The Los Angeles Rams made a huge move this week, acquiring Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, from the Cleveland Browns. They sent third-year pass rusher Jared Verse and three draft picks to the Browns for Garrett, who had 23 sacks last season and has averaged 16 sacks a season for his career. While this makes the NFC West more difficult, and the Arizona Cardinals have even longer odds to win the division, head coach Mike LaFleur isn't worried about Garrett right now. He got real with reporters on Tuesday, explaining that now isn't the time to think about what other teams are doing. "You're not really concerned about that right now," he said. "That's not what kept me up at night yesterday, you know. What kept me up was we've got two really good team periods (in practice). We've got a two-minute. Let's see how that two-minute goes, and then we'll go from there."When pressed further, he kept the same attitude. "It's not what we're concerned about right now. It's just the season's too long. That stuff just flat-out doesn't matter," he said. The offseason is not time for him to worry about other teams' moves, and he doesn't want players thinking about other teams' acquisitions. "It's our job as coaches, when we get into that week, to see what guys are available this week for us (and) what guys are available for them. So many things happen within a season, within the division, within the conference, within the NFL. Why worry about that stuff right now? We've got enough stuff to worry about in terms of getting our systems in, making sure that these guys understand what we're asking from them from a standard perspective, how hard they're playing, and then techniques, you know, what we're asking them to do. So again, like what's going to happen in September is going to happen, and I'm not concerned about it, and I hope our guys aren't either right now."And he is right. LaFleur's job is to install his offense and defense. He needs to evaluate players to build a roster. He can't worry about how things will match up against the Rams in Weeks 6 and 10. Blocking Garrett and slowing him is a job for those weeks and game prepping. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Mike LaFleur gets real with reporters about the Myles Garrett trade

LORETTO, Pa. – St. Francis University's year of major change added another one Wednesday morning.As the athletic department makes the transition from the NCAA Division I level to Division III, the school unveiled a new mascot as a way to flash forward and align with the move as well.A video shown inside DeGol Arena unveiled Red Wolves as the new nickname, replacing Red Flash, while using the same color scheme of red, white and black. A warm reception followed as many current students and alumni were in attendance to celebrate the next chapter of St. Francis athletics."This fall, we're going to be Division III so the reclassification process has begun," St. Francis President the Rev. Malachi Van Tassell said. "We wanted to have a new mascot, new branding for the new era of the university. We decided to go with the Red Wolves because of the Wolf of Gubbio and the history that has Franciscan heritage. St. Francis became the Wolf of Gubbio, and so we thought what better animal to represent us as a mascot than the Wolf of Gubbio?"St. Francis, which hinted at a nickname change earlier this week on social media, will compete in the Presidents' Athletic Conference, which includes Allegheny, Bethany, Case Western Reserve, Chatham, Franciscan, Geneva, Grove City, Hiram, St. Vincent, Thiel, Washington & Jefferson, Waynesburg and Westminster.The Red Flash nickname had been in place since 1972. Before that, St. Francis was known as the Frankies from 1938-72. The origin of the Red Wolves is tied to St. Francis.The inspiration for the Red Wolves comes from one of the most powerful stories of St. Francis of Assisi and his encounter with the Wolf of Gubbio. The town of Gubbio was once terrorized by a fierce wolf. Fear divided the community, and no one felt safe. Francis approached the wolf not with fear, but with compassion and courage. He tamed the wolf, forging a bond of mutual trust between the animal and the townspeople. The wolf, once a symbol of fear, became a symbol of peace, community and harmony.Alums Luke McConnell, the school's men's basketball coach, and Randy Wilson – Central Cambria's athletic director, guidance counselor, cross country and girls track and field coach – spoke during the event along with Athletic Director Jim Brazill.Central Cambria High School art teacher Brian Dumm designed the new logo, which honors the rich history of St. Francis.Within the wolf is a flash as a tribute to the school's history of excellence, pride and perseverance as the Red Flash. The wolf's right ear features the Holy Trinity, three intentional indents representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Also, the black background in the wolf's ear resemble pine trees, a nod to "the college among the pines." The site of DeGol Field – which is home to the field hockey, football, lacrosse and track and field teams – was known as the Pine Bowl. The white in the wolf's ears forms the shape of angel wings, symbolizing the school's Franciscan tradition and the protection and guidance."It took about six months to develop the logo itself because we had to decide on which design method to go with," Brazill said. "Did we want it facing forward? Do we want the side view? Did we want the mouth open? Or mouth closed? It took a lot of time to make that decision."The mascot reveal was not initially planned with the transition."This was not initially part of the Division III reclassification discussion," Van Tassell said. "This actually came about several months ago at the behest of the athletics department. It was really their idea. I was really happy to hear that they were embracing the reclassification and that they wanted a new mascot for a new era. They proposed the idea. They worked with a designer. This really is an exciting day for St. Francis University. This is a great news event as we start a brand-new era at St. Francis."To align with the school's move to Division III, it was decided a new mascot should be put into place before the fall semester."There were some people on campus who thought that maybe we should wait until we're fully Division III and do the transition of the logo in two years when we're able to win championships," Brazill said. "We said as we're beginning to play a Division III schedule now, let's make the change now."Enthusiasm filled the gym as young and old members of the St. Francis community expressed optimism as the Red Wolves embark on a new journey in Division III."There was a lot of excitement in the gym today," Brazill said. "I wasn't sure if the alums would be excited about it, but today, I got the impression that everyone loved it. We're looking to continue the legacy of the Red Flash and honor and respect the foundation that the student-athletes have built over the years and our alumni. We're looking to build in the future."

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 8: Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles stands on the sideline during the national anthem prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 8, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Philadelphia Eagles made two roster moves within the past 24 hours. Here’s an overview: DL Brandon Graham was released.LB Chandler Martin was re-signed.Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.BRANDON GRAHAMGraham’s contract termination appears on the NFL’s official June 2 personnel notice but it was not officially announced by the Eagles. The reason for this? The 38-year-old’s release was procedural since it held post-June 1 cap implications by splitting his dead cap money between 2026 and 2027.It’s entirely possible, if not likely, that the Eagles will still re-sign their two-time Super Bowl champion at some point.And, really, they should. All things considered, Graham was a quality rotational contributor last season after coming out of his brief retirement. He produced three sacks and two TFLs in 113 defensive snaps played over nine games. He also showed versatility to play at defensive tackle in addition to his normal role on the edge.Only five Eagles players produced more sacks than Graham in the 2025 regular season:EDGE Jalyx Hunt with 6.5 in 17 gamesDT Moro Ojomo with 6 in 17 gamesDT Jordan Davis with 4.5 in 17 gamesLB Nakobe Dean with 4 in 10 gamesLB Zack Baun with 3.5 in 16 gamesFrom when Graham rejoined the Eagles in Week 9 through the end of the season in a playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, only Hunt, Dean, and Jalen Carter had more sacks than BG in that span. Graham has expressed interest in returning for the 2026 season as one last ride. He’s talked about how he feels like he can make a better impact than he did in 2025 with a full training camp under his belt. This isn’t even to mention him being a great locker room presence. The Eagles should re-sign BG. Do you agree?CHANDLER MARTINThe Eagles waived Martin on Monday to make room for the Samori Toure signing. The BG move gave the team another roster spot for the time being, so, they’re bringing Martin back. Here’s more on him from when the Eagles first signed Martin back in March. In short, he’s fighting an uphill battle to stick on the roster.

Steve Baik is back in Southern California basketball. The man who coached one of the best high school basketball teams of all time has been hired as the new boys basketball head coach at Calabasas High.Baik coached the 2016 Chino Hills team led by star brothers Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo Ball to a perfect 35-0 record and the CIF-State Open Division title.“Coach (Baik) had reached out to us with some interest,” Calabasas athletic director Thomas Cassidy told The Star. “We set up a couple of interviews and he blew us away. Obviously, the track record speaks for itself. … Finding a coach with this background and resume, to have that opportunity is huge.”Baik was the Naismith National High School Coach of the Year, the USA Today National High School Coach of the Year and CIF Coach of the Year in 2016. More recently, Baik coached Fairfax High to an L.A. City Section Championship in 2019, earning City Section Coach of the Year honors. He won three titles in the Western League while at Fairfax.Baik will take over from longtime Calabasas coach Jon Palarz, who stepped down at the end of last season. Dominic Massimino covers basketball for The Star. He can be reached at dominic.massimino@vcstar.com. For more coverage, follow @vcspreps on Twitter/X, Instagram/Threads, Facebook, Bluesky and TikTok.This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Calabasas High hires former national basketball coach of the year

LeBron James’ basketball future remains unknown, but one analyst thinks he’ll end up playing next season, only not for the Los Angeles Lakers but instead for a West Coast rival.Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report believes James will end up with the Golden State Warriors for the 2026-27 season, something he attributes to the Lakers having higher concerns. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) stands on the court in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Jan 28, 2026.He actually indicated that James would be something of a Plan B for the Lakers.Why wouldn’t the Lakers want LeBron James back?The issue isn’t as much James, who “continues to be one of the most powerful players in the association,” but instead who else is on the team, Pincus wrote.“Building properly long-term around Dončić is the priority,” he said. “The Lakers have high hopes to take a step forward this summer, and that’s without James. If their plans fail, that could lead to one more season with the future Hall of Famer.”That tracks also with NBA insider Jovan Buha, who said the Lakers are prioritizing re-signing guard Austin Reaves over James.So if LA doesn’t want him back, where does James go?LeBron James, Steph Curry could go from rivals to teammatesKing James is chasing one last title, the Bay Area could be a great place to do it.“Steve Kerr agreed to continue coaching the Golden State Warriors,” Pincus said. “Steph Curry will get an extension with the franchise, focusing on the short-term run with Jimmy Butler, who should be healthy from a knee injury well before the All-Star break, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porziņģis.”View this post on InstagramA post shared by TheBigLead (@thebiglead.ig)It may be a while before we know where James ends up, and friends of his like newly signed Ram Myles Garrett are hoping he’ll stay. “I’m still in the moment of just taking my time,” James said earlier this year on his “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash. “I haven’t even really thought about it too much. Obviously, I understand that I’m a free agent and I can control my own destiny… but like, I haven’t even really got to that point. I haven’t even taken my family vacation yet, which is going to happen after Memorial Day. That’s kind of the thing at the forefront of my mind.”“I think at some point in June, late June, as July rolls around, free agency starts to get going, and as July rolls around and maybe into August, we’ll start to kind of get a feel of what my future may look like,” James added.The post NBA Analyst Predicts LeBron James Will Leave Lakers for West Coast Rival appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Jun 2, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (3) celebrates with third baseman Josh Jung (6) after the Rangers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Texas Rangers @ St. Louis CardinalsWednesday, June 3, 2026, 6:45 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)Busch StadiumLHP MacKenzie Gore vs. RHP Andre PallanteToday’s LineupsRANGERSCARDINALSJoc Pederson – DHMasyn Winn – SSJosh Jung – 3BIvan Herrera – CBrandon Nimmo – RFJordan Walker – RFJake Burger – 1BNelson Velazquez – DHEzequiel Duran – SSAlec Burleson – 1BAlejandro Osuna – LFJose Fermin – LFEvan Carter – CFNolan Gorman – 3BKyle Higashioka – CThomas Saggese – 2BNicky Lopez – 2BVictor Scott – CFMacKenzie Gore – LHPAndre Pallante – RHPGo Rangers!

