The Atlanta Falcons were unable to land a big-name receiver to pair with Drake London, but they added several players to their WR room over the offseason. Aside from bringing back veteran Olamide Zaccheaus, the team signed former first-round pick Jahan Dotson, drafted Zachariah Branch and signed three UDFA receivers.While each player brings something different to the table, almost all of them have some kick/punt return ability. Fans are familiar with Zaccheaus, and generally have high hopes for Dotson, but what should they be expecting from the team's rookie receivers?Let's take a closer look at the Falcons' four rookie wideouts as the team begins its second week of OTAs. 1). WR Zachariah Branch (3rd round)2025 stats: 81 catches, 811 yards, 6 TDThe Falcons filled arguably their biggest need with a local prospect, taking Georgia's Zachariah Branch in the third round. The former USC standout transferred to Georgia in 2025 and recorded 81 catches for 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season. Branch has elite speed and should be a perfect complement to Drake London in Atlanta. The Falcons released Darnell Mooney and Khadarel Hodge at the start of the new league year, and while Dotson and Zaccheaus are solid depth pieces, the team lacked a true No. 2 wide receiver.The former Bulldog can contribute right away, even if he begins his NFL career with the Falcons as a slot receiver. Ultimately, we think he can eventually take over that No. 2 role. For now, he has a good chance to secure the team's starting kick and punt return duties."Branch's great burst and short-area quickness continuously created big plays in college, including 40 receiving first downs in 2025," wrote ESPN scouts. "He has elite initial acceleration and can separate from defenders quickly. Plus, he can stop and start on a dime. Branch does not shy away from contact and will run through traffic over the middle."Zachariah Branch 81 REC, 811 YDS, 6 TDs 2025 Season Highlights.pic.twitter.com/qIleg70ZFqhttps://t.co/DCt6Gvdp43— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) March 2, 20262). WR Vinny Anthony (UDFA)2025 Stats: 31 catches, 391 yards, 1 TDThe 6-foot, 190-pound wideout had better numbers during his 2024 season (39 catches for 672 receiving yards and four touchdowns), which could be why he went undrafted. Over his four seasons at Wisconsin, Anthony recorded 80 catches for 1,162 receiving yards and five touchdowns.The former Badgers wideout should add some competition in the slot while bringing some much-needed kick return ability (1,075 career kick return yards and one touchdown at Wisconsin). Anthony was guaranteed $265,000 to sign with the Falcons, which likely increases his chances of making the initial 53-man roster.Some NFL scouts feel Anthony could be better at the NFL level than he was in college. "Anthony is an undersized target with underwhelming college production, but the foot quickness, ball skills and level of detail in his routes suggest his best football will come in an NFL offense," wrote The Athletic's Dane Brugler. "He projects best inside, despite most of his college reps having come on the outside."Nice snag @VinnyAnthony1 🔥#TheDraftStartsInMobilepic.twitter.com/6gjIYtpPtc— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) March 5, 20263). WR Keelan Marion (UDFA)2025 Stats: 57 catches, 746 yards, 2 TDMarion began his career at Connecticut, recording 32 catches for 563 receiving yards over two seasons before transferring to BYU in 2021. After failing to make much of an impact with the Cougars, Marion transferred to Miami in 2025 and had a career year. He finished the season with 57 catches for a 746 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Marion recorded 133 catches for 1,871 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over his five collegiate seasons. Marion, like the others on this list, has experience as a kick returner. He returned 50 career kicks for 1,174 yards and two touchdowns. Marion showed some ability out of the backfield as well, rushing for 161 yards and five touchdowns over the last three seasons at BYU and Miami.At 6-foot, 195 pounds, Marion's role on offense would likely be in the slot. The former Hurricane is an above-average route runner and he's quick enough to be a force after the catch.Keelan Marion in the Fiesta Bowl: 7 REC 114 YDs1 TDWHAT A GAME. pic.twitter.com/xIy3XPEVBd— CanesMuse (@canes_muse) January 9, 20264). WR Le’Meke Brockington (UDFA)2025 Stats: 46 catches, 484 yards, 4 TDBrockington's 2025 season was the best of his collegiate career, finishing with 484 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound wideout appeared in 45 games for the Golden Gophers, recording 80 total catches for 1,042 receiving yards. The former Minnesota standout also has some kick return ability, which is a common trait of many of the team's latest wide receiver additions. Brockington averaged 26.8 yards per kick return over his four collegiate seasons. While his production at wide receiver was somewhat underwhelming, he has several traits that could translate to the NFL. He doesn't have elite speed but has good burst and strength as a receiver. Brockington even set a school record for wide receivers by squatting over 600 pounds.Le'Meke Brockington #Minnesota#NFLDraft- Read step off the line- Underhand attack tight to frame vs tight coverage at back- Consecutive spins to get free after the catch pic.twitter.com/gxrmJwtG7F— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) December 9, 2025Falcons' undrafted free agents: 14 players signedCheck out the full list of Falcons UDFA signings below:QB Jack Strand, MSU-Moorhead: Atlanta met with Strand before the draft and now he joins the team as its fourth quarterback. Last season, Strand had 3,546 yards and 42 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.RB Cash Jones, Georgia: Jones met with the team ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The pass-catching weapon is someone to watch in training camp.TE Jack Velling, Michigan State: The Falcons have signed former Michigan State tight end Jack Velling. Last season, Velling had 36 catches for 359 receiving yards and three touchdowns over 12 games in East Lansing.WR Keelan Marion, Miami: The Falcons are signing undrafted Miami wide receiver Keelan Marion, per report. Marion had 57 receptions for 746 receiving yards and two touchdowns for the Hurricanes last season.WR Vinny Anthony, Wisconsin: The former Badgers wideout will reportedly get $265,000 guaranteed to join Atlanta. Last season, he had 31 catches for 391 receiving yards and one touchdown.WR Le'Meke Brockington, Minnesota: The Falcons also signed Minnesota wide receiver Le'Meke Brockington. Last season, he had 46 catches for 484 receiving yards and four touchdowns for the Golden Gophers.OL Kam Dewberry, Alabama: The Falcons are signing former Alabama's Kam Dewberry. The former Crimson Tide offensive lineman gives the team another developmental guard prospect with some upside.OL Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin: The Falcons are signing Wisconsin offensive lineman Riley Mahlman. The 6-foot-8 left tackle is an intriguing developmental prospect.C James Brockermeyer, Miami: The Atlanta Falcons are signing Miami center James Brockermeyer. The former Hurricane offensive lineman can provide depth behind Ryan Neuzil in 2026.DT Carlos Allen, Houston: Atlanta has signed Houston defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr. The Falcons needed help at defensive tackle and Allen is someone to watch in training camp.LB Daveren Rayner, Kentucky: The Falcons signed former Kentucky linebacker Daveren Rayner following their rookie minicamp. DL CJ Nunnally, Purdue: The Falcons have signed former Purdue defensive lineman CJ Nunnally. CB Malcolm Dewalt, Akron: The Falcons are signing Akron CB Malcolm Dewalt. Last season, he had two interceptions, one forced fumble and eight passes defended.LSPhilip Florenzo, Clemson: The Falcons have signed long snapper Philip Florenzo out of Clemson. Florenzo was one of just seven long snappers at the combine.This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons resume OTAs: 4 rookie wide receivers look to impress

Virat Kohli’s reaction from the dugout became one of the talking points of the night after Rajat Patidar played a stunning six during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Qualifier One clash against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League at Dharamsala on Tuesday.Patidar reached his fifty in 21 balls with a six off Kagiso Rabada in the 17th over. On the very next ball, he produced one of the shots of the innings. Rabada bowled on a good length outside off, but Patidar stayed back and struck it over cover for another six. Kohli, watching from the dugout, looked surprised by the quality of the shot, and his reaction quickly went viral.— IPL (@IPL) RCB captain Patidar remained unbeaten on 93 off 33 balls, hitting five fours and nine sixes as RCB posted 254/5. He also took 28 runs from an over bowled by left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya.Kohli and Krunal Pandya added 43 runs each.Patidar changed the game with his knock after surviving two dropped catches. RCB scored 114 runs in the last six overs.The innings started quickly with Venkatesh Iyer attacking Mohammed Siraj with three early boundaries. He made 19 before Rabada dismissed him after being hit for a six.Rabada also troubled Kohli with pace and bounce, but the former RCB captain still scored a quick 43. Along with Devdutt Padikkal, who made 30, Kohli helped RCB reach 76/1 in the powerplay.GT fought back during the middle overs through disciplined bowling. Rashid Khan kept things tight, while Jason Holder removed Kohli and Padikkal in the space of three deliveries.Kulwant also bowled well initially before the match shifted in the 14th over. Patidar, batting on 18 and then 20, was dropped twice off Prasidh Krishna. Soon after, GT’s fielding slipped as Kulwant conceded 28 runs in an over that included misfields, two no-balls and a wide.Patidar took full advantage, attacking both Kulwant and Rashid, while Krunal supported him in a 95-run partnership. Krunal scored 43 before Rabada broke the stand, but by then RCB had already taken control.Patidar continued attacking till the end and helped the defending champions finish with the highest totals in IPL playoff history.

🚨 Mikel Arteta named LMA Manager of the Season Mikel Arteta has been named The League Managers Association Manager of the Season after ending Arsenal's 22-year wait for the Premier League title. The 44-year-old was voted for the award by his fellow managers across the top four leagues in England. Arteta led the Gunners to the title in fine style, winning their final five games and finishing seven points clear of Manchester City and the now-departed Pep Guardiola. Arteta beat off competition from the likes of Régis Le Bris, Keith Andrews and Unai Emery for his latest honour. Arsenal face Paris Saint-German in the Champions League on Saturday with the club looking to win their first-ever title, and Arteta aiming to join Sir Alex Ferguson, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Guardiola as the only men to win the double in the same season.

Behind the Numbers: The Squad Representing the Stars and Stripes at FIFA World Cup 2026In a nationally televised, fan-first event in New York City on Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled the 26-player roster that will represent the Stars and Stripes at FIFA World Cup 2026™ between June 11 and July 19.MORE: U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino Names 26-Player Roster for FIFA World Cup 2026The roster is headlined by 13 players previously named to the 2022 FIFA World Cup roster—namely Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams—and also featuring a collection of rising stars—Alex Zendejas, Sebastian Berhalter, Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman and Chris Brady—set to battle for minutes this summer.Next up, the squad heads to the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Ga. for the first USMNT training camp at the state-of-the-art facility, later hosting the Allstate Continental Clásico against African powerhouse Senegal on May 31, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., before facing Germany in front of a sold-out crowd on June 6, in Chicago, Ill. in the Coca-Cola Send-Off Match.For CountryThe squad has 505 total caps, with the team boasting an average of roughly 35 senior national team appearances. Six previous USMNT World Cup squads averaged more caps per player (1998, 2002, 2006, 1994, 2014, 2010), while five averaged fewer than (1930, 1934, 1950, 1990, 2022).With 84 caps, Christian Pulisic is the most experienced player on the roster, followed by fellow 2022 World Cup veterans Tim Ream (80 caps), Weston McKennie (64), Brenden Aaronson (57), Matt Turner (53), Tyler Adams (52), Antonee Robinson (52) and Tim Weah (49).Of the 26 players named to the World Cup squad, 13 were named to the 2022 USMNT World Cup squad; 11 of those 13 made an appearance in Qatar. Eight players from the 2026 squad started all four matches at the 2022 World Cup: Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Matt Turner and Tim Weah. The group has combined for 121 goals and 84 assists for the USMNT. The top scorers are Christian Pulisic (32 goals), Ricardo Pepi (13) and Weston McKennie, while the assist leaders are Christian Pulisic (19 assists), Antonee Robinson (9) and Weston McKennie (7).At the opening match against Paraguay on June 12, the 26-player roster will hold an average age of 26 years and 332 days, the fifth-youngest squad the United States has sent to a World Cup. The four youngest squads were in 1990 (24 years, 25 days), 2022 (25 years, 216 days), 1930 (26 years, 226 days), 1994 (26 years, 285 days).At 21 years old, Villarreal CF defender Alex Freeman is the youngest player on the roster, while Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream is the oldest at 38 years old.Several members of the squad have combined to lead the USMNT to five international trophies in recent years: the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup (1 player), the 2019–20 Concacaf Nations League (9), 2021 Gold Cup (3), the 2022–23 Nations League (14) and the 2023–24 Nations League (18).The roster features five U.S. Soccer Player of the Year award recipients: Christian Pulisic (2023, 2021, 2019, 2017), Chris Richards (2025), Antonee Robinson (2024), Tyler Adams (2022) and Weston McKennie (2020). Additionally, four U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year award recipients are also included on the roster: Ricardo Pepi (2021), Gio Reyna (2020), Sergiño Dest (2019) and Christian Pulisic (2016).The players represent hometowns in 12 different states: New York (4 players), California (3), Pennsylvania (3), Texas (3), New Jersey (2), Alabama (1), Delaware (1), Florida (1), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Missouri (1) and Ohio (1). Four other players have hometowns in three different foreign countries: England (2), Germany (1) and Netherlands (1).Seven players made their debut for the United States during the 2026 World Cup cycle: Alex Zendejas (Jan. 25, 2023 vs. Serbia), Auston Trusty (March 24, 2023 vs. Grenada), Folarin Balogun (June 15, 2023 vs. Mexico), Max Arfsten (Jan. 18, 2025 vs. Venezuela), Alex Freeman and Matt Freese (June 7, 2025 vs. Türkiye) and Sebastian Berhalter (June 10, 2025 vs. Switzerland).For ClubIn total, 21 clubs and 10 leagues are represented. There are two pairs of club teammates in the squad: PSV Eindhoven’s Sergiño Dest and Ricardo Pepi and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Gio Reyna and Joe Scally.The squad features numerous players who have won club trophies at the highest levels: FIFA Club World Cup (1 player), UEFA Champions League (1), Concacaf Champions Cup (1), UEFA Super Cup (3), DFB-Pokal (3), Coppa Italia (2), FA Cup (2), Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (2), Canadian Championship (1), MLS Cup (4), Eredivisie (3), German Bundesliga (2), French Ligue 1 (1) and EFL Championship (4), among other competitions.For the first time since the inception of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996, all three goalkeepers representing the USMNT at the World Cup play in the domestic league: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire FC), Matt Freese (New York City FC) and Matt Turner (New England Revolution).In addition to the seven MLS players representing American clubs, the inclusion of Alejandro Zendejas (Club América) and Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) marks the second time in the USMNT’s World Cup history in which the squad has included players representing clubs from the United States, Mexico and Canada (2014).Individual MilestonesShould he make an appearance against Paraguay on June 12, defender Tim Ream will become the oldest USMNT player to appear in a World Cup match at 38 years, 8 months and 7 days old, surpassing defender Fernando Clavijo who was 38 years, 4 months and 30 days old when he made his first appearance at the 1994 World Cup.Chicago Fire FC goalkeeper Chris Brady is the second uncapped player to be named to a USMNT World Cup squad after goalkeeper Juergen Sommer in 1994. Before that, only the 1950 World Cup featured uncapped players representing the United States.The USMNT’s Group Stage match against Australia at Seattle Stadium marks the first time in the USMNT’s World Cup history in which a player (Cristian Roldan, Seattle Sounders FC) will have the opportunity to participate in a World Cup match in his club stadium.

