MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 27: Bryan Torres #39 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a triple scoring a run in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 27, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images Game SummaryOver the last three games, the Brewers served a stinging reminder to these upstart Cardinals about who is boss in the NL Central and provided a guidepost on how much more this team has to accomplish on the rebuild path.The Cardinals reach the 1/3 point of the season with a better-than-expected 29-25 win-loss mark but somehow seems like their vibe has been misplaced.Today, Dustin May brought his best, taking a no-hitter into the eighth. Two hits chased him, then JoJo Romero relieved a defensive gaffes complicated the inning and let two runs in, resulting in a final score of 2-1. Pre-game notesThe standard line-up with Pages catching and RHP on the mound.May on the mound for the Cardinals. Patrick on the mound for the Brewers. This will be a pseudo-bullpen game for the Brew Crew. They will start Patrick and ride him as far as they can. Figure 3-5 innings, no more than twice through. Patrick has been very effective in short stints. Day off tomorrow, then struggling Cubs comes to town. Blogger Night on Saturday. The early innings are quiet, with lots of early swings and few walks The Cardinals go quick to lead out the game. The league is getting Wetherholt out with early-in-the-count fastballs at the top of the zone that he likes to swing at but can’t drive. Lots of pop outs is the consequence. With all the P4 and F9’s he is accumulating, I’m guessing he is trying to jerk/pull these pitches since he some early HR success. He will need to let these go early in the count and put more pressure on the pitcher. The Cardinals put multiple runners on in the 2nd and 3rd but could not cash in. On the other side, Dustin May came out sharp, benefitting from the getaway day, swing early and swing often approach employed by many. Through three innings he had allowed zero hits and compiled five strikeouts. The only runners to reach were by HBP and a catcher’s interference. The Cardinals jump on top as May sailsThe Brewers are able to carry Patrick through four innings. In the fourth, the Brewers elected to leave him in to pitch to a LH hitter (Torres) with two out and one on (Walker) and Torres drove one into the corner to break the ice with a two-out RBI triple. Pages K’s the strand that runner, but the Cardinals were up 1-0. Patrick ended up striking out the side. The Brewers effectively traded a run for an out. When you are good, you can do that. May follows up the Cardinal rally with another zero in the fourth, with two more strikeouts. He has been a bit sharper with command and a tick higher with velo today. Tough AB for the Brewers. 54 pitches through indicates his efficiency, which has not been a feature often so far this season. The dreaded middle innings arriveThe Brewers take Patrick out after 4 IP, replacing with a lefty, Shane Drohan. The Brewers bullpen is good and well rested, so they are in good shape there. The Cardinals waste a double by Wetherholt as the left-left match-up against Burleson was not a good one. Lately, as the Cardinals try to stretch their starters through six (against better lineups), they continue to suffer the third time through the line-up (TTTTLU) fate. Really, they aren’t losing games here, but they are putting them out of reach. It remains to be seen if they successfully climb the innings mount or are forced to lean more heavily on an under-manned bullpen.The decisive and bitter endMay’s no -no ended with a lead off double in the eighth. A bunt single misplayed by the infield results in first and third with no out. Romero in. He gets a key infield out that freezes the runner and then a K against pinch hitter Vaughn. Left-left March up d with Yelich results in a two-out RBI to tie. Things worsened when Winn boots a grounder, scoring the winning run instead of ending the inning. Ugh. Winn gets on and steals second in the ninth but the bottom of the line-up is unable to cash in. Final score 2-1. Swept.Post-Game NotesCheck out Today on the Farm – Wednesday 5/27 for updates on MiLB action. One thing is for certain. The Brewers can pitch.Today, some really poor ABs, especially with runners on. Winn and Burleson lead that class.The end of this game marks the end of the first third of the season. 54 games down, 108 of them to go (seemingly most of them in August).

Browns' Myles Garrett trade rumor has NFL insider not ruling anything out originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Cleveland Browns brought in Todd Monken to be their new head coach, and the fallout from such a move might be a bit larger than previously anticipated.Jim Schwartz deciding to part with the Browns after Monken was hired was a bit of a surprise. Myles Garrett was not a fan of this decision, and since he's yet to even meet his new head coach, there's a bit more attention on this situation than before.For Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer, this situation with Garrett has, once again, opened the door for some trade rumors to pick up steam. Breer isn't ruling anything out, as Garrett is now, once again, involved in some trade rumors.Browns' Myles Garrett emerges in trade rumors again"I wouldn't rule anything out," Breer writes. "And I've said this before, I think it makes sense for Cleveland to move Garrett now. He's still a great player, and he'd bring a massive haul."The Browns are a rebuilding team that has made a lot of quality draft picks over the last two years. With such a rebuild ongoing and a new head coach coming into town, it wouldn't be that far-fetched to trade Garrett for a huge return.While it would be odd for the Browns to trade Garrett right after he broke the single-season sack record with 23 sacks in 2025, what better time to trade a player than when they're at the peak of their value?Cleveland won't really be competitive until a few years from now, and by that point, Garrett might not be as good as he once was or even be on another team.MORE: Taylen Green has a much higher ceiling for Browns than Shedeur SandersSo, with the timeline for the Browns a bit different than the timeline for the 30-year-old Garrett, a trade wouldn't be that shocking.And as Breer notes, "I wouldn't be stunned" if the Browns have explored trade possibilities with Garrett this offseason.Breer isn't ruling anything out with Garrett in the trade market, as a team like the Philadelphia Eagles could come along and offer a ridiculous package that's hard for the Browns to refuse.Even though losing Garrett would sting, if the Browns play their cards right, they could get a massive package in return, free up a lot of money, and set themselves up for long-term success when they finally land their quarterback of the future.It's hard to imagine a trade of Garrett would be likely, but such a blockbuster move is something that cannot be ruled out just yet.More NFL news:Stefon Diggs linked to Rams, Chiefs, Commanders after Patriots release49ers and Chiefs rumored as Eagles trade partner for AJ BrownHarold Fannin Jr. will need to prove his worth in Todd Monken’s Browns offenseBengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori can be an All-Pro if he plays better in pass coverage

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 04: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers’ defense sat at the bottom of the league in pressure rate and sack totals in 2025. Losing Nick Bosa and others throughout the season didn’t help.Try as they may, the 49ers’ defense tried to keep the team in games, but the bottom fell out against Seattle in the divisional round. Fast forward to the offseason, and Kyle Shanahan brought in his good friend Raheem Morris, just fired from the head coach position in Atlanta, to help revive the defense and pass rush.Robert Saleh did a great job considering the sum of his parts, but the defense ranked near the bottom in blitz rate. All things considered, the defense was fairly vanilla with coverages and pass rush. What can Morris do to change that? Now, while the structure of the Falcons’ defense is Morris’ scheme and ideas, former 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich was the play-caller. It was a collaborative effort between the two defensive minds.Bryan Knowles of FTN Fantasy tracked each team’s simulated pressure and blitz rates from 2025. Saleh finished in the bottom six in simulated pressure rate at 3.5%, but had a sparkling DVOA rate of -17.5%. How much of that is a small sample size? It’s a good portion of the equation, but showing pressure isn’t the cure; sending the right players and putting pressure on offensive linemen is. As far as Ulbrich and Morris, Atlanta simulated pressure on 6.5% of their snaps, but were unsuccessful with a DVOA of 8.3%. The Falcons had plenty of defensive linemen who are capable of winning up front, but confusing offenses wasn’t a strength for the defense. What about blitz rates? The easy answer is that the 49ers’ blitz rate is sure to go up in 2026. Is it because of the coordinator change? Sure, but the real answer is that it would be almost impossible to keep up the same blitz rate or go lower for the 49ers.Saleh blitzed at the fourth-lowest rate in the NFL at 23.4%. Again, the key isn’t just to blitz and blitz, but to be able to choose your spot to create pressure. The DVOA on blitzes is 9.7%. Positive DVOA on defense isn’t what you’re looking for.Ulbrich and Morris are on opposite ends in blitz rate. The Falcons held the seventh-highest blitz rate at 36.1%. With a 39.3% efficiency rate and a -6.9% DVOA, Atlanta routinely was able to get home and create pressure. Will we see the 49ers get to the near 40% blitz rate in 2026? That remains to be seen, but Morris is certainly going to turn up the heat on opposing offenses. It will be interesting to see how Morris can marry the back end with the front end and create pressure to end drives. Turnovers would be nice as well.

The motion was particularly significant because it asked the judge overseeing the initial suit against the I.R.S. to examine the terms of the deal.

The money has become a sticking point in talks, with Iran insisting that meaningful negotiations cannot begin without the funds’ release.

Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy ForecastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeMatt Harmon and Justin Boone check in on the RBs entering their second year in the league this fall. Boone and Harmon look back at how the 2025 RB draft class did in their rookie year and what realistic expectations we can have for the top sophomore RBs heading into the 2026 season. The two also dive into the latest headlines and potential fantasy fallout for Malik Nabers, Bucky Irving and Josh Jacobs.(1:00) - Fantasy Fallout: Latest news on Malik Nabers, Bucky Irving and Josh Jacobs(19:00) - 2nd year RB check-in: Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Cam Skattebo, Quinshon Judkins(40:30) - 2nd year RB check-in: TreVeyon Henderson, Bhayshul Tuten, RJ Harvey(55:00) - 2nd year RB check-in: Kyle Monangai and RBs outside top 100 ADPMatt Harmon and Justin Boone check in on the RBs entering their second year in the league this fall. Boone and Harmon look back at how the 2025 RB draft class did in their rookie year and what realistic expectations we can have for the top sophomore RBs heading into the 2026 season. The two also dive into the latest headlines and potential fantasy fallout for Malik Nabers, Bucky Irving and Josh Jacobs.Jason Jung🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out all episodes of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Former Indiana basketball star Todd Leary, who allegedly bilked nearly $50,000 from a parent while promising to coach his son and start an AAU team, pleaded guilty to one count of felony fraud Tuesday.Leary was arrested Oct. 9 by Carmel police and booked into the Hamilton County Jail charged with 10 Level 6 felony counts, including five felony fraud and five felony theft.The plea agreement Leary agreed to includes one count of felony fraud and calls for a suspended jail sentence, probation and restitution to Leary's victim. Sentencing is scheduled for July 15.Leary, 55, was a star at Lawrence North High School, winning a state championship in 1989. He played for IU under coach Bob Knight from 1989 to 1994, including in the program's 1992 Final Four appearance. He was one of the team's most prolific 3-point shooters.Throughout the 13-month ordeal, the parent told police he became frustrated with Leary, who was rarely coaching his son or providing lessons, according to court records. The parent told police that on March 30, 2025, Leary texted him that "the AAU team was not going to happen," court documents state."I keep screwing up everything I try to do," Leary said, according to the probable cause affidavit. "I’m going to give you all $50,000 back ... I'll get the ($20,000) back to you by May 1 ... I’ll get the remaining 30k back by giving you 5k per month for 6 months."Leary never paid any money back and "has since stopped answering (the man's) calls and texts," documents state.In total, Leary was paid $48,900 in checks by the parent, including $11,300 in personal loans that Leary agreed to pay back and did not, the probable cause affidavit states. The parent also paid $3,000 for personal coaching for his son, of which Leary provided nine sessions over the 13-month period but promised three to four a month. The total amount Leary was paid for the fraudulent AAU team was $34,600, court documents allege."Todd continued to lead the victim to believe that refunds were possible," the affidavit states, "and he just needed time to get the money back from the people he had paid."More details of the Todd Leary case Former IU basketball player claims Purdue's Matt Painter hired him, fraud case records showThis case isn't the first time Leary has faced trouble with the law. In 2010, he was arrested outside Assembly Hall an hour before he was set to announce an IU game as a color analyst.Leary faced 17 felony charges, including conspiracy to misappropriate title insurance escrow funds. Court documents revealed Leary once worked for a title insurance broker who pled guilty to several charges in a $2.7 million scheme.Leary spent 365 days in prison and seemed to turn his life around. In 2017, IndyStar followed Leary as he fed the homeless on the streets of Indy and talked about the mistakes he'd made in the past and the changes he had made in his life.Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Ex-Indiana basketball player Todd Leary pleads guilty to felony fraud