What Mitchell Robinson's injury really means for Knicks' NBA Finals matchup with Spurs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.For the most part, both the Spurs and Knicks come into the 2026 NBA Finals as the best version of themselves.While San Antonio bested the defending champions last round, as Victor Wembanyama has stepped up to the playoff stage and young players like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper have blossomed toward stardom, the Knicks also come in a roll, winners of 11-straight playoff games thanks to Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and more.However, there is one looming injury that could have a significant impact on these Finals — Knicks backup center Mitchell Robinson is playing through a broken metacarpal in his right hand, ESPN's Brian Windhorst detailed on Wednesday. While Robinson comes off the bench for New York, his presence against the Spurs' 7-4 center will be one of the matchups that could decide the series.Here's how Robinson's injury could impact the Finals. MORE:Everything known about Mitchell Robinson's mysterious hand injuryWhat Mitchell Robinson's injury means for NBA FinalsRobinson, who is averaging 14.2 minutes per game off the bench in the 2026 playoffs as Towns' backup, is in line to play in Game 1 after initial concern with his a finger/hand injury.However, depending on how well he's able to play through the injury, it could have drastic consequences on Mike Brown's game planning.'Hack-a-Mitch'Robinson is a terrific bench player thanks to his strengths, bringing the length and athleticism needed to be an elite contributor around the rim. But by now, it's no secret that he is a terrible free-throw shooter.After entering this season with a career free-throw percentage of around 50%, Robinson shot just 40.8% from the line in the regular season on 1.7 attempts per game. In the 2026 playoffs, that number has dropped even further to 30.2%. Even with the Knicks' offense looking unstoppable at times in recent weeks, Robinson's shooting woes have led opponents to deploy the "Hack-a-Mitch" strategy to disrupt New York's momentum.The 76ers go for Hack-A-Mitch early, as Justin Edwards fouls Robinson twice.Mitchell Robinson fails to score all four free throws and Brown is forced to sub him out.Joel Embiid makes sure the refs see the first foul pic.twitter.com/uQn2mCSVDN— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 5, 2026Now imagine what a 30.2% free-throw shooter will look like with a broken metacarpal in his hand. Things could get even uglier for Robinson at the stripe — and for Brown, that means he'll have to be extremely strategic about when he puts his backup center in the game to face Wembanyama and the Spurs.On the opposing bench, meanwhile, Mitch Johnson has the ability to send a bad shooter to the free-throw line whenever Robinson is on the floor, if necessary. Especially if the Spurs are trailing in games, that's a significant advantage, knowing that missed Robinson free throws could turn into big swings in San Antonio's favor.We've already seen teams attempt "Hack-a-Mitch" in these playoffs, but it hasn't mattered with the Knicks' offense otherwise being so dominant. Against an elite Spurs squad, however, Robinson's free-throw shooting struggles could be amplified.MORE: How the Knicks built their 2026 NBA Finals rosterGuarding Victor WembanyamaPerhaps the No. 1 reason the Knicks likely want Robinson to play through his hand injury, even if it impacts his performance a bit, is how his size could potentially help neutralize Wembanyama.It doesn't take much basketball knowledge to understand that in order to slow down a 7-4 player who swats shots constantly on the defensive end, then makes finishes at the rim look easy offensively, you'd want to put your tallest defender on that player. Robinson is exactly that for the Knicks, standing at an even 7-foot as one of the NBA's better shot blockers.For the Knicks, because Robinson comes off the bench, he won't always factor into the Wembanyama gameplan — among Brown's starters, it's likely he uses some blend of OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Towns against Wembanyama defensively, while also trying to draw him out of the paint on the other end with Towns' elite shooting ability.However, in those necessary second-unit minutes, Robinson's presence could prove pivotal. He'd already have his hands full trying to defend Wembanyama, as fellow 7-footer Chet Holmgren showed in the Western Conference Finals, but with a hand injury, it becomes more difficult to get fingers on the basketball for blocks.Still, at the very least, Robinson will be a key player in the Knicks' rotation when it comes to going head-to-head against the Spurs' immediate mismatch of a star. Keep an eye on how Robinson's hand allows him to block shots — or he could get in foul trouble quickly.Mitchell Robinson practices in San Antonio pic.twitter.com/HH1olqVMjt— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 2, 2026Finishing at the rimRobinson's biggest offensive value for the Knicks comes as a lob threat and efficient finisher around the rim. He doesn't offer much as a scorer outside of that role, and while Wembanyama's presence will impact the series regardless, it becomes a major concern for New York if Robinson's injury affects his ability to catch and finish around the basket.The Knicks not only need Robinson's rim-running ability to help pull Wembanyama away from other shot attempts, but they also need him to capitalize on those opportunities. If he can't effectively fill that role, his poor free-throw shooting could make him difficult to keep on the floor.Robinson isn't a high-volume scorer, but his work around the basket is essential to New York's offense. If his hand injury limits that aspect of his game, his minutes in the Finals could be significantly reduced, allowing Wembanyama to focus more attention on other Knicks players.MORE: Looking back at the 'Nova Knicks as college playersRebounding This is Robinson's bread-and-butter — he is arguably one of the 5-to-10 best rebounders in the entire NBA. Even as a backup, when Robinson is in the game, he's capable of grabbing missed shots at an elite rate, both offensively and defensively.Offensively, Robinson's rebounding skills are a massive advantage at times. One of many reasons for the Knicks' recent dominance has been the combined ability for Josh Hart or Towns to chase long rebounds while Robinson's length allows him to clean the glass, either finding shooters or finishing himself afterward.In the regular season, per NBA.com, Robinson was fifth in the league with 4.2 offensive rebounds per game and fourth with his 3.2 contested offensive rebounds per game. Against the tallest player in the league, Wembanyama, rebounding becomes critical for an opponent. Robinson's presence on the boards will be needed in the Finals. One wouldn't think that a hand/finger injury would impact rebounding too much, but the details of Robinson's pain level also aren't quite known. If he can't be effective on the glass, Robinson either won't be playing much or will be a liability for the Knicks.Closer look at what Mitchell Robinson had on his hand at Knicks media day shootaround pic.twitter.com/V6o6pr35lZ— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 2, 2026Knicks' center rotationIn the scenario that Robinson's injury either keeps him out, or causes him to struggle in all the aforementioned areas of the Finals matchup, Brown may be forced to find a new backup center at the most critical point in the Knicks' season.On one hand, Towns, Hart and Anunoby would likely see even more minutes as New York leans into small ball — but 24-year-old second-year center Ariel Hukporti would be the leading candidate to play in spurts at center off the bench.Hukporti has appeared in 79 games over his two seasons with the Knicks since being a second-round pick in 2024. He's been a good rebounder, averaging 2.9 per game in 9.2 minutes per game this past regular season, and he's should be a better free-throw shooter than Robinson at 78.8% in the regular season.However, he's also immensely unproven — and putting Hukporti on the Finals stage, especially to guard Wembanyama, could be a recipe for disaster for the Knicks. For now, New York will be hoping it won't have to go to such drastic measures, and that Robinson can play well enough through his injury to be effective.

Heterosexual actor Shia LaBeouf pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery on Wednesday related to a February incident in which he assaulted two men and called them “fa***ts” during an altercation amid the Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana. LaBeouf insinuated that the altercation occurred because of inappropriate touching from the men, though the police incident report didn’t mention any such touching. Shortly after the incident, LaBeouf admitted, “Big gay people are scary to me,” and added, “If that’s homophobic, then I’m that.” Related Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bill banning “gay or trans panic” defense A judge subsequently sentenced LaBeouf to two years of probation with a six-month suspended sentence on Wednesday. LaBeouf will remain un-imprisoned as long as he completes his probation without another offense. LaBeouf was arrested and charged with simple battery on February 17 after allegedly punching two men at a bar. A police report said he repeatedly called the men “fa***ts” — at least one of his victims identifies as queer. The men said LaBeouf shouted an anti-gay slur at them. A cellphone video recorded by one of the men reportedly showed LaBeouf shouting the slur while in police custody. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Bar employees tried to eject LaBeouf after he became “increasingly aggressive,” and he reportedly punched the victim after being removed from the bar. He then left the scene but returned, “acting even more aggressive,” police said. “Multiple people attempted to hold him down — he was eventually let up in hopes that he would leave — but he reportedly again struck the same victim with closed fists to the victim’s upper body. LaBeouf then reportedly assaulted another person, punching him in the nose,” police said. “LaBeouf was again held down until police arrived.” The statement didn’t mention whether anyone had inappropriately touched LaBeouf prior to the assaults. One of the victims, LA-based writer and performer Jeffrey Damnit, said that he was dressed in drag when LaBeouf attacked him at the Royal Street bar. He said LaBeouf punched him “while screaming, ‘You’re a f**king fa***t.’” “I mean, it’s a hate crime, right? You’re beating people up because somewhere in your mind their sexuality goes against what you think should get to live,” Damnit added. LaBeouf wasn’t charged with hate crimes, a decision that is ultimately left up to prosecutors and which often raises the burden of proof for a court conviction. Police later issued a warrant for LaBeouf’s arrest for allegedly head-butting a third man and using anti-gay slurs against him at the same bar on the same day. LaBeouf turned himself in to New Orleans police, according to WDSU. He was released the same day and was later photographed holding his arrest papers in his mouth while dancing in the street with Mardi Gras revelers. During an interview shortly after the incident, LaBeouf described his “behavior” during the altercation as “bulls**t.” He also blamed his behavior on “a small man complex.” “I think it’s something that has to do with anger and ego more so than my drinking,” he said. “I’ll be honest with you, big gay people are scary to me,” he said when asked about what enraged him before the assault. “When I’m, like, standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me, touching my leg, I get scared…. I’m sorry. If that’s homophobic, then I’m that.” “I’m good with gay,” he continued. “Be gay over there, though. Don’t be gay in my lap.” Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Also, the N.B.A. finals tips off. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez set the record for the longest consecutive scoreless innings streak for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history on Wednesday. Sánchez entered the game against the San Diego Padres needing just one inning to achieve the mark. He now has 45.2 scoreless innings in a row. While he has the record for a lefty, he still has his sights on climbing the overall leaderboard. Currently, he sits seventh on the all-time list and would need to reach 59.1 consecutive scoreless innings to set the overall record. This story will be updated.

The PWHL’s eight existing teams have decided which players they’ll protect from its expansion roster-building process.Teams were permitted to protect three players from being signed — or selected, if necessary — by the league’s newest teams in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose. Only players under contract for the 2026-27 season could be protected, which meant free agents needed to sign during Phase 1 of the six-phase process. Any signing automatically counted as one of the team’s three protections.Next, the four expansion teams will begin to build their inaugural rosters from the remaining pool of eligible players. Phase 2 of the expansion process begins on Friday, and allows each expansion team to build the foundation of its roster by acquiring five players through signings and, if necessary, a player selection process.Existing teams can lose a maximum of three players who are under contract for the 2026-27 season during this phase.Montreal VictoireProtectedMarie-Philip Poulin (F)Laura Stacey (F)Ann-Renée Desbiens (G)Boston FleetAerin Frankel (G)Megan Keller (D)Haley Winn (D)Minnesota FrostTaylor Heise (F)Kelly Pannek (F)Maddie Rooney (G)New York SirensSarah Fillier (F)Kristýna Kaltounková (F)Casey O’Brien (F)Ottawa ChargeRebecca Leslie (F)Gwyneth Philips (G)Ronja Savolainen (D)Seattle TorrentAlex Carpenter (F)Hannah Murphy (G)Anna Wilgren (D)Toronto SceptresRenata Fast (D)Raygan Kirk (G)Ella Shelton (D)Vancouver GoldeneyesSophie Jaques (D)Emerance Maschmeyer (G)Sarah Nurse (F)This article originally appeared in The Athletic.Toronto Sceptres, Minnesota Frost, Vancouver Goldeneyes, New York Sirens, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Seattle Torrent, Boston Fleet, NHL, Women's Hockey2026 The Athletic Media Company

In just two seasons, Alex Caruso has penciled his name into OKC basketball lore. The 32-year-old helped the Oklahoma City Thunder bring home an NBA championship in 2025. And in 2026, he showed out as one of their best players in the playoffs once again.Expect that partnership to continue. Since the Thunder acquired Caruso in a one-for-one trade with Josh Giddey, he's been a home-run addition. Keeping his legs fresh with a mundane regular season, you'll easily pay that price if it means he completely causes chaos in OKC's favor during their playoff runs.Caruso has shown he loves playing high-level basketball. He almost helped the Thunder pull off the upset over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference as Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were both out in the latter half of the seven-game epic series.Fresh off a heartbreaking Game 7 loss, Caruso is ready to get back to square one with this group. Those types of intangibles have helped him become OKC's version of Andre Iguodala. You keep him in the bacta tank from October to April for the hopeful two months' worth of the NBA playoffs."Obviously, I signed a long-term contract, so I'm looking forward to being here a few more years. The relationship has been great to me and the Thunder organization," Caruso said. "Thankful to Sam for everything me an extension and trust me enough to be there for this handful of years."Entering the second year of a four-year, $81.1 million contract, Caruso expects to be in OKC for the rest of his basketball prime. He said so as much in his exit interview. The two-time All-Defense Team member is ready to add more jewelry to his hand alongside his two championship rings.Even if it means sacrificing some possible individual accolades. Viewed as one of the league's best defenders, Caruso has failed to meet the threshold to be eligible for awards. Alas, everybody has to give up something if you're serious about contending for NBA championships year in and year out.The Thunder had to shake their head and be mad at themselves for letting Caruso go. They added him to their G League roster when he went undrafted in 2016. Two NBA stops on the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls turned him into one of the best developmental stories of this era. They clearly learned from their mistake by trading for him nearly a decade later. "We'll see what the future holds next time. I've enjoyed my first two years here. It's been great. The people here, the city, the organization, they're all very high-class people, very salt of the earth, will do anything for you to make sure you're in a better place," Caruso said. "I think those are values that I hold very highly. That's the way I was raised. That's the way my parents are, my family is. It just feels like a very good partnership and obviously winning basketball games and having a good team go a long way as well."This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Alex Caruso excited to continue 'partnership' with OKC Thunder

