aftermath was Levi’s Stadium erupting into “Purdy!” chants. In hindsight, if that didn’t indicate he was special, I don’t know what does. And we saw some very impressive debuts from quarterbacks in red and gold —Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens, and Colin Kaepernick, to name a few—and we never heard a reaction like that. It was obvious that Brock Purdy won the starting job. To Shanahan and Lynch, it pretty much happened in the same game he was forced onto the field. They had more history of Purdy—dating back to training camp—that led them to the conclusion. Of course, after the Buccaneers game, the secret was out. When did you think the 49ers didn’t just have a starting quarterback, but something special with Brock Purdy?

In a pivotal Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will face off tonight on on NBC and Peacock.The top two seeds in the West have split the first four games of the series. When a best-of-seven series is tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 has advanced 81.8% of the time (198-44).In Game 5s with a -2 tie in their franchise histories, Oklahoma City is 10-8 (.556), and San Antonio is 14-10 (.583).With a 3-2 lead, Oklahoma City is 12-2 (.857) in best-of-seven series, but the Thunder are 3-11 (.214) after they fall behind 3-2. They've won three series in such scenarios: the 2014 West first round against Memphis, the 1980 West semifinals vs. Milwaukee (as Seattle) and the 1979 West Finals vs Phoenix.Oklahoma City won last year's NBA championship over the Indiana Pacers after the series was tied 2-2.San Antonio is 17-3 (.850) all-time with a 3-2 series lead in a best-of-seven series, but the Spurs are 1-13 (.071) after falling behind 3-2. San Antonio's only comeback from a 3-2 deficit was in the 2008 Western Conference Semifinals over the Hornets.This marks only the fourth time since 2011 that the Western Conference Finals have been tied 2-2 and the first time since 2018 when Golden State went on to beat Houston 4-3 en route to a championship.See below for additional information on the Spurs-Thunder game and how to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on NBC and Peacock.Click here to sign up for Peacock!How to watch Spurs vs. Thunder, Game 5:When: Tuesday, May 26Where: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, OklahomaTime: 8 p.m. ETAnnouncing team: Mike Tirico (play by play), Reggie Miller (analyst), Jamal Crawford (analyst), Zora Stephenson (courtside reporter) and Ashley ShahAhmadi(courtside reporter).TV: NBCLive Stream:PeacockSeries: Thunder lead 2-1San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Game 5 preview:Superstar center Victor Wembanyama has been the key in both of the Spurs' wins. The First-Team All-NBA selection scored a game-high 33 points with eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals in the Game 4 victory, which was Wembanyama fourth playoff game with at least 30 points.Wembanyama is averaging 30.3 ppg and 13.3 rpg in the series, becoming one of three players in NBA playoff history to average at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in the first four conference finals games of their career (joining Hakeem Olajuwon in 1986 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1970).His most impressive shot in Game 4 was a halfcourt swish at the the halftime buzzer. "I was just thinking, 'Shoot to score,'" Wembanyama said. "I wasn't messing around at halftime."The Spurs have an average scoring margin of plus-12.5 points with Wembanyama and are minus-11.5 without him on the floor.“He felt — not speaking for him, but from my perspective — an obligation to set a tone for us in a variety of ways," Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said. "He wants that responsibility, and he’s built for it.”Gregg Popovich tore into Spurs, lit fire under them after Game 3: ‘That’s not how we play basketball’Whatever Popovich said worked, that was a much better San Antonio performance in Game 4 Kurt Helin,Injuries rermain a concern for the Thunder, who have listed Ajay Mitchell as out with a right calf strain. Star wingman Jalen Williams will be questionable with a left hamstring strain.Oklahoma City is coming off a Game 4 loss of being held to 82 points, which is the fewest for the team in a single game since Dec. 2, 2021 (when the Thunder lost 152-79 to the Grizzlies ,a 73-point loss that is the largest loss in NBA history).The Thunder's 82 points were were also their fewest in a playoff game since Aug. 29, 2020. Oklahoma City hasn't been held under 100 pts in back-to-back games since Feburary 2022, the longest active streak in the NBA. Oklahoma City will need to improve its shooting after making 33% of shots from the field and 18.2% from 3-poit range i Game, both of which were their worst shooting percentages in a single game this season.Spurs defensive adjustments in Game 4 pose real problem for SGA, shorthanded ThunderBeing without Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell came back to bite the Thunder. Kurt Helin,"I thought we left a lot to be desired on that end of the floor tonight," Okklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault said. "We didn’t have the sharpness, force or precision necessary to crack them. And they were really good defensively with just their energy and their physicality.”No Thunder player scored more than 20 points for the second time in the playoffs. Two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held under 20 points after no games with fewer than 20 points during the regular season.“We’ve got to do a better job of starting the games," Gilegous-Alexander said. "Obviously it’s a little more challenging on the road, and we know that, but we’ve got to go out there and do it."How to watch the Western Conference Finals on NBC and Peacock:NBC Sports will present the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. All games will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Here is the series schedule:Game 1: Spurs 122, Thunder 115, 2OTGame 2: Thunder 122, Spurs 113Game 3: Thunder 123, Spurs 108Game 4: Spurs 103, Thunder 82Game 5: Today,8:30 p.m.Game 6: Thursday, May 28: 8:30 p.m.Game 7: Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m.**—If necessaryRELATED:Ludacris, NBC Sports team up for ‘It’s Time’ spot promoting NBA Playoffs return to NBCHow to sign up for Peacock:Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.What devices does Peacock support?You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

Coco Gauff’s defense of her 2025 French Open win got off to a tremendous start Tuesday. Gauff cruised to a first-round win over fellow American Taylor Townsend, winning the match in straight sets (6-4, 6-0).While Gauff entered the match as the heavy favorite, it was not a guarantee she would come out the victor. Gauff lost her only other meeting with Townsend, which came back in 2019.But Gauff has come a long way since then, and showed as much with a quick win over Townsend on Tuesday.A winning return for the defending champ 👑#RolandGarros@CocoGauffpic.twitter.com/8Iq4rOis85— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 26, 2026From a numbers perspective, it wasn’t a dominant win for Gauff, who registered just one ace and five double faults in the match. When she was able to get her serve in, however, Gauff managed to win the point at a high clip.Townsend, meanwhile, struggled with her serve, only converting 53 percent of her first-serve attempts. In those situations, Townsend eased up to make sure she got the ball in play. While it limited her double faults, it also led to Townsend winning a lower percentage of her serves, as she wasn’t able to challenge Gauff enough. This story will be updated.

Saracens have also added George Martin, Tomos Williams, Alfie Barbeary and Tom James for next season [Getty Images]Saracens have agreed to sign South African tighthead prop Corne Weilbach for next season.The 24-year-old will join from Western Province, having made his senior debut in 2022."I'm incredibly excited to be joining Saracens," Weilbach told the club's official website."I'm looking forward to learning, growing and giving everything I can for the team and supporters."Saracens' director of rugby Mark McCall added: "Corne is a young prop with real potential. "We believe joining Saracens will provide a fantastic environment for him to continue his development and grow into a top-quality tighthead in the years ahead."Saracens are currently fifth in the Prem and pushing for a place in the play-offs.