A Republican-led redistricting effort forced Representative Al Green, who has served 11 terms, and Christian Menefee, one of the newest members of Congress, into a battle for the same seat.

He wrote 31 books, often drawing on his experiences as a pro football publicist, a foreign correspondent and a gun-toting spokesman for the N.Y.P.D.

NEW DELHI: Rajat Patidar is rapidly cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous batters in IPL playoff history. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper once again rose to the occasion with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday.Patidar’s explosive knock powered RCB to a massive 254/5 - now the highest total ever recorded in IPL knockout history - while also adding another chapter to his stunning playoff legacy.The RCB captain looked visibly charged up after being handed two lifelines in the same over by GT fielders. He dismantled the Gujarat Titans bowling attack with fearless hitting, hammering five boundaries and nine massive sixes in a breathtaking display of power batting. Remarkably, Patidar played only one dot ball during the innings - a ball that eventually resulted in a bye — underlining the dominance of his knock.His strike rate of 281.81 is now the highest by a captain in an IPL innings of 50 or more.RCB went berserk in the death overs, smashing 86 runs in the final five overs and 114 in the last six overs to take the game away from Gujarat Titans.Patidar’s playoff record now speaks for itself. In six IPL playoff innings, he has scored 338 runs at an astonishing average of 112.66 and a strike rate of 193.14. His tally includes one century, two fifties, 25 fours and 24 sixes.His incredible playoff journey began with a memorable unbeaten 112 off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 Eliminator, followed by a crucial 58 against Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 that same season. Since then, he has continued to shine in knockout matches against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and now Gujarat Titans.Only Suresh Raina (40), MS Dhoni (28) and Kieron Pollard (25) have hit more sixes than Patidar in IPL playoff history.Rajat Patidar in IPL playoffs112* (54) vs LSG, Eliminator 202258 (42) vs RR, Qualifier 2, 202234 (22) vs RR, Eliminator 202415* (8) vs PBKS, Qualifier 1, 202526 (16) vs PBKS, Final 202593* (33) vs GT, Qualifier 1, 2026Overall playoff numbers:6 innings338 runsAverage: 112.66Strike rate: 193.141 century, 2 fifties25 fours, 24 sixesOnly Suresh Raina (40), MS Dhoni (28) and Kieron Pollard (25) have hit more sixes than Patidar in IPL playoffs history.Earlier, RCB got off to an aggressive start with Venkatesh Iyer attacking Mohammed Siraj before falling for 19 to Kagiso Rabada.Rabada also tested Virat Kohli with pace and bounce during an entertaining contest, but Kohli responded brilliantly with a fluent 43 off 25 balls. Alongside Devdutt Padikkal (30), Kohli helped RCB surge to 76/1 in the Powerplay.GT managed to pull things back briefly through disciplined spells from Rashid Khan and Jason Holder, who dismissed Kohli and Padikkal in quick succession.However, the contest swung dramatically in the 14th over bowled by Prasidh Krishna.Patidar, batting on 18 and later on 20, was dropped twice in the same over as GT’s fielding completely collapsed under pressure. Kulwant Khejroliya then endured a disastrous over that went for 28 runs and included misfields, two no-balls and a wide.Patidar capitalised fully on the reprieves.The RCB skipper tore into both Khejroliya and Rashid Khan, while Krunal Pandya chipped in with a valuable 43 during a rapid 95-run partnership. By the time Rabada finally dismissed Krunal, Patidar had already taken complete control of the contest.Patidar brought up his fifty with a towering six off Rabada and continued the assault till the final over, producing one of the finest innings ever witnessed in IPL playoff cricket.

Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec issued a strongly worded letter of support to the entire Red Raiders community Tuesday, May 26, in the wake of the NCAA's denial to reinstate the collegiate eligibility of quarterback Brendan Sorsby.In Schovanec's letter, a copy of which was obtained by USA TODAY Sports, the Texas Tech president said the university community was welcoming Sorsby back to campus following his completion of a gambling-addiction in-patient recovery period.The NCAA cannot speak on the status of eligibility reinstatement requests.USA TODAY Sports has learned that Sorsby has a court appearance Monday, June 1, as he seeks injunctive relief against the NCAA.Sorsby has been under investigation for what were alleged and he has not admitted were widespread wagers on a variety of sports that included bets on Indiana while Sorby was a member of the team."Last week, Brendan Sorsby completed an intensive inpatient treatment program for a diagnosed gambling addiction and anxiety disorder – a meaningful step forward in what will be a long recovery," Schovanec wrote in the letter. "This week, we will welcome Brendan back on campus. We share this update because transparency with our community is not optional; it is foundational to who we are."We want to be clear with you about what we believe, and why. Brendan himself has been open about his struggle with severe gambling addiction, and we believe his vulnerability deserves to be met with the full weight of this institution’s support. Our foremost priority in contemplating Brendan’s future with Texas Tech is his continued health and wellbeing."To provide the continued treatment, monitoring and support we believe Brendan needs, leaders in our athletics department have worked with Brendan’s treatment team to put forward a plan that we believe is right for Brendan, for our institution, and for the integrity of college athletics. That plan is comprehensive, thoughtful, and built to sustain his long-term recovery at Texas Tech and beyond."When Sorsby and his legal team filed for injunction earlier this month, the NCAA at that time pointed to the unambiguous language regarding the future eligibility of athletes who gamble either on NCAA sports at their school or their specific team."The NCAA generally doesn't comment on pending reinstatement requests, but the Association's sports betting rules are clear, as are the reinstatement conditions," the NCAA said in its May 18 statement. "When it comes to betting on one's own team, these rules must be enforced in every case for the simple reason that the integrity of the game is at risk. Every sports league has these protections in place, and the NCAA will continue to apply them equally because every student-athlete competing deserves to know they're playing a fair game." The NCAA has further highlighted these penalties - adopted three years ago by NCAA membership - as it pertains to gambling on NCAA athletics, from individual and-team specific punishment to other measures:"Betting on own individual performance or own team:permanent loss of eligibility," per the NCAA. "(Betting on another individual or team at the athlete's school): One year of ineligibility and loss of one year of eligibility."In layman's terms, a student-athlete who admits or is found to have gambled on a team or individual at the athlete's institution must sit out for one year of competition and also loses one of the athlete's current four years of eligibility.However, in its Tuesday later, Texas Tech made clear it was not yet done fighting for Sorsby's potential return to college football for a final season and what would be his first with the Red Raiders. Sorsby began his career at Indiana, transferred for two years to Cincinnati and then exited the Bearcats program for the reigning Big 12 Champion Red Raiders in January. Cincinnati has filed suit against Sorsby alleging breach of contract in a separate matter stemming from Sorsby's exit from the program. "Over the past month, we have given careful and deliberate thought to what is right – not only for Brendan’s recovery, but for his future as a student-athlete and a member of this community," Schovanec wrote. "Recently, the NCAA issued an initial ruling that Brendan is permanently ineligible to compete. Texas Tech will be appealing that decision. We believe that given the facts and the context of Brendan’s case, the NCAA’s ruling should be reversed or modified. As a generation of college athletes face the legalization and rapid proliferation of sports betting in our country, gambling addiction is rising to the point of epidemic among college aged men in particular. The NCAA’s stated mission includes “fostering [student-athletes'] lifelong well-being", and they have claimed their goal is to promote a “culture of care” for student athletes’ mental health. Gambling addiction is a clinically recognized behavioral disorder, as defined in the DSM-5."The NCAA’s own Chief Medical Officer has called for a “harm reduction approach” in dealing with problem gambling so that student-athletes can “seek support without fear of impacting their eligibility.” This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas Tech president blasts NCAA over Brendan Sorby eligibility

Derrick Henry has ideal response to Ravens change originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Baltimore Ravens will look a little different this year than what we've been accustomed to under John Harbaugh.With Jesse Minter in the big chair, Baltimore has a new voice and way of doing things, along with a new offensive coordinator as well.All of this change is due to the franchise's postseason failings and likely due to Harbaugh being there for so long; a fresh voice was needed.And while some see change as scary and something that is uncomfortable, running back Derrick Henry has a different way of looking at it."I mean, change can be good," Henry said via The Athletic. "We're all excited for everything. Everything is new, so we're all just trying to learn, but also enjoying it, taking it day by day, not trying to get too overwhelmed, but just being present in the moment."MORE:Jesse Minter's Ravens era gets major boost as OTAs beginRavens embracing changeWell, they didn't really have a choice, did they?For so long, Baltimore has been among the AFC elites, but Harbaugh couldn't get the team over the hump in the postseason over the past handful of seasons.So, a change was made, and now it is Minter who is tasked with getting Baltimore back to the summit of the NFL.Granted, it won't be easy to accomplish because of the unpredictable nature of football, but the pieces are there. It just all has to come together.Let the Minter era begin.More NFL news:Bills' Josh Allen will 'break every record' if 1 thing happensTy Simpson reveals 'big advantage' being drafted to RamsAnalyst offers brutal coaching reality for Buccaneers' Todd Bowles in 2026Commanders get horrible ranking that greatly impacts Jayden DanielsChargers' Justin Herbert set to benefit from 'mad scientist' in 2026

