NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Brown thought he was finished with his news conference Sunday when a voice called out from the back of the interview room.Fat Joe wanted the mic.The rapper gave the New York Knicks coach some grief about the kind of sneakers he wears, then asked for an autographed pair if they win the championship, as the team's celebrity fans got into the action during a practice day at the NBA Finals.Actor Ben Stiller also was at Madison Square Garden, taking video and meeting the coach for the first time.“A great day for me today,” Brown said at the start of his remarks. “For the first time I got a chance to meet Ben Stiller. I don’t know if he’s in here or not. I actually gave him a handshake and a hug. I got my man Fat Joe sitting in the back. This is a great day for Mike Brown.”Stiller was indeed there, recording from a position toward the side of the room.Brown, in his first season in New York, recently said Fat Joe was the celebrity he had gotten to know best. His wife noticed Stiller standing on the court when the Knicks clinched the Eastern Conference championship in Cleveland, but she was too shy to ask to take a photograph.The Knicks' celebrity fans, including the likes of director Spike Lee and actors Tracy Morgan and Timothée Chalamet, having been following the team at home and on the road during the postseason. Fat Joe said the trip to the NBA Finals, the Knicks' first since 1999, has brought the city together.“I’ve seen Hasidic Jews breakdancing with Black kids outside the stadium. This is the greatest unification you’ve ever seen of this New York City in your life since 9/11,” he said. "If you want to know what we felt like in 9/11 after the tragedy, it’s what you’re seeing around New York City, is everybody together. This is insane.“I’ve got a friend, he puts a screen in his backyard. He said the whole neighborhood, people he’s never talked to in his life are walking through his house, opening the refrigerator. This is like, unbelievable.”___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Maryland Drag Racer Thomas Logue Killed in Nitrous Bottle Explosion at HomeThe drag racing community is grieving after 33-year-old Maryland racer Thomas Logue was killed in a nitrous bottle explosion at his Elkton, Maryland, home on June 5. The sudden tragedy has once again put a spotlight on the hidden dangers that come with high-performance components when they are stored and handled outside the controlled environment of a race track.According to investigators, Logue had only recently purchased the car involved in the incident. The vehicle was equipped with a nitrous oxide system, and around 8:30 p.m. on Friday the nitrous bottle suffered a catastrophic failure. The rupture sent shrapnel and metal fragments flying through the surrounding area. Logue was struck and fatally injured. His wife, who was nearby at the time, was also hit by debris and injured, though she is expected to recover.The exact cause of the failure remains under investigation. Authorities have not ruled out heat as a contributing factor, a known risk with pressurized nitrous cylinders that can experience dangerous internal pressure spikes when exposed to elevated temperatures. Nitrous bottles are filled with liquid nitrous oxide under high pressure, and as temperature rises, so does the pressure inside the cylinder. Without a properly functioning relief valve, or with a compromised bottle, that pressure can exceed the container's limits with devastating results.For racers, the incident is a sobering reminder that a freshly acquired car can carry unknown history. When buying a used vehicle equipped with a nitrous system, there is often no way to know how old the bottle is, whether it has been properly maintained, whether the safety blow-off disc is intact, or how it has been stored. Components that look fine on the surface can still be compromised internally.In the wake of the tragedy, David Vasser at Nitrous Outlet is urging racers to revisit proper bottle handling and safety procedures. He is encouraging enthusiasts to inspect their cylinders, replace aging or questionable hardware, and take advantage of the company's bottle trade-in program for older or suspect cylinders. The message echoes a broader push within motorsports to treat off-track equipment with the same respect and caution applied at the starting line.Logue's death is the latest in a string of losses that have shaken the racing world in recent times. The sport has repeatedly been reminded of how quickly things can turn, both on the strip and away from it. As the investigation continues, the community is rallying around Logue's family while renewing calls for vigilance around nitrous systems, pressurized components, and the routine maintenance that keeps racers safe.Source

Image Credit: Motorsport Photography F1 / Shutterstock.Lewis Hamilton turned his Monaco Grand Prix podium into a public romantic moment with Kim Kardashian watching from below.The Ferrari driver finished second at the 2026 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, June 7, then blew a kiss toward Kardashian from the podium as she filmed him. People reported that the moment came after Hamilton claimed another strong result during his first season with Ferrari.Kardashian attended the race in Monte Carlo with sister Khloé Kardashian and family friend Simon Huck. A day earlier, the group had also been seen in Monaco as Hamilton prepared for qualifying.Hamilton Finished Second in a Chaotic Monaco RaceFormula 1 reported that Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the race, with Hamilton finishing second for Ferrari. Isack Hadjar completed the podium for Red Bull after a post-race review.The race had multiple retirements, a late red flag, and a restart. Reuters reported that Antonelli led from pole position and held off Hamilton to become the youngest winner of the Monaco Grand Prix.For Hamilton, the result added another major podium to his Ferrari season. Sky Sports reported that Hamilton moved ahead of George Russell in the championship standings after the race.Kardashian Filmed the Podium Gesture View this post on Instagram A post shared by FORMULA 1® (@f1)People reported that Kardashian recorded Hamilton during the podium celebration as he blew a kiss in her direction. The clip quickly became one of the most shared celebrity moments from the Monaco race weekend.Kardashian’s Monaco appearance had already drawn attention before race day. People reported that she was spotted at the Grand Prix with Khloé and Huck on June 6, supporting Hamilton as he competed for Ferrari.Monaco gave the relationship a much louder public setting than a private dinner or vacation photo. Kardashian was not only seen near Hamilton’s racing world; she was standing under the podium as he celebrated one of his strongest results of the season.The Couple Has Been Drawing Attention Since Earlier This YearImage Credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.People reported that romance rumors around Kardashian and Hamilton began in February after the two were linked to a meetup in Paris. The outlet also reported that their connection appeared more serious after Hamilton was seen spending time with Kardashian and her children in Tokyo.The couple has kept many details private, but their public appearances have made the relationship harder to ignore. Kardashian’s Monaco weekend gave fans a rare look at her supporting Hamilton during a major race rather than at a fashion event or private outing.Monaco Added Fashion to the Racing StoryKardashian’s Monaco arrival also became part of the weekend’s fashion coverage. She was photographed in Monte Carlo in a full black Gucci leather look before later appearing in a softer race-day outfit.Hamilton brought his own paddock style to the weekend. People reported that he arrived at the Monaco paddock in a sheer, long-sleeved sequin top, tan trousers, sunglasses, and diamond jewelry.The fashion attention did not replace the race result. Hamilton finished second, Antonelli won from pole, and Kardashian filmed the podium celebration as Hamilton sent the kiss from above.

COLUMBUS — Madison's Addison Wesley looked battle worn, but ready for the next challenge Saturday afternoon during the Division II girls shot put competition at the Ohio High School Athletic Association Jesse Owens State Track Championships in Columbus.The heavy wrap on the senior's upper left leg was in place to control a hip strain incurred while throwing discus two weeks ago at the district meet, Madison throws coach Mike Martin said.He said the injury ended up hurting her chances to qualify in the discus, but she nursed through it in the shot put.Martin said she wasn't able to qualify in the discus because of the painful injury, but earned seventh place medal in the D-II shot put for her efforts. She hoped to make the finals from the first heat."Walking into the state meet, I was seeded 13th," Wesley said. "Coming out seventh place was amazing. To see all the hard work I put in, to be shown at the state track meet was great."If I wasn't injured, I would've loved to see where my mark would have been. But I cannot complain, that podium felt very nice."The 39'03.25" throw unleashed a huge smile, and a sense she could reach the finals.In the finals, Wesley held her place with the earlier throw, and ended walking from the throws area back to Jesse Owens Stadium for the awards presentation.Avon Lake sophomore Rileigh Scarvelli took first place with a throw of 45'3".After the throwers were placed on their appropriate numbers, each was given their medal and family and friends gathered for pictures.Marin and Wesley also took time to get a picture by the electronic scoreboard, in the throwing area, that showed her name and distance.Martin said they had to change her training significantly the last several weeks because of the painful injury."We got with our trainer, wrapped it up," he said. "We were very judicious with our training."Wesley was limited to three hard throws a day this past week. The throws were at maximum level and right around the 40'0" mark, Martin said."She has been a four-year letterman," Martin said of his shot putter that threw in the 38s last year before moving up to a best throw of 39'11" earlier this season.In March, Wesley threw 39'0.75" in the D-II shot and finished second in the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Indoor State Meet at SPIRE Academy."She is a super, super kid who has done everything I asked of her," Martin said of her commitment level.Wesley is planning to continue her education at Walsh University this fall and has committed to the school's STUNT team.At this time, she said she said she is not planning to throw in college.

The Knicks’ run to the NBA finals has created a feverish atmosphere in New York.Photograph: Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty ImagesThe New York Knicks are warning fans to bring as little as possible to Monday night’s Game 3 of the NBA finals at Madison Square Garden, which Donald Trump plans to attend.The Knicks are encouraging fans to arrive at least two hours before tipoff as part of enhanced security measures due to the president’s attendance. The New York Police Department also announced it will cancel a watch party outside Madison Square Garden as part of the measures. The decision was made after discussion between the Secret Service and the NYPD. There was trouble at the watch party outside the venue on Friday when more than 20 people were arrested as people celebrated the team’s win in Game 2 of the finals.Related: NBA finals: Knicks within two wins of elusive title after holding off Spurs in Game 2The Knicks said on Saturday that a strict no-bag policy will be in place and that there will be airport-style “screening procedures” for fans when they enter Madison Square Garden for the game, which is scheduled to start at 8.40pm local time.Trump confirmed last week that he will attend the game between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the first NBA finals game in New York City since 1999. He has already attended a number of major sporting events in his second term, including the 2025 Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Ryder Cup.Trump is not expected to be the only prominent political figure at the Garden. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has also said he plans to attend Monday’s game, though he suggested there is little chance he will cross paths with Trump.“I will be in a very different section,” Mamdani said last week.The mayor’s office said Mamdani would be paying his own way for a ticket. Trump, meanwhile, said he would be attending as Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s guest, setting up a finals scene that could feature two of New York’s most prominent political figures under one roof.The game will take place amid a fevered atmosphere in New York as the Knicks attempt to win their first NBA title since 1973. They lead the Spurs 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and are on a 13-game winning streak.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has acknowledged concerns surrounding the Lord's pitch used for the opening Test between England and New Zealand, admitting that the surface did not meet the standards expected at the iconic venue.Following England's 115-run victory on Sunday, the MCC released a statement addressing the behaviour of the pitch, which came under scrutiny for its inconsistent bounce throughout the match."We recognise that the pitch for this Test has shown more variable bounce than we would have wanted."We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are naturally frustrated when a surface falls short of those expectations."The club stressed that significant resources are devoted each year to preparing playing surfaces at Lord's. It pointed to ongoing investment in pitch maintenance, research and specialist expertise aimed at producing balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers."MCC invests significantly each year in the preparation of the Main Square at Lord's, as well as in research, technology and expertise aimed at producing pitches that provide a fair and consistent contest between bat and ball."The statement also highlighted the weather challenges faced by the groundstaff in the build-up to the match. According to the MCC, unusually hot and dry conditions during May were followed by wetter weather closer to the Test, creating complications during pitch preparation."The unusually hot and dry weather during May, followed by wetter conditions in the lead-up to the match, presented a number of challenges in preparing the pitch."While acknowledging the issues, the MCC said it is already focused on making improvements and implementing plans outlined in its recently released cricket strategy."However, we fully recognise the need to act quickly. We will remain fully focused on applying all aspects of pitch development and improvement as outlined in our recently published MCC Cricket Strategy 2026-29."The pitch proved highly favourable to seam bowling throughout the contest. England completed a comprehensive 115-run win on the fourth morning after dismissing New Zealand for 138 while defending a target of 254.New Zealand resumed Day 4 at 55/5 but lost their remaining wickets inside 40.3 overs. Gus Atkinson starred with career-best figures of 5/30, while Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue chipped in with two wickets apiece. Devon Conway top-scored with 41, while Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 44.The match was dominated by fast bowlers from start to finish, with only 166 overs required across four innings to produce a result. After being bowled out for 140 in their first innings despite Harry Brook's 56, England hit back strongly as Robinson's 5/39 helped dismiss New Zealand for 113 and secure a 27-run lead.England then posted 226 in their second innings, thanks to Emilio Gay's patient 57 and Jamie Smith's 39. Although Nathan Smith claimed career-best figures of 6/70, the hosts set New Zealand a challenging target that ultimately proved beyond reach.Robinson's first-innings five-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award as England took a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series. The teams will now head to The Oval for the second Test, which begins on June 17.