It is fair to say Ireland's fortunes in Test cricket have been mixed since they were made a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in June 2017.They have played 12, won three and lost nine, with their last win coming in Belfast against Zimbabwe in July 2024.While they regularly compete in T20 and one day internationals, Test matches are a rarity for Ireland as they lack the dedicated red-ball infrastructure to be able to consistently compete against some of the world's best nations.They do not have the luxury of a domestic first-class ecosystem to produce players ready for the format with the most recent inter-provincial tournament played in 2019.Ireland could get more Test fixtures if they are added to the ICC's World Test Championship as part of a much-discussed revamp of the structure for the longer format by the world governing body, but that is a conversation that will come further down the line.For now, their focus will be trying to add a fourth victory to their record and a second in Belfast.It would arguably be the most impressive given they will come up against a powerhouse in New Zealand over four days at Stormont, starting at 11:00 BST on Wednesday. "There is that special feeling when we get together as a group and we get the whites [for Test match cricket] and the baggy blue hats. You understand the history of the game when you do get those whites and you go out for a Test match," Balbirnie told BBC Sport NI."It's a real privileged position for us as players, and for me as a captain, to get these opportunities against some of the best players of all time."You look at Kane Williamson, the New Zealand batter, he is probably going to go down as New Zealand's best ever player."It's a real honour to play against guys like that but you also want to compete as well as you can against guys like that."Injured Stirling out of Ireland-New Zealand TestDepleted Ireland face world-class KiwisKane Williamson is the leading runs scorer for New Zealand in Test cricket [Getty Images]This is the first time Ireland will come up against New Zealand in the Test match format.New Zealand are fifth in the ICC's world rankings, while Ireland, in contrast, do not even feature in the rankings as they have not played the required eight Tests within the three-year cycle.The Black Caps are a formidable force in the red-ball form of the game.They picked up victories against the West Indies and Zimbabwe in their previous two Tests that took place in 2025."It will be a challenge. These guys have played a lot of first-class cricket, a lot of Test cricket, and they'll certainly be going in as favourites," added Balbirnie."We just have to ask our boys to embrace it, don't look at as if you are playing New Zealand, just go out as if you're playing for your club team and enjoy it, and we'll see where we land at the end of Saturday."We're going to have to play tough cricket. There will be periods during the four days when we will be under pressure but as long as we come out of that pressure having thrown a couple of punches that's all you can really ask for."'Take the momentum when we can'A major disadvantage for Ireland is, as aforementioned, that they play this format so infrequently.Heinrich Malan's side did play three Tests in 2025, beating Zimbabwe in February before suffering two defeats against Bangladesh in November.Their preparations, which Test captain Balbirnie admitted "compared to other Test nations" are below par given they have played just one warm-up game, have also been hampered by injuries.Paul Stirling who has played in 10 of Ireland's 12 Test matches and is one of their most experienced batters, misses out with a calf injury while Gavin Hoey, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and Josh Little are also unavailable.That has opened the door for others in the 14-player squad for the games against the Kiwis with four potential Test debutantes in all-rounders Jake Egan, Tom Mayes and Liam McCarthy plus seamer Reuben Wilson included.While the Belfast crowd will be excited to see the next generation, a depleted Ireland will sorely miss some of their experienced operators in a format in which they really lack expertise.Balbirnie, who has played in all 12 of Ireland's Test matches, said that his side are "not putting pressure" on getting a result and will target taking the Test as close to the full four days as they can.It is a big occasion, with around 75% of the tickets having been sold for each of the first two days of the match at Stormont, but only the start of a busy summer.Ireland arguably have more important games to come in terms of ones in which they will be targeting victories in more familiar formats, with a T20 series against India to come in June and an ODI series against Afghanistan in August.Like talk of the revamped World Test Championship, there will be time later to look ahead to those games, with all focus now on preparing for the tough task ahead against New Zealand."I don't want us to shy away from anything. They will naturally be more skilful than us but we have guys who are passionate about playing for Ireland and have their own skill set and we just have to expose that as much as we can over four days," explained the Ireland skipper."When we have those hours or two that we're winning we have to win those hours well and take the momentum whenever we can."

Kylie Eastep did what Kylie Eastep does.With her team down a run in the bottom of the seventh inning, the River Valley junior hit a walkoff home run to lift the second-seeded Vikings to a 7-6 victory over No. 3 seed Buckeye Valley for a Division IV softball district championship at Marysville May 24."My mindset with so many of our girls and especially Sam (Woods) and Kylie, when they go up 3-0 (in the count), I have full confidence for them to have the green light," RV coach Ryan Murphy said. "That’s what Kylie’s deal was. She always has that green light no matter what the count is. She obviously did what she does best for us and come through in the clutch."The game featured five lead changes with two in the seventh inning. Besides Eastep, Woods was hit by a pitch to leadoff the seventh and set the table for her teammate. Woods added a double in the game as did Chloe Addis and Liv Collins. Londyn Daniels and Harper Rodgers both singled twice. Eastep pitched, striking out 12, walking six and allowing 10 hits."When I first got the job, I noticed we had these great leaders with Sam and Kylie and Kameron (Fowler). All the seniors we have have been very good," Murphy said.It is River Valley's first softball district title since 2001, which only added to the dramatics. The victory sends them to the D-IV regional in Centerville Wednesday, May 27 at 5 p.m. where the Vikes (19-7), ranked seventh in the state, will play Cleves Taylor (20-3) in a semifinal. In the 2 p.m. semifinal, top-ranked Kenton Ridge (28-0) faces Carlisle (22-7).Ridgedale track update: Ridgedale will be sending a busload to track regionalsWho is the top girls HS hoops player? The top 11 all-time area girls basketball players. Vote for the bestTaylor beat Indian Lake 6-0 in its district final on May 25 in Xenia."They have a very, very good pitcher," Murphy said of junior Ellie Stafford who is 16-3 with a 0.61 ERA, 210 strikeouts and just 11 walks. "She is well known around the Cincinnati area. She had 14 strikeouts today. She’s definitely the heart of their team just like Kylie is for us. It’s going to be a very good pitchers dual."Taylor bats .422 as a team, scoring 272 runs and allowing just 28 runs all season. In its last seven games, it has given up just four runs. Taylor also has 113 steals. RV counters by batting .344 with 200 runs and 122 runs allowed, stealing 31 bases."At the plate, we’ve got to be patient and get out pitch and hopefully we come out on top," Murphy said.In a Saturday night district final in Division VI, top seed Danville edged No. 5 Cardington 3-0 at Berne Union.rmccurdy@gannett.com419-610-0998X @McMotorsportInstagram @rob_mccurdy_starThis article originally appeared on Marion Star: Dramatic finish lifts River Valley to an OHSAA district softball title

Emergency personnel work at a level crossing to move a van onto a flatbed truck after it collided with a train in Buggenhout, Belgium, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marius Burgelman)2026-05-26T09:58:19Z BUGGENHOUT, Belgium (AP) — A train traveling at high speed hit a minibus crossing a railway in Belgium on Tuesday, killing four people, including two children, and badly injuring five other children in what officials called one of the worst rail accidents in the country’s history. It appeared that the minibus drove through the closed crossing barrier, officials said. A security camera showed the bus, carrying nine people, was moving when the train hit it. The collision happened during morning rush hour near Buggenhout town, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the capital, Brussels. The bus driver and an escort were killed along with two children aged 12 and 15, said Lisa De Wilde, spokesperson for the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office. She said the injured children were hospitalized in serious condition.De Wilde told journalists the cause of the crash hadn’t been established. “What we do know is that the barrier was closed and the red light was on,” she said.Federal Police spokesperson An Berger said the minibus driver appeared to have plowed through the barrier. Infrabel said the crossing was working correctly. The train had been traveling at an estimated 120 kph (75 mph) as it approached the crossing and had “no time to brake,” said Frédéric Sacré, a spokesperson for Belgian rail operator Infrabel.“The impact was extremely violent,” Sacré told the RTBF public broadcaster. Read More An Associated Press journalist at the scene said the bus was toppled on its side with its front section crushed. The train was relatively unscathed.It was believed about 100 passengers were aboard the train and that none were hurt. Rail traffic in the area was halted. Local officials stood for a minute’s silence after a news conference.In a post on social media, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he was “deeply moved by the horrific accident in Buggenhout. My thoughts go out to the affected families.” Children played basketball and rode bicycles at a school not far from the scene.——Cook reported from Brussels. Mike Corder contributed to this report from The Hague, Netherlands. SAM McNEIL McNeil covers Europe and beyond with a focus on conflict and the environment. twitter instagram facebook mailto

The ways it set up its board and Mr. Musk’s pay appear to benefit him at the expense of other shareholders, corporate governance experts said.

Red Sox Analyst Shares Theory For Alex Cora Firing originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.One month ago, the Boston Red Soxshockingly fired Alex Cora and several of his assistant coaches less than a month into the 2026 season.While Cora was still under contract with the Red Sox through 2027, there'd been years of tension and friction building up given the team's inconsistent and disappointing performance since the 2021 ALCS.During his radio appearance on Tuesday's episode of "The Greg Hill Show," NESN color analyst Lou Merloni shared his thoughts on why he thinks Cora was let go."My reaction to it, to be honest with you, is I think it just came to a crossroads," Merloni said. "I don't think Cora wants to manage a young team. I think he wants veteran players. I think that's been pretty clear the last three or four years. At the offseason, he wants this player, that player. At the trade deadline, he wants this player, that player, and it's never brought in here.""Gut-punching right now" Red Sox insider/color analyst @LouMerloni joins!What does Merloni make of the gut-wrenching weekend- that saw leads slip and stars falter? With the A.L. struggling as a whole, can Red Sox capitalize? #Baseball#MLB#RedSoxpic.twitter.com/Qh4PcR4vHr— WEEI (@WEEI) May 26, 2026When Cora started managing the Red Sox in 2018, he inherited a veteran, star-studded team that was ready to win now. That made his job relatively easy as Boston cruised to 108 wins and a World Series title in his first season at the helm.The Red Sox have gone in a different direction since then, however, shedding all of the stars from that team and attempting to rebuild around a new, young core. That strategy has had growing pains, including three straight years of missing the playoffs from 2022 to 2024 despite Cora's repeated requests for veteran help.Cora grew impatient and appeared frustrated at times in recent seasons. He also seemed to be at odds with Boston's front office, which may have contributed to his dismissal."It's a young team the last four years, basically," Merloni added. "2021, you're in the ALCS, and it's kind of been a similar approach since. It's like, go young and see if the guys can play in the big leagues."The Red Sox haven't improved much since firing Cora, so the team's recent struggles can't be blamed on him.More MLB: Red Sox's Massive Coaching Staff Shakeup Not Panning Out As Hoped

