Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring at the King Saud University Stadium, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, file)2026-06-07T09:10:06Z Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating mighty Argentina in Qatar four years ago. That stunning victory against Lionel Messi and the eventual champion turned out to be just the start of its campaign to disrupt soccer. Perhaps no nation has done more to shake up the world’s most popular sport. Within weeks Cristiano Ronaldo became the first of slew of superstars to swap swap Europe for the Saudi league with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner declaring: “In Europe my work is done. This is a new challenge.”Karim Benzema was lured away from Real Madrid. Brazilian icon Neymar also made the move to the oil-rich kingdom. While attempts to land Messi and Kylian Mbappe were unsuccessful, Saudi Arabia did secure its biggest win of all: The right to host the 2034 World Cup. It was all part of the country’s attempt to pivot away from its heavy reliance on oil and explore other revenue-generating sectors. Some critics say it is also an attempt at sportswashing, using sports to rebrand its public image in the face of its human rights record and crackdowns on dissent. Billions of dollars have been spent to secure world championship boxing, Formula One racing and tennis. The Saudi-backed LIV Golf enticed major winners to defect from the PGA. It recently announced it would be pulling funding from that venture, but its commitment to soccer remains strong. A number of its top teams are owned by the country’s sovereign wealth fund. 2026 World Cup expectationsThis year’s tournament will be a test of how far the Saudi national team has come against the backdrop of such spectacular spending. “We cannot promise miracles, but we promise you that we will give our all to achieve our goals,” newly appointed coach Georgios Donis said. An influx of top overseas talent does not necessarily translate to improved performance of homegrown players on the international stage. There was the disappointingly early elimination from the Asian Cup in 2024 in the round of 16. Saudi Arabia’s most memorable contribution to that tournament — a little over 12 months after the landmark win against Argentina -- was Italian coach Roberto Mancini walking off during his team’s losing penalty shootout against South Korea. Months later, Mancini was out of a job. In came Frenchman Herve Renard, who had led the team in Qatar in 2022, and the team promptly secured qualification for this year’s tournament. But in April, less than two months before Saudi Arabia kicks off its World Cup campaign, Renard was replaced by Greek coach Donis. Read More Late arrival for a new coachDonis has coached several teams in the Saudi league and has also worked with a number of the players who will be going to the World Cup. Among them is striker Feras Al Buraikan, a back-to-back Asian Champions League winner with Al-Ahli. His appointment at such short notice appears to have been based on his specific knowledge and experience of Saudi soccer, with the Saudi Football Federation saying he was “expected to support a seamless transition”.“The advantage for us is that I have spent many years in Saudi Arabia and I know the culture of the country and the players. Therefore, we want to be very competitive and fight hard,” Donis said when announcing his squad last month. Developing homegrown playersWhile star signings from overseas have slowed, with big names also departing — including Neymar — the governing body of Saudi soccer has made moves to develop its own players. In May, Matt Crocker was lured away from his role as U.S. Soccer’s sporting director to head up talent development in Saudi Arabia.Youth investment has doubled over the past three years to $26.7 million, with an expansion of regional training centers all with a view to the 2034 World Cup on home soil. Before all that is this year’s tournament and the chance to shock the world again.“I believe all the players have the ability and passion required to commit to our plan, which will enable us step-by-step to build a strong and united team,” Donis said. “I believe in their abilities, so my priority now is for them to believe in their abilities, to be convinced of the plan, and to know what is required of them.”___James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The United States has gone wild over foreign-born players on several occasions. Now the largest World Cup ever is arriving.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill dispatched the New Jersey State Police outside the Delaney Hall migrant detention center after federal officials said they would flood the area with armed agents. Not everyone approved.

This year’s annual celebration of the best on Broadway is being hosted by Pink.

The OKC Thunder fell short of its goal of winning a second straight NBA championship.OKC lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, sending it into the offseason. And as the summer unfolds, general manager Sam Presti and the rest of the Thunder's front office will have plenty of big decisions to make.Here are the five biggest questions for OKC entering the 2026 NBA offseason:More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said OKC Thunder 2025-26 season was 'failure'. Here's what he meantCan Jalen Williams finally get healthy?There are a lot of questions surrounding OKC this summer, from contract decisions to potential trade candidates to NBA Draft strategy. We'll get into all of that, but the biggest question is if Jalen Williams can finally get his body right.It was a tough season for the star forward, who played through a torn ligament in his right shooting wrist during the Thunder's 2025 championship run. He underwent surgery to repair the injury that following summer and missed the first 19 games of this past season as a result. But Williams then suffered a right hamstring strain that sidelined him twice during the regular season, and he sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during the first round of the playoffs. That injury also nagged him throughout the Western Conference finals, causing him to miss four of the seven games.The Thunder nearly got back to the NBA Finals despite being without its former All-NBA forward. And if Williams can enter next season with a clean bill of health, OKC should like its chances to win another title. "I think rest, like everything, will really help a little bit," Williams said during his exit interview on Sunday. "We'll just go from there. ... I think just having a nice cool-down period where I don't have to try and rush or accelerate anything is going to be nice to just let my body completely settle, get back to zero."More: Here's what Mark Daigneault, OKC Thunder players said during 2025-26 exit interviewsHow will OKC handle its team options?OKC's roster cost $187 million this past season, which ranked 20th in the NBA. But it's estimated to cost a league-leading $250 million this upcoming season due in large part to new contracts for Williams and Chet Holmgren kicking in.The most straightforward way to lower that total is through OKC's three team options, which total about $53.4 million, on Isaiah Hartenstein ($28.5 million), Lu Dort ($17.7 million) and Kenrich Williams ($7.2 million).It's difficult to imagine the Thunder letting Hartenstein walk. He's a strong passer, screen setter, rebounder and rim protector. He even had some success when defending San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama this postseason. And while a $28.5 million price tag might be higher than what OKC is willing to pay, it could decline that option and negotiate a new deal."I love being here," Hartenstein said Sunday. "I love the organization, but it's a lot in their hands. I think that them and my agent will talk. It's a business at the end of the day. But whatever happens, I'm truly grateful."Dort and Kenrich Williams expressed their desires to return to OKC in a more direct fashion. Dort said he and his representation will do "whatever we've got to do to get it done," while Williams said "it's no secret that I want to be here until I'm done playing."It seems like OKC could decline its team option on Williams and sign him to a smaller deal, although Dort's situation is a bit trickier. He's the heart and soul of the Thunder, someone who embodies its toughness and unselfishness, but his role could decline moving forward with the emergence of Cason Wallace.More: OKC Thunder roster primer: Draft picks, contracts heading into 2026 NBA offseasonWill OKC pay Cason Wallace this summer?Wallace continued to show improvements in his game this season. The former 10th pick in the 2023 draft averaged career highs of 8.6 points, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals on 43.2% shooting from the field (35.1% from deep). He led the league in total steals (150), which helped him earn an All-Defensive second team selection, and he also showed flashes of his playmaking and shot creating abilities.Wallace then took another step forward this postseason, where he shot a blistering 48.4% from deep. He consistently hit big shots for OKC in addition to being electric in transition and a menace on defense. And at only 22, he still has plenty of room to get even better.Wallace is entering the final year on his rookie deal, meaning he's extension eligible. And while the Thunder has already committed to paying its Big Three, it'll surely do what it can to pay Wallace. The question then becomes what that contract would look like and if it can be signed before Wallace hits restricted free agency next offseason."I love the Thunder," Wallace said Sunday. "But I'm more focused on getting better this summer and being able to go back out there and compete. I'm not money driven. I want to compete. That's the main focus for me. So whether I get paid this summer or not, I'm going to get better because that's what I have to do to stay in this league."More: Why OKC Thunder's Cason Wallace deserves respect with All-Defensive team nodWill OKC shed salary elsewhere via trades?Team options aren't the only way OKC can shed some salary. It can also do that with trades. The player who most people are placing in the trade machine right now is Holmgren, although that's highly unlikely. The 24-year-old forward had a bad series against San Antonio, but he still earned All-NBA third team and All-Defensive first team honors this season.Players such as Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins are more likely candidates. Both guys have plenty of talent and have delivered for OKC in the past. But both guys have moveable contracts and some uncertainty around their roles moving forward.Joe is set to make $11.3 million next season, while Wiggins will make $9 million. They saw limited playing time this postseason due in large part to the emergence of Jared McCain, who provides the same level of shot creation and floor spacing.Depth is one of OKC's biggest strengths, and Joe and Wiggins are two of the team's better success stories as former second-round picks. But as the Thunder's payroll increases and roster spots become harder to free up for incoming rookies, tough decisions will have to be made.More: Jared McCain, OKC Thunder already a perfect fit just months after 76ers tradeHow will OKC use its three picks in the NBA Draft?OKC has three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft from June 23-24. That consists of No. 12 (via the Los Angeles Clippers), No. 17 (via the Philadelphia 76ers) and No. 37 (via the Dallas Mavericks).The Thunder has plenty of options in that 12-17 range. It could take a swing on younger prospects such as Tennessee's Nate Ament and Washington's Hannes Steinbach, or it could go with more ready-now prospects such as Michigan's Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg.Don't forget about that second-round pick either. OKC is known for finding gems late in the draft, from Ajay Mitchell (No. 38 in 2024) to Jaylin Williams (No. 34 in 2022) to Wiggins (No. 55 in 2021).Either way, the assumption is that OKC won't use all three of its draft picks. Roster spots are simply too hard to free up, especially if it brings back players it has team options on. Will the Thunder package picks to move up in the talented draft class? Will it trade some picks for future draft capital? Those questions will be answered this offseason, along with plenty of other ones.More: OKC Thunder receives No. 12 pick in 2026 NBA Draft, Washington Wizards win lotteryJustin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder, Sam Presti face major roster decisions this summer

Texas A&M's 2027 recruiting class is reaching historical levels, and while comparing the cycle to the, yes, historic 2022 signing class that didn't pan out under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, it isn't a fair comparison by any means, now knowing that third-year coach Mike Elko is a proven developer after seeing a record ten players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.Luring talent at every position, Elko's background as a safety coach led to securing commitments from five-star Kamarui Dorsey and four-star JayQuan Snell, who have both shut down their recruitments and intend to sign with the Aggies in early December. In the trenches, the program's No. 1-ranked play, five-star OT Mark Matthews, is back in College Station for his OV, and leads a future OL group featuring five-star IOL Kennedy Brown and four-star tackles DeMarrion Johnson and Kaeden Kent.One of the program's early 2027 commits, four-star quarterback Jayce Johnson, is now looking like a steal out of Georgia, while four-star wide receiver Jaden Upshaw is on the cusp of earning his fifth star by the fall based on his level of play and elite versatility with the ability to play all the receiver positions at a high level.Texas A&M's defensive line additions might just be the most impressive of the 19 commitments in the cycle, as four-star DL Myels Smith shut down his recruitment on Sunday, followed by Elko and new D-line coach Elijah Robinson earning a key commitment from four-star edge Frederick Ards III, who possesses the size to move inside once he makes his way to College Station.Nationally, 14 of the program's 19 2027 commitments are considered blue-chip prospects, which is tied for second most with Oklahoma, Miami, and Notre Dame, while the Florida Gators' 15 blue-chip commits lead the way. However, I expect the Aggies to take the lead in the coming days/weeks after another successful weekend hosting a long list of blue-chip priority prospects.Florida has the most blue-chip commitments in the country🐊The Gators are the favorite for more as decisions near, @SWiltfong_ reports...Details: https://t.co/eVvHPtO3f5pic.twitter.com/gAIOnpYVy6— Rivals (@Rivals) June 5, 2026Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M tied for second nationally with 14 blue-chip 2027 commits

The Hockey News' latest PWHL mock draft sees not one, not two, but four Wisconsin Badgers selected in the top ten.The Badgers women's hockey program is one of the best, if not the best in the entire nation. Mark Johnson has proven that time and time again with his nine National Championships, including back-to-back in 2025 and 2026.It's no secret that Caroline Harvey is the expected No. 1 pick. She's earned every bit of that selection, but she has quite a few teammates set to follow her in the top 10, according to Ian Kennedy. Not only is Harvey mocked to go No. 1, but Johnson has two more selections in the top five alone.No. 1: Caroline Harvey"Olympic MVP. Olympic Best Defender. WCHA Player of the Year. WCHA Defensive Player of the Year. Harvey is an incredible player on and off the puck. No one in this draft skates like she does, no one in this draft impacts the game the way she does. She's the #1 pick," Kennedy wrote.No. 3: Laila EdwardsEdwards returned to forward in the postseason for Wisconsin, a move that may have moved her up a few spots in this mock draft. Similar to Harvey, she's a skilled Olympian who Kennedy believes will be "a superstar on and off the ice."No. 5: Kirsten SimmsKennedy said Simms is "going to make a few PWHL defenders look silly and bring fans out of their seats." The Michigan native is as good as advertised, and it's not a stretch to believe she'll be the third Badger drafted in the first five selections.No. 7: Lacey EdenIt's incredibly hard to imagine what the Badgers women's hockey program is going to look like without the four-time National Champion. Eden has been around seemingly forever, and she's earned every bit of this Top 10 selection. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Four Wisconsin Badgers selected in Top 10 of latest PWHL Mock Draft

Do you anticipate Beef Stew being used as a trade chip this offseason? He was unplayable in playoffs despite health according to trajan, JB - @dylan_goetz “Anticipate” is a strong word. If I had to put money on it, I’d bet on Isaiah Stewart returning next season. But will his name come up in trade talks? I’m sure of it. He has two years and $30 million remaining on his contract – a very reasonable figure for one of the league’s top rim protectors. Postseason performance aside, Stewart is a coveted player. Last season overall was his best, setting a new career high in blocks per game (1.6) while averaging under 23 minutes anchoring the No. 2 defense in the league. His outside shooting, while not as prevalent the last two seasons, is still an asset to his game.Detroit Free PressThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Isaiah Stewart expected to draw trade interest

What’s up O2! Any new news on Malik Beasley? Has that ship sailed or is there an outside chance he can come back to the Pistons if cleared? Thanks! - @R3Williams23 There’s no update on his eligibility to be signed. Trajan Langdon clarified he’s still under investigation in the NBA’s gambling probe, and no team will sign him until it is resolved. If or when that happens, the Pistons have his non-Bird rights and will be able to offer a salary starting at $7.2 million. Detroit Free PressThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Trajan Langdon clarified he’s still under …

Israeli authorities described the shootings as a terrorist attack. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, praised the assault, but did not claim responsibility.