ST. LOUIS – The Cincinnati Reds got a much-needed pitcher back from the injured list and got two home runs from a struggling hitter in the series finale.But what they didn't get was enough to beat the Cardinals even once during a Cards' three-game sweep that included back-to-back game-winners in the eighth inning – including errors that allowed the decisive runs to score in St. Louis' 5-3 victory over the Reds on Sunday, June 7.After a pair of singles to open the eighth put Cards at first and second, reliever Sam Moll fielded No. 9 hitter Victor Scott's bunt and air-mailed it past third base for the run-scoring error. He then walked JJ Wetherholt to load the bases with nobody out and exited.Shortstop Matt McLain, the struggling hitter with two homers in that finale and three in the final two games of the series, followed the eighth-inning pitching change with a backhand muff of Ivan Herrera's hopper to the drawn-in infield for an error that allowed the insurance run to score.Just like that, the Reds fell two games under .500 (31-33) for the first time this season, took a four-game losing streak to San Diego for their next series, and dropped to 2-13 against National League Central rivals (without having seen the first-place Brewers yet).Until the eighth, McLain had given the Reds the lead in the third and later tied the game in the seventh with a pair of solo home runs. Catcher Tyler Stephenson followed McLain with his own solo shot in the third to make it 2-0 at that point.That's when the Reds' beat-to-hell bullpen was needed for a long day of relief because of rookie Rhett Lowder's labors to navigate heavy traffic in his return engagement from the injured list.He lasted just three innings and needed 70 pitches to do that.Lowder, who hadn't pitched since exiting his May 7 start with shoulder discomfort, faced 16 batters in his three innings. Only six put the ball in play, with Lowder walking five, hitting one and striking out four – accounting for the high pitch count on a humid, 85-degree afternoon at Busch Stadium. He didn't allow a run.The Cardinals scored three quick ones off Chris Paddack in the sixth, leading off the inning with back-to-back doubles before Bryan Torres delivered a tying, two-run homer off Paddack with one outThis article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds swept by Cardinals, take 4-game skid to San Diego

Tickets for Game 3 on Monday of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden were released for sale on Sunday. Despite each costing upward of $2,000 there was a buying frenzy.The amount of tickets sold were 550. This has taken buying to a new level for any type of event, sports, concert you name it. And it is only going to see prices rise if the Knicks are able to win and grab a 3-0 lead.Total Tickets released for Knicks Game 3 today with section, row, and prices 550 total tickets Sold out in 5m and 40seconds pic.twitter.com/34uSwupSzb— Chicago (@itschicagoooo) June 7, 2026Thanks to the Ticketmaster.com site, people were able to painfully watch their place in the waiting room. If you were listed as deeper than 500, you were out of luck. As you can see by these posts, there were many more out of luck than those who scored those pricey tickets.The Knicks just released Game 3 NBA Finals ticket information. Only people registered in the Fan First program will be eligible for tickets and will be released in 3 batches. Batch 1: First set of tickets drop tomorrow at 10AM for Chase Cardholders Batch 2: Releases tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/dSqR0ogTZr— Rodney Admit One 🎟️ (@RodneyAdmitOne) June 7, 2026Now the only question is whether they ended up in the hands of fans or people looking to make a huge score on the secondary market. Attending Game 3 won't be easy for anyone. Because President Donald Trump will be in attendance, the Knicks and MSG have suggested people arrive two hours before the 8:30 p.m. tip-off.Knicks fans: Get ready for a strict no-bag policy, TSA-style screening, and showing up 2 HOURS early for Game 3 at MSG.All because one selfish clown wants to attend and turn basketball into his personal security circus.His “winning” is our inconvenience. 🏀🤡#NBAfinalspic.twitter.com/09D4MLTxob— Jon Cooper 🇺🇸 (@joncoopertweets) June 7, 2026Knicks Game 3 ticket release 2pm estQueue: 1M+ peopleTickets released : 5500 level: 87 seats100 level: 72 seats200 level: 354 seats300 level: 31 seats— Chicago (@itschicagoooo) June 7, 2026At least 672,124 people in second queue to get Game 3 tickets in second Knicks fan sale of the day. pic.twitter.com/hUnKJaW3wl— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 7, 2026You have a better chance of getting to see the Knicks play in the Finals by spinning the BAXUS vending machine than you do by waiting for 574,132 other people to buy 500 available tickets on ticketmaster.https://t.co/7MCx1Y8GyBpic.twitter.com/Lr19IUtVgl— BAXUS (@BAXUSco) June 7, 2026🚨RIGHT NOW:The Knicks presale is underway with more than 500-thousand on line!No clue how big this allotment is.I hopped in the waiting room right as it opened and this is the number I was assigned so that gives you some perspective. pic.twitter.com/QFV7W98mLb— Henry Rosoff (@HenryRosoff) June 7, 2026The queue for Knicks vs Spurs Game 3 NBA Finals tickets. The Hunger Games folks. 😂 pic.twitter.com/mZAXkIuGx4— CP "The Fanchise" (@CPTheFanchise) June 7, 2026Tried to get Knicks Tickets & am currently behind 246,000 people #knicks#knickstape#ticketmasterpic.twitter.com/utySugDxCK— Doc MGeez (@Mr_Garrett1) June 7, 2026Shoutout to the @knicks@NBA & @Ticketmaster for giving real fans a chance at getting tickets What a joke!!!! pic.twitter.com/kzQHQICYyw— Derek (@DrDerek82) June 7, 2026Hi @NYCMayor Mamdani: After 2 hours since tickets dropped, there are still 447003 people in the Ticketmaster queue for the Monday Knicks game, so I wondered if you had a spare seat in your box for a former UN peacekeeper resident. I will manage to bring a couple of Syrian… https://t.co/rl7GhVqXojpic.twitter.com/HJklgouSFu— Nina J. Lahoud (@ninalahoud4paix) June 7, 2026This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Game 3 Spurs Knicks tickets

Major championships are going to play harder than your average week on tour. It’s not surprising to see players at the U.S. Women’s Open missing more fairways and greens at Riviera, the ultimate strategic design. But there’s something interesting in Nelly Korda’s stats through three rounds that shows a player can miss a lot of greens, while still hitting it great.Korda is the best ball-striker on the LPGA Tour and has averaged 77 percent greens in regulation during the 2026 season. At the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera C.C., Korda hit 56 percent of greens during the first round, 61 percent in the second round and 56 percent again in the third round. But the greens in regulation stat doesn’t tell the entire story.Strokes gained shows that though she’s hit about the same amount of greens during each round, her ball-striking has improved significantly since Thursday. In that first round, Korda lost .65 strokes to the field in approach shots, ranking 101st in the field. The frustration was clear. She talked about a swing issue she’d been working on, where she was having trouble releasing the club, which was resulting in the ball flying off to the right. She went to the range and ultimately her sister, Jessica, told her to strengthen her grip.The following round, she hit about the same number of greens, but her strokes gained stat changed considerably. In the second round, she gained 1.27 strokes on the field in approach, ranking 35th in the field. In the third round, she missed eight greens again but gained 2.62 strokes on the field, ranking third in strokes gained approach. She finished birdie-birdie-birdie to enter the final round with a share of the lead.The greens in regulation stats show she’s missing greens, but the strokes gained stats in her second and third rounds reveal that she’s not missing by much, and she’s missing in great places. “Despite missing eight greens in regulation on Saturday, Nelly ranked 13th in the field in average proximity to the hole, meaning when she did miss, it wasn't overly penalizing. For example, on the 12th hole Saturday, Nelly didn't land her approach on the putting surface, but was just 21 feet from the hole. Because it was still in an advantageous position relative to the field, she gained about two-tenths of a stroke with her approach play there,” explains golf data analyst Justin Ray. Korda’s strokes gained stat was also bolstered by the instances when she hit the green, and the ball ended up incredibly close to the pin. “Strokes gained approach also gives extremely high value to approach shots that result in kick-in birdies. Nelly had three approach shots Saturday to less than six feet,” Ray says. “On those three holes alone, she gained 2.48 strokes with her approach play. Because the second shot was the most consequential in the birdie, that's the shot that gets the most credit statistically on that hole.”Korda’s second and third rounds prove that the key to navigating championship setups isn’t to never miss a green, it’s to miss in the right spot. And that every opportunity to fire at a pin has to be fully taken advantage of. “We're playing in a major championship so it's going to test every part of your game. You're not going to hit solid shots off the tee, solid shots into the green. It's just kind of all about grinding,” Korda said after her round. “I would say major championships are about grinding and then kind of when have you that little window to be aggressive, you really have to take it.”Korda teed off in the final group on Sunday, tied for the lead with Sei Young Kim, in pursuit of her fourth major championship.RELATED: New father Tyrrell Hatton fends off Jon Rahm, competitive rust, to close out LIV win at Valderrama

A new study out of Northwestern University in Chicago asserts that gay candidates are receiving more support than ever from voters, shedding the “electoral penalty” of being gay in ever greater numbers. At the same time, voters are imposing another penalty on candidates for gender presentation: male candidates, gay and straight, who don’t conform to traditional gender expectations — those who may look or sound feminine, for example — take a hit in voter acceptance. Related LGBTQ+ candidates sweep CA primaries: “The voters sent a clear message” “On the left, the bias against gay candidates has moved from ‘don’t be gay’ to ‘don’t look or sound gay,’” Martin Naunov, an assistant professor of political science and a faculty associate at the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern, told Northwestern Now. His paper was published recently in the Journal of Politics. “Voters across the political spectrum, including those who think of themselves as allies, still show bias against candidates who look or sound even slightly gender nonconforming — a key cultural marker of gayness,” Naunov said. “This has real consequences for who gets elected and represented in public life.” Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Naunov uncovered those “persisting biases” through a novel experiment deploying “visual and audio stimuli” to manipulate the sexuality and gender presentation of male political candidates. In two survey experiments sent to 1,971 U.S. adults and 616 university students, participants were asked to evaluate hypothetical candidates for Congress from their own party, and rate how likely they’d be to vote for each. The profiles featured a headshot and a short audio campaign message from the candidate. Naunov signaled the candidates’ sexual orientation with references to their “husband” or “wife,” and manipulated both the photo and audio clip to masculinize or feminize the candidate. The researcher used a sample of 157 gay candidates endorsed by the Victory Fund to set “real-life” parameters on the range of manipulation. | Northwestern University The findings were surprising, Naunov said. “What surprised me most was that Democrats punished gender nonconformity at roughly the same rate as Republicans,” he said. Among all voters, identifying as gay dropped a candidate’s probability of support by seven points. A gender nonconforming appearance dropped a gay candidate’s support by another seven points. Both Democrats and Republicans penalize gender nonconformity at the same rate. Maybe the most thought-provoking finding was that the gender nonconformity penalty applies to both gay and straight men. A straight man who looks or sounds gender nonconforming also pays an electoral cost, Naunov found. “We used to refuse to elect gay people. Now we elect them, but so long as they conform to a very particular version of masculinity,” Naunov said. But the study also shows that “straight men who deviate even slightly from norms of masculinity get punished electorally, too,” he said. “Recognizing this matters, because it points to something that often gets lost in conversations about LGBTQ rights: traditional beliefs about how a person should look, sound and move in the world may privilege heterosexuality, but they also diminish the freedom and authenticity of everyone, including straight people.” Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