Inter Youngster Set to Play His Cards in the SummerInter acquired in January one of the most brilliant Serie B talents, Yanis Massolin, letting him finish the season on loan at Modena. He’s been rumored to be utilized as a bargaining chip for one of their main targets, but his agent Yvan Le Mee silenced the chatter to FCInterNews.“PSV and Villarreal wanted him as well, but I’m convinced he’ll be able to show his upside with the Nerazzurri. He’ll take part in the pre-season retreat in Germany under Christian Chivu, then he’ll participate in the trips to Hong Kong and Australia and the various friendlies, aiming to do well and stay in the squad. Then, the coach will evaluate and decide.” “Should the boss say that Massolin is a good player but not ready to play 20 matches with Inter, then it’d be better to do it in 35 on loan to another Serie A team. Instead, I’m irked when I see him that he could be inserted in a deal and leave permanently. That’s BS. Why would they invest in him and then sell him without even giving him a chance? He’ll fight every day to prove his worth. Plus, it’ll be easier for him in Serie A.”The 23-year-old recorded 3 goals and 3 assists in 30 matches in 2025/2026. The Nerazzurri acquired him for 3.5M. He was a late bloomer and had a few stops before finding his footing, spending time at for Clermont Foot, Moulins-Yzeure Foot 03 and Francs Borains.Our Take on Inter and MassolinHe showed big flashes of talent, but, while Chivu has been trusting and patient with prospects, he might need more seasoning before being ready to be a real contributor for them.

Bruno Fernandes explains why near Tottenham Hotspur move fell through Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he came very close to joining Tottenham Hotspur, detailing why the transfer collapsed.Super BrunoFernandes enjoyed a breathtaking 2025/26 campaign with United, helping the club to a third-place finish and securing Champions League football.He led the charge, contributing nine goals and 21 assists. By recording his 21st assist in the final game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion, he overtook Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry to claim the record for most assists in a single campaign.Over the weekend, the Portugal international was named the Premier League’s Player of the Season. This is in addition to picking up United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and the 2025/26 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards.After the win over Brighton, Fernandes was also presented with the Coca-Cola Playmaker award.He is considered the favourite to scoop up the PFA Player of the Year award, which would complete a fantastic year on an individual level.Fernandes has arguably been the best United signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era since arriving at the club from Sporting CP in January 2020. United forked out £67.6million to secure his services. But United could have missed out on Fernandes entirely, as he was painfully close to signing with Tottenham.Fernandes’ revelationSpeaking on The Diary of A CEO podcast, Fernandes disclosed, “Yeah, I spoke with Tottenham, and we were very close to getting an agreement done. Then, in the last two days of the market, Sporting just said, ‘We’re not going to sell him. We’re going to keep him because we need him.’”“Yes, because I wanted to play in the Premier League, because for me it is the best league in the world. It’s the most competitive one.”“It’s the one that I think when you grow up, you dream to play for you know, like full stadiums, top clubs, top players.”He added, “Obviously, I was lucky enough that my dream club to play in England was Man United, and obviously, Tottenham at the time was the option I had, and I was very, very happy to join them because they showed me the process that they were going through.”United are said to already be keen on handing Fernandes a new contract to extend his stay at the club. His current terms expire in 2027, although the Red Devils retain an option to keep him for an additional 12 months.Featured image Michael Regan via Getty ImagesThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.socialonline polls

West Ham fall with highest relegation points tally since 2011West Ham’s relegation under Nuno Espírito Santo will go down as one of the harshest in Premier League history. Despite finishing the season with 39 points, the Hammers still dropped into the Championship on the final day.That total places West Ham among the unluckiest relegated sides of the 38-game Premier League era. Only two teams have ever gone down with more points: West Ham themselves in 2002/03 with 42, alongside Bolton Wanderers in 1997/98 and Sunderland in 1996/97, who were both relegated with 40 points.The Hammers now join Birmingham City and Blackpool, who were also relegated with 39 points in the 2010/11 campaign.Their 2002/03 relegation remains one of the most infamous in Premier League history. Despite boasting a squad featuring Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe, Paolo Di Canio and Michael Carrick, West Ham still went down with a record 42 points.The overall English top-flight record still belongs to Crystal Palace, who were relegated in 1992/93 with 49 points from a 42-match season, losing out on survival only on goal difference.

The first round of the 2026 French Open was contested Tuesday at Court Suzanne-Lenglen in Paris, France.Former Vol Adam Walton defeated No. 6 seed and former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4, in five sets. He advances to the second round against Zachary Svajda on Thursday.The winner between Walton and Svajda will face the winner between Francisco Cerundolo and Hugo Gaston in the third round.Against Medvedev on Tuesday, Walton totaled three aces, one double fault, 67 first serve percentage, 6-of-15 break points, 94 service points won and 14 service games won.Walton also defeated Medvedev in the second round of the 2025 Cincinnati Open.He played for the Vols from 2017-22 under head coach Chris Woodruff, compiling a 124-25 singles and 101-47 doubles record. Walton was an All-SEC player and earned All-America honors in both singles and doubles competition.In 2022, he combined with Pat Harper to win a doubles national championship.More: Adam Walton defeats former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in Cincinnati OpenFollow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Former Vol Adam Walton defeats Daniil Medvedev at 2026 French Open

Anthony Volpe's recent performance could force Aaron Boone's hand originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Yankees are currently taking on the Kansas City Royals in a three-game set. In the first game of the series on Monday, Anthony Volpe came up clutch for New York with a two-RBI base hit in the late innings to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead, which would end up being the final score. New York is 32-22 and sits in second place in the American League East. The Anthony Volpe-Yankees saga has been well documented, but the Yankees decided to try something new on Monday by slotting Jose Caballero at third base (to replace the struggling Ryan McMahon), and letting Volpe get some reps at shortstop. Yankees' Aaron Boone may have to roll with Anthony VolpeIt would have been a brutal loss on Monday evening if the Yankees had lost to the Royals, but they didn't, thanks to Anthony Volpe. Volpe is still working his way back from an injury last season, and it's clear that the Yankees/Aaron Boone are being very hesitant with Volpe this season; however, Boone's hand might be forced now that Anthony Volpe came up clutch in the late innings of a game. It's a small sample size, but Volpe is hitting .231 this season with five RBIs, six hits, and two doubles in 26 at-bats. That's good for an OPS of .719. Yankees fans would like to see more pop from Volpe, but maybe that's not the recipe for success, considering Volpe has such a high strikeout rate. More balls in play is likely what Boone is looking for, and good things happen when you put the ball in play. Read more: Detroit Tigers 3-year MLB outfielder has stats so bad they're hard to comprehendRead more: Atlanta Braves urged to upgrade at key position at MLB trade deadline

