The long-running sketch comedy show proved its power during the Tony Awards on Sunday, with Lorne Michaels and several former stars grabbing the spotlight.

Tony Zale and Billy Pryor's 85-year-old boxing attendance record is safe. At least for this summer.Ed Pereira's iVisitBoxing was hoping to surpass the feat on July 11 at San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza, however plans for the potentially record-breaking event were canceled Monday, sources close to the situation told Uncrowned. The event is off due to logistical problems, per organizers. Among those issues is the withdrawal of Silverback, the production company behind the show.The card, which was set to be headlined by Anthony Olascuaga's WBO flyweight title defense against Andy Dominguez, will likely still move ahead on a new date at a different venue, but it will not be attempting to overtake the record Milwaukee crowd of 135,132 spectators that Zale and Pryor enjoyed in 1941.Pereira and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Laurie first announced the ambitious plans in January. Initial reports called for boxing's pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk to top the bill; Pereira, however, quickly dismissed those rumors.It was announced last month that Olascuaga's sixth title defense would be topping the bill, with highly-ranked contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. and recent super featherweight title challenger Charly Suarez leading the supporting cast. Sampson Lewkowicz was named as the lead promoter. Plans for such a card to have a 136,000 crowd were quickly dismissed by critics, though Pereira assured fans that the concept was more so centered around a festival rather than purely a boxing event. Pereira announced that 80% of the crowd would be non-paying and that musical attractions were planned to make up the event. But those plans never materialized. And for now, boxing's attendance record will live to fight another day.

While most of the football world was praising Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams for securing the Madden 27 cover, not everyone was pleased.Rapper Boosie dragged Williams for having his fingernails painted on the Madden cover.The rapper said this on his Instagram page :“FINGERNAILS PAINTED ON MADDEN. YOUNG BOYS LOOK UP TO YOU BRO SMH,” Boosie said. “U WANT RESPECT FROM YOUR TEAMMATES N YOUR HANDS LOOK LIKE THEY [expletive] NAILS AT HOME. SMH WHO EVER THOUGHT U WOULD SEE THIS ON A MADDEN COVER. I FEEL SORRY FOR THESE KIDS.”"As parents, how much do they have to do for us to say 'that's not right'? Us daddies gotta go tell these boys that we got, raising them to be men, 'That's wrong, son.'"The Baton Rouge-based rapper has a history of being against the LGBTQ community. As recently as Sunday, he made a statement about not allowing trans women at his topless pool party, which he hosted. He has also made comments against Dwyane Wade’s trans daughter Zaya Wade, back in 2020.The Heisman winner, who also paints his nails since college, explained why he does it."I've been painting my nails for about six years now. It's been a part of my career because I've always wanted to be true to myself."Williams' mother is a professional nail technician, which he has cited as another source of inspiration, according to Fox News. He has also used nail art to raise awareness for suicide prevention, domestic violence, and various causes during his career.This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Rapper drags Caleb Williams for painting his nails for Madden cover

Laura Sanko thinks Justin Gaethje has what it takes to give Ilia Topuria his first loss at UFC Freedom 250.Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) enters Sunday's lightweight title unification bout with Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) at the White House (Paramount+) as a significant favorite. The betting public is giving "The Highlight" little chance of the upset, but it's not an impossible path, argued UFC analyst and color commentator Sanko.Although they are entirely different stylistic matchups, Sanko points to the recent UFC 328 headliner in which Sean Strickland took the undefeated record and belt from Khamzat Chimaev."Those are very similar vibes because, listen, the analyst in me, it's not easy to make a clear path to victory for Justin where it's like, 'If he does this, this and this, he'll have a really good shot that plays into the weakness of his opponent,'" Sanko told MMA Junkie "It's not easy to do that. But this sport has a habit of making fools of us who try to predict outcomes of fights, and the Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat fight being so recent should remind all of us of what that looks like and what that feels like. The truth is, you just don't know. Justin is a very dangerous, dangerous guy."It's so easy to get fixated, and it's understandable to get fixated, on the knockouts that Ilia Topuria has had back-to-back-to-back. There's no better hat trick of knockouts in the history of the UFC. However, in the Josh Emmett fight, he didn't knock out Josh Emmett and he took some big shots. Can he take those same shots from Justin Gaethje? I don't know. A lot of people say that Justin Gaethje is the hardest hitting guy in the division. This is up at lightweight, not featherweight. He got knocked down by Jai Herbert with a kick that was within what you might consider boxing range, which is something that Justin does really well. There are little things you can pick up here and there."If there's an X-factor at play that could lean the fight in Gaethje's favor, Sanko points to the mindset. Gaethje sets his own terms when stepping into the octagon and is without question one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history.Sanko expects Gaethje to be bulletproof upstairs on fight night, and that alone should give him the ability to make it more competitive than Topuria or anyone else is predicting."I do think that Justin Gaethje has way more than a puncher's chance," Sanko said. "The people that are saying he's going to get cooked on the front lawn of the White House are nuts. This is another guy who bleeds red, white and blue, and the thing I love about him as much as anyone who has faced or will face Ilia Topuria, is Justin Gaethje is not going to be intimidated by the moment – or the opponent."I think the fact that you're dealing with a guy in Justin Gaethje who has no attachment to the outcome – that's a dangerous thing. I think Justin Gaethje is more than willing to end up face down on the canvas, as he always is, and that alone sets him apart and makes him incredibly dangerous for a guy like Ilia Topuria, because it could just as easily be Ilia."Sanko would not be at all surprised if Topuria landed a flush shot that put Gaethje away at some point in the fight. However, she thinks the American is going to be able to summon something special Sunday and close UFC Freedom 250 out with a moment for the ages."I love picking underdogs," Sanko said. "The analyst in me says Ilia Topuria, but I'm going to pick Justin Gaethje. I'm going to go with Justin Gaethje on America's front lawn: finish."To hear more of Sanko's UFC Freedom 250 breakdowns, check out her complete appearance on "The Bohnfire" podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC analyst Laura Sanko picks massive title upset at White House

Could the Carolina Panthers strengthen their secondary by calling up a familiar face?Ethan Woodie of NFL Trade Rumors recently named some potential landing spots for free-agent cornerback Rasul Douglas. And among the top three possible suitors are the Panthers, who may need some additional depth behind Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson.Woodie writes:Douglas wouldn't replace Jackson or Horn as starters, but he'd be an immediate upgrade over [Chau] Smith-Wade in the slot if the coaching staff wants to play him there. Even if they'd rather not, he'd be the third outside corner on the team and a high-quality backup cornerback. He'd give Carolina options at the one position on defense they don't have many.The Panthers did select Texas A&M's Will Lee III in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Lee, who took the vast majority of his college snaps from the outside, seems likely to serve as the first line of defense behind the duo Horn and Jackson.Meanwhile, the starting slot role could be up for grabs—with Smith-Wade and second-year corner Corey Thornton as the top contenders.Douglas, who turns 32 years old in August, spent one of his nine NFL seasons in Carolina. That short stay came in 2020, where he made 11 starts over 14 outings.2025 saw Douglas make 13 starts for the Miami Dolphins, totaling 62 combined tackles and two interceptions.Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL free agency: Panthers named possible sutior for CB Rasul Douglas

The Seahawks added some experienced depth to their offensive line on Monday.The team announced the signing of tackle Bobby Hart to their 90-man roster. Wide receiver Levi Wentz was waived in a corresponding move. Hart spent the 2025 season with the Chargers and started in eight of his 10 appearances. Hart previously started 45 games for the Bengals and 21 games for the Giants during a career that has also featured stops in Tennessee and Buffalo. The Seahawks also have Josh Jones and Amari Kight behind starting tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. Wentz signed with Seattle after going undrafted out of Kansas in April.