NEW YORK — Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals will be Josh Hart’s 30th home playoff game as a member of the New York Knicks — the 30th time he’s seen fans fill the stands at Madison Square Garden for a contest that means more than most. He’s got a pretty good idea of what to expect.“The Garden is going to be rocking,” Hart said Sunday at the Knicks’ practice session ahead of Game 3 on Monday night. “Obviously, in this city we love our Knicks. So we're going to come out, show love, support. The energy is going to be electric.”There will be two major differences to the regularly scheduled raucous and rambunctious atmosphere, though. For one thing, Monday will mark the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since June 25, 1999 — just a few weeks after the eldest Knick on this year’s roster, guard Jordan Clarkson, turned 7 years old — which promises to crank the ferocity of the Knicks’ fan base up to an even more feverish pitch.“I think it's really cool — 27 years since the last Finals here in this building,” Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson said. “I know the fan base is really excited, as they should be, but as a team, us inside the locker room, we have more work to do.”“I mean, I feel like we kind of got a taste of [what it will feel like] a little bit in San Antonio,” San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper said. “I think that next game tomorrow is going to be electric. I think it's going to be through the roof. I think it's going to be everything that I've kind of seen or dreamed of times 10.”For another, there’s going to be a pretty big new addition to the ranks of famous faces at MSG. President Donald Trump plans to attend Monday’s Game 3, at the invitation of Knicks owner James L. Dolan, a longtime donor to local and national Republican parties and candidates, including the president. This will mark the first time a sitting U.S. president has ever attended an NBA Finals game.“I think sports in particular is something where we can emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said this week. “It creates a sense of belonging. We’re seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I’m thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team.”In anticipation of Trump’s arrival, the Knicks will employ more stringent security measures at the arena, including a “strict no-bag policy,” a prohibition on certain items deemed potentially dangerous, and “TSA-style screening procedures.” That elevated level of pregame screening led the team to strongly encourage fans to arrive at least two hours early for Game 3, which is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday."There should be extra security for the President of the United States to be at a game, but I think the fans are very understanding of that," Silver told reporters Friday. "I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event."The president’s attendance has also led to the cancellation of the planned watch party outside of MSG for Game 3, according to SNY’s Ian Begley, who cites a New York Police Department source as saying the “decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service.” Although a spokesperson for MSG attempted to clarify the matter to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III:"The permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the City's permitting office in consultation with the NYPD. However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the President. We understand NYPD Commissioner [Jessica] Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square Garden.” An estimated 7,000 people attended the MSG watch party for the Knicks’ Game 2 win, according to the New York Daily News; by night’s end, 26 attendees were arrested, including one taken in for assaulting an NYPD officer.New York mayor Zohran Mamdani said this week he also plans to attend Game 3, though he does not anticipate being seated near the president, whether he winds up courtside on Celebrity Row or in a luxury suite.“I will be in a very different section of the stadium,” Mamdani said, according to the Daily News, “and I think we look forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited for the Knicks to have that chance to win that championship.”News of Trump’s attendance has engendered strong reactions from some politicians and pundits. Inside the Garden as both Finals participants prepared for Game 3, though, the Knicks and Spurs emphasized the importance of remaining laser-focused on their immediate goal and tuning out the outside noise — even the disruption and cacophony that comes with the arrival of a sitting president.“For me personally, especially in college, [Villanova] Coach [Jay] Wright always talked about [how] we play for the guys in the locker room, and we don't really play to the crowd,” Hart said. “So for me, I feel like I'm able to kind of tune that out pretty well, just because that guy instilled that in me [during my] four years in college.”“I think he will just be there watching the game,” Knicks forward OG Anunoby said. “We're just going to go as usual and play our game and try to win the game.”Asked what he thought about the president’s attendance, Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns pivoted and focused his remarks elsewhere — on Knicks fans in general, and on the specific task of the team not resting on their laurels after taking two games in San Antonio.“We got to be desperate for these fans,” Towns said. “Fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see Finals basketball be played here at Madison Square Garden. For this to be the first game in a long time that they have seen Finals basketball, it's up to us to bring it, give 'em something to cheer for, give 'em something to get loud for and also give 'em something to believe in.“I talked about the word ‘hope.’ Hope has been brought back to the city. We've revitalized that word. But the word ‘success’ hasn't been seen in this city for a long time. So we have to continue to fight to bring that word back to fruition.”After dropping the first two games of this series at home and facing the towering task of beating a Knicks team that hasn’t lost in seven weeks four times in five games, the Spurs spoke about drawing on previous experiences to find a baseline amid the Finals-plus-Trump circus.“I think it could be [more difficult given all the attention], but isolating myself is something I've practiced over the years,” Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama said. “I think I'm good at it. So it's not a problem. This is similar to something media-wise like the Olympics.”“I think there will obviously be a ton of excitement around the game,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said. “This arena's like no other. The added circumstances will be on top of that. We've been fortunate to play some games in this arena recently that have been, again, not Finals, but [the] Christmas game [in 2024]. Again, I just think added attention around Victor and being in this arena a few times, we've experienced that. I would expect tomorrow will be more than that. It will be a fun environment.”They also discussed the need to open the game by striking first to knock the MSG faithful — whatever office they might hold and wherever they might be sitting — back on their heels.“We got to try to come out and — obviously easier said than done — but try to take the crowd out of it as quickly as possible,” Spurs All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox said. “I think, even like our Game 7 [in Oklahoma City], we never really let the crowd get into the game. Obviously, easier said than done. But just trying to negate some of their runs. You know you're going to come in here, it's going to be loud, it's going to — don't want to use the word ‘hostile,’ but it's going to be hostile. So you just try to not let the crowd get on their toes too much.”The first step in that process is not allowing the enormity of the stage — Game 3 down 2-0 at the World’s Most Famous Arena — or the increased global scrutiny that comes with Trump’s presence to prevent them from zoning in on the task at hand. Asked how he planned to treat Monday, Johnson replied simply, “Like a Finals game.”“Once you get past the fact that we're playing in the Finals, you're on this big stage that you dreamed of, it's still basketball,” Spurs guard Stephon Castle said. “We got to lock back in and focus on our details and try and win the next game.”

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jacob deGrom allowed only three singles over six innings, Justin Foscue hit the first of Texas' four home runs and the Rangers beat Cleveland 10-0 on Sunday, giving them three consecutive series wins for the first time this season.Two-time Cy Young award winner deGrom (5-4) got his 101st career victory with six strikeouts, including the last four hitters he faced, and two walks. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.26 ERA in six home starts, and 43 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings.Foscue's two-run homer in the first put Texas up to stay. Josh Jung, Wyatt Langford and Michael Helman also went deep.The Rangers (32-33) took two of three games against Cleveland, after the same at St. Louis since a three-game sweep of Kansas City at home last weekend. That 7-2 mark is their best nine-game stretch under first-year manager Skip Schumaker.Cleveland left-hander Joey Cantillo (4-3) struck out seven in his five innings, but gave up seven runs and the first three Texas homers.After striking out José Ramírez with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning, deGrom struck out the Guardians’ Nos. 3-5 hitters in the sixth. It was deGrom’s 261st career start since his MLB debut in 2014, and his first against Cleveland, the only team he had never faced.Peyton Grey, Tyler Alexander and Luis Curvelo finished off the Rangers' eighth shutout this season. The Guardians, 19-11 in their past 30 games, were held scoreless for the sixth time.Jung's eighth homer was part of a four-run third for Texas that included a two-run double by Ezequiel Duran, who finished with four hits and three RBIs.Langford, in his third game back after missing 39 games with a right forearm strain, made it 7-0 with his homer in the fourth.Up nextGuardians right-hander Gavin Williams (9-3, 3.20 ERA) tries to become the first MLB starter to get to 10 wins Monday night at home against the New York Yankees.Texas has a day off before Nathan Eovaldi (5-6, 4.10) starts the series opener at Kansas City on Tuesday.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

HOUSTON (AP) — Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker homered, Gage Jump worked 6 1/3 scoreless innings and the Athletics beat the Houston Astros 5-0 on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.Kurtz opened the scoring in the third with his 12th home run of the year — a 389-foot line drive to right-center that scored Alika Williams for a 2-0 lead. Later in the inning, Brent Rooker added an RBI double that scored Shea Langeliers and gave the Athletics a 3-0 lead.Zack Gelof scored on a fielding error by shortstop Jeremy Peña in the fourth inning and Rooker's 397-foot solo shot to left field capped the scoring in the fifth.Jump (2-1) allowed three hits and three walks with three strikeouts. The 23-year-old left-hander has allowed just one run in his past 13 1/3 innings pitched.Houston's Mike Burrows (3-8) allowed all five runs on eight hits in five innings. Burrows has given up 17 home runs in 13 starts this season, with 11 coming on his four-seam fastball. He has a 5.77 ERA in 73 1/3 innings.The Astros were limited to four hits in their fifth shutout loss of the season.Houston second baseman Nick Allen left the game in the third inning with left hamstring discomfort after running to first base. Taylor Trammell took over as a pinch-runner.Up nextAstros RHP Spencer Arrighetti (7-1, 1.94 ERA) takes the mound in a series opener against the Angels on Monday.Athletics LHP Jeffrey Springs (3-6, 4.37 ERA) starts in the team's series opener against Brewers LHP Kyle Harrison (7-1, 1.57) on Monday.—-AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Reggiani’s Italy debut lasts just 13 minutes after red cardLuca Reggiani made his senior Italy debut against Greece on Sunday, but received a straight red card just 13 minutes after being introduced from the bench in the second half.Borussia Dortmund defender Reggiani received a straight red card in his first game with the senior Italy national team.Why Reggiani was sent off in Greece vs. ItalyThe 18-year-old was introduced at minute 55 to replace injured Fiorentina defender Pietro Comuzzo, but his first game at a senior level with the Azzurri only lasted 13 minutes.DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 14: Luca Reggiani of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Julian Ryerson during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Augsburg at Signal Iduna Park on March 14, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images)Reggiani was sent off for pulling the shirt of Anastasios Douvikas and preventing the Como forward from latching onto a long pass.Although the incident occurred near the halfway line, Reggiani was Italy’s last defender, prompting referee Yigal Frid to show a straight red card.Reggiani was the 17th Italy player to make his debut under caretaker coach Silvio Baldini in the last two matches.Baldini warmly hugged Reggiani when the Italian defender approached the Italy bench to leave the field after seeing red.Last March, Reggiani had become the youngest Italian player to score a goal in the Bundesliga.

Greece 0-1 Italy: Baldini’s perfect record as Pio Esposito scores againInter striker Francesco Pio Esposito scored his second consecutive goal for Italy in a 1-0 victory against Greece, where Borussia Dortmund’s Luca Reggiani was sent off just 13 minutes into his senior debut.Italy beat Greece 1-0 in an international friendly played on Sunday night, securing the second consecutive win under interim coach Silvio Baldini, who is now set to return to the U21 squad.On a night dominated by Italy’s triumph in the U17 European Championship, Pio Esposito scored his fifth goal in nine appearances for the Azzurri. The forward met a fine cross from Jeff Ekhator with an excellent first touch before firing home with his right foot, aided by a slight deflection off a Greek defender.The Inter talent had another opportunity before the break, receiving a through ball, but failing to find the net with a weak attempt saved by Vlachodimos.The second half began with Luca Koleosho hitting the crossbar with a left-foot finish from point-blank range from a Seydou Fini cross from the right.Pietro Comuzzo sustained a suspected calf injury and was subbed off.His replacement, Luca Reggiani, made his senior debut as a substitute but was sent off after just 13 minutes for a foul on Como striker Anastasios Douvikas. The incident happened in central midfield, but Reggiani was Italy’s last defender and still received his marching orders.Italy defended resolutely until the final ten minutes. Zafeiris hit the post with a powerful shot from inside the box, while Donnarumma denied Pavlidis a few minutes later.The Azzurri’s 1-0 win marks the end of the 2025-26 campaign in Italy. La Nazionale will return to action on September 25 in the Nations League against Belgium.Goal: 18′ Pio EspositoGreece (3-4-1-2): Vlachodimos; Retsos, Hatzidiakos, Koulierakis (46′ Rota); Vagiannidi (76′ Tetteh), Mouzakitis (76′ Zaferis), Triantis (62′ Androutsos), Kiriakopoulos (63′ Tsimikas); Tzolis (88′ Pavlidis); Masouras (63′ Kyziridis), Douvikas (88′ Kostoulas).Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Ahanor (46′ Mane), Comuzzo (55′ Reggiani), Chiarodia, Bartesaghi; Pisilli, Lipani (74′ Dagasso), Ndour; Koleosho (87′ Faticanti), Esposito (87′ Camarda), Ekhator (46′ Fini (74′ Favasuli)).

