West Virginia vs. Cal Poly baseball box score: Live stats from NCAA Baseball Championship Game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The West Virginia Mountaineers baseball team is a win away from a trip to Omaha. After a double-digit win over the Cal Poly Mustangs on Friday, they're back at it in Morgantown a day later.First pitch will be at Noon ET with coverage on ESPN2. 2026 NCAA Baseball Championship123456789RHEWest Virginia (44-15)0010Cal Poly (39-23)1120West Virginia vs. Cal Poly baseball box score: Live stats from NCAA Championship Super RegionalWest Virginia MountaineersBatterPOSABRHRBIBBSOAVGOBP5Armani Guzman1B100000.308.4052Gavin KellyC101000.380.4796Paul SchoenfeldCF100001.339.43511Sean SmithDH100001.319.410Matthew GravelineLF000000.292.37117Matt IneichSS000000.296.43812Brodie Kresser2B000000.292.39224Ben LumsdenRF000000.257.4048Tyrus Hall3B000000.275.399Total20302684463802252PitcherPOSIPHRERBBSOBFERA15Maxx YehlP0.22110052.2Total0.2211005Yehl 19 (10 strikes)Cal Poly Mustangs BatterPOSABRHRBIBBSOAVGOBP7Nate CastellonSS111000.328.4035Alejandro Garza3B100000.322.3544Dylan KordicRF101000.282.37016Ryan TaymanC000100.360.44815Cam HoilandDH000000.315.4131Casey Murray Jr.CF000000.321.40612Gavin Spiridonoff1B000000.291.3576Dante VachiniLF000000.283.3322Jake Downing2B000000.272.359Total22233275603682420RBI:Tayman 1 (57)PitcherPOSIPHRERBBSOBFERA32Carson TurnquistP1.01000243.3Total1.0100024Turnquist 22 (15 strikes)How to watch: West Virginia vs. Cal Poly 2026 NCAA Baseball Championship Game 1Date: Saturday, June 6Time: Noon ETTV: ESPN2More NCAA NewsCal Poly vs. West Virginia baseball box score: Game 1USC vs North Carolina baseball box score: Game 1Little Rock vs. Troy baseball box score: Game 1Texas vs. Texas Tech softball box score: Final Women's College World SeriesDemond Williams bombshell could have resulted in Lane Kiffin fired by LSU

Section 9 Class B baseball champion Chester Academy reached its first state Final Four in four years as the Hambletonians blanked Section 1 winner Putnam Valley 2-0 in a quarterfinal playoff in Saugerties.It was a bit of a heart-stopping finish for the Hambletonians. Nick Sharp looked brilliant on the mound but loaded the bases in the seventh inning on a walk, tough-hop single and another walk. Sharp bounced a pitch and catcher James Musco had to make a short chase. Nicky Benedetto made the break for the dish but the swift throw arrived early enough for Sharp to apply the tag and finish the game.Chester will face either Oyster Bay or Center Moriches in a 1 p.m. semifinal on Friday, June 12, at Binghamton University. The final would also be at Binghamton on June 13.The Hambletonians struck early. Musco led off the game with a ground rules double to right field, took second on a one-out single to center by Sharp and scored on Logan Bach's grounder to shortstop that could not be converted into a double play.Chester went up 2-0 in the third. Sharp reached on an infield error, stole second and scored on Bach's single to left-center.Putnam Valley (18-8) appeared to get a run back in the fourth when Benedetto scored following a wonderful diving catch in center by Mason Diaz off the bat of Braeden McCarty but the umpires ruled the runner had not properly tagged up and the inning was over.kmcmillan@th-record.comX / Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHRThis article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Chester baseball blanks Putnam Valley in 2026 state B quarterfinals

Jun. 6—CARRINGTON — On Tuesday, Carrington's All-State baseball player, Max Whitman, was out on the water when his phone buzzed."I was actually out fishing when the teams got announced and my football coach texted me congratulations and I didn't know what he was texting me for," Whitman said. "Then one of my friends texted me congratulations and I asked him why everyone was saying that."Whitman, a senior out of Carrington, was named to the All-State, Second-Team Class B Baseball roster on Tuesday."My friend sent me a screenshot of the team," Whitman said. "I was pretty surprised honestly because I had a pretty bad slump midway through the season so I didn't think I was going to make it because of that."I think the problem was that I started golfing and I started bringing my golf swing to baseball," he said. "I wasn't making as good as contact as I wanted to. Even though, I would consider it a slump, I still had like a hit per game. It just wasn't where I knew I could be at. I think I started the year and ended it good enough that I could make the team. ... I wasn't exactly jumping for joy when I heard but it felt good to hear. Thank you everyone for the selection."Like many Class B athletes, sports found Whitman at an early age."When I was really little, I had a little plastic bat and my mom and my grandpa would pitch to me and I guess I was able to make contact with it when I was like 1. I guess I've always just played — even before I could really remember."Whitman was a four-sport athlete for the Cardinals, playing football, hockey, baseball and golf. The senior has been playing varsity ball for the Cardinals since his freshman year. While he mainly catches for the Cardinals, he has also been seen at shortstop and on the mound."I like catching because I like seeing the whole field and I like to be in control of the pitches and what is coming, I like touching the ball a lot too — that's fun," Whitman said.Whitman was one of three seniors on Carrington's roster this spring. There were only three other high school athletes on the roster, sophomore Jameson Kutz and juniors Taylen Mehring and Charles Jorgensen on the team. The rest of the team was comprised of middle school athletes."There was a lot of learning that had to be done there," Whitman said. "We had to step into a bigger leadership role but it was fun. The guys were all ready and excited to learn and they were all coachable. They made it easy on us in that way — obviously they still have a long way to go but they are going to be really good in a few years."In the regular season, Carrington had two wins but the tides turned in the Region 3 Tournament — after the first game."The first day, we lost 20-0 the first day to Valley City," Whitman said. "It was double-elimination and so the next day we beat New Rockford and then we had to play Valley City that same day. We beat them so we sent them home after they beat us 20-0 the day before."Nobody thought we were making it to the third day — we didn't even think we would get a third game but we ended up beating two teams that pretty much smoked us during the year," he said. "We started finally playing how we could play at the same time. There was a lot more energy in the dugouts too. Everybody was in a better mood. I think that helped a lot too."Carrington's season ended on May 20 in the semifinal game against South Border. The Mustangs beat the Cardinals 5-1.Whitman will be playing American Legion baseball with Carrington this summer before he heads to the University of North Dakota this fall."Hitting is probably my favorite part of baseball so I am probably going to miss that the most but I'll miss just spending time with the guys," Whitman said. "Everybody's my friend around here so I am going to miss them a lot."2026 Class B Baseball All-State TeamFirst TeamCollin Abernathey, Des Lacs-BurlingtonDex Avdem, ThompsonJustin Bosch, Shiloh ChristianKaden Bristol, BottineauBerkley Frantz, South BorderChase Haffely, Hillsboro/Central ValleyChris Hoiland, Northern CassFisher Johnson, KindredCooper Kittleson, Velva/Drake-AnamooseJaxon Omdahl, Park River AreaTucker Omdahl, Park River AreaJack Passa, Bishop Ryan/NedroseCorbyn Powell, Valley CityBrody Rainsberry, Nelson County/MidkotaTheo Romfo, Langdon/AEMJack Skalsky, BeulahColby Thielges, LaMoure/LM/EdgeleyHunter Tolstad, Renville CountySecond TeamMax Whitman, CarringtonClifdyn Brossart, RugbyKyler Fisher, Des Lacs-BurlingtonHunter Hagler, North StarZade Heier, OakesBrody Kegley, Central CassMason Kraft, Velva/Drake-AnamooseSawyer McGillis, May-Port-C-GJack Samuelson, Valley CityLandon Schneider, Langdon/AEMBrody Seidler, GarrisonJacob Solseng, Park River AreaNDHSCA POWERade Outstanding Senior Athlete — Theo Romfo, Langdon Area/MunichNDHSCA SUBWAY Coach of the Year — Scott Milbrandt, Kindred

Mississippi State baseball has a hard-throwing freshman pitcher who's named after a TV show character.Jack Bauer, a left-hander for the Bulldogs, is a key pitcher in the bullpen who is capable of throwing 103 mph. He's also named after Jack Bauer from the TV show "24."No. 14 Mississippi State (43-17) is facing No. 3 Georgia (49-12) in the NCAA Tournament Athens Super Regional, where Bauer is expected to pitch at some point as a reliever. The winner of the three-game series will advance to the College World Series. Here's what to know about Bauer.Jack Bauer fastball velocityBauer is capable of throwing 103 mph but has intentionally not thrown as hard at Mississippi State. His fastball is typically between 97-99 mph.Jack Bauer name, jersey number 24 picked after TV showBauer is named after the main character of the TV show "24," played by actor Kiefer Sutherland. It's also why he chose jersey No. 24.Bauer said in the preseason that he has not watched the show, however.MORE: How Brian O’Connor already has Mississippi State 2 wins from CWS in first seasonJack Bauer statsBauer has a 4-0 record with a 6.48 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 25 innings.Jack Bauer MLB draft rankingBauer was ranked as the No. 44 prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft but was not picked and opted for college instead. He is not eligible to get drafted again until 2028.Jack Bauer hometownBauer is from Frankfort, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He went to Lincoln Way East High School.Mississippi State vs Georgia super regional scheduleGame 1: Saturday, June 6 (10 a.m. CT, ESPN)Game 2: Sunday, June 7 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN)Game 3: Monday, June 8 (TBD), if necessarySam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jack Bauer of Mississippi State baseball is named for '24' character

Canucks' Caleb Malhotra NHL Draft unexpected decision at Combine prompts jokes about his dad Manny originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Caleb Malhotra is one of the top prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft class.This week at the NHL Draft Combine, though, Malhotra didn't have dinner with any teams. The team-player dinners are a way that franchises express interest, and a way they get to know more about the player.Despite that, Malhotra didn't go out to eat with any teams -- including those like the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks at Nos. 2 and 3 who might consider drafting him.Malhotra says he did not go out to dinner with any teams this week— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) June 6, 2026Of course, there's more to the Canucks than just the team drafting third.Their new head coach is Manny Malhotra, promoted from his job leading their AHL team to now lead the NHL club. And he's Caleb's dad.Which made for some quality replies to the above post on X.One simply wrote, tongue in cheek: "Canucks did not give permission," with a laughing emoji.Another wrote: "Did he have lunch with his dad?"And there was a, "Because he ate dinner with his dad," and a "Cold shoulder from dad? Ouch."So yeah, don't expect the Malhotra father-son narrative to go away anytime soon. Everyone will be paying attention to this connection.Will it lead the Canucks to draft Caleb? We'll all just have to find out on draft night.

Andrei Vasilevskiy Vezina Trophy win from the 2025-26 season is a tremendous accomplishment. He knocked off the likes of Ilya Sorokin and Jeremy Swayman, who each joined Vasilevskiy in the top three of voting for this year’s award. Let’s discuss the significance of Vasilevskiy’s honour from this past season.Credit Image: © Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA WireAndrei Vasilevskiy Vezina Trophy in 2025-26 Builds LegacyAndrei Vasilevskiy has won the Vezina Trophy for the second time in his career. Here is the full voting table, as selected by the league's general managers. #GoBoltspic.twitter.com/uhqdpVLQTB— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) June 6, 2026It is starting to get to the point that Vasilevskiy will go as one of the best goaltenders of his generation. Perhaps Sergei Bobrovsky is a bit of a comparison, in that he has sustained a high level of play, for a long stretch of time. Bobrovsky won his first of two Vezinas, way back in 2013, and didn’t add Stanley Cups to his hardware case until 2024. Vasilevskiy has the two Lord Stanley Cup championships to his credit.If we go back to the 2017-18 season, that is the span of nine NHL seasons now, Vasilevskiy has led the NHL in wins an incredible six times. Even with the shortened seasons of the COVID-impacted years, he has managed a string of nine consecutive, 30-win campaigns during the stretch is he currently on. Those nine seasons of 30 wins, tie him with Ed Belfour and Marc-Andre Fleury for the fourth-most, 30-win seasons by an NHL goalie, ever. In 2025-26, his 39 wins did lead the NHL in that category.The 30-win-consecutive season streak is a bit complicated, as Patrick Roy won 31-or-more games in every season from 1991-92, through to his last year in 2002-03, save for the lockout shortened 1994-95. Furthermore, King Henrik Lundqvist won 30-or-more games from his rookie year 2005-06 until 2016-17, except for the reduced schedule of 2012-13. However, that season he actually led the NHL in wins with 24.Martin Brodeur holds the record, with 12 consecutive seasons of 30-or-more wins, with an incredible six of those being with 41-or-more victories.Let’s Talk Numbers, Vasy and his Competition in 2025-26But this is the Andrei Vasilevskiy Vezina Trophy win celebration, not a summary of NHL goaltending greatness, although heck, what’s the matter with that? He has sustained the Tampa Bay Lightning for a long period of time. The club continues to find itself entrenched in the conversation for the class of the NHL’s Atlantic Division.Over his career, Vasilevskiy has lived up to the reputation of being among the elite goaltenders in the game. This is his second Vezina Trophy victory, and four other times he has found himself within the top three of voter points. With the growing list of multiple Vezina winners, only Connor Hellebuyck and Bobrovsky are active.Before we dig into the specific numbers, keep something in mind. It is interesting that league-wide save percentage went down in 2025-26. In contrast, it was caused by a systematic error process, in that the technology for shot tracking currently applied greatly improves our confidence that shots would’ve went in, if not for a goaltenders’ influence. The league-wide save percentage was around .896 in 2025-26, and had never been that low since the 90s (1993-94 it was .895).It Was a Good Year for Some Goalies in 2025-26Still, as the Andrei Vasilevskiy Vezina-season review goes, he posted a solid .911 save percentage this season. Although we should add, that four times in his career, he has been at .920 or above (and each of those seasons having played at least 42 games).Ilya Sorokin had a terrific season for a weaker New York Islanders team. He posted a 2.68 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage in 55 games, with a remarkable seven shutouts. Meanwhile, Swayman posted a 2.71 GAA and .907 save percentage. He was 31-18-4 for the Boston Bruins with two shutouts. In addition, Sorokin was 29-24-2 for the New York Islanders. However, Vasilevskiy outpaced them at 39-15-4, but only two blank sheets.Logan Thompson’s numbers were right there, too. He went 31-21-6, with four shutouts, a 2.44 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. Expect him to be in the running for years to come.| Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Levi Pike, EditorGraphic Credit: https://moneypuck.com/goalies.htmMain Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Here are this week’s most popular positive stories, with some fun social media posts tossed in too. Like seeing uplifting content like this? Sign up for our Good News email. Happy Pride Month, everyone! This week’s Good News Roundup is filled with rainbows, some big firsts, and more proud politicians than you can shake a glow stick at — so let’s jump right in! Related A new country just took the crown as Europe’s most LGBTQ+-friendly nation But before we get started, did you hear the heartwarming story about how this small town trans man proposed to his wife at an Easter egg hunt? Did you hear about the new study that showed trans teens who receive hormone therapy are less likely to run away from home? And how about when the organizer of Omaha’s first Pride march in 1985 explained how much things have changed since then? Some amazing Pride Month vogueing at NYC’s City Hall Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today View this post on Instagram A post shared by CNN (@cnn) People are delighted by Mel C’s “stunning response” to a question on speculation she’s gay People are calling the former Spice Girl a “true ally” for the way she handled the question. CO Gov Jared Polis kicks off Pride Month by signing new conversion therapy law “Conversion Therapy can be harmful, traumatizes kids, and is a scam to waste people’s hard-earned money,” he said. Pride returns to Budapest after dictator was voted out “Freedom and love cannot be banned.” Awww, such cute little Pride drawings! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fruit Suit Critters (@fruitsuitcritters) Episcopalians in the South just got their first out lesbian bishop “Freedom and love cannot be banned.” Democratic leaders across the country are all in for Pride Month: “Pride is joy. Pride is courage.” “It would take far more than a month to honor the contributions of queer and transgender New Yorkers,” wrote NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Tim Kaine tells trans kids to ignore hateful GOP Senators: You are “worthy of love as you are” He also reminded trans youth that they are not alone, and that there are “a lot of people who want to help you.” You are not ready for Drag Spider-Man! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Huylson (@huylson) LGBTQ+ candidates sweep CA primaries: “The voters sent a clear message” “I’ll go to the mat to defend immigrants and trans people,” state Sen. Scott Wiener said after his win on Tuesday. Queer male blood donations are way up now after changing to new risk assessment model And the blood supply is just as safe, making the new rules a huge success. How this cabaret performer’s musical idol helped her come out “She was bold, brave, and completely subversive. And she did it all with such joy.” Now, coast into the rest of the weekend with this sort of energy! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wanyan-muster（完颜大师） (@wanyan_muster) From our sibling sites: QUEERTY: Is this the oldest documented queer couple in history? OUTSPORTS: Dodgers memorial honors gay players Glenn Burke and Billy Bean GAYCITIES: Drag Race alum Honey Davenport makes history by winning International Mr. Leather INTO: What your birth month says about you, according to the data