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 10: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs downfield as Christian Gonzalez #6 of the New England Patriots defends during an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles news and links …3-Point Stance: Why the Patriots can afford to overpay for A.J. Brown – Pats PulpitStanding pat isn’t good enough. A first-round pick in any draft could be considered too rich for Brown, and the Patriots could argue that a fair price for the receiver would start with a second-round pick as the framework of a potential deal. However, if New England enters next season with Romeo Doubs as its top receiver on the depth chart, then the offense has taken a step back in terms of the pass catchers available for Maye. Doubs is younger than Diggs and has plenty of room for development, but looking at the situation in a vacuum, he has never produced Diggs’ 2025 numbers. An improvement to the wide receiver room was needed even prior to the Diggs and Doubs swap. The Patriots’ 2028 first-round selection is worth the price for Brown, although a 2027 first should be off limits for injury and Super Bowl hangover insurance. Nonetheless, New England can’t become complacent.Albert Breer’s Takeaways: With Joe Schoen, John Harbaugh in Lockstep, the Giants are Gaining Momentum – SISo, per the NFL’s internal system, if Brown were traded today, his cap number would jump to $43.515 million for 2026. If he’s dealt next week, then the Eagles can take $16.353 million of it now (which is the past bonus proration set to hit the cap this year), and $27.162 million next year. With his Philly cap number sitting at $23.393 million, that means it’s either add $20 million to this year’s cap or save $7 million and push the rest off. As for where he’s going, it always made sense for the Eagles to wait to “agree to terms” until the last minute because things can change elsewhere (and already have with the Rice situation in Kansas City). But the Chiefs, Chargers, Bills and Rams all had their shot at this already, and I think the final result will be what everyone’s treating as a fait accompli, and that’s Brown reuniting with Mike Vrabel in New England.8 Eagles things we’ll be watching out for at OTA practices – BGN6 – The rookies, especially on offense. The Eagles already held a rookie minicamp but now it’s time for their draft picks to be on the field with veteran players. Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers will be monitored closely. The Eagles seem to be expecting instant impact from Lemon, so, it’ll be especially crucial for him to look good in this practice setting. It’ll a little troublesome if he’s a non-factor. Would be nice to see him gelling with Hurts early on. As for Stowers, he might not have a big role as a rookie despite being a second-round pick. Dallas Goedert is still here and Stowers’ lack of blocking ability could mean other tight end(s) will get on the field ahead of him (hello, Johnny Mundt). We’ll see if Stowers will flash pass-catching ability.An early look at six Eagles upcoming training camp battles – PhillyVoiceWR2: Makai Lemon vs. Dontayvion Wicks vs. Marquise Brown. The Eagles added all three of the above receivers this offseason to help offset the eventual trade of A.J. Brown. Makai Lemon, the team’s first-round pick, was a tough, polished slot receiver and chain mover at USC. Dontayvion Wicks is a dirty work type of player with upside as a route runner and toughness as a blocker. Marquise Brown has elite speed, and although he has a low career yards per catch average, the Eagles intend to use him as a player who can threaten opposing defenses deep down the field. These three players have different skill sets and will be used situationally to some degree. However, if one is clearly outshining the rest, then, I mean, that guy is going to play more. As such, this is going to be a competition worth keeping a close eye on.25 intriguing Eagles to watch at 2026 OTAs and minicamp – NBCSPWR Makai Lemon: Howie Roseman moved up three spots from 23 to 20 to select Lemon out of USC. The Biletnikoff Award winner had a tremendous 2025 season and the Eagles expected him to go in the top 15 picks. When he didn’t, they made sure to get him. Lemon slots in as the Eagles’ WR2 behind DeVonta Smith in 2026 and the Eagles will be relying on Lemon during his rookie season. Lemon isn’t the biggest guy but he’s super competitive and appears to be NFL ready.Sean Mannion’s first comments about Jalen Hurts followed a familiar pattern. What comes next will determine Mannion’s success. – InquirerIt’s early but, according to Mannion, Hurts is taking the changes in stride. “Jalen’s been outstanding in the meetings, and I think having gone through multiple coordinators and stuff, you can tell he’s a really capable learner,” Mannion said. “He has a great process in the meetings.” All of this sounds great, but it’s not the first time we’ve heard it. Just last year, Kevin Patullo offered similar praise at OTAs and the results were, well, uninspiring. The Eagles went 11-6, ran a predictable offense and suffered a disappointing wild-card loss to the 49ers. Patullo, who had served as Eagles pass game coordinator the previous four seasons, was removed as OC two days after the playoff defeat and is now on the Miami Dolphins staff.3 Cowboys entering make-or-break years – Blogging The BoysTyler Guyton. When the Cowboys took Tyler Guyton with the 29th pick in 2024, there was an expectation that he was going to be a project, with some even considering Guyton a reach. However, because the Cowboys had such a reputation for finding elite offensive line talent in the first round of the draft for the better part of the last 15 years, we figured the Cowboys knew better. However, at this point, Guyton has been underwhelming at best. Although he’s only 24 years old, his play up to this point has been alarming. He commits a lot of penalties and has had many challenges in pass protection, which should be his calling card given his above-average athleticism relative to his size. It doesn’t help that injuries have been another hurdle stunting his development. The team is losing their patience as Guyton has shuffled in and out of the line because of not only injury, but also performance. As things are, the likelihood of the team picking up his fifth-year option the next offseason is in question, and with the addition of Drew Shelton in the fourth round this year, the Cowboys could already be looking at his replacement in the near future. Sure, it is early in Guyton’s career, but coupling his play thus far with the team’s sky-high hopes, those two things don’t coincide well with one another, and it leaves Guyton with the impetus to produce immediate results.Bill Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White among RBs who could lead Commanders – Hogs HavenNo true marquee names. Washington’s top two running backs appear to be a pair of young Day 3 draft picks from the 2025 & 2026 drafts — rookie Kaytron ‘Fatman’ Allen, drafted in the 6th round this past April, and 2nd-year player, Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, drafted in the 7th round a year ago. Returning for his third consecutive season in Washington is veteran Jeremy McNichols, who has looked effective for the Commanders in playing about a quarter of the offensive snaps in ‘24 & ‘25, but who has tallied just 1,364 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in an eight-year NFL career.Better or worse? Abdul Carter key to how good NY Giants will be on the edge – Big Blue View[Former Eagles assistant] Dennard Wilson is now the defensive coordinator. Before the 2025 season began, a major question about the Giants’ defense was whether or not Shane Bowen was the right defensive coordinator to figure out how to maximinze the three-headed Thibodeaux-Burns-Carter monster. He was not. Wilson has the reputation of being a more aggressive, creative coordinator than Bowen. He also has the help of a defensive-minded coach in Harbaugh. We should see better usage of that trio of players in 2026.2027 NFL draft quarterback class: Top prospects to know – ESPNThe past two NFL draft classes haven’t been flush with early-pick quarterbacks, as only two were selected in Round 1 each year. That shouldn’t be an issue for the 2027 draft, with household names such as Texas’ Arch Manning and Oregon’s Dante Moore leading the way. But the loaded class doesn’t stop there. I’m setting the stage for the 2027 quarterback class below, with an introduction to 22 signal-callers NFL evaluators are watching. One of those quarterbacks is Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, whose status for the 2026 college football season and the 2027 draft is in question after he was deemed ineligible by the school and the NCAA after admitting to making hundreds of bets on college sports. For the sake of this exercise, I included him for now. I hit on each passer’s strengths and weaknesses, and then I answered a couple of questions about NFL teams that might take a long look at these signal-callers next spring. Let’s get to it, with players in each section listed in alphabetical order.Building the worst NFL team possible for 2026 season – SB NationAlright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season. Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.…Social Media Information:BGN Facebook Page: Click here to like our pageBGN Twitter: Follow @BleedingGreenBGN BlueSky: Follow @bleedgreennation.bsky.socialBGN Instagram: Follow @BleedingGreenInstaBGN Manager: Follow Brandon Lee Gowton on Twitter | BlueSky | ThreadsBGN Radio Twitter: Follow @BGN_RadioThe Feed post of the dayEach day, we highlight a BGN community post here in this space. Head over to The Feed to submit your entry and have a chance to be featured in The Linc!

Rachael Rudel is having an impressive spring in elite races.The Fort Collins native and former Colorado State runner was the top American woman in the 2026 Bolder Boulder 10K on May 25.Rudel had a big late surge to finish third overall in a time of 32 minutes, 46 seconds in the women's international pro race. She finished 10 seconds behind second-place Jesca Chelangat and 13 behind winner Rebecca Mwangi (both of Kenya).Rudel won the 2026 Horsetooth Half Marathon in April, finishing in a record time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 29 seconds.Patrick Kiptoo Kiprop of Kenya won the men's Bolder Boulder pro race in a time of 28:35.Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Rachael Rudel excels at Bolder Boulder 10K

Red Sox still have a huge Trevor Story problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox may be turning things around little by little.Trevor Story, though? His story isn't as promising.Story is having his worst season as an MLB player, and it's not getting better.His surface level stats are bad enough -- .206 batting average, .547 OPS.MORE: A rookie named Santa had a 1-of-a-kind MLB debutUnderneath the hood, it's even worse.Baseball Savant assigns a stat called "Batting Run Value," which measures a player's impact on winning through work at the plate. Story is in the 5th-percentile in MLB in that stat, meaning he's one of the worst in the league, with a negative-10.He's also a negative-2 in Fielding Run Value, for what it's worth (but a plus-1 in Baserunning Run Value).Story's metrics don't suggest his bat is going to get better.These are his percentiles in a number of key categories (with 99th-percentile being the desired direction on the scale):Chase%: 2nd-percentileK%: 6th-percentileWalk%: 8th-percentileBarrel%: 14th-percentileWhiff%: 15th-percentileSquared-Up%: 16th-percentileMORE: Bryce Harper confuses everyone with viral teeth brushing videoStory's launch angle sweet spot rate, his bat speed and his average exit velocity are all under the 50th-percentile, too.Simply put, he's been one of the worst hitters in baseball.In the field, his range is in the 11th-percentile, as he simply doesn't get to baseballs he used to get to.It's going to be hard for the Red Sox to rely on Story going forward, but there are also only so many options, and contracts make things more complicated, too.A lot has gone wrong for Boston so far in 2026, but Story has to be considered near the top of the list.More MLB news:Bo Bichette reveals his plans for his opt-out clauseBumpus Jones is trending for an 1892 accomplishmentThe last time a team was this bad at walking, it took 9 balls to earn a walkChase Burns makes Reds history that hasn't been done in 104 yearsGuardians pitcher trying to complete incredible comeback