Disgraced former Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) mounted a political comeback of sorts, Politico reported in a June 8 article, claiming that Venezuela’s vice president had promised him a literal gold mine if he got the U.S. to improve diplomatic relations between the countries. Schock recently visited a Venezuelan town renowned for its gold prospecting. The publication noted that after resigning from Congress in 2015 under a wave of campaign finance scandals, Schock styled himself as a hotel developer and spoke alongside gay Trump administration official Richard Grenell at a 2021 Pride event organized by the Log Cabin Republicans’ (LCR) media outlet Outspoken. Schock then began developing apartment complexes in Georgia and Florida and spent the 2024 election campaigning for Trump at LCR campaign events across eight battleground states. Related Federal judge rips into Trump administration lawyers & refers them for disciplinary proceedings Near the beginning of 2025, Harry Sargeant III, a Florida-based Republican donor and longtime investor in Venezuela, reportedly offered Schock “a one-time lump sum payment of $100,000,” according to Sargeant’s attorney Christopher Kise. Schock reportedly headed to the Venezuelan capitol of Caracas in January 2025. There, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez allegedly offered Schock a gold mine in exchange for work to help soften the U.S. government’s policies against Venezuela. 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 Politico noted that soon after, Schock began working with Forward Global, a French firm that pays social media influencers to share political content, “to coordinate Venezuela-related messaging with former officeholders, MAGA activists and online-famous influencers” with the goal of influencing State Secretary Marco Rubio. Schock reportedly allied with anti-LGBTQ+ White House advisor Lara Loomer to help tarnish Rubio and other hawkish administration officials who could influence foreign relations with the South American country. During 2025, Schock reportedly racked up high-dollar expenses for fancy meals, hotels, and transportation (and expressed displeasure that his Wikipedia page prominently mentions his congressional financial scandals). Schock’s now-former business associate Benjamin Papermaster reportedly told Schock that the promise of a gold mine was “the dumbest f**king idea,” adding that local cartels and gangsters control the mine and that Schock himself wasn’t going to pull the gold out of the mine. Nevertheless, Schock instructed Papermaster to begin making preparations to have someone refine the gold. Papermaster stopped working for Schock after Schock repeatedly failed to pay him or respond to meetings and phone calls. Last month, Schock visited Carabobo, a Venezuelan town renowned for striking gold in the past. Neither Schock nor the Venezuelan vice president responded to Politico‘s request for comment. Aaron Schock’s closeted and corrupt fall from grace The former congressman’s closeted life has made him the subject of rumors and speculation ever since he took office in 2009. Rumors about his sexuality began when he appeared in Men’s Health magazine with his pecs on full display, and then later on when he showed up to a 2010 White House picnic in white jeans, a pink gingham shirt, and a teal belt. He burned the belt after the photo of his colorful picnic outfit went viral. He told a Chicago newspaper in 2004 and Details magazine in 2009 that he wasn’t gay. He kept up the ruse at the 2012 Republican National Convention when he told gay journalist Michelangelo Signorile that he wasn’t gay, calling Signorile’s inquiry “inappropriate and ridiculous” and not “worthy of further response.” Signorile partially asked Schock about his sexuality because of the then-U.S. Rep’s anti-LGBTQ+ voting record. Schock supported both the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and opposed the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In 2014, The New York Times more or less repeated rumors of his gayness after a post by Facebook user Itay Hod effectively outed Schock. In 2015, Schock came under investigation for allegedly misusing taxpayer money and campaign donations. He allegedly spent $40,000 of taxpayer money to expensively decorate his congressional office to look like Downton Abbey and took a male “companion” on an unreported all-expenses-paid trip to India. He also spent lavishly on private jets, shopping trips, Katy Perry concert tickets, and fancy hotels. The investigation proved too much for Schock, who resigned from office and subsequently left Instagram for 83 weeks. The investigation into his spending then ended in March 2019 when prosecutors dropped all charges against Schock in exchange for his pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of failing to properly report expenses. Shock also agreed to pay back $42,000 to the IRS and $68,000 to his congressional campaign fund. Schock later came out after a series of snapshots in 2019 showed him making out with another man and shoving his hand down his pants at Coachella (there was even video) and trying to pick up a guy poolside. He finally came out as gay in 2020, blaming a strict Christian upbringing for his being closeted. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Plenty of matches are on the schedule at the ATP Den Bosch event this week, with players hoping to fine tune their games on the quick grass courts. LWOT predicts each of the Tuesday first round matchups, with this set of predictions featuring the home-favorites Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands. Who will advance? ATP Den Bosch Day 2 PredictionsJaume Munar vs Martin Damm Head-to-head: First meeting Munar nearly stunned the tennis world last grass court season, when he had a lead on World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz at the HSBC Championships in London. This year, however, the Spaniard has put together a disappointing 8-11 record on tour, and his ranking has started to slip. On the other side of the net, Damm has an intriguing left-handed game, as the American is not afraid to use the net to his advantage. He won two matches in the qualifying draw, and his imposing height and aggression could give him the confidence to win in an upset. Prediction: Damm in 3 Gabriel Diallo vs Adrian Mannarino Head-to-head: First meeting Mannarino won this tournament in 2019, which was notably the first ATP Tour title of his career. The 37-year-old is now ranked just inside the Top 50, though he finds himself on a tough nine-match losing streak. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, Diallo is quite powerful off his serve, and possesses the faster legs; however, he too has had a tough 2026. The Canadian has faced some mid-match retirements as of late, but he should be the slight favorite to get this match done on Tuesday. Mannarino will have to use his funky game and force Diallo into lots of unforced errors.Prediction: Diallo in 3 Otto Virtanen vs Kamil Majchrzak Head-to-head: First meeting This is the pair’s first meeting at tour level, but the two faced off just last week in a lungbusting triple-tiebreak epic at the Birmingham Challenger semifinals. Virtanen won 7-6(6) 6-7(5) 7-6(7) over the Pole, so this will be a prime opportunity for Majchrzak to clinch some revenge. Virtanen has more matches behind his belt, while both players like to use first-strike tennis and hit big first serves. This match feels like another toss-up, but Majchrzak should be better rested and could turn the tables here. Prediction: Majchrzak in 3Tallon Griekspoor vs Botic van de ZandschulpHead-to-head: Griekspoor 2-1 Neither player has played particularly well in 2026, but on home soil, tough seasons can be put aside. Griekspoor has the better record at this tournament, as the 2023 champion and 2024 semifinalist–with nine matches won. Van de Zandschulp has had a slightly better season on tour, though his game is better oriented to clay courts and longer rallies. He’s also 0-3 at this tournament, falling in a final set in each of his defeats. Griekspoor has the slight edge in this compatriot rivalry, and his grass court experience may be the deciding factor.Prediction: Griekspoor in 2Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 24: (EDITORS NOTE: A long exposure was used in camera to produce this image.) The roof closes as the smallest panel rotates along the tracks after the Toronto Blue Jays victory against the Cincinnati Reds after their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 24, 2009 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images Game 67. Today would be a good day to in win a third game in a row. So there is news. Dylan Cease will start tomorrow’s game and Max Scherzer will start on Wednesday. Alejandro Kirk could be back Friday. Yimi Garcia pitches for the Bison’s Wednesday, maybe back with the Jays after that, or maybe one more rehab appearance. Shane Bieber starts for Buffalo Thursday. Lineups. Heineman draws in. Today’s LineupsPHILLIESBLUE JAYSKyle Schwarber – DHGeorge Springer – DHTrea Turner – SSNathan Lukes – RFBryce Harper – 1BVladimir Guerrero – 1BBrandon Marsh – CFKazuma Okamoto – 3BAlec Bohm – 3BErnie Clement – 2BJ.T. Realmuto – CAndres Gimenez – SSBryson Stott – 2BMyles Straw – CFAdolis Garcia – RFTyler Heineman – CEdmundo Sosa – LFYohendrick Pinango – LFC. Sanchez – LHPPatrick Corbin – LHP

The Washington Catholic Cardinals made a big announcement on Thursday in the Birdcage, naming Alex Hemenway the new athletic director and boys basketball coach.Hemenway replaces Peyton Catt and interim coach Brock Craney. He will be the third new coach in the last three seasons, as WC has gone 0-44 in the last two years under former coaches Billy Nolley and Catt, while the Cardinals have been 5-121 since 2020-21. Craney was named interim coach about a month ago.Hemenway was a major part of some very good Castle teams in high school and then played at Clemson out of high school, then joined Vanderbilt for the 2024-25 season and finished out back home at U of E during college last season.During his 127 college games, he averaged 5.7 points and was a 39% 3-point shooter in his career, getting 6.8 points in his last year at Evansville.