Hard as it might be to believe, but Song Yadong will come up on a decade of fighting in the UFC next year.Through nine years competing in the octagon, Song can boast of being a winning fighter as he's gone 11-4-1 during his promotional tenure with a few key wins to be ranked and considered a bantamweight contender. But he hasn't strung enough wins together to truly flirt with being a title challenger. That fact isn't lost on his. "Right now I'm a tough fighter, top-five UFC fighter in the world, I am proud of myself, but I need to get the f*cking belt, bro," Song told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. "That's my goal. I need to work hard, win the f*cking fight."The "f*cking fight" (his words) he needs to win is this Saturday when he headlines UFC Fight Night 277 (Paramount+) against former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at Galaxy Arena in Macau. Song will enter the bout after a tough loss to Sean O'Malley this past January in a fight many believed Song won.Saturday will mark the first time Song has fought in his home country of China since 2018. That fact plus That fact plus the need to rebound to get back on the title path makes this feel like a must-win for Song. "Every fight is very important for me, but this fight is big," Song said. "It's a fight in my hometown. I have to win. I have to win this fight."Song said he's spent some time around Figueiredo, who's No. 7 in the official UFC bantamweight rankings, in the gym. When they faced off earlier this week for the first time, Figueiredo gave Song a playful fist to the chest that didn't bother him.There's nothing personal between the two fighters, according to Song, and the motivation to win this fight will simply need to come from within himself."Actually he's a good guy," Song said. "I met him in my last fight; we were in the same card. We trained together. He's very friendly; I'm friendly. … I feel nothing, no feelings. He's a good guy."He's a flyweight former champion. He's always dangerous. Look who he lost to: Petr Yan, Umar, he lost to the best guys in the world. He's still very dangerous and has more experience. I will be very serious in the fight."This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Macau: Song Yadong 'needs to get the f*cking belt'

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is making good use of his time as the team works through its second round of OTAs this week. After spending the first six years of his NFL career in Miami, Tagovailoa is making sure he gets to know his new teammates in Atlanta.The former Dolphins QB has been impressed by the Falcons' collection of offensive talent, including tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and rookie Zachariah Branch."With KP and with Drake, I mean, those are some big dudes man," Tagovailoa told reporters on Wednesday. "You know, you can throw it up and anywhere in their vicinity and they're gonna make plays. And then with Bijan, that's just a special dude, man. And I've been around a lot of special dudes."When asked about Branch, Tagovailoa said the speedy rookie reminds him of his former teammate, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle."I mean the dude's fast," Tagovailoa said of Branch. "The dude can play. Very shifty. He kind of reminds me of [Jaylen] Waddle. And he has the same number. Great kid. He's got a good head on his shoulders. And he asks a lot of questions. I think that's something very good that you like to see in your rookies." The Dolphins drafted Waddle with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, just two spots after the Falcons drafted Pitts. Over his first five NFL seasons, the former Alabama star has recorded 373 catches for 5,039 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns. Waddle was traded to the Denver Broncos over the offseason.Branch was a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Georgia. Last season, he finished with 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns for the Bulldogs. The Falcons needed help at wide receiver, and Branch could play a key role this season. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa sees Jaylen Waddle in Zachariah Branch

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced another jaw-dropping innings in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, this time equalling one of the most iconic playoff records in tournament history previously held by Suresh Raina. Playing for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur, the teenage sensation raced to a breathtaking half-century in just 16 balls, matching Raina’s legendary record for the fastest fifty in IPL knockout history.Fastest 50s in IPL knockouts/playoffs (by balls): 16 - Suresh Raina vs PBKS, 2014 16 - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs SRH, 2026* 17 - Adam Gilchrist vs DC, 2009 20 - MS Dhoni vs MI, 2012 21 - Dwayne Smith vs CSK, 2013 21 - Virat Patidar vs GT, 2026 Raina’s unforgettable knock came back in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2014, when he smashed 87 off just 25 balls for Chennai Super Kings against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. That innings has long been considered one of the greatest playoff knocks in IPL history, and now Sooryavanshi has entered the same conversation at just 15 years old. The RR opener completely dismantled the SRH bowling attack inside the powerplay and finished with 60-plus runs in the first six overs alone, placing him alongside some of the greatest explosive starts seen in IPL knockout matches. 50+ scores in overs 1-6 in IPL knockouts/playoffs: 87 - Suresh Raina vs PBKS, 2014 74 - Adam Gilchrist vs DD, 2009 60 - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs SRH, 2026* The innings further underlined Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary consistency as a powerplay destroyer this season. He now has five 50-plus scores inside the powerplay in IPL history, second only to David Warner.Most 50+ scores inside Powerplay in IPL: 6 - David Warner 5 - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 4 - Travis Head The youngster also joined elite company for most fifties scored in under 20 balls in IPL history.Most 50s in less than 20 balls in IPL: 6 - Abhishek Sharma 5 - Nicholas Pooran 5 - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi* As if those milestones were not enough, Sooryavanshi also broke Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season, a record that had stood untouched since 2012.In a tournament filled with superstars, Sooryavanshi continues to stand out as the biggest phenomenon of IPL 2026.

Dmitriy Popov was 17 when he stabbed O’Shae Sibley, a 28-year-old dancer, at a gas station. Mr. Popov has been charged with murder as a hate crime.

One of the more in vogue wagers for the betting public at sportsbooks these days is the futures parlay, where bettors tie together teams in various sports to make or win their championships. At DraftKings Sportsbook, one bettor’s long-shot parlay is on the verge of a $1.7 million payout — if the San Antonio Spurs can win the next two games of the Western Conference Finals.The bettor placed a $2,500 four-leg parlay with +68528 odds back on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), which would win $1,713,200 if all four legs hit. The legs were:Michigan to win the Men’s college basketball title (+500)U.S. men’s hockey team to win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics (+180)New York Knicks to win the Eastern Conference (+330)San Antonio Spurs to win the Western Conference (+850)The first three legs of the parlay have already hit, as the United States beat Canada 2-1 on Feb. 22 to win the country’s first gold medal since 1980. No. 1 seed Michigan rolled through the NCAA tournament and beat UConn 69-63 in the men’s championship game on April 6. And the Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 in their ECF series, which wrapped up on Monday, May 25.The bettor had a cashout offer of $502,583.66 from DraftKings before Game 5 of the WCF, with the series tied 2-2 between the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, but declined the offer.“It’s a crazy return on investment,” the bettor explains in the embedded X post above. “It’s shameful not to take it in gambling, you have to take your winnings and run. But I don’t see it as such. I see it as me leaving $1.2 million on the table.”The bettor noted that he wouldn’t be accepting that cashout offer (“no way, no how”) and unfortunately the Spurs lost 127-114 in Game 5 to fall behind 3-2 in the series. San Antonio is now back to a +350 to win the series and a 3.5-point home favorite in Game 6.Covers’ Grant Mitchell reported that the cashout offer dropped to $293,273.26 after San Antonio’s loss and that a DraftKings employee told Mitchell the bettor wouldn’t accept the lower offer.All eyes will be on Game 6 on Thursday night.

Anthony Gordon waves farewell to Newcastle supporters after his last game at St James' Park against West Ham (ANDY BUCHANAN)Barcelona reached an agreement with Newcastle on Wednesday for the transfer of England international Anthony Gordon, the La Liga champions told AFP, confirming reports in the Spanish press. The 25-year-old winger, who has been named in England's World Cup squad, is expected to be Barca's first summer signing, as the club looks to strengthen its attack following the departure of its veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. According to an internal source contacted by AFP, the Catalan giants, once again allowed to sign players without financial restrictions, had their offer of 70 million euros ($81 million) plus 10 million euros in bonuses accepted by the Premier League club. The official announcement of Gordon's move is expected by the end of the week, the club said. According to the Catalan press, Gordon's arrival, as a left winger who can also play centrally, does not rule out other potential attacking signings.Born in Liverpool and developed at Everton, Gordon joined Newcastle in 2023 for around 50 million euros. He faced Barca twice in this season's Champions League campaign, during which he scored 10 goals in 12 matches.ati/bsp/mw

A former standout running back is looking to get into coaching and is joining the Houston Texans' staff for the summer.According to reports, former Pro Bowl running back Darren Sproles is participating in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Texans for the spring. A former teammate of Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans in Philadelphia, Sproles now will have a chance to change the game off the field as he did on it during his illustrious career.The Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship has been an ongoing league program since the early 1990s, allowing future coaches to observe, participate, and gain experience alongside NFL staffs during the offseason workouts and mini-camp. The goal has always been for teams to hire names who participate in bigger roles down the line. In other Texans news: Former Chargers, Saints and Eagles RB Darren Sproles is participating in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Texans this spring. He was teammates with DeMeco Ryans in 2014-15. Sproles was 2010s all decade.— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) May 27, 2026Ryans, who enters his fourth season with the Texans, began his coaching career with the Fellowship under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco beginning in 2017. He would later move up to quality control coach to linebackers and eventually defensive coordinator before landing back in Houston for the 2023 season. Sproles, who spent two seasons with the Eagles as Ryans' teammates, played 14 years in the league after being a fifth-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Mostly known for his time with Philadelphia, the speedster special teams star was also a member of the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints staffs as a Pro Bowl talent. Throughout his career, Sproles was a do-it-all machine, totaling over 8,000 career scrimmage yards. His best season came in 2011 with the Saints, where he posted 1,313 total yards and nine touchdowns. He also won a Super Bowl in 2017 with the Eagles after helping them reach the big game. The Texans begin OTA practice on Wednesday afternoon. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans add former Pro Bowl RB to staff as part of Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship

Andrew McCutchen’s time with the Texas Rangers has come to an end after the team designated him for assignment on Wednesday.The 39-year-old McCutchen signed with the Rangers in early March and ended up making the team out of spring training. He struggled, however, through 37 games and the team has decided to move on.In 37 games, McCutchen batted .192 with one home run, five RBI and 22 strikeouts in 73 at-bats. He played 23 games as the team's designated hitter and spent time in the outfield as well.Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentMoving on from McCutchen is a result of the Rangers' offense struggling through the first two months of the season. As of Wednesday, only the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets have scored fewer runs than the Rangers (211) and only the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox have recorded fewer hits (413).It’s unclear if this is the end for McCutchen, who has played 2,299 career games with 333 home runs and 1,157 RBI playing for six franchises. He is a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, 2012 Gold Glove winner and recipient of the 2015 Roberto Clemente Award

The Alabama Crimson Tide will begin the 2026 campaign against East Carolina on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama will then face Kentucky during Week 2, followed by a rematch against Florida State in Week 3. The official kickoff time for each matchup was announced Wednesday, and Alabama is set to face the Wildcats in Lexington at 2:30 p.m. CT on September 12. The Tide’s matchup with the Seminoles will kickoff at 2:30 p.m. CT as well, as Alabama will seek revenge against FSU following last season’s Week 1 loss on the road. Alabama will have a plethora of new faces up and down the roster in 2026. The Tide lost numerous playmakers to both the NFL draft and transfer portal this offseason, and Alabama will more than likely turn to a mix of younger players on a consistent basis this year. Alabama will officially host East Carolina during Week 1 at 11 a.m. CT, followed by two consecutive matchups at 2:30 p.m. CT against both Kentucky and FSU. All three will broadcast live on ABC.Week 2 & 3 are SET! 🏟️🏈 pic.twitter.com/MzgDQan3Z6— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) May 27, 2026Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football TV channel, kickoff time for Kentucky, FSU games

Ezequiel Tovar is committing a baseball 'misdemeanor' at Coors Field originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.There wasn't much hype surrounding the Colorado Rockies heading into the 2026 season. They were coming off a season where they lost 119 games and didn't do much over the winter break. However, they would get off to a solid start this year, holding a 13-14 record through April, but May has been a different story. They currently sit with a 20-36 record, 15.5 games out of first place in the National League West. Pitching has not really helped this team, especially wth Ryan Feltner and Chase Dollander dealing with elbow issues, but it's not just on the pitching staff. The offense has also had bits of struggles. MORE: MLB analyst sets the stage for the Rockies to draft a 60-grade power threatEzequiel Tovar is committing a baseball 'misdemeanor' at Coors FieldNot everyone on the team is struggling with the bat in their hands. Troy Johnston is hitting a team-high .321, while Mickey Moniak has blasted 12 home runs so far. The one player who is not helping the team out much in the batter's box is Ezequiel Tovar. To his credit, he's not known for his bat, but Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer wants to see more. "Tovar is good enough with the glove that he doesn't need his bat to carry him. Even so, you want an everyday shortstop to be doing better than a .578 OPS. He also has a .466 OPS at Coors Field, which should at least be a misdemeanor in Denver County."For context, an average MLB player carries an OPS of around .700. Tovar has a .578 OPS for a team that has the easiest stadium to crush baseballs in. His limited offense is not helping Colorado dig itself out of the hole they have created this past month. But even if Tovar could turn it around at the plate, that still might not be enough. More MLB news:MLB analyst sets the stage for the Tigers to draft Kentucky's 'well-rounded' shortstopRed Sox linked to high-upside UCLA ace battling arm fatigue in latest mockGuardians projected to land USC's converted Friday night ace in latest mockMLB analyst sets the stage for the Reds to draft TCU's 60-power outfielder

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 16: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles #33 of the New York Giants during the game against the Green Bay Packers on November 16, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran inside linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles to a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday. Terms of the contract were not immediately disclosed.Signed ILB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles to a one-year deal and released WR Max Tomczak. pic.twitter.com/uSxyo1lN1l— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) May 27, 2026Flannigan-Fowles, 29, originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL Draft. He was a safety in college, playing for the Arizona Wildcats from 2015-2018. During his college career, Flannigan-Fowles totaled 243 tackles and six interceptions.After signing with the 49ers, he was a member of the practice squad for a year before making the team and playing mostly special teams in 2020. Flannigan-Fowles was listed as a defensive back for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in San Francisco before converting to linebacker ahead of the 2022 season. He remained with the 49ers through the 2024 NFL season, and he totaled 96 tackles, three pass breakups, one interception, and one sack across 73 games.Last season, Flannigan-Fowles played with the New York Giants. In 10 games and three starts, he had 33 tackles, one pass breakup, one sack, and three tackles for loss. He played a career-high 36% of the defensive snaps for the Giants, and a career-low 40% of the special teams snaps. During his time with the 49ers, he played between 59% and 75% of San Francisco’s special teams snaps.To make room on the 91-man roster for Flannigan-Fowles, the Bills released undrafted rookie wide receiver Max Tomczak.

The Indianapolis Colts will look to start the 2026 campaign on a high note following a disappointing end to the year in 2025. The Colts are set to face the New England Patriots in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason, followed by a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons during Week 2. Head coach Shane Steichen announced on Wednesday that the team will partake in a joint practice with both the Patriots and Falcons prior to their preseason matchups.The Colts will practice with the Falcons twice, while practicing with the Patriots just once. Shane Steichen said Colts will have 1 joint practice in preseason at Patriots and 2 next week vs Falcons in Indy.— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) May 27, 2026Each practice will serve as an excellent opportunity for the Colts' starters on both sides of the football to get valuable reps. One of the primary benefits of joint practices and why they are now a common practice for most NFL teams is that they provide key players with game-like reps in a controlled environment.This can then reduce the need for these players to play in the preseason.Indy's joint practice with the Patriots will take place in New England, while the Colts' two practices with the Falcons will take place in Indianapolis. In Week 3 of the preseason, the Colts are at Detroit, but no joint practice has been announced.While not the only factor, these highly competitive practices can go a long way in determining positional battles that are taking place.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts taking part in 3 joint practices against 2 opponents this preseason

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is planning to get an up-close look at the hottest team in basketball.Trump told reporters on Wednesday that New York Knicks owner James Dolan has invited him to the NBA Finals, when the Eastern Conference champion Knicks host either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs next month at Madison Square Garden.New York, which is riding an 11-game postseason winning streak after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals, is scheduled to host Game 3 on June 8 and Game 4 on June 10.Trump, a New York native, said he initially planned to attend Game 5 of the conference finals at MSG before the Knicks finished off the Cavaliers in four games. The president called Dolan a “great guy” and marveled at New York's run.“Boy, what a team,” Trump said. “They have some really great players.”Trump called the club's return to the finals for the first time since 1999 “great to see.”“The Knicks have really suffered for years," Trump said to laughter. “They're doing (well) right now.”Trump has routinely dropped in on prominent sporting events during his time in politics. He's taken in the College Football Playoff championship and caught a prime-time NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets just days before the 2024 election.The Knicks have a history of having high-profile celebrities sit courtside at MSG, including filmmaker Spike Lee, who has clashed with Trump in the past.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) prepares to dump water over Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) after their win over St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday May 27, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Despite being no-hit through seven innings, Milwaukee’s pitching staff kept the game within reach long enough for the offense to scrape together just enough support. With today’s 2-1 victory, the Brewers secured their first home sweep of the Cardinals since 2011 and widened their NL Central lead to 4.5 games.Starter Chad Patrick worked around a couple of jams over the first three innings before finally allowing the game’s first run in the fourth. It initially looked like he might escape the inning unscathed after a Jordan Walker leadoff single, as Patrick responded by striking out Nolan Gorman and Masyn Winn back-to-back.Patrick then worked a full count against Bryan Torres, but his payoff pitch — a 90 mph slider that hung over the heart of the plate — got punished. Torres ripped a line drive into the corner for an RBI triple, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.Despite having only thrown 61 pitches, Patrick — who’s been coming out of the bullpen since the beginning of the month — was done for the day. Shane Drohan and Aaron Ashby followed with two shutout innings each, both pitchers allowing only a single hit. The pitching staff showed up today, keeping the score close even though the offense couldn’t manage to provide any run support through the first seven innings.Not only were the Brewers shut out for most of the game, but Cardinals starter Dustin May was absolutely dominating. May had a no-hitter going through six with zero walks, although the Brewers managed two baserunners on a Jake Bauers hit-by-pitch and a Sal Frelick catchers’ interference.May kept his bid alive in the seventh by retiring the heart of the Brewers’ order — Brice Turang, William Contreras, and Bauers. Finally, Garrett Mitchell led off the eighth by busting up the no-hitter on a line drive to left field. Torres took a bit of a flat route and the ball flew over his head for a double, giving Milwaukee their first runner in scoring position all game.Up next was Luis Rengifo, who laid down a beautifully-placed bunt to the third-base side of the mound. The bunt was good enough that he might have beat it out anyway, but neither May nor third baseman Nolan Gorman charged in on the ball. By the time catcher Pedro Pagés got to it, Rengifo and Mitchell were already standing on the corners.With the no-hitter no longer in play, Cardinals manager Oli Marmol pulled May for JoJo Romero, who got Frelick to ground into a fielders’ choice at second that couldn’t get Mitchell home. Andrew Vaughn pinch-hit for David Hamilton, but he struck out for the second out. It briefly appeared as if the Cardinals might escape the jam, but veteran star Christian Yelich wouldn’t let that happen. Yelich took two balls that weren’t really close, then grounded Romero’s third pitch up the middle to tie the game. YELI TIES IT WITH TWO OUTS IN THE EIGHTH pic.twitter.com/jxGTBVl1Kz— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 27, 2026Frelick, running on contact with two outs, made it around to third, and all of a sudden the Brewers had the go-ahead run on third base for Jackson Chourio. Chourio swung at the first pitch, a low sinker, and hit what was a pretty routine grounder to Winn at shortstop. Winn, who won a Gold Glove last year after a season in which he was credited with just three errors, bobbled the ball on the exchange. By the time he picked it up, not only were both Yelich and Chourio safe, but Frelick had crossed the plate with the go-ahead run. Brewers now take the lead on an error by Masyn Winn pic.twitter.com/u54YPt5tkG— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 27, 2026Turang grounded out to end the inning, but the damage was done — Milwaukee led by a run going into the top of the ninth. Trevor Megill came in for the ninth to try and pick up his first save since May 15th in Minnesota. Despite allowing a single to Winn, who stole second and advanced to third on a fly-out, Megill stuck out pinch-hitter Yohel Pozo to end the game.While things looked pretty bleak for the vast majority of this game, Milwaukee was able to keep the game close and string together a couple hits when it mattered. Sometimes pitchers are just on, and even if that’s not the case the offense won’t always be firing on all cylinders. Good teams lose these games, but great teams grit their teeth and find a way to keep the game close and scrape out a victory. That’s what the Brewers did tonight.Also, for those of you on Aaron Ashby Win Watch, Ashby pitched the seventh and eighth innings, so he picked up another win. He now leads the league in wins again, with nine. It’s still May.After a 4-2 homestand, the Brewers will get a well-earned day off before heading to Houston for a weekend series against the Astros. First pitch for Friday’s series opener is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis may not be getting many rounds in the boxing ring these days, but his name remains active in court orders.On April 24, a Baltimore judge issued a warrant for Davis’ arrest in Maryland following accusations that the controversial boxer had violated his probation order during an altercation at a Miami strip club last year. TMZ first reported the news Wednesday.Judge Althea M. Handy initially issued Davis an arrest warrant in February, however the court order was withdrawn a week later after Davis’ lawyers successfully argued that he was cooperating with law enforcement. A few months later, though, Davis is back to being a wanted man in Maryland.The news comes just days after the WBA ordered “Tank” to defend his lightweight title against the mandatory challenger Floyd Schofield next. Rumors circulated that Davis’ return would come in the second half of 2026, however that now remains to be seen.The probation violation occurred during an incident involving Davis and his ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel on Oct. 27 at Tootsies, a gentlemen’s club. Rossel is accusing Davis of battery and kidnapping.A video of the incident showed Davis grabbing Rossel by the hair and pushing her out of a backstage hallway. Davis appeared to continue to push Rossel forcefully out of the club and into the parking lot before Rossel was able to escape Davis’ grip and flee back into the club. A South Florida judge ruled in March that Rossel could seek up to $5 million in punitive damages in a civil lawsuit regarding the incident. Davis filed a counterclaim the same month for $20 million, claiming that Rossel’s allegations cost him a lucrative payday after his Netflix fight with Jake Paul was canceled due to the ongoing case. Davis’ probation order stems from a 2020 hit-and-run in Baltimore that injured four people, including a pregnant woman. Rossel claimed she was a victim of domestic violence on multiple occasions during her five-month relationship with Davis prior to the altercation. Rossel’s allegation is not the first time Davis has been accused of domestic violence. Most recently, the controversial boxer was charged in 2025 with striking an ex-girlfriend on the back of the head and slapping her during an alleged incident on Father’s Day last year. The case was ultimately dropped after the woman declined to prosecute.