The hot topic of conversation here at SEC spring meetings is the size of the College Football Playoff. It’s a 12-team field right now, but should it be 16? What about 24? Opinions are mixed, which isn’t terribly surprising. Some coaches say increased access is critically important, especially as the league moves to a grueling nine-game conference schedule. Others want to preserve the SEC championship game; its future existence would be very much in doubt with an expanded CFP, especially one that doubles the size of the current bracket. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko had perhaps the most candid take on the whole ordeal. First, he reminded reporters that coaches’ preferences don’t really matter. They can provide input to the overall expansion discussion, but they won’t get a final say. And, if he’s being honest, coaches are going to act in their own self-interest anyway. Which, frankly, is a central part of the entire expansion debate. “There’s self-preservation, right?” Elko said Tuesday. “If you really ask me, on the record, what does Mike Elko want? I want 40, because then I'll make it, and then I won't get fired.” A reporter told Elko that, at some point, making a hypothetical 40-team CFP wouldn’t be enough and he could still get fired after securing a spot (and subsequently losing). “That’ll take a few years,” he said with a smile. “Then, I’ll want something else.” In all seriousness, Elko’s point is right. Of course coaches want a bigger CFP field because they are judged on making or missing the Playoff. For that reason, he says it’s not even worth asking coaches about this. "None of us are answering for the good of the sport,” Elko said. “We are answering for the good of ourselves." That’s the quiet part, said out loud. That’s the biggest benefit of an expanded Playoff in an era where it’s Playoff-or-bust — more teams can say they had a successful season. That includes teams lower on the food chain, programs that have a hard time breaking into the sport’s uppermost echelon. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian took issue with the way we — media, fans, boosters — frame success and failure. “I feel for people because there are only 12 teams that get in, and we have close to 70 Power Four schools,” Sarkisian said. “The disappointment for the majority of these fan bases [is] because they all live with a Playoff-or-bust mentality.” The markers of success from the past aren’t the same anymore. We don’t celebrate simply making bowl games, or an Outback Bowl, or even a New Year’s Six game. Anything outside of the CFP is perceived as a failure, which is why players started opting out of those games — and continue to opt out of those games. 06:35Conference championship games have been ‘devalued’Nicole Auerbach and Joshua Perry discuss the viability of conference championship games going forward should the NCAA move to expand the College Football Playoff. “We're minimizing the value of an SEC championship, all with the hopes of just winning a national championship, and one team gets one of those,” Sarkisian said. “One of the beauties of college sports and of college football for a long, long time — when there was no BCS, there was nothing — they just figured out who the champion was. We went to two teams, and then we went to four teams, and even at four teams, it was like, ‘OK, we know who those four are. The rest of these teams can have really good seasons and celebrate their seasons.’ “Now, we've gotten to 12, and the tables have turned. I watched a coach get fired five games into a season last year after having been in the semifinals the year before, — that's concerning to me about the health of our sport. … Gosh, to just to hang one carrot out there that we're all chasing every single year with a format that's really not conducive for everybody to have an opportunity to win it, that's a scary proposition to me.” It makes all the sense in the world that a high-profile coach with an expensive roster would feel that way. But it’s also why we’re in the middle of an expansion debate two years into the 12-team CFP era — because coaches and those pouring money into their programs need landing spots. “When you start talking about, like, ‘Oh, well, this team didn't get in, so we have to expand it,’ and then, ‘this team didn't get in, so we have to expand it more’ … Like, the cool thing about our sport is it has always been a challenge to get into the Playoff,” Elko said. “Every year there are good teams — whether it was four, whether it's 12 — there are good football teams who don't make it. “It’s OK to make it hard to get into the Playoff.” He’s not alone in feeling that way, but the voices on the other side of the debate are pretty loud. The Big Ten coaches were unified in their support of the 24-team field. There’s a lot of support in the ACC and Big 12 as well. A number of other SEC coaches are open to a bracket that big as long as it doesn’t push the CFP title game back further. And while the coaches don’t get a final say — SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said he doesn’t think his coaches all have the same opinion on this topic, and he’s not sure he needs consensus on the issue anyway — it’s still helpful when they admit what’s really driving the debate, which is why we ask the questions. Self-preservation is the answer, but will it be enough to double the size of the bracket? We’ll soon find out.

Georges St-Pierre spent the first episode of his new podcast training with a fellow all-time great.Former UFC two-division champion St-Pierre invited ex-UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson to his home in Montreal, Quebec, Canada where the pair played video games, ping pong, and later trained at Tristar Gym with coach Firas Zahabi.Watch Episode 1 of St-Pierre's new podcast below:This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Georges St-Pierre launches podcast, features UFC legend in Episode 1

NEW YORK (AP) — The 2026 U.S. World Cup roster announced Tuesday:Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England)Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Marseille), Haji Wright (Coventry), Alejandro Zendejas (América)___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

DANVILLE — The Southwestern Lady Warriors were faced with taking down Mercer County in the first round of the 12th Region Softball Tournament on Monday, a team they had lost to earlier in the season by a seven run margin. However, as the saying goes, that was then and this is now.Southwestern built a 6-1 lead that slowly got trimmed down until they were ahead by just one run in the final inning, with the Warriors able to pull off a 6-5 victory thanks to some insane fielding plays.This was a story of the pitching early on, as both Jayla Singleton and Ella Davis held their respective opponent to just one run, that was until the Warriors had an explosion of offense in the bottom of the fourth. Following one-out singles from both Maggie Gregory and Makenna New, an error scored the first of what would be many runs in the frame.A sacrifice hit from Chloe Carroll gave the Warriors another run but brought them down to their final out of the inning. AFter a double from Kylie Dalton and a walk on Abigail Whitescarver, a two-RBI double from Lauren Hensley gave the Warriors a 6-1 advantage.Mercer was then able to slowly cut into the lead until the top of the seventh, where they found themselves trailing by just two runs. An RBI single by the Titans trimmed that deficit to just one with no outs. No outs, however, quickly turned to two outs after an insane double play was turned as they got runners out at both first base and home plate. The bases were loaded again after two walks, before a long fly ball was tracked down by Carroll in left field to clinch a 6-5 victory for the Warriors. Both Maggie Gregory and Zoie Lowery had the same thing to say after the game, and it seems to be a mantra with this Warriors team:Dalton and Hensley each had two RBI’s apiece in the win, with Carroll adding one of her own. Gregory, New and Whitescarver each had one hit apiece. Jayla Singleton had the start on the mound and went three innings, allowing one run on two hits with two walks and one strikeout. Whitescarver earned the win in relief, pitching three innings while allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits with five walks. Gregory earned the save, pitching the final inning and allowing one hit with three walks.Southwestern improves to 22-12 and will take on Casey County in the semifinals on Tuesday.

TIFFIN - A lead always makes pitching easier."It's almost like a weight off my shoulders," Lexington's Tyler Galownia said.He manufactured the Minutemen's opening run in the top of the first drawing a four-pitch walk, advancing to second on a wild pitch, then scoring on a hard hit ball by Graham Clark. That was all the added assurance he needed to pitch five-seed Lexington past three-seed Wapakoneta 5-1 in a Division III district semifinal at Tiffin University's Paradiso Athletic Complex.MORE: 'Play like soup' the motto for Rams during softball tournament run"Against Norwalk we didn't score until the fifth inning, it was just intense the whole time," Galownia said of their sectional championship. "You don't know when you're gonna, or if you're gonna, get a run ... we came out today and put one up in the first and two in the third to make it 3-0 and give us a little bit of wiggle room."He faced no more than four batters in each of the first four innings before getting the Minutemen out of bases loaded jams in the fifth and the sixth to preserve the five-run lead the offense had built adding two more runs in the fifth. All while working with possibly the tightest strike zone he has seen this season."It's tough, but they were working with the same exact zone, so you just gotta bear down and find the zone any way you can," Galownia said. "It's gonna change every game, you have some really good ones and really bad ones, you just never know."The last two innings I could not find my curveball and it was starting to eat at me. I really wanted to get through the whole game, but it just wasn't in the books. But I had all the confidence in Cole (Eichorn), he came in and shut the door."MORE: Ontario, Madison set to square off in Division III regional semifinalsAfter throwing 118 pitches with four strikeouts and five walks, Eichorn came on in relief and secured the program's first district championship appearance in nine years."It's so awesome for our team," coach J.R. Davis said. "That's one thing they were talking about when we came in here, they're used to districts and they're used to being at that level. But I'm ecstatic for these seniors because they've been playing together since they were really young. One goal was to get to the district championship, then keep going as far as you can."This means a lot to me, but I know it means more to them."Galownia finished 3-for-3 at the plate with one run, one RBI, one walk, and one hit by pitch. Markale Martin had two hits, two runs, one RBI, one walk; Eichorn and Carson Fisher scored the other team runs, Fisher also had an RBI."I was just trying to get on base so we could manufacture runs, put the bat to the ball," Galownia said. "Baseball is a fun game, some kids are lining out at 110 and you got me getting little 57 mile per hour singles ... you just gotta make sure you can get on base no matter what.""When we got someone on base, we'd get a bunt and some clutch hitting, that was a big thing for us," Davis added. "We're either scoring nine runs a game, or only one or two, it's just all about execution at that point. Every time we had someone on base we executed and got somebody in, that's how you win big games against big opponents."Lexington will return to Heminger Field on the campus of Tiffin University on Thursday at 5 p.m. to face two-seed Sylvania Southview as the Minutemen are seeking their first district championship since 2017."It's awesome, one final ride with my best friends," Galownia said. "We've been playing since travel ball, I couldn't pick a more fun group to play with."zholden@gannett.com | 419-617-6018 | Twitter/X: @Zachary_HoldenThis article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Lexington baseball into district championship, first time since 2017

Analyst has interesting underappreciated player choice for Buccaneers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will embark on the 2026 season under immense pressure across the organization after last season's failure.Todd Bowles is in the hot seat, and Baker Mayfield is entering a contract year, so the Buccaneers have to get this thing back on track, and one way to do that is to have everyone buy in and play their role.Yes, there are the big stars like Chris Godwin and Vita Vea who many look at, but there are others who could also be part of the push back to the playoffs.NFL.com's Tom Blair has named an underappreciated player for each NFC team, and he's landed on Cade Otton for the Buccaneers."Otton, meanwhile, has been there for Mayfield, ranking second on the team in targets in each of the past two years and second in total offensive snaps over Mayfield's three years with the team (behind only Mayfield himself),” Blair wrote.“Mayfield definitely has enjoyed more success with Otton than with any other NFL tight end, and I imagine seeing the big target out there is plenty comforting -- well worth the $10 million Otton is getting from the Bucs per year on the extension he signed in March.”MORE:Derrick Henry has ideal response to Ravens changeCan Otton be "the" guy for Mayfield?He can, and he's proven to be a dependable target with 600 and 572 yards in the last two seasons, along with a combined 5 TDs and 59 receptions in each year.But with Mike Evans no longer on the roster, I get the sense everyone will need to take a step up in production, starting with Godwin and Emeka Egbuka, and then Otton as the starting tight end.An unassuming talent, Otton has been productive with Mayfield over the past two seasons, but in 2026, he might have to have a greater impact on games to help cover the loss of Evans.With Godwin, Egbuka, and Bucky Irving as the "top" weapons, the underappreciated Otton could feast in a way we haven't seen before.More NFL news:Jesse Minter's Ravens era gets major boost as OTAs beginTy Simpson reveals 'big advantage' being drafted to RamsAnalyst offers brutal coaching reality for Buccaneers' Todd Bowles in 2026Commanders get horrible ranking that greatly impacts Jayden DanielsChargers' Justin Herbert set to benefit from 'mad scientist' in 2026

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 20: Spencer Horwitz #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the second inning at Busch Stadium on May 20, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images Much has been made of the Pirates’ new-look offense in 2026.After posting one of the worst offensive seasons in franchise history last year, the Pirates have blossomed into one of the best lineups in the sport.Don’t believe it? It’s easy to think after the team finished in the bottom five of most offensive categories, but the numbers don’t lie.The Pirates are tied for third in hits (8.6), tied for fourth in batting average (.249), fifth in on-base (.331), tied for fifth in runs per game (4.8),and 11th in OPS (.717). Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Konnor Griffin debuting have been considerable reasons why, but the Pirates wouldn’t be where they are if it wasn’t for one of the most underrated players in the National League.First baseman Spencer Horwitz is exactly what the Pirates need.A contact-first approach but capable of hitting the ball out of the park, Horwitz isn’t a prototypical first baseman. The Pirates don’t need him to be.Horwitz is batting .282, third best on the team, and hit leadoff for the Pirates on Sunday and Monday. He’s hit as low as eighth in the lineup, including Tuesday. Horwitz is tied sixth in the NL with a team-high .389 on-base percentage, trailing All-Stars Brice Trang (.410), James Wood (.405), Shohei Ohtani (.403), Corbin Carroll (.399), and young stars Xavier Edwards (.391) and Drake Baldwin (.389).He swings a solid bat from the left side, owning a .832 OPS in 149 at-bats. Horwitz struggles against lefties (.190 average) and tends to sit against left-handed starters, but is batting close to .300 (.297) against righties in 128 at-bats.Horwitz is somewhat of a throwback player who can hit the ball the other way, make solid contact, and doesn’t strike out. For a lineup that includes Cruz (on pace to record the most strikeouts in franchise history), Reynolds, Lowe, Marcell Ozuna, and Henry Davis, Horwitz’s approach is a necessity to balance the roster construction.The 28-year-old former Blue Jay is the only Pirate regular to earn more walks (26) than strikeouts (24). Horwitz homered off Dylan Cease in Toronto in the Bucs’ 4-1 win on Sunday afternoon.Good teams need players like Horwitz who won’t gain significant attention but find a way to come through. He’s hit five home runs and driven in 23.Baseball Savant adds an additional element to Horwitz’s success, ranking him in the 86th percentile in batting run value.He doesn’t hit the ball all that hard (17th) or have a good barrel percentage (19th), but squares up the ball (87th) and doesn’t chase poor pitches (77th).Horwitz ranks in the 94th percentile in whiff percentage and is zigging when the league zags to the three true outcomes. His strikeout (90th) and walk (89th) percentiles are some of the best in the sport.He won’t hit the ball 440 feet, make flashy defensive plays, or easily score from first on a ball in the gap, but Spencer Horwitz is more valuable than many people think.If the Pirates are going to climb the difficult NL Central stairway to a playoff bid, Horwitz is going to be a major reason why the Bucs have their most competitive and complete offense in a decade.