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BATON ROUGE – Make it two commitments for LSU football and Lane Kiffin Sunday.Three-star running back Brennan Lacy followed five-star edge rusher KJ Green and announced his commitment to the Tigers via his social media pages. Lacy becomes the sixth prospect to join LSU's 2027 recruiting class, the first full high school class under Kiffin in Baton Rouge.The Frisco, Texas native took an official visit to LSU this weekend and decided to commit Sunday. Lacy held offers from TCU, who was considered the favorite to land him heading into this weekend, as well as Miami, Kentucky, Texas Tech and a host of others.LSU FOOTBALL COVERAGE Here's how much LSU is paying Lane Kiffin, assistant coaches in 2026Several national recruiting experts have said that Lacy (5-11, 190) has been rising up recruiting boards and rankings following this spring.Following the commitment from Lacy, the Tigers jumped five spots in the 247Sports Composite team recruiting rankings from No. 57 to No. 52.LSU football 2027 recruiting classBrennan Lacy, RB, 3-starNational ranking: No. 612 / State ranking: No. 61 / Position ranking: No. 42So far, LSU's 2027 recruiting class is heavy on offensive players and Lacy is the first running back to the join the mix. The 5-11, 190-pound playmaker is a multisport athlete.KJ Green, DE, 5-starNational ranking: No. 8 / State ranking: No. 2 / Position ranking: No. 2Green is considered to be the second-best defensive end in the 2027 high school class behind Ohio State commit DJ Jacobs. Green fills void in class left by Bryant decommitment.Ahmad Hudson, TE, 5-starNational ranking: No. 11 / State ranking: No. 2 / Position ranking: No. 1Hudson is the top rated tight end prospect in the country, per the 247Sports Composite. He is in line to be the next Trey'Dez Green for the Tigers.Peyton Houston, QB, 4-starNational ranking: No. 125 / State ranking: No. 6 / Positional ranking: No. 9Houston, the Shreveport native, is a top-10 quarterback recruit in the country. He's been committed to the Tigers prior to Kiffin being hired.Braylon Calais, ATH, 4-starNational ranking: No. 188 / State ranking: No. 9 / Positional ranking: No. 10Calais, from Carencro, is a top-10 athlete recruit in the nation. At 6-2, 200, he projects to play wide receiver at the college level.Ah'Mari Stevens, WR, 4-starNational ranking: N/A / State ranking: No. 27 / Positional ranking: No. 37Stevens committed to the Tigers back on April 17 during one of the new staff's biggest recruiting weekends since they've taken over the program. At 5-11, 160-pound the speedster should play slot receiver in college.Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Lane Kiffin, LSU pick up commitment from 2027 3-star RB Brennan Lacy

Seemingly ageless Bernhard Langer is the Memorial Tournament honoree for 2027. Langer, 68, becomes the 88th person honored at Muirfield Village Golf Club since 1976. The German native is a two-time winner of the Masters and 2001 inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame. He won three times on the PGA Tour, but more impressively has won 47 times on the Champions Tour since turning 50, including the Charles Schwab Championship in 2024 at age 67.“I first met and played with Bernhard in an exhibition in Munich when he was 16 years old,” Memorial host and founder Jack Nicklaus said. “He showed a lot of promise then, and I followed him as he grew into becoming a world-class player. Bernhard has had as long and as successful a record of winning as probably any player who has ever played the game. It’s fantastic to watch him continue to compete at the level he plays.”Langer only played the Memorial twice, opting like many European players to compete in the European PGA Championship, which for decades was held the same time as the Memorial.Langer was 15 when he turned professional, but his golf career took a turn when he suffered a back injury at age 19 while training as a member of the German Air Force. He suffered stress fractures and bulging discs from marching with a 30-pound pack and rifle and spent six weeks in the hospital.“It was a tough time, and I remember thinking I probably wasn’t going to play golf again,” Langer said.After eventually recovering, Langer became a teaching professional before trying his hand at tournament golf. He qualified for the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) in 1976, and it took him four years before he earned his first victory in the Dunlop Masters. He is one of five men to win tournaments on six continents, joining Justin Rose and past Memorial honorees Gary Player, Hale Irwin and David Graham. Langer’s total of 42 victories in Europe, highlighted by five wins in the German Open, is second all-time to Seve Ballesteros, despite battling the putting yips on and off in his career.Making just his third appearance at Augusta National Golf Club in 1985, Langer won his first green jacket after shooting consecutive 68s on the weekend to post 6-under 282 and defeat Ballesteros and Raymond Floyd by two strokes. Eight years later, he broke par all four days and posted 11-under 277 en route to a four-stroke victory over Chip Beck. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Bernhard Langer named 2027 Memorial Tournament honoree

LAWRENCE — Kansas baseball’s NCAA super regional game Sunday against Oklahoma will not start at 5 p.m. (CT), as originally scheduled.According to a social media post by Kansas baseball on X, the game will not start on time due to weather. First pitch is now to be determined, with updates to come. The game is set to take place at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence, and it is the second game of a best-of-three series that began Saturday and could run through Monday.RELATED: Kansas baseball vs Oklahoma live score updates in NCAA super regionalOklahoma (37-22) won the opener Saturday, 8-1, dominating KU with power offensively and a pair of quality pitching performances. With that win, the Sooners have ensured that if they can win Sunday they will advance to the College World Series. Kansas (45-17) needs to win both Sunday and Monday if it’s going to do the same.KU reached this point by winning the Lawrence Regional, while Oklahoma took the title at the Atlanta Regional. Kansas also came in having won the Big 12 Conference regular season and tournament titles. Oklahoma is representing the Southeastern Conference, but not too long ago was a member of the Big 12 with KU.This story will be updated as more information becomes available.Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas baseball, OU super regional game Sunday delayed due to weather

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan pitched just 1.1 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.Sheehan had a rough outing Sunday despite getting through the first inning rather efficiently. The right-hander got two outs quickly in the first, and got a strikeout to end the inning after giving up a double to Wade Meckler.In the second inning, though, Sheehan couldn’t keep the Angels off of the bases. After getting the first out of the inning, Sheehan allowed a single and two walks to load the bases. His walk against Angels third baseman Nick Madrigal took him 14 pitches, which was just one shy of his total for the entirety of the first inning.The Angels capitalized with the bases loaded, as catcher Sebastian Rivero hit a single to plate two runners.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)Manager Dave Roberts came out of the dugout following the single, and took Sheehan out of the game for Edgardo Henriquez. Henriquez managed to prevent any further damage in the inning.Jun 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) sits in the dugout after being taken out of the game in the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesHow Has Emmet Sheehan Pitched This Season?Sheehan has made 12 starts for the Dodgers this season, which matches the most he has made in a season for LA.He has a 4.70 ERA through 59.1 innings pitched, and has struck out 64 batters.The 26-year-old came into Sunday’s game following a decent start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he pitched 6.1 innings and allowed just two runs on three hits. Sheehan has struggled with a few things this season—mainly his velocity—but has also struggled to keep the ball in the park.Jun 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesSheehan allowed two homers against the Diamondbacks, and has given up 11 of them on the season.That matches the 11 he allowed in his rookie season in 2023, and he has pitched fewer innings this season. Sheehan clearly has some work to do if he’s to remain in the Dodgers’ rotation, and will hope he can take another step forward in his next start.That start is likely to come against the Chicago White Sox on the road next weekend.Do you think Emmet Sheehan can turn his season around in his next start?

TORONTO (AP) — Brittney Sykes scored 25 points, Nyara Sabally added 15 and the Toronto Tempo beat the Chicago Sky 85-68 on Sunday.Isabelle Harrison, who missed the first 10 games of the season with a thumb injury, finished with 14 points in her season debut and Laura Juskaite scored 10 for the Tempo (6-5). Marina Mabrey added nine points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block.Azura Stevens had a season-high 18 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago, her second consecutive game with a double-double. Gabriela Jaquez (knee) returned from a four-game absence and finished with 11 points, and Jacy Sheldon scored 10.The Sky (4-7) beat Connecticut 85-80 on Friday to snap a five-game skid.Harrison hit a 3-pointer with 4:12 left in the first quarter that made it 20-9 and the Tempo led by double figures the rest of the way.The Tempo set season lows for 3-pointers made (four) and 3-point percentage (18.2%).Rookie Kiki Rice (ankle) did not play for Toronto.Toronto beat the Sky 111-104 behind a career-high 29 points from Sabally on Friday in Chicago.Up nextSky: Host Atlanta on Tuesday.Tempo: Host Connecticut on Wednesday.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Zverev lost three Grand Slam finals before winning his maiden major [Getty Images]Four years ago, Alexander Zverev was taken off Court Phillippe-Chatrier in a wheelchair, another chance at Grand Slam glory gone.The German had been a set up in the semi-final against the great Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open when he suffered a nasty fall that left him screaming in pain.Zverev tore ligaments in his right ankle in what was the worst injury of his career and missed several months of the season after undergoing surgery.But 1,465 days later, he walked off the same court with his first - and long-awaited - Grand Slam trophy tucked under his arm after beating Italy's Flavio Cobolli in a tense five-set final in Paris."This court is so special to me in so many ways," Zverev, 29, said."I have had the best moments and the worst moment of my life on this court."I was laid in that corner four years ago with seven broken ligaments and two fractured bones. I lost a Grand Slam final here two years ago. "But now, finally, it is a happy ending."Zverev left Court Philippe-Chatrier in a wheelchair in his 2022 semi-final against Nadal [Getty Images]Zverev had long been dubbed the best player of his generation to have never won a Grand Slam after a string of near misses - including three defeats in major finals.At the US Open in 2020, he lost the final despite being two sets up against Dominic Thiem and having served for the championship at 5-3 in the final set.He led Carlos Alcaraz by two sets to one in the 2024 French Open final but it was the Spaniard who ended up lifting his first Coupe des Mousquetaires.At the Australian Open in 2025, he was outclassed in a merciless performance by Jannik Sinner that left Zverev saying he felt mentally "empty" a few months later."Last year was one of the most difficult moments in my tennis career," Zverev said. "This year is one of the happiest moments. It's a very different feeling right now."It seemed like the pressure of a Grand Slam final might prove too much for a fourth time when 24-year-old Cobolli, who had twice fought back from a set down, forced a deciding fifth set.But Zverev, who has struggled with his emotions on court in the past, held his nerve to end his major final curse.After falling flat on his back in celebration, Zverev dedicated his victory to his team, which includes his father and brother."We have been through injury, heartbreaks, losses. We have been losers at times in the most important moments," Zverev said."At the end of the day, we are Grand Slam champions now and that is what counts."I was laying on this court with an injury that I didn't know if I will ever come back from. All of those memories, they're not wiped out," he said."They're still with me but this one will beat all of them."Zverev beats Cobolli in tense Paris final for first Grand SlamFrench Open Daily: Zverev overcomes Cobolli to finally win a Grand SlamZverev's path to the trophy opened up when top seed Sinner, the heavy favourite, fell to a shock second-round defeat by Juan Manuel Cerundolo.Two-time defending champion and world number two Alcaraz had withdrawn a month before the tournament with a wrist injury.And 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic, who has won three titles in Paris, was removed from the conversation when he lost to Joao Fonseca in the third round.Cobolli was the first player that Zverev faced who resided in the world's top 25.This was simply Zverev's best chance to win his first Grand Slam - and he cannot be faulted for grabbing it with both hands.Nadal, who helped him off the court after his nasty ankle injury in 2022, was one of the first to congratulate Zverev."Congratulations Alexander Zverev on winning Roland Garros. So well deserved after all the hard work and perseverance. You've been chasing your first Grand Slam for a long time and you absolutely deserve it," Nadal wrote on social media.Zverev is a polarising figure who has previously been involved in controversy.In October 2023, he was given a penalty order and fined 450,000 euros (£392,000) for bodily harm against his ex-partner, who he shares a child with.Zverev denied the claims and lodged an objection against the order, which resulted in a public trial in May 2024. The trial was discontinued a week into the proceedings.At the time, the court told BBC Sport: "The decision is not a verdict and it is not a decision about guilt or innocence."The court also told the BBC there was a separate settlement between Zverev and his ex-girlfriend.Zverev was also accused in October 2020 of physical violence and controlling behaviour by another former girlfriend.He maintained his innocence from the start and always described the allegations as baseless. There were no legal proceedings.Live scores, results and order of playGet tennis news sent straight to your phone