There weren’t many raised eyebrows when the Arizona Cardinals recently signed versatile defensive back Isaiah Oliver, who has played cornerback and safety during his eight-year career in which he’s played 110 games with 53 starts.While the contract Oliver signed didn’t require a significant financial investment, the terms of the deal show a clear indication that he wasn’t simply a run-of-the-mill free agent signing at this stage of the offseason.A large majority of the veteran players added to rosters after the draft, and many before, have agreed to one-year contracts for the league minimum with no guaranteed money.Since the April 27 deadline for teams to tender minimum contracts to players that became unrestricted free agents in March, 36 (including Oliver) have signed after not receiving the tender and only 16 received any guarantees.Oliver did sign a qualifying one-year contract that lowers the salary-cap charge for the base salary. However, Oliver’s deal also includes $287,500 guaranteed along with a max $100,000 per-game active roster bonus ($5,882 per game).It appears clear that a knee injury which ended Oliver’s 2025 season with the New York Jets after 14 games and two starts kept his status in limbo for nearly three months.Thus, the Cardinals were able to add a possible solid depth piece in the secondary as well as a potential contributor on special teams.Oliver’s contract has a total value of $1,487,500, including a base salary of $1.03 million, of which $200,000 is guaranteed, and $1.075 million counts against the qcap. He received a signing bonus of $87,500 along with the per-game bonus. Only 14 games of the bonus will count against the cap this year to create a cap charge of $1.245 million if he makes the 53-man roster.That figure doesn’t immediately count against the cap because it is one slot below the 51-player offseason cutoff that is currently $1.256 million, according to Over the Cap. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Contract details for Arizona Cardinals S Isaiah Oliver

England captain Harry Kane and several teammates swapped the football pitch for the golf course last week, enjoying a round with five-time major winner Brooks Koepka during their World Cup training camp in Florida.Thomas Tuchel’s squad arrived in West Palm Beach last Monday, enduring hot and humid conditions as they prepare for the tournament. Their schedule has included a sweltering friendly victory over New Zealand in Tampa, with an Orlando warm-up against Costa Rica slated for Wednesday.The England boss has prioritised a relaxed atmosphere before the intense preparations begin in Kansas City, allowing players ample downtime. Golf has emerged as a popular pastime, with skipper Kane, John Stones, Jordan Pickford, Elliot Anderson, and training goalkeeper Jason Steele joining former world number one Koepka on the greens.England midfielder Anderson said: “We had a plus one, we had Koepka on. Harry must know him and, yeah, that was amazing. It was mad, really. It was mint.“He was so good. Put me to shame. I was so nervous on the tee box, but I did all right, to be honest.”England are staying at the Belgrove Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach, where the Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole Dutchman’s Pipe course is the jewel in the crown.Brooks Koepka played a round with some of the England stars (Brian Lawless/PA)Koepka lives around 18 miles away in Jupiter and it sounds like his biggest threat came from England’s skipper and 27th man.“Steeley and Kane, they’re the best,” Anderson said. “They’ve got a bit of a competition for who’s the best. Brilliant golfers. It’s good to play with them.”Meanwhile, Dan Burn has credited a pre-tournament trip to Disney for helping him acclimatise to the heat ahead of this summer’s tournament. A family trip to Disney World helped him adapt to the conditions before their warm weather camp began in Florida last Monday.Dan Burn revealed he went to Disney World before joining up with the squad (Rich Storry/Getty Images)Burn said of Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win against New Zealand in sweltering Tampa: “It doesn’t feel like the World Cup yet, but coming in and seeing the fans, the hype of it all and getting excited about it, so, yeah, I was happy with how it went.“I think we dealt with the heat pretty well, got a win and a clean sheet. We can build on that.“I didn’t notice (the heat) that much, if I am being honest. I have been here a week before, I did Disney with the kids because I wanted to get a bit of a head start.“Honestly, I think that helped. Don’t get us wrong, it wasn’t like a Saturday afternoon in Newcastle, but I felt a lot better than I was expecting to.”Burn loved his time with the family at Disney – “Guardians of the Galaxy is the best ride – if you go to Disney, that’s the one,” he said – and was among several players to get a headstart by travelling across the pond early.“I wanted to do that because I am not used to the heat as much,” the towering defender said. “About half the squad did that and half the squad didn’t, but I feel better for it.“We probably haven’t had the weather that we wanted this week. It has been a bit cloudy and rainy, but the last two days especially there has been a bit of heat.“Personally, it hasn’t affected me as much as I thought it would, but I can’t speak for anyone else.”

Sam Altman arrives at the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., April 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, file)2026-06-08T21:52:25Z ChatGPT maker OpenAI filed preliminary paperwork that would open the door to it becoming a publicly traded company, making itself the third in a powerhouse trio of artificial intelligence companies racing to Wall Street debuts.The San Francisco-based company said Monday it has filed confidential paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. “We expect it to leak so we’re just announcing it,” the company said in a written statement. “We have not decided on timing yet; it may be a while because there are things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company. But it’s a complicated set of tradeoffs and this gives us the option to go public sooner if that ends up being best.”OpenAI’s move follows its rival Anthropic’s June 1 disclosure that it is also moving toward an initial public offering of shares. Both are now following Elon Musk’s space company SpaceX, which has started an IPO roadshow pitching itself as an AI-focused space company. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman first publicly floated the possibility of an IPO last fall, describing it as the “most likely path” for the company given its size and the need for vast amounts of capital to advance its technology. OpenAI began in 2015 as a nonprofit dedicated to developing AI for the common good and is now a company valued at $852 billion.Paving the way for going public was OpenAI’s decision last year to reorganize its business structure and convert itself into a public benefit corporation even as it remains technically under the control of a nonprofit. Read More In an April interview, OpenAI’s chief financial officer Sarah Friar declined to give a timeline for a potential IPO but said the company was already “acting with the good hygiene of a public company,” such as by measuring its revenue in the way a publicly traded firm would have to report earnings to the SEC.“I want us to be ready,” she told The Associated Press. “I think it’s good to be able to tap the public markets. They’re much bigger than the private markets if you believe compute is a competitive advantage.”She said OpenAI’s current valuation would make it one of the 15 biggest companies in the S&P 500. She also said there is a “credentializing moment of being a public company.”“At that point, people are checking your balance sheet, the SEC is governing you and so on,” she said. MATT O’BRIEN O’Brien covers the business of technology and artificial intelligence for The Associated Press. mailto

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seen on Dec. 9, 2025, in The Hague, Netherlands. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool, File)2026-06-08T22:16:46Z THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The embattled chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court was suspended from his duties late Monday, after the court’s oversight referred Karim Khan for disciplinary proceedings.In a scandal that has dragged on for more than two years, the British lawyer is facing allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide. He has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.A final decision on the fate of the British barrister is now up to the Assembly of States Parties, the body that oversees the ICC, which will hold a special session to decide if Khan can remain in his job at the global court.

Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) walks off the field after a NCAA college football game against Baylor, Oct. 25, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson, file)2026-06-08T15:25:26Z A Texas judge granted Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction that clears the way for him to play this fall despite being declared ineligible by the NCAA for wagering on college sports, including bets made on his own team while he was at Indiana.The decision sent shock waves across college sports since bans for gambling are a bedrock rule of the NCAA and in many professional sports.The NCAA said it strongly disagrees with the ruling and “is deeply concerned about the damaging, far-reaching and broadly destabilizing ramifications of this outcome — which undermines and corrupts the integrity of sports.” There was no immediate word on an appeal, though one is expected.Sorsby, whose school said he has a gambling problem that he is addressing through treatment, will miss the Red Raiders’ first two games next season under a judge-approved penalty that had been proposed by his attorneys. The NCAA, which usually handles such punishments, was not involved. The ruling by Judge Ken Curry prevents the NCAA from being able to block the transfer QB’s eligibility for what will be his final college season with a team among the favorites to win the Big 12 Conference and return to the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive season. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said the ramifications of the ruling “could have broad impacts across college athletics, creating great concern amongst our membership.” He called a meeting this week of his league’s athletic directors and executive board, and been in touch with NCAA President Charlie Baker ahead of the expected appeal. Read More Texas Tech opens the season on Sept. 5 at home against Abilene Christian. The Red Raiders then play Oregon State before their Big 12 opener at home on Sept. 18 against Houston. “I’m very grateful for the endless support I have received throughout this entire process,” Sorsby posted on social media. “I am also grateful for the chance to rejoin my teammates. This opportunity comes with the responsibility to remain focused on my personal growth, the ability to learn from this experience, and to be able to use my situation to help others going forward.” The judge’s rulingCurry held a two-hour hearing last week in the 99th District Court in Lubbock County, where Texas Tech is located. In his decision, he wrote that he agreed Sorsby would suffer “a probable, imminent and irreparable injury” if he cannot practice or play for the Red Raiders.The injunction comes with conditions that Sorsby must continue counseling for his gambling and to participate in peer support through Gamblers Anonymous or a similar group. He also must continue treatment to address “the underlying anxiety that served as the primary driver of (his) gambling behavior.”Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt said a comprehensive support structure, including clinical care, monitoring and compliance checks, will remain fully in place for Sorsby during his time at the school.“As we have said before, we do not believe that the circumstances of Brendan’s case warranted permanent ineligibility,” Hocutt said. “As he returns to our football program, we remain committed to supporting Brendan’s recovery and ensuring his compliance with the court’s order.” Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor told Yahoo Sports he was disappointed by the ruling.“It is absolutely devastating for him to be able to play when every other sport, no matter the level, deems an athlete ineligible or they are punished severely for betting on their team,” he told the outlet.“I think there needs to be serious conversations about not playing Texas Tech in any sports,” Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks, a member of the NCAA Football Oversight Committee, told Yahoo Sports. “If a state court wants to dictate eligibility rules, they can play themselves. ... We’ve officially reached the point of no return.” A significant setback against the NCAANCAA attorney Taylor Askew had said during the hearing that allowing Sorsby to play another college season would provide “reputable harm” to the governing body.“Saying the NCAA is now the first league in America that allows you, without punishment, to bet on its own contests, that’s a reputable harm to the NCAA,” Askew told the court. “This would be the first league in America that does that. ... We should not say for the first time serial gambling is OK.”Court records show that Sorsby has acknowledged making thousands of impermissible bets totaling at least $90,000 during his time at Indiana, Cincinnati and Texas Tech. That included 40 bets on Indiana while he was a freshman there in 2022, though none on any of the games he played in with the Hoosiers.While some guidelines for penalties related to gambling have changed in recent years, NCAA rules still call for a permanent loss of eligibility for any player who wagered on his own team. Sorsby was at Indiana for two seasons before the past two at Cincinnati.The Texas native transferred in January to Texas Tech for a reported multimillion-dollar deal. The Red Raiders brought him in to be the starting quarterback when trying to defend their first Big 12 title and return to the CFP.What led to the NCAA investigationAccording to court filings, on March 11 the NCAA received a tip about Sorsby’s gambling activity from an online gambling book, which had been informed by law enforcement. Texas Tech was notified April 14 that an investigation was underway by the NCAA.Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney who negotiated the $2.8 billion House settlement against the NCAA and now represents Sorsby, told the court that the 22-year-old quarterback has a diagnosed addiction and anxiety-driven compulsion. Sorsby recently completed a monthlong stay in a residential treatment program in Arizona that he entered after the start of the NCAA’s investigation.According to a clinician who treated Sorsby, Kessler said, not allowing the quarterback to play would hurt his mental health and hamper his recovery.The NCAA in its statement Monday said it is “committed to supporting student-athlete mental health but must continue to aggressively defend against actions that defraud college athletics and threaten competitive integrity, such as betting on one’s own sport.”The lawsuit and NCAA appealsThe injunction came in Sorsby’s lawsuit filed May 18 against the NCAA seeking the restoration of his eligibility. That case was initially assigned to District Judge Phillip Hays, a Lubbock native and Texas Tech graduate who later recused himself. Curry is a retired judge from Tarrant County, nearly 300 miles away.Since the filing of that lawsuit, the NCAA has twice denied Texas Tech’s petition to restore the quarterback’s eligibility.When the school on May 26 revealed the first denial and its intent to appeal, university president Lawrence Schovanec wrote in a letter to the Texas Tech community that the school felt “the NCAA’s ruling should be reversed or modified.”That comment illustrates the difficult landscape for the NCAA, which has lost multiple court cases challenging rules that were put in place by the very schools that make up its membership. Many focus on eligibility, with athletes contending they should be allowed to play and continue to earn money that was made available under the House ruling.The NCAA is on the verge of approving a new eligibility model following meetings among stakeholders and even President Donald Trump. The NCAA continues to also seek limited antitrust protections from Congress in hopes of eliminating or at least smoothing the state-by-state rulings that have thrown the industry into chaos.“There is no better example of why targeted intervention from Congress is necessary,” Baker said on social media after the ruling. “When you have schools and deep-pocketed supporters willing to look the other way on the glaring integrity threat of betting on your own team — and judges whose rulings effectively strip away our ability to stop them — only Congress can equip the NCAA to apply this common sense rule to everyone fairly and consistently. The Protect College Sports Act would empower the NCAA to enforce rules including the gambling restrictions — it’s needed now more than ever.”___AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

As acting attorney general, Todd Blanche has shown a willingness to execute the president’s maximalist demands. Whether the Senate will confirm him remains unclear.

This kitchen may be mostly white, but it's still packed with personality. READ MORE...