2026 World Cup, Group G, a ‘last dance’ for old hands 🇧🇪 🇪🇬 🇮🇷 🇳🇿Group G promises high drama, especially because it represents the “last dance” on the biggest stage for several of modern football’s greatest legends. With an explosive mix of European giants, African powerhouses, Asian discipline, and Oceania’s drive, the battle for a place in the round of 16 will be absolute madness, with the veterans playing their final card for glory.Which players should you keep an eye on?🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne: The brain of the Red Devils is still the undisputed boss. His outstanding vision and pinpoint passing will be the compass guiding a rejuvenated Belgium toward glory.🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah: The “Pharaoh” arrives hungry for World Cup revenge. His blistering speed and lethal finishing in the box are Egypt’s biggest weapons to unsettle any defense.🇮🇷 Mehdi Taremi: The lethal Olympiacos striker is the attacking soul of his country. With his imposing physique and tremendous eye for goal, he will look to lead the dream of qualification.📸 ATTA KENARE🇳🇿 Chris Wood: The tall, historic All Whites striker is his team’s main reference point. His complete dominance in the air will be New Zealand’s main threat.📸 Rich Storry - 2026 Getty ImagesWhich absences stand out the most?The big last-minute surprise is the absence of Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun, who was left out of his coach’s preliminary squad. In addition, Belgium’s wing play will miss one of the generational talents left out during Domenico Tedesco’s squad refresh.Which match can’t I miss?The clash between Belgium and Egypt on June 15 in Seattle will be the headline act. It’s a direct duel of styles that will pit European favoritism against the Pharaohs’ electric pace; whoever wins will take a giant step toward the top.Who are the favorites to go through?Belgium start as the main favorites to top the group on pedigree alone. The second ticket will be an open battle, but Egypt hold a slight edge thanks to Salah’s difference-making quality against the resilience of Iran and New Zealand.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

If GM Chris Ballard is looking to add to the Indianapolis Colts' pass rush prior to training camp in July, there are still several well-known edge rushers available on the free agent market.At the beginning of each offseason, Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com puts together his list of the 101 best free agents available. Then, as those players are signed, he updates his free agency big board.Currently, as we sit here in early June, 13 of Rosenthal's 101 top free agents remain unsigned. Of those 13 players, six are pass rushers.List of best available free agent pass rushers for ColtsJoey BosaAJ EpenesaHaason ReddickCameron JordanKyle Van NoyJadeveon ClowneyWhy do the Colts still have a need at edge rusher?This is a position for the Colts that looks very different than it did a year ago. Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, and Samson Ebukam are no longer on the team, while Arden Key and Micheal Clemons were added to the roster in free agency, along with Ballard selecting George Gumbs and Caden Curry in the NFL draft.However, despite the roster turnover and investments made into this position, whether or not this unit as a whole has improved or whether Ballard found an impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu remains to be seen.Likely competing for those starting snaps opposite of Latu will be Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Key. Tuimoloau played just over 200 defensive snaps as a rookie, while Key has primarily been a rotational defender in his career.The name of the game is getting after the quarterback, and outside of Latu, the Colts struggled to do that consistently last season, ranking 30th in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric as a collective unit.The Colts have more than enough cap space to make an addition, and at this time of the year, it's not as if a signing is going to break the bank.That said, perhaps an added wrinkle to all of this worth considering is that if another addition is made, there likely isn't room on the eventual 53-man roster for all the players just mentioned. Typically, teams will roster five or six defensive ends.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 6 free agent defensive ends for Colts to target before training camp

Star US gymnast Simone Biles has come through a serious medical emergency."Almost dying wasn't on my bingo card," the 29-year-old wrote in an Instagram story late on Saturday.The Olympic champion did not disclose the medical problem but said it happened over the past week and was "the scariest experience of my life."Biles has won seven gold medals at Olympic Games. She claimed bronze on the balance beam in Tokyo in 2021 despite mental health problems.After a two-year break, she returned in 2023 with two world championship titles and took three Olympic golds in Paris in 2024.

Teenage star Luka Vuskovic open to leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summerTottenham Hotspur face the unsettling prospect of losing their most prized young asset before he has even played a senior minute for the club, with breakout Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic open to a move this summer. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past ten months, impressing in the Bundesliga during a standout season-long loan at Hamburger SV. Vuskovic arrived in Germany from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to continue his development and anchored a defence that helped HSV secure top-flight safety. His impressive defensive fundamentals were complemented by a notable attacking threat, as the teenager scored six goals from central defence and earned a well-deserved spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. Yet his impressive individual success has created a dilemma as Vuskovic is reportedly reluctant to return to North London, where Spurs narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship after a turbulent season.Vuskovic recently acknowledged his uncertainty, telling German media he is torn about his next career move. Adding to the situation is his strong desire to stay in Germany and eventually play alongside his brother, Mario Vuskovic, once his footballing ban concludes later this autumn. The main positive for Tottenham is Vuskovic’s soaring market value. Signed from Hajduk Split in 2023 for just under €14 million, the ‘huge talent’ is now valued at around €60 million. With a contract running until June 2030, Spurs retain significant leverage.Any decision about Vuskovic’s future is expected after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The teenager is part of Croatia’s defensive unit as they prepare to face England, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. If he can replicate his club form on the global stage, Tottenham could soon find themselves at the centre of a bidding war.

Milan Momcilovic and the Kentucky Wildcats Basketball players have been making their way to Lexington. Milan had a message for the BBN as he arrived to campus. Ready to make in rain ☔️ https://t.co/vIZfEsGLulpic.twitter.com/U4NkQjGFoL— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) June 6, 2026We also saw Zoom Diallo tell the BBN he’s ready to be a leader on this year’s team. .@r2rzoom is ready to bring the juice 🫡 https://t.co/GMWiAHonfOpic.twitter.com/t38DCPUBUa— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) June 6, 2026And Franck Kepnang said the BBN can look forward to a lot of blocked shots.Franck the tank checking in and ready to get to work. https://t.co/GMWiAHonfOpic.twitter.com/XGaSuVt57J— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) June 6, 2026We also got to see the Hawthorne brothers recreate that childhood photo. The Hawthorne duo is on campus 🤝@BraydonH20 x @zyonx0pic.twitter.com/eDLgDz2wzS— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) June 6, 2026It seems the only player Kentucky is now waiting on is Ousmane N’Diaye, who is expected to make his way to Lexington later this summer. Tweet of the DayWhy not Kentucky ?? #BBN 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/iOt6ATYdb9— Tristin Hughes 4⭐️ (@_tristinhughes) June 6, 2026Really cool setup UK Football has for recruiting photo ops.HeadlinesHudson Brown announces return to UK Baseball – UK AthleticsMajor news for Kentucky Baseball.Tavion Gadson a player to watch for UK Football – Vaughts ViewsThe defensive lineman put together some solid numbers last season.A closer look at Kentucky Football official visit weekend – KSRIt’s been a big recruiting weekend for Will Stein.Kentucky CB DeMarcus Gardner labeled potential breakout candidate – CBS SportsGardner drew some attention during spring practice.KY Derby winner Golden Tempo wins Belmont – ESPNGolden Tempo didn’t run in the Preakness.What would be the best landing spot for Tyler Herro? – Bleacher ReportCould we see a Tyler Herro – Julius Randle trade?Game 3 and 4 prices at MSG are insane – YahooThe Garden will be electric.Should KAT be Finals MVP? – CBS SportsIf the Knicks win, it will likely either be him or Brunson.Could Myles Garrett break Bruce Smith’s all-time sack record? – NBC SportsHe’s on a good pace to catch it.Three takeaways from USMNT’s matchup with Germany – SIIt was a slow start for the U.S.

People walk under a banner showing portraits of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, left, and the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)2026-06-07T10:40:51Z CAIRO (AP) — Pakistan’s interior minister was in Tehran on Sunday in a fresh bid to restart negotiations between Iran and the U.S., as the American military said it shot down two more Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz that threatened international maritime traffic.The latest action came as the U.S. administration presses Iran to make a deal to end the war in the Middle East, which has strained the global economy and threatened a hunger crisis in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries. The heaviest fighting ended with a preliminary ceasefire on April 8, but the sides have not been able to agree on a long-term end to the war.Fighting between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah continued, meanwhile, despite last week’s announcement that a U.S.-brokered ceasefire had been extended. Pakistani senior official in IranPakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is in Tehran to deliver a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei from Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to Iranian state-run IRNA news agency.Khamenei has not been seen in public since he was named the Islamic Republic’s ruler after his father was killed on the first day of the war on Feb. 28 when the U.S. and Israel lauched a bombardment campaign against Iran.Naqvi met with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni late Saturday, and held talks Sunday morning with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to official Iranian media. There were no details on the contents of the message. Pakistani authorities have said Islamabad, with support from regional countries including Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, has been working to help bridge differences between the United States and Iran and encourage efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Read More Fire continues between Israel and HezbollahMeanwhile, the new ceasefire in Lebanon, which was announced during U.S-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington last week, did not appear to be holding. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah has rejected the U.S.-brokered deal and instead endorsed Iran’s demand that ending the war in Lebanon be part of the negotiations with the U.S.Israel struck what it said were over 150 Hezbollah military sites over the weekend, including rocket launchers and command centers, across southern Lebanon. Early Sunday, Israel identified at least five projectiles launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel, which were intercepted or fell in open areas. Hezbollah did not immediately claim to have fired projectiles at Israel. However, the militant group acknowledged it attacked Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in fighting in southern Lebanon on Saturday, the Israeli military said.The fighting in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have seized large swaths of the south in its latest ground invasion, threatens efforts to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for oil and gas. Its closure has jolted the world economy.Iran has demanded that any lasting truce extend to Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces elections later this year, wants to press ahead with Israel’s offensive until he considers Hezbollah no longer poses a threat.Lebanon’s army commander, Gen. Rodolphe Haikal, headed to Pakistan Saturday at the invitation of Pakistan’s army chief. The Lebanese army gave no further details and did not say whether it is related to Pakistan’s mediation between Iran and the U.S. Iran says it targeted US air base and NavyThe U.S. military said Saturday that it had shot down several Iranian missiles and drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf Arab allies, and struck some of the Islamic Republic’s coastal surveillance radar sites in response.“The attack drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic,” U.S. Central Command said.Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted the Ali Al Salem air base, which hosts U.S. forces in Kuwait, and the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.The U.S. military said there were no reports of harm to U.S. personnel. Earlier in the month, Iranian drones heavily damaged a passenger terminal at Kuwait’s main airport, killing one person and wounding dozens.The U.S. military has kept up its blockade on Iranian ports in response to Tehran’s grip on the strait, a crucial corridor for global oil and natural gas shipments. Energy prices have spiked, posing political problems for U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party ahead of midterm congressional elections in November._____Chehayeb reported from Beirut and Lidman from Tel Aviv, Israel. SAMY MAGDY Magdy is a Middle East reporter for The Associated Press, based in Cairo. He focuses on conflict, migration and human rights abuses. twitter facebook mailto KAREEM CHEHAYEB Chehayeb is an Associated Press reporter in Beirut. twitter instagram mailto

Kosovo's acting Prime Minister and Vetevendosje party leader Albin Kurti votes during parliamentary election in Kosovo capital Pristina, on Sunday, June 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)2026-06-07T06:01:57Z PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Voters in Kosovo headed to the polls Sunday for an early parliamentary election, the third in less than 18 months, in an attempt to unlock a political impasse in the small Balkan nation that is striving to join the European Union and NATO.Sunday’s ballot was scheduled after the main political parties failed to agree by a March deadline on who should replace former President Vjosa Osmani. The first inconclusive election in February 2025 left the country without a functioning government for much of last year, forcing a second election in December.The prolonged crisis has negatively affected Kosovo’s economy, already hit hard by the global energy crisis and rising fuel prices. One of the youngest and poorest countries in Europe declared independence from Serbia in 2008, after a 1998-99 war that ended in a NATO bombing that forced Serbia to withdraw. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s center-left Vetevendosje party has held a clear parliamentary majority since the early election in December. But Kosovo’s president is elected by at least 80 lawmakers in the 120-member assembly, requiring a broader political consensus. Kurti is being challenged by the two main opposition parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic League of Kosovo, which have accused him of seeking to impose full control over all political institutions in the country. Read More “Today is a sunny Sunday, a very important day for democracy in Kosovo,” Kurti said after voting. “I hope the people of Kosovo once again will show their maturity as always, with a very high turnout.”Osmani is running on the opposition LDK list in the election, having turned against Kurti after he refused to back her for a second term. Osmani on Sunday expressed “great optimism” that the election will “take us out of the repeated crisis that has damaged our country, both domestically and beyond our borders.” While the key players blamed each other for the crisis, their inability to reach a compromise has fueled disappointment among Kosovo’s around 2 million voters, who want the government to focus on the economy and living standards instead. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Analysts still don’t expect major changes in the election outcome compared to the previous vote in December. Arton Smajli, 42, a resident of the capital, Pristina, said that “we are tired, but the will for change is greater than that.”Sejdi Shala, 73, is also optimistic the election will bring “stability of the institutions and the society.”The institutional vacuum, without a stable government, has delayed access to the EU and other international funds available to the country. European Council President Antonio Costa, during a visit last week, urged Kosovo to end the political stalemate and unite over the goal of EU integration. Kosovo has been recognized by the United States and most EU countries, but not by Serbia and its allies, Russia and China. Pristina and Belgrade have been told they must mend relations to move forward with their EU membership bids.