German Football Team 2026 World Cup Preview: Can The 2014 Champions Make It Happen Again?Four-time world champions, the German football team enter FIFA World Cup 2026 as European football’s most storied underachievers of recent years, having suffered shocking group-stage exits at both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Yet something genuinely feels different this time. Julian Nagelsmann named his 26-man squad on 21 May 2026, with captain Joshua Kimmich leading a group that has elite young attackers with the surprise return of 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Die Mannschaft have been drawn into Group E alongside World Cup first-timers Curaçao, three-time AFCON winners Côte d’Ivoire, and South Americans Ecuador. Progressing from that group looks straightforward on paper, though knockout football is where Germany’s true character will be examined.German Football Team Squad for 2026:Full Squad (26 players): Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel; Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Joshua Kimmich, David Raum, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw; Nadiem Amiri, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Groß, Assan Ouedraogo, Jamie Leweling, Jamal Musiala, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Angelo Stiller; Maximilian Beier, Kai Havertz, Leroy Sané, Deniz Undav, Florian Wirtz, Nick Woltemade.Julian Nagelsmann named Germany’s 26-man squad on 21 May 2026, with captain Joshua Kimmich leading a group that has elite young attackers with the surprise return of 40-year-old Manuel Neuer. Germany eased through World Cup qualification with five wins from six matches and performed well as hosts at Euro 2024, falling somewhat unluckily to Spain in the quarter-finals. Florian Wirtz makes his World Cup debut after joining Liverpool, and Jamal Musiala returns from a serious injury, giving Nagelsmann a genuinely dangerous attacking pair that could carry Germany deep into the tournament for the first time since they won it in 2014.German Football Team Strengths and Weaknesses:Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala dovetail brilliantly in the final third, both exceptional at breaking through deep-lying defences, giving Nagelsmann a creative partnership that few international sides can match. Furthermore, Kimmich provides control and leadership in midfield, while Havertz and Leroy Sané each add a unique attacking dimension, making Germany genuinely unpredictable going forward.Defensively, however, serious questions persist. The space behind the full-backs remains a genuine vulnerability, and quick counter-attacking teams can exploit the gaps left when Germany press high, which is precisely the weakness that cost them in 2018 and 2022. Up front, Germany lack a world-class striker, with Niclas Füllkrug not making the squad after netting just once in Serie A for AC Milan, leaving Havertz as the likely false nine despite it not being his most natural position.Germany Football Team Best XI And Formation:CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 06: Players of Germany sing the national anthem prior to the international friendly match between United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 06, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)Formation: 4-2-3-1 | Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Wirtz, Musiala, Sané; Havertz.The double pivot of Kimmich and Pavlovic provides defensive cover while allowing Wirtz and Musiala to operate freely in the space behind the opposition midfield, with full-backs pushing high to create width. Nagelsmann has confirmed Musiala is near his best, and even operating at 95 per cent, he remains one of the outstanding players in world football.Tournament Prediction:I feel that the squad is strong enough to handle Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire, and three group-stage wins would send a clear message to the rest of the competition. Beyond that, the knockout rounds are where Germany’s rebuilt reputation faces its sternest test. If Neuer’s reflexes hold and Musiala stays fit, Germany look a genuine semi-final side and a live outsider to go all the way, though they remain fragile enough to collapse at the first sign of sustained pressure.My prediction is a quarter-final finish for the German football team, with a talented but ultimately inconsistent squad falling short against a top-tier side like Spain and Argentina when it matters most.

The 2027 Memorial Tournament will be played Memorial Day week, June 3-6, at Muirfield Village Golf Club. The PGA Tour event, which began in 1976, will honor ageless Bernhard Langer as its honoree. The tournament was played this year a week later than its traditional spot on Memorial Day week, because Memorial Day fell early on the calendar and the Memorial almost always is held two weeks before the U.S. Open, which this year is June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island, New York. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 2027 Memorial Tournament dates: Tourney returning to holiday week

Phillies left fielder Brandon Marsh put yet another walloping on Pale Hose pitching today | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Has there ever been an MLB game in which a run was scored in all 17 or 18 half-innings of play? If there has, it wasn’t this one, but it sure felt like it for a few innings there. Brandon Marsh’s scorching-hot series and season continued in the final game of the three-game set between the White Sox and Phillies, a 9-5 win for the latter that boosted the latter’s record to 35-30 and dropped the former’s to 34-31.Using an opener is a perfectly sound strategy. The Sox have had plenty of success using it this year, and they did last year as well. This was not one of those days, as the combination of Tyler Gilbert and David Sandlin allowed four earned runs over four innings, rendering the time-through-the-order advantage of the opener strategy totally moot.A few particularly cantankerous veterans notwithstanding, most starters these days don’t seem to take much issue by being used behind an opener now and then, but I’m willing to bet most starters don’t like the idea of not entering the game with a clean inning. That’s what happened to Sandlin, who wound up entering the game probably a little sooner than Will Venable intended when opener Gilbert allowed a run and two hits within the first four batters of the game. Sandlin limited the damage, but he never quite managed to get into a rhythm, ultimately finishing with three earned runs over three innings of work, another somewhat disappointing follow-up to his brilliant MLB debut.Sandlin wasn’t terrible at locating his pitches, throwing 63% strikes and punching out six hitters, but as I noted in the game thread, Philadelphia is not a team that allows many mistakes to get past them. One could argue that the pitch that Rafael Marchán launched into the right field seats wasn’t even a mistake, as it looked like he simply got the pitch he was looking for on the two-run homer that put the Phillies back in the lead in the second inning:View LinkOn the other side of the ball, Tristan Peters just continued to do his thing. Another solid day at the plate left him hitting .307/.365/.448 at game’s end, and he now leads the team with 15 doubles and is playing at a remarkable 5-WAR pace on the year.From the No. 7 spot in the order, Peters served as the sparkplug and engineer for Chicago’s first three runs of the day, first on a second-inning double that moved Jacob Gonzalez to third base, where he later scored before Peters himself came around on Sam Antonacci’s single. An inning later, Peters was the beneficiary of the kind of play the Sox are used to being on the wrong side of: His jammed two-strike swing resulted in a ball in play at just 82 mph, and while Aaron Nola might have recovered from the ball dropping between shortstop Bryson Stott and left fielder Marsh, but he didn’t get the chance. Marsh overran the ball, letting it squirt past him, opening a window for Chase Meidroth to motor around the bases and tie the game at three:View LinkOf course, Marsh took the run right back the next inning, launching his eighth homer of the year to give the Phillies the lead for third time in three innings. So remains the way of the White Sox.Nola’s stuff was zig-zagging like an alligator was chasing it, but he just wasn’t able to throw enough fastballs in the strike zone to avoid getting himself into trouble nearly every inning. It’s been quite a rough ride for Nola this season, as the 33-year-old entered the afternoon was a 5.55 ERA despite throwing six and five innings of two-run ball over his last two starts. After a nightmare-fuel 2025 resulted in a career-worst 6.01 ERA, Nola hasn’t been able to quite get the juice back on the knuckle curve that made him one of the most reliable workhorses in baseball between 2017 and 2024. Nola’s locations were actually pretty good, but the Sox chased at just 36% of the curveballs he threw, which makes it impossible to work with any kind of efficiency when you throw as many of them as Nola does.Nola was chased from the game at the 93-pitch mark in the fifth inning. He was ultimately charged with the two runners he left on base, as lefty reliever Tim Mayza allowed pinch-hitter Randal Grichuk powered the fifth lead change in the first five innings of the game with a sharp single the other way. Grichuk is now hitting .308/.333/.692 as a member of the Sox, driving in a hefty 17 runs in just barely more than 50 trips to the plate.I’m trying to find ways to bring this game alive without resorting to a simple blow-by-blow recap, but the bullpens did not make it easy today. By the time the fifth inning concluded, neither starter remained in the game, and a series of hits from the bottom end of the Philadelphia order pushed them to snatch a lead for the fourth time in five innings.Even in blowing leads, though, this 2026 White Sox team is showing more and more promise by the game. Though the Phillies ended that fifth inning with a 7-5 advantage, it likely would have been a lot worse were it not for a brilliant inning-ending double play among Meidroth, Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery that kept the game within reach:View LinkThe alignment shuffling triggered by Grichuk’s pinch-hit appearance saw Meidroth finish the game with his fourth appearance at shortstop this season. While he simply doesn’t have the arm to play the 6-spot on any kind of regular basis, his ability to spell Montgomery if need be gives Venable the option to move Sam Antonacci into the infield while keeping all three of them in the lineup, flexibility that ought to be quite useful moving forward.The crux of the game may have come in the fourth at-bat of the sixth inning, an impressive nine-pitch battle between Phillies reliever José Alvarado and pinch-hitter Edgar Quero. Trailing 7-5, a Sox rally — spurred by what else but an Antonacci hit-by-pitch, his league-leading 15th of the year — brewed with runners on first and second with one out. Quero battled valiantly against the high-octane lefty, fouling off six pitches and coming mere feet away from changing the lead yet again with a would-be home run. On the very next pitch, he kept his drive in fair territory, but a brilliant catch from who else but Marsh kept everyone where they were.When Montgomery proceeded to strike out to end the inning, Chicago’s comeback momentum seemed to have stalled. Bryan Hudson took over for Tyler Davis, allowing an additional two runs in his partial inning of work, and Orion Kerkerinf took over for Alvarado, keeping a clean scoresheet as the Sox went down in the seventh.Righthander and former starter Trevor Richards came on to soak up the remaining innings for the Sox, who went down more or less without a fight on the offensive side of the last three innings. You can’t shock the world every day, I suppose.With a 2-4 road trip now in the books, the South Siders are off tomorrow before showing up at home for a three-game bout with the NL-best Atlanta Braves. Erick Fedde gets the ball for the series opener, with Davis Martin potentially getting a bit of an extra breather after his first genuinely rough start of the campaign. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. CT, and we’ll see you there!Who was the bright spot of this afternoon’s loss?Tristan Peters (2-for-4, R, RBI)Sam Antonacci (2-for-3, HBP, RBI)Randal Grichuk (1-for-2, 2 RBI) pollcode.com free pollsWho was the cold cat of this afternoon’s loss?David Sandlin (3 IP, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO)Tyler Davis (IP, 3 H, 3 ER)Brandon Marsh (Why Did He Have To Do All That?) pollcode.com free polls