After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games, the San Antonio Spurs advanced to the 2026 NBA Finals, where they'll face the New York Knicks, who've won 10 consecutive playoff games.The finals will feature two former Warriors players, both representing the Spurs: former No. 7 overall pick Harrison Barnes and Lindy Waters III. On the Knicks' side, they are coached by Mike Brown, who spent six seasons under Steve Kerr as an assistant coach from 2016 to 2022.That said, who is the last former Warriors alum to win an NBA title?Most recent Golden State Warriors alum to win an NBA championshipWell, since the Warriors last earned a championship over the Boston Celtics in 2022, only one former Warrior has gone on to win a ring with another franchise. This would be former Warriors point guard Ish Smith. Smith played for 13 NBA teams during his 14-year career, with one of them being the Warriors. Out of all his many stops, he stayed in Golden State the shortest amount of time, playing in just six games for the franchise. In those games, Smith averaged 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 10.5 minutes of play. It wasn't until 11 years after his time in the Bay Area that Smith would win a title, doing so in 2023 with the Denver Nuggets.This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Who was the last former Warriors player to win an NBA title?

Matteo Berrettini had a medical timeout shortly after losing the first set to Matteo Arnaldi [Getty Images]Matteo Berrettini said he is "tired of retiring" from matches as injury ended his hopes of a maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open.The 30-year-old had lost the first set of his quarter-final to fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi and trailed 5-2 in the second when a hip problem forced him to end the contest early.He had already spent time off court for a medical timeout early in the second set and, having pulled up sharply chasing a ball in what proved to be the final game of the match, sat disconsolate in his chair with a rueful look on his face for several seconds before embracing his opponent at the net.Berrettini lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2021 Wimbledon final but his career since then has been plagued by numerous injury setbacks - a huge factor in him being yet to add to that sole appearance in a Grand Slam showpiece."It was really hard [to retire] because I thought that wasn't the right thing, mostly because I have done it many times and I'm tired of retiring," said Berrettini."I didn't want the tournament to end like this."Cobolli using Nadal's shower in bid for French Open gloryQualifier Chwalinska extends dream French Open runBerrettini's only previous retirement from a Grand Slam match was at the 2023 US Open.He also made an early exit from the 2021 ATP Tour Finals because of an abdominal injury, while last season he had to pull out midway through matches in Madrid and Rome in the run-up to the French Open.But the former world number six, who had missed the previous four French Opens because of injury problems, is determined to take the positives from reaching a seventh Grand Slam quarter-final in his first outing at Roland Garros since 2021.Now ranked 105th, he added: "I have to take the good stuff that I did in this tournament, because a few weeks ago or a few days ago, it would have been crazy to think about me in the quarter-finals, and so I'll try to go back home with a smile on my face."It's going to be tough but that's how I like to approach these two weeks, and of course I'm disappointed, I'm sad, but I'm also proud of the way I fought through this tournament."Speaking on court after his win, Arnaldi said: "You never wish for someone to end the tournament like this."He did an amazing tournament. I am sorry for him and I hope he recovers because soon it is the grass and he is going to be very tough to play."Arnaldi, ranked 104th in the world, is the lowest-ranked male player to reach a French Open singles semi-final since Filip Dewulf did so in 1997 when ranked 122nd.He will play another Italian, 10th seed Flavio Cobolli, on Friday for a place in Sunday's final.Sabalenka lets another golden Slam opportunity slipSabalenka crumbles in French Open quarter-finalsArnaldi, 25, had spent the most amount of time on court by a player en route to reaching a Grand Slam men's quarter-final since such a metric started being recorded in 1991.Taking into account his quarter-final, he has spent close to 20 hours on court across his five matches."Today I was feeling actually pretty good," said Arnaldi, when asked about his physical condition, before adding: "I for sure have some energy left for the next matches."Live scores, results and order of playGet tennis news sent straight to your phone

The Baltimore Ravens don't need to reinvent themselves offensively to become one of the NFL's elite units in 2026. The foundation is already in place. They have a two-time MVP quarterback, one of the most dominant running backs of his generation, a talented receiving corps, and an offensive coordinator generating excitement throughout the organization.That doesn't guarantee success, of course. Every team enters the season believing it has a chance. Still, there are several reasons to believe Baltimore could finish among the NFL's five best offenses this season. Here are four that come to mind almost immediately. 1. Total buy-in from the entire organizationOne of the most encouraging developments of the offseason has been the enthusiasm surrounding offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. When Lamar Jackson appeared for the second week of voluntary OTAs, it sent a message. The franchise quarterback is invested in what Doyle is building. More importantly, he isn't alone.General manager Eric DeCosta, players such as Zay Flowers, and even defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver have all expressed confidence in Doyle's vision. In a league filled with strong personalities and competing viewpoints, earning that level of support matters. Buy-in doesn't guarantee results, but it creates an environment where success becomes far more attainable.2. A healthier Lamar JacksonJackson recently revealed that he suffered an injury during a Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions and never fully felt the same physically afterward. While Baltimore's disappointing finish stung, the early exit did create one benefit: additional recovery time. A fully healthy Jackson remains one of the most difficult players in football to defend. His presence alone raises the ceiling of the entire offense.3. Size, power, and physicality everywhereDefensive coordinators already lose sleep trying to contain Derrick Henry. Few defenders enjoy tackling him in the first quarter. By the fourth quarter, most are simply trying to survive.Now the Ravens have added even more size to the equation. Ja'Kobi Lane brings a 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame. Then, there's Elijah Sarratt. He checks in at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. Vega Ioane stands 6-foot-4 and weighs approximately 320 pounds. Baltimore appears determined to become even more physical, and that kind of size tends to wear opponents down over the course of a game and a season.4. Better utilization of the supporting castThe stars will always drive Baltimore's offense, but championship-caliber units maximize everyone. Doyle's creativity could unlock larger roles for Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester, Justice Hill, and rookie Adam Randall. Finding productive touches for those players would not only create matchup problems. It also helps preserve the health and effectiveness of stars like Henry throughout a long season. The Ravens already possess one of football's most talented offensive rosters. If Doyle's vision translates from the practice field to Sundays, Baltimore may not just field a top-five offense. It could challenge for the top spot in the entire league.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 4 reasons the Ravens will field a top-five NFL offense in 2026

Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles' defense rode the momentum of a dominant Super Bowl performance into the next campaign. At times, they truly looked impenetrable. Vic Fangio continued to get the best out of a talented group that wore the label as the possible weak link in a very strong chain at the beginning of the season.They lost a lot of talent and/or starters following the Super Bowl win. Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Oren Burks, and Avonte Maddox all signed elsewhere. That said, it was easy to understand why there would be concern, but Coach Fangio's unit held its own nicely.Coach Fangio's unit became the engine that powered a championship contender. While the offense garnered much of the attention entering the season, it was the defense that often carried the team through difficult stretches and delivered when it mattered most.The Eagles finished 13th in total defense, eighth against the pass, and fifth in points allowed per game. More importantly, they routinely looked like one of the NFL's toughest groups to solve. Their season-long performance was particularly impressive considering many viewed the defense as the potential weak link before the season began.This offseason brought another wave of change, but this is still a defense loaded with talent, experience, and ascending stars. Here are four reasons the Eagles could once again field a top-five unit in 2026.1. Vic Fangio hasn't lost his passion yetSo, as it turns out, Vic Fangio had no intention whatsoever of retiring this past offseason. The veteran defensive coordinator remains fully invested, fully engaged, and as demanding as ever. More importantly, his track record speaks for itself. He consistently adapts to personnel changes, finds creative ways to maximize talent, and places players in positions to succeed. As long as he's running the defense, Philadelphia will have a chance to field one of the league's smartest units.2. The additions of Riq Woolen and Jonathan GreenardThe Eagles didn't simply lose talent this offseason. They added some too. Riq Woolen brings elite size, length, and athleticism to the secondary. Jonathan Greenard arrives as one of the NFL's more productive pass rushers and should help offset the loss of Jaelan Phillips.Questions remain at linebacker following Nakobe Dean's departure. Jihaad Campbell's development and health will be worth monitoring closely. Still, Philadelphia appears to have upgraded in several important areas.3. An offense capable of extending drives and allowing its defense teammates to restOne of the most overlooked aspects of defensive success is complementary football. There were stretches last season when Fangio's defense appeared to spend too much time on the field. Sustained drives from Jalen Hurts and the offense could provide more rest, better field position, and fresher legs late in games. That matters over the course of a 17-game season. Sean Mannion's scheme may be just witty enough to create more firepower. 4. Another year of consistency and more experience in coverage and the pass rushThe most exciting reason for optimism may be the players already on the roster. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Reed Blankenship, and Andrew Mukuba all figure to play meaningful roles. Experience matters in Fangio's system, particularly in coverage where communication and discipline are critical.The Eagles already know these players are talented. Now they have another year of experience, confidence, and understanding to build upon. Talent wins games. Continuity wins plenty of them too. If Philadelphia receives both, the Eagles won't just have a chance to field a top-five defense. They may once again have one of the NFL's most complete units.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 4 reasons the Eagles will field a top-five NFL defense in 2026

May 22, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Jeffrey Springs (59) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Last night, the Athletics opened this week’s six-game road trip with a 2–1 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The newly crowned May American League Player of the Month Nick Kurtz and starting pitcher Gage Jump played key roles in the victory.Tonight, the A’s will look to make it two straight wins at “The Friendly Confines”. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs is set to make his 13th start of the season. The 33-year-old enters the outing with a 3-6 record, a 4.07 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and 57 strikeouts over 66 1/3 innings pitched. Springs took the loss in his most recent start against the Seattle Mariners, allowing five runs—though only two were earned—on six hits over five innings of work. Over his last seven starts, Springs is 0-5 with a 4.66 ERA. The veteran southpaw hopes to earn his first win since April 14 against a Chicago club he has faced only four times in his career, posting a 5.68 ERA in those appearances, including one start.Here’s how the Athletics’ lineup looks for the second game in Chicago:Game 2 loading… pic.twitter.com/jq8mH1tovP— Athletics (@Athletics) June 3, 2026Several regulars comprise this evening’s A’s starting nine. Carlos Cortes is once again batting leadoff and playing right field. Henry Bolte started in center field yesterday, but today he will give way to slumping Lawrence Butler, who is surprisingly batting sixth in the order. The A’s need Butler and designated hitter Brent Rooker to come through, as their spots in the lineup make them likely to bat with runners in scoring position. At the bottom of the lineup, offensively challenged shortstop Alika Williams will make his third start with the Athletics. For the visitors to win tonight, they will need Williams and eighth-place hitter second baseman Jeff McNeil to avoid being automatic outs at the plate.These A’s hitters will face Cubs right-hander Colin Rea, who will make his 13th appearance and 10th start of the season. He enters with a 5-3 record, a 4.70 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 59 1/3 innings pitched. Rea has put together back-to-back quality starts entering Wednesday’s contest. In his previous outing, he nabbed the win after holding the Pittsburgh Pirates to two runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings. He’s pitched twice against the A’s, one start and one relief appearance spanning nine innings and allowing four runs. Hopefully, the A’s offense can capitalize on Rea’s mistakes and give Springs the run support he needs to work his magic.And Chicago’s starting lineup tonight:Wednesday night at Wrigley. Tune in live on @WatchMarquee. pic.twitter.com/PBfN7dkS6M— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 3, 2026Springs and the A’s bullpen will try to silence the Cubs’ offense for a second straight night. However, that will be easier said than done, as Chicago features multiple talented hitters capable of breaking through at any moment. An A’s win would lock up the series and prevent a rubber game tomorrow. Let’s go A’s!Follow the Game:Watch:Athletics – NBCSCAListen:Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast

Most Philadelphia Eagles fans spent the opening days of June discussing A.J. Brown. It's understandable. His blockbuster trade to the New England Patriots dominated conversations, social media timelines, and sports radio debates throughout the Delaware Valley. Quietly, however, another notable Eagles development unfolded in the background. As of June 1, Brandon Graham's contract officially expired. On paper, that closes another chapter in one of the most decorated careers in franchise history. The Eagles have already added Jonathan Greenard to an edge-rushing group that includes Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. Graham remains off the 90-man roster, and at the moment, there appears to be no immediate need for a reunion.Then again, Eagles fans have learned one lesson over the years: never assume you've seen the last of Brandon Graham. When they find themselves in a pinch, they typically call people they already know.Graham's name is one of those at the top of the list, so we'll see. As expected, he remains open to one more run. Isn't he always? We've all watched him long enough to know that isn't surprising.Realistically, the Eagles are moving forward with a younger group of pass rushers, and Graham's playing career may very well be over. Still, NFL seasons are long, injuries happen, and Philadelphia has never been afraid to call trusted veterans when circumstances change. So while Graham's contract expiration quietly marked the end of his latest stint with the Eagles, it may not be the final chapter. If history has taught us anything, it's that counting Brandon Graham out has rarely been a wise decision.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Another chapter quietly closes in Brandon Graham's remarkable Eagles career

PENNSAUKEN — Even with the NJSIAA Meet of Champions gold medal draped around his neck, Anthony Agnoli still shook his head. The Montville senior had thrown 186 feet, six inches to win the discus. It was a new personal best, and the capstone of his final high school season."I don't know where that came from. I've never thrown that far before," Agnoli said. "It's new energy. Different people, it brings something else. For shot put, I see the same people all the time. But in discus, it's different guys. It refreshes my mindset."Agnoli had just finished second to Evan Yuzon of Glen Rock in the shot put. Yuzon threw 61-9 on his last attempt to surpass the field. Roxbury junior Matthew Donnelly was third, with a 3-foot PR of 60-4, his first time breaking 60 feet. Donnelly did something new before his final shot put attempt. He asked the crowd for a clap. He let the rhythm power him through a spin and to a personal best final throw. Agnoli was pleased to hit 60 again after his PR to win the Group shot on May 30."I'm very excited about it," said Donnelly, who came into the shot as the 15th seed. "I had nothing to lose. It feels amazing. I don't know how to describe it. I had no idea that was coming, no clue. I've never been close to 60."Big moments for small schoolsBoonton senior Walter Hedblom-Green had a personal-best 190-9 to finish third in the MOC javelin. Mountain Lakes junior Joseph Nigro moved up from the second flight to take fifth with a 12-foot PR. While Hedblom-Green was lamenting his fouled final throw, Nigro hadn't wasted any time, popping a 184-5 on his first prelim attempt."The first one just felt perfect," said Nigro, who has qualified for MOC every year. "I saw it. It just went. And it went past 180. It was great to get one out there."This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris County NJ throwers dominate 2026 Meet of Champions

Former NBA star and ex-Arizona Wildcats standout Gilbert Arenas is a reputed jokester who offers bombastic, radical hot takes on his podcasts about the league. During his latest episode of his show "Gil's Arena" featuring BYU one-and-done star AJ Dybantsa, released June 2, Arenas explained to the 2026 NBA Draft's presumptive No. 1 overall pick why Dybantsa would be better playing for the Utah Jazz. They own the No. 2 pick after Arenas' former team, the Washington Wizards.But the tables turned when the nation's top scorer during the 2025-26 college basketball season gave Arenas a funny geography lesson about the state of Utah. "The spotlight is coming on you," Arenas said. "So if the spotlight is gonna come to you, then I'm gonna keep you home, because it's your city."A Boston native, Dybantsa was perplexed and interrupted him, "In Boston?" Dybantsa played his high school senior season at Utah Prep. He remained in the state for his college freshman year before he declared for the draft on April 22."No, Utah," Arenas said. Dybantsa immediately quipped with a confused look, "That's not home."Arenas was right when he then told Dybantsa that Utah is where he became but Arenas flubbed in the same breath for how he categorized Utah."It's not home for you, but it's been home for the last two years and that is your city right now," Arenas said. "Utah's also not a city, by the way," Dybantsa responded. Gilbert Arenas told AJ Dybantsa that he would prefer him in Utah because that’s home and it’s his city.Gil seemed genuinely confused when AJ corrected him and said Utah is not a city it’s a state. 😭AJ is from Massachusetts and says Utah is not home. I think he enjoyed his… pic.twitter.com/oe2wEB0GFi— Art Cummings (@ArtTakesNote) June 3, 2026Arenas looked confused and asked, "What is it?"Dybansta calmly answered with pursed lips, "A state."When the next frame showed Arenas and the show's co-host and social media influencer Josiah Johnson looking at each other, Arenas was dumbfounded by Dybantsa's correction. Arenas then asked Johnson, "What do they call it?"Johnson said, "Utah."Arenas further admitted that he overlooks Utah. Johnson reminded him that Arenas played at the Jazz's Delta Center in Utah's capital, Salt Lake City, throughout his NBA career, and BYU is in the city of Provo.The clip ended as Dybantsa laughed at Arenas and said, "You've gotta be trolling," but Arenas wasn't.The draft takes place at the Brooklyn Nets' Barclays Center, June 23-24.This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: BYU basketball's Dybantsa teaches Arenas that Utah's not a 'city'

Not even a week into June, the San Francisco 49ers will reportedly turn the page to training camp.Head coach Kyle Shanahan has canceled the Niners’ mandatory minicamp as a reward for their 100% percent attendance this week at OTAs and the teams’ effective performance during the offseason program, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported Wednesday.That means, with the completion of OTAs, San Francisco will look toward training camp, which is expected to begin in late July.As part of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, all 32 teams are entitled to a voluntary, nine-week offseason program that’s conducted in three phases. Currently, the league is in phase three. With it, comes 10 days of organized team practice activity, or “OTAs.” There’s also the opportunity for one mandatory minicamp.Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentBack in April, the league’s offseason workout calendar came out. All 32 teams had dates for mandatory minicamp listed.But mandatory minicamp isn’t required. And it’s important to note that, even in phase three of the offseason program, no live contact is permitted.While the 49ers were notably missing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk at OTAs, his absence seemingly was counted, considering how long he’s been away from the team. After all, San Francisco general manager John Lynch said back in January that Aiyuk had played his last snap with the Niners.And now there’s reportedly been a warrant issued for Aiyuk’s arrest in California over a speeding incident.While the one-time All-Pro wideout remains on the roster, the 49ers have moved on from him for all intents and purposes. They’re also reportedly moving on to training camp.San Francisco is hoping to finally evade the injury bug this season.Last time around, the 49ers lost quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, tight end George Kittle, defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, among others, for significant periods of time.

There were a few days last March where it looked like a foregone conclusion that Maxx Crosby would never suit up for the Raiders again. After a couple months of rumblings that he was unhappy enough with being sat down the final two games of the season to demand a trade, it happened. Crosby was traded to the Ravens.That happened. The two sides came to terms, Crosby said his goodbyes to the Raiders fans, and he headed for Baltimore to put pen to paper.It all fell apart at the last minute when the Ravens failed him on his physical and pivoted to free agent Trey Hendrickson instead. Perhaps not in that order.Maxx and his wife were in the Ravens's facility at the time. The Ravens announced they were backing out of the deal and soon the Crosbys were on a plane, headed back to Las Vegas with Maxx still a member of the Raiders.Since then, Crosby's tune has changed. he seems to have come around from being disgruntled to recommitting and refocusing himself with the only NFL team he has ever known. Now he seems downright happy things worked out the way they did."Yeah, I'm fired up," Crosby said Wednesday after OTA practice. "Everyone knows my love and appreciation for this organization, that never changed from day one. It's part of the business, there's a lot of other things that don't need to be discussed, but ultimately, I'm exactly where I want to be. I'm excited."It was GM John Spytek's decision to sit Crosby for the final two games last season, so that's where the Pro Bowl edge rusher focused his ire. But it was also Spytek who landed the top coaching candidate this cycle as the new head coach, who in turn retained and promoted Rob Leonard -- Crosby's favorite coach -- to the DC job, and then honored Crosby's wishes to seek out a trade for him. And, in the end, Crosby seems to respect how things played out."Just being here with this group, we have an extremely smart and great leader of men in Klint Kubiak, a coaching staff that is very detailed and very, I would say, attentive with everything they do," Crosby continued. "They're very intentional with everything that we're trying to accomplish. We're not just going out there checking boxes, we're trying to get things done the right way and establish a foundation so that when the season comes, we're not out there making s--t up. It's just we go out and play football and we have a plan, and this is how we need to execute. So, they've been really good with that."In the end, he might even have come to some kind of understanding as to the objective at the end of last season, and the resulting decision Spytek made. Crosby's injury was serious enough to keep him off the field throughout OTA's and perhaps until training camp. And the result of the Raiders losing Week 17 against the Giants was landing the number one pick which is the only way they were able to draft their new franchise quarterback.With Fernando Mendoza in the house and the losing season it took to get him well in the rear view, Crosby has reason for hope of a turnaround."Fernando has been awesome. He's a great kid. He has great work ethic," Crosby said of his team's young QB."He's an awesome kid. Everyone knows his ability, what they've seen, especially this past season at Indiana. It couldn't have been a greater year for an individual player at a college level; winning the Heisman, winning the Natty [National Championship], not losing a game, having a game-winning touchdown in the national championship. Like, he checked every single box and then some."Mendoza has talked about how he comes in at the bottom of the totem pole, despite his top pick status. Crosby respects that mindset, probably because he recognizes the fight it took for him to prove himself as a fourth round pick out of Eastern Michigan.He even had Mendoza and some of the other young guys over to his house recently, where there was some bonding that happened on the basketball court."Fernando was unfortunately behind me in a game of H.O.R.S.E., and I destroyed him," Crosby said with laugh. "I got him out of there quick. So, he's got to work on the jump shot, but ultimately he's a competitor and he's learning and getting better every single day. So, I'm really excited for what he's going to bring to this team, and you can already feel just his energy on a daily basis has been extremely consistent."This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Maxx Crosby 'fired up' to still be with Raiders 'exactly where I want to be'

While Longhorns baseball is still making its national total run, they have already started building for the future. On Wednesday, they added former Texas Tech infielder Linkin Garcia, who entered the transfer portal less than a week ago. He will arrive on campus with high expectations next season following an impressive 2026 campaign. During his freshman season, Garcia posted a .338 batting average in 55 games. The California native came through with runners in scoring position by driving in 59 runs. He also showed a little bit of power with 26 extra-base hits, including 21 doubles. BREAKING: Texas Tech transfer INF Linkin Garcia has signed with Texas, @PeteNakos reports🤘https://t.co/8hxBep34nApic.twitter.com/A55tBI01Er— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) June 3, 2026When Garcia makes his Longhorns debut, he will still have three years of eligibility remaining. However, he will be able to enter the 2027 MLB Draft and is projected to be a first-round pick. That could benefit the Longhorns, as the Florida native will be more motivated than ever to put together a stellar season at the plate. Coming out of high school, the newest Longhorn was one of the best players in his class. He was ranked as the No.34 shortstop and No.90 player overall by Perfect Game. During his time with the Red Raiders, Garcia was able to live up to the lofty expectations. Texas Tech infielder Linkin Garcia is in the transfer portal. Former highly ranked draft prospect as a prepster in the 2025 class. Collected 25 extra-base hits as a freshman in 2026. Should be a priority high-major target. pic.twitter.com/iWPQwy6N95— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) June 1, 2026While Texas Tech has developed some good players, Garcia is joining a program that has been one of the best in the nation over the last two years. They have also excelled at developing inflieders which could have been a bug draw for Garcia. Now that Garcia's time in the transfer portal is over, he can focus on getting ready for his Longhorns career. This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Linkin Garcia transfers from Texas Tech to Longhorns baseball