Victoria Li, 12, of Eastvale, Calif., spells his word during the preliminary round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee at DAR Constitution Hall, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)2026-05-26T21:10:28Z WASHINGTON (AP) — After 15 years at a convention center in suburban Maryland, the Scripps National Spelling Bee moved this year to a grand stage befitting the stakes of the competition: Constitution Hall, Washington’s largest dedicated concert venue.Not everyone at this week’s competition appreciates the change.“I feel like they should not have moved it. The old venue was better. Because it’s a bit of a hassle, getting on the bus and going there and then coming back,” said 14-year-old Yahya Mohammed, a three-time speller from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. “The old venue was more spacious, and it feels kind of isolated in the hotel.”As the National Spelling Bee began with Tuesday’s preliminary rounds, spellers and their families marveled at the historical significance of their new venue and the nearby cultural opportunities while also dealing with logistical hurdles: crowded hallways, limited dining options and shuttle bus rides to and from their hotel. Built in 1929 by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Constitution Hall sits a few blocks from the Washington Monument and the White House. Spellers and their families are staying at the nearby J.W. Marriott, a favored haunt of lobbyists and interest groups, and the quickest route to the competition venue would normally be a stroll across the Ellipse, the grassy expanse south of the Executive Mansion. However, the Ellipse is surrounded by temporary fencing and security checkpoints as crews construct an outdoor octagon on the South Lawn of the White House for UFC Freedom 250, a June 14 event timed for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.“Two very disparate forms of entertainment,” said Rajeev Malhotra of Boston, the father of speller Rajeev Malhotra, describing the bee and the mixed martial arts extravaganza. Read More Venue change brings heavy security but plenty of history and cultureSecurity was beefed up at the hall, with guards and metal detectors stationed at every entrance and explosive-sniffing dogs patrolling the hallways. Three blocks away and three days earlier, a man opened fire at a White House security checkpoint, injuring a bystander before he was fatally shot by Secret Service officers.At the prior venue, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland, spellers moved freely throughout the building, roaming between their hotel rooms, the ballroom that housed the competition stage and a massive food court where they grabbed quick meals between last-minute study sessions. “Last year was better,” said Arpit Aggarwal of Columbia, Missouri, whose daughter, Ananya, is competing for the second time. “Everything was in one place.”“It’s an adjustment,” Ananya’s mom, Deepti Bahl, said diplomatically.Other spellers appreciated the buzz of gathering downtown, saying it was more appropriate for a national competition. The bee began in 1925 and was held at a series of Washington hotels before it moved to the suburbs in 2011.“I just love being here, right next to the National Mall. You can see the Smithsonian, you can see the Jefferson Memorial. It’s such a lively and unique city and I love being in the heart of it,” said three-time speller Oliver Halkett, a 14-year-old from Los Angeles. “There’s so much history, there’s so much culture. The memorials and the museums are fascinating to go to.” Speller Andie Seavey of Fairbanks, Alaska, and her mom, Kristin, went to see the musical “The Great Gatsby” at the National Theater next door to the hotel.After 80 spellers were eliminated Tuesday during onstage spelling and vocabulary rounds, the remaining 167 competitors reconvened at the hotel for a high-stakes written test that determined the 100 or so who would move on to Wednesday morning’s quarterfinals. The competition concludes Thursday night. At the spelling bee, the bell is not necessarily the endLast year, Faizan Zaki won the National Spelling Bee even though he misspelled a word and heard the dreaded bell rung by head judge Mary Brooks. In fact, he knew it after a few letters. He stopped spelling and told Brooks, “Just ring the bell.”Faizan’s flub let his two remaining competitors back in, since all three misspelled during the round.Kushi Gottimukkala of Morrisville, North Carolina, is one of a few spellers competing this year who know what that feels like.At her regional bee, sponsored by the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, it was down to Kushi and two other spellers for the final spot at nationals. She misspelled “anchialine,” and she thought it was over, only to see the other two spellers mess up.Kushi rode the emotional roller coaster and ultimately got through.“I was still thinking about the mistake, but I was also really grateful that I got a second chance, and so I took that into consideration and decided to focus on my next word,” she said. Spellers have to prepare for the possibility that missing a word isn’t necessarily the end. Oliver Halkett, too, has competed in a bee where he got a word wrong but wasn’t eliminated. He battled through the disappointment by focusing only on the word in front of him.“It’s a peculiar situation, but I think, above all, mental clarity is so important, especially in those latter rounds,” he said. “I close my eyes and do some deep breathing and I visualize the word, and it’s just me and the word. That’s how you have to approach every single word.“Treat every word as if it’s your first and last word.”___Ben Nuckols has covered the Scripps National Spelling Bee since 2012. Follow his work here. BEN NUCKOLS Nuckols is a sports writer and editor who covers football, basketball, baseball, golf and other sports. He has covered the National Spelling Bee since 2012. twitter mailto

In this photo provided by NASA and captured by the Artemis II crew from lunar orbit, the Moon eclipses the Sun on April 6, 2026. (NASA via AP, File)2026-05-26T20:59:10Z CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA is already ordering landers, rovers and drones for a sprawling moon base, less than two months after the Artemis II’s record-breaking lunar flyaround. The space agency outlined the first phase of its moon base plans on Tuesday, awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four U.S. companies. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will provide a pair of landers to deliver moon buggies to the lunar surface, at a spot near the moon’s south pole. These so-called lunar terrain vehicles will be built by Astrolab and Lunar Outpost. Firefly Aerospace, which landed successfully on the moon last year, will deliver the first drones to the moon. All this hardware is ideally supposed to arrive before the first Artemis astronauts land on the moon, planned for as early as 2028. During April’s Artemis II mission, four astronauts flew around the moon, traveling deeper into space than the Apollo moon crews did during the late 1960s and early 1970s. For next year’s Artemis III, another team of astronauts will practice docking NASA’s Orion capsule in orbit around Earth with the lunar landers being developed for crews by Blue Origin and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. NASA is targeting Artemis III for mid-2027, with a landing by two astronauts following as soon as 2028. The moon base’s second phase, from 2029 into the early 2030s, will start building up the permanent infrastructure, including a power grid. As for when the base will be ready to support astronauts for extended periods in specialized permanent habitats, that’s expected sometime in the 2030s, during the third phase. “Then we’ll be able to say, ‘Hey, we’re permanently here and we’re not giving it up,’” said NASA’s moon base program executive Carlos Garcia-Galan. Read More Garcia-Galan envisions a moon base sprawling over hundreds of square miles, with a perimeter marked by drones, dubbed MoonFall, stationed at the corners. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said these territory markers are meant to be respectful of other countries’ spacecraft and equipment that might be nearby. He expects reciprocity in the matter.The goal of the moon base is to encourage a lunar economy while conducting scientific research and laying the foundation for a Mars expedition, Isaacman stressed.“For those waiting patiently, the grand return is close at hand and we will not slow down,” Isaacman said. “We are really just getting started.”___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

President Trump has sought revenge in G.O.P. primaries. Democrats have turned out to vote in large numbers. Republicans have gained a redistricting advantage.

For this family of five, the laundry room was the most used space in the house — but it wasn’t working for them when they first moved in. Now, it’s filled with even more storage, organization, and joy. READ MORE...

Kulwant Khejroliya endured one of the costliest overs in IPL playoffs history as Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned the match around in the 15th over against Gujarat Titans during Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala on Tuesday.Khejroliya conceded 28 runs in the over, the second most expensive over in IPL playoffs history after Parvinder Awana’s 33-run over for PBKS against CSK in 2014. The over included two no-balls, a wide, a misfield and three boundaries from Rajat Patidar.The over started quietly with singles from Krunal Pandya and Patidar. Things changed quickly after Krunal hit a high full toss for four behind square. RCB reviewed the delivery for height and it was called a no-ball, giving them a free hit. The next ball was wide outside off, and another boundary followed when Nishant Sindhu failed to stop a shot at deep point.Khejroliya then overstepped again while Krunal squeezed out a single, handing Patidar another free hit. Patidar took full advantage. He first lofted a near-yorker over mid-off for four, then used a slower ball to flick a six over long leg. On the final ball, he cleared his front leg and hit another boundary over mid-on to finish the over with 28 runs.That over completely changed the momentum of the innings as RCB finished with 254/5.Patidar remained unbeaten on 93 off 33 balls, hitting nine sixes and five fours after surviving two dropped catches. RCB scored 86 runs in the last five overs and 114 in the final six overs.The innings had started quickly with Venkatesh Iyer attacking Mohammed Siraj early before falling to Kagiso Rabada for 19.Rabada also tested Virat Kohli with pace and bounce, but Kohli still made 43. Along with Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 30, Kohli helped RCB reach 76/1 in the powerplay.GT fought back in the middle overs through tight bowling from Rashid Khan and wickets from Jason Holder, who removed Kohli and Padikkal in the space of three balls.However, the game changed after Patidar was dropped twice by GT off Prasidh Krishna. Patidar and Krunal then added 95 runs together before Rabada dismissed Krunal for 43. Patidar continued attacking till the end and guided RCB to one of the highest totals in IPL playoff history.

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Eddie Goldman worked out for the New York Giants on Tuesday, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Goldman has retired multiple times over the last few years, but he apparently hasn't had his fill of NFL action."Veteran DT Eddie Goldman, who played last year for the Commanders, worked out for the Giants today, source said," reported Rapoport. "The 32-year-old started six games in 2025."The Falcons initially signed Goldman in 2022, back when defensive coordinator Dean Pees was still in Atlanta. However, the former Chicago Bears defensive tackle had a change of heart and retired before the 2022 NFL season started.The following year, Goldman attempted to return to Atlanta but changed his mind and sat out for another full season. In 2024, he was reinstated by the NFL and finally played made his Falcons debut.During his lone season in Atlanta, Goldman appeared in all 17 games (10 starts), and recorded 16 tackles (seven solo), three QB hits and one sack. Last year, the veteran nose tackle signed with the Washington Commanders. In other roster news, former Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. has signed with the Miami Dolphins. Atlanta returned to the field on Tuesday to begin its second round of OTAs.Check out the team's updated 90-man roster gallery below.This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Former Falcons DT Eddie Goldman works out with New York Giants