Germany's Alexander Zverev returns to Czech Republic's Jakub Mensik during the semifinal tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Friday, June 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)2026-06-07T10:27:38Z PARIS (AP) — Alexander Zverev is under pressure to win an elusive Grand Slam title when he plays 14th-ranked Flavio Cobolli in the French Open final on Sunday.It’s the fourth major final of Zverev’s career and it’s a unique opportunity for the third-ranked German without Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz across the net.The final on the red clay of Roland Garros starts st 3 p.m. (1300 GMT; 9 a.m. ET).Zverev has been an overwhelming favorite for the title ever since the top-ranked Sinner struggled in the first week’s heat wave and wasted a two set and 5-1 lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round. A day later, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was also eliminated.Alcaraz, the two-time reigning champion, withdrew before the tournament with an injured right wrist.It’s Zverev’s second French Open final, having wasted a lead of two sets to one against Alcaraz in the 2024 championship match. Zverev had an even bigger advantage — two sets to none — in the 2020 U.S. Open final and lost that one, too, to Dominic Thiem. He was also beaten in straight sets by Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final. Cobolli had never been past a Grand Slam quarterfinal until this week.He’s attempting to become the first Italian man to raise the singles trophy at Roland Garros since Adriano Panatta 50 years ago.Cobolli comes from the same tennis club in Rome as Panatta and Panatta has been asked by tournament organizers to present the Coupe des Mousquetaires to the champion to celebrate the anniversary of his 1976 triumph. Read More Both players have dropped only two sets en route to the final.Zverev has won three of his four career meetings with Cobolli, including a straight-sets victory in the third round in Paris a year ago. But they’ve also split two encounters on clay this season: Cobolli won in straight sets in Munich and Zverev won in straight sets in Madrid.Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva won the women’s singles trophy on Saturday.___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis ANDREW DAMPF Dampf has been a Rome-based sports writer at The AP for more than 20 years, covering soccer, tennis, Alpine skiing and many other events in Italy and beyond, including five soccer World Cups and 10 Olympics. twitter 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Jun 5, 2026; Paris, France; Alexander Zverev of Germany returns a shot during his match against Jakub Mensik of Czechia on day 12 at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn ImagesAll Times EasternAustralian Rules FootballAFL Men’s — Round 13 Collingwood Magpies vs. Melbourne Demons — FS2, 1:01 a.m. (Monday)BaseballBanana Ball World TourGame 2, American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI Loco Beach Coconuts vs. Party Animals — The CW, 4 p.m.Savannah Bananas Pre-Game — The CW, 3:30 p.m.Beach VolleyballAVP LeagueWeek 2Aspen, Koch Park, Aspen, CO Women: Palm Beach Passion vs. Brooklyn Blaze/Miami Mayhem vs,. New York Nitro — CBS Sports Network, 4 p.m. Men: Palm Beach Passion vs. Brooklyn Blaze/Miami Mayhem vs. New York Nitro — YouTube, 6 p.m.College BaseballNCAA Division I Baseball ChampionshipSuper RegionalsAthens Super Regional, Foley Field, University of Georgia, Athens, GAAnnouncers: Mike Monaco/Ben McDonald/Eduardo Pérez Game 2: Georgia vs. Mississippi State — ESPN/ESPN Unlimited, noon (Georgia leads series 1-0)Chapel Hill Super Regional, Bryson Field at Cary C. Boshamer Stadium, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NCAnnouncers: Mike Ferrin/Gazy Sanchez Game 3: USC vs. North Carolina — ESPN/ESPN Unlimited, 3 p.m. (series tied 1-1)Tuscaloosa Region, Sewell–Thomas Stadium, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, ALAnnouncers: Dave Neal/Devon Travis Game 2: Alabama vs. St. John’s — ESPN2/ESPN Unlimited, 9 p.m. (Alabama leads series 1-0)Lawrence Region, Hoglund Ballpark, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KSAnnouncers: Victor Rojas/Gregg Olson Game 2: Oklahoma vs. Kansas– ESPN/ESPN Unlimited, 6 p.m. (Oklahoma leads series 1-0)Austin Region, UFCU Disch–Falk Field, University of Texas, Austin, TXAnnouncers: Karl Ravech/Chris Burke/Kyle Peterson Game 2: Texas vs. Oregon — ESPN/ESPN Unlimited, 9 p.m. (Texas leads series 1-0)CyclingTour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Stage 1: Vizille to Saint-Ismier — NBCSN/Peacock, 7 a.m.Drag RacingNHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing SeriesNHRA New England Nationals, New England Dragway, Epping, NH Announcers: Brian Lohnes/Tony Pedregon//Bruno Massei Finals — Fox/Fox One, 3 p.m.FIFA World Cup Destination World Cup 2026: The Final Stretch — Fox, 2:30 p.m.Formula 1FIA Formula One World ChampionshipGrand Prix du Monaco, Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco Race — Apple TV (F1 TV), 8:55 a.m. Race — Apple TV (Sky Sports UK), 8:55 a.m.Grand Prix Sunday — Apple TV (Sky Sports UK), 7:50 a.m.GolfPGA TourThe Memorial Tournament, Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OHFinal Round Main Feed — ESPN+/PGA Tour Live, 7:30 a.m PGA Tour Live BetCast — ESPN+/PGA Tour Live, 7:30 a.m. Featured Groups — ESPN+/PGA Tour Live, 11 a.m. Marquee Group — ESPN+/PGA Tour Live, 11 a.m. Featured Group 1 — ESPN+/PGA Tour Live, 12:30 p.m. Featured Group 2 — ESPN+/PGA Tour Live, 12:30 p.m. Featured Hole: 16 — ESPN+/PGA Tour Live, 12:30 p.m.Announcers: Terry Gannon/Curt Byrum/Smylie Kauffman//Roger Maltbie//Arron Oberholser//Todd Lewis Main Feed — Golf Channel, 12:30 p.m.Announcers: Jim Nantz/Trevor Immelman/Colt Knost/Frank Nobilo//Mark Immelan//Dottie Pepper//Johnson Wagner//Amanda Balionis Main Feed — CBS/Paramount+, 2:30 p.m.PGA Tour Studios: Credentialed: The Memorial Tournament — CBS/Paramount+, 1:30 p.m.PGA Tour ChampionsAmerican Family Insurance, TPC Wisconsin, Madison, WI Final Round — GolfChannel.com/Golf Channel app, 2 p.m. Final Round — Golf Channel, 2:30 p.m.United States Golf AssociationU.S. Women’s Open, Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, CAAnnouncers: Cara Banks/Dan Hicks/Paige Mackenzie/Morgan Pressel/Tom Abbott//Kay Cockerill//Emilia Doran//Jim “Bones” Mackay//Karen Stupples Final Round — NBCSN/Peacock, 3 p.m. Final Round — NBC/Peacock, 5 p.m.Announcers: Anna Jackson/Brandel Chamblee/Beth Ann Nichols/Mel Reid//Amy Rogers//Todd Lewis (from the Memorial Tournament) Live from the U.S. Women’s Open at the Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, CA — Golf Channel, 11:30 a.m. Live from the U.S. Women’s Open at the Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, CA — Golf Channel, 8 p.m.PGA Korn Ferry TourBMW Charity Pro-Am, The Carolina Country Club/Thornblade Club, Greer, SC Final Round — GolfChannel.com/Golf Channel app, 4 p.m. Final Round — Golf Channel, 5 p.m.Scorecard — CBS Sports HQ, 6 p.m.IndyCarNTT IndyCar SeriesBommarito Automotive Group 500, World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, IL Announcers: Will Buxton/Townsend Bell/James Hinchcliffe//Jack Harvey//Georgia Henneberry//Kevin Lee Race — Fox/Fox One, 9 p.m.IndyNXTFirestone IndyNXT SeriesIndyNXT at Madison, World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, ILAnnouncers: Will Buxton/Townsend Bell/Dennis Hauger/James Hinchcliffe//Georgia Henneberry//Kevin Lee Race — FS1/Fox One, 5:30 p.m.Mixed Martial Arts UFC Ultimate Knockouts — CBS Sports Network, 6 p.m. UFC Reloaded: UFC 308-Topuria vs. Holloway — CBS Sports Network, 9 p.m. UFC Reloaded: UFC 317-Topuria vs. Oliveira — CBS Sports Network, midnightMLBAmerican League Baltimore at Toronto — MLB Network (backup)/MASN/Sportsnet, 1:30 p.m. Boston at New York Yankees — NESN/YES, 1:30 p.m. Seattle at Detroit — Mariners.TV/Detroit SportsNet, 1:30 p.m. Kansas City at Minnesota — Royals.TV/Twins.TV, 2 p.m. Sacramento at Houston — NBC Sports California/Space City Home Network, 2 p.m. Cleveland at Texas — CleGuardians.TV/Rangers Sports Network, 2:30 p.m.National LeagueMLB Sunday LeadoffAnnouncers: Dave Flemming/Kevin Frandsen//Caroline Piñeda Washington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks — Peacock, 3:15 p.m.Sunday Night BaseballAnnouncers: Jason Benetti/Jim Deshaies/Hunter Pence/Anthony Rizzo San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs — NBC/Peacock, 8:30 p.m.Announcers: Bob Costas/Anthony Rizzo Sunday Night Baseball Pregame live from Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL — NBC/Peacock, 8 p.m.Pittsburgh at Atlanta — SportsNet Pittesburgh/BravesVision, 1:30 p.m. Cincinnati at St. Louis — Reds,TV/Cardinals.TV, 2:15 p.m. Milwaukee at Colorado — Brewers.TV/Rockies.TV, 3 p.m. New York Mets at San Diego — SNY/Padres.TV, 4 p.m.Interleague Chicago White Sox at Philadelphia — MLB Network (main)/Chicago Sports Network/NBC Sports Philadelphia, 1:30 p.m. Tampa Bay at Miami — Rays.TV/Marlins.TV, 1;30 p.m. Anaheim at Los Angeles Dodgers — Angels Broadcast Television/Spectrum SportsNet LA, 4 p.m.MLB Network Podcast — MLB Network, 7:30 a.m. Plays of the Month: May 2026 — MLB Network, noon MLB Network Podcast — MLB Network, 1 p.m. Blue Jays Central — Sportsnet, 1 p.m. MLB Big Inning — MLB.TV, 2 p.m. New York Mets vs. San Diego Padres MLB Baseball In-Game Live Gameday — SportsGrid, 4 p.m. MLB Big Inning — MLB Network, 4:30 p.m. MLB Tonight — MLB Network, 5 p.m. Sunday Stretch — Peacock, 5:30 p.m. MLB Tonight: Sunday Scoreboard — MLB Network, 7 p.m. Pro Baseball Today — SportsGrid, 8 p.m.NASCARNASCAR Cup SeriesFireKeepers Casino 400, Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, MI Race — Prime Video, 3 p.m.NASCAR on Prime Pre-Race Coverage — Prime Video, 2 p.m. NASCAR on Prime Poast-Face Coverage — Prime Video, 6:30 p.m.NBA The Association: NBA Finals Media Day — NBA TV, noonNFL Ross Tucker Football Podcast — DraftKings Network, 7:30 a.m. Football America! — DraftKings Network, 9 a.m.NHL NHL Tonight: Stanley Cup Final Edition — NHL Network, 6 p.m. NHL Tonight: Top 32 Draft Prospects — NHL Network, 8 p.m.SoccerMen’sInternational Friendly, Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein Liechtenstein vs. Cyprus — FS2/Fox One, 8;50 a.m.International Friendly, Nature Energy Park, Odense, Denmark Denmark vs. Ukraine — FS2/Fox One, 12:20 p.m.International Friendly, Stadion Anđelko Herjavec, Varaždin, Croatia Croatia vs. Slovenia — FS2/Fox One, 2:30 p.m.International Friendly, Pankritio Stadium, Crete, Greece Greece vs. italy — Fubo Sports Network/tubi, 2:30 p.m.Pulisic — CBS Sports Golazo Network, 7 a.m. Call It What You Want — CBS Sports Golazo Network, 9:15 a.m. Scoreline — CBS Sports Golazo Network, 5 p.m. ESPN FC — ESPN+, 5 p.m. Summer of ’94 — FS1, 6:30 p.m. Scoreline — CBS Sports Golazo Network, 10 p.m.Sports News & Talk SportsCenter — ESPN, 7 a.m. The Media Show: Inside Rafa Nadal’s Netflix Show — BBC News, 7:30 a.m. Ross Tucker Even Money — DraftKings Network, 8 a.m. SportsCenter — ESPN, 8 a.m. SportsCenter — ESPN, 9 a.m. The Contenders — SportsGrid, 9 a.m. Best of Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz — DraftKings Network, 10 a.m. SportsCenter — ESPN, 10 a.m. In the Arena: Serena Williams: Point of No Return — ESPN2, 10 a.m. Gameday Pregame Live — CBS Sports HQ, 11 a.m. SportsCenter — ESPN, 11 a.m. In the Arena: Serena Williams: The Deep End — ESPN2, 11 a.m. The Climate Question: Can the World Cup Cope with Extreme Heat? — BBC News, 11:30 a.m. HQ Gameday Scoreboard — CBS Sports HQ, noon South Beach Sessions — DraftKings Network, noon Contacto deportivo — TUDN, noon All The Smoke — DraftKings Network, 1 p.m. All The Smoke Dugout — DraftKings Network, 2 p.m. TechXplore: World Cup, The Set Up — BBC News, 3:30 p.m. All ACC — ACC Network, 7 p.m. Gameday Scoreboard & Highlights — CBS Sports HQ, 7 p.m. All The Smoke — DraftKings Network, 9 p.m. BBC Sport — BBC News, 9:45 p.m. Contacto deportivo — TUDN, 10 p.m. All the Smoke Unplugged — DraftKings Network, 10:30 p.m. BBC Sport — BBC News, 10:45 p.m. Scoreboard Final — CBS Sports HQ, 11 p.m. Mystery Crate — DraftKings Network, 11 p.m. Contacto deportivo — TUDN, 11 p.m. BBC Sport — BBC News, 11:45 p.m. SEC Now — SEC Network, midnight El pelotazo — Telemundo, midnight South Beach Sessions — DraftKings Network, midnight SportsCenter at Night – ESPN, midniught Contacto deportivo — Univision/TUDN midnight Scoreboard Final — CBS Sports HQ, 1 a.m. (Monday) SportsCenter at Night — ESPN, 1 a.m. (Monday) SportsCenter at Night — ESPN, 2 a.m. (Monday) Best of Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz — DraftKings Network, 4 a.m. (Monday) Boomer & Gio — CBS Sports Network, 6 a.m. (Monday) Unsportsmanlike with Evan, Canty and Michelle — ESPN2/ESPNU, 6 a.m. (Monday) Maggie & Perloff — YouTube, 6 a.m. (Monday)TennisFrench Tennis FederationFrench Open, Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France Men’s Final: Alexander Zverev vs. Flavio Cobolli — TNT/truTV/HBO Max, 9 a.m.Live at Roland Garros: Day 15: Men’s Final Pregame — TNT/truTV/HBO Max, 7 a.m. Live at Roland Garros: Day 15: Men’s Final Postgame — TNT/truTV/HBO Max, 12:30 p.m.Courtside Live: Boss Open (ATP Tour)/HSBC Championships (WTA Tour)/Libema Open (ATP Tour/WTA Tour) — Tennis Channel, 5 a.m. (Monday)UFL PlayoffsSemifinal, Daytona Stadium, Daytona Beach, FLAnnouncers: Joe Tessitore/Sam Acho/Jordan Rodgers//Tom Luginbill DC Defenders at Orlando Storm — ABC/ESPN Unlimited, 3 p.m.Semifinal, The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, MOAnnouncers: Curt Menefee/Joel Klatt//Brock Huard Louisville Kings at St. Louis Battlehawks — Fox/Fox One, 6 p.m.WNBACommissioner’s Cup Chicago Sky at Toronto Tempo — WCIU/TSN3/TSN4, 3 p.m. Portland Fire at Los Angeles Sparks — NBA TV/NBA TV Canada/KPDX/Spectrum SportsNet, 7 p.m.Toronto Tempo Basketball Pre-Game — TSN3/TSN4, 2:30 p.m.The post TV and streaming viewing picks for June 7, 2026: How to watch French Open Men’s Final appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Photo by Stuart Franklin/R&A/R&A via Getty ImagesRory McIlroy is desperate to win The Memorial Tournament at some point in his career.McIlroy is a huge admirer of Jack Nicklaus, and the feeling is mutual.The Northern Irishman has always craved a victory at Muirfield Village but he has never been able to get the job done.Rory McIlroy almost certainly won’t win The Memorial Tournament this week, as he heads into Sunday eight shots adrift of the leaders.Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThat said, a lot could change, with J.T. Poston and Ryan Gerard having only played five holes of their third round.Jack Nicklaus will be in attendance at Muirfield Village on Sunday, and he would dearly love to see McIlroy finally get over the line and win his tournament.Rory McIlroy and Jack Nicklaus share a very close relationship, and the Golden Bear often tries to help the 37-year-old in any way that he can.Rory McIlroy reveals what Jack Nicklaus told him to change about his gameNicklaus famously helped McIlroy devise a game plan to win The Masters back in 2025, and he gave him some advice this year ahead of the final round – ‘no effing double bogeys’!The man from Holywood, Northern Ireland, did make a double bogey during the final round at Augusta National, but he still won The Masters in spite of that.After McIlroy was forced off the golf course due to inclement weather on Saturday, he spoke to Amanda Balionis of CBS Sports.The Northern Irishman responded when asked whether Nicklaus has given him any advice recently.“I’d love to win here,“ McIlroy admitted.Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR“It’s an iconic tournament. I watched Tiger so many times when I was a kid, you know, walk up that hill and shake Jack’s hand and get the trophy.“It’s a puzzle I haven’t quite figured out yet. It’s a tough course. I feel like every aspect of your game needs to be on.“And the last few years I’ve played here, I’ve played okay, but it just hasn’t quite clicked for me.“So, yeah, I would love to win here. I’d love to walk up that 18th hill and get that handshake from Jack.“Jack and I have a wonderful relationship. We met each other in February, 2009, for the first time, in the parking lot of the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens.“I feel so fortunate that I get to see Jack a lot at the Bears Club, where I practice, where I live.“Shane and I were having lunch a couple weeks ago, and Jack just came over and sat with us, and, you know, how often do you get that?“Arguably the greatest of all time comes and sits down, and, you know, he’s always telling me how to play more cut shots, especially on these greens to get it to land softer.“But yeah, it’s amazing to be able to pick Jack’s brain and he said some really nice things about me at the Champion’s Dinner at Augusta this year.“So, really grateful for that. It’s amazing to be able to get to know Jack and Barbara and the entire family.“Why Rory McIlroy has struggled to win The MemorialThe 37-year-old quite obviously has the game to win at Muirfield Village.Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesHowever, golf is a funny game. In order for Rory McIlroy to win The Memorial Tournament, his game needs to peak for one specific week in June every year.Muirfield Village is a golf course where golfers need their ‘A’ games to win. They simply can’t ‘fake it’ around Jack’s Place.McIlroy simply isn’t accurate enough off the tee and, as a result, he is often severely punished at Muirfield Village due to the incredibly thick rough that lines the fairways.Even McIlroy admitted himself that his greatest strength is taken out of his hands at Muirfield Village.“Yeah, for being such a long golf course I feel like it takes driver out of my hand a lot, which, you know, I pride myself on that being one of my biggest weapons,“ he said.“The fairways pinch in right around the spots where I would be finishing driver. So it’s frustrated me in a way that I feel like my biggest weapon is in some way neutralized here.“Rory McIlroy may well realize his dream one day and win The Memorial Tournament, before walking up that hill behind the 18th green at Muirfield Village to shake Jack Nicklaus’ hand.However, there are a lot of golf courses more suited to his game than Jack’s Place, unfortunately.