Ohio State football coach Ryan Day earned a bonus of $100,000 for his team’s near-3.4 cumulative grade point average over the past academic year, a school spokesperson confirmed.The six-figure bonus raised Day’s incentive pay to $450,000 for 2025-26, an amount including previous amounts for the Buckeyes’ appearances in the Big Ten championship game and College Football Playoff quarterfinals in December, pushing his total compensation to nearly $13 million for the year.Ohio State football coaches bonuses: Ohio State football coaches to add to postseason bonuses for CFP berthDay is eligible to receive bonuses for “exceptional achievements” that range from the Buckeyes’ postseason finish to their academic performance as part of the terms of his contract, according to a copy obtained by The Dispatch through a public records request.He picked up the $100,000 bonus as a result of the Buckeyes’ cumulative GPA surpassing 3.3 for the fall and spring semesters. It was worth twice as much as the previous two years when he received bonuses of $50,000 for cumulative team GPAs that were just above 3.2. He is due at least a bonus of $50,000 if the GPA is above 3.0.The academic bonus the school owes Day can reach as much as $150,000 if the Buckeyes carry a 3.5 GPA or higher for the two semesters.Most of Day’s potential incentive earnings are ultimately tied to playoff performance. He received $1 million last year when Ohio State captured the national championship, winning four consecutive games to advance through the first 12-team bracket.As one of the highest-paid coaches in the nation, Day is due $12.5 million in basic annual compensation. Only Georgia’s Kirby Smart made more last year, according to USA TODAY Sports’ annual database for coaching salaries.Day received a pay raise in early 2025 as part of a new contract on the heels of the national title run, adding more than to $2 million to his annual compensation package, among other benefits.Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow him on @joeyrkaufman on X.This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ryan Day earns six-figure bonus for Ohio State football GPA in 2025-26

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Same player. Same game. Same shot. Similar contact. Two very different outcomes.With two minutes left in the first quarter of Game 4 in the Western Conference finals, Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander possessed the ball, defended by San Antonio Spurs star guard De’Aaron Fox. Operating from the right elbow, SGA took a hard dribble and then a stepback midrange jumper. Fox closed out his airspace, contested the shot and made contact with Gilgeous-Alexander. The shot did not go in, but a whistle blew. Foul. Two free throws.A few minutes later, about halfway into the second quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander possessed the ball, this time defended by Stephon Castle. Operating at the top of the key, the two-time MVP took two hard dribbles to his left and then a stepback midrange jumper. Castle contested the shot, closed out his airspace and made contact with Gilgeous-Alexander.The shot did not go in and no whistle blew. No foul. No free throws. Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t pleased, raising his right arm in protest and staring back at the closest official, Scott Foster, as he trotted back on defense.The big difference between the two plays? In the first one, Gilgeous-Alexander fell to the ground. In the second, he landed on two feet.Those two plays represent a lesson in the power of falling to the hardwood. The first play, of course, generated a swarm of controversy on social media for being a flop. It was yet another example of SGA hitting the deck on a shot attempt. De'Aaron Fox was called for a foul on SGA here. 😅 pic.twitter.com/XvD72bT8uP— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 25, 2026The fans aren’t letting it go, at one point chanting “flopper” when he held the ball in Game 4. Last week, I established that Gilgeous-Alexander has fallen significantly more than his high-scoring peers in this playoff run, about double the rates of guys like Jalen Brunson, James Harden and Victor Wembanyama. I raised a series of explanations for why that could be the case, but looking at the data, the most logical reason Gilgeous-Alexander does it so often is this: Falling works.The updated SGA fall dataIf you thought Gilgeous-Alexander wouldn’t fall as much after my deep dive on Friday, you were sorely mistaken.Gilgeous-Alexander found himself on the ground often like he normally does. In Friday night’s Game 3 win, Gilgeous-Alexander fell five times on his shot attempts and hit the floor two more times on his tries during Sunday’s Game 4 loss. Along with those tumbles to the ground, Gilgeous-Alexander collected 19 free-throw attempts in the two games, more than he did before Friday’s study made the rounds. Only four of those falls, for the record, yielded free-throw attempts, so it’s not like he went to the charity stripe on a constant stream of dives.But he doesn’t seem to be slowing down much in this department. Now that we’ve passed Game 4 in the series, we can compare his fall rates to previous series in this playoff run, which were both four-game affairs. Tallying up his count, Gilgeous-Alexander has now hit the deck on 22 shots in this four-game series against the San Antonio Spurs. The frequency is way higher than in his previous matchups, according to a film review on Sportradar. Against Phoenix in the first round, the OKC guard fell 11 times on his shot attempts. In the Lakers series, that same number bumped up to 13 falls. With 22 falls in this series, his fall frequency has increased significantly, and he has now fallen twice as often in the Western Conference finals on a per-game basis as he did in the first-round sweep over the Suns. In other words, as the stakes get higher, he’s hitting the deck more. As I wrote on Friday, there may be a few reasons for this. Perhaps the Spurs are more physical than the Lakers and Suns, with the Spurs choosing to send a message to Gilgeous-Alexander. It’s also possible that, as the postseason progresses and approaches the Finals stage, the 6-foot-6 guard wants to lessen the force impact on his feet, an explanation that has been raised with other star scorers who fall a lot.But I think it’s more likely that it is usually a tactical decision — and a smart one at that. To see why, it’s worth breaking down these numbers a little further. Do falls generate a foul more often than not?On those seven falls in the last two games, Gilgeous-Alexander drew whistles on four of them, raising his foul rate on falls to an even 50% in the playoffs (23 out of 46). That is, when he falls on shot attempts this postseason, he is getting a foul call, on average, every other tumble to the ground.For a guy who makes nearly 90% of his free throws, falling on shot attempts has to be tempting. The math suggests that a Gilgeous-Alexander fall is worth an additional 0.9 expected points per fall on a 2-point attempt and an additional 1.35 points on a 3-point attempt fall. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has fallen more against the Spurs than in the Thunder's two previous series. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Alex Slitz via Getty ImagesThe calculus isn’t so straightforward for other stars. While Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul rate on his falls is a 50-50 coin flip this postseason, other guards haven’t seen similar odds in their favor. After breaking down the film of Brunson, Mitchell and Harden, the foul rates on their falls aren’t as high. For Brunson, he has gotten a foul call on just 20.8% of his falls to the floor this postseason. Mitchell saw 21.2% of his falls met with a whistle. Harden is closest to Gilgeous-Alexander at 40.6%.Again, this doesn’t mean that Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t getting fouled on these plays, but he simply falls way more often and it’s regularly getting the result that most players seek: a whistle. Interestingly enough, like the Dos Equis man, Wembanyama doesn’t always fall on his shots (just 10 times on his 235 shot attempts), but when he does, it gets whistles. The Spurs big man has received a shooting foul call on eight of his 10 falls in the playoffs, with most of those tumbles having been a result of forceful hits around the basket area — not on jumpers like many of Gilgeous-Alexander’s falls.From an aesthetic standpoint, falling to the ground isn’t going to go on the right kind of highlight reel. But from an efficiency perspective, it’s hard to blame SGA. He’s leveraging the rulebook.Shai’s balancing actBack in March, Steve Kerr wanted to get something off his chest about Gilgeous-Alexander. The All-Star guard’s propensity to get to the free-throw line was well within his right as an NBA scorer."I don’t have a problem with Shai,” Kerr said. “I have a problem with the rules."Kerr, like Wembanyama earlier this season, chose his words carefully after facing the reigning champions. Among other things, Kerr spoke about Gilgeous-Alexander’s use of his off arm to ward off defenders and secure a driving advantage. But more generally, Kerr believes Gilgeous-Alexander is shrewdly responding to an incentive structure that encourages him to initiate and accentuate contact. “He’s incredibly clever. He knows exactly how to draw contact. It’s all within the rules," Kerr said of Gilgeous-Alexander, who took 15 free throws in that game against Kerr’s Warriors.When it comes to straight-line drives, NBA referees are instructed to judge whether a defender’s contact with a driving offensive player affects the offensive player’s SQBR, or Speed, Quickness, Balance and/or Rhythm. Two months ago, this acronym was used by the NBA referee union’s official X account to explain why they ruled in favor of the MVP on a controversial Gilgeous-Alexander play. The key to understanding why players might fall so much can be seen in that third term in SQBR acronym: balance. How does a referee determine if a defender illegally knocks a player off balance? And more specifically, is the contact deemed to be more than marginal? It’s often a subjective call, and the limits of marginal contact are not clearly explained. The term “marginal” doesn’t even appear in the official rulebook, though it often shows up in Last Two Minute reports as a reason why calls were made (or not, in some cases). Players who hit the deck after contact are simply responding to an incentive system that demands proof that you were knocked off balance beyond what can be considered marginal, however nebulous a term that might be.Land on two feet and you might risk communicating to the referee that you’re balanced and therefore not the victim of illegal defense. The flipside, however, may be more powerful. How can you be balanced if you can’t even stand on your own two feet?It’s the same reason why charge calls almost always come with a defender taking a hit and falling to the floor. Defenders have been conditioned to sell the contact. Gilgeous-Alexander knows that offensive players can play by the same rulebook — no matter where the shots are coming from.Is SGA’s fall rate so high because he drives so much?One plausible explanation for Gilgeous-Alexander’s high fall rate is that he does the thing that causes falls the most: he drives to the basket. According to NBA player tracking data, Gilgeous-Alexander averages 19.4 drives per game, the highest for any player who has made it out of the first round of the playoffs. It would make sense that someone who penetrates into the paint so often and perpetually plows into a wall of trees would hit the deck a lot.Unpacking this idea isn’t as straightforward as we’d like. Unfortunately, public NBA player tracking data doesn’t tabulate fall data, but we can compare the number of drives tracked by the cameras with the number of overall falls to see whether Gilgeous-Alexander’s fall rate is commensurate with the number of drives we see from other players.But even that explanation goes only so far. Because the Cavs have played more games than the Thunder this postseason, Mitchell has actually registered more drives in this playoff run (238) than Gilgeous-Alexander (233) and yet Mitchell has fallen 13 fewer times this playoff run. Brunson has just three fewer drives than Gilgeous-Alexander and yet has 22 fewer falls. Harden and Wembanyama’s track record tell a similar story. Even accounting for SGA’s high drive rate, he falls way more than we’d expect given the number of drives. A deeper look at SGA’s falls shows that 19 of them have come on jumpers, according to Yahoo Sports tracking, much like the controversial Fox one that went viral. Whether it’s on jumpers or drives, falling is just part of Gilgeous-Alexander’s game. And we shouldn’t expect him to change. Over the long weekend, despite the flopper chants and social media chatter, Gilgeous-Alexander fell on shot attempts more times (seven) than Brunson, Mitchell, Harden and Wembanyama combined (six). With Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell dealing with injuries, the Thunder may need to exploit every edge to take back the series.