May 26—It takes a lot to be a college athlete.It takes talent, of course. But it also involves a commitment that overshadows the amount of time required of even the most involved high school athletes. And, of course, there is the academic end of things.So far this year, the West Central Tribune area has five students have made commitments to NCAA Division I programs for athletics, making them the elite of the elite. Three are from the the Class of 2026 and two are from the Class of 2027.The seniors areand Litchfield football player Noah Dietel. Both are headed to South Dakota State University in Brookings. The other senior is Minnewaska track and field star Jayda Kolstoe, who is going to North Dakota State University in Fargo.From the Class of '27, the two are Willmar's Ellery DeBoer and Montevideo's Griffin Epema. DeBoer will compete in volleyball at Michigan State University. Epema is headed to the University of St. Thomas for baseball.NCAA Division II athletes also receive athletic scholarships and there are a bevy of area athletes headed to colleges in Division II. There are also NCAA Division III commtiments. In Division III, there are no athletic scholarships. The same goes for those attending Division III junior colleges.Here is a list of known college commitments from the West Central Tribune area. If there is someone not listed, please send an email toSport: Track and fieldCollege: Gustavus AdolphusAffiliation: Division IIISport: FootballCollege: Southwest Minnesota StateAffiliation: Division IISport: Track and fieldCollege: Minnesota State-MankatoAffiliation: Division IISport: WrestlingCollege: South Dakota StateAffiliation: Division ISport: Women's basketball, track and fieldCollege: Hamline UniversityAffiliation: Division IIISport: BasketballCollege: Northern State (S.D.)Affiliation: Division IISport: FootballCollege: South Dakota StateAffiliation: Division ISport: BaseballCollege: Northern State (S.D.)Affiliation: Division IISport: WrestlingCollege: Augustana University (S.D.)Affiliation: Division IISport: WrestlingCollege: University of ChicagoAffiliation: Division IIISport: BasketballCollege: Minnesota-MorrisAffiliation: Division IIISport: BasketballCollege: Minnesota State-MankatoAffiliation: Division IISport: BasketballCollege: United States Merchant MarinesAffiliation: Division IIISport: BasketballCollege: Northwestern of IowaAffiliation: NAIASport: Track and FieldCollege: North Dakota StateAffiliation: Division ISport: GolfCollege: Augustana University (S.D.)Affiliation: Division IISport: FootballCollege: Concordia-MoorheadAffiliation: Division IIISport: Cross-country and trackCollege: Southwest Minnesota StateAffiliation: Division IISport: BaseballCollege: Southwest Minnesota StateAffiliation: Division IISport: GolfCollege: Northwest Nazarene (Idaho)Affiliation: Division IISport: BaseballCollege: Minnesota State-MankatoAffiliation: Division IISport: VolleyballCollege: Michigan State UniversityAffiliation: Division ISport: BaseballCollege: University of St. ThomasAffiliation: Division ISport: VolleyballCollege: University of Sioux FallsAffiliation: Division II

Being included on USMNT roster means Gio Reyna can rewrite his personal history at 2026 FIFA World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.On a day when his roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was announced, when the United States men’s national team could revel in its status as the home team and the public celebration of the 26 players as they were presented, manager Mauricio Pochettino appeared disinclined to say much about whom he had chosen and those excluded or how they’d all been informed of their status.Then someone asked about young midfielder Gio Reyna.And suddenly the man called “Poch” wasn’t so interested in abbreviation.“I think we all know Gio has amazing talent – and experience, too,” Pochettino said in the press conference that followed the official USMNT roster announcement. “To play in a non-official game or to play in different competitions is not the same as to play in a World Cup. I think we need to trust in the players that have experience, and I think that is really important.“During our process, we challenged these experienced players. Why? Because we wanted to get the best, we wanted to be competitive, we wanted to change this mindset. I think him, from the last time he was involved, he was fantastic. He can add different things to the team, he has the quality to stop the ball. I really trust in him.”2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsPochettino stressed that does not mean Reyna is assured a starting spot, and it’s interesting that we can trace the arrival of this USMNT manager to the last time this player was delivered this message.Considered by many in the sport to be even more purely gifted than USMNT veterans Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah – all of them playing regularly in top European leagues – Reyna’s playing experience at the 2022 World Cup consisted of two appearances totaling 53 minutes. His general experience in Qatar was something altogether different. And the result was an episode that changed the direction of the USMNT.The labeling of this group as a “Golden Generation” always was overstated, tied more to the beauty of alliteration than a realistic assessment of its stature on the world stage. But it once was at least a Bronze Bunch, capable of entering the conversation among World Cup threats the way Morocco did because of such players as Achraf Hakimi and Sofyan Amrabat.What disrupted a similar progression from the Americans was the Reyna reality show that enveloped the USMNT at the end of 2022 and much of 2023. Now he has been presented an opportunity to reimagine his personal history, and possibly that of the national team, with his selection to this World Cup squad.BONN:Breaking down the official USMNT World Cup roster for the 2026 FIFA tournamentWith Reyna still only 23, his inclusion remains more a product of his promise than anything achieved for his country or club. He’s made just five appearances for the USMNT since the start of 2025 and scored one goal in those games; by contrast, Real Salt Lake’s industrious Diego Luna played 16 times for the national team in that period, starting nine, and delivered four goals and three assists.In his first season with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany’s Bundesliga, Reyna played in 19 league games, four of them starts, and scored one goal. He’s started only 10 league games in his past four club seasons.Pochettino was quoted in Thursday’s broadcast program on Fox saying, “We don’t need the best players; we need the right players.” But choosing Reyna leans heavily on the former.Even with three days to consider the USMNT roster before it was made official Tuesday, we still don’t have a firm idea of what this team will look like upon taking the field June 12 against Paraguay.It’s jarring to look back four years – for example, through the lens of the HBO series “U.S. Against The World” – and recall how established the form and function of the USMNT was in advance of the 2022 World Cup at Qatar. It definitely was not a perfect team: young, inexperienced in World Cup play, lacking an established striker.One can quarrel with the credentials of that team’s head coach, Gregg Berhalter, and legions did. And yet he clearly established in advance of the tournament how he wanted that group to play. They were aligned in a 4-3-3 formation with the midfield trio of Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams encouraged to control possession, more than any U.S. World Cup team ever had. They were to defend as a group and attempt to transform their dominance of the ball into sufficient scoring opportunities to gain the desired result.They tied Wales after a single defensive mistake cost them despite their grip on the game; they fought to a draw against a more talented England squad and they broke through a more experienced Iran defense to gain the victory needed to advance. They allowed just one goal in group play; in the modern era starting in 1990, they gave up three or more (usually more) in all seven previous World Cups.All that imploded after the United States were eliminated in the Round of 16 by the Netherlands, and more so once the controversy cycloned into public view regarding Reyna’s comportment in Qatar. Berhalter made comments at a private event about a player who’d nearly been sent home from the World Cup for “not meeting expectations on and off the field,” which reportedly included an obvious lack of effort in a closed-door exhibition game in advance of the tournament. Reyna later acknowledged in a statement he was "devastated" about being assigned a reserve role, although his phrasing spun that as "very limited".After Berhalter’s comments were made public, and after intrepid American soccer writers verified Reyna to be the player in question, the coach’s tentative hold on his position never would be secure. The decision of Reyna’s mother to make a decades-old domestic abuse allegation against the coach known to the U.S. Soccer Federation led to a three-month investigation and another three-month gap before Berhalter was rehired. The team’s opportunity to build on the 2022 experience was shot.It was interesting that Reyna, on Tuesday, was willing to acknowledge his disappointment at not playing more back then. “Yeah. I mean, of course, I think everyone wants to play every minute of every game, but sometimes it doesn’t work like that,” he told reporters after the roster was announced. “This time around, just want to do whatever it takes. Of course I want to play, but so do 26 guys. It’s never that simple. Whatever is called for by me, I’ll be willing to help.”MORE: Biggest snubs from the final USMNT World Cup rosterReyna has the ability, as Pochettino affirmed, to redirect the conversation about the USMNT from what was and what might have been to what is possible now, in 2026, with the World Cup being played in the nation where the majority of the players grew up. The manager has given him the chance by including him on the roster and expressed near boundless confidence in his ability.“It means a lot. Obviously to have a World Cup on home soil means a lot. It’s a dream come true,” Reyna said. “At the end of the day, I want to repay him on the pitch and help this team be successful.“Of course, a World Cup in America is always going to make headlines. I think, for me, it’s pretty simple: Try to keep the main thing the main thing.”

Kevin Bickner soars through the air during the men's ski jumping competition at the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex in Lake Placid, N.Y., Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021. Bickner won the U.S. trials last month, helping him earn a trip to the Olympics for the second time. The 25-year-old Bickner, who learned how to jump in suburban Chicago at the Norge Ski Club, finished 18th on the normal hill and 20th on the large hill at the Pyeongchang Games. | Hans Pennink It’s no secret that there’s been interest in another Olympics for Lake Placid, New York.The site of both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games has been floated for years as a potential bidder on behalf of the U.S. Even before Utah was awarded the 2034 Winter Games, state lawmakers in New York were pushing for a feasibility study.Now, it appears New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is on board. New York’s interest could someday pit the Empire State against Utah, where Olympic organizers including Gov. Spencer Cox have made it clear they want to see the Winter Games return on more or less a regular basis.Hochul is calling for the small community in the Adirondack Mountains to team up with New York City to host a future Winter Games. Just like at Italy’s 2026 Winter Games, dubbed the most widespread ever, venues would be several hundred miles apart.“I’ve actually been having significant meetings on this, putting together the individuals who I would want to be part of a committee. It’s complicated, but we are up for it,” the N.Y. governor told The Athletic. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, center, arrives ahead of Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla's visit to the 9/11 Memorial, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in New York. | Yuki Iwamura The New York Times sports outlet posted Monday that Hochul “insisted that there is ‘sincere’ political ambition” for bringing back a Winter Games, describing herself as “someone who will never forget the 1980 Olympics.”She recalled working at a pizzeria as a college student during the famed “Miracle on Ice” men’s hockey match that saw the Soviet team defeated by the U.S., “listening to it on the radio and announcing to all the restaurant patrons what was happening play-by-play.”Hochul said she’s been to Lake Placid “many times. To me, it is a shrine to the perseverance of American athletes at that time that we still have with us today. “I want to continue that celebration and have many more ‘Miracles on Ice’ in New York City and in Lake Placid.”For her, “that’s the fascinating connectivity,” she told The Athletic. “What other part of the world can offer this opportunity to provide what New York City has but also the most beautiful place in the world, with the Adirondack (mountains)?”What would a Lake Placid-NYC Olympics look like? Spectators watch the Grand Prix Eastern Cup cross country ski race in the stadium at the Nordic Center on Mt Van Hoevenberg along side the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation World Cup race as New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority holds multiple events on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in Lake Placid, N.Y. | Hans Pennink Details of the bid are yet to come. But there’s some clues in Lake Placid’s successful pitch to serve as a backup site for bobsled, luge and skeleton at this year’s Winter Games had Italy’s much-delayed new track not been finished in time. The New York track turned out not to be needed, of course. But New York state was prepared to commit $30 million to hosting the competitions, according to a report last year in the Adirondack Explorer.In addition to offering the use of the Mount Van Hoevenberg sliding venue, Lake Placid’s Olympic Regional Development Authority also planned to rent Rockefeller Center in Manhattan for “red carpet rink medal ceremonies,” the Adirondack newspaper reported.A longtime advocate of a joint Lake Placid-New York City bid, state Assembly member Robert Carroll, said Madison Square Garden and other well-know arenas could be utilized for ice sports like figure skating, hockey, curling and speed-skating.Also, the Brooklyn Democrat said in a USA Today Network op-ed, “iconic outdoor settings could push the boundaries of what a Winter Games looks like — Big Air at Citi Field or Yankee Stadium, or even a cross-country sprint through Central Park."Combined with the upstate snow sports venues that New York taxpayers invested more than $600 million in ahead of hosting a 2023 event, Carroll said there would be “little to no new sports infrastructure” required for an Olympics.However, he said another Olympics could spur improvements in the busy rail corridor connecting New York City to update communities as well as encourage the construction of new accommodations for athletes and others that later could be used as affordable housing.While Carroll doesn’t specify which Olympics New York would bid for, the International Olympic Committee already has exclusive negotiations underway with Switzerland for the 2038 Winter Games that follow Utah’s, leaving 2042 as the next opening.Even though the 2028 Summer Games are also in the U.S., in Los Angeles, he said in the op-ed, “There is no reason the United States, with its continental scale, world-class infrastructure and global reach, cannot host three Games within a 14-year span.”Utah’s hopes for many more Winter Games It’s too soon to say when Utah would try to host for a third time, said Fraser Bullock, president and executive chair of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.“At this point, we’re just focused on 2034. When we do a great in 2034, it just bodes well for a future bid whenever that comes. But we’re not talking about that at this point,” Bullock said. “We’ve got a big opportunity in front of us, and we want to make sure we maximize our success.”When it comes to helping Team USA athletes train to compete in Winter Games, he said Utah and Lake Placid are partners, both using former Olympic venues that have continued to be maintained. “The fact that Lake Placid supports the Olympic and Paralympic movement is fantastic,” Bullock said. “What they’re doing in terms of year in and year out is great. But when it comes to hosting future Games, we may be competitors, maybe not.”Utah offers “a very different model” for a Winter Games, he said, citing venues that are already in place from hosting the 2002 Winter Games, all located within an hour of a single athletes village at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.“We think that’s a great model for us and so we hope to have many Games, not only in 2034, but many Games down the road in the future,” Bullock said. That’s the case whether or not the IOC decides to rotate the Winter Games among a set group of hosts.“What we have to be able to do is be awarded based on our merits,” he said. “As we’ve demonstrated before, we’ve got a strong model. In any future competition, whether its domestically or internationally, our model will continue to stand strong.”

The contracts, announced on Tuesday, are part of the space agency’s efforts to establish a moon base.

Plus, Ferrari’s first fully electric car. Here’s the latest at the end of Tuesday.