The Steelers did not spend the offseason adding weapons just for the sake of adding names to the roster.Every move appears to point toward one goal: making life easier for DK Metcalf.Metcalf enters 2026 as Pittsburgh’s top receiving threat and among the NFL’s most physically gifted wide receivers. Last season, opposing defenses primarily focused extra attention on him, knowing the Steelers lacked enough proven options to consistently make them pay elsewhere.Aaron Rodgers on DK Metcalf getting doubled often #Steelers#NFLpic.twitter.com/2mTbyoOpx0— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 13, 2025That could change this season.Steelers Have Brought in More Help for DK MetcalfThe addition of Michael Pittman Jr. gives Pittsburgh another receiver capable of commanding defensive attention. Pittman has built a reputation as a reliable possession receiver who can make contested catches and consistently help move the chains.His presence forces defenses to think twice before rolling coverage entirely toward Metcalf.If opponents choose to double-team Metcalf, Pittman could find himself with favorable matchups. If defenses focus too heavily on Pittman, Metcalf becomes even more dangerous.Either way, Pittsburgh’s passing attack appears more balanced than it did a year ago.The Roman Wilson FactorRoman Wilson has yet to establish himself as a consistent part of the Steelers offense through his first two seasons. Injuries and limited opportunities prevented him from making a significant impact early in his career, leaving many fans still wondering exactly what he can become at the NFL level.Under Mike McCarthy, however, Wilson could receive a fresh opportunity.McCarthy’s offense has long used multiple receivers, and Wilson’s speed could add a new dimension to Pittsburgh’s passing game. Whether he emerges as a regular contributor remains to be seen, but his development is one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the season.Roman Wilson said he tries to be one of the last players left after practice working on the JUGs machine. Here he was today before practice putting in some work. He finished the day by catching a bomb from Aaron Rodgers for a TD in the 2-minute drill. pic.twitter.com/dsVMpN7RBp— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) June 4, 2026Germie Bernard Is a Rookie to WatchThe Steelers also added another intriguing piece to the receiver room in the second round by selecting Germie Bernard.Bernard enters the league with a reputation for physicality and versatility, traits that could help him carve out a role early in his career. At Alabama, he showed the ability to contribute both as a receiver and after the catch, giving offensive coordinators flexibility in how to use him.While expecting greatness from a rookie is risky, Bernard has been making an immediate impression in OTAs and minicamp. If he continues to develop, he could provide another reliable option in a receiver room that suddenly has far more depth than it did a year ago.His development may not receive the same attention as Pittman, Wilson or Metcalf, but it could prove just as important to the overall success of the Steelers.Bernard may be a rookie, but his presence is another example of the Steelers investing in offensive depth.Aaron Rodgers already building a rapport with Germie Bernard pic.twitter.com/bgzTObCWOn— Nez (@NEZtakes) May 27, 2026Bottom LineOf course, offseason optimism is easy to find across the NFL.Every team believes it has improved. Every fan base believes this year will be different.Still, there is a legitimate argument that Pittsburgh has done more than simply add talent. The Steelers have created a situation where defenses can no longer focus solely on one player.For DK Metcalf, that may be the most significant offseason addition of them all.The Steelers have spent months building an offense designed to give their star receiver more opportunities and more space to operate. If everything comes together, the biggest thing standing between Metcalf and a career season may be Metcalf himself.The post DK Metcalf May Be Biggest Beneficiary of Steelers’ Offseason appeared first on The Lead.

Omar Artan has been a Fifa referee since 2018 [Getty Images]Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States.Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.No reason for Artan's repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.After speaking to the US authorities, world governing body Fifa said Artan will miss the tournament."Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," read a statement."Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present."In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."A senior adviser to Somalia's ministry of youth and sports confirmed the denial of entry to the BBC and said Artan had been travelling with valid documents. A Somali embassy official in Nairobi told the BBC that Artan's diplomatic passport had been issued specifically to ease his travel after earlier visa difficulties. The Somali Football Federation (SFF) has contacted Fifa seeking urgent clarification.Speaking to BBC World Service, Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, said: "While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision."Artan was among the 52 referees announced by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).'A World Cup for them not us': Fans' anger at US travel bans and visa restrictionsWorld Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCEverything you need to know about the World Cup

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was turned away at the U.S. border -Credit:Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesFIFA has released an official statement after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was unable to enter the U.S.One of the 52 referees listed on FIFA’s final list of match officials for the upcoming tournament, which is being held across America, Mexico, and Canada, Artan was denied entry at Miami International Airport.Exactly why he was unable to enter has not been made clear by immigration officials, with Artan now in Turkey with the Somali Football Federation (SFF) having reached out to FIFA for answers.FIFA World Cup stadium workers vote on strike days before World Cup kickoffJulian Alvarez's agent addresses transfer rumors amidst Real Madrid and Arsenal linksFIFA has since released a statement addressing the situation -Credit:FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty ImagesThat being said, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director for the White House’s Task Force for the tournament, did tell the BBC World Service, via BBC Sport, “While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision.”As for FIFA, the global governing body of soccer has released a statement after speaking with immigration officials, which reads, “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States. “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present. FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.”Confusion seems to surround the situation, given that, according to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports, Artan had in his possession a valid visa and a diplomatic passport, which was intended to ensure smooth passage after prior issues.To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE“Omar Artan is among Africa's most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” senior advisor to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports Ciise Aden Abshi said to AFP.“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football's commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play.”A FIFA referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and, last year, was named the Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football.Somalia is currently under a full travel ban, as per a proclamation made by U.S. President Donald Trump in June 2025. “Somalia lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures,” he wrote. In 2025, Artan was named the Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football -Credit:Visionhaus/Getty ImagesThe proclamation went on to state, “A persistent terrorist threat also emanates from Somalia’s territory. The United States Government has identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven. “Terrorists use regions of Somalia as safe havens from which they plan, facilitate, and conduct their operations. Somalia also remains a destination for individuals attempting to join terrorist groups that threaten the national security of the United States. “The Government of Somalia struggles to provide governance needed to limit terrorists’ freedom of movement. Additionally, Somalia has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 03: Gavin Williams #32 of the Cleveland Guardians reacts during the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 03, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images LET’S GO, GUARDIANS!

Who was the top high school boys athlete in the Fort Collins area this school year?You tell us.We're into the quarterfinal round for the Blue Federal Credit Union 2025-26 top Fort Collins-area boys athlete bracket following a spirited first round of voting.Here are the first-round voting results:Cadel Ruthven, Fort Collins XC/track (50.4%) vs. Carson Holley, Rocky Mountain soccer/track (49.6%)Jack McKeon, Fort Collins football (94.5%) vs. Alec Lundy, Heritage Christian basketball/track (5.5%)Robert Kendall, Windsor wrestling (83.7%) vs. Brayton Meglen, Wellington football/track (16.3%)Sam Lofstrom, Rocky Mountain swimming (67.8%) vs. Madden Smiley, Windsor basketball (32.2%)Preston Mozer, Fort Collins football/track (85.2%) vs. Leo Tornatzky, PSD nordic skiing (14.8%)Dylan Rubenstein, Fort Collins baseball (94.4%) vs. Isaiah Cronk, Windsor/WCA football/basketball/baseball (5.6%)Kaden Souders, Fort Collins football/baseball (92.6%) vs. Adam Aldridge, PSD hockey (7.4%)Tanner Gray, Wellington football/baseball (95.3%) vs. Dylan Mock, Timnath football/basketball/track & field (4.7%)This quarterfinal round of voting will run through June 11 (ending at 11:59 p.m.), and the top vote-getters in each matchup will move on to the semifinals starting June 12.Fans, you can find the ballots below to vote for your favorite players.The girls and boys brackets will continue throughout this month, with the winners announced June 19 at coloradoan.com/sports.Blue FCU Boys Athlete of the Year quarterfinal matchupsCadel Ruthven (Fort Collins XC/track) vs. Jack McKeon, Fort Collins footballThe resumes:Ruthven: Class 5A first-team all-state pick in cross-country and track. Won the 5A 1-mile state track title, second in 2-mile, fourth in 800 and scored team-best 24 points in Lambkins' blowout romp to 5A team championship. Set or lowered numerous school records in senior season.McKeon: Colorado's leading rusher across all classifications in 2025 season. Piled up 2,197 rushing yards and 29 total touchdowns, leading Fort Collins to a 9-3 season and 5A playoff win. Ran for school record 371 yards and four TDs in a playoff victory over ThunderRidge.Robert Kendall (Windsor wrestling) vs. Sam Lofstrom (Rocky Mountain swimming)The resumes:Kendall: Became just seventh back-to-back state champion in Windsor history. Won 4A 175-pound title as Colorado 4A Wrestler of the Year, going 45-2 overall and 33-0 vs. Colorado wrestlers. Swept through league, regional and state tournaments without needing a second period.Lofstrom: Was 5A first team all-state selection for second straight year, taking runner-up in the 50-yard freestyle with All-American cut. Swept city titles (4-4 including relays) and won two Northern Conference league champions as Northern Colorado's unquestioned top swimmer.Preston Mozer (Fort Collins football/track & field) vs. Dylan Rubenstein (Fort Collins baseball)The resumes:Mozer: Sophomore made a two-sport impact for Lambkins. Was second-leading receiver for 9-3 Fort Collins football squad that won a playoff game tied for league title. Also 5A first team all state in track, taking runner-up in 400 dash at state and running on Lambkins' Colorado record-smashing 4x200 state champion squad.Rubenstein: Northern Conference Player of the Year on the diamond as a two-way star in his senior season. Went 5-0 with a 1.00 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 35 innings pitching, also hitting a team-best .405 with six homers, 10 doubles and 31 RBIs to lead Lambkins within one game of 5A state tournament.Kaden Souders (Fort Collins football/baseball) vs. Tanner Gray (Wellington football/baseball)The resumes:Souders: First-team all-conference in two sports. Led the Lambkins with 81 tackles and six interceptions at linebacker for 9-3 football squad. Hit .398 with 27 RBIs and seven home runs, including a walk-off grand slam that won a regional game for Fort Collins baseball.Gray: Colorado 2A Football Player of the Year, leading Eagles to dominant 13-0 state title run. Had over 1,700 yards and 31 TDs at quarterback, plus 63 tackles and nine sacks on defense. Also helped Wellington baseball to its first-ever state tournament in 3A. Batted .250 with 19 RBIs and had 2.90 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 31 innings pitched.Chris Abshire covers high school and community sports for the Coloradoan.This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Vote in quarterfinals for Blue FCU Fort Collins boys Athlete of Year