Arsenal poised to bank transfer windfall as Barcelona open Jakub Kiwior talksArsenal are set to land a sizable windfall with a former player in talks over a potential summer move.According to The Mirror, La Liga champions Barcelona have opened talks to sign Jakub Kiwior, who left Arsenal to join Porto on an initial loan deal at the start of the season.The 26-year-old made that move permanent less than three weeks ago, shortly after the Portuguese giants won the league title.Kiwior had spent three-and-a-half years as an Arsenal player, but never truly established himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.He was considered surplus to requirements and subsequently loaned out after Arsenal brought in Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.Kiwior has rediscovered his mojo in Portugal, helping Francesco Farioli’s side win their first Primeira Liga title since 2022 as part of a watertight defence that conceded just 18 goals in the league.Despite Porto fulfilling their obligation to buy the Poland international for £14.6 million, he could be playing for Barcelona next season.Barcelona have reportedly stepped up their interest in Kiwior and have even opened talks with Porto over a potential summer transfer.Sporting director Deco has spoken to Porto president Andre Villas-Boas regarding the former Arsenal star, who’d bank his former club a handy windfall if he leaves.Arsenal inserted a sell-on clause worth €2m (£1.7m) in the deal that saw Kiwior join Porto.Barcelona were reportedly impressed by Kiwior’s two performances when Arsenal beat Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League quarter-finals. But the 26-year-old isn’t their only option.Deco has drawn up a shortlist of centre-backs, all of whom are left-footed.Kiwior is joined by out-of-contract Bournemouth star Marcos Sensi, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.While Schlotterbeck and Bastoni boast the most pedigree, having played in the Champions League for multiple seasons, they’d likely cost much more than Kiwior.Senesi is available on a free transfer, although reports claim that he has verbally agreed to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Waylon Wooten never really hid what Georgia meant to him.The Loganville (Ga.) Grayson defensive lineman grew up wearing Georgia football uniforms as a kid, camped in Athens for years and built relationships with the Bulldogs long before the recruiting spotlight fully arrived. After national offers, countless visits and years as one of the more recognizable names on the recruiting trail, Wooten decided to stay home and commit to Kirby Smart’s program.“It means a lot to me to stay home and play for Georgia,” Wooten told Rivals. “They valued me and took my family in from the beginning.“I’ve been going up there since camps in eighth grade. The relationship I have with Coach Kirby and Coach Tray Scott is a great one-on-one situation. They are great guys, they offered me early, and I love how they value me.”[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]For Wooten, this commitment goes far beyond football.“Georgia was always my dream school. I have pictures as a baby running around with Georgia stuff on. This is where I have always wanted to go. It is a great place, they have top coaches and it feels right for me.”Wooten has visited Athens so many times he lost count. He saw multiple practices this spring, he attended multiple games last season, and he loves what he gets to be a part of in Athens. “That aggressive defensive style stands out every time. Georgia goes so hard, and that is the type of environment I want to be in. I love how they attack people on defense and how the D-line comes out their hips, gets off blocks and makes tackles. It is all about getting better at Georgia. “It is the environment I want to be in and it feels like home.”The staff played a big role in Wooten’s decisionSmart’s coaching style fits exactly what Wooten wants.“I love how Coach Kirby values me,” Wooten said. “He tells me all the time that nothing is going to be given to you. You’ve got to put your head down and go to work.”Watching Smart operate during practices only reinforced that feeling.“That’s how I love to be coached,” Wooten said. “That’s how you attack the day every day. He has great energy.”Defensive line coach Tray Scott may have been the biggest factor of all.“My relationship with Coach Scott is one of the main reasons I chose Georgia over Ohio State and the other schools. I love how he’s a technician of the game. Everything has to be done with technique.”The trust between the two continues running deep.“Our relationship is so tight. Coach Scott showed me how real he was with me. He showed me he had a real plan for me and how he could develop me into a year-one player.”The opportunity to compete early also played a major role in the decision.“They showed me how I can come in as a freshman, get a role and play,” Wooten said. “I believe in my skills. I feel like I could’ve gone anywhere and made it to the league, but staying home was the best thing for me.”Now the process is over.“I am only taking one official visit — to Georgia,” he said. “I’m a Bulldog.”

Hoggard boys basketball star Will Seward thought his playing career was over.After helping lead the Vikings to their first state championship appearance in 56 years, the 6-foot-6 forward believed he had played his final organized game. Seward averaged 16.3 points per game during his senior season and finished his high school career as one of the program’s top players, but when no college offers came following the season, he began preparing for life beyond basketball.He planned to attend North Carolina and major in business, starting a new chapter, one without basketball in the spotlight.Then came an unexpected phone call from UNCW.The Seahawks offered Seward an opportunity to stay home and continue playing the sport he thought he had left behind.SEWARD LEADS ALL AREA StarNews All-Area Boys Basketball: Will Seward fuels Hoggard's surge“It kind of came out of nowhere,” Seward said after signing with UNCW on Wednesday, May 27. “I was ready to leave organized basketball behind.”Basketball, however, was not ready to leave Seward.The Hoggard standout announced his commitment on social media last week before officially signing on Wednesday in the lobby outside the same gym where he built his high school career.“It was just a surreal feeling,” Seward said. “It’s one of those things you dream about as a kid, and seeing it all come together is really cool.”Several current UNCW players attended the signing ceremony, including fellow Wilmington star Kellum Brown of New Hanover, who committed to the Seahawks earlier this month.“It’s going to be fun,” Brown said of teaming up with Seward at the next level. “We’re looking to break some records as a duo. I’m looking forward to building that bond every day.”Brown and Seward were widely considered two of the area's top players this past season, and their matchups became must-watch games throughout the winter.Seward leaves Hoggard as one of the program’s most accomplished players, surpassing 900 career points and 400 rebounds. He also becomes just the third Viking since 2000 to join the Seahawks program, following Joseph King and Zack Allen."UNCW is a phenomenal program, and it's great to be in town because I can still come back and support Hoggard," Seward said. "I was ready for (Life without basketball), but I'm glad I don't have to think about that anymore."This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: How Will Seward's basketball career was saved by UNCW offer

Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell is retiring from the NFL, per CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones. Former 2019 second round wide receiver Parris Campbell has retired. He played for the Colts, Giants, Eagles and Cowboys.— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) May 27, 2026Campbell spent four total seasons in Indianapolis. The veteran recorded 983 yards and five touchdowns across his four seasons on the Colts’ offense.Originally a second-round selection by the Colts during the 2019 NFL Draft, Campbell navigated injuries during his time with the team, appearing in only 15 games over his first three seasons, before playing in 17 games in 2022. The former Colt flashed his potential on numerous occasions throughout his time in Indianapolis, which included averaging 16.2 yards per catch in 2021, but Campbell ended up playing elsewhere after his four-year rookie deal with the Colts expired.Campbell signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants during free agency in 2023. The veteran would then spend the next two seasons in Philadelphia and Dallas, but appeared in only six games.He won a Super Bowl with the Eagles during the 2024 season.The talented route runner has officially decided to hang it up following a seven-year career in the NFL, totaling 123 receptions for 1,117 yards with six touchdowns.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Former Colts WR Parris Campbell retiring from NFL

The inaugural Enhanced Games, consisting of weightlifting, swimming, and sprinting, were held, which allowed competitors to take performance-enhancing drugs in hopes of pushing the limits of human achievement. What do you think? “Eat shit, indomitable human spirit—it’s drugs’ time to shine.” Tony Skow, Recipe Auditor “These are great role models for kids who don’t have time to work hard and apply themselves.” Brenda Pool, Wire Spooler “Let’s dispense with the human element and just see which drugs are strongest.” Garrett Horvath, Unemployed The post Enhanced Games Allows Competing Athletes To Use Steroids appeared first on The Onion.