It promises to be an entertaining opening day at the WTA 250 in Den Bosch as main draw action on grass gets underway. Paula Badosa plays her first match since Madrid as she aims to end her four-match losing streak. We also predict the rest of the day’s action in a separate article. Who will progress to the next round?WTA Den Bosch Day 1 PredictionsDaria Kasatkina vs Robin MontgomeryHead-to-head: first meetingKasatkina had some solid results on clay. She ended her title drought by winning the WTA 125K in La Bisbal and reached the quarterfinals in Strasbourg. Considering she missed quite a few important tournaments in March, this is a decent return to form for the Australian Open. Montgomery’s season started in late March. She has been out of action since last year’s Wimbledon, and the American qualified for this tournament with two impressive wins. She’s got the power game to earn cheap points on grass, but if Kasatkina can use her experience and craft to absorb that pace, she flips this match in her favor.Prediction: Kasatkina in 3Clara Tauson vs Mia PohankovaHead-to-head: first meetingTauson is still searching for consistency after injury setbacks. She has lost each of her last five matches. Her last decent run was in Dubai back in February. Pohankova’s wild card entry is a reflection of how quickly she is developing. Last year, the Slovak won the girls’ singles title at Wimbledon as an unseeded player and reached a WTA quarterfinal on hard court. This is a trickier opener than the rankings suggest, but if Tauson is healthy, she remains one of the cleanest ball-strikers on tour, and her power game should be enough to hit through Pohankova.Prediction: Tauson in 2Paula Badosa vs Daria SnigurHead-to-head: first meetingBadosa returns to action for the first time since late April. The Spaniard last featured in the main draw of the Madrid Open and lost her fourth match in a row. Her ranking fell outside the Top 100 in recent weeks and she chose not to enter the French Open qualifying tournament. While grass naturally suits Badosa’s style thanks to her bigger serve and heavier forehand, she is coming from a long layoff. The Spaniard is likely to be short of match rhythm after a poor clay swing.Prediction: Snigur in 3Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)2026-06-07T21:31:07Z PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Graham Platner is set to take questions from voters Sunday at a town hall-style event in Maine as the Democrat moves to stabilize his Senate campaign after new reports about his past treatment of women.The evening event in Portland is taking place two days before a Democratic primary that is still seen as Platner’s to win, but which could provide clues as to whether enthusiasm for his iconoclastic candidacy has softened.The New York Times on Thursday reported an ex-girlfriend’s allegations that Platner repeatedly grabbed her by the shoulders during arguments and once twisted her arm behind her back and locked her in a room. Platner has repeatedly called those allegations of violence untrue.Other Platner ex-girlfriends interviewed by the Times described positive experiences, while some said he was volatile and insulting. That story came days after news reports revealing that Platner had exchanged sexually explicit messages with several women while married. Despite the allegations, no major Democrats who had previously endorsed Platner have rescinded their support. Platner is running to oust Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. Platner held a rally with California Rep. Ro Khanna in Bar Harbor on Friday, where he received a standing ovation and declared that Mainers “have my back.”A combat veteran, Platner has repeatedly said that he struggled with alcohol and post traumatic stress disorder after his military service, but says he is a changed man. Read More The latest news has deepened some Democrats’ nervousness about Platner, who already faced scrutiny over online posts that were dismissive of sexual assault and a skull tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol. Platner has apologized for the posts and covered up the tattoo., saying he didn’t realize its significance when he got it.Rahm Emanuel, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate who spent the weekend in neighboring New Hampshire, said the “jury is still out” on whether Platner can beat Collins. “Everybody is holding their breath whether this is the start of something or the end of something,” he said. “If it’s the end, that’s one thing. If it’s the beginning of something and we’re not done, that’s another thing.”___Associated Press writer Steven Sloan contributed to this report from Warren, New Hampshire. Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island. PATRICK WHITTLE Whittle is an Associated Press reporter based in Portland, Maine. He focuses on the environment and oceans. twitter mailto

Broadway’s biggest names have started to arrive for the 79th Tony Awards. Here’s what they wore to walk the midnight blue carpet.

Chase Elliott won't get a chance to win race No. 3 of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season at Michigan International Speedway.Meanwhile, Christopher Bell is still seeking win No. 1 of the year. But nearly knocked down the wall at Michigan after Bell and Elliott were in a violent crash of Lap 184 of the FireKeepers Casino 400 on June 7.Elliott and Bell, racing for second place after a restart, collided and ended both their races.The NASCAR crash came when Bell and Elliott got side-by side through the corner. Elliott got loose and jerked up the track, collecting Bell. Bell hit the wall solidly in the turn, which forced NASCAR officials to do repair on the safer barrier."I was just trying to run on the bottom and take use of our new tires," Elliott said. "I got in there and got free."Elliott took the blame for the crash and acknowledged Bell's massive hit into the wall.Elliott entered the race fourth in points, 197 points behind Tyler Reddick. Bell was seventh, 258 points behind Reddick. Reddick was involved in a crash earlier in the race and suffered his first DNF of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season.This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott crash at NASCAR Michigan race, wall damaged

ATHENS, GA - JUNE 07: Georgia shortstop Kolby Branch(9) homers in the second inning during the NCAA Super Regional college baseball game between the Georgia Bulldogs vs Mississippi State Bulldogs on JUNE 7, 2026 Foley Field in Athens, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images With three of the top eight national seeds eliminated by Sunday afternoon with super regionals still in progress around the country, the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs are the highest seed remaining after taking the first two games of the Athens Super Regional to advance over the No. 14 Mississippi State Bulldogs.Georgia won two high-scoring games at Foley Field — 13-12 on Friday and 11-9 on Sunday — to join No. 16 West Virginia, Ole Miss, and Troy in the College World Series, which projects as wide open across much of the field with two of the three teams currently Omaha-bound unranked upstarts.The bad news for the winner of the Austin Super Regional?Following the 11-3 win by No. 6 Texas over No. 11 Oregon on Saturday, the Longhorns have the Ducks on the brink of elimination, but the results around the country haven’t favored Jim Schlossnagle’s program with the upsets set to benefit other teams and subsequently punish Texas since the field isn’t reseed after the super regionals by potentially forcing the Horns to play the highest seed remaining in its opening game instead of one of the unseeded teams.If the Longhorns are able to advance, the difficulty of the crucial opening game will look similar to 2021, when No. 2 Texas was the highest seed remaining in Omaha, but instead of a reseeded matchup against unseeded NC State or Virginia, the opponent was surging No. 7 Mississippi State and ace Will Bednar, who had just gone No. 14 overall to the San Francisco Giants in the 2021 MLB Draft.Behind 15 strikeouts by Bednar over six innings, the Bulldogs prevailed 2-1 thanks to fourth-inning runs against Longhorns ace Ty Madden on a sacrifice fly and a triple, enough to overcome a solo home run by Mike Antico to lead off the ninth failed to help a comeback materialize when Doug Hodo grounded out to strand runners at first and third against Mississippi State closer Landon Sims.Texas was able to win elimination games against Tennessee and Virginia, but with the Bulldogs still looming at the top of Bracket 2, the Horns needed to two more elimination wins to advance to the finals. An 8-5 win put Texas in that position, but Bednar and Sims loomed again. With a second look against Bednar, the bats fared betters, reducing their strikeouts and getting to State’s star for three runs in 6.1 innings. Against Sims, however, the Longhorns couldn’t even produce a hit in the final 2.2 innings as the Bulldogs eliminated a 3-1 margin with runs in the fifth and sixth before engineering a walk-off single in the ninth.In the finals against No. 4 Vanderbilt, Mississippi bounced back from an opening loss, securing the title with a 9-0 win over the Commodores So while Bednar was single-handedly good enough for the Bulldogs to heartily deserve the national title they won, double-elimination events like the College World Series don’t always reward the best team — the structure rewards the teams that can best set themselves up for success from a pitching standpoint.And that’s why reseeding would make such a difference given the importance of the first game — it could be the margin between having a team good enough to win the title given a more favorable opening matchup and coming so close that the team’s legacy lingers as what might have been because lower seeds often benefit from the randomness of upsets while higher seeds with worse luck get punished.Georgia and Texas both earned top-eight seeds and home-field advantages through the regional and super regional rounds only to lose the benefits earned by their success heading into the postseason, so why should poor luck from results outside of a top-eight seed’s control have such an outsized impact on determining the national champion?The structure is the structure, and Texas still needs another win against Oregon for this discussion to even matter, but for it to potentially matter so much for the Longhorns for a second time in five years is nothing short of frustrating.As Schlossnagle says, though, it’s “Win anyway,” starting on Sunday evening against the Ducks at 8 p.m. Central on ESPN.

When the North Carolina Tar Heels came to bat in the bottom of the eight inning of Game 3 of their Super Regional matchup against USC, the No. 5 team in the nation trailed 3-1, and were just six outs away from elimination.After a dramatic comeback to win 4-3, the Tar Heels are now headed to Omaha for the second time in the last three seasons.UNC got a key hit off the bat of Owen Hull in the bottom of the ninth, the outfielder’s fourth double of the game, to bring home the game-winning run and book a trip to the Men’s College World Series for the Tar Heels.“Oh it means the world,” said Hull to ESPN after the game. “This is one special team and we’re looking forward to playing in Omaha.”UNC dropped Game 1 on Friday, but rode a gem of a start from Jason DeCaro on Saturday to force a decisive Game 3. But the Tar Heels fell behind early, as a balk from Sunday starting pitcher Caden Glauber brought a run home for the Trojans in the top of the first. The Tar Heels tied the game in the bottom of the third on an RBI double from Hull down the right-field line that brought MLB Draft prospect Jake Schaffner around to score from first. But the Trojans tacked on runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, on solo home runs from Kevin Takeuchi and Andrew Lamb, to stake USC to a 3-1 lead.Glauber settled in from there, keeping the Tar Heels close. However, USC starter Andrew Johnson was cruising. The sophomore right-hander, who pitched 3.2 innings on Friday in relief to earn the save, lasted deep into Game 3, exiting in the bottom of the eighth after giving up a double to Macon Winslow that brought Hull around to score. USC got out of the eighth with a 3-2 lead, but everything changed in the bottom of the ninth.Adam Troy, who closed out the eighth, retired Tyler Howe on a grounder to second to start the inning. But after Troy walked Cooper Nicholson and started 3-0 to Carter French, USC head coach Andy Stankiewicz came out of the dugout again to pull his closer, turning the game over to Chase Harrell – who got the win in relief on Friday – to get the final two outs. The USC reliever battled back against French to work the count 3-2, with a pair of fastballs low in the zone, but French then laced a single through the right side, advancing Nicholson to third and putting the potential winning run on first. That brought leadoff hitter Schaffner to the plate. He lofted a flyball to center on the first pitch he saw from Harrell, driving it deep enough for Nicholson to come home on the sacrifice fly and tie the game at 3-3:KEEP. FIGHTING. KEEP. FIGHTING. https://t.co/S5unWc55Cspic.twitter.com/mWxlqA6S2X— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) June 7, 2026Gavin Gallaher came to the plate next, already a hero in Chapel Hill lore. Back in 2024 Gallaher, then a freshman, belted a walk-off grand slam to cap off a comeback win over Long Island in the Chapel Hill regional. Gallaher walked, bringing Hull, UNC’s RBI leader, to the plate with a pair of runners on and French on second as the potential winning run. Harrell missed with the first two pitches, falling behind 2-0 to Hull, who delivered an RBI single earlier in the game. Following a mound conference, Hull dug into the batter’s box for the third pitch of the at-bat, and lofted a pop-up along the left-field line. But the ball fell harmlessly between USC fielders, giving Hull an extra life. He made the most of it:𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐔𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐇𝐀 🤯Carolina walks it off!! pic.twitter.com/epObEkIi1u— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) June 7, 2026Hull drilled a line drive to deep left-center, and USC outfielder Kevin Takeuchi’s sliding attempt on the warning track came up short. It was the fourth double of the game from Hull, sending UNC to the Men’s College World Series for the second time in the last three years. The loss means the Big Ten will be without a team in the Men’s College World Series, as the Trojans were the last team alive in the Super Regionals.