Frank Lampard's Coventry lost to Sunderland in last year's play-off semi-final but recovered to win the 2025-26 Championship title [Getty Images]Frank Lampard has been named the League Managers Association manager of the year after guiding Coventry back to the Premier League.Lampard's Sky Blues finished 11 points clear at the top of the Championship to clinch the title and return to the top flight for the first time since the 2000-01 season. The former England midfielder, who has previously managed Derby, Everton and had two spells in charge at Chelsea, was presented with the Sir Alex Ferguson award by England manager Thomas Tuchel.The award, named after the former Manchester United manager, is voted for by managers throughout the leagues and takes into account success and the resources available.Tuchel read out a letter from Ferguson, who said Lampard's Coventry play "great football with confidence and belief". "I have enjoyed watching you. Best of luck in the Premier League next season," he added.Brentford's Keith Andrews, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, Lincoln City's Michael Skubala and Bromley's Andy Woodman were also shortlisted.Manchester City's Andree Jeglertz won the Women's Super League award after leading them to the title.Arteta, who led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years, won the Premier League award while Lampard also took the Championship equivalent.Skubala, who won League One with Lincoln, took the award for the third tier and Woodham won the League Two award after he led Bromley to the title.The WSL2 award was taken by Karen Hills, who led Charlton to the WSL for the first time.Steve Bruce and Martin O'Neill were inducted into the Hall of Fame after each reaching 1,000 games as a manager.The award for Lampard is the most significant individual honour in his coaching career.His Derby side lost in the Championship play-off final in 2019 and he was then appointed at former club Chelsea, where he spent 13 years as a player.He was sacked after 18 months in charge in 2021 but later returned as a caretaker.In between, he spent less than a year in charge of Everton during which he oversaw an escape from relegation but was later sacked.This season his Coventry side were the Championship's highest scorers with 97 goals in 46 games. They also had the best defence.Chris Wilder, who won the award while in charge of Sheffield United in 2019, and Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, the 2024 winner, are other recent managers to receive the LMA's top award while managing outside of the Premier League.Follow your club with BBC SportListen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phone

Packers running back Josh Jacobs was arrested Saturday morning in Wisconsin after a disturbance complaint.The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department said in a police report obtained by multiple reporters that Jacobs was booked into the Brown County Jail on five charges.He faces charges of battery/domestic abuse, criminal damage to property/domestic abuse, disorderly conduct/domestic abuse, strangulation and suffocation and intimidation of a victim.Through an attorney, Jacobs denied all allegations.The Packers released a statement, writing, "We are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs. As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment."An NFL spokesman said the league is "aware of the report and have been in contact with the club."

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 27: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images On Tuesday, Green Bay Packers starting running back Josh Jacobs turned himself in to the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department, just west of Green Bay. According to the police department’s statement, they were “dispatched to a disturbance complaint” involving Jacobs at 8:37 a.m. on Saturday, May 23rd.Jacobs is currently booked with five charges:Battery — Domestic AbuseCriminal Damage to Property — Domestic AbuseDisorderly Conduct — Domestic AbuseStrangulation and SuffocationIntimidation of a VictimBREAKING: Josh Jacobs has been arrested and booked into jail on five charges.Full details: pic.twitter.com/Gs8sbUV6cM— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 26, 2026Jacobs’ attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, have made a statement on his behalf:Josh vehemently denies the allegations, and this matter is in the early stages of investigation with important evidence that has not yet been made public. We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course.A statement regarding #Packers RB Josh Jacobs via his attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld: pic.twitter.com/meEnbMg1YN— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 26, 2026–Update: The NFL has also made a statement, via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero: “We are aware of the report and have been in contact with the club.”We’ll keep you all updated as more details trickle out.

The winner of last week’s Girls Athlete of the Week poll was Fairhaven’s Briarose Aspden. She had more than 2,000 votes (85%) to receive the honor. In three games, Aspden had a combined 5 goals and 2 assists. Previous winners were Old Rochester’s Caroline Houdelette, Fairhaven’s Briarose Aspden, GNB Voc-Tech’s Zoey Chase and Bishop Stang’s A’mya Acevedo. Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances. Here’s your chance to vote for the top high school girls athlete performance from the past week.Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. GIRLS TRACKPhoebe Cowles, Old RochesterCowles was second in the 800 with a season-best 2:19.75 at the South Shore Twilight Invitational. She also came in second in the 800 at the South Coast Conference championship. Bentley Killion, Old RochesterKillion won the mile at the South Coast Conference championship meet. Annalise Milhench, Old RochesterAgainst Somerset Berkley, Milhench won the mile and 2-mile. She also took second in the 2-mile at the SCC meet. Morgan Patraiko, Old RochesterAt the South Coast Conference championship meet, Patraiko won the javelin. She also won the javelin against Somerset Berkley. Delilah Post, Old RochesterPost won the 400 hurdles and took third in the 400 at the South Coast Conference championship meet. She also won the 400 hurdles and 400 against Somerset Berkley. Masaydes Perry, WarehamPerry took third in the discus and fourth in the shot put at the Mayflower Athletic Conference championship meet. GIRLS TENNISEmily Pavao, Apponeequet Pavao won her first singles matches against Case and Dighton-Rehoboth. Katherine Johnson, Bishop StangJohnson won her first singles match against Archbishop Williams to finish the season undefeated. Cami Taradash, DartmouthTaradash won her first singles matches against Durfee and New Bedford.Neva Matos, Old RochesterMatos won her first singles matches against Dighton-Rehoboth, Bourne and Wareham to finish the season 17-0. Caroline Houdelette, Old RochesterHoudelette won her second singles matches against Dighton-Rehoboth, Bourne and Wareham to complete a 17-0 regular season. Grace Hebert, Old RochesterHebert won her third singles matches against Dighton-Rehoboth, Bourne and Wareham to go 14-0 this year. Juliana Statkus, WarehamStatkus won her first singles match against Middleboro. Watch List: Here are the SouthCoast girls lacrosse players to watch in the playoffsPlayoff Preview: See which 6 SouthCoast girls lacrosse teams qualified and who they faceGIRLS LACROSSECece Levrault, ApponequetIn a win over Dighton-Rehoboth, Levrault had a team-high 7 goals. Ashley Smith, ApponequetIn a pair of games against Dighton-Rehoboth and Seekonk, Smith had a combined 19 saves.Kerrin Araujo, Bishop StangAraujo had a combined 5 goals, 4 assists and 16 draw controls in two games. Olivia Morgan, Bishop StangIn two games, Morgan had a combined 5 goals, 1 assist and 5 draw controls. Lily Gangi, DartmouthIn two games, Gangi had a combined 3 goals, 11 assists and 8 draw controls. Avery Smith, DartmouthSmith had a combined 13 goals, 1 assist and 9 draw controls in a pair of wins. Briarose Aspden, FairhavenIn the second game of the week against Old Rochester, Aspden had 2 goals and 3 assists. Madi Lewis, FairhavenIn two games, Lewis had a combined 3 goals and 3 assists. Lauren Souza, FairhavenSouza had a combined 4 goals in two games.Taylor Cook, Old RochesterIn two games, Cook had a combined 2 goals, including the 100th of her career. Liz Kilpatrick, Old RochesterKilpatrick had a combined 4 goals in a pair of games against Fairhaven.Violet Lafountain, Old RochesterLafountain had a team-high 3 goals in the first game of the week against Fairhaven.This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Vote SouthCoast Girls Athlete of Week May 18-25 2026

NEW DELHI: If there is ever a list of the unluckiest dismissals in IPL history, Sai Sudharsan’s wicket in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 will surely feature near the very top.After Royal Challengers Bengaluru piled up a mammoth 254/5 against Gujarat Titans at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday, the pressure was immense on GT openers Sudharsan and Shubman Gill to produce a flying start.Sudharsan began aggressively, smashing two boundaries in the opening over bowled by Jacob Duffy. He followed it up with another boundary when Duffy returned for his second over.But then came a bizarre moment that completely changed the mood.Duffy bowled a short-of-a-good-length delivery and Sudharsan stayed back before attempting a cut shot towards point. However, as he completed the stroke, the bat slipped out of his hands, flew behind him and bounced back onto the stumps.Sudharsan initially did not realise what had happened and had already started running. But as he turned around and saw the stumps disturbed, the GT opener was left stunned.The left-hander closed his eyes in frustration and disbelief before slowly walking back to the pavilion after one of the most unfortunate dismissals seen in IPL playoff history.WATCH: — IPL (@IPL) Sudharsan became only the second batter to be dismissed hit wicket in IPL playoffs/knockouts after Kusal Mendis, who suffered a similar dismissal for Gujarat Titans against Mumbai Indians in New Chandigarh last year.RCB tightened their grip on the contest immediately afterwards as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed GT captain Gill cheaply in the next over, leaving Gujarat Titans reeling in the massive chase.Earlier, RCB captain Rajat Patidar had produced a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls to propel Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record-breaking 254/5.Patidar saved his best for the knockout clash, hammering five fours and nine massive sixes to completely flatten the GT bowling attack.The RCB skipper was especially severe on Kulwant Khejroliya, taking 28 runs off one over during his breathtaking assault.Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya also made valuable contributions with 43 runs each.

For a split second, a fireball outshone the rivers of molten lava flowing from the Philippines’ most active volcano.

In past outbreaks, Americans exposed to the virus were sent home to be treated in state-of-the-art facilities. The Trump administration has already flown some U.S. citizens to Europe for treatment.

Joshua Zirkzee could be on his way back to Italy for only £22m Manchester United are planning to revamp several areas of the squad as they prepare for their return to the Champions League after a two-year hiatus.INEOS need to be ruthless when it comes to player sales in order to fund such a massive operation, and several United stars’ heads are on the block.One of them is Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to hit his stride at Old Trafford since his £36.5 million move from Bologna back in 2024.While the Dutchman has impressed with his clever link-up play and creative ability, he was signed as a backup for Rasmus Hojlund.Joshua Zirkzee has struggled at UnitedUltimately, the 25-year-old has failed in that regard, managing a meagre nine goals in two seasons, including only two this term.While the former Bayern Munich starlet would love to stay and prove his detractors wrong, INEOS are keen to get rid and are hoping to recoup the same amount they paid for his services two summers ago.The United No.11’s agent has offered his client’s services to both AS Roma and Juventus, and the Red Devils would have hoped for a bidding war to ensue to extract the best possible price from his sale.However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Giallorossi are prepared to pay only £22 million for the versatile United attacker.Roma’s lowball offer for Joshua ZirkzeeRoma have been long-term admirers, and they are well aware of United’s need to remove deadwood from their squad, hence the lowball offer.“Long pursued and back in fashion. The love story between Roma and Joshua Zirkzee never materialized, but it’s also true that it never really ended.“In the sense that after having pursued him for a long time last January, the Manchester United Dutch striker could be back in the Giallorossi’s sights now. In fact, he’s back, because in recent discussions with Ryan Friedkin, Gian Piero Gasperini reiterated his desire to land the Dutch striker.“His contract with United expires in 2029, and he could be signed for €20-25 million, especially considering his lacklustre season (2 goals in 25 games, playing 629 minutes and averaging 25.16 minutes per game). In short, some love stories never end. Sometimes they take huge turns, but then they come back.”United will hope to avoid taking a hitThe Serie A giants plan to use Zirkzee as the left-sided attacking midfielder, a position United currently do not have in their new system.It will be interesting to see how INEOS react should the offer land at their doorsteps. It is imperative they sell Joshua Zirkzee in order to bring in an experienced backup for Benjamin Sesko.Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Flamengo named to chase the best Libertadores recordIt’s a Copa Libertadores night for Flamengo.They will face Cusco FC starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) this Tuesday (26).The match is valid for the sixth and final round of Group A of the competition.And the Maracanã will be the stage. José Javier Burgos (FIFA-URU) will be in charge of refereeing.ESPN and Disney+ Premium will broadcast it. Group standings 📊Rubro-Negro have already qualified and secured first place.The battle now is to guarantee the best overall record in the group stage and, with that, have the advantage of hosting the second leg through to a possible semifinal.They have 13 points with a goal difference of nine. The main challengers are Rosario Central and Independiente Rivadavia, who have the same record.Cusco, meanwhile, have just one point, are bottom of the group, and no longer even have a chance of dropping into the Sudamericana.Estudiantes (six) and Independiente Medellín (seven) will face each other at the same time with an eye on the second qualifying spot.Flamengo ⚫🔴Leonardo Jardim is once again able to count on Everton Cebolinha, who had been dealing with pain in the hip area. Recovered from a shoulder injury, Pulgar was included in the squad again. But Jorginho is out after suffering a fracture to his right big toe against Palmeiras.It will be a heavily changed team on the field.Cusco 🇵🇪The current sixth-placed team in the Peruvian league will say goodbye to its first Libertadores edition under its current name, as it was called Real Garcilaso until 2019.Defeats in the first three rounds of the Libertadores ruined their chances of at least securing a spot in the Copa Sudamericana.The expectation is that coach Alejandro Orfila will keep the core of the team that has been playing.He was hired on the eve of the Libertadores after Miguel Rondelli took over at Melgar. And he has not managed to get the expected results in the South American tournament. The lineup has not been announced yet. Photo: Reproduction/FlamengoThis article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz said last week that keeping safety Derwin James in the organization for his entire career was a high priority and that became a likelier outcome on Tuesday. According to multiple reports, James has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the team. The deal is reportedly worth $75.6 million with $57.5 million in guaranteed money.The $25.2 million average annual salary during the extension is the most at the safety position. James was a first-round pick in 2018 and he has started every game he's played since joining the Chargers. He was named a second-team All-Pro for the third time after posting 94 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble last season.