While his U.S. teammates were in Greater Atlanta on Wednesday to open World Cup training camp, Chris Richards was some 4,700 miles east in Leipzig, Germany, for the end of Crystal Palace’s prolonged campaign.Under common circumstances, the Alabama-born center back would have been in the lineup against Spain’s Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final.But because of an ankle injury suffered May 17, Richards watched from the bench as the Eagles claimed a 1-0 victory — the first European trophy in the 120-year history of the south London club.Just seeing Richards in uniform was undoubtedly encouraging for U.S. Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has few players as indispensable as his 26-year-old defensive anchor.Richards is scheduled to travel to Atlanta on Thursday and undergo evaluations before joining training sessions ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Senegal in Charlotte.Players of Crystal Palace FC team celebrate after winning the UEFA Conference League final football match between Crystal Palace FC and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on May 27, 2026. RONNY HARTMANN via Getty ImagesThe Americans will also face Germany on June 6 in Germany before heading west for the Group D opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.In other words, Richards has got about two weeks to further strengthen his ankle, regain his rhythm and reacquaint with his compatriots.With lingering questions about the U.S. backline, Richards’ absence at the ultimate competition would be a massive setback. Charlotte’s Tim Ream, Toulouse’s Mark McKenzie, Celtic’s Auston Trusty and Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson are the other candidates for Pochettino’s two- or three-man partnership.The injury, suffered against Brentford in the penultimate Premier League match, was initially called a twisted left ankle. Upon further examination, though, Coach Oliver Glasner said his U.S. player had torn two ligaments – an alarming diagnosis for both Crystal Palace and the U.S. officials.As expected, Richards missed the league finale against champion Arsenal. However, the degree of damage was never disclosed, and Richards gradually worked his way back into training and traveled with the club to Germany.With thousands of traveling supporters at Red Bull Arena, Crystal Palace went ahead in the 51st minute. Adam Wharton strolled unchallenged into a dangerous spot and ripped a 20-yard shot. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla parried the ball into Jean-Philippe Mateta’s path for a one-touch finish from close range.Moments later, Yéremy Pino’s free kick struck both of Batalla’s posts.Glasner made just two substitutions in the second half and left Richards on the bench for European soccer’s third-tier competition, behind the Champions League and Europa League. Crystal Palace qualified by winning the English FA Cup last season.By winning the Conference League, the Eagles secured a Europa League slot next season. It came in an otherwise difficult Premier League season (a 11-15-12 record for 15th place, just six points above the relegation zone) and an FA Cup campaign abruptly ended by sixth-division Macclesfield.Richards finished the season with 33 Premier League appearances (31 starts) and 17 matches (15 starts) in other competitions for 50 games overall.

On the latest episode of “Baseball Bar-B-Cast,” Jomboy Media’s Jolly Olive joined Jordan Shusterman, and one of the topics of conversation was MLB’s most disappointing teams so far this season. The hosts dove into this subject by drafting their picks for most disappointing, with Olive selecting the San Francisco Giants — not the New York Mets — with the No. 1 pick.“This team, unlike the Mets, can’t pivot and chalk this up as a transition year,” Olive said. “This team is locked. This is the team. … There is no way out for this team. There is only maybe two players on this team that could be sold at the deadline, even if they want to do that.”As Olive laid out, the Giants captured a lot of headlines in the offseason — by moving Jung Hoo Lee out of center, signing Luis Arráez to play second base and hiring manager Tony Vitello from the college ranks — but all of that has not worked.“It has blown up in a catastrophic way, to the point where even the Giants cannot hang their hat on the fact that they are around the middle,” he said. Unlike the past four years, in which the Giants played .500 baseball, they’re 11 games under .500 at 22-33 with June approaching.“They’re not getting pitching, even from the guys they’ve counted on in prior years. They’re not hitting at all. They’re not playing great defense, either. They don’t really seem to do anything well.”Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentMuch of these same criticisms could be leveled at the Mets, but as Olive pointed out, the Mets at least have the out of many players on short-term contracts, and that’s not the case in San Francisco. “With the Giants, it’s [Rafael] Devers for a long time. ... It’s [Willy] Adames for five more years. It’s [Matt] Chapman for four more years,” he said. “This is the team, and I don’t know what they do to fix this situation.”Shusterman then noted that Arráez is, in fact, on a one-year deal, but he is one of the only things going right for the Giants, both offensively and defensively. “He’s probably the one you’re going to trade, which is kind of sad,” he said. “I also believed in Luis Arráez,” Shusterman continued. “… Did I think he was going to be a plus-10 OAA? No. Did I think he could play second base if he worked with Ron Washington and was healthy? Yeah, I did. And I also thought he could hit and could be helpful, but in this lineup, it’s like, who cares?”Perhaps the biggest disappointment for Shusterman is the letdown of the first year of the Tony V. era in San Francisco. Hired from the University of Tennessee in October, Vitello represented a bold swing and an unprecedented move by the Giants.“I wanted the Tony Vitello experiment to happen with an organization that would give him a chance to succeed,” he said. “… This doesn’t even feel like a fair representation of Tony Vitello in any sense because this roster and, frankly, a lot of the organization is not in a great place.”To hear more of Olive’s and Shusterman’s thoughts on this season’s most disappointing teams and other MLB topics, listen to “Baseball Bar-B-Cast” wherever you get your podcasts.

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players fired the opening salvo Wednesday in what is expected to be long and contentious labor negotiations, asking for expanded free agency and salary arbitration rights along with almost doubling the major league minimum and increasing the money high-revenue teams share with the less-wealthy clubs.A day before Major League Baseball is expected to make a salary cap proposal, the union outlined its initial economic proposals during a bargaining session at the union's office in Manhattan.Baseball’s labor contract expires Dec. 1 and MLB is expected to institute a lockout, management’s equivalent of a strike under federal labor law.“Attendance, viewership, interest — by any measure you want to use, our game is moving in a positive direction,” Baltimore pitcher Chris Bassitt, a member of the union's eight-man executive subcommittee, said in a statement. “We’ve put forward proposals designed to continue that trend. Support, incentivize, and reward clubs who are committed to competing, especially small-market clubs. Compensate players fairly for the work they are doing.”MLB clearly is not in favor of what the union presented and maintains the union's plan would decrease revenue sharing.“We understand their proposals are designed to benefit players. Unfortunately, they do not address and in fact exacerbate the competitive balance problem our fans are telling us we must address,” MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said in a statement. "The MLBPA’s proposal would reduce the amount transferred to lower-revenue clubs, weaken the competitive balance tax and lead to even more payroll disparity than exists today. For example, under the union’s proposal, the Dodgers would pay less in luxury tax payments, giving them an additional $70 million to spend on payroll.”Marcus Semien and Sean Manaea of the Mets and Eugenio Suárez of Cincinnati attended the session while other players participated online.“The players’ proposals provide increased revenue sharing initially guaranteeing every small-market club a minimum of $240 million in revenue every season,” interim union head Bruce Meyer, who replaced Tony Clark in February, said in a statement. “This enhanced revenue sharing includes added protections to ensure clubs prioritize winning over profiteering.”— The luxury tax threshold, which starts at $244 million this season, would rise to $300 million in 2027 and then increase by $15 million annually. Penalties such as moving back a team’s pick in the amateur draft would be eliminated. Surcharge levels, currently as much as 110%, would drop to 10% above the preceding level.— Free agent eligibility, which has been six seasons of major league service since the 1976 agreement would drop to five for players who have reached age 30 by Nov. 1. A team could retain the player by making a qualifying offer. If a player in that group refuses the qualifying offer, he would become arbitration eligible.— The minimum salary would rise from $780,000 this year to $1.5 million next season and $2.2 million in 2031.— Salary arbitration eligibility would expand and teams would have to offer at least $3 million to eligible players. The threshold increased from two years to three years in 1986 and the so-called super 2 class with those of two to three years began in 1991 at 17% and it increased to 22% in 2013. The union proposed it be expanded to 44%. In addition, salaries in cases decided by arbitration panels would be guaranteed and the union asked that some salaries used for comparisons be given 120% of their value.— The pre-arbitration bonus pool, established at $50 million in the 2022-26 deal, would increase to $180 million next year and then rise by $15 million annually. Players coming up to the major leagues who sign multiyear deals during the first 21 days of the season would become ineligible.— The qualifying offer for players with six years of service would be eliminated. It has diminished the markets of some free agents since it began after the 2012 season because of penalties on signing teams.— The amateur draft lottery would be expanded from six teams to eight.— Rules instituted in 2022 designed to decrease service time manipulation would be expanded, such as ensuring a full year of service to eligible prospects who finish among the top five in MVP voting.— Lower-revenue teams who lose players as free agents would get increased benefits and low-revenue teams would get more draft selections.— A competitive integrity tax would be imposed on teams who do not reach 50% of the lowest tax threshold and teams further below would face surcharges. Teams would be penalized for not spending revenue-sharing money they receive on payrolls.— Each small-market team would be guaranteed at least $240 million in revenue annually and teams would keep more ballpark-related revenue.— Low-revenue teams with winning records or reaching the playoffs would get more revenue sharing money and local media revenue would be shared among teams more extensively.A five-year deal was reached on March 10, 2022, the 99th day of a lockout, preserving a 162-game regular-season schedule. That was the sport’s ninth work stoppage and first since a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 caused cancellation of the World Series for the first time since 1904.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced one of the most breathtaking innings ever seen in an IPL knockout match, but the teenager’s emotional reaction after falling three runs short of a historic century showed just how much the moment meant to him. Representing Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur, Sooryavanshi tore apart the SRH bowling attack with a stunning 97 off just 29 balls. The innings included a brutal assault of 12 sixes and brought him within touching distance of breaking Chris Gayle’s all-time record for the fastest IPL century.— IPL (@IPL) Gayle’s iconic 30-ball hundred for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2013 still remains the fastest in IPL history, while Sooryavanshi narrowly missed overtaking it after being dismissed on 97. The young opener already owns the record for the fastest IPL century by an Indian batter and also holds the second and third-fastest IPL hundreds by an Indian, having reached three figures in just 35 and 36 balls earlier in his remarkable season. But despite rewriting record books once again, the teenager looked heartbroken after missing out on what could have been one of the greatest T20 milestones ever achieved. As he walked back to the pavilion, visible disappointment could be seen on his face, with cameras even catching signs of tears in his eyes. It was a rare emotional moment in the middle of an innings filled with fearless hitting and complete domination. Sooryavanshi’s knock also helped him scale several unprecedented landmarks during his extraordinary IPL 2026 campaign. He shattered Gayle’s 14-year-old record of 59 sixes from the 2012 IPL season and now holds the record for the most sixes in a single IPL season with 65. Most sixes in an IPL season: 65* - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (2026) 59 - Chris Gayle (2012) The RR opener also became the first teenager ever to score 600 runs in a T20 tournament before turning 20 and now holds the record for the most runs by an uncapped batter in a single IPL season. Most runs by an uncapped batter in an IPL season: 680* - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR, 2026) 625 - Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR, 2023) During the knock, Sooryavanshi also equalled Suresh Raina’s legendary record for the fastest fifty in IPL playoff history, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls. His 97 is now the second-highest individual score by a Rajasthan Royals batter in an IPL playoff game, behind only Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 106 against RCB in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2022. Yet, despite all the records and applause, the image that may stay with fans the longest is not one of the sixes flying into the stands, but a 15-year-old prodigy walking off devastated after coming painfully close to creating perhaps the greatest IPL innings ever played.