The Defense Department made the change after lawmakers objected to its original list, which did not include the Latter-day Saints among traditions labeled Christian.

NEW DELHI: England's preparations for the second Test against New Zealand have been overshadowed by controversy, with captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Gus Atkinson under investigation for an alleged breach of team protocols.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday that it is looking into an incident involving the two players following the conclusion of the first Test against New Zealand. England had won the opening match of the three-Test series by 115 runs at Lord's.According to an official ECB statement, Stokes and Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place."The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men's Test against New Zealand," the board said in a statement."Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place."The ECB said it is currently gathering additional information before deciding on any further action."We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course."The development has raised questions over the availability of both players for the second Test, with England yet to announce their squad for the match.The ECB also confirmed that the matter has been reported to the Cricket Regulator."The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible."The incident comes as an unwelcome distraction for England, especially with Stokes captaining the side and Atkinson emerging as one of the key performers in the opening Test. The fast bowler finished the match with seven wickets and played a significant role in England's victory.At present, the ECB has not revealed the nature of the incident, and further details are expected once the investigation is completed.The second Test between England and New Zealand is scheduled to be played at The Oval in London from June 17.

MENDHAM — Lexi Alofs can barely remember when draw controls were not part of her game. She started taking the draw to jump-start play in third grade with Steps Lacrosse, alongside teammates like Cristiana Laracca and Shea Shoulberg. Not much has changed. Those same girls were at her side as Alofs won nearly every draw control as Mendham defeated Sparta, 17-6, to win the NJSIAA Group 2 North trophy.The top-seeded Minutemen move on to the overall Group 2 final at 1:30 p.m. on June 13 at The College of New Jersey. The Minutemen will learn their opponent on Tuesday, after the rest of the sectional finals are played. This game was moved up due to Mendham's prom. "The faith they have in me, and how they support me helps my confidence," Vanderbilt commit Alofs said of her teammates. "How I can self-draw, that comes from the circle people, Amelia (Eichman) and Grace (Monahan). I love it. It's a beautiful part of the sport, and it can change so much."More: Meet the Morris/Sussex lacrosse teams playing for trophiesAlofs also had a hat trick in the sectional final, with her third goal coming off Shoulberg's 200th career assist 44 seconds before halftime. Monahan, a Bucknell signee, led the Minutemen (16-5) with five goals and four assists. Florida-bound Eichman also scored five goals. Junior attack Joey Roque scored three of Sparta's goals, with two others by senior Moira Sweeney.Mendham had also defeated the Spartans (16-3), 18-0, in a Stars & Stripes regular-season crossover on April 7."It was unfortunate to end it this way," Spartans coach Jack Bushey said. "The season they had, they should be proud of themselves. They set the bar high for Sparta lacrosse."Mendham coach Ali Cassera had a few important tasks after the final whistle. First, she had to take the trophy from new athletic director Jon Cantagallo-Rohm and present it to her exuberant players. Then, after a brief cheer and speech, Cassera reminded the Minutemen attending the prom on June 9 to text her photos. Then Cassera had to make a very important call to assistant coach and Women's Lacrosse League midfielder Ally Mastroianni. Sounding as devastated as she could, Cassera told Mastroianni's voicemail that she had bad news, before shouting, "Just kidding" as the players started cheering again. "That's why we coach, right? To instill that in these girls. It's very special," said Cassera, who won Group 2 North at Mendham as a West Essex senior in 2009. West Essex went on to defeat Hopewell Valley to take the overall title, a feat she's hoping her players repeat on Saturday.The Minutemen have not won a Group trophy since 2010.They have played in eight straight sectional finals, winning in 2019 and again on Monday. The Minutemen had lost to Sparta, 17-5, in last spring's Group 2 North final, after three straight losses to Summit in Group 2. The last time Mendham was in Group 3, the team lost to Mendham in 2021 – two years and the COVID pandemic after defeating the Cougars in Group 3 North. "Last year, it was a terrible feeling to lose, to come up short in this game," said Shoulberg, who has verbally committed to Notre Dame. "This year, we were really prepared. ... We really showed up today and had energy right off the bat. We started off the game like, 'Let's not let them touch the ball,' and Lexi did just that. We did not lose a draw control, and that really impacted the rhythm and the energy throughout the game."This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Mendham beats Sparta in Group 2 North girls lacrosse final

For the first time in 27 years, the NBA Finals have returned to Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks bring a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs back home, and the court isn't the only place where the stars will be shining. We've seen the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, Spike Lee, and others make the trip to San Antonio to support the Knicks as they have all season. They are expected to lead a list of celebrities and former players showing their face courtside for Game 3. President Trump is also scheduled to attend Game 3, though he will be watching from a suite.See below for those who are taking over Madison Square Garden's "Celebrity Row" for Game 3 of the NBA Finals:Spike LeeKnicks regular Spike Lee secured the merch ahead of Game 3 at MSG ‍ Presented by Tri State Cadillac. #sponsoredpic.twitter.com/lWuxxVnbxT— Page Six (@PageSix) June 8, 2026Jeremy LinLINSANITY AT THE NBA FINALS.Jeremy Lin arrives at Madison Square Garden for Game 3! ⭐ pic.twitter.com/vxIrWoClH0— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 8, 2026Clyde FraizerClyde is on his way pic.twitter.com/aVANjrQrLi— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 8, 2026