The Defense Department has increased the counterintelligence threat assessment to its highest level, and Israel is believed to have eavesdropped on American negotiations with Iran.

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New Delhi: Chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday categorically stated that Shreyas Iyer had come close to earning a place in India's T20 World Cup squad earlier this year."With Surya still there, there was no room for him. So he is, in my opinion, a standout candidate with enough experience now, having led in the T20 format. This is obviously a different challenge," Agarkar told the media after announcing the Mumbai batter as India's new T20I captain.For some time now, Shreyas had been playing the waiting game. Having last represented India in the shortest format in December 2023, he kept knocking on the door. Across the last three IPL seasons, he has scored 1,453 runs at an average of 48.43 and a strike rate of 165.3. Only Virat Kohli (2,073 runs), Sai Sudharsan (2,008), Shubman Gill (1,808), KL Rahul (1,590), Heinrich Klaasen (1,590) and Abhishek Sharma (1,486) have scored more. It is also worth noting that, barring Klaasen, all of them open the batting for their respective franchises.Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to T20 World Cup glory a few months ago, saw his runs dry up.Over the last three years, Surya has scored 1,332 IPL runs at an average of 39.17 and a strike rate of 163.23, with five ducks. He enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2025, amassing 717 runs at a strike rate of 167.91.However, the runs have dried up in international cricket as well. If he averaged 43.60 before becoming India's full-time T20 captain in July 2024, that figure has since dropped to 25.88. Once a prolific batter who toyed with bowlers, his strike rate has also fallen significantly, from 168.75 to 152.03.In the last year, across 30 matches, Surya has scored 674 runs at an average of 30.63 and a strike rate of 148.78. The tally includes just four fifties and no hundreds.Among players who have featured in at least 25 T20Is during this period, that run tally places him 20th in world cricket. His average of 30.63 ranks him 17th.It is also worth noting that these numbers are boosted by an unbeaten 84 against the USA and 33 against Zimbabwe, two comparatively weaker opponents.At the other end of the spectrum are an unbeaten 82, an unbeaten 57 and a 63, all against New Zealand national cricket team. Those innings bought him time and some leeway during the T20 World Cup cycle, but poor returns after the tournament and in IPL 2026 have not helped his case.“You look at the form over the last two years, but he was doing well as India's captain. We did not deliberate a lot, but at some stage we were going to look ahead,” Agarkar said on the decision to bring in Iyer ahead of Suryakumar.Shreyas makes No. 4 spot his ownMaking the selectors' task easier was the fact that Suryakumar had not made the No. 4 spot his own in recent times.Across IPL 2024-26, Iyer has outperformed Surya at No. 4. While Iyer scored 885 runs at an average of 49.16 and a strike rate of 161.79, Surya managed 839 runs at an average of 49.35 and a strike rate of 162.28.For the record, Riyan Parag (1,147 runs) and Rajat Patidar (1,044 runs) have better returns in that position. It is worth mentioning that despite leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to consecutive IPL titles, Patidar is yet to cement a place in India's T20I squad.A closer look at the recently concluded IPL season further strengthens Iyer's case.After Klaasen (499 runs) and Patidar (448), Shreyas Iyer was the most destructive No. 4 batter in IPL 2026. He scored 439 runs at an average of 48.77 and a strike rate of 169.49. Surya, meanwhile, struggled, managing just 210 runs at an average of 26.25 and a strike rate of 145.83.While Shreyas struck 34 fours and 27 sixes for a total of 61 boundaries, Surya managed only 19 fours and nine sixes, totalling 28 boundaries.One can argue that India have won titles since Suryakumar Yadav's elevation as T20 captain, but if the focus is on building towards 2028, the lack of runs cannot be ignored. And that is where Shreyas Iyer has edged past Mr. 360.

What Manchester City officials make of Josko Gvardiol to Bayern Munich transfer talkMan City remain confident Gvardiol will sign a new contract despite more dialogue being neededCroatian has been linked with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid this summerReports from Croatia claimed Gvardiol wants to leave due to Pep Guardiola’s departureThere is still confidence at Manchester City that Josko Gvardiol will sign a new contract at the Etihad Stadium, even if more dialogue is needed between both parties.Gvardiol’s future has become one of the most talked-about stories of the summer, with reports from Croatia claiming the defender wants to leave following Pep Guardiola’s exit as manager.The 24-year-old has attracted interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ahead of the window opening, with City holding firm on a minimum valuation of €90 million should they be forced to sell.Revealed: Why Josko Gvardiol wants to leave Manchester CityDirector of football Hugo Viana has already tabled a lucrative long-term contract offer for the Croatia international, with City viewing him as a cornerstone of incoming manager Enzo Maresca‘s defensive plans for the 2026-27 season.Report: City confident Gvardiol will stayAs per Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, there is still confidence at Manchester City that Josko Gvardiol will sign a new contract, even if more dialogue between both parties is needed before an agreement is reached.The update pushes back on suggestions that an exit is inevitable, indicating City believe the situation can be resolved in their favour despite the considerable interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid this summer.City have been consistent in their desire to keep the defender, with Bajkowski having previously reported the club’s determination to retain both Gvardiol and Ruben Dias throughout the window regardless of external interest.Viana is understood to have prepared a more financially generous offer for Gvardiol following the reports from Croatia, with City unwilling to show weakness in the wake of Guardiola’s departure by allowing a key asset to walk out of the door.What is the wider context for Gvardiol’s future?Gvardiol indicated last week that he was happy at City but would assess his future after the FIFA World Cup, with Croatia participating in the tournament in North America.Manchester City stance on Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol sales amid transfer interestMaresca and Viana are expected to hold direct talks with the defender once the tournament concludes, with the incoming manager keen to outline Gvardiol’s role in his plans for the new season.Those conversations will be pivotal in determining whether the Croatian commits his future to the club or pushes for a move to one of the elite sides tracking his situation across Europe this summer.City enter those discussions from a position of strength, with two years remaining on Gvardiol’s current contract and a clear public stance that they have no intention of selling below their stated valuation of €90 million.

Mirra Andreeva is the 2026 French Open champion. Though only 19 years old and the first teenage Roland Garros champion since 2020 when Iga Swiatek won the title, this feels a long time coming for a prodigy who has played well since joining the WTA Tour in 2022.This is a milestone win that takes the pressure off Andreeva and allows her to play freely knowing that she is and will always be regarded as a Grand Slam champion.MORE: What was the French Open thinking with the Matteo Arnaldi press conferenceThe biggest win in Andreeva’s already successful careerThis is Andreeva’s sixth career WTA title. With the Roland Garros win, she has won at least one title at each level, possessing a WTA 250, two WTA 500, two WTA 1000, and one Grand Slam. In addition, she is an 2024 Paris Olympics women’s doubles silver medalist (with Diana Shnaider).There is seemingly no end to her potential as she is an all-court player capable of winning Grand Slams on all surfaces and could be a future WTA World No. 1.May 31, 2026; Paris, France; Mirra Andreeva returns a shot during her match against Jil Teichmann of Switzerland on day eight at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn ImagesOne question mark will be if this French Open win curtails her successful doubles career with Shnaider. Will she focus on singles more, which has happened to a degree already in 2026. MORE: 8 greatest Roland-Garros champions, ranked before the 2026 finalsCan she please stop thanking herself publiclyWe are very happy for Andreeva who is a talented and deserving Grand Slam champion, but thanking herself in the victory speech is trite. We know mental health is important, and Andreeva gave a shoutout to her sports psychologist in her French Open victory speech. Nike made a special coat for her with the quote of her thanking herself. She should be proud of herself. We get it. However, at this point, it can go unsaid.