POTSDAM — The trio of Karenhisen Johnson with five goals, Drystan Cole with four goals and one assist and Drew Smutz with two goals and six assists continued as a three cylinder power package as NAC Champion Massena won the Section 10 Class C boys lacrosse championship Tuesday by downing Malone 14-3 at SUNY Potsdam.The Raiders advance into the New York State Tournament and into a semi-final match with Class B representative Plattsburgh High in the Overall Section 10 Playoffs. The winner of the semi-final game will meet the Class D Champion for the Overall Section 10 title.The Class D semi-finals will be held Wednesday night with second seed OFA hosting Canton and top seeded Potsdam entertaining Salmon River.Other scoring for Massena in the Class C title game were Tristan General (1 goal, 1 assist), Jocko Skidders (1 goal), Colden Benedict (1 goal) and Justin Smutz (1 assist). Keegan Stowell finished with six saves in goal.Blake Holthares scored two goals for Malone and Landyn Pierson tallied one. Kai Massaro made 10 saves in the Huskies’ goal.

Anay Mahesh, 13, of Orlando, Fla., reacts after answering incorrectly during the quarterfinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)2026-05-27T20:00:24Z WASHINGTON (AP) — Shrey Parikh finished third in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee before making a stunning exit from his school bee last year. Now in his final year before he ages out of the competition, he’s fully committed.The 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, works with three coaches. He pays for word lists and study guides. He tries to learn every Greek and Latin root, every language pattern, every spelling bee-worthy word he can find. And he competes throughout the year in online bees that pit him against the country’s other top spellers.Shrey’s approach has proven effective for spellers seeking to hold the trophy, and it was good enough to make him one of 54 kids competing in Wednesday’s semifinals and seeking a spot in Thursday’s finals. But at least one semifinalist has gone old-school, shunning outside help and using the dictionary as his guide. Their opposing strategies have revived a long-running if good-natured debate in spelling circles: Which is more important, mastery of languages or rote memorization?“At the end of finals, most of the words aren’t going to have a really clean-cut language pattern or rule that you can pull from. So I think memorization is really important,” said Sam Evans, who coached each of the past two champions. “Sometimes it gets a bad reputation, but you have to do it.” Every word is in the dictionary, if you can find itIt’s all but impossible to reach the finals without knowing the components that make up words absorbed into English: roots and languages of origin. But some champions have stood out for their incredible recall, the ability to instantly visualize any word they’ve run across or even recite dictionary definitions verbatim: Nihar Janga in 2016, Zaila Avant-garde in 2021 and Bruhat Soma in 2024.Sarv Dharavane might be the next of that group.Sarv finished third in 2025 as a relative unknown in the spelling community. There’s a reason for that. The 12-year-old sixth-grader from Dunwoody, Georgia, has no coach. He doesn’t participate in online bees. And his only study guide is the source for every word in the competition: Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged dictionary. Read More “The book is my coach,” Sarv said. And given his past success, he saw no reason to change it up.“I didn’t really change anything because my strategy got me far last year, but I did more of what I did before,” Sarv said.“I used to read the dictionary and set aside difficult words to study later,” he explained. “I did it a lot, so I got a lot of words and it was really easy just to go through them. I’ve always been able to remember pretty well, and I can read through long lists without getting tired, so this strategy works pretty well for me.”Simple, right?Many spellers think there’s a better way. Master the roots, and you don’t need to memorize as muchDev Shah, the 2023 champion, advocates an artistic approach to spelling — the one also championed by his coach, Scott Remer. Master roots, master language patterns, and learn how to spot the exceptions, and you can spell a word that you’ve never seen or don’t remember.Shah accepted that he could never memorize the dictionary — “No one can,” he said — and he believed if he got a word he didn’t know, he could figure it out.“The skill of guessing is everything,” he wrote in a Washington Post op-ed after his victory.In an interview Wednesday, Shah said memorization was important, especially for quirky words with obscure origins. He said the best spellers, including Avant-garde, found a balance between memorization and mastery.Having a conceptual understanding of how words are spelled can also help spellers perform under pressure when their memory fails them, said Shah, who admitted he finds it daunting to memorize a huge volume of words.Former champion Sohum Sukhatankar, who coaches Shrey, said spellers need to fill their brains with the most useful information.“When you’re at the highest level, you have to be prepared for hundreds of thousands of words,” he said. “You want to do as little memorization as possible to avoid the chance that you just forget it, so it’s all about efficiency.” After a catastrophic school bee, one speller seeks every edgeShrey knows he might have to guess when he’s at the microphone, but he wants to eliminate variables. That makes sense, given that a year ago, he wasn’t even the top speller at his school.“I had a fever at my school bee last year, and I just blanked on the word ‘calipers’ ... and I missed it,” he said. “I was really devastated.”It took a few months before Shrey was motivated to start studying again. Once he did, he added Sukhatankar to his coaching team. He’s learned how to slow down when he’s at the microphone because of a bad experience in 2023, when he rushed through a word, didn’t enunciate it clearly and judges determined he got it wrong.He’s also a believer in study guides. Shrey said an interactive, AI-assisted platform called Onyma that offers personalized learning and competition with other spellers — launched this month by Sukhatankar and Evans — has helped with his preparation. He also uses SpellPundit, an online resource created by two former spellers and their parents that made a splash at the 2019 bee when the majority of that year’s eight co-champions used it. The company claims every champion since as a customer.Shrey won the annual SpellPundit bee, the South Asian Spelling Bee and several other online bees, which he doesn’t necessarily see as an advantage.“I feel like it (creates) more pressure to perform,” he said. Evans believes spellers who want to win should use their study time efficiently, but there’s no barrier to learning every possible word.“There’s a common joke among spellers that says everything’s in the dictionary, so it’s all ‘on-list,’” he said. “The dictionary is the most basic thing that spellers need to know.”___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 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Many of those who can’t be vaccinated, including pregnant women and immunocompromised people, are also at high risk of serious complications.

“I had never, ever seen Joe like that,” the former first lady told CBS News in an interview. “Before or since.”

The former workers were among a group of employees who confronted the company’s head of human resources about layoffs last fall.

Shaquille O'Neal Names Interesting Move Celtics Can Make That Doesn't Involve Jaylen Brown originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.One of the biggest questions surrounding the Celtics this offseason is whether they will part ways with the Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum duo by trading Brown. However, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal isn't in favor of breaking up the dynamic duo and instead stated what he would change."I don't think they should break up the Jays.," O'Neal said Tuesday on "The Rich Eisen Show". "They just have to learn how to have better in-game adjustments. You know, the Celtics, they're going to die by the jump shot and live by the jump shot."The Celtics are among the many NBA teams striving to shoot the 3-pointer at a high rate, and they even rank third in the league for most 3-pointers made this season. Yet, when their long-range shots aren't falling, Boston struggles to win games.Boston needs to develop a more effective strategy to improve its interior scoring next season. One possible avenue for the Celtics could be to break up the duo of Brown and Tatum by trading Brown for a dominant big man like Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who can score inside with ease.Acquiring Antetokounmpo will only be successful if head coach Joe Mazzulla adjusts his coaching philosophy. Antetokounmpo is not an outside shooting threat, and expecting to trade for him only to turn him into a shooter simply won’t work.More NBA: Skip Bayless Defends Jaylen Brown Over Controversial Award Snub