Diamondbacks right-hander Corbin Burnes had a setback in his return from Tommy John surgery, suffering a teres major strain behind his right shoulder that is likely to push his return to September at the earliest, manager Torey Lovullo said.Burnes apparently suffered the injury while throwing a live batting practice session last week at Salt River Fields, his first since undergoing elbow surgery last year. Lovullo said Burnes reported feeling like “something was a little tight” in his shoulder. He underwent an MRI on Monday, June 1, that revealed the strain.The injury is expected to sideline Burnes for “weeks, not days,” Lovullo said, adding that once Burnes resumes throwing, he will have to restart his progression essentially from the beginning.Burnes and the Diamondbacks had been aiming for him to return from the injury sometime around the All-Star break. It is a brutal outcome for a Diamondbacks organization that gave Burnes a six-year, $210 million deal before last season.“It’s a blow,” Lovullo said. “It’s something that we’re going to have to deal with. It’s just what we do in this game. We’ve got very qualified players in that clubhouse that are going to get some opportunities. We’ve got five really good starting pitchers right now and they’re doing a good job. I want that to continue.”Burnes has been one of the best starting pitchers in baseball this decade. Over the six seasons before this year, he has had a 2.86 ERA in 881 innings. Last season, he made 11 starts with the Diamondbacks before the injury, posting a 2.66 ERA in 64 1/3 innings.This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Corbin Burnes suffers major setback in injury rehab

Mike Vorkunov: NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league is speaking with multiple groups in Las Vegas and Seattle about expansion to those cities. He says the board intends to make a decision by the end of 2026. He adds: "It’s not a foregone conclusion, either in one city or both cities."x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: He says the board intends to make a decision by the …

Tom Petrini: Mike Brown on what's changed for him since he was here at the Finals in 2007: "I had a tendency, as a young guy, to get too high or too... now I'm pretty even keeled, it's a big game, I love being here, definitely not life or death, there are a lot of other people out in the world that are facing higher stressful situations than I'm in right now... so I'm able to enjoy the moment while not getting too high or too low"x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "I had a tendency, as a young guy, to get too high or …

Marc J. Spears: Knicks head coach Mike Brown offers his condolences to the family of late former NBA head coach Rick Adelman.x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Knicks head coach Mike Brown offers his condolences to …

NC State tennis coach Simon Earnshaw’s plans for the weekend changed just a bit Wednesday morning when Diana Shnaider stunned No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka to make the French Open semifinals.“It shouldn’t be that I just show up for the final,” Earnshaw told Yahoo Sports as he was scrambling to get ready for an overnight trip to Paris to watch Shnaider face qualifier Maja Chwalinska on Thursday. “I got kind of nudged by people at school that maybe it would be a good idea to have a presence [at the semifinals] as well.”Though college tennis has made huge inroads on the ATP Tour in recent years with a high volume of players, led by Ben Shelton and recent Roland Garros quarter finalist Rafael Jodar making a seamless transition from the NCAA to the pros, women’s tennis is a different beast.While some notable former collegians like Emma Navarro, Danielle Collins and Jennifer Brady have gone deep in Slams over the last handful of years, the perception has always been that women develop and peak earlier. The path for most top juniors is just going straight to the WTA Tour. College generally isn’t even considered as an option.Which makes Shnaider’s case an interesting one, particularly at a moment when college tennis has been in the news as a potential chopping block sport for schools whose athletic budgets have been strained by revenue sharing and NIL payments.Shnaider, a 22-year old from Russia who came into the French Open ranked No. 23, was one of the top juniors in the world and even won a round in the Australian Open main draw in 2023 before she ever played for the Wolfpack. But much to the surprise of people who thought Shnaider would simply turn pro after getting into the top-100 of the WTA rankings, she went back to Raleigh and helped NC State reach the NCAA final before going out on tour full time.“I think people are still pretty confused why Diana Shnaider went to college in the first place,” Earnshaw said. “Unlike a lot of recruits right now who are asking for stuff — how much money can you give me or how many events can you take me to or what are the bits and pieces I can get on top of cost of attendance and the Alston money — Diana was always different.“At a young age she had a very clear idea that she could be a very good player but she felt, to be better than top 200, she had specific things she needed to improve and knew exactly what they were at 17 years old. It was really more a case of going through those and us having a plan of how we were going to tackle those with her and her gaining an understanding that we had the know-how and experience to provide her with that.”To back up for a moment, Earnshaw chalks up NC State’s recruitment of Shnaider entirely to chance. His assistant coach, David Secker, had previously worked at the Advantage Tennis Academy in Irvine, Calif., where he had developed a relationship with a Russian family living in the U.S. who had a connection to her mother, Yulia.Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentAt the time, with Shnaider nearing the end of her junior career in 2022, there was a lot of uncertainty by the mere fact of being Russian. The country’s invasion of Ukraine had started. Travel was going to be difficult, and there was not going to be financial support from the national tennis federation.“They were just looking for a level of stability and something that could help provide her a base,” Earnshaw said. “It was really just looking to have a 12- to 24-month plan to provide her with improvement with her game and she was quite clear that if she got better she felt she could be top-100, if not top-50. So between [Secker], her mom and [their mutual connection], they had conversations which ultimately led us to being on a Zoom with Diana and her mom. At that point she was probably ranked about 800 in the WTA. I wasn’t really sure how serious it was at the time, but they kept kind of coming back and kept sticking with it.”Diana Shnaider celebrates after defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open quarterfinals on June 3, 2026 in Paris. (Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)Eurasia Sport Images via Getty ImagesThe conversations continued to the point where Secker flew to Roland Garros in 2022 to meet with Shnaider, who was playing in the junior tournament. Shortly thereafter, she committed to NC State and enrolled in August for the fall semester, but couldn’t play because the NCAA wouldn’t clear her over what Earnshaw described as confusion over the new rules about agent representation coming out of the implementation of NIL.“Because they didn’t know they just kept saying no,” Earnshaw said. “When you look back at it, it was kind of dumb at the time. But the whole time she was taking classes, training with us and she’d just pop off and play some pro events and that’s where she got high enough to get into the qualifying at the Australian Open.”Shnaider qualified for the main draw, won her first-round match, and then took No. 6 seed Maria Sakkari deep into the third set in a match that was played during the primetime TV window in the U.S. and broadcast on ESPN. At that point, NC State president Randy Woodson got involved in the eligibility fight at the NCAA level and helped clear the path for her to play in the spring semester.“That match was quite helpful for us,” Earnshaw said.Shnaider didn’t stay in Raleigh long, but she did enough to go 20-3 in singles, help NC State win the ACC tournament and be named an All-American in singles and doubles. More importantly, she developed her skill set, checking off boxes she had discussed with Earnshaw, like improving her second serve, moving forward to the net, building a backhand volley that had been nonexistent up to that point and learning how to play doubles.“Obviously doubles is very important in college, and we’ve done well, so it was an easy sell for us but she said, ‘I know I’m going to need to play doubles early in my career to make inroads with the top players and gain more experience, so I have two chances and can maybe play deeper in the week when I’m younger on the WTA,’” Earnshaw said. “If you asked her she’d tell you we were able to provide her with help in all those areas and that was a huge positive for her and also for us.“She chose to take what would be a different pathway for an Eastern European, but it would be hard to say it hasn’t worked for her.”At this point, Shnaider has a real chance to win the French Open. Though she hasn’t been this far in a Grand Slam, she has five WTA titles on her résumé and will be favored Friday against Chwalinska. If she takes home the trophy, she’d be the first former college tennis player on the women’s side to win a singles Grand Slam since former Stanford All-American Barbara Jordan took home the Australian Open in 1979.At a time when college tennis seems under siege — Saint Louis and Arkansas recently announced they were dropping their programs before the Razorbacks reversed course under donor pressure — it’s a powerful statement about the impact it can have on the world stage.“I think it’s taking these kids longer and longer to mature for whatever reason right now,” Earnshaw said. “I don’t think it’s their fault but there’s sort of become this gap between junior tennis moreso, and what we see with professional tennis and college tennis was kind of in that gap. Because that gap has gotten bigger, we fit the gap better now.”

The Arizona Cardinals have been hard at work in offseason workouts, wrapping up OTAs this week. There is new energy with a new coaching staff and a new offense. Tight end Trey McBride, appearing on NFL Network, was asked about how it feels with LaFleur and his staff. As one would expect, everything was highly positive."Everyone is very excited about the new coaching staff," he said. "Mike LaFleur has come in and has gotten everyone dialed in with the new offense."It has been a challenge, as one can expect."It's been a huge learning curve for everybody. (We're) just trying to get the offense down, just trying to learn, trying to figure out what we're going to do. I'm excited about the new staff this year. I'm excited for everyone who's on this team. I'm just excited to get going and see what we can do this year."McBride is coming off a career season, setting a franchise record with 126 receptions, but the team went 3-14. The excitement of the spring needs to carry over to training camp, but once the season comes, it will take success on the field. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride excited about new offense

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Turns out that reigning World Cup champion Argentina draws quite a crowd no matter where it goes.Whether it be fans surrounding the team's upscale hotel near downtown Kansas City, or their first training session opened to media Wednesday that drew hundreds of reporters to the facilities of Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City, there are few places that Lionel Messi and the rest of La Albiceleste are not the center of attention as the tournament draws near.They begin their title defense against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni revealed his 26-man World Cup roster last week. It is headlined by Messi, who turns 39 in less than a month, and features 17 players that were on the team that triumphed four years ago against France in the final in Qatar.Messi has been dealing with muscle fatigue and a mild strain in his left hamstring. The team has said his recovery time will depend on “his clinical and functional progress,” though it seems unlikely that he will participate in its upcoming friendlies.He came to the practice field after the rest of the team on Wednesday and did some conditioning work off to the side.Argentina did not make any players or coaches available to speak to reporters. The team will continue training in Kansas City until it departs for the first of two World Cup tune-up matches against Honduras on Saturday in College Station, Texas.The team plays Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, three days later before resuming its training in Kansas City.Most of the players arrived at the team's home base Sunday aboard a charter from Buenos Aires designed to pay homage to the nation's rich World Cup history. The flight number 1978 was a nod to the year it beat the Netherlands to win the title, and the A330 was trimmed with special livery that included the national team colors and Messi’s No. 10 on the tail.Messi joined the team on a separate charter from Florida a few hours later.The entire roster got a dose of Midwestern hospitality from hundreds of fans who waited outside the Origin Hotel to greet them, then they got a big taste of summer life in tornado alley when sirens sounded after midnight and a heavy storm rolled through.High winds and lashing rain knocked over several tents and fences that had been put up for security.“When they pick you as their training site for defending the World Cup, and this is where they are for the next — you know, hopefully through the end of the tournament — it's surreal,” said Jake Reid, the president and CEO of Sporting Kansas City, who watched the open training session with a series of dignitaries that included Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas.“When they landed on Sunday," Reid said, "it started to get real for sure.”Weather notwithstanding, the central location of Kansas City has made it a favorable destination for World Cup base camps.England had hoped to use the home of Sporting KC for training, but Argentina was given preference as defending champion and scooped it up. The Three Lions stuck with their plans to make Kansas City their base, but when they arrive next week, they will be practicing at Sporting KC's old primary facility at the Swope Soccer Village.The Netherlands, which also will arrive next week, will be training at the home of the Kansas City Current, one of the top teams in the National Women's Soccer League. Algeria is making its base at the University of Kansas, about 30 minutes west of the Kansas City metro area, where one of Africa's top teams will have the use of its new soccer facilities.As for Argentina, the team has been practicing in the evening to avoid the heat and humidity of Midwestern summers. The weather has been mild so far, with temperatures in the low 80s, but the heat index typically pushes triple digits this time of year.The six matches at Arrowhead Stadium — four in the group stage, two in the knockout — will be played at night for the same reason.“I mean, we’ve had a helicopter flying ever since (Argentina) got here. That should tell you this is a big deal, right? ” Reid said. “I think for Kansas City to have Argentina here — and we’re not even talking about the other teams that are going to be here in the next couple of weeks — it's a massive deal." ___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