The Cincinnati Reds, ranked fourth in the NL Central with a 28-25 record, face the New York Mets, who are fifth in the NL East with a 22-32 record. Cincinnati is favored with a -130 moneyline compared to New York's +100. Chase Burns starts for Cincinnati with a 1.83 ERA, while the Mets' starter is TBD.How to watch Cincinnati Reds vs. New York MetsDate: Tuesday, May 26Time: 7:10 p.m. ET / 4:10 p.m. PTWhere: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, NYTV Channels: SNY, Reds.TVLive Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo SportsTeam recordsCincinnati Reds: 28-25 (fourth in NL Central)New York Mets: 22-32 (fifth in NL East)OddsSpread: New York Mets +1.5Moneyline: New York Mets +105 / Cincinnati Reds -130Over/Under: 7.5Starting pitchersCincinnati Reds: Chase Burns (6-1, ERA: 1.83, K: 64, WHIP: 0.95)New York Mets: TBDSeries: Game 2 of 3 (series tied)Weather: 73°F at first pitch

A return to Ohio State wasn’t necessarily something Dave Richardson was looking to make.For more than a decade, Richardson oversaw the strength and conditioning program for the men’s basketball team under coach Thad Matta. More recently, Richardson had been fulfilling that role at Arkansas since 2018, where he’d helped the Razorbacks reach at least the Sweet 16 in five of the past six seasons.Richardson was happy there. Then Buckeyes coach Jake Diebler called him, seeking some insight into making a hire to replace outgoing strength and conditioning coach Quadrian Banks, and the two longtime acquaintances and friends started talking.“Jake called me, and I told him that I wasn't interested in coming back, but, you know, I was going try to help him find someone,” Richardson said. “And the more I talked to him about it, I kind of got fired up, to be honest with you. I mean, I had a really good thing going in Arkansas … but man, just talking to coach Diebler, his energy is infectious, and his vision is just something that you kind of want to be a part of, you know?”The result is a homecoming of sorts for the veteran strength coach, whose first Ohio State tenure began in 2005 when Matta hired him as associate strength and conditioning coach after he had spent the previous four years at the University of Miami as an assistant strength trainer. For the next 12 seasons, he held that role until Matta was fired after the 2016-17 season. When new coach Chris Holtmann assembled his staff, he did not retain Richardson, who remained at the university as the men’s lacrosse strength and conditioning coach for one year before being hired as the Arkansas men’s basketball head strength and conditioning coach prior to the 2018-19 season.With the Razorbacks, Richardson worked under coaches Mike Anderson (2018-19), Eric Musselman (2019-24) and John Calipari (2024-26) before returning to the Buckeyes.Ohio State Buckeyes: Dayton trip paved way for center Vuk Lazarevic to commit to Ohio StateDuring his time at Ohio State, Richardson was on staff while Diebler was part of Matta’s support staff as the program’s video coordinator from 2013-16. He also overlapped with assistant coach Dave Dickerson, who was on Matta’s staff from 2010-17 and hired by Diebler when he was named head coach in 2024.“Woody Hayes said, ‘You win with people,’ ” Richardson said. “I've thought about that ever since I've been (at Ohio State). You're part of different athletic departments in different places, but it really all comes down to the people. I mean, the reason I came back is because of Jake Diebler and Dave Dickerson.”A graduate of Louisiana-Monroe, Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance in 1989 and a Master’s degree in exercise science in 1990. He spent five years in the United States Army and was a member of the All-Army powerlifting team. He has also previously spent five years as the head strength and conditioning coach at Nicholls State and six years in the same position at his alma mater.During the summer of 2020, Richardson obtained Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus (RSCC*E) designation by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the NSCA’s highest designation that signifies that “a certified coach has demonstrated experience and knowledge in their field.”Asked where he’s grown since his prior time at Ohio State, Richardson said, “The main difference is the explosion of technology. The resources that are here (at Ohio State) are way different than the resources I had in Arkansas. We got the very most out of the resources that we were able to have, but this place is on another level.”Still, the man his former players affectionally refer to as “Coach Rich” said a few things about him have not changed across the years.“At the end of the day, I'm still an old-time strength coach with programs that value strength and toughness,” he said. “That's part of the thing that I want to be able to bring out (of players).”Ohio State men's basketball beat writer Adam Jardy can be reached at ajardy@dispatch.com, on Bluesky at @cdadamjardy.bsky.social or on Twitter at @AdamJardy.This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Talks with Jake Diebler got Dave Richardson 'fired up' about Ohio State

Our 5 standout men of the La Liga seasonIt's time to hand out the gold stars.FC Barcelona cruised to the La Liga title this season.Before all eyes turn to the 2026 World Cup, here are the five players who defined the 2025-2026 season in Spain.Lamine Yamal - FC BarcelonaAlready brilliant last season, Lamine Yamal has now gone to another level. The Spanish prodigy became Barça’s true creative leader, capable of deciding a match with a dribble, a burst of speed, or a moment of inspiration out of nowhere.Elusive in tight spaces, spectacular without ever forcing it, and decisive in the biggest games, Yamal has firmly established himself among the best players in the world despite his very young age.Pedri - FC BarcelonaBarça’s metronome. When Pedri was playing well, the whole Catalan side seemed to operate a level above. Omnipresent between the lines, valuable in winning the ball back, and always technically sharp, the Spanish midfielder rediscovered his best form this season.Elegant, intelligent, and essential to the team’s rhythm, Pedri reminded everyone why he is considered one of the most talented midfielders of his generation.📸 OSCAR DEL POZO - AFP or licensorsFederico Valverde - Real MadridThe heart of Real Madrid. In a turbulent season for Los Blancos, Federico Valverde was the one who never hid, covering endless ground, making defensive recoveries, and scoring decisive goals.Capable of playing anywhere, immense in his physical impact, and exemplary in his attitude, the Uruguayan established himself as one of the most complete and valuable midfielders in the world.Julián Alvarez - Atlético de MadridAlready highly anticipated after his first season in Spain, Julián Alvarez lived up to every expectation. More consistent, more clinical in front of goal, and still as valuable in the press, the Argentine established himself as Atlético’s attacking figurehead this season.Tireless in his effort, intelligent with his movement, and ruthless in the box, Alvarez perfectly embodied the intensity and efficiency of Simeone-style football.Kylian Mbappé - Real MadridOnce again outstanding statistically, Kylian Mbappé finished among the season’s main protagonists in La Liga thanks to his efficiency in front of goal and his ability to turn a match on its head with a burst of acceleration. In a Madrid side that was sometimes inconsistent, the Frenchman was often Real’s main attacking weapon.But despite his impressive numbers, his season did not win everyone over in Spain. His attitude on the pitch, his defensive commitment, and certain displays of frustration were regularly criticized, fueling debate over his leadership and his integration into the Madrid collective.Who would you have liked to see on this list? Tell us everything in the comments!This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