Green fees are rising more than twice as fast as membership charges across Scotland – but the real story lies beneath the averages, where tourism, geography and pricing power are pulling the game in different directions.Scottish golf is evolving into an increasingly uneven market with fresh survey findings clearly detailing a three-layer economy shaped by geography, scale and access to demand.The Herald Scottish Golf Survey 2026 of courses across the country shows that while the average green fee is now more than $106, most golfers actually pay closer to $60 for a round, a gap that reveals a widening divide between everyday club golf and a small number of premium destinations. That same tension is visible in membership pricing, where annual subscriptions cluster tightly around $867 to $1,068 at the majority of clubs, while the most exclusive venues push well beyond that range.That gap matters because it captures a structural change in how golf is priced and funded. Clubs are increasingly protecting their members by charging visitors more heavily to absorb rising costs.“The tourism numbers and the economic benefit from visitors are probably as strong as they have ever been,” explains Robbie Francis, who as a partner in the corporate team at legal firm Thorntons advises clients in the golf market. “Some of the clubs are now beginning to recognise that they have a very strong product that should be priced accordingly for visitors, and that has a benefit in terms of the sustainability of the mix of their income for now.”Across Scotland, green fees have risen by an average of 12.4% while membership subscriptions were up by less than half of that at 4.9%. At first glance, those numbers suggest a buoyant industry responding confidently to demand, but a closer look reveals a more complex and less comfortable picture.In a nutshell, there are those who can set prices and those who must follow them. The starkest illustration of that is revealed in the contrast between the mean and median price of a round. At $110, the average green fee – the mean – is heavily influenced by a relatively small number of elite courses charging $333 to $467 or more for a round of golf. The median figure of exactly $60 – the point at which half of clubs charge more and half charge less – is a massive 85% or so lower than the mean.Membership pricing tells a different story. While the average subscription is around $1,034, the median is $867. This much narrower gap of approximately 20% suggests a tighter, more socially constrained pricing structure.Clubs across Scotland are increasingly using higher green fees to offset rising costs in energy, labour, maintenance and insurance to avoid risking membership attrition. It is a rational strategy: visitors, particularly those travelling from overseas or booking once‑in‑a‑lifetime rounds, are typically far less price‑sensitive than local members who pay year-in, year-out.Nearly all clubs and courses are relying more heavily on visiting golfers to cover rising costs (Image: VisitScotland/Peter Dibdin)The result is a system in which the burden of inflation is being shifted away from local golfers, a trend that is particularly evident at the top end of the market populated by exclusive pay-and-play destinations and elite member clubs. While proprietary destinations have always relied solely on guests from home and abroad – meaning all cost increases flow directly through to the golfing consumer – the most well-heeled members’ clubs are also leaning heavily on visitors with green fee increases generally in the range of 8% to 15%.Scottish golf has long had a dual identity, balancing local clubs and global destinations, but is now increasingly operating at three distinct levels: a top tier of tourism‑driven courses with strong pricing power; a broad middle of traditional members’ clubs that are stable but constrained; and a lower tier of smaller community courses facing tighter margins and limited financial flexibility.Their success is shaped largely by geography, scale and access to demand. Nowhere are these forces more visible than in two very different parts of the country: Edinburgh and the Lothians, and the Highlands & Islands.Around Edinburgh and the Lothians, the survey reveals a model built on high prices, strong demand and exceptional confidence. Clubs in this region on average reported an 11.6% increase in green fees to $100 between 2025 and 2026, and the 5.3% rise in membership subscriptions to $1,400 was among the highest anywhere in the country. Unsurprisingly, the owners of courses in this region also recorded the highest financial confidence at an average of more than 8 out of 10 – well above the national norm.Crucially, the gap between median and mean pricing here is relatively modest. This is not a volatile market, but rather a stable environment where clubs operate in a broadly consistent price band and enjoy strong, predictable demand.That demand is increasingly global. Proximity to major courses, transport links, and Scotland’s broader tourism offering means that clubs in the region benefit from steady flows of visiting golfers, many of whom are willing to pay premium rates for access.Pricing decisions in this market tend to be strategic rather than reactive. Bruntsfield Links, which ranks among Edinburgh’s most prestigious venues, chose to raise both its subscriptions and green fees by 10% this year as the club prepares to take on major investments including the installation of a new and expanded irrigation system.“A couple of years previously we were more in line with inflation but then, because we’d done an exercise looking at future capital projects, we worked with the membership and said that we needed to build up a slightly bigger surplus to invest in the future – maintaining existing assets but also adding a few other bits and pieces to enhance the member experience,” chief executive Mike Braidwood explains.“Members are on board with that. No one likes to pay more, but with the future capital projects coming up, members recognise that we need to build up our reserves to keep reinvesting in the facilities they enjoy.”Highlands & Islands still a valueIn contrast to that market, the picture in the Highlands & Islands is quite different. Despite the presence of some world-class destinations, the survey reveals this region as having some of the lowest subscriptions in Scotland at an average of $539 annually. The area also recorded some of the largest percentage increases in visitor pricing during the past year with the average up by approximately 19% across a huge span of green fees ranging from $12 to $480.This might at first glance suggest aggressive pricing but in reality it reflects simple arithmetic: when your starting point is low, even small increases produce large percentage jumps. A $6 increase on a £$33 green fee is a 20% increase, but it adds relatively little in absolute revenue.Why the 'average' doesn't tell the full story in golfFor many clubs in the Highlands & Islands, price increases are driven less by opportunity than by necessity. Rising costs are difficult to absorb when revenues are constrained and the smaller, more dispersed populations in these areas limit the scope for growing membership.Visitor income can provide a lifeline, particularly during peak tourist season, but this is often unpredictable and geographically uneven. Unlike Edinburgh and the Lothians, where demand is both strong and consistent, Highlands & Islands clubs may see sharp fluctuations from year to year.More: Where to begin planning a golf trip to Scotland? Here's a pretty good ideaThis creates a fragile balance. Financial confidence scores in the region sit in the mid‑range – around 6.7 out of 10 – but mask significant variation between stronger, tourism‑linked clubs and smaller community‑focused facilities. In effect, the Highlands & Islands are experiencing the same pressures as the rest of Scottish golf, but with fewer levers available to respond.Taken together, these regional contrasts illustrate the broader transformation underway in Scottish golf. The survey suggests that the game is increasingly organised into at least three distinct tiers: the top end of elite and near‑elite clubs, with strong pricing power, high visitor demand and high financial confidence; a middle tier of traditional members’ clubs, broadly stable but operating under increasing pressure; and a lower tier of small community clubs, often facing structural challenges linked to scale and geography.These tiers are not rigid, and clubs may move between them over time. But the underlying trend is clear: scale, location and access to visitor markets are becoming the most important determinants of success.“These survey findings suggest that opportunities are being taken advantage of by certain clubs, but whether that trickles down more widely across the sector is more challenging to identify,” Francis said. But if growth is driven primarily by visitor pricing at the top end, what does that mean for the rest of the system? And how can the benefits of Scotland’s global reputation for golf be shared more evenly across the country?“There are Scottish golf destinations that do have that [obligation] within their remit,” Francis muses. “The Links Trust that manages the courses in St Andrews obviously has a public access remit, are there other examples of that elsewhere in Scotland? We already have some of that embedded within Scottish golf, and it is something that is a huge benefit to the game in this country and is quite valuable to the Scottish golf ecosystem.”At its heart, this is not just a story about rising prices. It is a story about who pays, and who benefits from the evolving economics of the game.Here's what it means to be 'elite' in Scottish golfMembers, by and large, are being shielded. Subscription increases remain relatively modest, reflecting both social expectations and the competitive nature of club membership markets. Clubs cannot afford to lose local players, and most are reluctant to risk doing so.Visitors, by contrast, are increasingly asked to shoulder the burden. Whether through higher green fees, dynamic pricing or peak‑time surcharges, they are now the primary mechanism through which golf course owners can grow their income.For many, that balance is working for now. But it is also, subtly but steadily, changing the character of the game.The Herald Scottish Golf Survey 2026 does not suggest crisis. Indeed, many clubs report stable finances and cautious optimism about the future. But it does point to a system that is becoming more complex and more uneven. As the rest of this series will explore, those growing divisions raise important questions not just about price, but about participation, accessibility and the long‑term shape of the game itself.Kristy Dorsey is a contributor to The Scotland Herald, part of USA Today Co.This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Rising costs change the game for Scottish golf

Bryce Mitchell and Santiago Luna meet on the UFC Fight Night 278 main card Saturday at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.Last event's results: 4-1-1UFC main cards, 2026: 53-30-1Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna UFC Fight Night 278 previewMitchell (18-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) looks to keep the momentum going after returning to the win column last July with a unanimous decision win over Said Nurmagomedov.Luna (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is undefeated in his pro career and won his first two UFC appearances by defeating Quang Le and Angel Pacheco.Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna UFC Fight Night 278 expert pick, predictionFilling out the main card is an impromptu bantamweight bout between Bryce Mitchell and Santiago Luna. Mitchell, who was initially slated to face Victor Henry, will now face Luna on short notice.Luna is one of the hotter prospects on the UFC scene for solid reason. Still, I believe that this is way too much too soon (as I firmly believe matchups like this are potentially volatile for career growth, given that Luna could arguably be worse off with a win, considering the wolves he'll be thrown to should beat a name like Mitchell).Although Luna may have the wrestling to shut down Mitchell's first layer of offensive grappling early, the Mexican has shown a tendency to slow down and get complacent in the very few fights where he has to fight for more than seven or so minutes.Add in the fact that Mitchell officially stands at 3-0 inside the Meta APEX, and I suspect that Mitchell can survive some early scares en route to getting his game going down the stretch.The pick is Mitchell by unanimous decision.Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna UFC Fight Night 278 oddsThe oddsmakers and the public favor the American, listing Mitchell -126 and Luna +108 via FanDuel.Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna UFC Fight Night 278 start time, how to watchMitchell and Luna are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 8:40 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+.This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 118: Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna prediction, pick, time

People of all ages have consistently asked me two questions over the years: 1. “Why do you have to have those Pride marches every June?” 2. “Why do you think you deserve these special rights that straight people don’t have?” Related GOP candidate shows no remorse after disturbing “Anti-Pride Month” declaration Both of these questions are very simple to answer. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today To question one, I say: “If there were no oppression against LGBTQ+ folks, we would not need Pride marches. So straight & cis people, stop the oppression coming from yourself, your organizations, and from society at large.” To question two, I reply: “I don’t want special rights. But unfortunately, when we are attacked, beaten up, and bullied, when we lose custody of our children based solely on our sexual and/or gender identities, when we are marginalized in our communities, vilified and scapegoated by our elected leaders including the sitting (sleeping) president of the United States, when we witness our histories erased and our books banned, when members of our transgender communities are viciously attacked and murdered, and can’t receive the medical care they deserve, cannot enter public facilities of their choice… Well, all of these are ways we are treated ‘specially’. Quite frankly, I’m disgusted by being treated as special. I prefer to be treated equally and with respect.” Similarly, we will not need an organization like Black Lives Matter if we come to a point in our country when we finally come to terms with the full history of our racist, white supremacist past, when we see those of every ethnic and national heritage living freely, unencumbered by the lingering freedom-killing legacies of our racist past. Yes, the solutions are quite simple, but unfortunately, they are not at all easy to implement. We can continue to pass equal rights laws and reinstate those our leaders have whittled away over time. But as governments can grant rights, they can also take them away. For our country to function “with liberty and justice for all,” we must ensure equality for all, including for people outside of the majority. Yes, each June is designated as Pride Month in several countries around the world. Millions of people of all sexual and gender identities celebrate the hard-fought rights to love who we want and express our gender in whatever way feels right. In this age of governments rolling back our rights to live our lives as we choose, we must continue to join together, stay vigilant, and connect with progressive people of all identities to counter the terrorist tactics being used against us. The histories of LGBTQ+ people are replete with incredible pain and immense pride, of overwhelming repression and rejoicing victories, of stifling invisibility and dazzling illumination. Dominant groups have labeled LGBTQ+ people using many terms through the ages: from “sinners,” “sick,” and “criminal,” to having a “preference, “orientation,” or “identity,” to even being given “a gift from God.” Though LGBTQ+ identities have always existed in humans (and many non-human species), the concepts of sexual and gender identities and the sense of community based on these identities are relatively modern concepts. It is only within the last 160 or so years that there has been an organized and sustained political effort to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people. As we enter the momentous month of June, we can take stock and reflect on our setbacks and victories, both great and small. For me, a touchstone event was when then-United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented a historic address to the United Nations on International Human Rights Day, December 6, 2011, in Geneva, Switzerland. Most of her speech focused on the assertion that LGBTQ+ rights are indeed human rights. That same day, then-President Barack Obama issued a memorandum directing all federal agencies to “promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons.” While I, too, felt pride for when our president “came out” for marriage equality on May 9, 2012, during a televised interview with Robin Roberts, I was particularly impressed by Clinton’s courage and forthrightness in bringing to the highest level of global attention a simple truth. “It is a violation of human rights when people are beaten or killed because of their sexual orientation, or because they do not conform to cultural norms about how men and women should look or behave,” she said. “It is a violation of human rights when governments declare it illegal to be gay or allow those who harm gay people to go unpunished… Being gay is not a Western invention; it is a human reality. And protecting the human rights of all people, gay or straight, is not something that only Western governments do.” For decades, I have both organized and participated in hundreds of LGBTQ+-focused events, and I have attended numerous Pride activities, including precedent-setting marches and parades. I was fortunate to have attended the second annual Christopher Street Pride march for LGBTQ+ rights in New York City in June 1971. This was the first time I felt the freedom to fully be myself as I walked down the boulevards with thousands of my comrades. A few days later, I returned to visit my former college classmates for the first Pride march through downtown San José, California. This experience was vastly different from the open atmosphere in Manhattan. 28 of us walked tentatively down the main street, while bystanders hurled vicious epithets and pelted us with garbage and rocks. When I begin to take Pride events for granted, I think back to those early marches. As I do, I refocus on the importance of continuing the struggle for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people, and for all minoritized people whom dominant groups attempt to construct as “other” both in this country and around the world. In this current era, as those on the right attempt to reverse hard-won progressive human and civil rights initiatives and to prevent such measures from taking root where they have not grown previously, I am extremely encouraged by the leaders – from the highest levels to the grassroots – showing courage in the face of resistance and backlash. During her speech at the United Nations, Clinton committed herself to people of good will everywhere when she said: “To LGBT men and women worldwide: Wherever you live and whatever the circumstances of your life… please know that you are not alone.” As the truism advises, “Think globally, act locally.” My hope is that we can collectively create a world where everyone celebrates their Pride safely and with integrity in ways that express their truest joys while showing their full humanity, freedom, and liberty. During this Pride season and throughout the year, let us unite in making that a reality. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

TimesofIndia.com in Mullanpur: The challenge before KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan was not Afghanistan's bowling attack. It was the transition from two months of relentless T20 cricket back to the demands of Test cricket. One had to rediscover patience after a prolific IPL campaign, while the other had to justify the faith placed in him by the team management. By stumps on Day 1, both had passed their respective tests. Rahul ground his way to a hard-fought century, and Sai produced a fluent 81 as India took control of the one-off Test.For three straight days in the lead-up, KL Rahul spent hours at the nets under the sweltering sun. Even a day before the Test, when training was optional, only three batters turned up: KL Rahul was one of them. Throughout those sessions, one thing stood out: Rahul was trying to play closer to his body and shed the habits of T20 batting. However, unlike most of his teammates, the turnaround was not as abrupt for 34-year-old. Delhi Capitals played their last league game on May 17, more than two weeks before India's Test squad assembled in Chandigarh.But red-ball cricket brings its own challenges, especially after two months of non-stop T20 cricket.At the start of his innings, Rahul looked rusty. Credit to Afghanistan's new-ball bowlers, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who made the most of whatever little there was to extract from the surface. The duo bowled a disciplined length and asked probing questions of both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul.Jaiswal was put down by Abdul Malik at gully when the left-hander was on 11 off Omarzai's bowling. However, he failed to make the most of the reprieve before Saleem Safi strangled him down the leg side.Rahul struggled for timing through most of the opening session but managed to survive. His frustration was visible as he searched for rhythm. The muscle memory of attacking cricket briefly took over and, in an attempt to break the shackles, he tried a back-foot cut off Ziaur Rahman. There was a definite nick. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, standing at second slip, was convinced, but failed to persuade captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who decided against taking the DRS.Barring that gift, Rahul looked solid. Afghanistan's bowlers kept probing and their spinners extracted some bounce as well. Once the early moisture disappeared, Rahul looked increasingly comfortable against spin. Soon after the lunch break, he completed his half-century following an 86-ball grind.Rahul found an able partner in Sai Sudharsan at the other end. The pair added 139 runs for the second wicket.If Rahul looked rusty, Sudharsan, who was preferred ahead of Devdutt Padikkal, made the most of his opportunity with a polished 81. On the eve of the Test, Gautam Gambhir had said that Sai would get a "longer rope" and that the management had complete faith in him to succeed at No. 3.Sai got off to a brisk start with a couple of crisp flicks but was dropped twice, on 18 and 59.Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, who extracted good bounce from the pitch in the opening session, induced an outside edge but Gurbaz reacted late behind the stumps. Later, Ziaur Rahman drew Sai into a forward push. The ball straightened, took the outside edge and flew past a diving Afsar Zazai. It went low and to the keeper's left. Zazai dived full length but could not get a hand to it, and the ball also beat the first-slip fielder.Sai grew in confidence and completed his third Test fifty with a hat-trick of boundaries off Kharote. Just when he looked set for a much bigger score, Mohammad Saleem broke the dangerous partnership with a soft dismissal. Sai drove away from his body, got a thick outside edge, and this time Zazai leaped low to his left to complete a fine catch.After Sai's dismissal, Rahul took a back seat as captain Shubman Gill, who looked in imperious touch from ball one, hit the ground running. The pair added 67 runs in quick time. Rahul completed his 12th Test hundred and departed off the very next ball he faced after acknowledging the handful of spectators in Mullanpur.Standing at the non-striker's end, Gill could not believe his eyes and had his right hand on his head. It was not the first time he had been left stunned from the other end. Just last week, at the same venue, but in different colours, he was on his haunches after watching his Gujarat Titans teammate Sai Sudharsan throw away his wicket. 131554313Rahul shook his head and walked off in disappointment. He had creamed a cover drive and perhaps wanted to bat with greater freedom after reaching the three-figure mark. Instead, Gurbaz pulled off a smart catch diving forward to his left. Ziaur Rahman, who had bowled his heart out in the morning session, celebrated with visible delight.It was not a fluent innings from either Rahul or Sai, but that was hardly the point. Both needed time in the middle and both got it. Rahul will be disappointed to have fallen immediately after reaching his hundred, having controlled proceedings for most of his stay. Sai, meanwhile, has further strengthened his case at No. 3. The management promised him a long rope and with another assured contribution, he has ensured it remains firmly in his hands.

Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty ImagesDomantas Sabonis could become a central figure in the NBA offseason if the Sacramento Kings decide to rebuild after a 22-60 season.Three years after ending their historic playoff drought, the Kings have drifted back toward the bottom of the league with a roster that no longer fits one clear direction.Now, with expensive veterans still on the books, Sacramento has to decide whether to attempt another quick fix or finally embrace a real reset.Domantas Sabonis trade market could define the Kings’ rebuildAccording to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, league executives expect Sacramento to listen to offers for Sabonis this summer.“The Kings’ former All-Star center is another name, behind Antetokounmpo and Memphis’ Ja Morant, that league executives are projecting to be made available once again as part of this summer’s trade landscape. Sacramento is known to be looking to shed some significant salary if it can this offseason and seems likely to field more interest in Sabonis than other veterans.”Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty ImagesSabonis is owed $45.47 million next season and $48.61 million in 2027-28, a significant number for a 30-year-old center coming off a knee-shortened season.Since arriving from Indiana in 2022, he has averaged 19.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists over 265 Kings games. He helped power the 2023 playoff return that ended the NBA’s longest postseason drought, but roster missteps have since stalled that momentum.Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell also give Sacramento younger, cheaper center options. Neither is Sabonis, but both make it easier to justify a long-term pivot.Domantas Sabonis’ value may be squeezed by modern NBA mathSabonis remains a high-level rebounder and offensive hub, but his fit is not simple for contenders.He is brilliant as a dribble-handoff passer and interior connector, yet he does not protect the rim like a classic defensive anchor and does not stretch the floor. That forces a team to build around his strengths, not simply plug him in.The contract complicates everything. In the second-apron era, taking on nearly $94 million over two years for a non-shooting center is a tough ask if Sacramento also wants meaningful draft assets.Credible links have previously included Toronto, Chicago, Phoenix, and Washington. Golden State also appeared in rumor cycles, but it’s been reported that the Warriors were not interested because of salary, athleticism, and shooting concerns.That is Sacramento’s challenge. Sabonis can still help someone, but he may not bring back a rebuild-changing haul. If the Kings move him, it may be more about escaping money than winning the trade.Read more:Fans rip Kels’ national anthem rendition with brutal ‘driest version’ verdict after NBA Finals Game 2Victor Wembanyama confesses he’s ‘very blurry’ after late-game blunders sink SpursLakers expected to pursue Knicks center as offseason trade target after NBA Finals run

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesMirra Andreeva had too much for Maja Chwalinska, coming away with the win in the French Open final.Andreeva came away with a straight-sets victory, beating Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 to pick up her first French Open crown at just 19 years of age.Andreeva is expected to be in contention for major titles throughout her career, and this French Open trophy is likely the first of many.Following her win over Chwalinska, who started in qualifying and went all the way to the final, Andreeva shared a message for her opponent.Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesEverything Mirra Andreeva said following her French Open triumphAndreeva’s on-court interview after the final was full of praise for Chwalinska, who battled her way through qualifying to reach the title match.“Of course first of all congrats to Maja for these amazing three weeks, passing through qualies, winning so many matches,” said Andreeva. “Beating so many great players, congrats to your team as well.“You guys have done an amazing job, amazing work. You are a very tricky opponent, I would not want to play against you one more time! I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season and I hope we play many more finals together in the future.”Living just down the road from Roland Garros in Cannes, Andreeva spoke about how much this victory meant to her. “I have been watching Roland Garros since I was very young, so it’s honestly a big dream of mine to win this tournament,” she added.“I honestly cannot believe I am holding this trophy right now so thank you so much for making this such an amazing event.”“Thanks to my team,” said Andreeva. “I know I can be a tough cookie sometimes and it’s pretty hard to put up with me as well on certain days.“Thank you for pushing me to my limits and making me work even when I don’t want to. You always push me.“Thanks to Conchita especially for sharing her experience, giving me so much advice. I am not going to thank every one of you, as I think that’s too much, but thanks to everyone who supports me.“I will though say a special thanks to my parents for always believing in me. My Dad is currently watching on TV, so thanks for supporting me no matter what.“I have got to say special thanks to my psychologist Alexis, I know you are watching somewhere from Florida. Thank you for giving me a lot of advice and working with me for over a year. Thank you for making me better. Everything you have told me I have been trying to use these two weeks and I would say that it worked not bad!”Tim Henman reacts after Mirra Andreeva wins the French OpenAndreeva was the favourite coming into the French Open final against Chwalinska, and Tim Henman was impressed with how she dealt with the expectations in her first major final.“I think she dealt with her own hopes and expectations extremely well,” Henman said live on TNT Sports. “She talked about having watched this tournament on television as a young girl growing up and her dream being to win Grand Slam titles. That brings a pressure in itself.“But the way she went out and had a patient game plan to execute was hugely impressive. Even if there was a slight wobble at the end, you felt she had the composure and had learnt from previous mistakes and was able to get over that finish line.”Andreeva will be rewarded for her first Grand Slam victory, as she is now expected to climb up to world number six in the rankings.The Russian teenager is also now at the top of the race to the WTA Finals, with Andreeva almost guaranteed to qualify for the year-end tournament for the first time.Read more:CoCo Vandeweghe drops a bombshell on what set Mirra Andreeva apart from Marta Kostyuk in ParisFrom brag to backlash? Chris Evert remembers Aryna Sabalenka’s bold line after Coco Gauff’s lossShocking rejection: Big-name champ says no to Serena Williams’ doubles bid just days before Queen’s

Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle ripped a full-count changeup below the strike zone from Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo down the first-base line with two outs and no runners on base in the bottom of the fifth inning.It happened Friday, June 6, in the first of three games in the series at Comerica Park.First baseman Josh Naylor fielded the ball near the outfield grass, and Woo immediately ran to cover first base."The whole way, I thought he was going to flip it to Woo," McGonigle said after Friday's 7-3 win. "Woo was there early, so I expected that. I'm not sure why he took it himself there, but I tried to beat it out when I saw him hustle toward the bag."LAST GAME: Tigers stay hot, beat Mariners 7-3 off Carpenter and Torkelson HRsWhat happened next?Naylor never flipped the ball to Woo."We ended up colliding," McGonigle said, "but it's fine. I'm all good."Naylor had bobbled the ball and sprinted directly to first base, crossing the basepath from fair territory to foul territory while touching the bag for the final out in the fifth inning. His right shoulder collided with McGonigle's chest, sending his helmet flying through the air and his body into a spin cycle.TIGERS TAKEAWAYS: Kerry Carpenter, Gleyber Torres roll to a little ALDS revenge vs SeattleOne day after Max Muncy and Ildemaro Vargas collided at 1B in Arizona, Kevin McGonigle and Josh Naylor had a similar run-in. Thankfully this one wasn't head-on, and both players seem OK. pic.twitter.com/Olt5stvV64— Jason Beck (@beckjason) June 6, 2026Naylor didn't seem fazed by the collision.McGonigle was shaken up."I think Naylor was the bigger vehicle coming into first base," manager A.J. Hinch said after Friday's game. "He was going to win that battle. That's what a lot of first basemen are doing. Kevin is going to the base trying to beat him there, and Naylor is taking an angle, and I think he was betting on winning that collision if it was going to hit, but he was trying to get the out. That is the competition. Luckily, both players avoided anything major."Naylor isn't considered a dirty player.But he plays an aggressive style of baseball.Still, McGonigle didn't understand why Naylor refused to flip the ball to Woo in Friday's fifth inning."It was fine," said McGonigle, who had a scratch on the left side of his face from his helmet but no further damage. "I was just more confused why he took it to the bag himself. But it's all good."Crisis averted.Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Josh Naylor runs into Kevin McGonigle, but Detroit Tigers avoid injury

Jun 5, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A US soccer display at the Nike Community Store-East LA. LOS ANGELES — As anticipation builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, soccer fans across Southern California will soon have six new destinations to gear up for the world's biggest sporting event.The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee announced Friday that official FIFA World Cup 2026 retail pop-up stores are opening throughout the region, giving fans access to tournament merchandise and immersive shopping experiences ahead of next summer's World Cup matches in Los Angeles.The retail locations, spread across Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Manhattan Beach and Torrance, will operate through July 31 and feature official FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise, including Adidas apparel, national team jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats, scarves, accessories, mascot merchandise and exclusive commemorative items.The announcement comes one week before the U.S. Men's National Team opens its World Cup campaign at Los Angeles Stadium, adding another layer of excitement to a city already preparing to host eight FIFA World Cup matches, including the U.S. opener and a quarterfinal."FIFA World Cup is transforming Los Angeles into a regionwide celebration of the world's game, and these retail locations are another opportunity for fans to be part of the celebration," said Kathryn Schloessman, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee."From shopping for official tournament merchandise to gathering with fellow supporters, these stores complement the many fan experiences taking place across the region, including the Official FIFA Fan Festival and the 10 Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones. Together, these destinations will create opportunities for residents and visitors alike to connect with the tournament and celebrate the world's game throughout Los Angeles."Two locations are already open, including a flagship store on Santa Monica's famed Third Street Promenade and another at Manhattan Village in Manhattan Beach.Additional stores will open over the next week at The Bloc in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, Ovation Hollywood on June 9, and both Grand Central Market and Del Amo Fashion Center on June 12.The six official retail locations include:Third Street Promenade, Santa MonicaManhattan Village, Manhattan BeachThe Bloc, Downtown Los AngelesOvation HollywoodGrand Central Market, Downtown Los AngelesDel Amo Fashion Center, TorranceThe Third Street Promenade location will serve as the centerpiece of the retail rollout. The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee will host a media preview on Monday morning, giving media members a first look at the merchandise and retail experience.Representatives from the Host Committee and Downtown Santa Monica Inc. will be available to discuss the retail program and the broader fan engagement strategy surrounding the tournament.The stores are designed to complement the extensive fan activation plans already announced for Los Angeles during the World Cup. In addition to matches at Los Angeles Stadium, the region will host the Official FIFA Fan Festival and 10 dedicated fan zones, creating gathering places for supporters from around the globe.Los Angeles is expected to be one of the focal points of FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is projected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Southern California while generating significant economic impact for the region.For fans eager to get a head start on World Cup celebrations, the new retail stores offer one of the first opportunities to purchase official FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise in person and become part of what organizers are calling a regionwide celebration of the world's game.Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Los Angeles Host City merchandise is also available through FIFA's online store, while additional information about Los Angeles' World Cup activities can be found through the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee.

TCU baseball has gained a commitment from talented Rhode Island sophomore right-hander Manny Santos, who recently visited the Horned Frogs. Santos played two seasons for the Anchormen, throwing 45.1 innings over 38 career relief appearances. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder from Amsterdam, New York struck out 63 batters with 44 walks and finished with a 2-2 record and 8.74 ERA. Opposing batters hit just .208 against him in 2026.Manny Santos has committed to TCUPer his rep @ZCardenezhttps://t.co/q8uVq6sydjpic.twitter.com/ZMlGH7uLPq— Jake McKeever (@CBCJakeMck) June 6, 2026Santos made major strides from his freshman season, when he threw 17 innings, but finished with a 14.00 ERA and 19 walks on 22 strikeouts. Santos, who has two years of eligibility remaining, has an arsenal that includes a fastball ranging from 92-94 MPH and topping out at 95 MPH. Santos also wields a slider between 80-83 MPH and a changeup sitting between 86-88 MPH.

Since the end of their 2025 campaign, the Miami Dolphins have made many significant changes across the organization, which started with the hirings of Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley as general manager and head coach, respectively.Sullivan and Hafley had a previous working relationship, as they spent the last two years together with the Green Bay Packers, where Sullivan served as vice president of player personnel and Hafley worked as defensive coordinator.Together again in South Florida, the two are already impressing some legends of the game, including Jimmy Johnson, who shared a picture of himself with Sullivan, Hafley and former Dolphins head coach Dave Wannstedt.Really impressed with the Dolphins leadership Sullivan & Hafley..nice visit at the Big Chill pic.twitter.com/DK3pnZKxOr— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) June 5, 2026Johnson, a two-time Super Bowl winner, knows what it's like to be a head coach and general manager in Miami, as he held both titles from 1996-99, during which time the Dolphins went 36-28 and made the playoffs three times.If Hafley and Sullivan can get Miami back into the playoffs and contending in the near future, that would be a huge win, especially considering that they've moved on from so many key pieces this offseason.More Dolphins: Where do Malik Willis, Jeff Hafley rank among new coach-QB combos?This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Two-time Super Bowl champion coach impressed by new Dolphins regime

Jun 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton (8) watches play against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images First Pitch: 1:10 pm CDTTV: Twins.TVRadio: TIBN / WCCO 830 / The Wolf 102.9 FM / AudacyAvila. Ryan. Titans of the game.With the series split, the Twins will try to grab the inside track towards a weekend victory, and close the gap on their 30-35 record as they attempt to keep .500 within fighting distance.They’ll do so with Royce Lewis returned to the roster after an inarguable tear at Triple-A St. Paul. He is finally the player to bump James Outman off the roster, and will get the start at second base in what might be the beginning of his last chance as a Twin.GO TWINS GO!