Philadelphia Eagles urged to trade quarterback before start of 2026 NFL season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Philadelphia Eagles just traded away star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Now they're being urged to trade a quarterback prior to the onset of the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently listed one player that every team should try to trade before the start of the season, and for the Eagles the pick was backup quarterback Tanner McKee. Philadelphia Eagles urged to trade quarterback Tanner McKee before 2026 NFL seasonThe Eagles entertained the idea of moving McKee prior to the NFL Draft, but nothing ever came to fruition, potentially because Philadelphia's asking price was too high for such an unproven player.Moton encouraged the Eagles to drop their asking price and get a deal done while they could still recoup some value for McKee. "... Philadelphia acquired Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers and selected Cole Payton in the fifth round of this year's draft. If the Eagles want to develop the rookie signal-caller behind Jalen Hurts and Dalton, they should drop their asking price for McKee to make a deal," Moton wrote. "Philadelphia may be able to get a fifth- or sixth-round pick for McKee, which is more than reasonable with his small-sample resume." This story will be updated. More Philadelphia Eagles news: Eagles' DeVonta Smith shares reaction to his new role after A.J. Brown tradeA.J. Brown gets brutally honest about relationship with Jalen HurtsA.J. Brown sends goodbye message to Eagles fans after trade to PatriotsHowie Roseman provides insight into Eagles' decision to trade A.J. BrownDallas Cowboys legend shares high praise for Jalen Hurts

SEATTLE (AP) — Bo Bichette kept it simple when describing what he relished most about his four-hit performance on Wednesday.“I got hits,” he said.In his first season with the New York Mets after signing a three-year, $126 million contract, the two-time All-Star knows he's working through arguably the worst stretch of his career, entering the game against Seattle in an 0-for-16 slump.Mets manager Carlos Mendoza believes Bichette has simply been unfortunate. “I feel like this guy has been very unlucky,” Mendoza said. “I hate to say it. But he’s a good hitter.”With a new team and environment — and temporary moves around the infield — New York’s marquee offseason acquisition has struggled through the first third of the season. The 28-year-old Bichette, entered Wednesday’s series finale against Seattle with a .213/.271/.299 slash line no hits in his last 16 at-bats. Despite his struggles, Bichette leads the Mets with 31 RBIs and has appeared in all but two of the team's 62 games this season.After spending his entire career with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette opted to sign with the Mets following a standout year in Toronto. He batted .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs and an .840 OPS. Bichette led the American League in hits in 2021 and 2022, and finished second in the majors in batting average last season behind Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.His performance on Wednesday provided a glimpse of what the Mets hoped to see from Bichette.His four-hit performance helped spark a 7-1 victory over the Mariners, allowing the Mets (27-35) to avoid a series sweep. He recorded the 19th four-hit game of his career and his first with the Mets.All four of his hits were singles and were spread across the field, including a broken-bat hit to center that drove in two runs and broke a 1-all tie in the fourth inning. He pushed another run across in the eighth with a sacrifice fly to left.“Typical game for Bo when he’s going well,” Mendoza said. “He’s going to spray the ball around. He’s going to hit line drives.”Bichette said there is no secret to finding his rhythm.“Staying in the moment, getting good pitches to hit,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens. Move on.”Mendoza offered perspective on Bichette’s current slump.“He needs to find rest,” Mendoza said. “They’re human, man. When you look up and the numbers aren’t what they’re supposed to be at, everybody tells you it was a good swing after a bullet, and it gets tiring at times. They want to see results.”___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Knicks' Mitchell Robinson status for Game 1 of NBA Finals revealed originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.On Wednesday night, the New York Knicks are set to make their return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, where they’re set to take on the San Antonio Spurs, the team that beat them during that meeting at the turn of the century.The Spurs are led by Victor Wembanyama, who has been a handful for each of the front courts that he’s had to deal with throughout the Spurs’ journey to the finals. In New York, the French phenom is slated to go against Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.While Towns has been the starter in Mike Brown’s system, Robinson has been a menace off the bench for New York, averaging 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds across his 13 playoff appearances this season.But the 28-year-old’s playoff hopes had taken a sharp turn in late May, when it was revealed that Robinson had suffered from a broken pinkie, which was originally set to cast doubts on his availability for the finals.But in recent days, it was reported that the Knicks' backup big man would play through the injury, which was later reported to be a fractured right 5th metacarpal in his right hand, which is what the NBA injury report has it chalked down to.Will Robinson suit up for Game 1?Mitchell Robinson is playing, Knicks say.— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) June 4, 2026While that same report would have Robinson as questionable going into Wednesday night, it would be revealed ahead of tip-off that he will be available against San Antonio, as reported by The Athletic's Fred Katz.The Knicks are set to take on the Spurs for the opening match of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, with tip-off from the Frost Bank Center slated for 8:30 p.m. EST.More NBA news: Warriors' Steph Curry details difficult return from nagging knee injuryKristaps Porzingis gets brutally honest regarding his future with WarriorsHow Luka Doncic could still win NBA MVP award despite season-ending injuryCollin Gillespie breaks Phoenix Suns' 3-point record for a single seasonZion Williamson gets brutally honest regarding his future with New Orleans Pelicans

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is officially available to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson fractured his fifth metacarpal (the bone located just below the pinky finger) in his right hand at some point following the sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals and had surgery shortly thereafter. SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reported on Tuesday that Robinson, who was listed as questionable, was pushing to play and the team was hopeful he would be able to go. Robinson did more on-court work on Tuesday in San Antonio, as he was seen wearing a brace/wrap on his right hand.The big man has averaged 5.3 points,5.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in about 14 minutes off the bench in 13 games during the playoffs.

A report by the Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog described officers putting one man in a chokehold and stabbing another with a pen.

In an emergency ruling on Tuesday night, the court’s conservative majority gave a first glimpse into congressional district battles under a weakened Voting Rights Act.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are going to have to wait even longer for the return of their pitching ace.Manager Torey Lovullo announced on Wednesday that Corbin Burnes has a right lat injury that will sideline from throwing activities in his recovery from last year's Tommy John sure"He has a terus major strain in his right lat area," Lovullo told reporters. "He's gonna be pulled back from throwing, and it's weeks not days."Lovullo said that imaging had confirmed the injury and the he's "not sure" precisely how long the injury will continue to sideline Burnes. He did float September as a potential new timeframe for Burnes' return, per the Arizona Republic, and described the setback as "a blow."Corbin Burnes' return from Tommy John surgery has hit a snag.Burnes won the 2021 NL Cy Young award while pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers. After a single season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, Burnes signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks on the heels of four consecutive All-Star selections. His contract is the richest in franchise history.Burnes made 11 starts in 2025 before being shut down in June to undergo Tommy John surgery. Nearly a year since, he's been throwing bullpen sessions with the goal of returning to the rotation sometime in July. Now it sounds like he'll return in September at the earliest. The sooner the better for the Diamondbacks, who are in the heart of the NL wild-card race as midseason approaches at 32-28. If he returns to form, Burnes projects as a difference maker at the top of Arizona's rotation.But the Diamondbacks aren't expected to take any unnecessary chances while ensuring that Burnes is at no undue risk of further injury before he returns to the mound.

NEW YORK (AP) — Ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson confirmed Wednesday in a video posted to social media that that he's retiring from the NFL to take a job with CBS Sports.Wilson's announcement came two days after news broke that he was finalizing a deal to become an analyst on CBS' Sunday NFL pregame show.“As I enter this next chapter with CBS Sports and ‘The NFL Today,’ I’m so blessed to continue doing what I love most — being around the greatest game in the world,” he said in the video.Wilson played 14 seasons after being taken by Seattle in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft out of N.C. State. He spent his first 10 seasons with the Seahawks, leading them to their first Super Bowl championship in the 2013 season. He was traded to Denver after the 2021 season and spent two rocky years with the Broncos before playing one season in Pittsburgh and another for the New York Giants.Wilson threw for 46,966 yards, with 353 touchdown passes and 114 interceptions.He joins Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks to throw at least 20 touchdown passes in each of their first three seasons and is one of seven quarterbacks to be selected to 10 Pro Bowls.Wilson is the only player in NFL history with at least 30 touchdown passes and fewer than 15 interceptions in four straight seasons. He also had three seasons with at least 30 TD passes and 500 yards rushing, which is the most in NFL history.In the video, which was about three minutes long, he thanked his teammates, friends and family and gave special thanks to former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.“Thanks for taking a chance on a young, 5-11 Black kid from Richmond, Virginia, that was told he was too small to ever make it in the NFL,” Wilson said.Wilson is the shortest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.Wilson will replace Matt Ryan, who joined the Atlanta Falcons as president of football after two seasons on “The NFL Today.” Wilson had considered returning for a 15th season, telling the New York Post last month that he was mulling an offer to join the New York Jets and back up Geno Smith.His video featured highlights from his career and footage of him visiting patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital. It ended with him thanking his wife, Ciara, and the sport he dedicated his life to.“I thank you, football. ... I am forever grateful,” he said. ___AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Jalen Brunson (L) and Ali Brunson; Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn WoodsCredit: Dave Kotinsky/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/GettyNEED TO KNOWThe New York Knicks will take on the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals beginning Wednesday, June 3Get to know the wives and girlfriends behind the biggest stars on the team, including Jalen Brunson's wife, Ali, and Karl-Anthony Towns' fiancée, Jordyn WoodsThe NBA championship tournament is a best-of-seven seriesMeet the New York Knicks' No. 1 cheer squad!The only people who rival the New York superfans, who show up to support the blue and orange team at Madison Square Garden and on the road, are the wives and girlfriends of this year's Eastern Conference champs.Catch 'em courtside, decked out in outfits with designs customized for their partners, and dominating on social media, where they post close-up looks of all the action and share glimpses into their lives beyond the arenas.Take Jordyn Woods, for example, who's pulled up to nearly every Knicks game to cheer on her fiancé, Karl-Anthony Towns, in fashion-forward 'fits and a superstitious bag. Not only does she rock outfits with her partner's name and number on them, but she does it for "lucky" reasons, too!Ali Brunson is also a staple at games to cheer on her husband, Jalen Brunson, who she's known since high school (they even went to prom together). She even sometimes brings a special someone along with her to games: the couple's young daughter, Jordyn.The Knicks' return to the NBA Finals is a major benchmark for the New York team, who last played in the championship series in 1999. Now, the team will take on the San Antonio Spurs in the best-of-seven series with Game 1 on Wednesday, June 3.Ahead of tipoff, read on for a full guide to the wives and girlfriends cheering on the New York Knicks' top players.Ali Brunson, Jalen Brunson's WifeJalen Brunson and his wife, Ali Marks.Credit: Theo Wargo/GettyJalen Brunson married wife Aliin 2023. The Knicks star proposed to his longtime girlfriend in 2022 after nine years of dating.The pair's love story began at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Ill., in October 2013. Nearly two years later, Brunson posted pictures of the two attending their senior prom together in May 2015.While Brunson attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where he played Division I basketball, Ali stayed close to home at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, according to her LinkedIn. She studied kinesiology and exercise science, and graduated in 2017.Ali attended Northwestern University the following year, where she received her doctorate in physical therapy in 2021. The couple dated long-distance while they both attended college and until she moved to Dallas following her graduation from Northwestern. Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.Brunson proposed to Ali at their high school gym in September 2022, asking for her hand in marriage while surrounded by flowers and candles.“She's always been by my side and I'm lucky to have her,” Brunson said of Ali after they wed a year later. “I'm excited to celebrate this special milestone with all of our closest friends and family, who have been so supportive over the many years of our relationship."The couple welcomed their daughter, Jordyn James Brunson, on July 31, 2024.Jordyn Woods, Karl-Anthony Towns' FiancéeJordyn Woods and Karl-Anthony Towns pose with actor Kit Harington after round one, game one of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via GettyKarl-Anthony Towns is engaged to Jordyn Woods, who he proposed to on Christmas Day in December 2025. The Knicks star popped the question to the social media influencer after nearly five years of dating.The couple's love story began in 2020 after being close friends for years. "We know each other. We know each other's hearts. We know each other on good days and bad days and we've been through a lot of bad days together," Woods previously said of dating her "best friend."Woods made her relationship with Towns Instagram official four months into dating. She posted a series of photos of herself and the Knicks star cozying up on the beach in coordinated Versace swimwear.A few days after going public with their romance, Woods spoke to Extra about her new love, sharing that it was a "very organic relationship." She explained that she and Towns had been best friends "for a long time" and "connected about losing a parent at a very young age."Towns has been vocal about his appreciation for Woods, and how grateful he is for her. "My woman has held me down more than the world knows... My love for her knows no bounds and I would be remiss if I don't acknowledge the power a good woman can have in your life."Shannon Hart, Josh Hart's WifeShannon Hart and Josh Hart.Credit: Eugene Gologursky/Getty for Haute LivingJosh Hart is married to Shannon Hart, who he wed in August 2021. The Knicks shooting guard proposed to his childhood sweetheart in December 2020.The couple met for the first time in high school, where their love story blossomed. In March 2020, Shannon reflected on their sweet timeline with an Instagram tribute in honor of Josh's 25th birthday."From meeting you in 10th grade when we were only 15... to college... to you being drafted... to now. The years have really flew by but we have literally been through everything together (almost half our lives 😳). I wouldn't change this journey with you for the world," she wrote.Two years after their wedding, Hart penned a heartfelt tribute in celebration of their second anniversary and shared a photo of the two on Instagram. "2 years in and there is no one I'd rather have by my side," he wrote in August 2023.Hart and Shannon became parents in May 2023 when they welcomed their twin sons, Hendrix Aaron and Haze Dana. Two months later, the NBA star shared photos on Instagram of his little ones, including a picture of them wearing Knicks jerseys over their diapers.In addition to being a constant support to Hart and a mom to their twins, she's also a registered nurse. According to Shannon's bio on X, she attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she also played soccer.Ana Zortea, Miles McBride's GirlfriendMiles McBride and Ana Zortea.Credit: The Hapa Blonde/GC ImagesMiles McBride is dating Ana Zortea, who he met at West Virginia University during her first weekend at the school after she relocated for graduate school in August 2021. They were introduced to each other by mutual friends in the athletic department because she was a swimmer.Zortea is originally from Criciúma in the south of Brazil and moved to the United States at age 16 to pursue her dreams of being a professional swimmer, per BET. She landed a scholarship at Florida State University, where she completed her bachelor's degree before making the move to WVU.When they met, Zortea wasn't aware of McBride's basketball talents. "People were coming up to him to take pictures with him, and I thought he was a famous TikToker or something," she told the outlet with a laugh."Because he wasn't the tallest guy in the room—he's 6-foot-2—you don't immediately think, 'Oh, he's a basketball player.' I was so into TikTok, given my own career, that I thought he was a famous TikToker for a second. Then I found out he wasn't; he was a very good basketball player," she added.In mid-June 2025, the couple welcomed their first baby together, daughter Ace McBride. Watching the basketball star become a girl dad has been a highlight for Zortea, who told BET that he's been "obsessed with her from the second she was born."Now, both Zortea and baby Ace are sideline staples at his games. "She loves the arena," the proud mom shared.Cameron Aimonetti, Landry Shamet's GirlfriendLandry Shamet and Cameron Aimonetti.Credit: Landry Shamet/InstagramLandry Shamet's girlfriend is Cameron Aimonetti. While it's unclear when their relationship started, she has photos on her Instagram with the Knicks star that date back to September 2024 when they attended a friend's wedding together.While Shamet's Instagram profile is largely basketball-focused, he posted a heartfelt tribute to Aimonetti alongside several photos with her in November 2025."Highs or lows, rain or shine, any and everything in between— my rock through all that this life has to offer and there is nobody else I can imagine experiencing this journey with," he began his heartfelt caption in tribute to Aimonetti."Im overwhelmed with gratitude knowing that I have you to lean on when things are difficult, to hold me accountable, to celebrate with, to confide in, to laugh and cry with, and to give me direction," he continued, adding, "I love you. ♾️ ❤️."The shooting guard's Instagram roundup included photos of the couple, in addition to a few solo shots of Aimonetti. The first picture featured the pair standing center court at Madison Square Garden, while other images showed them dressed up and holding hands.Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!Aimonetti, who is a real estate agent, has shared glimpses of her relationship with Shamet over the years on her social media. She's posted pictures from their date nights in the city to her courtside support (and custom Knicks style!) at his games.When the Knicks punched their tickets to the NBA Finals, Aimonetti was there to celebrate the big win. "Eastern Conference Champions🧡💙 NYC, WE LOVE YOU! Let's go get the chip🏆," she wrote on Instagram alongside photos with Shamet.Read the original article on People