DETROIT (AP) — Kevin McGonigle homered in the fourth inning and hit a two-run single off All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz with two outs in the bottom of the ninth that gave the Detroit Tigers a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. Wenceel Pérez tripled home two runs in the seventh to begin Detroit's comeback from a 4-1 deficit as the Tigers took two of three games in the series.Muñoz (3-4) struck out Spencer Torkelson to start the ninth, then walked Zach McKinstry and Pérez. Both advanced on Matt Vierling's groundout before McGonigle lined a single off the glove of leaping second baseman Cole Young to give Detroit its fifth victory in six games.Will Vest (2-4) pitched a scoreless inning for the win.Seattle wasted a strong start from Luis Castillo, who left with a 3-1 lead after yielding three hits in 5 2/3 innings. The veteran right-hander's only blemish was McGonigle's fourth homer — a 420-foot shot leading off the fourth that tied it at 1.Colt Emerson doubled off Tigers starter Jack Flaherty to begin the third before scoring on Young's one-out single to put Seattle up 1-0.Julio Rodríguez singled and scored on a double by Josh Naylor for a 2-1 lead in the sixth. Flaherty left after walking Randy Arozarena. The right-hander allowed three runs and six hits in five-plus innings. Drew Sommers relieved Flaherty and hit Emerson with a bases-loaded pitch to make it 3-1. Kyle Finnegan entered and retired Jhonny Peralta on a lineout to center field to end the inning.Rodríguez walked with one out in the seventh, stole second and third, and scored on Arozarena’s two-out single off Finnegan for a 4-1 lead. Mariners reliever Cooper Criswell gave up Pérez's two-run triple in the bottom of the seventh and failed to get an out. Gabe Speier retired Vierling on a pinch-hit grounder to third, and McGonigle on a shallow fly to left before striking out Gleyber Torres to keep it 4-3.Seattle had homered in nine straight games.Up nextMariners RHP Emerson Hancock (4-2, 2.80 ERA) starts Monday in Baltimore to begin a four-game series with the Orioles, who had not announced a starting pitcher.Tigers RHP Troy Melton (2-0, 1.74 ERA) pitches Tuesday to open a three-game series with the visiting Twins, who will start RHP Taj Bradley (5-2, 3.56).___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Sometimes the next visit is just the best visit.That was the case for four-star edge rusher K.J. Green, who visited the Oregon Ducks last weekend before making a trip to Baton Rouge to visit LSU this weekend. Green left Eugene with a positive visit, and the Ducks had every reason to feel like a contender and potentially a frontrunner in the race.However, Green's trip to LSU went so well that the pass rusher from Stone Mountain, Georgia, decided to lock in his commitment with the Tigers. Green wasn't scheduled to commit until August 8, and it appeared that Green would take all of his visits before making a decision, so the early commitment was a surprise.BREAKING: Elite 2027 EDGE KJ Green has Committed to LSU, he tells me for @RivalsThe 6’4 230 EDGE chose the Tigers over South Carolina, Georgia, and Oregon“All aboard the Lane Train, Geaux Tigers🐯🚂”https://t.co/RxxYGfoEq5pic.twitter.com/Y7nMdGb1eN— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 7, 2026Green chose LSU over Oregon, South Carolina and Georgia. He is the No. 48 player and No. 8 edge rusher in the country, per the Rivals Industry Ranking. During his junior season in high school, Green racked up 129 tackles, 40 for a loss, 18 sacks and four forced fumbles. He was named a MaxPreps Junior All-American and was the Region 5-AAA Defensive Player of the Year.Standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Green profiles very similarly to Nasir Wyatt, who is expected to contribute in a big way for the Ducks this season. Oregon has the No. 9 class in the nation, per Rivals, which includes top-100 player and edge rusher Rashad Streets.Missing out on Green is a tough loss for the Ducks, but the program could walk away from this weekend's round of official visits with another edge rusher in tow. Keep an eye on three-star Achilles Reyna to potentially commit to the Ducks soon.Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon misses 4-star EDGE K.J. Green, commits to LSU

For disabled travelers in search of adventure, there are a growing number of adrenaline-fueled options. In Oregon, one wheelchair user went tree-climbing.

More Americans are taking on debt and falling behind on bills. The people calling them to collect often endure a torrent of verbal abuse and threats of violence.

Climate change. Gun violence. War. Generations of young people have organized over issues they fear threaten the future. Will housing be the next cause?

With cybercrime continuing to rise, some banks are testing new prevention strategies. JPMorgan Chase hired a behavioral scientist.

Visitor numbers to Shibuya are surging and trash cans are scarce. Enter the city patrol.

PHOENIX — Gabriel Moreno hit a two-run homer, Michael Soroka threw seven effective innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks avoided a series sweep with a 5-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Sunday.The Diamondbacks’ bats came to life after losing the series’ first two games by a combined score of 20-2.Corbin Carroll hit a solo homer in the first inning off Cade Cavalli (3-4) and Moreno added his two-run shot off the right-hander in the fifth.Pavin Smith hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh to put Arizona up 5-1.Soroka (8-3) gave up a leadoff homer to CJ Abrams in the second inning and two other hits. He struck out six and walked two.It was Soroka’s first start of at least seven innings and one or fewer runs allowed since Aug. 10, 2019.Washington finished with three hits after bashing the Diamondbacks for 24 the previous two games combined.The Diamondbacks were held to two hits in Saturday’s 6-1 loss, but had more than that by the second inning against Cavalli.Carroll hit an 0-2 breaking ball onto the pool deck in right-center in the first inning, and Ryan Waldschmidt put Arizona up 2-1 with an RBI groundout in the fourth.Moreno made it 4-0 in the fifth with his fourth homer, a two-run shot off the back of Arizona’s bullpen in left.Cavalli allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings with two strikeouts and a walk.Up nextNationals RHP Miles Mikolas (1-5, 6.39 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-game series at San Francisco on Monday.The Diamondbacks have a day off before RHP Zac Gallen (3-5, 5.32) pitches against Miami on Tuesday to open a three-game series.

🚨 Colombia v Jordan line-ups readyAll set for action! Colombia will face Jordan this afternoon to play their final warm-up match for the World Cup, and this time, James will get minutes from the start of the game. Colombia Starting XIDon’t miss the details with OneFootball. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Real Madrid to join Mateus Fernandes race, Brighton reject Spurs' second Jan Paul van Hecke bid and Harry Maguire could leave Manchester United.Real Madrid are set to join the race to sign Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League. (Sun)Brighton have rejected a second bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Netherlands centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, 25. (Talksport)Harry Maguire could be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer, just months after the England defender, 33, signed a new contract. (Football Insider)Inter Milan have made an offer for England midfielder Curtis Jones, 25, but are currently some way short of Liverpool's valuation. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)Liverpool could use Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, as leverage in their bid to sign Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, from RB Leipzig. (Teamtalk)Bayern Munich have said they have no intention of selling Michael Olise after Real Madrid said they would offer £130m for the France winger, 24. (Bild - in German)Bernardo Silva says that joining Barcelona is "an option" after leaving Manchester City but the Portugal midfielder, 31, is yet to make a decision on his future. (Marca - in Spanish)Tottenham's Italy international Guglielmo Vicario, 29, has emerged as the frontrunner as Juventus look to sign a new goalkeeper. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)Coventry City have submitted a club-record £20m bid for Carl Rushworth, the 24-year-old English goalkeeper who helped the Sky Blues win the Championship while on loan from Brighton last season. (Talksport)PSG could rival Arsenal for Gibbs-White - Sunday's gossipGet the latest on your Premier League teamAll your football quizzes in one placeListen to the latest Football Daily podcast

Braves-Tigers trade pitch sends $32M 2-time Cy Young winner to Atlanta to pair with Chris Sale originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Atlanta Braves are sitting at 45 wins and own the best record in baseball after sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates. The impressive part for Atlanta is that it has accomplished much of that success despite dealing with significant injuries throughout the lineup.The Braves are still expected to pursue a frontline starter if they want to establish themselves as true World Series contenders. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has already hinted that Atlanta plans to be active at the trade deadline.“I fully expect and hope that we will be engaged in trades come July. I'm not trying to overly excite anybody or promise anything. But if we're playing the way we are right now, we're going to be in there,” Anthopoulos said.The Braves have been linked to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The challenge, however, is that several other contenders around the league are expected to pursue him as well.“Now that it’s becoming inevitable that the free-falling Detroit Tigers may have no choice but to trade two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the deadline, rival executives believe the bidding will come down to four finalists that not only can afford the remainder of his $32 million contract, but will also be willing to give up prized prospects: The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa believes the Braves are among the top landing spots for Skubal at the trade deadline.“The Tigers have crashed so hard and so fast that a Tarik Skubal trade now appears more likely than not. They'll have to turn things around right away (as in, today) and climb back into the postseason race quickly to entertain keeping him,” Axisa wrote. “For Skubal specifically, it's basically every contender. Start with the Braves.”Atlanta knows its roster is not yet complete, which is why adding a starter like Skubal makes so much sense. Acquiring him would give the Braves arguably the best left-handed duo in Major League Baseball.A postseason rotation featuring Chris Sale and Skubal would be a nightmare for opposing lineups, especially considering the success both pitchers have enjoyed throughout their careers. If Atlanta wants to position itself as a legitimate World Series favorite, trading for Skubal would be the type of aggressive move that could put it over the top.Phillies predicted to trade for $426M 9-time Silver Slugger, 3-time MVP to bolster batting lineupBlue Jays predicted to trade for $32M 2-time Cy Young winner to save injury-plagued seasonBraves exposed by glaring problem during Drake Baldwin's oblique recoveryMets' Jorge Polanco reportedly re-injured his achilles, says manager Carlos Mendoza

Jun 7, 2026; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs infielders Tre Phelps (1) and Kolby Branch (9) carry the Super Regional championship trophy after Georgia defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Foley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images For the first time since 2008, the Diamond Dawgs are headed to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.And for the second day in a row during an absolutely thrilling super regional at Foley Field against Mississippi State, Georgia pulled off another round of late-inning theatrics. After seeing a 7-2 lead through four and a half innings evaporate and trail 9-8 after eight innings, the Diamond Dawgs would once again pull themselves up off the mat. After Brennan Hudson’s ninth-inning single scored Kenny Ishikawa to force extra innings, Daniel Jackson’s riveting two-run blast in the tenth put Georgia in front. From there, Justin Byrd sealed the deal for the second day in a row, getting out of a two-aboard situation in the tenth as Georgia won 11-9.SEE YOU IN OMAHA DAWG NATION‼️#GoDawgspic.twitter.com/4G4fQiElus— Georgia Baseball (@BaseballUGA) June 7, 2026After multiple seasons of bad postseason breaks, close calls, and one Omaha-contending season halted by COVID-19, this team is going to college baseball’s promised land. It’ll also be the Diamond Dawgs’ first CWS trip since it moved across town to Charles Schwab Field from Rosenblatt Stadium. DANIEL JACKSON GO AHEAD 10TH INNING BOMBBBB 🔥🔥🔥GEORGIA LEADS. FOLEY FIELD HAS ERUPTED pic.twitter.com/1tmiTJJAjS— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) June 7, 2026For the first few innings on Sunday, the agenda was simple for the Bulldogs. Take advantage of a sterling pitching performance from Caden Aoki and slowly pad an early lead. That shook out nicely through the game’s first half with Georgia leading 7-2 despite missed early chances to plate more runners. Aoki was more than up to the task, throwing more than 120 pitches into the sixth inning, giving up four runs on eight hits and striking out nine. Coach Johnson feelin' all the emotions after today's stunner. What a way to advance! #GoDawgs#Supers@BaseballUGApic.twitter.com/eTXAK1y8vs— DawgNation (@DawgNation) June 7, 2026Georgia put two runs across in the first inning a Rylan Lujo sac fly and Ryan Wynn groundout with a 3-0 lead coming in the second on a Kolby Branch homer and Ryan Black drawing a bases-loaded walk. A pair of second-inning runs by MSU was answered by a Brennan Hudson solo homer for a 5-2 third-inning lead, and single runs in the fourth and fifth on a Lujo RBI and run-scoring groundout by Tre Phelps extended the UGA lead to 7-2. Georgia is taking its celebration to Kudzu Hill. pic.twitter.com/JaVih4YZnn— Olivia Sayer (@OliviaKSayer) June 7, 2026In most cases, that’d of seemed like a safe lead. But not against this MSU team that slammed balls out of the park the day before, and Sunday was more of the same, starting with a homer and RBI single to trim the Georgia lead to 7-4, one that would be a 8-7 Georgia lead after seven before a two-run homer in the eighth put the Maroon Dogs in front 9-8, setting the table for yet another day of late-inning Foley Field magic. Go Dawgs!