LOS ANGELES, CA - CIRCA 1971: (L-R) Jack Youngblood #85, Deacon Jones #75, Merlin Olsen #74 and Gregory Wojcik #78 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during an NFL football game circa 1971 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Olsen played for the Rams from 1962-76. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images By being traded to the Los Angeles Rams, Myles Garrett isn’t just joining a team, he’s becoming a part of a rich NFL legacy. The Rams have employed several of the best pass rushers in the history of football:Deacon Jones and Jack Youngblood on the edges. Aaron Donald and Merlin Olsen on the inside.You could argue that this is the best defensive line you could construct from the history of a single franchise. And now you add … Myles Garrett.Some of you reading this are too young to have watched Jones and Youngblood. Some of you reading this watched a whole lot of Youngblood and Jones, but really haven’t watched a full Browns game since the 70s. Where will the two groups of Rams fans meet?Is the current version of a Hall of Fame edge rusher better than the one that many of you witnessed first-hand, as Jones and Youngblood dominated tackles of the 60s, 70s, and 80s?Take our poll to submit your answer and we’ll talk about the results later.

Stephen A. Smith believes that the San Antonio Spurs are about to walk into a storm. After dropping the first two games of the NBA Finals at home, Victor Wembanyama and company now head to the New York Knicks trailing 0-2 against the Knicks. While the margins have been slim, ESPN’s most outspoken analyst thinks the challenge waiting in Manhattan goes far beyond basketball.The Spurs have already learned that talent alone is not enough against a battle-tested Knicks group. Now comes Madison Square Garden, arguably the loudest stage in basketball. According to Smith, the Finals could unravel quickly for the Spurs if its young core is not prepared for what awaits in the Knicks.Stephen A. Smith Warns Spurs About Madison Square Garden ChallengeJun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts in the first half during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn ImagesESPN’s First Take commentator Smith fired his warning shots at the Spurs on June 5 after New York won game 2 by a scoreline of 105-104. The dedicated Knicks fan said the Spurs’ young players’ lack of experience could be a problem for them when the series shifts to Madison Square Garden. He said even teams with good experience had a hard time playing the Knicks because of the pressure the Knicks fans put on them. “We’ve seen veterans fold at the Garden. What am I supposed to believe about youthful, exuberant, ignorant young dudes? They don’t know what they’re about to encounter.”Stephen A. Smith believes the Spurs' lack of experience will haunt them in New York"We’ve seen veterans fold at the Garden. What am I supposed to believe about youthful, exuberant, ignorant young dudes? They don’t know what they’re about to encounter."(Via Hoop Collective) pic.twitter.com/3QPfYIz3Cj— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) June 6, 2026 However, Smith’s apprehension is not baseless at all. In fact, the Spurs have already shown that they lack experience in their first two games of the playoffs. In Game 1, the Spurs gave up a ten-point lead to the Knicks, who dominated the last minutes of the game. In Game 2, the team experienced the frustration of making costly mistakes at the end.The biggest mistake came when the Spurs tied the game and had possession for a possible game-winner as Wembanyama tried to pass, but instead passed it off Castle’s back. Moments later, he committed a foul against Jalen Brunson, who had a chance to win the game for the Knicks on a free throw.Wembanyama apologized for his mistake the following morning. “I threw that one away. I messed up. We needed to win that game. This game was ours.” (Via MSN)Even though it was his own error, the reason why he said such a thing is not simply to blame the Spurs’ star for making that mistake. He further stated that the Knicks have the upper hand in terms of morale due to their consecutive wins in the first two games on the road. Based on him, the Knicks were able to prove that they are capable of defeating the Spurs, which makes things more difficult now.What is interesting about him is that he defended the Frenchman who did not put his right hand on his chest during the playing of the anthem before the first game.However, once the ball tips, sympathy disappears. The focus now shifts entirely to basketball, and Smith believes the Spurs are running out of room for mistakes, with the Knicks holding a 2-0 lead and Madison Square Garden preparing for its first Finals game in decades, the Spurs face its toughest test of the season. If the young Spurs fail to handle the moment, Smith believes this series could end much sooner than expected.

Shubman Gill and KL Rahul produced centuries of contrasting styles as India dominated the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, finishing on a commanding 368 for 3 and firmly taking control of the contest.While Rahul relied on patience, discipline and textbook defence to compile a 165-ball 100, captain Gill dazzled with his strokeplay and fluency, remaining unbeaten on 103 from 143 deliveries. The duo showcased different approaches but achieved the same result, wearing down an Afghanistan attack that struggled to contain India's batting depth.Gill's innings appeared effortless for long periods. The Indian skipper mixed elegance with authority, striking 11 fours and a straight six on his way to an 11th Test hundred in just his 41st match. His ability to find boundaries without taking unnecessary risks made the innings look almost like a practice session.India's dominance was further underlined by Sai Sudharsan's impressive 81 from 104 balls. The left-hander looked set for a maiden Test century after surviving two chances, one off left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote and another off pacer Ziaur Rahman. However, he fell short when Mohammad Saleem induced an edge behind the stumps.Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for 24 after glancing a harmless delivery down the leg side, but Rahul and Sudharsan repaired the damage with a 139-run partnership. Rahul was given an early reprieve when Afghanistan failed to appeal for a faint edge, and he made the most of the opportunity, reaching his 12th Test hundred with 11 boundaries.Just one ball after reaching the landmark, Rahul's innings ended when he drove uppishly to the cover fielder off Ziaur.The final session belonged to Gill and Rishabh Pant, whose unbeaten partnership of 121 runs left Afghanistan chasing shadows in the North Indian heat. Pant played with typical freedom, smashing three sixes in an unbeaten half-century from just 70 balls, while Gill continued to dictate terms with a mixture of classy drives and clever strike rotation.For Afghanistan, Saleem was the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 67, while Ziaur Rahman impressed despite returning only one wicket. The bigger concern was the spin department. With their frontline spinners unavailable, the responsibility fell on Kharote and Abdul Malik, but neither could consistently trouble India's batters.Kharote finished wicketless despite bowling 20 overs, conceding 95 runs, while Malik also failed to make a breakthrough. India did not launch an all-out assault, yet still accumulated runs at a healthy rate, striking 42 fours and four sixes across the day.With the pitch expected to offer increasing assistance to spin, India are likely to bat only briefly on the second morning before looking to unleash their slow bowlers on an Afghanistan side already under immense pressure.

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Richard Childress had hoped to announce a contract extension for Kyle Busch at Michigan International Speedway.Instead, the longtime owner of Richard Childress Racing held a news conference Saturday at the track to publicly address the unexpected death of Kyle Busch for the first time since the two-time Cup Series champion died on May 21 after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis. For Childress, whose NASCAR team weathered the loss of seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt in a fatal crash at the 2001 Daytona 500, the ache was all too familiar.“You lose two of the greatest drivers that’s ever driven a car in NASCAR and to have to go through it again,” Childress said. “I just feel so bad for the family and the employees and everybody. But yeah, I mean, I haven’t slept very good lately.”Childress said he spoke to Busch the night before he was hospitalized after becoming unresponsive while testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina.Busch, who was in a contract year, died the next day. His death certificate cited hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The 41-year-old was in the midst of a 105-Cup race win drought.But he had finished a season-best eighth at Watkins Glen after a crew chief change, and Childress said there were positive discussions about Busch returning to the No. 8 Chevrolet next year.“He said, ‘You give me cars like you gave me the last three weeks, I will make The Chase this year,’” Childress said. “We were that confident.”With RCR switching to the No. 33, Austin Hill has driven Busch’s car the past two races. Childress said Hill will remain in the ride the rest of the season.“We don’t want to put a burden back on everybody trying to go from one driver to the other,” Childress said.The team is safeguarding the No. 8 for the possible Cup career of 11-year-old Brexton Busch, even if Kyle’s son races for another team.Kyle and Brexton Busch had been on hunting trips recently with Childress, who watched the father and son race at a dirt track in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area.“Talking to Kyle at different times, knowing his plans and what he had in the future for Brexton and his family,” Childress said. “The many things that we all could have done together, that was probably the toughest part of this whole thing.”Childress, 80, founded his team in 1969 and has been leaning on grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon to guide the organization along with RCR president Mike Verlander and team executive Mike Dillon, Childress’ son-in-law.“It’s never easy,” Childress said. “They just gave me a little bit of time to get my head right.”He believes Busch should go immediately into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which elected its 2027 class last month.“Kyle will go down in history as one of the greatest race drivers that’s ever been,” Childress said. “His legacy is that he was a man that a lot of people thought he was tough to deal with, and that he wouldn’t last long. He is a man that loves his sport. He loved it so much he wanted to see his family carry on in it. To see the enjoyment in Kyle’s eyes watching his son race was just unbelievable.”___AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Iwo Baraniewski and Junior Tafa meet in the UFC Fight Night 278 main card opener Saturday at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.Last event's results: 4-1-1UFC main cards, 2026: 53-30-1Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa UFC Fight Night 278 previewBaraniewski (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is undefeated in his pro career, and has won both of his UFC fights against Ibo Aslan and Austen Lane by first-round finish.Tafa (7-5 MMA, 3-5 UFC) aims to remain in the win column after ending a two-fight skid in his last appearace, which was a first-round finish of Kevin Christian in May.Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa UFC Fight Night 278 expert pick, predictionDespite having a slew of lighter-weight action fights stuck on the prelims, the UFC matchmakers can't help but force-feed us lower-level big guys on Fight Night main cards. But I digress.In Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby's defense, Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa should be an entertaining shit show for as long as it lasts.Despite Tafa being a much more dangerous striker than his current betting odds suggest, the Australian native has traditionally struggled with anyone who can remotely mix it up with him.I know we've mainly seen Baraniewski strike in his short UFC sample sizes so far, but the Polish fighter has some underrated grappling and submissions that I suspect will show themselves this Saturday.The pick is Baraniewski to win by submission in Round 2.Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa UFC Fight Night 278 oddsThe oddsmakers and the public favor the Pole, listing Baraniewski -420 and Tafa +310 via FanDuel.Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa UFC Fight Night 278 start time, how to watchAs the main card opener, Perez and Mudaerji are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 8:10 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+.This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 118: Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa prediction, pick, time

Barcelona’s €30 million buy option on Marcus Rashford to expire in ten days – reportFollowing a successful season on loan at FC Barcelona, Marcus Rashford is currently away with the England squad as he prepares for the World Cup. However, the forward is also waiting for clarity on his club future.Barcelona have an agreed purchase option worth €30 million with Manchester United, allowing them to sign Rashford permanently. So far, though, the Catalan club have not activated that clause, and time is running out.Clause expires in ten daysIndeed, according to MARCA, the agreement, signed with Manchester United last summer, expires on 15 June. If Barcelona do not act before then, the deal becomes void and any future transfer would have to be renegotiated from scratch.Should the deadline pass, the agreed €30 million fee would no longer apply. Manchester United would be free to demand a different amount, while Barça could explore alternative arrangements such as another loan deal.Rashford staring at an uncertain future. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Despite speculation in recent weeks, Barcelona have not attempted to renegotiate the existing terms. Instead, they have remained in a wait-and-see position.Rashford has done his partRashford is also waiting patiently for a decision. On the pitch, he has done everything he could to convince the club. He produced strong numbers throughout the season. While there were periods where his form dipped, he finished the campaign strongly and ended on a high note. Even so, Barcelona have yet to trigger the purchase option.Rashford even accepted a salary reduction of almost 40% compared to what he earned at Manchester United to join the club. The forward has consistently expressed his desire to play for Barcelona and is said to be happy both in the city and within the dressing room.Gordon’s arrival shifts thingsAt the end of the season, Hansi Flick told Rashford that he remained part of his plans. At that stage, it seemed likely Barcelona would pay the €30 million fee.Barcelona signed Anthony Gordon (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona)Since then, however, the club have signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for around €80 million. His arrival appeared to cast serious doubt over a permanent deal for the Manchester United forward. Nevertheless, neither Barcelona nor those close to the player believe the situation is completely settled.The Blaugrana must decide whether to activate the €30 million clause and secure Rashford permanently, or allow the deadline to pass and lose the favourable terms already agreed with Manchester United.