Knicks vs. Spurs Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 1 of NBA Finals originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.A highly anticipated championship series will tip off when the Spurs host the Knicks in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday night.Led by Jalen Brunson, the Knicks are looking to capture their first championship since 1973. New York steamrolled its way through the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, and it will bring an 11-game winning streak into the NBA Finals.In order to snap the franchise's title drought, the Knicks will have to figure out a winning formula against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who has emerged as the league's most impactful two-way player at just 22 years old. San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City in seven games to earn a berth in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.The stage is set for a championship showdown. Which team will gain the upper hand in the series opener?Follow along right here for the latest updates and highlights from Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.Knicks vs. Spurs score1234FKnicksSpursKnicks vs. Spurs live updates, highlights from Game 1 of NBA Finals8:15 p.m.: The duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have reached the semi finals in year two since Towns was acquired from Minnesota. Now, they have the Knicks four wins away from the NBA title.JB AND KAT: READY FOR THEIR NBA FINALS DEBUTS!Catch New York's dynamic duo in action for Game 1 of the Finals at 8:30pm/et on ABC 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/oECZzCTKz3— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 20268:10 p.m.: It's almost time.Lace up, sprint out!Here comes WCF MVP Wemby 👽NYK/SAS GAME 1: 8:30pm/et, ABC pic.twitter.com/4CisjHsT95— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 20268:06 p.m.: Mitchell Robinson will officially play in Game 1 after suffering a pinky injury since the last game.BREAKING: The Knicks have listed Mitchell Robinson as available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals pic.twitter.com/noYNRQ1oIG— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 4, 20268:00 p.m.: Outside of Wembanyama, the Spurs need big performances from both Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox against a Knicks team that is one of the best in the NFL defensively.Game 1 fits 😮‍💨@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRAcourtsidepic.twitter.com/pwrdnAxBbK— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) June 3, 20267:54 p.m.: Knicks fans, it's real. Here are the NBA Finals jerseys.Ahead of Game 1, take a closer look at New York's NBA Finals jerseys!The Finals tip off at 8:30 PM ET on ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xbhtLyMkNH— NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026San Antonio is wearing its classic blacks.7:47 p.m.: With it being the finals, of course some legends are going to be in the house. Knicks legend Patrick Ewing has made the trip down to Texas, along with Gary Payton.Gary Payton x Patrick Ewing 🤝Two legends are on site for Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals! pic.twitter.com/g4qaB8Zs5t— NBA (@NBA) June 3, 20267:40 p.m.: Then, of course, there's Victor Wembanyama.Ready for his NBA Finals debut in JUST Year 3... https://t.co/612Xsxko3dpic.twitter.com/q6ttMQAaVO— NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has led San Antonio back to the finals in only his third year.7:35 p.m.: Jalen Brunson is ready for his first NBA Finals.JB GETS WARM FOR HIS NBA FINALS DEBUT🗽Game 1 from San Antonio tips at 8:30pm/et on ABC! pic.twitter.com/TRBbMyEmz8— NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026The Knicks are looking to snap a 53-year championship drought.7:30 p.m.: The stage is set for Game 1.Dressed and ready pic.twitter.com/hPyi3cThzR— NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2026How to watch Knicks vs. Spurs Game 1: TV channel, live streamTV channel: ABCLive stream: DIRECTV | ESPN app | fuboGame 1 between the Knicks and Spurs will air live on ABC. The game will also be available to stream on DIRECTV, the ESPN app and fubo.Try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live NBA, MLB and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1 and NFL Network — all included with DIRECTV.Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.Knicks vs. Spurs Game 1 start timeDate: Wednesday, June 3Time: 8:30 p.m. ETGame 1 between the Knicks and Spurs is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 3. The game will be played at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.Knicks vs. Spurs scheduleDateGameTime (ET)TV/Live streamJune 3Game 1: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 5Game 2: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 8Game 3: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 10Game 4: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 13Game 5*: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 16Game 6*: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 19Game 7*: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo*If necessaryNBA Playoffs scores, results 2026Conference finalsKnicks 4, Cavs 0Game 1: Knicks 115, Cavs 104 (OT)Game 2: Knicks 109, Cavs 93Game 3: Knicks 121, Cavs 108Game 4: Knicks 130, Cavs 93Spurs 4, Thunder 3Game 1: Spurs 122, Thunder 115 (2OT)Game 2: Thunder 122, Spurs 113Game 3: Thunder 123, Spurs 108Game 4: Spurs 103, Thunder 82Game 5: Thunder 127, Spurs 114Game 6: Spurs 118, Thunder 91Game 7: Spurs 111, Thunder 103Conference semifinalsKnicks 4, 76ers 0Game 1: Knicks 137, 76ers 98Game 2: Knicks 108, 76ers 102Game 3: Knicks 108, 76ers 94Game 4: Knicks 144, 76ers 114Spurs 4, Timberwolves 2Game 1: Timberwolves 104, Spurs 102Game 2: Spurs 133, Timberwolves 95Game 3: Spurs 115, Timberwolves 108Game 4: Timberwolves 114, Spurs 109Game 5: Spurs 126, Timberwolves 97Game 6: Spurs 139, Timberwolves 109First roundKnicks 4, Hawks 2Game 1: Knicks 113, Hawks 102Game 2: Hawks 107, Knicks 106Game 3: Hawks 109, Knicks 108Game 4: Knicks 114, Hawks 98Game 5: Knicks 126, Hawks 97Game 6: Knicks 140, Hawks 89Spurs 4, Trail Blazers 1Game 1: Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98Game 2: Trail Blazers 106, Spurs 103Game 3: Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108Game 4: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 93Game 5: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 95

Texas Tech vs. Texas softball box score: Live stats from Women's College World Series Final Game 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The lead up to this year's Women's College World Series brought us back to a battle of Texas in Oklahoma City. Texas vs. Texas Tech: Take II will be just as thrilling as the original.Texas has been tested this postseason with six must-win elimination games; but they've created new life. Tech has played four elimination games and had to overcome one of worst deficits in WCWS history. The past three weeks convinced us all that we're ready for another head-to-head battle with the Longhorns and Red Raiders. Game 1 in OKC starts Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. 2026 NCAA Softball Championship 1234567RHETexas Tech (60-8)0000Texas (50-12)000Texas Tech vs. Texas softball box score: Live stats from NCAA Women's College World Series FinalTexas Tech Red RaidersBatterPOSABRHRBIBBSOAVGOBP1Mia Williams2B000000.438.52142Mihyia DavisCF000000.435.49011Lauren AllredRF000000.392.516Jackie Lis1B000000.424.5416Taylor Pannell3B000000.358.42212Jasmyn BurnsDP000000.354.4478Desirae SpearmanLF000000.322.45832Hailey ToneySS000000.307.39113Victoria ValdezC000000.074.265Total000000Texas LonghornsBatterPOSABRHRBIBBSOAVGOBP21Kayden HenryCF000000.402.48120Katie Stewart1B000000.429.55323Viviana MartinezSS000000.382.44614Reese AtwoodC000000.330.42143Leighann Goode2B000000.333.43913Hannah WellsDP000000.296.35744Kaiah AltmeyerLF000000.298.4147Ashton MaloneyRF000000.292.38024Jaycie Nichols3B000000.326.396Total000000How to watch: Texas Tech vs. Texas 2026 NCAA Softball Women's College World Series Final Game 1Date: Wednesday, June 3Time: 8 p.m. ETTV: ESPNMore NCAA NewsWhat Texas Tech vs. Texas Women's College World Series proves about NIL and winningBill Belichick, Jordon Hudson at Kentucky Derby leaves everyone saying the same thingDemond Williams bombshell could have resulted in Lane Kiffin fired by LSULSU's roster is older than San Antonio Spurs, proving college basketball is cooked'Ain't no love in Oklahoma': Buc-ee's expanding to nearly every state with an SEC school

The immigrants had been working as fruit pickers in southern Italy, the authorities said, apparently as part of a system of criminal labor trafficking.