A football manager who leads a walking football team for people with Parkinson's disease said the sport gives the players "a new lease of life".Nigel Osmond has managed about 28 walking footballers at Portishead Town FC, near Bristol, in weekly sessions since May last year.On Saturday, teams from across the country played in the first South West Parkinson's walking football festival.Osmond said: "They've had a new lease of life. The benefits to them are starting to come out now. I don't want to ask too much, I just want to make sure it's fun for them."UK-wide, more than 166,000 people are thought to be living with the disease, which impacts mobility, speech, focus, sleep and independence. There is currently no cure.The number is expected to increase due to population growth and ageing.Nigel Osmond has managed a team of about 28 players with Parkinson's for more than a year [BBC]Twelve teams played in the event at Portishead Town FC, organised by Parkinson's UK, alongside the club and the Walking Football Association."We never in our wildest dreams thought we'd host these types of events; we've moved on well," Osmond said."When Parkinson's UK contacted us two years ago, we jumped at the chance. From then, we've gone from strength to strength."A lot of the research is going into this type of thing, sports and activities. "In slight moments, they can forget their condition and move around as normal as everyone else. You see it each week, it's mind-blowing."Among the teams were Abbeymead Rovers from Gloucester, Bristol City Robins from Bristol, The Shakers from Swindon, and Taunton Trailblazers from Somerset.Joe Gregory, who has had Parkinson's for seven years and was one of the participants, said: "Events like this make it really worthwhile."Ian Rogers, Fighting Fit Football from Watford, said: "The networking this football will generate is priceless."People with Parkinson's feel as if they're excluded from the community. But it's about acceptance."Phil Lindley, from Parkinson's UK, said: "It's an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the sport, and give people that confidence to try something a bit different."He added: "Walking football is growing exponentially across the UK."You don't need to have a background in walking football. As long as you've got a kit, you can pretty much get started straight away. "That's the beauty in being able to play together."Follow BBC West social channels in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Notting Hill and Love Actually actors star in film about Parkinson's diseaseFitness coach offers free exercise for Parkinson's'CrossFit my safe place' says woman with Parkinson's'Sport stopped me disappearing with Parkinson's' Related internet links Parkinson's UKPortishead Town FCWalking Football Association

Believe it or not, the summer time is almost here and the college football season is rapidly approaching. Penn State has had a strong recruiting cycle in these last few months, building up one of the best 2027 classes in the entire nation, but they’ve hit a lull as of late. Their last commitment came nearly two weeks ago and they’ve lost out on numerous prospects in that same time span.The Nittany Lions had been recruiting three-star safety Jeovanni Henley for most of this year after extending him an offer back in January. They were lucky enough to finish as a finalist for the versatile athlete, but they were unable to close the deal. Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports announced earlier today that Henley committed to the Cal Golden Bears, choosing them over a couple of bigger schools like Penn State and Texas. It would be nice to think the Nittany Lions made a strong push, but ultimately he chose to remain in his home state.BREAKING: Class of 2027 Safety Jeovanni Henley has Committed to Cal, he tells me for @RivalsThe 6’0 190 S chose the Golden Bears over Texas and Washington “Bay Area Dawg 🐕 Bay Area Bear 🐻”https://t.co/2hodz7n9lXpic.twitter.com/pmwgMJ98uP— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 6, 2026Penn State has a stockpile of recruits expected to join in 2027, so being passed over by Henley isn’t the worst thing in the world. But you can never have enough depth, and you just never know what kind of player will display incredible progression. The school seems to be set up well for the future — they’ve just been stuck in a rut lately that they need to get themselves out of.FollowNittany Lions Wire on X andFacebook.This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State recruiting slump continues after losing out on 2027 safety

England's Harry Kane warms up ahead of the International Friendly soccer match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium. Bradley Collyer/PA Wire/dpaHarry Kane feels in the form of his life as England’s free-scoring skipper counts down the days until the World Cup.Thomas Tuchel’s men are looking to add a second star to their shirts after Gareth Southgate led them to within a whisker of matching Alf Ramsey’s heroes of 1966.Kane captained England in each of those four tournaments and is preparing to lead the back-to-back European Championship runners-up at a third World Cup this June and July.The Bayern Munich sharpshooter heads into the North American tournament in exquisite form, which continued with Saturday’s sublime header in the 1-0 win against New Zealand – this season’s 67th goal for club and country.“Look, playing for England is my favourite thing to do,” England captain Kane said.“I wear the shirt with immense pride, I wear the armband with immense pride, trying to set the right example for my team-mates, the staff, but also the fans and the country.“To be able to lead another group of guys into another World Cup is obviously a special feeling.“We go into it with high expectations, so for me I’m just excited for this thing to get going. I feel as good as I’ve ever felt and it can’t come soon enough.”England open their World Cup campaign against 2018 semi-final foes Croatia in Dallas on June 17 and began preparations for the tournament after arriving in Florida on Monday.Tuchel named a different team in each half of Saturday’s friendly against New Zealand as part of groundwork that continues with Wednesday’s final warm-up friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando.Kane said after scoring his 79th England goal: “I think it’s important always as a striker. You know what I’m like. I want to be on the scoresheet as much as possible.“Obviously I knew I was only playing 45 minutes today, so to get kind of it in stoppage-time of the first half was a nicer feeling than if it went 0-0.“But, look, we’re here for preparation, we’re here for getting fitness, dealing with the heat, dealing with these type of pitches, so ultimately it’s another day done and we look forward to another friendly game in a few days.”While England boss Tuchel was unhappy with some of the “freestyle” football shown in the first half against New Zealand, emerging unscathed from the patchwork pitch was a boost.Kane admitted the surface was “a bit sticky” as they were made to sweat in 33 degrees Celsius heat, but the skipper feels talk about the conditions have been overblown.“To be honest, I don’t think the heat’s been too bad,” the striker, who played at last year’s Club World Cup in America, added.“Obviously, we’ve been getting used to it in training. After the first couple of days, I felt like most of the lads were used to it.“Today actually didn’t feel terrible out there, so I think there’s a talking point that might get over spoke about, to be honest.“We’re all professional athletes. We all have done the right preparation to get ready for this tournament between us and the staff as well.”

Anthony Gordon reveals private talks with Marcus Rashford after Barca move Anthony Gordon has opened up on his private chats with Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford after he sealed a permanent move to Barcelona.Rashford in jeopardyRashford spent the 2025/26 season out on loan at Barcelona. He enjoyed a positive loan spell, contributing 14 goals and as many assists across all competitions.He helped Barcelona retain their La Liga crown. However, the Blaugrana are hesitating over whether to make his stay a permanent one.Hansi Flick’s side have the option of keeping him for £26m but they want to pay half of this or ideally, secure another loan deal. United have made it clear that there is no room for renegotiation and are even willing to welcome Rashford back and sell him elsewhere.Rashford’s desire to remain in Catalonia was put in further jeopardy by the club’s decision to snap up Gordon for £70m last month. There have been suggestions that this spells trouble for Rashford, whose hopes are now hanging by a thread.However, according to Gordon, there is nothing but love between him and Rashford, who has been a big help to him since the switch to the Camp Nou. The two are currently together at the England camp, where they are also competing for the starting left-wing spot at this summer’s World Cup.Gordon’s revelationGordon told talkSPORT after England’s 1-0 win over New Zealand, “He was just telling me how good the lads are there, the team spirit that they have, which I heard already from the people in Barca.”“So I’m really looking forward to joining up with them. He was also telling me about the city, places to live.”“He’s a lovely guy, very caring. So he was just giving me a bit of information.”Gordon, who is also believed to have been a United target, said of the transfer to Barcelona, “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind of two weeks, but the best two weeks I’ve ever had for me and my family.”“It’s been really good because I’ve told them from a very young age, I said in my interview, that I would get to this point. But they were saying to me, congrats and stuff and this and that.”“I’m not satisfied at all to just play for Barcelona. I want to win everything. This is where my career begins in my mind. So I’m at the stage I always said I was going to be. Now I need to get to the next level again.”England are next in action on Wednesday when they face Costa Rica in another friendly.Featured image Aziz Karimov via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

NEW DELHI: Afghanistan missed a golden opportunity to dismiss the in-form Rishabh Pant on Day 2 of the one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.The incident occurred in the 89th over of India's innings when Azmatullah Omarzai induced a loud caught-behind appeal against Pant. The umpire turned down the appeal, and while Afghanistan briefly discussed the possibility of a review, wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai appeared convinced there was no edge.Trusting their wicketkeeper's judgement, Afghanistan decided against taking the DRS review.However, replays later showed that the decision could have gone in Afghanistan's favour. UltraEdge revealed a clear spike as the ball passed Pant's bat before carrying through to the wicketkeeper, suggesting there had indeed been an edge.The missed opportunity proved costly as Pant went on to score 81 off 121 balls before eventually being dismissed by Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.Pant looked set for another century but failed to convert his start. Shahidi deceived him with a flighted delivery as the left-hander charged down the track looking for a big hit. The ball turned slightly, resulting in a mistimed shot off the bottom of the bat.The ball ballooned high into the air and Azmatullah Omarzai settled under it to complete a simple catch, bringing an end to Pant's entertaining knock.Earlier, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill struck impressive centuries to put India in a commanding position.Rahul scored a composed 100 off 165 deliveries before being dismissed by Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, while Gill made 126 from 177 balls, an innings studded with 15 fours and a six. 131563086

England boss Thomas Tuchel believes fit again star Jude Bellingham heads into the World Cup in his “sweet spot”.The relationship between the Real Madrid midfielder and his national team manager has been under the spotlight since the German coach admitted last June that his mother found some of his on-field antics “repulsive”.Tuchel apologised for that remark before overlooking him for October’s camp and facing questions about recalled Bellingham’s reaction to being substituted in November’s final World Cup qualifier in Albania.An injury ruled the 22-year-old out of the March friendlies, yet he spent that time with England doing rehabilitation on a frustrating hamstring issue that may end up boosting their quest for World Cup glory.Tuchel handed Bellingham the captain’s armband for the second half of Saturday’s scrappy 1-0 warm-up friendly against New Zealand in Tampa and said: “You can see Jude has for sure the decisiveness and bite.“This is his key characteristic, but you can see that he comes from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch.“He had his break, unfortunately, in a decisive part of the season, the Champions League season and campaign for the championship in Spain, so this was very unfortunate for Real Madrid and for him personally.“But you can see now that he is actually in a sweet spot. He comes back, he’s fresh, he wants to play and he’s in top shape.”Bellingham was handed the captain’s armband for the second half of England’s 1-0 warm-up against New Zealand in Tampa (Bradley Collyer/PA)Another of England’s players to recover from a frustrating hamstring lay-off is Reece James, who won the Champions League under Tuchel during their time together at Chelsea.“I was just happy to see Reece back and fresh back in training, and with confidence in his body,” Tuchel said of the second-half introduction.“Because you can just see out there, once he has his 45 minutes, he can produce special moments anytime.“He has the body to defend on the highest level and the physicality, so it’s a full package as well.“He gives us flexibility because he plays many times for Chelsea on the six, so he is a candidate to play there as well.“At the moment he plays for us and he played for us in international football as a right full-back.“That’s for me his main position for us, but he stays as an alternative in the middle of the pitch, but Elliot (Anderson) is doing very well.“Also for Reece, he had his injury, unfortunately for him and Chelsea, but you can see now he’s actually also like reaching a kind of a sweet spot of excitement and hunger and joy to be back on the pitch.”England made the 200-mile journey back to their warm weather camp in West Palm Beach after beating New Zealand in Tampa without their key Arsenal quartet.Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze all had time off following last weekend’s agonising Champions League final loss to Paris St Germain before flying to Florida.They join the squad as preparations for the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17 continue, with Wednesday’s final friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando.James is another of England’s players to recover from a frustrating hamstring lay-off (Bradley Collyer/PA)“We wanted to play against different continents, we wanted to play against different styles and not against European teams,” Tuchel added.“Costa Rica is a football country and will bring emotions and excitement, of course.“It’s a good test for us, so to adapt to a different style, to adapt to a different mentality were the key reasons.”

Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) waits for the snap from center Ted Karras (64) during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images When Joe Burrow spoke to the media last month, he made no mistake about what his goals for the 2026 Cincinnati Bengals were. After signing Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, and trading for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, Burrow has his eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy.“We’re going to go win a lot of games this year and play great and win a Super Bowl,” Burrow said.The roster has players with Super Bowl victories on their resumes, so they will look to set that standard. Bryan Cook won a championship with the Kansas City Chiefs, and center Ted Karras won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.Karras was on First Word with James Rapien this week, and after being asked about Burrow’s comments, he offered his own perspective.“I think that’s a great goal, and it’s always our goal, but there’s a lot of football to be played until then, so I don’t concern myself with February 27 right now,” Karras stated.Karras has the same goal; he just appears to be taking a more day-by-day approach to getting there.“I’m not a prediction guy,” he said. “I’m an internal goals guy. I’ll throw out Super Bowl when it’s appropriate, but as of June 2, right now, I am going to just continue to do my job to the best of my ability.”Karras is an 11-year NFL vet who has been to the promised land twice, so his perspective will hold weight in the locker room. It seems his first goal is to take the AFC North.“You’ve got to win your division, that’s always the first goal,” he said. “And then, as we get going, the Super Bowl is always the goal, overarching. We don’t talk about that much internally, and it did fire everyone up that Joe said that, and I love that, but we have a lot of things to work on before we’re gonna be in a Super Bowl after we missed the dance three years in a row.”Burrow’s comments likely did excite the team, but Karras knows how much work there is to be done between now and then, and if there was ever a Bengals roster that should do it, this may just be the one.

PULISIC PERFORMS WELL WITH THE USA, JASHARI ALSO IN ACTIONSeveral AC Milan players were in action across the United States recently, one of the host nations for the upcoming World Cup. In San Diego, at Snapdragon Stadium, Ardon Jashari came on in the 71st minute in place of Manzambi during Switzerland’s 1-1 draw with Australia. The Rossoneri midfielder played the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time, adding valuable match fitness as he continues his preparations with the Swiss national team.Meanwhile, in Chicago, the United States played their final warm-up match before hosting the World Cup, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Germany. Leroy Sané scored the decisive goal shortly before the hour mark after Kai Havertz had given Germany the lead. Antonee Robinson had levelled for the Americans from a corner delivered by Christian Pulisic, who started the match and remained on the pitch for 62 minutes. Following his goal and assist against Senegal, it was another encouraging performance from the Rossoneri winger ahead of the tournament.Back in Europe, at Lisbon’s Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Portugal edged Chile 2-1 in a fiercely contested encounter. Rafael Leão left the field in the 47th minute following an incident late in the first half that also involved Chile defender Román, who was sent off in the same episode. Belgium, meanwhile, recorded a commanding 5-0 victory over Tunisia in another World Cup warm-up fixture. Neither Koni De Winter nor Alexis Saelemaekers featured for the Red Devils.Match kits, clothing, accessories, gift ideas and much more: visit the AC Milan online Store!

People protest demanding government to rescue the school children that were recently kidnapped in various part of the country, on the street of Abuja, Nigeria. Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Olamikan Gbemiga)2026-06-07T10:35:03Z ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The Nigerian army said Sunday it freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in southern Borno, in the northeastern part of the country.The operation, according to the army’s statement, was conducted in the Mandara mountains which form a part of the militant group’s stronghold. It resulted in the release of several people, including children, who had been abducted across different communities in Borno.Two infants “succumbed to exhaustion” due to the challenging mountainous terrain and the hardship they endured during their prolonged captivity, an army spokesperson, Haruna Sani, said.“The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group,” Sani said.Nigeria faces a complex security crisis, especially in the north where a more than decade-long insurgency and the activities of armed groups that carry out kidnappings for ransom and illegal mining have heightened the country’s security challenges. Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group and known as Islamic State West Africa Province. Last month, the West African country said its joint operation with the United States had killed 175 ISWAP fighters. The insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast has killed thousands of people and displaced millions, according to the United Nations. Analysts say not enough is being done by the government to protect its citizens, despite repeated promises by President Bola Tinubu to curb the crisis.

The championship series is moving back to the city, and NBA Fans are completely losing their minds over the latest guest list. Game three is going to be an absolute circus. The commissioner just made a massive public statement. He welcomed a highly controversial political figure to the arena. The internet completely melted down. The timeline turned into a massive political debate instantly. Nobody is talking about the actual basketball matchup anymore.A major basketball account dropped the official quote online.@TheDunkCentral shared the commissioner’s exact words.President Donald J. Trump speaks at a rally in the fieldhouse at Rockland Community College May 22, 2026.The page stated, “Adam Silver says he’s thrilled that Donald Trump is attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals.” They included the direct quote. It read, “President Trump is very much a New Yorker. I’m thrilled another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knicks team.”Adam Silver says he’s thrilled that Donald Trump is attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals“President Trump is very much a New Yorker. I’m thrilled another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knicks team.”(Via @BenGolliver ) pic.twitter.com/QhyUH7yyWI— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 4, 2026That welcoming tone immediately triggered massive anger among NBA Fans online. People absolutely hate when politicians show up to games. They brought up some incredibly dark conspiracy theories.@mattwalkeronx went straight for the absolute worst accusation possible. The user commented, “The Epstein Gang making a show of force at the NBA Finals.”That specific name drop caused a massive war in the replies. Defenders quickly rushed in to shut down the dark rumors. They demanded actual proof for the wild claims.@dreamsofl12 fired back with extreme aggression. The poster replied, “What are u f*****g yapping? He released the files and the files literally exonerate him, there was no evidence of any wrongdoing in the files.” The user then challenged the haters. They added, “Post the evidence.”Sep 26, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; President Donald Trump arrives with his granddaughter Kai to the first hole on the first day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images. NBA FansOther viewers just used the opportunity to attack different political leaders entirely. Deflecting the conversation completely,@RailroadLever dropped another controversial name into the mix. The user joked, “Nah I don’t think Bibi will be there.”NBA Fans Clash Over Controversial Remarks After Commissioner Welcomes PoliticianThe arguments quickly spiraled completely out of control. NBA Fans started bringing religion into the messy political debate. The timeline became incredibly toxic very fast. People were making massive generalizations about entire groups. The basketball community is completely ruthless on this app.One user made a bold claim about the commissioner’s personal background.@RANDYsulls questioned the outrage entirely. The poster asked, “You guys thought a Jew wouldn’t be happy to see trump ? [face with tears of joy emoji] [face with tears of joy emoji]”President Donald Trump Plays Catch to Mark the Opening Day of the Major League Baseball Season -Washington, DC – 20200723 – United States President Donald J. Trump poses for a group photo with Mariano Rivera and young players to mark the Opening Day of the Major League Baseball Season on the South Lawn of the White House -PICTURED: President Donald Trump -PHOTO by: POOL/CNP/startraksphoto.com. NBA FansThat specific religious stereotype got shut down instantly by actual community members. They rejected the blanket statement completely.@RingoIsland5 dropped a brutal reality check on the timeline. The user replied, “Funniest part is most Jews, including myself, hate that fat lard.”Other viewers found the pushback incredibly hilarious. They loved seeing the stereotype completely fail.@POTUSEIect hyped up the brutal response. The poster commented, “Dude facts! [face with tears of joy emoji]” The user then added a wild cultural comparison. They wrote, “It’s like a goy seeing spare ribs.”The internet is just totally unhinged today. NBA Fans cannot just watch a basketball game normally anymore. Every single event turns into a massive culture war. The off-court drama is totally exhausting right now. The players just need to tip the ball already. We need the focus back on the hardwood. NBA Fans will definitely keep arguing until the final buzzer sounds.

The Miami Heat and the New York Knicks are the teams most frequently mentioned when it comes to a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there is another team that could emerge as a serious contender. This team is younger and may be even more desperate to reach the next level.The Milwaukee Bucks star is reportedly open to joining a new team, and the organization’s ownership has confirmed that trading away the franchise cornerstone who has led the team for the past 13 years is not off the table. The Heat are reportedly engaged in ongoing discussions with the Bucks.Meanwhile, the Knicks have recently cooled their interest as they focus on their NBA Finals run. They currently hold a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs and will play Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.The Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers have also been linked to the Greek Freak. However, another team may have an advantage over the rest of the field.Sam Amick and Bucks reporter Eric Nehm revealed in an article for The Athletic that the Orlando Magic are also in the running for Antetokounmpo’s services. According to the report, the Magic first inquired about the 2021 Finals MVP before the February trade deadline, and their interest may be revived following another first-round playoff exit.The Magic’s biggest advantage is that they have an attractive trade asset to offer.“The Magic, who could offer a young franchise centerpiece in 23-year-old Paolo Banchero, were among the teams that inquired about Antetokounmpo before the February trade deadline,” the article states.“And now, with this current group having fallen well short of expectations by falling to Detroit in the first round, they employ a coach whose direct ties to Antetokounmpo have become a topic of discussion around the league since his hiring.”Giannis Antetokounmpo connection to the MagicThe coach referenced in the report is Sean Sweeney, who is currently serving as an assistant under Mitch Johnson during the NBA Finals.Sweeney was hired by the Magic on June 1 to replace Jamahl Mosley, who was dismissed shortly after the team’s first-round playoff exit. Sweeney and Antetokounmpo go way back. He served as a Bucks assistant coach from 2014 to 2018, when the Greek superstar was still developing into one of the league’s elite players.Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) passes the ball under pressure from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesSweeney was heavily involved in the team’s defensive schemes, an area in which Antetokounmpo thrived. The Greek superstar eventually won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2020.Antetokounmpo has nothing but praises when asked about Sweeney in 2018.“The killer mentality — he definitely helped me with that,” Antetokounmpo said.“It definitely comes from me and my family and the way I grew up, but having Coach Sweeney for those years, he really helped me as a player and as a person off the court.”The Magic have the assets. Giannis reportedly wants to stay in the East. The trade might not be farfetched.

Gavin McKenna headlined the 2026 NHL Draft Combine results.Not just because he’s likely to be the No. 1 pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but because he dominated fitness testing.The 5-foot-11, 170-pound left winger finished in the top-25 in eight of the 15 events held during the fitness testing at the Combine, including a top finish in the Aerobic Fitness (VO2max) test with a 65 ml/kg/min. This event measures the amount of oxygen used during maximal effort on a spin bike.McKenna’s performance comes after he opted out of the 2026 World Championships with Team Canada in order to prepare for the Combine.Other top 2026 Draft prospects, including a few potential San Jose Sharks’ picks at No. 2, also competed at the Combine.Not Ivar Stenberg though. Stenberg said he has been sick recently, and following his play at World Championships for Team Sweden, he and his advisors decided it would be best to forego the fitness portion of the Combine.“To not do it, it’s going to maybe not look too good,” Stenberg said. “But it’s dangerous to do it when you’re sick.”But Stenberg was still present at the combine and meeting with teams, including the San Jose Sharks, who took him out to dinner on Friday.Carson Carels also did not participate in the fitness portion of the Combine, but his dinner slot with the Sharks came on Thursday.Chase Reid, at 6-foot-2.5, 190 pounds, made three top-25 lists – Wingspan at 76.5 in, Bench Press Power at 6.0 Watts/KG, and Left Hand Grip at 160 lbs – but didn’t break any top-20 lists. The Sharks took Chase Reid out for dinner on Tuesday.Chase Reid first on the Wingate this morning. Great job. Pushed hard to the finish … pic.twitter.com/5IL2FmM2Q6— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) June 6, 2026And 6-foot-4, 215-pound defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, who the San Jose Sharks took out to dinner on Wednesday, finished in the top-10 on three events (VO2max, Pro Agility: Right, Pro Agility:Left) and the top-25 on six (Pull-Ups, Left Hand Grip, Wingspan).Verhoeff’s best finish was fourth with the Pro Agility Right time, which he completed in 4.3 seconds. He also placed tenth on the left side test, in 4.4 seconds. This timed test is a 5-10-5 yard shuttle that evaluates multi-directional speed, agility and whole body reaction plus control. His other top-10 finish was ninth in the VO2max test at 57.8 ml/kg/min.Ever wonder what it’s like to have people screaming in your ears while you’re furiously pedaling on a stationary bike? Keaton Verhoeff just found out. pic.twitter.com/cjPcRpvz6R— Rachel Lenzi (@rachelmlenzi) June 6, 2026Another high-end defenseman, Alberts Smits, 6-and-2.75 feet tall and 209 pounds, finished top-25 in Wing Span (14th), Right Hand Grip (14th), and Left Hand Grip (25th).Likely top center Caleb Malhotra, 6-and-1.75 feet tall and 185 pounds, did not get dinner with any teams this week, but he did score in the top-25 on six events. His highest was a sixth place at the Force Plate: Vertical Jump with 22.8 inches. He also finished 10th in the Pro Agility: Right Time at 4.4 seconds.Casey Mutryn, the brother of current Sharks prospect Teddy Mutryn, made it on four of the top-25 lists – VO2max, Anaerobic Fitness: Fatigue Index, Right Hand Grip, and Left Hand Grip.The NHL Combine fitness test is certainly important for teams to get a sense of where these prospects are at. But it’s not the be-all-end-all of “draftability” or NHL readiness. Michael Misa did not rank in the top-25 in any of the fitness categories last year. And before him, Macklin Celebrini made just a few top-25 lists in 2024.Here’s the complete top-25 in this year’s fitness tests.As for heights and weights, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers does a great job tracking that, see his work here later today.The post How Did Reid, Verhoeff, Others Fare in Combine Fitness Testing? What Were Player Heights & Weights? appeared first on San Jose Hockey Now.