Motorsport photoAfter every F1 qualifying session, Motorsport publishes each team's qualifying record in terms of team-mate battles.This record is based exclusively on qualifying results so that grid penalties don't alter the statistics.When a driver can't put in a representative lap time due to a technical issue or an incident, this will be mentioned in the table. Read Also: F1 Monaco GP: Kimi Antonelli takes sensational pole as George Russell struggles to sixth The starting grid for the 2026 F1 Monaco GP Oscar Piastri4-5(4-2 without sprints)Lando Norris5 Australia6(+0.095s in Q3)5(+0.083s in SQ3) China (sprint)35 China6(+0.058s in Q3)3 Japan5(+0.277s in Q3)3(+0.239s in SQ3) Miami (sprint)17(+0.317s in Q3) Miami44(+0.019s in SQ3) Canada (sprint)34(+0.052s in Q3) Canada37 Monaco8(+0.141s in Q3)MercedesGeorge Russell(2-4 without sprints) 4-5 Kimi Antonelli 1 Australia2(+0.293s in Q3)1 China (sprint)2(+0.289s in SQ3)2(+0.222s in Q3) China12(+0.298s in Q3) Japan16(+0.402s in SQ3) Miami (sprint)25(+0.399s in Q3) Miami11 Canada (sprint)2(+0.068s in SQ3)1 Canada2(+0.068s in Q3)2(+0.043s in Q3) Monaco1Max Verstappen(4-2 without sprints)Isack Hadjar 7-2 no lap time in Q1 – went off Australia38 China (sprint)10(+0.469s in SQ3)8 China9(+0.119s in Q3)11(+0.158s in Q2) Japan85Miami (sprint)9(+0.961s in SQ3)2 MiamiDSQ - technical breach(+0.825s in Q3)7 Canada (sprint)8(+0.101s in SQ3)6 Canada7(+0.028s in Q3)2 Monaco5(+0.340s in Q3)FerrariCharles Leclerc4-5(3-3 without sprints)Lewis Hamilton4 Australia7(+0.151s in Q3)6(+0.367s in SQ3) China (sprint)44(+0.013s in Q3) China34 Japan6(+0.162s in Q3)4 Miami (sprint)7(+0.379s in SQ3)3 Miami6(+0.176s in Q3)6(+0.084s in SQ3) Canada (sprint)58(+0.108s in Q3) Canada55(+0.072s in Q3) Monaco3Williams(1-4 without sprints)Carlos Sainz Alexander Albon 2-5 15 AustraliaDNS18(+0.544s in SQ1) China (sprint)1718(+0.455s in Q1) China1717(+0.161s in Q1) Japan1614 Miami (sprint)15(+0.008s in SQ2)16(+0.378s in Q2) Miami14DNS - FP1 crash Canada (sprint)1018(+0.575s in Q1) Canada1511 Monaco12(+0.028s in Q2)Racing BullsArvid Lindblad(2-4 without sprints)Liam Lawson 3-5 9(+1.253s in Q3) Australia815(+0.334s in SQ2) China (sprint)1315(+0.019s in Q2) China1410 Japan14(+0.386s in Q2)16 Miami (sprint)17(+0.171s in SQ1)17(+0.538s in Q1) Miami129 Canada (sprint)DNS9 Canada12(+0.349s in Q2)15(+0.777s in Q2) Monaco10Aston MartinLance Stroll(0-5 without sprints)Fernando Alonso 0-7 DNS Australia1720(+0.570s in SQ1) China (sprint)1921(+0.792s in Q1) China1922(+0.274s in Q1) Japan 21no lap time Miami (sprint) not classified19(+0.066s in Q1) Miami1818(+0.594s in SQ1) Canada (sprint)1621(+0.999s in Q1) Canada1922(+0.712s in Q1) Monaco21HaasEsteban Ocon(2-4 without sprints)Oliver Bearman 3-6 13(+0.180s in Q2) Australia1212(+0.138s in SQ2) China (sprint)913(+0.341s in Q2) China1012 Japan18(+0.175s in Q1)18(+0.631s in SQ1) Miami (sprint)1315(+0.205s in Q2) Miami1314 Canada (sprint)15(+0.269s in SQ2)17(+0.396s in Q1) Canada1617 Monaco19(+0.092s in Q1)AudiNico Hulkenberg(4-2 without sprints)Gabriel Bortoleto 6-3 11(+0.082s in Q2) Australia1011 China (sprint)14(+0.139s in SQ2)11 China16(+0.611s in Q2 - crash)13(+0.397s in Q2) Japan912(+0.025s in SQ2) Miami (sprint)1111 Miami22(+4,092s in Q1 - brake issue)11 Canada (sprint)12(+0.032 in SQ2)11 Canada13(+0.185s in Q2)13 Monaco16(no lap time in Q2 – Q1 crash)AlpinePierre Gasly(4-2 without sprints)Franco Colapinto 5-4 14 Australia16(+0.769s in Q2)7 China (sprint)16(+0.922s in SQ2)7 China12(+0.354s in Q2)7 Japan15(+0.753s in Q21010(+0.154s in SQ3) Miami (sprint)89(0.048s in Q3) Miami819(+1.158s in SQ1) Canada (sprint)1314(+0.330s in Q2) Canada109 Monaco14(+0.233s in Q2)Sergio Perez(4-2 without sprints)Valtteri Bottas 6-2 18 Australia19(+0.639s in Q1)DNS China (sprint)2122(+1.470s in Q1) China2019 Japan20(+0.124s in Q1)19 Miami (sprint)20(+0.571s in SQ1)21(+0.338s in Q1) Miami2017 Canada (sprint)20(+0.864s in SQ1)20 Canada22(+0.843s in Q1)18 Monaco20(+0.536s in Q1)To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 06: Pole position qualifier Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on June 06, 2026 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)Formula 1 via Getty ImagesKimi Antonelli of Mercedes went fastest in Formula 1’s most important qualifying session of the season in Monaco.The 19-year-old delivered what he described as a “magic” lap around the streets of Monte Carlo, pipping Max Verstappen’s Red Bull to pole position by just 0.043s in the dying moments of Saturday’s qualifying.This marks Antonelli’s first-ever pole position in the Principality and also the Silver Arrows’ first here since Lewis Hamilton back in 2019.As overtaking is next to impossible in Monaco given the extremely tight nature of the circuit, Antonelli has a golden opportunity to translate his pole into a fifth consecutive grand prix victory and further stretch his lead in the World Championship.The Italian youngster currently has a 43-point advantage over his teammate and title rival George Russell.“It was one of those laps we call the magic lap – I was able to put [it] all together,” said Antonelli after qualifying.“It was such a close Qualifying with Max. I think in the first run of Q3 there was just one millisecond between us, but I knew the last lap was good, and was just hoping that it would be enough. It was very close and I’m very happy with that.”MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 06: Pole position qualifier Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Second placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Third placed qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari look on during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on June 06, 2026 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)Formula 1 via Getty ImagesStarting in third place on Sunday is Hamilton in the Ferrari, followed by teammate and home favorite Charles Leclerc who had to settle for P4 after brushing the wall while trying to retake P1 in the final moments of Q3.Isack Hadjar netted a strong fifth in the other Red Bull ahead of Russell’s Mercedes and Oscar Piastri in the McLaren.Defending champion Lando Norris will start the race in eighth, with Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson completing the top 10 for Alpine and Racing Bulls respectively.FORBES | By Yara ElshebinyCan Ferrari End Mercedes’ Win-Streak? Here’s How To Watch The Monaco Grand PrixFORBES | By Yara ElshebinyKimi Antonelli Wins In Canada To Make It A Historic Fourth In A Row. Here Are The Updated F1 StandingsMonaco Grand Prix 2026 Starting GridHere’s the starting order for Sunday’s race in Monte Carlo:Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): 1:12.051Max Verstappen (Red Bull): +0.043Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): +0.228Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): +0.300Isack Hadjar (Red Bull): +0.383George Russell (Mercedes): +0.394Oscar Piastri (McLaren): +0.573Lando Norris (McLaren): +0.714Pierre Gasly (Alpine): +1.175Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls): +1.361Alexander Albon (Williams)Carlos Sainz (Williams)Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)Franco Colapinto (Alpine)Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)Esteban Ocon (Haas)Sergio Perez (Cadillac)Oliver Bearman (Haas)Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)The Monaco Grand Prix race starts at 3 p.m. local time (CEST) on Sunday, June 7.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Sabres and 44-year old 1st-round pick could still join forces originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Buffalo Sabres used the No. 15 overall pick in the 2000 NHL Draft on Artyom Kriukov.Those who are newer to their Sabres fandom would be forgiven if they haven't heard of him. He never played in the NHL.Kriukov was in Russia at the time he was selected, and he never came over from the KHL.He retired a decade ago, but the Sabres still own his rights.That means that, in some bizarre twist where Kriukov decides to come out of retirement to try and prove he belongs in the NHL, the Sabres would have the right to sign him.He's 44, so that's about as unlikely as can be, but it's a fascinating quirk of NHL contract rights.Going through the #Sabres contracts on @PuckPedia and saw a 44-year-old on the non-rostered list I’d never heard of.Kriukov was BUF’s 15th overall pick in 2000, never came over from Russia, and retired 10 years ago.BUF still owns his rights if he changes his mind.#Sabrehoodpic.twitter.com/Okh0AsW1NW— Carson Hayek (@CarsonHayek) June 6, 2026MORE: Canucks make Gavin McKenna decision that Maple Leafs, Sharks don't makeIt is worth noting that it's a pretty brutal outcome to not have the guy you pick 15th overall ever come to the NHL.Kriukov was a 6-foot-4 defenseman, and while he lasted a long time in the KHL, he bounced from team to team and never turned into a star. He also had a number of seasons where he couldn't quite stay healthy.The promise the Sabres must've seen when they picked him never quite showed up enough to even start begging Kriukov to arrive in the NHL in the first place.It's just a whiff, and it's one that will likely be forgotten about at some point, but it's still quirky to see his name still available to be signed by Buffalo.More NHL news:Canadiens had a trade agreed to, but they missed by 1 minuteHenrik Sedin's son is excelling in a different sportElias Petersson trade plans may be missing a key pointWould the Maple Leafs trade Easton Cowan?Alex Ovechkin's mom is playing a role in his retirement decision

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki was all that the international scouts proclaimed him to be on Friday night at Dodger Stadium vs. the Los Angeles Angels, with the best start of his career — by far.Sasaki went seven innings, allowing just two hits and two walks, with 10 strikeouts to boot. He did not allow a single run, with minimal trouble on the basepaths until later on in his outing. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)The righty reached a career high in strikeouts, throwing a total of 98 pitches, 72 of which were strikes. His upturn is special when considering that he has dealt with the pressure of the entire world on his shoulders ever since he came over to the United States, but after a rough rookie year that ended on a positive note, Sasaki has made the most out of the Dodgers’ faith.Jun 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) reacts after a strike out during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesWhy did Sasaki have success vs. the Angels? Compared to his season average, Sasaki showed notable confidence in his splitter. He threw it 36% of the time, higher than his 19% season average. The slider was also thrown more, with a 27% usage rate, up from his average to date of 21%. His command was good, with a 55% clip of pitches going in the zone. He got a ton of chases, with a 39% rate from an aggressive Angels squad. Roki Sasaki with his first shutout outing of the season!He pitched 7 innings, giving up just 2 hits, getting 10 strikeouts, and 2 walks. The Angels could not touch Sasaki for most of the night, and his splitter was ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/v3NAJCXApy— Nelson Espinal (@nelson__espinal) June 6, 2026Even on the third time through the order, the Angels could not do anything with his splitter, and he kept throwing it no matter what. Additionally, the fastball velocity was up 1.2 mph on his season average, marking a real point of improvement and a sign of his growing confidence in the heater. Mechanically, there are just fewer moving parts to his release, allowing him to pull the string on pitches and finish his delivery with extra determination. Jun 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesAs Roki Sasaki continues to build, he is showing that his ceiling is very high and there is a good chance that he becomes a front-of-the-line starter, potentially even an ace if he grows his confidence.

Apr 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the batting helmet of Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images I’m putting this together early, cause I’m running off to get a scan on this foot that I did something to. It is feeling much better today, but the doctor wants to see what I did. It was the strangest thingSpencer Miles is actually getting the start today. Simeon Woods Richardson will likely get his first action as a Blue Jay. Beyond that, the leverage arms all should be available. I thought there might be a roster move before the game today, but not yet anyway. Apparently Chris Bassitt appreciated the video tribute yesterday:Caught up with former #BlueJays, Chris Bassitt, and asked him about his video tribute. Said he got choked up watching it:“This whole place is too emotional for me… This place will always be the most special place for me… My son is Canadian!..there are so many different ties”— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) June 6, 2026Varsho sits today. I’m guessing he’ll sit tomorrow too. Hopefully he’ll be back after that.Today’s LineupsORIOLESBLUE JAYSTaylor Ward – DHGeorge Springer – DHGunnar Henderson – SSNathan Lukes – RFAdley Rutschman – CVladimir Guerrero – 1BPete Alonso – 1BJesus Sanchez – LFCoby Mayo – 3BErnie Clement – 2BLeody Taveras – CFBrandon Valenzuela – CColton Cowser – RFKazuma Okamoto – 3BBlaze Alexander – LFAndres Gimenez – SSJackson Holliday – 2BMyles Straw – CFKyle Bradish – RHPSpencer Miles – RHPA win would be nice.