His five-volume “Children of Crisis” series, published between 1967 and 1977, drew on his conversations with American children whose voices were not often heard.

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Chapecoense battle, but Avaí edge Copa Sul-Sudeste deciderThere was no shortage of excitement in the Copa Sul-Sudeste final. After winning the first match 3-0 at Ressacada, Avaí had one hand on the trophy. But Chape overturned the deficit and beat their rival by the same score, sending the decision to a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Avaí won 5-4.Even with a difficult task ahead, Chapecoense fought from start to finish. Verdão do Oeste’s victory began to take shape in the 24th minute of the first half through João Paulo, who also scored the second goal in the final stage. The match was heading for a 2-0 scoreline and the title for Avaí, but in the 46th minute, Bruno Pacheco scored with a header after a corner kick.Chapecoense fought until the end, but Avaí came out on top in the penalty shootoutCredits: Márcio Cunha - STAFF Images/ CBFIn the shootout, Avaí converted all five spot kicks, but Chapecoense missed their third attempt when Rubens hit the post: 5-4.With the Copa Sul-Sudeste title, Avaí secured qualification for the third round of the 2027 Copa do Brasil.Avaí converted all five spot kicks and shouted "champions" at Arena Condá, Chapecoense’s home groundCredits: Márcio Cunha - STAFF Images/ CBFThis article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Sunday notes…CUBS vs. GIANTS AT WRIGLEY: The Cubs lost the rubber game of last year’s series at home against the Giants, after winning the first and losing the second. Two years ago, they won the third game after losing the first and winning the second, as they did this year. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)RUN SCORING NOTES: When the Cubs have scored at least three runs, as they did yesterday, their record is an impressive 30-15. They are 2-5 in games with exactly three and 4-16 with two or fewer. They are 18-4 when they have allowed no more than two and 20-6 with no more than three. With at least four, they are 14-25. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER: The Cubs’ last five games have been decided by one, one, one, 15 and one run. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)WINNING WHEN COMING FROM BEHIND: The Cubs erased two deficits yesterday, 1-0 and 2-1. It was the third game this season in which they have come from behind twice and they have won them all. The previous two both were walk-offs against the Reds, on May 4 (behind 3-0 and 4-3 before winning in the ninth, 5-4) and May 6 (behind 1-0 and 6-4 before winning in the 10th, 7-6). The Cubs have erased 27 total deficits in 24 different games. They are 15-9 in those games, having won three of four following five straight losses. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)Cubs lineup: Sunday Night Baseball at @ofcwrigleyfield! pic.twitter.com/73T7VnMyAi— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 7, 2026Giants lineup:Last one in Chicago 🏙️⌚️: 5:30 p.m. PT📍: Chicago, IL📺: @NBCSGiants📻: @KNBR | KSFN#SFGiants | @CocaColapic.twitter.com/CmyRmf0r4z— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 7, 2026Jameson Taillon, RHP vs. Trevor McDonald, RHPJameson Taillon has had a rough year, but also has made some very good starts, including last time out, last Tuesday against the A’s. Hope that continues.Current Giants are batting .169 (11-for-65) against Taillon, though with four home runs (two by Rafael Devers, one each by Matt Chapman and Willy Adames). That should not surprise you.Keep the ball in the yard tonight, Jamo.Trevor McDonald is making his ninth MLB start. Of the previous eight, six have come this year, so he comes in with just 52 innings of MLB experience. He was the Giants’ 11th round pick out of George County High School in Lucedale, Mississippi in 2019, and I mention the specific school because that’s the same school that produced Justin Steele.Of his six starts this year, five were decent to good, he got pounded in the other one May 22 by the White Sox (seven runs in 3.2 innings).McDonald has never faced the Cubs. The only Cub who’s seen him is Michael Conforto (1-for-3).Here is the weather forecast for the area around Wrigley Field.Today’s game is on NBC (full national broadcast, no blackouts). It’s also streaming on Peacock. Announcers: Jason Benetti, Jim Deshaies and Hunter Pence. Anthony Rizzo is the dugout reporter.Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.MLB.com GamedayBaseball-reference.com game previewPlease visit our SB Nation Giants site McCovey Chronicles. If you do go there to interact with Giants fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.Discuss amongst yourselves.Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

Kansas redshirt senior defensive tackle D.J. Withers (52) works on drills during a spring practice on April 11, 2025. | Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Between personnel and scheme changes, the Cowboys’ defensive line has undergone a nearly complete transformation from this time a year ago. Rookie prospect D.J. Withers is going to try his best to break into that revamped line.BackgroundYears in NFL: 0Acquired by: UDFA (2026)An Arkansas native, Withers had a five-year run as a versatile defensive lineman for the Jayhawks. For the last two years, he played under Kansas’ defensive coach D.K. McDonald. Interestingly, McDonald was the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive backs coach in 2023 and had Christian Parker, Dallas’ new DC, as one of his assistants. It seems hardly a coincidence that Withers and Kansas teammate Tommy Dunn both found their way to Dallas as developmental prospects for Parker’s new 3-4 scheme, which they played last year when McDonald fully took over as the Jayhawks’ coordinator.Contract StatusYears Left: 32026 Cap Hit: $886kEven when their chances of making the 53-man roster are slim, most UDFAs get the same basic deal. If they do somehow make it, the Cowboys are in great shape as it gives them a cheap asset for several years and the additional leverage of restricted free agency when the contract expires. We just saw a great example of that in guard T.J. Bass.2026 ProjectionsRole: Backup DERoster Chance: 10%Withers is one of several DL prospects vying for the Cowboys’ attention this summer. We already mentioned Dunn, and there’s another UDFA with them in Virginia Tech’s Kelvin Gilliam. There’s also Adedayo Odeleye, Dallas’ international pathway player. These four guys will be in a fight to emerge as more than just camp bodies, but true assets worthy of continued development if not a roster spot.Getting on the roster will be a tall order, though. The Cowboys’ renovated defensive line already boasts All-Pro Quinnen Williams, veteran Kenny Clark, free agent additions Otito Ogbonnia and Jonathan Bullard, and drafted rookie LT Overton. There’s also second-year prospect Jay Toia, a seventh-rounder from last year. Some might lump Toia more with the dark horse prospects than the roster favorites, but it’s still a bit early to start dismissing him. So right there, you already have six players who are ahead of Withers and the others in the pecking order.With the nickel scheme being used more than the base 3-4, which can limit the number of defensive linemen on the field for the majority of snaps, Dallas may not even need to keep six guys at tackle. If they do go with just five, it seems a fairly certain group with the players we just mentioned, minus Toia. But there could be one possible crack in Bullard, who turns 33 in October.Remember, Dallas signed Bullard about a month before drafting Overton. If the rookie comes on strong early, he could fill a similar role. That might allow Dallas to lean on youth and use Bullard’s spot to secure one of their developmental players on the 53.Of course, it’s much more likely that Withers, Dunn, Gilliam, Odeleye, and maybe Toia are all competing for practice squad jobs. At 6’4” and about 300 lbs., Withers has the physical profile of a 3-4 defensive end. Dallas will likely want at least one such guy on the practice team, if not more, should injuries befall the rostered DEs. We’ll soon see if Withers can separate himself from the pack in Oxnard.Check out our previous player profiles from this series:RB Israel AbanikandaC Cooper BeebeG Tyler BookerS Alijah ClarkEDGE Donovan EzeiruakuTE Jake FergusonC Matt HennessyS Malik HookerEDGE James HoustonWR Jordan HudsonLB Shemar JamesG Trevor KeeganCB Derion KendrickS P.J. LockeFB Hunter LuepkeRB Phil MafahQB Joe Milton IIIWR Jonathan MingoCB Devin MooreLB DeMarvion OvershownTE DJ RogersLS Trent SiegWR Anthony SmithOT Terence SteeleCB Reddy StewardDT Jay ToiaEDGE Tyrus WheatEDGE Sam Williams

Photo by Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty ImagesWWE is like a soap opera at times both in terms of what we see on our TV screens and in the backstage politics involved.We’ve seen so many times over the years how certain wrestlers claim to be treated differently to others, while we’ve heard countless tales of fallouts and disagreements.In such a heated environment where everyone is striving to be the top dog and with that, earn the most money, tensions are always going to be high.However, according to former WWE superstar Ken Anderson (Mr Kennedy during his WWE run), backstage antics very much got him fired.And he believes two of the biggest names in the business, John Cena and Randy Orton, helped get it done.Photo by Cooper Neil/WWE via Getty ImagesKen Anderson suggests John Cena and Randy Orton wanted him fired from WWEIn fairness to Anderson (Kennedy), he was one of the hottest stars in WWE at his peak and his run with the Money in the Bank briefcase and as US Champion was entertaining.However, he did make some in-ring errors and there are suggestions on multiple platforms he was also volatile backstage at times.And after botching a move with Randy Orton during a 2009 episode of Raw, Kennedy believes that was the final straw.“I got fired for dumping Randy [Orton] on his head. If you slow that video down, you can see that his neck never comes into contact with the mat. Even just the way that he bumped, he bumped in a manner where he lined up perfectly with the camera, so you can actually see that. He says I dumped him on his head, but you can see his neck; it’s a completely flat bump. From his shoulders to his ass was a complete straight line, flat bump,” Anderson said.“I believe that Randy and John [Cena] worked together. They decided that day, let’s f—–g get him gone. And it worked,” Anderson shared.Nevertheless, Anderson took his share of the blame and said that his departure was still down to himself.“I’ve said this before, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back, but had I been doing what I should have done on a daily basis, that would have never occurred. They could have gone to Vince [McMahon] and said all whatever they wanted to,” Anderson added.“The fact that my name kept coming up in a negative light and I kept kind of f—–g up in different ways, and that’s all on me. So, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back, but the reason I got fired is because of me.”It seems that the big players in WWE can have a sway.However, as Anderson says here, he has only himself to blame in the main and ultimately, there’s a reason why the likes of Cena and Orton have been on top for so long.READ MORE: https://www.hitc.com/wwe-superstar-risks-following-in-chris-jerichos-unwanted-footsteps-during-wwe-live-event-in-italy

HONOLULU, HAWAII - OCTOBER 11: Micah Alejado #12 of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors runs the ball during the first half of the game against the Utah State Aggies at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on October 11, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) | Getty Images This post is brought to you by FanDuel, proud partner of SBNation.Fans want to improve transfer rules.The Protect College Sports Act seeks to address many aspects of college football that have gone unchecked over the past few years. Fans in this poll, 46% of them, are most interested in addressing rules centered around players transferring. Along with that, about another quarter of people want to see improvements in NIL policies. Alejado enters the season as the top QB in the Mountain WestThe Mountain West could be seeing some strong quarterback play in 2026, and Hawaii QB Micah Alejado stands out among the rest. Nearly two-thirds of voters are confident that Alejado is the top quarterback in the conference. A solid number of voters went with Liam Szarka, for what it’s worth.