England will be on the short list of 2026 World Cup favorites, but standing in the way in Group L will be Croatia.40-year-old Luka Modric — the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner after helping Croatia reach that year's World Cup final — is back for his fifth World Cup, and his Croatia squad figures to be a worthy challenger for England.England, meanwhile, will be striving to win its first World Cup since 1966. Could England end its 60-year World Cup drought in the United States as the country celebrates its 250th birthday?Here is a breakdown of Group L:World Cup Group L teamsCroatiaCroatia doesn't get mentioned enough in "World Cup favorites" conversations, but the squad with the iconic checkerboard jerseys is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Croatia was World Cup runner-up in 2018 and finished third in Qatar in 2022. In addition, Croatia was a finalist in the 2023 UEFA Nations League competition. Winning a trophy has been elusive, but it's a safe bet Croatia will be a thorn in the side of Group L favorite England, and then a tough out in the knockout stages.Key players: Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Luka ModrićEnglandWill fans of the Three Lions be singing "Football's coming home" all the way to the final on July 19? Playing in the U.S. will be a near home-field experience for England, which has a strong fan following in America. Can the team parlay that support — coupled with a talented squad — into finally getting over the top? It's been 60 years since England's lone World Cup triumph, and anything short of a title this summer will be considered a disappointment.Key players: Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo SakaGhanaGhana has been a regular at the World Cup, having qualified for five of the last six tournaments after first playing in the World Cup in 2006. Despite being one of Africa's most consistent squads on the international stage, Ghana opted for chaos before the 2026 World Cup. The team sacked coach Otto Addo just 78 days before the start of the World Cup, replacing him with Carlos Queiroz in a hire announced on April 13.Key players: Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki WilliamsPanamaPanama is making just its second World Cup appearance after finishing in 32nd place (out of 32 teams) at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. LosCanaleros face a tough task in Group L, but enter the World Cup after going unbeaten in Concacaf qualifying.Key players: Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla, Ismael Díaz, Anibal GodoyWorld Cup Group L scheduleJune 17England vs. Croatia - Dallas, 4 p.m. ET - FoxGhana vs. Panama - Toronto, 7 p.m. ET - FS1June 23England vs. Ghana - Boston, 4 p.m. ET - FoxPanama vs. Croatia - Toronto, 7 p.m. ET - FoxJune 27Panama vs. England - New York/New Jersey, 5 p.m. ET - FoxCroatia vs. Ghana - Philadelphia, 5 p.m. ET - FS1World Cup Group L predictionPredicted order of finish:EnglandCroatiaGhanaPanamaThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 World Cup Group L: Preview, predictions, schedule

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:L, 0-5 at Syracuse MetsSS George Lombard Jr. 1-4, 2 K, 1 SBRF Oswaldo Cabrera 2-4, 1 KDH Yanquiel Fernández 0-4, 1 K3B Tyler Hardman 1-3, 1 BB, 1 K, throwing error1B Seth Brown 0-4, 2 K2B Jonathan Ornelas 1-4, 1 KLF Ernesto Martinez Jr. 1-3, 1 2B, 1 KCF Kenedy Corona 1-3, 1 2B, 1 SBC Abrahan Gutierrez 0-3Adam Kloffenstein 6 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR (loss)Peter Strzelecki 1 IP, 0 R, 3 KZach Messinger 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 KDouble-A Somerset Patriots:W, 5-2 at Harrisburg SenatorsDH Jackson Castillo 1-2, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 SB, 1 CSCF Garrett Martin 0-4, 1 R, 1 K, 1 SB1B Coby Morales 1-4, 2 RBI, 3 KLF DJ Gladney 2-4, 3 RBI, 1 R, 1 K, 1 HR2B Connor McGinnis 0-3, 1 BB, 3 KC Manuel Palencia 0-4, 3 K3B Kevin Verde 1-4, 2 K, throwing errorSS Owen Cobb 0-4, 1 KRF Cole Gabrielson 2-3, 2 R, 1 KKyle Carr 5 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 9 K, 1 HR (win) — 27 strikeouts in 17 innings over his last three startsMatt Keating 0.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB (hold)Chris Veach 1.2 IP, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (hold)Ben Grable 1.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 K (hold)Will Brian 0.2 IP, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 KKyle Carr (@Yankees No. 11 Prospect) DOMINATED, picking up 8⃣ of his 9⃣ strikeouts on the sweeper! 👀5.0 IP | 4 H | 2 R | 9 K pic.twitter.com/Cf87hJDJ8c— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) June 7, 2026High-A Hudson Valley Renegades:L, 6-8 at Frederick KeysSS Kaeden Kent 4-5, 1 2B, 1 K3B Core Jackson 0-5, 1 R, 1 KDH Eric Genther 2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 K1B Kyle West 1-3, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 KRF Wilson Rodriguez 0-4, 3 K2B Roderick Arias 2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K, 1 SB — got on the board first with a second-inning blastC Josue Gonzalez 0-4, 1 KLF Josh Moylan 0-3, 1 BB, 1 KCF Camden Troyer 0-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 KChase Hampton 3 IP, 5 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 HRTanner Bauman 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 KThomas Balboni Jr. 1 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K (loss, blown save)Aaron Nixon 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 KBryce Warrecker 1 IP, 0 R, 2 HEric Genther homers on a fly ball 🦾 pic.twitter.com/qvC0AQ1lHu— Hudson Valley Renegades (@HVRenegades) June 7, 2026Low-A Tampa Tarpons:W, 4-3 vs. Palm Beach CardinalsSS Jackson Lovich 0-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 2-4, 1 R, 2 K2B Hans Montero 1-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K, 1 SB, fielding errorRF Logan Maxwell 0-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SBC Luis Puello 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 KCF Willy Montero 0-3, 1 BB, 1 KLF JoJo Jackson 1-4, 1 2B, 3 KDH Ediel Rivera 0-2, 1 RBI, 1 K1B John Cristino 0-3, 1 RBI, 1 KTyler Boudreau 7 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 HR (win)Luis Velasquez 1 IP, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (hold)Pedro Rodriguez 1 IP, 0 R (save)Florida Complex League Yankees:W, 8-1 (7) vs. FCL Tigers3B Richard Matic 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 KCF Wilberson De Pena 1-3, 1 BB, 1 CSDH Queni Pineda 1-3, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K2B Leni Done 1-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 K, 1 SBC David McCann 0-1, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SB PR-LF Diego Flores 1-1, 1 RRF Estivenzon Montero 0-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 KSS Dexters Peralta 2-3, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R — grand slam in the first to put it to bed early, plus another homer late1B-C Justin Capellan 0-1, 2 BB, 1 SB, 1 CSLF-1B Christofer Reyes 1-2, 1 BBSabier Marte 4.1 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 5 KKevin Stevens 1.2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 K (win)Alexander Almonte 1 IP, 0 R, 1 KDominican Summer League Yankees:L, 8-11 at DSL Rangers RedCF Isaias Castillo 2-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 2 K, 1 SB2B Stiven Marinez 1-5, 1 R, 1 SB, fielding errorRF Yostin Pena 1-5, 1 RBI, 1 KSS Juan Torres 3-5, 1 2B, 1 R, throwing errorC Cesar Lopez 1-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K3B Abrahan Pichardo 0-3, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 KDH Juan Martinez 3-5, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R, 2 SBLF Eliezer Adames 1-4, 1 RBI, 3 K1B Jose Peralta 1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K throwing errorVictor De Leon 1.2 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BBFreddy Lopez 2.2 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 KCesar Vivanco 1 IP, 3 R, 2 H, 1 BB (loss, blown save)Emanuel Vargas 2.1 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 KBrandon Rodriguez 0.1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 HRDominican Summer League Bombers:L, 14-15 (10) vs. DSL Mets Orange2B Dariel Santana 1-4, 2 R, 2 BB, 1 SBSS Mani Cedeno 0-5, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 KDH Carlos Bello 1-4, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 K, 2 SBRF David Carrera 0-3, 1 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 CSC Alessandro Rodriguez 1-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB C Jesus Guerrero 0-03B Germayhoni Beltre 1-4, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 KLF Richard Meran 0-4, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 SB1B Stalen Ramirez 1-4, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SBCF Alfiery Matos 0-4, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 CSCarlos Hampshire 2.2 IP, 7 R, 3 H, 4 BB, 3 K, 1 HRJhon Castro 0.1 IP, 4 R, 2 H, 4 BBLenin Caceres 1.1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 3 BB, 3 KMauricio Vargas 2.1 IP, 0 R, 4 KJosue Silvestre 2.1 IP, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 KJohn Rosillo 1 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 HR (loss)

Flamengo have NINE players they can still sell 🇧🇷Flamengo has 16 players who have not yet reached the 13-match limit in the Brasileirão and, because of that, could play for another club in the competition.Some names on that list, however, are considered untouchable.According to GE, Fla will not allow players such as Emerson Royal, Danilo, Jorginho, Arrascaeta, Paquetá, Plata, and Bruno Henrique to move to another Brazilian club. Other players with fewer than 13 matches in Série A could leave.Young center-back João Victor, for example, has played just one Brasileirão match for Fla.Forward Everton Cebolinha, with nine matches, is constantly drawing interest.Check out the list of players with fewer than 13 matches and comment on who can (and who cannot) leave in the mid-year transfer window.Fewer than 13 matches (transferable?)Vitão - 6 matchesJoão Victor - 1 matchAyrton Lucas - 9 matchesSaúl - 6 matchesErick Pulgar - 8 matchesDe la Cruz - 10 matchesWallace Yan - 6 matchesLuiz Araújo - 11 matchesEverton Cebolinha - 9 matchesFewer than 13 matches (untouchable)Emerson Royal - 8 matchesDanilo - 4 matchesJorginho - 11 matchesArrascaeta - 10 matchesPaquetá - 12 matchesGonzalo Plata - 10 matchesBruno Henrique - 12 matchesThis article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

What is Daron Payne's future with the Washington Commanders? Payne, 29, is entering his ninth NFL season in 2016. The No. 13 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Payne has spent his entire career in Washington. Before last season, when he missed two games, Payne had only missed one game in his first seven seasons, which is extremely impressive for an interior defender. Payne is entering the final year of a four-year extension he signed in 2023. After a breakout 2022 season in which he had a career-high 64 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, Washington made Payne the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL at the time, with a four-year deal worth $90 million. Over the past three seasons, Payne has had a combined 11 sacks. Whether coincidence or not, Payne seems to perform his best when he's playing for a new contract. With Payne playing on the final year of his deal in 2026, were the Commanders interested in extending him? After one of last week's OTA practices in Ashburn, Payne was asked if he was hopeful he could come to an agreement with the Commanders on a new contract before training camp begins next month. "I'm just playing football, man," Payne responded. So, have Payne's representatives and the Commanders discussed a new deal?"Not that I know of," he said. This shouldn't come as a surprise. GM Adam Peters said after the 2025 season that Laremy Tunsil was the only significant extension they'd likely discuss in this offseason. That did get done, making Tunsil, once again, the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman. Daron Payne has entered the final year of his contract.I asked the Commanders DT if he's hopeful an extension is coming before training camp?Daron said, "I'm just playing football, man."I followed up if there's been any type of dialogue?He said, "Not that I know of." pic.twitter.com/y5M1H8i2c5— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 2, 2026It's clear the Commanders like Payne. They could've traded him in either of the last two offseasons. He has the highest cap number ($27.5 million) in 2026, yet Washington was content to let Payne play on that deal. Perhaps Peters wants to see an extra-motivated Payne this season. Even if he has a big year, it doesn't mean Washington will want to pursue another long-term deal with Payne, given he'll be 30 in 2027. The 2026 season is a make-or-break one for Payne's future in Washington, something he likely knows. He appears ready for the challenge. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: What is Daron Payne's future beyond 2026?