Kyren Williams looks for his fourth straight season of 1100+ yards and double-digit touchdowns (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images With Los Angeles Rams OTAs winding down to next week’s finale, a mandatory three-day mini camp, L.A. is officially in pursuit of Super Bowl LXI. This season’s extravaganza will be held on the Rams home field, SoFi Stadium, February 14, 2027.Having just come up short in the past two seasons, the Rams continue pursuit, making off season moves to solidify weak areas of the roster and hopefully, get them over the top. OTAs are mostly about scheme change installations, getting the the team acclimated to new teammates, and preaching the “Rams way”. Still it’s not too early to project who will be the Rams opening 53 players. There may be a lot of time left until final cut downs, but the depth of the roster only leaves a handful of open spots. Here’s how I would fill them and some of my preseason thoughts. Opening roster in bold.Quarterback (3)Starter: Matthew StaffordPrimary backups: Ty Simpson, Stetson BennettCut/practice squad: Matthew CaldwellThe only question at QB is who would come off the bench if Stafford is injured. If the absence is a longer term, let Simpson loose to sink or swim. In a short term, there is an argument to be made for Bennett, he has shown incremental year-to-year improvement during preseason games and in theory, should have a good grasp of the offensive principles in Year 3.Ty Simpson 56 yards, pinpoint on the deep post, from the pitch. pic.twitter.com/fsshWhWanr— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) February 10, 2026Running back (3)Starter: Kyren WilliamsPrimary backups: Blake Corum, Jarquez HunterRoster bubble: Ronnie RiversCut/practice squad: Jordan Waters, Dean ConnersLuxury problems here. The Rams could likely get away with rostering three backs and keep two on the practice squad. KWill has three straight seasons of 1100+ yard rushing and double-digit touchdowns with a catch rate at 75 percent, yet, Corum showed explosive qualities last year and deserves more work. A single offensive rep would be an uptick for Hunter, who remains stalled behind L.A.’s talented tandem. The bottom three of the unit would all likely clear waivers and be eligible for the practice squad, Rivers is a known quantity for his adequate all-around play, Conners gives of the same vibes, but is quicker, and Waters offers a big body for short yardage.Wide receiver (6)Starters: Puka Nacua, Davante AdamsPrimary backups: Jordan Whittington, CJ Daniels, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier SmithRoster battle/bubble: Tyler Scott, Harold PresleyCut/practice squad: Mario Williams, Tru EdwardsIf both L.A.’s stars, Nacua and Adams can stay healthy, the lack of depth at WR#3 will be mostly negated. But doubts will linger, if one or both get nicked up and misses extended action. Whittington gets a real chance to prove he can handle the Rams role that he played in college, the quiet guy who does tough-guy work underneath and around the line of scrimmage. Mumpfield and Daniels are similar athletically, adequate. Daniels appears to be stronger at the catch point, while Mumpfield should be improved over his rookie season. Smith holds the sixth and final roster spot, if only because the Rams did not invest in a viable replacement as punt returner. Presley and Scott could challenge him for the “little guy” spot by proving they can return kicks. Williams and Edwards are long shots, but both had their moments in last year’s preseason.Tight end (5)Starters: Colby Parkinson, Terrance FergusonPrimary backups: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Max KlareRoster bubble: Dan VillariCut/practice squad: Rohan Jones, Mark RedmanThe Rams have the depth here to make up for the lack at WR#3. All of the condensed sets, stacked receivers, and motion create a scenario where three wide receiver and two tight end formations could be considered interchangeable. The vets, Parkinson, Higbee, and Allen all have a solid grasp on the offense and good hands to boot, they combine for a shade under 70 percent catch rate. Ferguson should have a bigger taste of the offense in Year 2, he’s shown the juice to get deep, now needs to show it with the ball in his hands on shorter routes. Klare shares those same traits. Villari is interesting because of his athletic skills, but has to climb over too many bodies. Redman spent last year on the practice squad and the best blocker, while Jones will really have to put his athleticism to work on special teams to have a possible chanceOffensive line (9)Starters: Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendonPrimary backups: Keegan Trost, Justin Dedich, Beaux Limmer, David QuessenberryRoster battle/bubble: Wyatt BowlesCut/practice squad: AJ Arcuri, Dylan McMahon, Austin Blaaske, Bryce Henderson, Chad LindbergShrewd moves have taken the disaster of 2022 and turned it into a team strength. Fans need to enjoy what may be the final ride with this group. Four of five starters, Dotson, Avila, Shelton, and McClendon are in the final season of their contracts. L.A. doesn’t have the depth to simply plug in another starting-tier body. Trost had very good college film and can play both inside and out, he could/should provide some relief. I think it’s fair to say that Dedich, Limmer, and Quessenberry are best suited to back up work. Bowles had a good preseason last year at guard and center, his second-year play deserves to be looked at for a possible step up. Arcuri enter his fifth year in L.A., but has been mainly a practice squad player. McMahon hasn’t broken through either. Of the three undrafted, Blaaske and Henderson are long shots, while Lindberg is already on the Injured Reserve List.I like Missouri OL Keegan Trost. Watching pass rushers try to work him down the middle is comedy. pic.twitter.com/lFlzKbimvG— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) January 22, 2026Special teams (3)Starters: Ethan Evans, Harrison Meevis, Joe CardonaObviously, he L.A. braintrust is comfortable with the specialists, deciding not to bring in OTA competition. While Evans won’t be mentioned with the leagues best, he goes a good job of dropping punts inside the opponents 20 yard line. Meevis settled down the kicking game last year and is hopefully ready to settle in for a long term. The Rams made Cardona the highest-paid long snapper in the NFL, the Navy Lieutenant Commander brings leadership, 11 years of experience, and two Super Bowl rings.-=Defensive line (6)Starters: Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Braden FiskePrimary backup: Tyler DavisRoster battle/bubble: Ty Hamilton, Larrell Murchison, Tim KeenanCut/practice squad: Bill Norton, Jaxson Moi, Payton ZdroikUnder Sean McVay, the number of interior players on the opening roster has never been less than six. The Rams have a solid rotation of four in Turner, Ford, Fiske, and Davis. DT #5 last year was Hamilton and he had his share of growing pains. Murchison is a safe choice as depth, he’s got veteran savvy and works tirelessly. Keenan and Norton will have to show that they are not limited to nose tackle, the Rams insist that their interior players have the versatility for multiple alignments. They don’t use a “set” nose tackle like they did in early iterations of the defense. Zdroik and Moi have a long road ahead.Edge (4)Starters: Myles Garrett, Byron YoungPrimary backups: Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan JohnsonRoster bubble:: Keir ThomasCut/practice squad: Wesley Bailey, Darryl Peterson, Eddie WallsIt will be interesting to see how the Rams deploy Garrett, in Cleveland he played a very high percentage (80+) of snaps on the right flank, well outside the opposing tackle (9T), and with a hand in the dirt. Interestingly, Young lined up almost exclusively on the left side last season and led NFL edge defenders dropping into coverage. Stewart and Johnson seemed well-equipped to fit as primary backups. Stewart as the moveable piece and Johnson as the bigger, power guy. Thomas won’t be battling edges for a roster spot, more likely one of the defnsive interior players. Bailey and Peterson to the practice squad, while Walls recently suffered a leg injury in OTAs that required an air cast.Off-ball linebacker (5)Starters: Nate Landman, Omar SpeightsPrimary backups: Sean Dolac, Grant StuardRoster battle/bubble: Nikhai Green-Hill, Elias NealThe Rams didn’t do much to improve the pass coverage capability of this unit over the off season. For better or worse, Landman and Speights appear to be locked in as starters. L.A. did add Stuard, but he’s been a special teams warrior, rather than defensive stopper. Over his five seasons, he’s chalked up over 50 defensive reps one time. Although Dolac did well on special teams as a rookie, he didn’t mount a real starting challenge and is coming off a late-season knee injury. While I like Green-Hill’s college game film, he’ll really have to show out in camp. He and Neal are battling not only within the unit, but with all the other bottom of the roster special teams candidates.Safety (5)Starters: Quentin Lake, Kamren CurlPrimary backups: Kamren Kinchens, Jaylen McColloughRoster battle/bubble: Nick AndersonCut/practice squad: Tanner Ingle, Nate ValcarcelSince the group returns intact, one must assume that the Rams braintrust laid the bulk of last year’s pass coverage woes on the corners. Lake and Curl were signed to extensions through 2028 and both Kinchens and McCollough have two years left on their rookie deals. So barring catastrophe, there won’t be much change at safety for awhile. It’s not the most athletic unit, but very high in football IQ. In OTA presser’s, Sean McVay has been praising the versatility of all his defensive backs. Anderson fits into the Rams mold and is good tackler for special teams work. Tanner has been around awhile without breaking through. Valcarcel is a change of pace, a natural free safety.Cornerback (4)Primary: OJ McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel ForbesRoster battle/bubble: Josh Wallace, Al’zillion Hamilton, Cam Lampkin, Nyzier FourqureanCut/practice squad: Alex Johnson, Drey NorwoodHowever they are used, McDuffie and Watson promise to be upgrades over last season. Hopefully Forbes grasps the gravity of his precarious situation, a good season (even as a backup) gets him another payday, a bad one throws him into the league minimum, depth piece pool. With the lack of experience behind the Top 3, Wallace may have a better lane to the roster as CB#4 rather than S/CB hybrid. The remainder of the unit, Lampkin, Hamilton, Fourqurean, Johnson, and Norwood are all from the undrafted ranks. Hamilton strikes me as best of the lot on college film. Fourqurean might be better suited as a safety.Fresno State CB Al'Zillion Hamilton (@alzillionhamil1) earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention after a standout 2024 season.📊 Stats:▫️ 52 total tackles▫️ 4.5 TFL | 1.0 sack▫️ 2 INTs | 13 PBUsHamilton showed instincts, toughness, and excellent ball production on the… pic.twitter.com/nZgDnOpxVQ— Bryan (@BGauvin23) June 13, 2025Roster buildingLes Snead and Sean McVay answered all the questions about the roster weak points left over from last season. Fans may not agree with all the answers, but the Rams braintrust did an outstanding job of upgrading the roster just the same. They trimmed out some dead wood and have a nice balance of youth and veterans.Cornerback should go from a weakness to a plus. A swing tackle/guard with upside was added to the mix. Special teams, at least from a coverage standpoint, has received support. A high-end pass rusher with a closer’s mentality uplifts the whole defense. Linebacker improvement didn’t make strides, particularly in coverage, but the added depth could help out the rotation and keep them all fresh over a long season. And finally, wide receiver depth is answered, L.A. wants multiple tight ends to be a focal point of the offense.It’s a tough roster to make in 2026, with all the starters returning on offense. Myles Garrett is in for Jared Verse on the edge, and only the cornerbacks do not return. The primary backups are all back as well. This projection doesn’t have many big swings or hot takes, it leans towards special teams acumen for the bottom of the roster players.Do you have a different point of view? Tell the forum about it.

With the Amputee Football World Cup nearing, an elite squad of athletes gathered on Long Island to vie for a spot on the national men’s team, displaying skill and grit.

NASCAR team owner Richard Childress revealed that he was set to announce on Saturday that Kyle Busch would be back for a fifth season with the team.Instead, Childress was at Michigan International Speedway making his first public comments after Busch’s sudden death on May 21 at the age of 41.“The hardest part of this is that today, we were going to be in here, Kyle was going to be with me and we were going to announce that he was coming back in 2027 and drive for [Richard Childress Racing],” Childress said. “We wanted to do it up here in Michigan with our [General Motors] friends, with Chevrolet, and it didn’t happen. This is a different type of media availability instead of a press conference that he was coming back to race for us in 2027.“I talked to Kyle Tuesday night [May 19], before everything went down Wednesday night and Thursday, and we had a great conversation. He said ‘you give me cars like you gave me the last three weeks and I will make the Chase this year.’ We were that confident. Both of us had a lot of confidence in this team.”Busch died after he contracted sepsis while he had bacterial pneumonia. His death certificate said that Busch had been dealing with the pneumonia for days to weeks. The two-time Cup Series champion said he was dealing with a cough in his final NASCAR Cup Series points race at Watkins Glen on May 10. On May 20, his family said that he’d been hospitalized with a severe illness and would miss the Coca-Cola 600.Released 911 audio revealed that the unidentified man who called 911 from the General Motors Technical Center that Wednesday said that Busch was coughing up blood and had shortness of breath.Busch joined RCR ahead of the 2023 season following 15 seasons at Joe Gibbs Racing. He won three times over his first 15 Cup starts at RCR but hadn’t made victory lane since as the team struggled to keep up. Busch was 14th in the 2023 points standings — his lowest finish since his rookie season in 2005 — and finished 20th and 21st the past two seasons.He posted his first two top-10 finishes of the season across his final three Cup Series races in 2026 and had moved up four spots in the standings to 23rd.“Kyle Busch will go down in history as one of the greatest drivers there’s ever been,” Childress said. He’ll be in the Hall of Fame. I’d love to see them put him in right away. He helped RCR when we needed him.”In 2001, Dale Earnhardt was the most recent Cup Series driver to die during a race when his Richard Childress Racing car went head-on into the wall on the final lap of the Daytona 500. And now, 25 years later, Childress is again dealing with the sudden passing of one of his drivers.“It’s challenging,” Childress said. “You lose two of the greatest drivers that’s ever driven a car in NASCAR, and now having to go through it again. I just feel so bad for the family and the RCR employees. I haven’t slept very well. I’ll leave it at that.”

Barcelona star responds to Arsenal transfer linksBarcelona star Dani Olmo has this weekend spoken out on the recent transfer speculation surrounding his name.This comes amid the understanding that the midfielder has made his way onto the radar of Premier League champions Arsenal with a view to next season.Olmo is for his part fresh off a productive campaign in Catalunya’s capital in 2025/26.Across the length of the season, the Spanish international took to the pitch on a considerable 49 occasions, chipping in with eight goals and 10 assists along the way.Such exploits have given rise to fresh chatter surrounding Olmo’s future at the Camp Nou, amid claims of transfer interest on the part of the aforementioned Arsenal.If the latest comments on the part of the 28-year-old are anything to go by, however, then Olmo appears to have no plans to bid farewell to Barcelona any time soon.Drawn on his Emirates links during an interview with Mundo Deportivo this weekend, the former RB Leipzig standout assured:”No, Barça fans can rest easy. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing to say.”Conor Laird – GSFN

The legacy of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew continues to grow far beyond the rink.On June 4, the Gaudreau family unveiled the “Gaudreau Brothers’ Wings of Hope & The Chrysalis Corner” at Archbishop Damiano School in New Jersey. The fully inclusive playground was funded through more than $500,000 raised by the Gaudreau Family 5K and community donations following the brothers’ tragic deaths in 2024.MORE: Team USA hockey gives Johnny Gaudreau 2026 Winter Olympics honorPhotos shared by the Gaudreau Family 5K showed parents Jane and Guy Gaudreau standing beside a butterfly-themed dedication board. The plaque reads, “Gaudreau Brothers’ Wings Of Hope & The Chrysalis Corner,” followed by the message: “A place where every child can play, learn and grow.”The organization highlighted the scale of the effort in a social media post.“This didn’t happen overnight. It took Jane, Guy, Katie, and Kristen, who turned unimaginable grief into purpose. It took runners, donors, and volunteers who raised over $500,000. It took people from around the world – hockey fans, neighbors, and strangers,” the X post reads.Another post reflected on the project’s completion, stating: “Yesterday, we watched the love, support and hard work become something 135 children can see, touch, and play on. Forever.”A lasting tribute for Johnny Gaudreau & MatthewThe playground serves students at Archbishop Damiano School and includes wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory stations, and adaptive play areas designed for children of all abilities.A separate dedication board at the site reads: “In memory of John & Matthew Gaudreau. Through the generosity of The Gaudreau 5K.”The project stands as one of the most meaningful tributes created since the former Columbus Blue Jackets‘ star Johnny and his brother Matthew were killed while cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on Aug. 29, 2024. Authorities allege driver Sean M. Higgins struck the brothers while attempting to pass traffic. Higgins faces aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide, and related charges. The case is expected to proceed to trial after motions to dismiss were denied earlier this year.For the hockey community, the playground reflects the same values that made Johnny “Johnny Hockey” one of the sport’s most beloved figures. Months after Team USA honored him during its Olympic gold-medal run, his family’s latest effort ensures his impact will continue to be felt daily — through a place where children can learn, play, and belong.