Players run the floor during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News The Big 12 is widely viewed as one of the best college basketball conferences in the country, and its coaches have plenty to say regarding the sport’s changing landscape.At the Big 12’s annual spring meetings in Frisco, Texas, head coaches Tommy Lloyd of Arizona and Ross Hodge of West Virginia answered questions from reporters about NCAA Tournament expansion, eligibility rules, the league’s brand, and more.Here are some of Lloyd and Hodge’s most notable thoughts.On navigating unprecedented circumstances in college basketballLloyd: “You could sit around and complain, but if you do that, how are you going to be successful? I think there’s joy in trying to figure something out that’s really challenging, and that definitely has been college basketball, or college athletics overall, in the last five or eight years. What’s tough is it never feels like it slows down. “(We’re) looking for certainty with the rules. I think a lot of us are dealing with potential eligibility issues, you know, that obviously have coaches frustrated, because based on how the rules were going to be made last year, it looks like it might change this year.“... But I think the support of the game and the fandom has never been better. I think the quality of the product is going to continue to improve. I think more of these kids have the option to stay in college longer now, which is a good thing. It’s a good thing for our game.”On the Big 12 potentially changing from 18 conference games per season to 20Lloyd: “Us coaches, I think there’s kind of a general consensus, we’re really happy with 18 (games). We think that gives us the best flexibility to schedule accordingly with our nonconference schedules based on the needs of our program.“Obviously, I think that there’s going to be a push from the conference level to get 20 games, because they want more content so when we do become media free agents in 2030, they think that content gives us more value. So I think it’s just trying to figure out where we can meet on that issue. “I know for me, having the extra flexibility to schedule (quality nonconference matchups) ... I think that’s really helped the profile of our program, and I think it really helps college basketball in the November and December months, when we’re still battling with the NFL and college football. I think the quality of those games, they really, really matter. I’m a strong proponent for the 18-game schedule, but unfortunately, I don’t know if I get a vote on the issue.”On the scheduling benefits of NCAA Tournament expansionHodge: “Anytime you get a chance to schedule more aggressively without feeling like it’s hurting you, it’s good for your brand individually and then collectively for the strength of the league. So with an expansion, it just allows you to have more big swings, and if you take big swings, you’re going to miss some, but you don’t feel like you’re getting punished for swinging and missing.”On the reality of roster construction in the NIL and revenue sharing eraHodge: “You’re playing a game with rules that are ever-evolving and ever-changing, and it’s hard to always be predictive. I don’t know if I would have predicted that the (transfer) market increased at the rate it did, because it feels like it’s not going to be able to continue at that rate, but it keeps continuing at that rate. “You have to be able to adapt quickly and make the best decisions that you can in the time period that you’re making those decisions in. It can be easy to look back on a decision that you made, good or bad, six months from now, but really, you can’t get too far ahead of that or too far behind it. In the time period that you’re in, are you making the best decisions that you can make with the rules that are in place at the moment, understanding that those rules could change tomorrow?”Lloyd: “You’re going to have to start running these revenue-generating sports like a business. I honestly don’t think there’s any other way to do it. I think we all need to understand that not everybody has billionaires floating around. Don’t get me wrong, I mean, Arizona’s fine, there is going to be this thing called donor fatigue. “... It’s really interesting. I’m excited to see what (college athletics) looks like in five years, and it’s been kind of fun to try to figure out. I know it’s really been challenging for me, and our staff, and our athletic family as a whole, but somehow we keep putting one foot forward and surviving.“... I think common sense will finally prevail. Once we kind of work ourselves through this little time period, I don’t know, maybe this will be the last year of the craziness.”On if playing nationally-televised games has become a recruiting toolHodge: “Absolutely ... I think from a league standpoint, you have such powerful brands, and then you combine that with some of the best coaches, not only in the current landscape of college basketball, but to have ever coached college basketball. Then last year specifically, with the amount of young talent, we had some super compelling storylines (league-wide) ... Last year has certainly impacted us in a positive manner.”On NCAA Tournament expansionLloyd: “I think it makes sense to get more teams in the tournament. To give a few more teams an opportunity is a good thing, and hey, the more games on TV, the better. I know I’ll be watching, I think we all will. I don’t think anybody’s going to say, ‘Oh, I’m not watching those games,’ because there’s going to be buzzer beaters, there’s going to be high drama, and I think it’s only going to gain more momentum and more interest.”On how players remaining in college longer with NIL has benefitted the sportHodge: “The depth of talent available to so many teams, I think that’s reflected in some of the things we talked about in this meeting, just the viewership, the fan engagement, the eyes on college basketball itself. In some ways, you could make the claim that it’s never been better in that regard. I think a lot of that has to do with the talent remaining in college.” Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Old Dominion, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. | Rick Scuteri, Associated Press

After 48 years in education and 42 years in the dugout, Arnold head softball coach and Bay County legend Ric Green is retiring. Green, who reached 600 career victories this past season, has a storied tenure at Arnold that includes two Elite Eight runs, a state runner-up finish in 2016 and four county titles.Signing Day Bay High's Kingsley Guidas signs with University of North Florida cheerAll-County boys track and field Bay High stars sweep top track and field honorsGreen announced that assistant coach Jared Smith will succeed him as head coach of the Lady Marlins. Smith, previously the head coach at Bozeman for 11 seasons, compiled 118 wins and led his teams to four playoff appearances.Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Longtime Arnold High School softball coach Ric Green retires

KLAIPEDA, LITHUANIA - NOVEMBER 30: Luigi Suigo of Italy looks on during the FIBA World Cup Group D Qualifiers between Lithuania and Italy at Svyturio Arena on November 30, 2025 in Klaipeda, Lithuania. (Photo by Rokas Lukosevicius/FIBA via Getty Images) | FIBA via Getty Images The first deadline of NBA Draft season has arrived.College players who is testing the waters of the 2026 NBA Draft will have until 11:59 pm to withdraw as in line with rules from the NCAA. All players who declared for the draft as early entrants will finalize thier decision on Wednesday.This does not apply to Villanova’s biggest target Lugi Suigo.The Italian center will follow the withdrawal deadline set by the NBA, which is June 13. This is also for early entrants who do not wish to be drafted. If Suigo withdraws his name from the 2026 draft, he will be eligibile to attend college and re-enter the draft in upcoming years.So, what does this mean?Right now, nothing. Suigo has not made a public decision just yet. All we know is what we have already heard and that it feels like Villanova is among early favorites with BYU.Suigo averaged 8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 18.6 minutes per game in the Adriatic League last year. At 7-foot-3, Suigo has good mobility and length. He has the makings of a future NBA center but could opt to come to college for one year first.Suigo would be a massive get for Kevin Willard and staff to solidify a frontcourt that includes Kwame Evans Jr. The Wildcats also added Devin Royal and Elijah Crawford in the transfer portal, with Jake Fiegen and Buddy Simmons as options to come off the bench. Villanova’s roster is rounding into form and Suigo would be the final piece.

OKLAHOMA CITY – When Karlyn Pickens thinks about opening the Women's College World Series against Texas, the team that eliminated Tennessee softball last year, the word that comes to mind is "present."The senior pitcher said she's focused on one batter at a time, one pitch at a time and trusting their preparation for the Longhorns, who went on to win the national championship last season after beating the Lady Vols in the semifinals."(I'm) not trying to overthink anything, or think ahead, or think about things from the past," Pickens said May 27.The No. 7 seed Lady Vols (47-10) will open the WCWS against No. 2 seed Texas (47-11) at Devon Park on May 28 (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). This year, though, Pickens has a stronger pitching staff backing her up with junior Sage Mardjetko and sophomore Erin Nuwer, who both took significant leaps from last season.Pickens threw 22⅔ of Tennessee's 26⅔ innings during the run to the WCWS semifinals last year, and she won't have to this season. Mardjetko and Nuwer both earned starts and pitched significant innings during the regional and super regional, and Tennessee has maximized the trio's strengths all season.Nuwer said part of embracing the new dynamic going was knowing all three pitchers had different strengths. They understood how well they complemented each other.Pitching coach Megan Rhodes Smith told Knox News in April the three pitchers "are each other's greatest gift."Opposing teams are often left guessing who will start a game until lineups are posted with the way Tennessee has spread out innings this season, which gives the pitchers an extra edge, Pickens said. Pickens had a different role this season, pitching 132⅓ innings compared to 226⅔ last season. Missing seven games in March with an injury played a part in that, but it was also because of how coach Karen Weekly wanted to utilize the staff. "I would say one thing that is not always the case with pitchers, we all just love each other so much," Pickens said. "We know that, if it's our day, then it's our day to go compete, but we're also going to be supporting and celebrating each other when we're out there."Mardjetko echoed Pickens' sentiment, and said she has more confidence in not only herself in her second WCWS, but in Pickens and Nuwer, too.Having a staff of three talented pitchers who are bought into their role the way Pickens, Mardjetko and Nuwer have this season is "really rare for a lot of reasons," Weekly said. It's rare to have this much talent come into the program, let alone for them to develop the way all three of them have."In this day and age, you're enticed to kind of go where you're going to be the star all the time," Weekly said. "For them to see the value of being somewhere where you're going to develop and you're going to grow, and because you have the depth, you're going to put yourself and your team in a position to be here in Oklahoma City. And I think that's a blessing for us, and just a blessing to have three young women like this."Cora Hall is the University of Tennessee women’s athletics reporter for Knox News. Email: cora.hall@knoxnews.com; X: @corahalll; Bluesky: @corahall.bsky.social‬. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks:knoxnews.com/subscribeThis article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee softball pitching led by Karlyn Pickens is deeper than ever for WCWS

The only charge lodged against David Rush is that he inflated his academic credentials and obtained military leave pay worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Colby Covington recently informed the UFC that he is sailing off into the sunset and retiring from MMA. Going forward, it’s back to his wrestling roots for one of the welterweight division’s most visible grapplers of the past decade.Covington, 38, slowed down his MMA activity starting in 2020 after losing his first undisputed UFC title shot against Kamaru Usman via fifth-round knockout. Covington only fought once per calendar year in each year that followed, excluding 2025 when he didn’t fight at all. Yet in 2026, he’s already competed twice for Real American Freestyle (RAF), with a third wrestling match coming against Chris Weidman this Saturday, May 30.Speaking Wednesday on “The Ariel Helwani Show” in his first post-UFC interview, Covington (17-5) explained his reason for leaving MMA behind, noting that he’s still on good terms with the UFC and had a good final meeting with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell."This is the next step in my combat sports career — to join wrestling full-time. My first true love and passion,” Covington told Uncrowned."I started wrestling when I was in diapers, and I was a little kid and it was family business to go into the wrestling world. So now we can get back to doing what I love the most, which is wrestling. It's amazing what Chad Bronstein has done with Real American Freestyle, and [retiring from UFC] was just the proverbial red tape that needed to be done to be able to clear up the biggest and best matches in RAF, so there's no limitations to who I can wrestle. I want to wrestle everybody. I want to wrestle Arman [Tsarukyan], I want to wrestle [Khamzat Chimaev]. I want to wrestle 'Marty' Usman — we have unfinished business, we need to finish this trilogy."I want to wrestle all these UFC guys, but I can't get too ahead of myself. This weekend, I have a tough competitor in front of me with Chris Weidman. But it was just a formality, and Hunter gave me his blessing, and it's all good. It's all love. ... I'm moving onto bigger and better things."Covington’s retirement from the UFC goes down as one of the quieter ones in recent MMA history, despite the brash, outspoken welterweight’s nature. Covington said Wednesday that he didn’t need a “crazy retirement package,” as the UFC has produced for numerous longtime veterans and legends upon their exits over the years.Ultimately, Covington simply didn’t see a route to maximize his wrestling potential while still “active” as a UFC fighter. That doesn’t mean he’s fully closed the door on fighting again. But if he does, it will remain in the Octagon, where he’s fought in since 2014."I wasn't let go. I'm still a UFC fighter. I'll always be a UFC fighter,” Covington said. “If I come back to fight again, it will be in the UFC. I'm still under contract with the UFC. All is still good with the UFC. I'm thankful for everything they did for me."It's 50-50 [if I fight MMA again.] I know I have a lot left in the tank. I know there's a lot of good miles still left on the tread, but I don't know. I can't predict the future. Only God knows, so I trust God's plan. “Covington may have ended his UFC run on a downward skid, losing back-to-back bouts against Leon Edwards and Joaquin Buckley, however it’s a different story in RAF. Covington holds wins over former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and Bellator veteran Dillon Danis for RAF heading into his Weidman showdown.Wrestling has been Covington’s bread and butter throughout his athletic life, so this full transition back into the sport should come as no surprise. He’s so passionate about the new endeavor that he even invested in RAF personally, he said."This is my calling,” Covington said. “If they would’ve had a platform like this with Real American Freestyle [when I first got out of college], I never would have been in the UFC. So seeing Chad Bronstein, seeing Izzy Martinez, Eric Bischoff, the vision that they've created in reality, I mean, you've got to think about it — wrestling is one of the oldest sports of all time. It never had popularity like it does now. Now, we're on Fox Nation, one of the biggest platforms in the world. We're headlining shows here in Dallas this weekend. We'll be in Milwaukee. We'll be in St Louis. We'll be in Cleveland, we'll be in Ohio."When I first heard about it from Chad and Hulk Hogan — when Hulk Hogan walked me out for my last [UFC] fight — I loved it. I loved the vision that they had for freestyle wrestling and making it the mecca. And then, when I got to see it firsthand, when I competed against Luke Rockhold in Sunrise, Florida, I got to see the electricity of the crowd. I got to see the fan engagement, the kids, the families, all the people that came out to support this great sport. And I was all-in. I told him right away, I wanted to invest my hard-earned money and I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to help lead the future so wrestlers can have a platform to make money and supplement their income in life. "Now I'm a part of the company and I just I truly believe in what Chad and Eric are doing, and I'm just so thankful to be a part of it."With the Weidman match set for 200 pounds, Covington highlighted that it’ll be the literal biggest of his career.RAF 9 goes down inside the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