Lane Johnson appears ready to remind the NFL why he remains one of the league's premier offensive linemen.The Eagles' All-Pro right tackle recently shared an offseason workout video that quickly generated buzz among Philadelphia fans. The footage showed Johnson looking lean, powerful, and fully healthy as he continues preparations for his 14th NFL season after a foot injury cut short his 2025 campaign. For Philadelphia, the sight of Johnson moving fluidly and training at full speed may be one of the most encouraging developments of the offseason.At 35 years old, Johnson remains one of the most valuable players on the Eagles' roster and one of the most dominant offensive tackles of his generation. His résumé includes six Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships, accomplishments that have him firmly on track for eventual Hall of Fame consideration.His impact on the Eagles has always extended far beyond individual accolades.Best tackle in the league vibes 😤🎥 (Lanejohnson65 IG) pic.twitter.com/m6ga3RTWvW— PHLY Eagles (@PHLY_Eagles) June 3, 2026

Flip season has come early for Mario Cristobal and Miami.On Wednesday night, Irmo (S.C.) five-star EDGE Jaiden Bryant told Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett that he has flipped his commitment from LSU to Miami. The Hurricanes got Bryant back to Coral Gables for an official visit and have now added him to the fold.Bryant is the No. 29 overall prospect and No. 4 EDGE in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked recruit in South Carolina.[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]“It went great,” Bryant said of his OV to Miami when speaking with CaneSport’s EJ Holland. “Some highlights from this weekend were spending time with some of the guys and some of the players already on the team. I just had an all-around great time. I appreciated the way the coaches treated me and my family. I felt love here. I felt wanted.”Going off rankings, Bryant somehow isn’t even the top recruit that’s made the call to flip to the Canes this cycle. That designation belongs to Long Beach (Calif.) Poly five-star cornerback Donte Wright.The nation’s No. 8 prospect flipped to Miami from Georgia less than a month ago on May 9. The top-ranked recruit in California is set on making the cross-country move to the 305 next year and he plans on making an instant impact on the field.“They see him playing a lot right away,” Donte Wright Sr. told Rivals’ Greg Biggins. “They’re all about competition there and the best players will play, no matter the grade. They think Donte is an NFL guy and they’re going to do all they can to maximize his talent there.”Wright isn’t the only elite cornerback recruit that Miami has already flipped this cycle, either. One week after Wright committed, Dothan (Ala.) four-star CB Ai’King Hall did the same, flipping away from Oregon. A top-100 prospect in the industry rankings, Hall is the No. 39 prospect and No. 7 CB in the Rivals300.“Miami is much closer… my mom is not getting on a plane,” Hall said with a laugh when discussing his decision with Rivals’ Chad Simmons. “That was a factor and the future at Miami was too. Coach Cristobal is definitely making a national championship team. One’s coming real soon.”Miami after landmark recruiting classThe Canes now have a tight grip on the No. 3 spot in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. They check in behind only Texas A&M and Oklahoma, as of June 3. There’s still a ways to go until pen hits paper, but Cristobal and his staff have laid some serious groundwork.The highest-ranked Miami recruiting class in the modern recruiting era came in the 2008 cycle. It signed a pair of five-stars in linebacker Arthur Brown and defensive lineman Marcus Forston, as well as eight other top-100 prospects, including cornerback Brandon Harris, LB Ramon Buchanan, wide receiver Aldarius Johnson and LB Sean Spence.Back in February, Cristobal discussed his recruiting approach with On3’s J.D. PicKell. Fresh off a national championship appearance, he’s letting what he’s building in Coral Gables do the talking.“We provide very tangible proof of the direction of our program and what we’re doing,” Cristobal said. “We don’t get into negative recruiting, but people always negative recruit us and that’s fine, no one should ever take that personally, let’s just let it play out. People have a lot of data, they have a sample size to compare how our program is doing versus the rest of our competitors in the state and the direction of our program as well.”“At Miami it’s very different. It’s a whole different level of meaning, a whole different level of purpose and intent. Live and die a Hurricane, man. That means I’ll do anything and everything possible to make sure our players and our program continues to have success both on and off the field.”

The Cowboys look to be gearing up for reinforcements in their wide receivers room as the offseason program rolls on toward training camp.The team has signed Jaden Smith, as reported Wednesday by Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. (The newest Cowboys prospect is not related to the entertainer with the same name, the son of actor and singer Will Smith.)Smith, who was an undrafted free agent out of Nevada in 2025, signed with Tampa Bay last spring after a minicamp tryout. He got hurt late that summer, however, and spent the entirety of his rookie season on injured reserve. He was released by the Buccaneers in April.The 6-foot-6-incher originally from Kennedale, Tex. grabbed 62 catches for 849 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior at Nevada to lead that squad and earn an All-Mountain West Conference honorable mention.Jaden Smith ➡️ DallasSmith is a 6’6” physical pass-catcher who accounted for 62 receptions for 849 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 in his final college season at Nevada.Originally from Kennedale, Smith was signed by Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2025 but spent… https://t.co/dBZE3hES9u— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) June 3, 2026Prior to his only season with the Wolfpack, Smith played at Montana State and Tarleton State (just outside Fort Worth), where he earned second-team All-WAC recognition in 2022.Smith is the second young wide receiver the Cowboys have added this week; the team earlier signed UDFA Romello Brinson out of SMU.The Cowboys now have 13 wide receivers listed on their current roster.Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys add to WR room with former Nevada standout Jaden Smith

Brielle Root doubled to drive in Bibs Felton with nobody out in the bottom of the seventh inning to lead No. 5 Keyser to a 4-3 win over No. 6 PikeView in the Class AA state softball tournament Wednesday at Little Creek Park in South Charleston.The loss ended PikeView’s season at 23-9. The Panthers were playing in the state tournament for the first time.The Golden Tornado’s last at-bat attack didn’t take long. Felton led off with a four-pitch walk, and Root sent the first pitch she saw to right field to easily drive in Felton with the winning run.PikeView took a 3-2 lead in the third. Bella Delida singled in Emma Weiss with the tying run, and Emma Compton later came in on a passed ball to put the Panthers ahead.Keyser reliever Leighton Johnson held the Panthers to one hit over 3 1/3 innings.PikeView dropped its opener to Herbert Hoover on Tuesday, but rebounded to beat Brooke 4-1 in an elimination game for its first-ever state tournament win.

Red Sox Slugger Finally Snaps 20-Game Home Run Drought originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Early in the season, when the entire Boston Red Sox lineup was asleep, Wilyer Abreu was not. The World Baseball Classic champion smashed three home runs in the first six games of the season. His OPS jumped above 1.000 and stayed there halfway through April. Abreu maintained a team-high batting average as the season waged on, but his power was never really there. He has hit just six home runs this year after hitting 22 home runs in just 115 games last season.Moreover, the starting right fielder was in the throes of a 20-game home run drought going into Game 2 of the Red Sox's home series against the Baltimore Orioles. The last time Abreu went deep was all the way back on May 8 when Boston hosted the Tampa Bay Rays, and he raked a 427-foot home run to the deepest part of Fenway Park. Abreu started the game on Wednesday night with an RBI single in the first inning that scored Jarren Duran and gave Boston the lead. He stepped into the batter's box in the third inning with a runner in scoring position once again. He went down in the count 1-2 before battling it back full and fouling off a pair of offspeed pitches. Abreu got the foot down early on the eighth pitch of the at-bat and roped a high fastball down the right field line. He blasted it sky high, over Pesky's Pole and into the right field bleachers for his first home run in nearly one full calendar month. Wilyer Abreu keeps it fair 😤 pic.twitter.com/LwsX8Ui7bD— MLB (@MLB) June 3, 2026The entire Red Sox lineup was teeing off on the Orioles Wednesday night, scoring eight runs in five innings behind another solid Payton Tolle start. Hopefully it's the kind of game fans can get used to seeing at Fenway Park in June. More MLB: All Players Red Sox Received In Controversial Brewers Trade Now In Boston

Nine months on, Tainá Maranhão can make 10th Brazil appearanceA representative of the new generation of Brazilian women’s football, Tainá Maranhão could reach 10 matches for the Brazilian National Team next Saturday (6) against the United States. The young forward, who started playing football at 15, has steadily progressed in her appearances for the Canarinho since her first call-up to the U-17 team in 2019.In October last year, she made her debut on coach Arthur Elias’s squad list. Today, she has five call-ups to the senior national team and nine matches played. Of the six games the Canarinho has played this year, Maranhão found the net in three: in the friendly against Costa Rica and in the matches against South Korea and Zambia in the FIFA Series.In a press conference this Wednesday (3), she said she is happy to be experiencing this stage of her career, especially because of her age — she turns 22 in August. “Everyone says I’m one of the youngest, and I take that as a good thing. Everything I see in the more experienced players, I try to absorb for myself and take as learning,” said Tainá.Tainá Maranhão and Raissa Bahia during the Women’s National Team’s second training session at CT Joaquim GravaCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/Staff Images/CBFThe press conference took place after the second day of training for the friendlies against the United States, scheduled for Saturday (6) in São Paulo and Tuesday (9) in Fortaleza. One of Palmeiras’ key players, with whom she has already won major titles such as back-to-back Paulista championships and the Copa do Brasil, Maranhão does not feel the weight of expectations.“I’m happy even because of the expectations. And I’m going to work to live up to everyone’s expectations,” she assured. In the squad called up for these FIFA Date matches, the forward is joined by great club teammates: Raissa Bahia, who is beginning to make her mark with the Canarinho, with two appearances; and Bia Zaneratto, a veteran with 130 matches.“Everyone knows I’m very inspired by Bia, but there’s also Guti (Amanda Gutierres), who keeps me on my toes,” she admitted, with the familiarity of someone who played alongside them for two years. “I think this reunion is really cool, we build closeness. Everything we’ve been through adds a lot to what we’re experiencing with the national team. Everything is still very new to me, but I’m loving it,” said the player, whose speed and intensity on the field are already showing up in her numbers with the Canarinho.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Adam Silver isn’t ready to adjust the NBA’s 65-game rule just yet. The commissioner, speaking ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks on Wednesday night, defended the rule requiring players to compete in at least 65 games in order to be eligible for end-of-season awards. “I think the rule is working,” he said.The NBA introduced a new rule ahead of the 2023-24 campaign that requires players compete in at least 65 games in a season in order to be eligible for major individual awards, including both MVP honors, All-NBA honors and more. That’s just shy of 80% of games in a regular season. The idea behind it was to encourage star players to compete in the regular season more often, instead of resting and managing injuries — something that had been a growing problem in the league. According to ESPN, “star players” missed less than 11 games per season during the 1980s and 1990s. That increased to 17.5 games in the 2010s, and up to nearly 24 games per year earlier this decade.But that rule has drawn criticism and came into question again at the end of the regular season this spring. Both Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić and Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham fell shy of the 65-game requirement due to various injuries. Doncic was dealing with a hamstring injury late in the year and played in 64 regular season games, and Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung. He played in 63 games. Both players appealed to the league and were determined to be eligible for awards, and both ended up earning first-team All-NBA honors.But Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who also appealed the league after playing in just 60 games, was denied. Edwards missed 11 of the last 14 games in the regular season with a knee injury. Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 points, five rebounds and 3.7 assists per game this season. He earned his fourth straight All-Star nod, too.While the 65-game rule can undoubtedly keep worthy players out of the awards conversations, Silver is very content with it for the time being. “I’m not ready to support a change yet,” Silver said. “Of course, when we sit down to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the players, we’re happy to talk about it. But I think what gets left out, anywhere we draw the line, there’s always going to be players on the other side of that line.”The current collective bargaining agreement runs through the 2029-30 season. So, at least for the next four seasons, this standard will remain.

A freshly installed FIFA World Cup 2026 sign hangs over the entrance at Kansas City Stadium (Austin Johnson)FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup venues in a last-minute policy change that will force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.As recently as last month, FIFA's official stadium code of conduct included a clause which read: "For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 liter in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium."However The Athletic reported on Wednesday that those guidelines had now been tweaked to explicitly ban refillable bottles."For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium," an updated stadium code of conduct read.In a statement to AFP, a FIFA spokesperson said the rule change was taken on safety grounds, noting that several World Cup venues already barred the use of refillable water bottles."FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff," the statement read."FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums."The statement added that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available in "the stadium footprint".It added that bottled water inside the venue would be sold at prices which "remain consistent with other events held at each stadium."The rule change comes despite experts warning fans could face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.A report published by the World Weather Attribution research group last month estimated that 26 of 104 games at the World Cup are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees. WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body which combines temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight.At last year's FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where fans complained of searing temperatures, supporters were also barred from bringing water bottles into venues.rcw/bb