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 20: Andrew Norwell #78 of the Ohio State Buckeyes blocks Kawann Short #93 on October 20, 2012 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) | Getty Images Kawann ShortBioCareer: 2008 – 2012Position: Defensive TackleHeight: 6’3”Weight: 310Hometown: East Chicago, IndianaHigh School: East Chicago CentralCareer StatsGames Played: 50Games Started: 50Tackles: 186Tackles For Loss: 49Sacks: 19.5NotesHigh SchoolRecorded 85 tackles and 9 sacks as a seniorWon a basketball state championship in 2007 with former Boilermaker great E’twaun MoorePurdue was his only FBS offer out of high schoolPurdue2008: Redshirt2009Started all 12 games48 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptionsBig-10 All-Freshman Team (Sporting News)2010Started all 12 games41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 7 passes knocked downSecond Team All-Big 10 (Media)2011Started all 13 games53 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacksSecond Team All-Big 10 (Media)2012Started all 13 games43 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacksSecond Team All-American (AP)All-Big First Team (Media)HighlightsHammer and Rails Staff MemoriesDrew:Kwann Short is the epitome of the Danny Hope era at Purdue. One of the toughest things to wrap my brain around is that, in terms of NFL players, Coach Hope landed some of the best players to line up for the Boilermakers.Think about this: in 2010, Purdue went 4-8 with the following players on the roster, including two future Pro Bowl defensive linemen (Short and Kerrigan). All Purdue needed to do was put a competent offense on the field, but Coach Hope clearly invoked some sort of ancient injury curse when he accepted the head coaching job at career because he couldn’t recruit a quarterback to save his life, and whenever he found someone who looked like a competent option behind center, they were immediately injured. The 2010 Rob Henry, Robert Marve, and Sean Robinson pupu platter of quarterbacks was good for 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. A good running game could have salvaged at least 6 wins, but somehow Rob Henry led the team in rushing.The 2011 team may have been even more frustrating because while Kerrigan was selected in the 1st round, Ricardo Allen, another future Pro Bowler, was holding down the secondary, and Raheem Mostert, yet another NFL Pro Bowler, was rotting on the bench despite being the fastest player in college football. A team that desperately needed help scoring points had the fastest player in the game on the roster and only found a way to get the ball in his hands 12 times.Sorry, this is supposed to be about Short and not the futility of the Hope era, but it’s hard to separate the two. Coach Hope found elite players, but never quite figured out how to put together a complete roster. Beyond that, the quarterback position haunted him. For me, the Hope era is one of the bigger “what if” eras of Purdue football. The defense had some elite pieces like Short, but the offense couldn’t get out of its own way. The Boilermakers were a quarterback away from putting together something special, but it never happened.Sometimes it be like that.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Laviolette will be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Kings hadn't yet announced the results of their lengthy search for a permanent replacement for interim coach D.J. Smith, who replaced Jim Hiller in March.The 61-year-old Laviolette is expected to get a three-year contract to take over his seventh NHL team. The Kings have made the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, but they've also endured five straight first-round exits under three head coaches and two general managers.Laviolette is returning to the NHL after being fired by the New York Rangers in April 2025. He has also led the New York Islanders, Carolina, Philadelphia, Nashville and Washington during a 23-year head coaching career highlighted by a Stanley Cup championship with the Hurricanes in 2006.Laviolette's teams have reached the postseason in 11 of the past 14 seasons he finished behind a bench, and he also led the Flyers (2010) and the Predators (2017) to the Stanley Cup Final. His 1,594 career games coached are the ninth most in NHL history.In his first West Coast NHL job, Laviolette is taking over a good team that is stuck in a profound rut, unable to become a Stanley Cup contender.General manager Ken Holland fired Hiller shortly after the Olympic break in the coach's second full season in charge, and the Kings went 11-6-6 after Smith stepped up from his assistant's role. Smith, who was a candidate for the permanent job, got the Kings into the final Western Conference playoff spot — but Los Angeles was swept out of the first round by the Colorado Avalanche.The Kings' four previous first-round exits were all at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, leading to the departure of general manager Rob Blake a year ago.Los Angeles still hasn't won a playoff round since raising the Stanley Cup in 2014, but the roster has a solid core of talent despite the retirement of longtime captain Anze Kopitar. Holland acquired high-scoring forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers last winter, and high-scoring forwards Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala are all returning in the fall.The intense Laviolette became known for creating aggressive offensive attacks and making quick franchise turnarounds in his previous stops. He could be part of an organizational shift for the Kings, who have spent two decades as a philosophically defense-first team — to the regular detriment of their offense.Los Angeles finished 29th in the NHL in scoring last season with just 220 goals, easily the fewest among playoff teams. The Kings are in the bottom half of the NHL in scoring over the past five seasons despite making the playoffs every year.Holland publicly wondered whether the Kings are too defensive-minded after they scored just five goals in their four-game sweep at the hands of the Avs, but he didn't commit to a change in team philosophy.___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

2026-06-08T19:07:42Z HAVANA (AP) — A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near western Cuba on Monday, shaking buildings in Havana and beyond. No injuries or damage were immediately reported.The quake struck at a depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers) in waters just west of the capital, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.Flavia Pupo, a manager at the Pinar del Rio hotel in western Cuba described how the building shook and caused some fear.“Everyone here is OK,” she said by telephone. “The people on the street are a little bit scared.”The latest earthquake was felt as far away as Florida. The National Weather Service in Miami said in a tweet that it received several reports of shaking in the southwestern part of the state. A flood of social media posts Monday afternoon indicated that people felt shaking even north of Orlando.Maria Moncayo, who works at a law office in downtown Fort Lauderdale, said she had been quietly working at her desk when she started to feel a vibrating sensation. She compared it to someone doing construction in another part of the building, and it lasted about a minute or so. “I have a little pendant dangling in my desk, and it was moving,” Moncayo said. “That’s why I realized that it’s actually not me or my chair or anything.” Moncayo said she had experienced several earthquakes while living in Ecuador, including a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that left hundreds dead in 2016. But she hadn’t experienced one since moving to Florida seven years ago. Read More “Since I moved here, it kind of left my mind, but when I felt my desk moving, I thought it was going to be like Ecuador,” Moncayo said. “It kind of gave me flashbacks, but then I realized that it’s not bad, it’s just a little one.”Miami-Dade County officials announced that they were evacuating several buildings out of an abundance of caution, including the county’s main government office building, a 28-story high rise in downtown Miami. Officials also temporarily suspended service for two elevated commuter train services that run through downtown. No injuries or major property damage have been reported. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. William Barnhart, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey, described Monday’s earthquake as extremely rare. It’s the largest earthquake ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico with modern instruments, which date back to the 1950s.“It’s one of only five or six earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater that we’re aware of in the entire Gulf.”No tsunami was created by this earthquake. Barnhart pointed out that the destructive ocean waves created by earthquakes and other underwater disturbances are more common in the Pacific Ocean, but they can occur in the Atlantic. Western Cuba might experience some strong aftershocks, but they’re unlikely to be felt in Florida, Barnhart said.“There’s always a very, very small chance that this could be followed by a larger earthquake and people would feel that,” Barnhart said. “But in Florida, people shouldn’t expect to feel very much shaking, if any shaking at all, from any aftershocks that happen.” The Oriente fault zone is located just off Cuba’s southeast coast and has unleashed damaging earthquakes in recent centuries, including a 7.7 magnitude quake in January 2020 in open waters that caused damage in Cuba and the Cayman Islands.___Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

In the midst of one of Penn State football's most decisive official visit weekends, chances to look ahead towards 2028 could see few and far between. Still, with several key areas Matt Campbell wants to improve on, it is important that he can diagnose them as quickly as possible. One in particular is the QB position, where they swung and whiffed badly on several key recruits before settling on three star Will Wood.Now, Campbelll will be looking to ensure the position's future by looking at 2028 options, which include three star recruit Drew Sheridan in the 2028 cycle. Last week, the Nittany Lions hosted the young QB, hoping to make an early impression on him. As a native of Michigan, he is in a key battleground state that Campbell wants to be successful in.Really enjoyed being back @PennStateFball and continuing building relationships . Thanks @CoachJWaters@T_Mouser@CoachMC_PSU@CoachTerryPSU for a great camp and coaching me up. #lefty@AllenTrieu@tyler_calvaruso@RyanSnyderOn3@SeanFitzOn3@ThomasFrankCarr@RisingStars6… pic.twitter.com/rPOvUoGtvy— Drew “Lefty” Sheridan✝️3⭐️ (@drewsheridan9) June 4, 2026With several rival Big Ten schools such as Michigan and Michigan State pushing to have them on their squads, Penn State must be diligent in order to stay in the race. While the QB only ranks No. 33 amongst all quarterbacks, he is seen as a quarterback that Campbell can mold. In a room that could look very crowded next year, having a developmental piece could be vital for the long term future.There are several QBs already on the Penn State big board for next year, including several four stars such as Christopher Vargas. It is important not just for Sheridan but for the Nittany Lions to see personal growth and maturity from the high school junior next season in order for them to truly follow through on their intentions. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State eyes 2028 quarterback recruit Drew Sheridan