Sean O’Malley claims to have heard that the date for UFC White House: Freedom 250 could change. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is hosting a historic fight card at the White House on June 14. Billed as UFC Freedom 250, to celebrate America’s 250th year of independence, the card also coincides with President Donald J. Trump’s 80th birthday. The Octagon will be set up on the South Lawn with only limited members of the military in attendance. O’Malley (19-3) is scheduled to trade leather in a bantamweight matchup against Aiemann Zahabi (14-2) on the card. Apart from unforeseen issues like insects in an outdoor event, O’Malley recently revealed that there several uncertainties about timing for the event. According to O’Malley, the weigh ins for the fight will begin at 11 am, which is two hours later than the usual slot for UFC weigh ins. “Suga” also revealed that there is no official walkout time for fighters. O’Malley even claims to have heard that the card could even get postponed to a later date altogether depending on the severity of the weather. “I don’t know if the cage will actually be set up until fight day or the day before,” O’Malley said on the Full Send podcast. “I know on Thursday or something we do like a rundown, kind of rehearsal where we walk and sh*t. But that’s the only time we actually go to the White House before. I also heard weigh ins might be a little bit later, the official weigh ins might be around 11 a.m., which is two hours later than they usually are. The fight time, we don’t have an official fight time. The main card starts at 5, 6, 7, we don’t know any of that… Supposedly, the fight day could still change, depending on whether the weather changes.”

Red Sox make trade decision on Aroldis Chapman, 2 other pitchers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox are a long ways off from having the kind of season they'd want to have.That puts them in prime position, about two months out from the trade deadline, to consider whether they'd be sellers -- could relief pitchers like Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten be available?Sounds like, at least right now, they aren't.WEEI's Rob Bradford posted this on X on Saturday with an up-to-date trade block update as it pertains to the three relievers:Hearing RIGHT NOW teams are being told no when asking about Chapman, Whitlock and Slaten.— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) June 6, 2026MORE: Chad Dallas honors late father in dream-like MLB debutThe key, of course, are those two words in all capital letters from Bradford: "right now."Lots can still change. If the Red Sox go on a big losing streak, a lot more players could all of a sudden become available.If the Red Sox go on a big winning streak, they could actually turn into buyers at some point.It's far too early for a big-market team like Boston to punt on this season and start trading key bullpen arms.If they eventually reach the point of seeking out such deals, Chapman, Whitlock and Slaten could return quality value to the Red Sox.In the meantime, they'll keep doing what they can to try and turn this season around, because this isn't what the Red Sox envisioned for the 2026 campaign at all.More MLB news:Bo Bichette reveals his plans for his opt-out clauseBumpus Jones is trending for an 1892 accomplishmentThe last time a team was this bad at walking, it took 9 balls to earn a walkOutfielder retires from baseball to go play college footballGuardians pitcher trying to complete incredible comeback

Pope Leo XIV may be a man of God, but even the Holy Father has earthly loyalties. Robert Francis Prevost roots for the white and gold. Somewhere over the Mediterranean as he traveled to Spain, a reporter posed the question that has divided Spain for a century: Real Madrid or Barcalone?The Pope smiled wide. "That's easy," he said. "The Pope is for all teams. But Prevost is Real Madrid."Real Madrid vs Barça? "That's easy...the Pope is for all teams, but Prevost is Real Madrid" #españa@Pontifexpic.twitter.com/MJQn41QSw5— Elise Ann Allen (@eliseannallen) June 6, 2026The line landed with laughs on the plane. Separating the office from the man inside it was a smart political move. Robert Francis Prevost has been Pope Leo XIV for barely a year, but he has remained very much connected to his world-wide flock through sports. This is the same man who trolled a Cubs fan at the Vatican last October. When he heard a "Go Cubs!" shout from the crowd, Leo responded with a grin and "Han perdido! They lost!" The Cubs had just been bounced from the playoffs and Leo was not going to let that go. Before he was pope, Robert Prevost sat in Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2 for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, his beloved White Sox last championship. When a Chicago native shouted "God bless the White Sox!" as the popemobile rolled through Rome this spring, Leo responded with a thumbs up and a smile.The Real Madrid declaration fits right in. Leo's trip is the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years. Benedict XVI was the last pope there for World Youth Day in 2011. Leo is expected to deliver a historic address to parliament and will travel through Madrid and through Barcelona.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pope Leo XIV reveals his favorite soccer team on trip to Spain

Renegade remains the favorite for Saturday’s 158th running of the Belmont Stakes with just over six hours to go before post time of the third leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.The Kentucky Derby runner-up trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher has been bet down to 8-5 after opening at 2-1 on the morning line. The rest of the money has spread out significantly, with Derby winner Golden Tempo, Chief Wallabee, Commandment and Emerging Market all 5-1.The long shots in the field of nine are Pletcher-trained Powershift at 12-1, Growth Equity at 13-1, Ottinho at 19-1 and Vitruivian Man at 20-1.The Belmont is being run at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York for a third and final time while its traditional home on the border of Queens and Long Island was demolished and rebuilt. The race is set to return to Belmont Park next year.Golden Tempo made Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. She is looking to be the second at the Belmont after Jena Antonucci in 2023 with Archangelo.DeVaux was born in Saratoga Springs and began her training career at the track.This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

Tottenham Hotspur Have Set Their Sights On This Talented Wide Player: Should De Zerbi Go For Him?In a recent report, Het Laatste Nieuws claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Union SG wide player Anan Khalaili. It has been revealed that Spurs are eager to get a deal done for the Israeli talent in this summer transfer window.Khalaili’s Impressive Form In Belgian FootballThe 21-year-old enjoyed a good run of form at Union SG last season when he produced a handful of impressive performances for them in the Jupiler Pro League. Khalaili found the back of the net six times and picked up six assists in 52 matches for his current employers in the previous campaign across multiple competitions.The Israeli sensation is currently among the best wing-backs in the Jupiler Pro League. Therefore, Spurs would do well to lure him to England this off-season.Khalaili’s current contract at the Belgian club will expire in the summer of 2028. Hence, Tottenham would have to make a convincing offer if they want to recruit him later this year.BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise poses for a photo with the Trophy during celebrations following his teams 3-1 win in the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Robert De Zerbi Go For Khalaili?Khalaili is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to make some crucial interceptions for his side on the right flank. He doesn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when needed and is a good crosser as well.The Israeli sensation can strike the ball with power from long range and has the vision to create some inviting chances for his teammates to score. Khalaili is primarily a right wing-back but can also serve as a right-winger if told to do so. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if Spurs manage to sign him this summer.We can expect Khalaili to add more quality and depth to Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team place at the North London club in the coming years.At 21, Khalaili has the potential to be a future star in England. Hence, Spurs should focus on going for a player with his skill set and potential in this transfer period. However, De Zerbi has to be patient with his development before he can get the best out of the gifted wide player.

While Sean Strickland isn’t satisfied with Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter pay, he doesn’t think it will change anytime soon. Strickland (31-7) recently accused the UFC of being predatory in terms of fighter pay. While Dana White claims UFC fighters are making more after the new Paramount+ deal, Strickland disagrees. Strickland recently reiterated the fact that the UFC isn’t close to any major sporting league in terms of the revenue share paid to athletic talent. However, Strickland doesn’t think that it will change for the better any time soon. Strickland notes that there will be always be struggling fighters who will be willing to compete for a lesser amount. According to Strickland, fighter pay is the reason behind the decline in the number of American fighters on the UFC roster. “No one is getting paid more… As far as the payscale, you compare it to any other sporting event, the UFC is the most f**ked up,” Strickland told Complex. “If you compare it to athlete pay vs. what they’re making, there’s no argument there. It’s not fair, it’s predatory… I would just like it to match other sporting events… Does it change? No it doesn’t f**king change. You say no to a fight, they will find some f**king guy in some sandpit that will do it for 5k and 5k. This is why you’re slowly gonna see the American roster die… You make more money at f**king Walmart.” Most major sporting leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL pay close to 50% of their revenue shares to athletes. However, according to a 2012 study, the UFC only paid 18.6% of its revenue to fighters.Sean Strickland talks UFC pay and bonuses #MMA"No one’s getting paid more. What’s the new bonus? $50k? $100k?” “You say no to a fight? They’ll find some guy in some fcking sandpit who’ll do it for fcking 5k and 5k. That’s how it works” “You’ll make more money at f*cking… pic.twitter.com/iG8RCoxdec— The Combat Sport Poll Guy (@PollGuyUFC) June 5, 2026

Football: NFC Playoffs: Dallas Cowboys Tony Dorsett (33) in action, rushing vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Texas Stadium. Irving, TX 1/2/1982 CREDIT: Walter Iooss Jr. (Photo by Walter Iooss Jr. /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X26415 TK1 R8 F34 ) It is Day 99 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff. We are looking back at the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. The countdown will leads us right up to the opening game of 2026. Our look back doesn’t depend on just one criteria for our rankings. We take into consideration things like how big the game was for the organization, how memorable the game was, games that had unusual events take place, games that are a part of NFL lore, Cowboys firsts, and games where the Cowboys just plain dominated. Variety is the spice of life and we have all different kind of Cowboys games to review. At the bottom, we’ll link each day of the countdown so you can go back and check out any you missed.At Day 99 of our we look at one of the oddest days in Cowboys history where a loss is more remembered thanks to one of the greatest plays in NFL history. Dallas played in Minnesota on Monday Night Football and even though the Vikings won the matchup, it was Tony Dorsett that won the night. Monday, January 3, 1983 — 9:00 p.m. ET Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, MinnesotaFinal Score: Minnesota Vikings 31, Dallas Cowboys 27The Cowboys jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, helped by a huge 60-yard interception for a touchdown by Dennis Thurman. But Minnesota came back to tie the score at 10-10 by halftime and then took control of the second half. It’s started with Ted Brown catching a Tommy Kramer pass for a 13-yard touchdown, a field goal by Rafael Septien, then a killer blow to start the fourth quarter with a tipped pass by John Turner from Danny White to get a pick-six score of their own. That put the Vikings ahead 24-13 and looking to pin Dallas down in the final quarter.Then came the moment.The ball was fumbled out of bounds from the kickoff at the one-yard line and things looked tough. Dorsett took the handoff from Danny White and found the hole quickly. He quickly bent toward the right sideline, and from there he outran every Vikings defender and got a key half-block. A full 99 yards later Dorsett was in the endzone with the longest rush from scrimmage in NFL history. The run cut the deficit to 24-20 and turned a frustrating second half into something special. No. 35: @dallascowboys RB @Tony_Dorsett records the first 99-yard rushing TD in NFL history (Jan. 3, 1983) #NFL100📺: NFL 100 Greatest Plays on @NFLNetworkpic.twitter.com/AUVot8H17i— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2019Dallas then retook the lead when Ron Springs scored from two yards out. But Minnesota answered back with a killer drive moving 80 yards in 10 plays, converting a third-and-18 with a 23-yard completion to Terry LeCount, then finding Rickey Young for a 14-yard touchdown. The Cowboys lost 31-27, but the game belonged to Dorsett. Interesting Facts About the GameThe play somehow becomes even more absurd when you find out that Dallas had only 10 players on the field during the 99-yard touchdown. Ron Springs was supposed to be in the play, but a misunderstanding left him on the sideline. Dorsett took the handoff anyway, and without a lead blocker, he still went the length of the field. Countdown To Kickoff by day:100

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Nagelsmann explains why Ouédraogo was called up over El MalaOn Friday, Assan Ouédraogo was called up to Germany’s World Cup squad as a replacement for Lennart Karl, who was ruled out of the tournament after suffering an injury in training.Ahead of Germany’s final pre-World Cup friendly against the United States on Saturday, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann elaborated on the decision to call up the 20-year-old RB Leipzig midfielder, who has only made one appearance for the senior national team so far."We definitely wanted to take another young player, and we chose the one who, alongside ‘Lenny’, made the best impression with us," Nagelsmann said."Of course, we always have to evaluate what happens at club level, but also what happens with us and what kind of standing a player may already have within the team. Assan received extremely positive feedback from all the players after his training camp. He's a very pleasant person with great abilities."The decision has raised questions, with some suggesting that a wide option such as 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala should have been called up instead.However, Nagelsmann believes he already has sufficient options for the wing positions, with Florian Wirtz, Maximilian Beier, Leroy Sané, Jamie Leweling, Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala all capable of playing there. He also pointed to another key factor:"Said El Mala hasn't trained for two and a half weeks, only done some running. His last match was on May 16," Nagelsmann stressed."Assan, meanwhile, was still playing on May 29 because he was in South Africa with RB Leipzig (on an end-of-season tour, ed. note). He's fully fit and in rhythm. A player who still needs another week to get up to speed doesn't help us – he has to be ready immediately."Ouédraogo himself admitted on Saturday that he first had to "process" Nagelsmann’s call before packing his bags."It's a huge honour and makes me very proud to represent Germany at the World Cup. A childhood dream is coming true for me, something I've worked very hard towards over the past months and years."At the same time, his thoughts were with the unfortunate Karl."I feel very sorry for him that he got injured so shortly before the tournament and can't be there. So, alongside my joy, I also feel respect for the situation. I sincerely wish him all the best and hope he is back on the pitch soon."

📸 Half-punch & red, World Cup star loses it in friendlyWhat just happened there between Portugal and Chile? In the final friendly before the World Cup, both sides saw red shortly before half-time.Portugal star Rafael Leão had clashed with Chile’s Iván Román. The two players got into a shoving match, with Leão clearly catching his opponent in the face with his hand.Both were then sent off early and headed down the tunnel. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Real Madrid star Mbappé reveals Ronaldo & Neymar dreamReal Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé has this weekend revealed his hopes of locking horns with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. at this summer’s World Cup.Mbappé is of course primed to lead his native France out at the upcoming international showpiece in North America.With sights on a repeat of their triumph at the 2018 World Cup, a talent-packed Les Bleus squad will head into the tournament amongst the very favourites to go all the way.Last time out, in Qatar, Mbappé of course played a starring role for Didier Deschamps’ troops, netting a hat-trick in a finale defeat at the hands of Argentina.Speaking during an interview with Sorare late this week, the 27-year-old was therefore drawn on his hopes for the summer ahead.And after reiterating his desire to lift the World Cup for a 2nd time, Mbappé went on to admit:“I dream of facing Cristiano and Neymar at the World Cup. It will be their last World Cup…”Conor Laird – GSFN