Michel keen to reunite with Marc-André ter Stegen at Ajax“Mundo Deportivo” and “Sport” report that Michel is interested in signing Marc-André ter Stegen for Ajax Amsterdam. The 50-year-old Spaniard is named the head coach of the Eredivisie side after the end of his five-year Girona spell.Michel signed ter Stegen for Girona in the second half of last season. However, the 34-year-old shot-stopper has only played two games before a hamstring injury abruptly ended his campaign.Meanwhile, the 2024/25 Champions League participants are relegated from LaLiga after a 19th-placed finish. For Michel, the new role will be his first outside Spain, both as a player and coach.The German international is still under contract until 2028 at FC Bayern, but the former captain isn’t in the plan of fellow German Hansi Flick. His long-standing injury also ruled ter Stegen out of the World Cup. Ajax recently had a German goalkeeper with Diant Ramaj’s 18-month spell before his move to Borussia Dortmund. The traditional club will be in the Conference League next season after beating Utrecht on penalties in the playoff final.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, in theory, could probably use another scorer to help out Anthony Edwards. And Kevin Durant might need another change of scenery as the Houston Rockets continue to build a young, talented squad.But did a KD to the Timberwolves trade really happen? If you're here, you're probably wondering if that's true as speculation ran rampant across the internet this weekend.The answer is: No. Didn't happen. It seems like an article proposing the idea of a Durant and Timberwolves trade may have led to NBA fans to think that a deal went down. So Durant is still a Rocket for now. You can move on.Will the Rockets trade Kevin Durant this offseason?It's possible. Durant will turn 38 this fall and he has a year left on his contract, followed by a player option in 2027-28. So if a team is willing to take on what's probably two more years of KD's deal and the assumption that his age may start to catch up with him, it could happen.This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kevin Durant Minnesota Timberwolves trade rumors: Did it happen?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images) | AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images This post started as a lengthy reply to the many comments from yesterday’s article about Federico Chiesa possibly getting a fresh start under new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola. Somewhere around the two hundred word mark, I remembered that I’m actually a writer here in TLO Towers, and fuck it, I can just write a full column instead. I’ve also been listening to—and enjoying!—The Anfield Wrap’s annual “Transfer Committee Game” series this week. It’s a good thought experiment, but of course at the end of the day, it is just that. The real world is not nearly so simple as buying and selling players on a whim. Negotiations can drag on, or as we saw with Marc Guehi last year, break down completely in the last hours of the transfer window. When the summer transfer window slammed shut last year, there was a feeling that we had left ourselves short, both in attack and defense. As it turned out, we were probably also short in midfield as well. Some of this was Liverpool’s fault: see Guehi, above, and Alexander Isak not being fully fit to start the campaign. Some of this was tragic: Diogo Jota. And some of this was terrible bad luck: devastating, long-term injuries to Giovanni Leoni, Connor Bradley, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike. And some of this was a knock on effect of the above: having to deploy midfielders at rightback, for example. There was also the matter of Arne Slot effectively freezing players out of the squad, in a way that we really didn’t see under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership. As I wrote about yesterday, starting in March 2025, the squad’s legs simply fell off. In midfield, they seemingly never recovered throughout the 25/26 campaign. Slot’s refusal to rotate, and give fringe players consistent minutes, only exaccerbated our struggles all over the park. Not only were Liverpool severely lacking in energy last year, which managed rotation would’ve helped allieviate, but when players did come out from the cold for a 10-15 minute cameo, they were lacking rhythm and an understanding with their teammates. This led to a vicious cycle, where the fringe players did not contribute, so they got less game time, and therefore contributed even less. I’m sure the lack of roation also wasn’t good from a squad morale point of view. My feeling last summer was that we should’ve kept more fringe players around the squad, especially after losing such a quality attacker in Diogo Jota. I would’ve kept the likes of Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott around last year. Sure, Darwin might’ve burned our heads out at times, but he was always dangerous and exciting to watch. And he could create a dangerous situation out of nothing (and probably hit the crossbar, but I digress). Elliott, on the other hand, could’ve easily filled in for 30 minutes here or there in midfield or attack, and we know the talent is there to contribute goals and assists. While Isak and Ekitike were exciting signings, we were still obviously short in attack. And we still are. Hoewver, when you mention the likes of Darwin, Elliott, or Chiesa, many will reply about the overall fit of these players for a high-pressing manager like Iraola. They might not be obvious Iraola players. But do you know who wasn’t thought of as a Klopp player? A player who wasn’t particularly quick or athletic? A player that wasn’t putting up huge numbers of goals and assists? The player that Klopp most credited with being the first to “get it” after the German’s arrival? The player that collapsed into Klopp’s arms when being subbed after his first match under his leadership? The player that Klopp kept around the squad years after the team seemingly “moved on” from needing his services? Adam Lallana. Klopp was not so naive to think that it would be the likes of Adam Lallana that would bring Liverpool the top honors. No, he would need to dip into the transfer market—and he did, over several key windows in the following seasons. But he also knew that he had to build that base using the players that were already there. “Coach ‘em up” if you will. I’m hoping that Iraola will be a manager who will actually use our more fringe players. Even if the “fit” isn’t abundantly obvious on the surface, you can make up for a lot with a solid system in place. Also, pressing isn’t just about speed or athleticism, it’s about positioning, intelligence, and having the legs.So I don’t see Chiesa (or Elliott) as being automatically “not Iraola guys,” especially if they can be happy as a rotational player, picking up lots of 30’s and the occasional 60 (which was never the case under Slot). But we need legs. And we need numbers. Once again: We need legs. We need numbers.Like with Klopp’s early days, I think Iraola will be happy to work with what he has until they can be improved in the transfer window. With no disrespect to Bournemouth, Liverpool’s fringe players will very likely be better than what Iraola previously worked with. Liverpool have once again left themselves with a lot of work to do in the transfer window. And unlike Football Manager or a mock Transfer Committee game, it’s not a quick or easy fix. The more players we let go, the more players we need to recruit—either this summer, or next—in order to build a squad that can once again compete for the highest honors on multiple fronts. Chiesa and Elliott (along with any other fringe players you wish to bring into the discussion) might not be the long-term solution, but they should be seriously considered as short term solutions: players who can come in and do a job, and put 90 minutes of pressing into 30, giving some players some rest, and contributing if and when they can. Klopp always kept those kinds of guys around the squad, and also gave them enough minutes to keep them happy and give them a feeling of contribuing, and keep the squad harmoniously ticking along. I think it would be wise for Iraola learn from the past two managers (and naturally, when in doubt, emulate Kloppo).

Luke Evans, left, and Josh Rivera appear during a performance of "Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Picture Show" in New York on March 25, 2026. (Joan Marcus via AP)2026-06-07T11:26:40Z NEW YORK (AP) — Flying vampires. A musical spoof of the megahit movie “Titanic.” Another spoof, this time of golden-age Broadway musicals. And a new “Death of Salesman,” one of America’s most decorated and mournful plays. It’s Tony Awards time.Twenty-four Broadway shows will hope to nab at least one win Sunday across the 26 Tony categories, which can mean the difference between keeping the doors open and pulling down the curtain. Grammy Award-winner Pink is the host of the show, which will be broadcast live on CBS and streaming for Paramount+ subscribers in the U.S. to both coasts on Sunday from 8-11 p.m. Eastern/5-8 p.m. Pacific. Three generations of Pink’s familyPink promises a big, honking opening number — written by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Mark Sonnenblick that ends with some 170 people on stage — with lots of costume changes and some wire work, which she is familiar with from her acrobatic concerts. She has tapped Amber Ruffin, a writer and performer for “Late Night with Seth Meyers” for help with jokes.In the audience will be Pink’s mother — who took her to shows growing up in Philadelphia, instilling a love of musicals — and Pink’s two children, a passing of the musical theater baton. Pink’s 15-year-old daughter, Willow, is an aspiring theater actor and urged her to host the Tonys.“The biggest reason she wanted me to say ‘yes’ was so that she could have a seat at the show because she loves the show so much,” says Pink. “I was like, ‘I can probably get you a seat anyway.’” Plenty of performancesThere will be performances from the seven best new musical and best musical revival nominees: “The Lost Boys,” “Schmigadoon!,” “Titanique,” “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),” “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” “Ragtime” and “The Rocky Horror Show.”Other performances include the original lead cast members of “The Book of Mormon” — Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Rory O’Malley and Nikki M. James — this year celebrating its 15th anniversary. Leslie Odom, Jr. will sing “Without You” from “Rent” during the In Memoriam section, in honor of that show’s 30th anniversary. Read More Another show celebrating a milestone, “Chicago” now at 30, will have a performance slot featuring Pink, as well as Queen Latifah, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Alex Newell, Adrienne Warren, Julianne Hough, Whitney Leavitt and Dylan Mulvaney. Plus, “A Chorus Line,” which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary, will get a special tribute by Rachel Zegler. The musical and play racesThe competition for best new musical is between four very different shows: “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),” an opposites-attract rom-com; “The Lost Boys,” a stage adaptation of a 1987 teen movie vampire thriller; “Schmigadoon!,” which gently mocks golden-age Broadway shows; and “Titanique,” a camp musical comedy that reimagines the 1997 movie “Titanic.”The two top best play nominees are “Giant,” exploring accusations of antisemitism against children’s author Roald Dahl, and “Liberation,” about a consciousness-raising women’s group in the 1970s that explores inequality, gender roles and racism.There are intriguing races in both the revival categories: A “Death of a Salesman” led by Nathan Lane is competing for best play revival with a modern-set “Oedipus” led by Marc Strong and a sweet “Every Brilliant Thing” starring Daniel Radcliffe. The best musical revival pits a new “Cats” reimagined as a “Pose”-like competition show, the sweeping American history show “Ragtime” and a rollicking, frisky “The Rocky Horror Show.” Bill Rauch, who secured his first Tony nomination for co-directing the reimagined “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” was a nominator for three seasons until this one and is impressed by the range now on Broadway.“I look at everything as an artist within the season, but also as somebody who has seen the wealth of work on Broadway for three years running,” he said. “I just think there’s so much variety on Broadway and so many artistic risks that people take. I left my three years as a nominator really impressed by the landscape, I have to say. And I feel that this year as well.” June Squibb became the oldest Tony-nominated actor in history at 96 and could become the oldest Tony winner if she hears her name called, surpassing Lois Smith who was 90 when she won in 2021. And Lane is hoping for his fourth Tony for “Death of a Salesman,” which would make him tied as the most-awarded male performer in Tony history, alongside Boyd Gaines and Frank Langella.___For more coverage of the 2026 Tony Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards. MARK KENNEDY Kennedy is a theater, TV, music, food and obit writer and editor for The Associated Press, as well as a critic for theater, movies and music. He is based in New York City. twitter mailto 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

There’s no better time than early summer to put away your phone and get some fresh air. We have a challenge to help you actually do it.

Several former New York Giants players made significant impacts in the UFL during the 2026 regular season, with some standout performances that helped carry their teams into the playoffs.While 19 ex-Giants saw action across the league, a handful stood out with impressive statistical rankings.RB Deon JacksonJackson led the UFL in rushing yards with 449 and topped the league with seven rushing touchdowns, showcasing his continued effectiveness as a ground attacker.RB Jashaun CorbinCorbin finished third in rushing yards (438), led the league in rushing attempts (131), and placed third in all-purpose yards (878), proving to be a versatile offensive weapon.WR Jaydon MickensMickens ranked second in the UFL in receptions (44) and third in receiving yards (587), providing reliable production in the passing game.LB Tae CrowderCrowder paced the league with 83 tackles and tied for third with two interceptions, anchoring the defense with his physical play.These contributions highlight the lasting talent pipeline from the Giants organization into the UFL.This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Ex-New York Giants RB Deon Jackson led UFL in rushing during 2026 season

Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.During the Lakers' 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.Even as the Lakers won championship after championship during the decade of the 1980s, they were seen as being relatively weak at the power forward position. In 1985, they took a significant step toward rectifying that issue when they took A.C. Green, a 6-foot-9 prospect from Oregon State University, with the No. 23 pick in the NBA draft.He didn't play a lot as a rookie, but early in his second year, he became a regular starter and supplanted Kurt Rambis in the team's starting five. Green wasn't a true scoring threat, but he could hit the 18-to-20-foot jumper, as well as run the floor and finish in transition, and while he was a lean 225 pounds, he was physical and very active defensively and on the boards.With him holding down the 4 position, the Lakers won NBA championships in 1987 and 1988, giving them five titles in the decade and making them the team of the 1980s. Green spent each of his first eight seasons with the team and averaged 11.3 points and 7.9 rebounds a game during that time.He left the team in 1993, but he returned six years later to help a new generation of Lakers players reach the promised land. By this time, Green wasn't quite the same player, but his defense, rebounding and experience helped Los Angeles win it all in 2000 for the first time with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.After one more season with the Miami Heat, Green retired from the NBA with career averages of 9.6 points and 7.4 rebounds in 28.6 minutes per game. Not only did he win three world titles, but he also established a league record by playing in 1,192 consecutive games, a streak that started in the fall of 1986 and lasted until his final game in 2001.This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 45 — A.C. Green

The Washington Huskies have pulled in arguably the nation's best crop of wide receivers in the 2027 class, thanks to one of college football's top recruiters.After securing a pledge from four-star wide receiver Dontay Tyson on Friday night, position coach Kevin Cummings rocketed up almost 40 spots in 247Sports' rankings of the nation's best recruiters to No. 8. He has also been at the forefront of earning pledges from three other blue-chip prospects in the cycle: four-star wide receivers Tre Moore, Braylon Pope, and Zerek Sidney.For Cummings, this feels like overdue recognition for what has been three very strong cycles on the recruiting trail since his arrival on Montlake.In the 2025 class, the Huskies pulled in five receivers, headlined by four-star prospects Raiden Vines-Bright and Chris Lawson, while three-stars Marcus Harris, Deji Ajose, and Dezmen Roebuck rounded it out. Vines-Bright made 11 starts as a true freshman before transferring to Arizona State, while Roebuck earned Freshman All-American honors after hauling in 42 catches for 560 yards and 7 touchdowns in a strong statement for Cummings both on and off the field.The position coach followed that up with an even bigger showing in 2026, dipping into Oklahoma to earn a pledge from four-star Mason James, Louisiana to get four-star Trez Davis, and Texas to flip four-star Jordan Clay away from Baylor. He also showed off his ability to identify talent by grabbing three-star Blaise LaVista from Illinois as a late riser in the cycle before a knee injury derailed his senior season.When adding in the four four-star recruits in the 2027 class, as the Huskies continue their push for a fifth in four-star Osani Gayles, that brings Cummings up to nine blue-chip commitments in the last three years.This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies WR coach ranked among nation's ten best recruiters