With LSU baseball's season over, the coaching staff is working on building the 2037 roster. It's a complex process. LSU has to figure out who's staying and who's entering the portal. The Tigers have to sort through the high school class and guess which commits will turn pro and who will attend college. Then, LSU has its own transfer portal haul to worry about, too.This is the time of year when players around the sport begin announcing plans to enter the portal. The NCAA Tournament field is set -- 64 teams still have baseball to play, but most teams are done, meaning players are figuring out their futures.On Monday, Louisiana Tech's Trey Hawsey announced plans to enter the transfer portal. Could the Bulldog slugger make sense for LSU?The Tigers need to boost their offense after a disappointing 2026. LSU also must figure out how to replace the production of Derek Curiel, Steven Milam, and Jake Brown. Hawsey is a Louisiana native, hailing from West Monroe. He's coming off a year where he hit .335, totaling 15 homers and 12 doubles. As a freshman in 2025, Hawsey slugged .513 and drew 31 walks. He's a proven hitter at the collegiate level. Major news out of #LATech as Trey Hawsey announces on Instagram he's leaving the Diamond Dogs. Hit .335 with 15 HR this season."It's been real Ruston. Forever a Bulldog." pic.twitter.com/tL5l5JUBnf— Matt Belinson (@BelinsonMatt) May 25, 2026With a career on-base percentage of .423, he's the patient hitter LSU coach Jay Johnson wants in the lineup. However, Hawsey's primary position of first base may not be a major need for LSU. True freshman Mason Braun emerged as a reliable first baseman down the stretch in 2026.But LSU needs outfield help, and Braun can play right field if LSU ends up adding a first baseman in the transfer portal. Keep an eye on Hawsey as LSU's 2026 roster takes shape. This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU baseball could pursue talented Louisiana Tech slugger in portal

This week Joseph speaks to Zack Whittaker, an editor at TechCrunch. Zack has been leading coverage into the spouseware or stalkerware industry. This is malware sold to ordinary people, which they then often install on their girlfriend’s or someone else’s phone. Zack talks about the crazy scope of this problem. Listen to the weekly podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Become a paid subscriber for early access to these interview episodes and to power our journalism.If you become a paid subscriber, check your inbox for an email from our podcast host Transistor for a link to the subscribers-only version! You can also add that subscribers feed to your podcast app of choice and never miss an episode that way. The email should also contain the subscribers-only unlisted YouTube link for the extended video version too. It will also be in the show notes in your podcast player. Behind the stalkerware network spilling the private phone data of hundreds of thousandsSpyzie stalkerware is spying on thousands of Android and iPhone usersStalkerware tag on TechCrunch

Nature, Published online: 26 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10669-3Bottom-Up Synthesis of Molecular Nanodiamond from Nanographene

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 25: Enrique Riquelme attends the Media during the opening of his new campaign headquarters for his candidacy for the presidency of Real Madrid next to Bernabeu stadium on May 25, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Enrique Riquelme continued to ramp up his presidential campaign by directly engaging with Real Madrid socios and supporters while publicly calling on Florentino Pérez to participate in a debate ahead of the upcoming elections.With the club’s Electoral Board still yet to officially confirm the election date — currently expected to be June 7th — Riquelme’s campaign is already operating at full speed. The businessman spent the morning meeting with supporters at El Rincón de Toñín, a traditional gathering place tied to the Capote y Montera supporters’ club, where he listened to concerns from fans and discussed several of the themes shaping his campaign.Among the key issues raised were the Santiago Bernabéu renovation project, the treatment of socios and season ticket holders, ticket accessibility, and what Riquelme views as a growing disconnect between the club and its membership base.Riquelme argued that ordinary socios have increasingly been pushed aside despite the club’s commercial success.“Season ticket holders are privileged, but regular members feel forgotten,” he reportedly explained during the meeting. He specifically questioned the difficulty members face when trying to purchase tickets through the club’s official system, suggesting the process lacks transparency and accessibility.Another recurring topic was the issue of season ticket redistribution. Riquelme criticized the lack of clarity surrounding season tickets that become available after holders are reportedly removed for resale violations, questioning why those spots are not being opened to waiting socios.Much of the attention, however, centered on his demand for a public debate with Florentino Pérez.The current Real Madrid president recently challenged potential opponents to step forward publicly and explain what they had contributed to the club. Riquelme responded directly, insisting that after two decades without a contested election, a debate is necessary.“There has to be a debate,” Riquelme said. “Florentino has been the best president in Real Madrid history, and what we want is to continue building on the legacy he has created while taking the club into the future.”He also claimed Pérez never truly expected a challenger to emerge, pointing to how quickly his own campaign was assembled once elections were announced.Throughout the event, Riquelme leaned heavily into a message centered around listening to socios and restoring stronger communication between the club hierarchy and its membership. Before leaving, he posed for photos with fans and accepted a document containing requests and concerns from a group of members, promising to review the proposals and incorporate them into upcoming campaign announcements.

Report: Man United considering move for defender with £70m release clauseMan United Transfer News: Why Maximiliano Araújo Interest Makes SenseAraújo profile fits United’s left sided problemCaught Offside have reported that Manchester United are closely watching Sporting CP full back Maximiliano Araújo, with Chelsea now entering the race for the Uruguay international. For United, this is precisely the sort of rumour that feels both logical and revealing.Araújo, 26, has impressed in Portugal with his energy, pace, physicality and attacking threat. His £70 million release clause gives Sporting a strong negotiating hand, especially with his contract running until 2029, yet the suggestion that English clubs may test the water below that figure makes this one worth tracking.Photo IMAGOUnited’s left back situation has drifted for too long. Luke Shaw, when fit, remains one of the most technically secure players in the squad, but availability has become the unavoidable question even after a injury free season, history shows it’s something to consider. Tactical flexibility appeals to CarrickAraújo’s appeal lies in the range of jobs he can perform. He can play as a left back, wing back or even higher up the pitch, which makes him a natural fit for a modern coach who wants movement, aggression and adaptability on the flank.United need players who can hold width, carry the ball and still recover defensively with intensity. Araújo appears to offer that blend, and his Sporting background inevitably makes the link feel more credible.A move would also speak to a wider shift in recruitment. United cannot keep buying names. They need profiles. Araújo looks like a player bought for a role, not for a headline.Chelsea interest raises pressureChelsea’s presence changes the temperature. Their recruitment model has leaned heavily towards athletic, technically comfortable players with resale value and tactical upside. Araújo fits that bracket neatly.Manchester City have also been loosely mentioned, although Caught Offside suggest a move there feels less likely given their defensive depth. That leaves United and Chelsea as the more intriguing Premier League possibilities.The price remains the sticking point. Sporting’s £70 million clause is significant, although reports suggest talks could begin lower, perhaps in the €50 million to €60 million range. That still represents a major investment for a full back, particularly for a United side with several areas requiring surgery.Sporting stance makes deal difficultSporting have little reason to panic. Long contract, rising profile, Premier League interest, those are the ingredients of a seller’s market.Yet this is not impossible. Portuguese clubs understand the rhythm of the transfer market better than most. If Araújo pushes for the move, or if United decide he is essential to Carrick’s rebuild, negotiations can move quickly.For now, Araújo feels like a sensible target rather than a guaranteed signing. For United, that alone is progress.Our View – EPL Index AnalysisFrom a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this is exactly the type of report that creates cautious optimism. Araújo is not the obvious superstar name that dominates social media for three days and then disappears. He sounds more like a proper squad building piece, someone recruited because the manager has a specific tactical need.The left side has been a recurring frustration. Shaw is excellent when available, but United cannot build an entire structure around a player whose fitness record historically forces compromises. A fit, aggressive, athletic left sided player who can operate as a wing back or full back would change the way United attack and defend.The concern, naturally, is the fee. £70 million for a full back would invite scrutiny from day one. United have made too many expensive mistakes to treat that figure lightly. At €50 million to €60 million, the conversation becomes more reasonable, though still significant.Chelsea entering the race is irritating, but also reassuring in a strange way. It suggests Araújo is not a random name being pushed into the rumour cycle. Good clubs are watching him.