The Tennessee Titans have signed first-round pick Keldric Faulk to a contract, officially completing the signings for all eight of their selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.Faulk, an edge defender out of Auburn, ended up with the Titans after general manager Mike Borgonzi traded up from the early second round to the No. 31 pick at the back end of the first round to select him. A 6-foot-6, 274-pound edge defender known more for his run stopping skills than his pass rushing acumen, Faulk entered the 2026 NFL Draft cycle considered as a potential top-10 pick but fell later in the round after an underwhelming junior season.Along with Faulk, the Titans used 2026 draft picks on WR Carnell Tate, LB Anthony Hill Jr., OL Fernando Carmona Jr., RB Nicholas Singleton, DL Jackie Marshall, OL Pat Coogan and TE Jaren Kanak. Tate, the No. 4 pick in the draft, signed his contract with the Titans shortly after the draft.The Titans are in their second week of OTAs, the first opportunities for rookies to practice alongside their veteran teammates. Faulk was in uniform for the Titans' first OTA practice that was open to media viewing and participated as a defensive end during team drills.Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Keldric Faulk, Titans 1st round pick, signs contract, completing draft class

The honeymoon phase for J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota came to an abrupt end last year, the former Michigan quarterback’s second in the NFL but first playing in regular-season games. A torn right meniscus uprooted his rookie season before it really began. Last time around, the 2024 No. 10 overall pick was in and out of the lineup, missing a total of seven games: five with a high right ankle sprain, one with a concussion and one with his hand injury that he tried to play through down the stretch.After Vikings brass and fans watched Sam Darnold, the quarterback Minnesota let walk in free agency following the 14-victory campaign he authored as McCarthy’s replacement, win the Super Bowl as the Seattle Seahawks’ QB1, pressure escalated. This offseason, it became clear: McCarthy has to make a third-year leap, or Minnesota needs to have a contingency plan that can return the franchise to championship contention.Enter, Kyler Murray.The Vikings inked the former Arizona Cardinals signal-caller to a one-year deal, reportedly on the veteran minimum. The Cardinals are on the hook for most of Murray’s guaranteed salary this season. Meanwhile, the Vikings have a two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick in the fold.Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentFor Murray, coming to Minnesota meant a fresh start, one that allowed him to play for the team the Allen, Texas, native grew up rooting for. On the other hand, for McCarthy, Murray’s arrival signaled the birth of a fierce competition.“Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room,” McCarthy said Wednesday at Vikings OTAs. “They feel like they made that decision. “But all I'm thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season, that last quarter of the season, and continue to be the best version of me every single day.”McCarthy went 6-4 as the Vikings’ starter last season, which Minnesota finished with a 9-8 record and on the outside looking in of the NFC playoff picture. He threw 11 touchdowns against 12 picks and completed a mere 57.6% of his passes. At times, he showcased the arm talent that made him a difference-maker at Michigan, where he won a national championship in 2023, but far too often McCarthy was erratic with the football and his decision-making in general.This offseason, McCarthy’s been focusing on processing, ball placement and controlling what he can control. He said he was told it’ll be a “true competition” between him and Murray for the top spot on the depth chart.When asked about his relationship with Murray, McCarthy used a head-turning classroom analogy.“It's just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said on Wednesday. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it's the coaches’ responsibility to teach us and coach us.”McCarthy was then asked if there’s any awkwardness.“Awkwardness?” he said. “It's just like the same feeling when you're in high school, and there's another person on the other side of the room, that's just kind of how it is. So I wouldn't say there's any awkwardness.”Later, a reporter inquired if McCarthy was disappointed that the Vikings brought aboard Murray.“Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell,” McCarthy said in response. “That's out of my control, and, at the end of the day, I just got to focus on what I can do to be the best quarterback for this football team.”Whereas McCarthy fielded questions with an edge that indicated the size of the chip on his shoulder, Murray took a more laid-back approach to addressing the media on Wednesday. Murray described a warmer dynamic with McCarthy, who Murray said has been receptive to pointers, communicative and inquisitive. “It's been great,” Murray, 28, said of his McCarthy, 23. “Obviously, I know he's a younger guy, so any way I can help him … I've played seven years now going on eight. So I'm considered a veteran, even though I don't see myself as that. Give him any knowledge that he needs. Again, we're both competitors, and I know we both want what's best for the team.”Murray is ecstatic about the potential of the offense he’s now working with. He effused about the playmakers that surround him, namely wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.“I mean, I don’t know how you can’t love that room,” Murray told reporters, when asked about the Vikings’ receiver room. “Obviously, you’ve got the best receiver in the league and then JA and the guys, and you add Jauan [Jennings], all the young guys that have the talent and ability that are hungry to go prove it and then the tight end — you look at the skill position in general; I know it’s widely regarded as one of the most QB-friendly offenses around the league. So I’m happy to be here.”Murray added: “It’s kind of an embarrassment of riches around here.”Known for his escapability and rushing threat, Murray didn’t hint at how his X-factor could be deployed this season in Minnesota. He did, however, discuss the impeccable teaching ability of his new head coach, Kevin O’Connell, the 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year.Murray said O’Connell’s offense is “really wordy,” but he’s confident he’ll have it down in due time, thanks to mental reps at home and to and from the facility.After a seven-year run with the Cardinals, with whom he made the playoffs just once, Murray is clearly motivated to write a new chapter in his new home.“My confidence is unshakeable,” he said. “That's how I feel about myself. Regardless of what happens day-to-day, I know the next day I'm coming out here to give my best effort, put my best foot forward and give whatever the team needs. So that's what you're getting with me as far as confidence goes. You won't see me waver.”

The Kansas high school boys golf state championship concluded on Wednesday, May 27. Five Shawnee County individuals qualified for day two of the tournament. Washburn Rural and Cair Paravel qualified their entire teams for day one of the competition. The Junior Blues missed the cut by 19 shots, while Cair Paravel missed by two shots. Here’s how each Shawnee County player finished after qualifying for day two action. Class 6AFirekeeper Golf Course, MayettaT-22nd place: Higgins Hawks, Washburn Rural, 153, +9Class 2AQuail Ridge Golf Course, Winfield2nd: Caleb Cleverdon, Cair Paravel, 149, +55th: Jack Donovan, Rossville, 155, +1117th: Chase Hastert, Cair Paravel, 166, +2242nd: Austin Dohrman, Rossville, 187, +43Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.comThis article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: See how Shawnee County boys golfers finished at 2026 state championship

DESTIN, Fla. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference is eliminating “cupcake weekend.”The league’s athletic directors voted at their annual spring meetings for everyone to play conference games on the second-to-last week of the regular season beginning in 2027.It means no more Football Championship Subdivision or lower-tier Football Bowl Subdivision opponents before those rivalry games that typically take place during the final week of the season.“That’s the end of cupcake weekend,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said. “We never got that one sponsored, though.”SEC decision-makers have discussed dumping those late-season payday matchups for months. The conference expanded to a nine-game league schedule beginning in 2026, prompting the need for more significant matchups in late November.“It’s nine conference games and a recognition that you’re populating more weekends,” Sankey said. “And so you really cannot have odd numbers of open or non-conference dates later in the season because then that has a backward domino effect in where you place games early. We ran into some of that in the ’26 season.”Only four SEC teams – Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi and Mississippi State – have such games set for this season.The league and its television partners also started releasing game times for the early part of the season and drew criticism from Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek. Yurachek pointed out that his team will essentially lose a full day between a 9:15 p.m. kickoff at Utah on Sept. 12 and an 11 a.m. kick the following Saturday against Georgia.“The assigned schedule will cost our student-athletes nearly a full day of rest and recovery that they would otherwise have available to them,” Yurachek wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “This is not simply a competitive disadvantage — it is a genuine welfare issue for the young men who represent our program and contribute greatly to the bottom line of our television partners.”He added that it “demonstrates a clear neglect for the well-being of college athletes.”___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The surprising demand to appear at a hearing suggested new concern about the Trump administration’s efforts to repay the full $166 billion owed from illegally imposed tariffs.

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Crystal Palace followed last season's FA Cup triumph with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final (Tobias SCHWARZ)Crystal Palace midfielder Tyrick Mitchell said winning the UEFA Conference League on Wednesday felt like "pure delight" after a decade at the London club. Jean-Philippe Mateta's second-half goal took Palace to a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano and a maiden European triumph. "It's amazing, it's the same feeling that we had when we won the FA Cup," Mitchell told TNT Sports."It's just pure delight, pure emotions and we're just happy that we were able to get over the line."The victory ended coach Oliver Glasner's incredible stint in charge of the club. The Austrian was coaching his last game after announcing in January he would leave in the summer. Palace had never won a major trophy before Glasner's arrival in 2024 but have now added the Conference League crown to last year's FA Cup and the season-opening Community Shield. Mitchell missed a golden opportunity to put Palace ahead just before half-time but played a massive role in Palace fronting up over the season to the physical demands of playing in Europe. "It definitely is (the hardest season we've played). We play 60 games a season," he said."So many of our bodies are not used to it. We had times when we weren't winning. We lost a couple games in this competition."Adam Wharton, whose shot rebounded into the path of Mateta for Palace's goal, struggled to sum up what the win meant for the team and their supporters. "You can't put the feeling into words. It's incredible, south London, the fans. It's unbelievable," Wharton told TNT Sports. "The start of the game was a bit cagey, as it's bound to be in a final, but we grew into it, found where the spaces were."Wharton missed last season's FA Cup final festivities but said he had "two celebrations to catch up on". dwi/bsp/mw