Oregon has dominated the Big Ten during its two seasons in the conference. Now it would like to be a more consistent podium contender on the national stage.The Ducks will get their chance this week when the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships take place June 10-13 at Hayward Field.The men will compete Wednesday and Friday, the women will compete Thursday and Saturday.Both the men’s and women’s meets are projected to be dominated by one team, with everyone else battling for a top-four finish.In the men’s meet, Arkansas is the clear favorite with Oregon among a handful of teams in the next tier of contenders.It’s the same story in the women’s meet, with Georgia dominating the form chart and the Ducks expected to be among the teams fighting for second place.“I’m really optimistic with both the men and women,” Oregon coach Jerry Schumacher said. “I’m excited to see what we can do. I acknowledge the fact that Arkansas on the men’s side and Georgia on the women’s side, really appear to be the frontrunners. But you know, that’s why we’re gonna have the meet.”Oregon, fresh off its triple-crown success in conference championships in which both the men and women won Big Ten titles in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track, has 15 scoring opportunities in each meet.That includes four favorites to win individual titles this week.For the men, Simeon Birnbaum and Ben Smith are ranked No. 1 in the 1,500 meters and shot put, respectively. Birnbaum is also entered in the 5,000 and Smith in the discus.The Ducks also have several others who are veterans of NCAA championship meets.Kobe Lawrence was fourth in the shot put last season and second at the NCAA indoor meet in March.Elliott Cook was the NCAA outdoor runner-up in the 1,500 in 2024, Benjamin Balazs was seventh in the 3,000 steeplechase last season, and Luke Tewalt, a transfer from Wake Forest, was fourth in the 5,000 in 2023.“I think we have opportunities to upset the form chart,” Schumacher said.It’s not much different for the Oregon women, who have a pair of No. 1 performers in Aaliyah McCormick in the 100 hurdles and Sharifa Davronova in the triple jump.McCormick is the defending champ in her event, as well as the NCAA indoor 60 hurdle champ. At the NCAA West First Round meet in Arkansas on May 30, McCormick shattered the Oregon school record when she ran 12.44 seconds to take down the previous UO record of 12.69 set by Alaysha Johnson in 2017.“She’s incredible,” Schumacher said. “You can never say enough about her. She’s incredible as a person, incredible as a student athlete, she’s a leader, and this team knows that when Aaliyah steps on the track, she’s all business.”The women also have a handful of proven scorers among their qualifiers, including three in the 1,500.Wilma Nielsen is the back-to-back indoor mile champ, Juliet Cherubet – who is also entered in the 5,000 – is a three-time cross country all-American and the 2026 Big Ten champion in the 1,500, and Silan Ayyildiz is also a two-time cross-country all-American who was fourth in the 1,500 last season.Hepathlete Liisa-Maria Lusti is the 2026 NCAA indoor pentathlon champion.“I think we’re still a bit of a sleeper,” Schumacher said. “You got to go out there and put those points on the board and I think we’re very capable of putting a lot of points up there.”Oregon men's qualifiers for the NCAA Outdoor ChampionshipsBenjamin Balazs – 3,000 steeplechaseTre Betts – triple jumpSimeon Birnbaum – 1,500/5,000Evan Burke – 10,000Elliott Cook – 1,500Kai Graves-Blanks – 110 hurdlesKobe Lawrence – shot putTomas Palfrey – 1,500Ben Smith – shot put/discusLuke Tewalt – 5,000Daniel Thrana – javelinPat Vialva – javelinKai Grave-Blanks, PJ Ize-Iyamu, Grant Valley, Jaelon Barbian – 4x100 relayOregon women's qualifiers for the NCAA Outdoor ChampionshipsCassandra Atkins – triple jumpSilan Ayyildiz – 1,500Marie Josee Bovele-Linaka – discusDiana Cherotich – 10,000Juliet Cherubet – 1,500/5,000Sharifa Davronova – triple jumpMicaela De Mello – 100 hurdlesGreyson Glivinski – javelinAlicia Khunou – shot put/discusLiisa-Maria Lusti – heptathlonAaliyah McCormick – 100 hurdlesWilma Nielsen – 1,500Brazil Neal, Amirah Shaheed, Lakely Doht-Barron, Lily Jones – 4x100 relayHow to watch the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field ChampionshipsTV:Wednesday: 5 p.m., ESPNThursday: 5 p.m., ESPN2Friday: 5 p.m., ESPN2Saturday: 5 p.m., ESPN2Stream: ESPN+NCAA Outdoor Championships links ScheduleLive resultsChris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him at chansen@registerguard.com and you can follow him on X @chansen_RGThis article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Ducks look to upset favorites at NCAA Outdoor Championships

It isn't much of a stretch to call a member of the All-Big Ten Freshman Team a rising star in the world of college softball, but it's also difficult to understate the impact that outfielder Kaycie Burdick had on the Washington Huskies in 2026.Burdick, who also found her name on the NFCA All-Mountain Region Third Team, was nothing short of stellar in her first season on Montlake. After taking over as the leadoff hitter and full-time center fielder midway through the year, she posted a .374 batting average and 38 runs scored, both of which were good for No. 2 on coach Heather Tarr's team.The biggest reason that Burdick found herself at the top of the order was her consistency in getting on base. She accrued 61 hits and 21 walks on the year to lift her to a .455 on-base percentage, and added a pair of home runs and 30 runs batted in.First career home run and it's a GRAND SLAM for Kaycie Burdick! 💣 📺 @ESPNPluspic.twitter.com/wDIq5nfRFf— Washington Softball (@UWSoftball) March 24, 2026Burdick was also extremely reliable defensively, with just a single error across 65 chances on the season, while she was credited with 3 assists.Her 55 games played were the most of any member of Tarr's freshman class, and after the Huskies were knocked out in the NCAA Regional round for the third straight season, that experience will be valuable heading into the 2027 season for a team that is losing just one player to graduation.As Tarr looks for her to take the next step in her development ahead of her sophomore year, Burdick may look to cut down on strikeouts next. Her 34 strikeouts were the second-most on the team, and if she can cut down on that number, her speed on the bases can put additional pressure on teams with stars Alexis DeBoer and Giselle Alvarez behind her in the lineup.This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington softball boasts a rising star in OF Kaycie Burdick

Boys' track and fieldMIAA Meet of Champions: Clinton junior Sean Blaze finished second in the 100 with a time of 10.64 to highlight a solid showing from local athletes on the second and final day of competition at Merrimack College on Saturday.On Thursday, Blaze took third in the 200 (21.84) to qualify in both events for the New England Championships, which will take place on June 13 at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine. The top six finishers in each event qualify for the New England meet.Other strong local finishes included Millbury's Jayden Delaleu, who took third in the high jump at 6-6, while Worcester Tech's Gershom Opoku took ninth (6-4). Hopedale's Ari Levine placed fourth in the shot put (57-1.5) and Doherty's Ayden Collins placed 12th (50-8.25) and Narragansett's Jordan Baumann was fifth in the 110 hurdles (14.73).Wachusett senior Amani Mbugua was seventh in the 400 (49.21) and Groton-Dunstable junior Andrew Kosiba was eighth in the mile (4:18.85), while Parker's Nathaniel Henshaw (4:19.84) took 11th.Groton-Dunstable senior Alexander Crouse was eighth in the javelin (165-6) and Blackstone-Millville's Jackson Dunton placed 11th (158-5) and Nashoba's Brady Mignault was 15th (155-5).Westborough senior Dylan Hosein was the top local finisher in the pole vault, taking ninth at 12-6. The Rangers also had senior Aidan Lawyer (12th, 12-6) and Gerald Qiu (14th, 12-0) perform well.Worcester Tech's 400 relay team of Sonset Mas-Oud, Wellington Freeman, Noah Jones and Francis Manneh placed 11th (43.31) and Eagles' Joel Rodriguez, Nana Brempong, Emmanuel Mireku and Kayden Grey placed eighth in the 1,600 relay (3:25.61), besting St. John's group of Daniel Toland, Patrick Reine, Srikar Choudary Adusumilli and Rory Andrew that took 14th (3:27.77).Girls' track and fieldMIAA Meet of Champions: Tyngsborough freshman Savannah Jansson was second in the high jump (5-6), while Littleton's Bridgit Stevens (12th, 5-0) and Algonquin teammates Charlotte Lipka and Niamh O'Sullivan each tied for 12th at 5 feet as several local athletes posted fine performances on the second and final day of competition at Merrimack College on Saturday.Jansson's performance in the high jump, as well as her sixth-place finish in the 400 hurdles on Thursday, earned her a spot at the New England Championships, which will take place on June 13 at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine. The top six finishers in each event qualify for the New England meet.Central Mass. also had a pair of athletes qualify for New Englands in the shot put, as Auburn's Isabel Zukowski took third (39-10.50) and Shrewsbury's Hawa Fofana was fifth (38-8.50). Quabbin's Abigail Falconi took ninth (36-1.50) and Wachusett's Bronwyn Daly (14th, 34-5) also performed well.Blackstone-Millville sophomore Abigail Bilodeau placed fourth in the 400 (56.67). Algonquin's Tanvi Mehta was 13th (58.92).Ayer-Shirley senior Lorelai Levy placed fifth in the 100 hurdles with a school-record time of 14.85.Westborough's Al Regnier, who won the pentathlon on Thursday, was sixth in the long jump (18-9.25), topping Wachusett's Stella Morneault (ninth, 18-6) for the top local finish.Central Mass. had a strong showing in the 100, as Fitchburg sophomore Jayzelle Florival was fifth (12.28), Wachusett freshman Terry Kwarteng was sixth (12.34), Ayer-Shirley freshman Roxanne McKenzie placed seventh (12.39) and Tantasqua senior Keoni Savoie was eighth (12.42).Whitinsville Christian junior Abby Flagg was 10th in the mile (5:01.42), besting Groton-Dunstable senior Meghan McEleney (13th, 5:03.81) and her twin sister Emily Flagg (14th, 5:03.86) for the top local finish.Ayer-Shirley's 400 relay team of J'Aliyah Mayes, Abbigail Stull, Lauren Gaudet and Roxane McKenzie was sixth (49.26), Westborough's quartet of Regnier, Joshikaa Nandgiri, Imani Curran and Ashley Wegiel took eighth in a school record time of 49.55 and the Wachusett foursome of Morneault, Lisa Fagboore, Paige Dailey and Kwarteng was 12th (49.99).Wachusett's 1,600 relay team of Madison Benson, Witt, Elena Annunziata and Annika Kindorf placed sixth (4:00.75), while AMSA's Miliana Milatovic, Maya Jenkins, Jalila Menkari and Elizabeth Zickus placed 12th (4:02.80) and Algonquin's Isabella Wu, Hadley Anglim, Ciara O'Sullivan and Mehta took 14th (4:06.25).Wachusett's 3,200 relay team of Annika Kindorf, Mackenzy Perry, Hadley Castellani-Heller and Naomi Witt took 10th (9:34.53).Douglas senior Madelyn Greenough was first in the shot put para ambulatory division with a toss of 12-10.50, while Notre Dame Academy junior Madelyn Wilson won the 1 mile (5:33.27) and the 400 (1:19.18). in the wheelchair divisions.This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Local track stars shine on final day of MIAA Meet of Champions

Lamine Yamal cleared for Spain’s World Cup opener as Barcelona approve phased comebackBarcelona have been maintaining a close eye on Lamine Yamal’s recovery and injury status at the Spanish national team and are actively ensuring that his situation is handled well.Their external physiotherapist, Fernando Galan, is part of La Roja’s medical team and is serving as a useful intermediary between Barcelona and the national team camp.He has been monitoring Yamal’s recovery from injury right from the get-go, and is continuing to do so and keep Barcelona updated in the process. On that front, a big decision has been reached about Yamal’s return.Ready for the openerAs confirmed by Diario AS in a recent report, Barcelona see that the initially stipulated six-week window has been crossed, and that if there is no further setback, the youngster can participate in Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde.Yamal has been working on his recovery in coordination with club and country. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)There are, however, some strict conditions under which they prescribe that the return be allowed including a gradual and phased return to action.Barcelona see it fit for Yamal to play just fifteen minutes in Spain’s first game of the tournament and if his feelings are positive, between 45 and 60 minutes in the second game against Saudi Arabia. A starter for the big gameThe idea and purpose of the phased approach with Yamal is to ensure he has no relapse and that he is ready for when the big games in the event start. If Spain follow Barcelona’s ‘rules’, the player will be ready to start Spain’s third game against Uruguay.Yamal will feature in Spain’s WC opener. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)As the tournament grows deeper, Spain’s necessity to have Yamal on the field for the entire game will grow astronomically and it is in the team’s best interest to ensure he is slowly brought up to speed.After all, the opening two games may not be as challenging as the ones to follow, and it is best to hand the rest where it is possible with minimal consequences.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have taken the IPL 2026 season by storm, but the teenage sensation will have to wait a little longer before enjoying one of the biggest rewards from his record-breaking campaign.The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals star was gifted a brand-new Tata Sierra SUV after sweeping multiple individual awards at the IPL 2026 presentation ceremony. Sooryavanshi finished the tournament as the Orange Cap winner with 776 runs and also took home the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Emerging Player of the Season awards.While the luxury SUV became one of the highlights of the awards night, a humorous reality quickly caught the attention of fans, Sooryavanshi is still too young to legally drive it. Under Indian law, the minimum age required to obtain a driving licence for a private vehicle is 18. As a result, the teenage batting prodigy will have to wait another three years before getting behind the wheel of his prize.'Licence aane do'In a video shared by Rajasthan Royals on social media, Sooryavanshi was asked about receiving the car after previously driving only toy vehicles with a remote control. Speaking to RR team manager Romi Bhinder, the youngster gave a candid and light-hearted response."3 saal baad tak rakhunga. Abhi to licence aane do, uske baad chalaunga," Vaibhav Sooryanashi said.("I'll keep it for three years. First let me get my licence, then I'll drive it.")"Papa ko bolunga chalane, bagal mein baithunga," he added.("I'll ask my father to drive it, and I'll sit beside him.")— rajasthanroyals (@rajasthanroyals) A season for the history booksSooryavanshi's remarkable IPL 2026 campaign turned him into one of the biggest stories of the season. Opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals, the teenager amassed 776 runs, the highest tally in the tournament, while playing a fearless brand of cricket against some of the world's best bowlers. His performances earned him the Orange Cap, the MVP award, and the Emerging Player of the Season honour, making him the standout individual performer of the tournament. 131563777The breakthrough season has also been rewarded at the international level, with the youngster earning a maiden call-up to India's T20I squad for Ireland, England tour and Asian Games 2026.

Last year, Drake Maye was an MVP candidate in his first season in Josh McDaniels' offense. This year, McDaniels thinks Maye can be even better.McDaniels said Maye is showing at offseason workouts that he has a firm grasp of the offense, whereas last year at this time, he was just learning McDaniels' system. That makes a big difference."This offseason is different than last," McDaniels said. "Last offseason, we were just getting to know the language and learning how to operate within a system of offensive football. This year, we're trying to take that and then go to the next phase of that, the next level of that, in his case which is obviously playing the position of quarterback. He knows a hell of a lot more than he did last year at this time. He's trying to either really turn the corner and perfect some things that he has an opportunity to do that with, or trying to learn a few new things and evolve as a player and as an offense. He's had a great attitude. Super fun to be around every day. Fun like he was last year, but it's a more accelerated version."With the addition of A.J. Brown adding a big weapon to the passing game, there's every reason for the Patriots to be optimistic that Maye can be an MVP candidate again. McDaniels is liking what he's seeing.