FIFA confirmed that Iran will hold its World Cup base camp in Mexico, not the U.S., as the team had previously planned.Iran selected its base camp in Tucson, Arizona, shortly before the United States attacked the country.Iran’s participation in the tournament, which begins June 11, has been questioned for months amid the war with the U.S., one of three World Cup host nations along with Mexico and Canada. Iran is set to play its group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. Earlier this year, FIFA declined Iran’s request to move its World Cup matches to Mexico after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he could not guarantee the “life and safety” of Iranian players. In a statement on Saturday, Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj said “our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved.” Taj also said moving the base camp solves potential visa issues and the team may be able to use Iran Air for travel.But Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum framed it differently. On Monday, she said that FIFA approached her government to ask if Iran could hold its base camp there. “The United States doesn’t want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States,” Sheinbaum said, adding that her country has “no issue with that.”A spokesperson for Trump’s World Cup Task Force did not comment when asked if the U.S. wanted to prevent the Iranian soccer players from staying in the country. The State Department did not immediately answer questions.FIFA distributed base camp information for all 48 World Cup participants on Monday, with Iran’s location listed as Tijuana.FIFA already paid Pima County half of the $213,952 base fee to use the FC Tucson training facility on April 10, according to AZPM News. The two sides signed their general contract in December.FC Tucson announced Iran had selected the site on Feb. 20, eight dates before the U.S. and Israel launched joint attacks against Iran.Also on Monday, the U.S. launched what it called “self-defense strikes,” to which Iran’s foreign ministry said the country “will leave no act of aggression unanswered.” The two sides are still technically operating under a ceasefire, and top Iranian officials were in Doha meeting with Qatari mediators about making a deal with the U.S. when the strikes happened.The post Iran Moving World Cup Base to Mexico to Avoid Staying in U.S. appeared first on Front Office Sports.

They arrived together as first-round picks in 2025. Thirteen months later, things got awkward between them.And while the dust has settled for now on the one-sided social-media skirmish between Giants linebacker Abdul Carter and Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, it's not over.For those who unplugged over the three-day weekend, here's a summary. Dart introduced President Donald Trump during a New York rally on Friday. On Saturday morning, Carter expressed disapproval on Twitter. Later in the day, Carter declared that all is well — and chided those who reasonably reacted to Carter airing out internal laundry externally.Many of the reactions have been predictably hypocritical. They're wagging a finger at Carter for reacting to Dart's unforced error. And they're ignoring the fact that Dart lit the fuse on all of this.In the broader cost-benefit analysis that should have preceded Dart's acceptance of the invitation to introduce a polarizing and increasingly unpopular political figure, what was the potential gain? What was the potential loss?What was it that prompted Carter to sound off on Saturday morning? Was it the product of a stream of texts from teammates and/or family members and/or friends and/or NFL players Carter knows from other teams? Finally, what led to Carter doing a public about-face?Plenty of related questions should all be asked (regardless of whether they're satisfactorily answered) the next time the Giants make coaches and/or players available to reporters. And it will continue until Dart, Carter, and head coach John Harbaugh address the situation in a Q&A that hits the various salient points.For Dart: Why did you do it? Did you tell the team you were going to do it? Did you seek advice from anyone as to whether it was a good idea to do it?For Carter: Basically, the same questions as it relates to his Saturday morning tweet.For both, it will be interesting to know how their conversation came to be. Who called whom? What was said? Was there an intermediary involved?For Harbaugh: What did you think of Dart introducing Trump? What did you think of Carter's response? What role if any did you have in getting the fences mended?These are all fair questions, because the answers will shed plenty of light on whether the hatchet is truly buried — or whether they merely kicked the can for the good of the team. It remains to be seen which questions are asked, and what is said in response to each of them.

Last time Knicks were in NBA Finals: Revisiting 1999 Cinderella run led by Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Knicks trip to the NBA Finals is a long time coming, with the team clinching the Eastern Conference title for the first time in almost three decades.As the Knicks have dominated the playoffs thus far, fans are reminded of the last time the Knicks went far in the NBA playoffs, doing so in a much different fashion. While the Knicks were favorites in each of their three Eastern Conference series this year, they were underdogs in each series the last time they won the conference.If the Knicks can finish the job in the NBA Finals, they would break a 52-year drought to bring a title back to New York. Until then, Knicks fans can celebrate being able to watch their team play in the NBA Finals for the first time since the 1990s.Here's a breakdown of the last time the Knicks reached the NBA Finals.NBA PLAYOFFS HQ:Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracketLast time Knicks were in NBA FinalsThe Knicks haven't been in the NBA Finals since the 1999 season, when they made an unlikely run in a shortened season. The NBA had a lockout that year and didn't begin the season until the middle of January, which resulted in a 50-game season instead of the usual 82 games.New York went just 27-23 in the regular season and earned the No. 8 seed in the playoffs, but executed three-straight upsets to make the NBA Finals. It was the Knicks' second NBA Finals appearance of the 1990s but, like was th case in 1994, ended in a series loss.MORE: Knicks extend playoff winning streak to 111999 Knicks finals rosterPlayerPositionRick BrunsonPoint GuardMarcus CambyCenterChris ChildsPoint GuardBen DavidPower ForwardChris DudleyCenterPatrick EwingCenterAllan HoustonShooting GuardLarry JohnsonPower ForwardDennis ScottSmall ForwardLatrell SprewellSmall ForwardKurt ThomasPower ForwardCharlie WardPoint GuardHerb WilliamsCenterDavid WingateShooting GuardThe Knicks 1999 team was of course headlined by Patrick Ewing, the long-time Knick who anchored the team for most of his career. Ewing was 36 years old during this playoff run and near the end of his career, but still led the team in points per game in the regular season. However, Ewing was injured throughout the playoff run, which ended up limiting the team's upside.The rest of the Knicks roster was much different than the one that made the Finals just five years prior. Allan Houston was their best player, producing a strong season for a Knicks team that was a changing of the guard from the Ewing era. Charlie Ward and Kurt Thomas also joined Houston as the only players to play in all 50 games that year.New York also had Latrell Sprewell coming off the bench as one of the best sixth men in the league. Sprewell and Houston both averaged over 16 points per game and, in the playoffs, were the team's top two leading scorers.Larry Johnson filled out the starting rotation while Chris Childs, Chris Dudley and Marcus Camby came off the bench.The head coach of this team was Jeff Van Gundy, who took over for Don Nelson in 1996.MORE: NYPD arrest Knicks fan after ECF celebration1999 Knicks playoff runFirst round: Miami HeatThe Knicks first playoff series was the team's hardest in the Eastern Conference. New York drew the No. 1 seeded Miami Heat led by Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway and former Knicks head coach Pat Riley.The five-game series went the distance, as the Knicks took Games 1 and 3 along with the deciding Game 5. In that final game of the series, Allan Houston hit the game-winning shot in Miami to seal the deal and produce won of the iconic moments in Knicks history.25 years ago today...Allan Houston sank the game-winner in Game 5 of Round 1 to lift the No. 8 seed Knicks over the No. 1 seed Heat! pic.twitter.com/4WoqWfqHOz— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 16, 2024Second round: Atlanta HawksThe second round of the playoffs was pretty nondescript, as New York swept the No. 4 Atlanta Hawks in the seven game series. That Hawks team included Steve Smith, Mookie Blaylock and Dikembe Mutombo, but had no answers for New York despite the seed disparity."The Knicks have completely blown out the Hawks here in Game 4…four-game sweep…Knicks are going back to the Eastern Conference Finals after a four-year absence. They'll face the Indiana Pacers"– Mike Breen on this day in 1999 as NY stifles Atlanta 79-66; Allan Houston with 19 pic.twitter.com/q22cUAZ6w4— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 24, 2023Eastern Conference Finals: Indiana PacersThe Knicks and Indiana Pacers had a fierce rivalry in the 1990s, meeting in the playoffs several times. With Reggie Miller leading the charge, the Pacers always gave the Knicks a tough time, the two teams played each other six times in the playoffs between 1993 and 2000.New York once again took Games 1, 3 and 5 before closing it out in New York during Game 6. The biggest highlight of this series was in Game 3, when Larry Johnson executed a game-winning four-point play to take the game and secure a 2-1 lead en route to the series victory.Knicks-Pacers, 1999, Game 3, Larry Johnson pic.twitter.com/q7rpvAScdz— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) May 25, 2025NBA Finals: San Antonio SpursOnce the Knicks made the NBA Finals, New York finally ran into a team that was too tough to beat. The Spurs were 37-13 that year and were the best team in basketball, going 15-2 in the playoffs while dominating their competition.Tim Duncan and David Robinson led the way for a balanced Spurs team. Patrick Ewing was injured for this series, forcing Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston to try and carry the team. Ultimately, though, San Antonio won the series in five games.