Derwin James has secured yet another record-setting deal. The Los Angeles Chargers reached a new three-year, $75.6 million deal with James on Tuesday afternoon, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. At more than $25 million a season, will make James the highest-paid safety in the league for the second time in his career.James has spent his entire career with the Chargers, who selected him with the No. 17 overall pick out of Florida State in 2018. He had 94 total tackles and matched his career-high of three interceptions last season while earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod. He helped the Chargers to an 11-6 record and their second straight playoff appearance, too, though the team fell in the wild card round once again.This post will be updated with more information shortly.

May 9, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images On the heels of a brutal 4-10 skid that dropped them 5.5 games back of the Rays for first place in the AL East, the Yankees pulled consecutive victories out of a hat, winning both in the ninth. The latter win came yesterday against the Royals, with embattled shortstop Anthony Volpe lining a two-run single off closer Lucas Erceg to flip a deficit into a lead.With a chance to win the three-game set today, the Yankees will hand the ball to Cam Schlittler. Despite an array of more decorated arms in the team’s rotation, it’s Schlittler who’s pitched like the team’s ace, recording an MLB-best 1.50 ERA through 11 starts while shooting to the top of most AL Cy Young odds boards. His last time out, the 25-year-old allowed more than one earned run for the first time in over a month, holding the Blue Jays to two over six innings while taking his second loss of the season. Schlittler throws some form of fastball more than 90 percent of the time, and for good reason; opponents are hitting below the Mendoza line against each of his four-seamer, his cutter, and his sinker.He’s lined up to face Bailey Falter. The southpaw struggled upon joining the Royals at last year’s Trade Deadline and began 2026 in the bullpen. After allowing five runs in his first two outings, though, he was sent down to Triple-A Omaha, where he pitched well enough to get recalled in mid-May. Falter made his first start of the year last Tuesday, going just two innings to kick off a bullpen game. Expect something similar today, since he hasn’t thrown as many as 50 pitches all year and is not stretched out to handle a starter’s workload. Falter pitches off his four-seamer, which he’s thrown more than 60 percent of the time and against which opponents are hitting a brutal .500. Kansas City will run out the same lineup for the fourth game in a row (outside of swapping Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen between catcher and DH). It’s a group that’s struggled to get going, scoring the sixth-fewest runs in baseball. Against the lefty Falter, the Yankees will start Amed Rosario at third, while Volpe gets the nod over José Caballero at short. Ben Rice, who’s just 5-for-37 of late, will drop to fifth for the first time since April 18th. He’s at DH with the lefty-mashing Paul Goldschmidt at first base and cleanup.How to watch:Location: Kauffman Stadium — Kansas City, MOFirst pitch: 7:40 pm EDTTV Broadcast: YES Network | Royals.TVRadio Broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | 96.5 The Fan, Royals Radio Network (KC)Online Stream: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)For updates, follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.Cam in KC. #RepBXpic.twitter.com/QN4nB2E0KP— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 26, 2026Taking the field for game two. pic.twitter.com/UT3w3DdHp1— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 26, 2026Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

CHEBOYGAN — One down. Two to go. The Cheboygan softball team was all business in their postseason opener on Tuesday, May 26, as the Chiefs rolled to a 16-2 victory over Harbor Springs in a Division 3 pre-district clash at Cheboygan. VOTE FOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Vote! Who should be Daily Tribune Athlete of the Week, May 18-23?DISTRICT SOFTBALL PREVIEW: Previewing Cheboygan-area high school softball district tournamentsDISTRICT BASEBALL PREVIEW: Previewing Cheboygan-area high school baseball district tournamentsFollowing Cheboygan’s strong performance, here’s some takeaways from Tuesday’s game. Starting fast It didn’t take long for the Chiefs (24-9) to build a sizable lead, as they manufactured four runs in the top of the first inning, then added seven more in the top of the third. From there, they were in cruise control and booked their ticket to a 10 a.m. district semifinal showdown at Boyne City on Saturday, May 30. “We wanted to set the tone right away and get (Harbor Springs) in a hole,” Cheboygan coach Mike LaLonde said. “They were trying to do everything they could, switching pitchers back and forth, but the girls adjusted to that and hit the ball well.” Cheboygan’s top hitters were solid again, led by sophomore Diem Schley, who went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while senior Tessa Lake finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs, sophomore Lydia Kosanke was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, senior Presley Chamberlain went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, and junior Aubrey Mastin recorded two hits. Nataleigh Blaisdell (double, three RBIs, two runs), Jenna Dodder (double, RBI), Teagan Wheelock and Addison Ptasnik each chipped in with a hit. Kosanke was Cheboygan’s winning pitcher, striking out six and scattering four hits in five innings. Bush and the Ramblers up next With their victory, the Chiefs still have a chance to end a long district title drought. However, they’ll have to take down an opponent in Boyne City that swept the Chiefs in Cheboygan in Northern Shores Conference play earlier this month. In the game one win over Cheboygan, Boyne City junior Sydney Bush kept Cheboygan’s high-powered offense off-balance by tossing a shutout. But as the Chiefs look for revenge and a spot in the final, they feel good about their chances. “I think it’s about practicing on getting to that (Bush’s) riseball,” Cheboygan senior Presley Chamberlain said. “She’s got a good riseball, and we’ve got to lay off it or learn to get on top of it, but she’s got good speed. Towards the end, we started hitting her better, but it’s about keeping that mindset. Those rise-balls, they get all of us a lot, so it’s about being smart at the plate and getting a good pitch selection.” The matchup will be an epic showdown between a pair of conference rivals, but LaLonde reiterated his belief that his team can take down the Ramblers. “The confidence is right up there,” LaLonde said. “They know they’ve got a chance to win a district title." This Saturday’s Cheboygan-Boyne City winner meets the Elk Rapids-Charlevoix winner in the district final later in the afternoon. Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan softball opens big lead, beats Harbor Springs in districts

Packers running back Josh Jacobs faces five criminal charges arising from a domestic disturbance over the weekend. Jacobs, through his lawyers, has denied the charges."Josh vehemently denies the allegations, and this matter is in the early stages of investigation with important evidence that has not yet been made public," Jacobs's Las Vegas-based attorneys said in a statement issued to NFL Media. "We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course."The charges are serious: battery/domestic abuse, criminal damage to property/domestic abuse, disorderly conduct/domestic abuse, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim.Jacobs, 28, was a first-round pick of the Raiders in 2019. He signed a four-year, $48 million contract as a free agent with the Packers in 2024.He led the NFL in rushing in 2022, with 1,653 yards. In 2025, Jacobs gained 929 rushing yards and scored 14 total touchdowns in 15 regular-season games.

With the NBA draft right around the corner, now is the time to look at some past drafts and see what the Philadelphia 76ers have done in their history. The Sixers have selected some big-time players in the past who have become an important part of the fabric of the franchise's history.The Sixers wrapped up a disappointing 2005-06 season. Their big acquisition, Chris Webber, at the deadline of the previous season did not mesh with superstar Allen Iverson. Consequently, the Sixers finished 38-44 and missed the playoffs.The Sixers entered the 2006 NBA draft with the 13th pick, and they selected defensive swingman, Thabo Sefolosha out of Switzerland, and immediately sent him to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for the 16th pick.That pick became Rodney Carney who was a big athlete at the University of Memphis. He started 35 games during his rookie season in Philadelphia, but he never really found his footing, and he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2008 offseason. He averaged 6.2 points and shot 43.4% from the floor in his two seasons with Philadelphia.In that trade, the Sixers received a second-round pick from the Timberwolves, but they never got it since it was top 55 protected. The deal was essentially a salary dump to create room to sign Elton Brand that summer.After a season in Minnesota, Carney came back to Philadelphia as a free agent and he averaged 4.7 points and shot 40.1% from the floor. He spent his final NBA season, 2010-11, with the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies.This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Philadelphia 76ers draft rewind: Trading for Rodney Carney in 2006

One of the nation’s top high school football programs is bringing in a new gunslinger for the 2026 season.Chance Thomas, a three-star prospect committed to Kansas, is transferring from Western (Calif.) to Bishop Gorman (Nev.) for his senior season, Rivals’ Greg Biggins confirms.Thomas is the No. 867 overall prospect and No. 57 QB in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 75 recruit in California.[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]Kansas won out for Thomas’ pledge earlier this month on May 11. He explained his decision to Rivals’ Adam Gorney:“They’ve been with me since the beginning and that was the main piece when I got started with the recruiting process,” he said. “I wanted to be involved with the coaches, getting closer with the head coach, my position coach and the offensive coordinator and they just checked all my boxes. Kansas has been the main team from the jump.”This story will be updated.How to Follow Nevada High School FootballFor Nevada high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Silver State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Nevada high school football excitement across the state.

Boom! James Laurinaitis has done it again. The Ohio State linebackers coach has landed another commitment from a top prospect. Missouri native Prince Goldsby has given his verbal pledge to wear Scarlet and Gray. A four-star prospect, Goldsby was crystal-balled to the Buckeyes just a few days ago, and the prediction came true shortly after. OSU was a little late to the game with the Missouri linebacker, not offering a scholarship until late February. He didn't even make his first visit to Columbus until the Spring Game on April 18. But Laurinaitis worked some magic and developed a strong relationship with the young man in a short period of time. It seems the Buckeyes are getting a good one. According to 247Sports composite rankings, Goldsby is the No. 7 linebacker in the nation and the No. 1 player in the Show Me State. He had a breakout Junior season at Blue Springs South High School last fall. In just 10 games, he racked up 83 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Ohio State beat out Alabama, Missouri, and Nebraska, among others, to land the commitment. AGTG 100% committed.Go BUCKS! I can’t wait to be apart of this unbelievable program with great coaches who teach you, great players who push you and the best fan base in college football who expect nothing less than excellence. @JLaurinaitis55@ryandaytime@ElmoreJ86pic.twitter.com/k1RKOVH93F— Prince goldsby2027 (@PGoldsby2027) May 26, 2026Goldsby becomes the 13th player to commit to OSU's 2027 class. He is the second linebacker Laurinaitis has snagged, joining Quinton Cypher from North Carolina. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion.This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football lands commitment from four-star 2027 linebacker

Lawyers representing federal workers said the move is intended to chill speech and could be challenged on First Amendment grounds.

Boston, MA - April 10: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, Payton Pritchard, Nikola Vuevi and Jaylen Brown head to the bench for a timeout in the first quarter. The Celtics played the New Orleans Pelicans at TD Garden on April 10, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)Boston Globe via Getty ImagesAfter multiple seasons near the top of the Eastern Conference, Joe Mazzulla’s Boston Celtics faced a potentially devastating reality last offseason. With Jayson Tatum out for an extended period due to a torn Achilles and the team up against the salary cap, there was some thought the Celtics should treat the 2025-26 NBA season as a rebuilding year.But that term doesn’t appear to be a part of Mazzulla’s vocabulary. Despite trading away Kristaps Porzingis and getting just 16 games out of Tatum, Mazzulla led the team to a 56-26 record this season, earning the Celtics the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.That performance also earned Mazzulla the NBA Coach of the Year award on Tuesday. Mazzulla beat out finalists J.B. Bickerstaff and Mitch Johnson for the award, which is the first of Mazzulla’s career.Despite Mazzulla’s excellence — he has a .726 regular-season winning percentage in four years as a head coach — he had never finished higher than third in the Coach of the Year voting coming into Tuesday. After an excellent first season with the team, in which the Celtics went 57-25, Mazzulla lost out on the award to Mike Brown. Mazzulla finished third in the voting that season, also being beaten out by Mark Daigneault.Mazzulla also got consideration for the award after the 2023-24 NBA season, when the Celtics went 64-18 in the regular season, but finished fourth in the voting. Daigneault won the award that year.Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentAfter turning in another excellent year last season, Mazzulla did not receive any Coach of the Year votes.Despite winning fewer games this season, Mazzulla likely won the award thanks to the team’s lowered expectations coming into the year. With Tatum out, the Celtics would need to rely on Jaylen Brown to take his game to another level, something that would prove tough considering his previous excellence in the NBA.But he did just that, increasing his points per game to a career high 28.7 and earning down-ballot MVP votes. Brown’s performance, combined with the team’s defense once again turning in an elite performance, resulted in the Celtics outpacing expectations and surging up the standings.Even with the team excelling despite Tatum’s absence, Mazzulla wasn’t a lock to take home the Coach of the Year award until late in the process. Bickerstaff was considered the favorite to win the award in April after leading the Detroit Pistons to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.But the sentiment eventually shifted to Mazzulla, who became a strong favorite to win the award shortly before it was announced.While the award is a significant accomplishment for Mazzulla, one that further solidifies him as one of the best coaches in the league, it likely pales in comparison to winning another championship in the coach’s eyes.Mazzulla, for all his greatness, has a tendency to downplay coaching awards, once telling Celtics guard Derrick White “nobody cares” after White congratulated Mazzulla after he was named Coach of the Month.This story will be updated.

Cunha, Mainoo and Fernandes shortlisted for top Man United honour Manchester United have confirmed that Matheus Cunha, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are vying to scoop up a top award.Superb seasonUnited wrapped up their 2025/26 season last weekend with a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. It brought the curtain down on a campaign that truly turned around upon Michael Carrick’s arrival as Ruben Amorim’s replacement.Carrick won 12, drew three and lost just two of the 17 Premier League games he took charge of.The 3-2 win over Liverpool secured Champions League football and locked in third place for United soon after.May in particular was a productive month for the Red Devils as they recorded wins against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and of course, Brighton. There was also the goalless draw at Sunderland.United have now confirmed that Cunha, Mainoo and Fernandes have been shortlisted for the final Player of the Month for 2025/26.Vying to winCunha broke the deadlock against Liverpool, firing a powerful effort from the edge of the box and into the back of the net.He also got on the scoresheet against Forest, although it was a controversial one as the ball struck Bryan Mbeumo’s hand in the build-up. There was a lengthy VAR check and the goal stood, although refereeing body PGMOL later admitted that it should have been chalked off.The Brazil international was an unused substitute in the triumph at Brighton.Fernandes was in vintage form in May, registering an assist for Patrick Dorgu at the Amex and then scoring a sensational finish to reach 30 goal contributions.It was also the Portuguese playmaker who teed up Benjamin Sesko for the second goal of the game against Liverpool.Meanwhile, Mainoo was a constant presence in the team, the culmination of which saw him earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.Mainoo, of course, was the one who netted the winning goal in that Liverpool triumph.Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Subscribe to The CooligansApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeThe Cooligans are LIVE from the roster reveal for the United States men's national soccer team ahead of the FIFA World Cup! We kick things off with instant reactions to the vibe, tension, excitement, and atmosphere surrounding one of the biggest moments in American soccer. What does this roster tell us about expectations for a World Cup on home soil, and what are fans already feeling about this squad? Then, USMNT left back Antonee Robinson joins the show to talk about hearing his name called, the emotion of being selected, and the unity building inside the team ahead of the tournament.Later, former USMNT star and MLS legend Kyle Martino stops by to discuss the long-term impact this World Cup could have on the country, the expectations surrounding the squad, and what success should realistically look like.To close it out, we react to your best comments and answer the biggest questions: How far will the USMNT go? Who will become the breakout stars of the tournament? And what should the ideal starting XI look like when the games finally begin? Predictions, debates, and live reactions — all from the front row of a massive moment for American soccer.Timestamps:(7:30) - Antonee Robinson joins the Cooligans(14:30) - Kyle Martino joins the Cooligans(25:30) - USMNT World Cup Predictions and takesThe US Men's National Team's (USMNT) poses during the announcement of the USMNT 2026 World Cup roster in New York, on May 26, 2026. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images)🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out all episodes of The Cooligans the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Even before the New York Knicks won the Eastern Conference title, some of their fans took to the streets of Manhattan with a message.The chants: “We want Wemby! We want Wemby!”The Knicks have done their part, getting to the NBA Finals. And now, they'll have to wait until at least Thursday to see which team comes out of the Western Conference — either Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, or the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.Before Game 5 of the Spurs-Thunder series on Tuesday night, San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson was asked if he has heard about the chants from those Knicks fans.He hasn't — but didn't seem surprised that they're happening.“I know New York's on fire. They won so that city is obviously enjoying it and they've had a heck of a playoff run,” Johnson said. “But unfortunately, I've been pretty locked-into what we've got going right here in front of us.”The Knicks have won 11 consecutive games, rallying from a 2-1 deficit to beat Atlanta in Round 1 and then sweeping Philadelphia and Cleveland in the next two rounds.And in fairness, some Knicks fans were captured on videos that got posted to social media chanting “We want Wemby!” after Game 1 of the East finals against the Cavaliers.“Tip your cap to New York, for sure,” Johnson said. "They're having a heck of a run."___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

Full Time Newsletter ⚽| This is The Athletic’s weekly women’s soccer newsletter. Sign up here to receive Full Time directly in your inbox.We had full intention of making the newsletter all about Khadija “Bunny” Shaw’s shock announcement yesterday that she’s staying with Manchester City, but then Alexia Putellas shared earlier today that she’s leaving FC Barcelona after 14 years with the club. We have the breaking news here, and more on that in a moment.What else we’re covering today:🩵 A surprise celebration in Manchester🍼 Our new motherhood and soccer series👀 The league catching up to the NWSLThere’s a lot going on! Let’s get back to Shaw:End-of-Season BusinessShaw says ‘no place’ like CityAmid the celebrations for both Manchester City Women’s first WSL title in a decade and the men’s team’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories, there was a moment when everyone held their collective breath. Our Sam Lee was in the crowd:💬 It all seemed to happen in slow motion during the celebrations. Shaw’s future was mentioned, there was some confusion, an awkward glance or two and then the confirmation from Shaw herself.“I’m still here, I’m still hungry and there’s no place I’d rather be,” she told the crowd.The WSL Golden Boot winner the last three seasons committed her future to Manchester City by signing a new four-year contract. Here’s what you need to know about the Jamaican striker:Shaw’s contract with City was set to expire this summer, which led to a tense few months of speculation that the club would not only not re-sign her, but also let her walk for free.In the end, City director of women’s football Therese Sjogran and women’s managing director Charlotte O’Neill worked to keep Shaw — and on a major contract at that.Her 21 goals in 22 games were an invaluable contribution toward their first league title in a decade. Manchester’s blue side will now compete in the Champions League next season as a result.That City managed to sign Shaw to a new, fairly lengthy contract for a 29-year-old striker, even one with Shaw’s superlative talents, speaks volumes about the club’s long-term ambitions. Women’s football globally has taken a noticeable skew toward younger players (see Arsenal’s Olivia Smith and Chelsea’s Alyssa Thompson, who were both 20 when they signed), but City have shown they are ready to invest in developing players into long-tenured veterans.What happens next should be asked of another club, Chelsea, who were front-runners to sign Shaw — presumably as a replacement for legendary striker Sam Kerr. The 32-year-old Australian left Chelsea as the most prolific striker on the women’s side (she was their second-highest scorer this season despite missing a chunk of it to injury).Chelsea finished third in the WSL table, meaning they will have to play their way into the Champions League next season and climb back from failing to claim a WSL title for the first time in six years. They have a lot of work — and reflection — to do this summer. (Maybe a record signing is in order?)On to the breaking news:Putellas calls time on BarcelonaThe two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas has Barcelona in her blood and La Masia, the club’s youth academy, as her foundation. But the 32-year-old has finally decided it’s time to test the waters elsewhere after 14 years with the club.The midfielder’s announcement comes after she captained Barcelona to a 4-0 win over OL Lyonnes in Saturday’s Champions League final, securing a fourth European title in six years.Putellas rejoined Barcelona from Levante in 2012 and has scored 234 goals in 512 appearances for the club.The Spain international has won 10 league titles and was an integral part of the Barcelona side that lifted the women’s Champions League trophy for the first time in 2021.While every team would move mountains to secure a player like Putellas on their roster, sources told The Athletic that NWSL teams are among the options on the table for her, especially given the division’s new High Impact Player rule, which allows teams to spend as much as $1 million above the salary cap on players who meet certain criteria.If another European team doesn’t offer the midfielder something she can’t refuse (don’t rule out Michele Kang’s London City Lionesses), NWSL could be a really fun landing spot. When I think about NWSL cities that could attract Putellas, that obviously includes L.A. and NYC. But I wouldn’t count out Boston and its connection to the Catalan club via general manager Dome Guasch.USWNT Roster Drop: Who’s going to Brazil?The U.S. men’s national team announced its 2026 World Cup roster today. But tomorrow, we will also know which 26 players USWNT coach Emma Hayes has selected for a trip to Brazil next month to compete in a critical set of friendlies against the 2027 World Cup hosts on their own turf. While we wait on that, a couple of things to keep in mind:For about a year now, the U.S. midfield has felt like the most solidified position, in terms of Hayes having determined a core group.That said, Sam Coffey is recovering from minor knee surgery, Rose Lavelle has been out with a hamstring injury since May 8 and Catarina Macario is still working through a heel injury, so there are potentially several roster spots up for grabs this window. Which brings us to our next point …Hayes may have made 2025 her year of experimentation, but she has still left the door cracked for players to make their case for a camp invitation this year via their club performances. Two wild cards stick out: North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez and Utah Royals center back Kate Del Fava, whose team is currently No. 1 in the NWSL.Del Fava would be a first-time invite, but USWNT center back Naomi Girma has not played since April as she deals with a calf injury, so there could be space.The Athletic will cover the full roster announcement tomorrow morning.NotablesBeing ‘a great mom and a great athlete’There are a record number of mothers rostered this season in the NWSL. Nearly 30! With the backing of more research, there is growing recognition that pregnancy does not signal the end or pause of a playing career, but rather an active chapter within it.This turning point in professional athletics signals one of the biggest changes since the inception of the NWSL — and the next evolution for athletes. Over the last few months, we’ve spoken to researchers, players, coaches and family for a new series about the intersection of motherhood and soccer.Read the first article, published this morning, on the science behind returning to play after pregnancy. And keep us bookmarked, because we have more coming throughout the week.Keep your eyes on Liga MX FemenilThe top-flight women’s professional league in Mexico is flying high after a slew of record-breaking, medal- and trophy-bearing matches. Last weekend’s conclusion of the second-ever Concacaf W Champions Cup saw two Mexican clubs, Pachuca and Club América, on the podium in first and third place.América was simply stunning in their confederation campaign. They cruised past Gotham FC 4-1 in the semis before triumphing over a tenacious Washington Spirit in the final, a 5-3 thriller that saw two braces on each side and two lead changes.Less than a week before lifting their first Concacaf trophy, América had won the Clausura in Liga MX with a dramatic comeback over Monterrey in front of a record crowd of 26,670. The success and visibility all bode well not only for the growth of the domestic league, but also for that of the Mexican women’s national team as it prepares to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.First LooksTeaming up: Michele Kang’s Spirit knocked Racing Louisville owner John Neace’s team out of the NWSL playoffs last year, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find common ground in the form of investment. Both have joined the financial backing of a new Fair Trade Certified soccer cleat. I guess money talks.Turning heads: Turns out the fastest way to make an entrance into women’s soccer is to add Planned Parenthood across the front of a jersey and let Portland be Portland. The Cherry Bombs, an unsanctioned USL W League team named after a 1976 punk anthem and based in the Pacific Northwest city, not only won their first match but also sold out their inaugural kits after launching a loud campaign.Going public: If you missed it last week, read up on The Sports Bra bar’s latest fundraising efforts. But hurry, it doesn’t look like that train is slowing down.Welcome back: USWNT forward Mallory Swanson scored her first goal in nearly two years and her first since returning from maternity leave to give Chicago Stars FC a badly needed 1-0 win over nine-player Bay FC on Sunday. Chicago may still be hanging out near the bottom of the table, but Swanson’s left-footed solo run-and-finish felt like a much-needed lifeline.📫 Love Full Time? These stories can also be found on Yahoo’s women’s sports hub, in partnership with The Athletic. Also, check out our other newsletters.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.US Women's national team, NWSL, Full Time Newsletter2026 The Athletic Media Company