This last weekend was integral for the culture building and most importantly, roster building for the Penn State Nittany Lions. While Matt Campbell hosted most of the verbal commits in the class, it was the six who came who were undecided that he wanted to reach. Most of all, former commit Khalil Taylor, the four star wide receiver, is the apple of Penn State's eye and a guy they really want to get on board. However, a player who may have gotten lost amongst the names, a fours star linebacker who could look to elevate the Nittany Lions back to "LBU" status.Case Alexander could be the next in a long line of Campbell-coached linebackers who see their stock rise throughout their careers. When looking at Penn State's current roster, you'll be hard pressed to fina a weak link that Campbell hasn't molded into one of the defensive unit's most pivotal players. Kooper Ebel and Cael Brezina are the leaders of what could be Penn State's best unit along with Tony Rojas returning from injury and sophomore riser Alex Tatsch.What would make Campbell's recruitment of Alexander special is that should he commit, he would be Campbell's guy and Campbell's guy alone. The roots of Penn State's linebacking corps are still heavily linked with the James Franklin era ad both Ebel and Brezina are completed Campbell projects who he now entrusts in his new home. Alexander is another entity entirely, a four star recruit who could be Campbell's future prospects distilled into one player. For LBU to continue, Case Alexander has to sign on to the project.This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State targets Case Alexander for LBU revival

Penn State had dropped the ball on a number of recruits in the last couple weeks and things were beginning to trend in the wrong direction. However, the school has quickly shaken off the rust and bounced back in a big way today by securing commitments from two players. They hosted a plethora of athletes on the campus this past weekend and it clearly had a resoundingly positive effect on their recruitments.One of the players who committed, three-star safety Caleb Cooper, was just predicted to land with the Nittany Lions yesterday by 247Sports insider Brian Dohn. The reporter sensed a shift during Cooper’s visit and he was proven right by the North Carolina native today.The other athlete who agreed to join the team is long snapper Clayton Powell. He doesn’t have a star ranking since he plays a specialty position, but there’s no reason to expect anything less than a great addition considering the talent Matt Campbell and his staff have brought in so far.BREAKING: Class of 2027 Safety Caleb Cooper has Committed to Penn State, he tells me for @RivalsThe 6’0 205 S chose the Nittany Lions over Wisconsin and Virginia Tech“Believe in those who believe in you! Penn State I’m home! Thank you God”https://t.co/zL9vdxqiGZpic.twitter.com/DNdcMeQUyG— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 8, 2026BREAKING: 2027 long snapper Clayton Powell has committed to Penn State, per his IG page.Powell was on an official visit to the Nittany Lions this past weekend pic.twitter.com/sHvnQw4R0I— Will Horstman (@WillHorstman_) June 8, 2026These commitments mark the first for the Nittany Lions in weeks and hopefully signal another wave of recruits committing to the team. Dohn made a few more Crystal Ball predictions in favor of Penn State yesterday, so hopefully they follow suit and commit soon just like Cooper did.Four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor is one of the players Dohn predicted to join the school and he has dropped some hints in interviews that he’s leaning that way. Penn State seems to be emerging from their recruiting rough patch and going right back to building one of the most impressive 2027 recruiting classes in the country.Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Weekend visits help Penn State earn commitments from two players

The 2020s have marked a golden era of Dodgers baseball with a chance to three-peat this season, record-breaking attendance and sponsorships, and a roster that has continued to get better after every World Series title won.But LA has learned a lot about their organization in that time, and becoming the model franchise in baseball didn’t start with signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2023. This has been a process that dates back for more than a decade, and the Dodgers have identified personnel across their operation that have contributed so much behind the scenes in order to become the dynasty they are today.One of those people is Dodgers Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Travis Smith.Travis is a coach, and they get along super well pic.twitter.com/yq3JH8UBIQ— James¹?¹?? (@ShotimeLAD) April 7, 2026If you don’t know Smith by name, odds are you’ve seen him in the Dodgers dugout after a big home run or on social media displaying a level of energy that shows what makes the sport so special. After Roki Sasaki’s Friday start vs the Angels, he immediately found Smith and spent some time going over what worked in his 10-strikeout performance.The next day, I sat with Smith in that same dugout to learn a couple of things: What did his journey look like that landed him with the Dodgers? What has he seen from Roki Sasaki that has led to this recent success? And so much more.Journey to the DodgersSmith is a few months into his 14th season on the Dodgers staff. He has experience working on multiple teams at all levels, starting off in Double-A, then Triple-A, then getting promotions to be both Major League assistant and Minor League coordinator and. Now, he’s been operating as LA’s head strength and conditioning coach.“Being a young, Black male from the city of Chicago,” Smith explained, “being able to be here on a center stage like this is important for me and for other people to be able to see that you’re able to make it.”Travis Smith?©gettyimages pic.twitter.com/HjTTe40Pyx— yu-1linda (@yu_1_linda99) August 21, 2025Coming from a heavy football background, Smith understands the discipline and competitive nature that different athletes carry. He played college football for four years at Taylor University and acknowledged it allows him to resonate with the grind that comes with a full season for all the players.He also had to make some big adjustments once he pivoted from a football player to a baseball trainer.Travis Smith and Shohei Ohtani are shown in an undated photo. Credit: @ShotimeLAD.“I didn’t really play baseball growing up,” Travis said. “Being able to turn on the switch, really just understanding how to train the body and the physiology allowed me to be in the room and once I got here, the players were very open to teaching me the game.“Understand what these guys go through on a daily basis. Injuries, how to come back from that and put you in a sense of being understanding of this person.”When the opportunity to work for the Dodgers came across Smith, he had to put other career opportunities on hold.After working in multiple internship programs at the Minor League level, he landed his first full-time position with LA’s Double-A affiliate after working with the Miami Marlins Triple-A team the year before, noting it was a seamless transition.Ohtani and Travis before the game on Jackie Robinson day.©?SportsNetLA pic.twitter.com/NY8uyJjhxe— James¹?¹?? (@ShotimeLAD) April 16, 2024“I was an intern with the Marlins and at all levels, they had intern positions,” he said. “I was able to be in big league camp right away and from there, the guys were open arms. Our head guy at the time, Stephen Downey, allowed me to come over to big league camp and be there the whole time.”Throughout Smith’s time working with the Dodgers minor league affiliates, he was invited to the team’s big league camps and spring training every year. This allowed him to get to get to know the team’s veteran players and stars and gain their trust.Brandon McDaniel, Dodgers VP of player performance, eventually promoted Smith to be the Dodgers assistant strength coach and then a Minor League Coordinator. It turned into Smith being here for home games and on the road for Minor League games.“From there, players started to voice their opinion like ‘Hey, we need Travis on the road.’ It worked out. This organization should have multiple guys, two or three people on the road, because we have such stars and they need specific attention.”Apr 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) is with Travis Smith – Strength and Conditioning Coach in the dugout prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesWith Smith having started his journey with the Dodgers 14 seasons ago, he joined the team at a very monumental point in their history. It was right around the time that the Guggenheim Group bought the team and started laying out the blueprint for the powerhouse that we see today.I mentioned this to Smith and asked him if there were any players in his early days that he connected with off the jump.He highlighted both Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon.Team USA strength coach Travis Smith has been going viral for a video of him hyping up Aaron Judge and the rest of the players this WBC.Travis is the Dodgers strength and conditioning coach and has been with the organization for the past 14 seasons ? pic.twitter.com/oNHUx9ncoq— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 7, 2026“As strength and conditioning coaches, we’re with the guys in the morning, afternoon and the night,” Travis explained. “I’m just building out relationships with each and every player that I can, just being a sound board for them, whatever they have to talk about at home or anything.“People ask the question, ‘Who’s your favorite player?’ Every player to me.”Travis used to come to the stadium early to work out but now that he has kids, he built a gym at home and arrives to work around noon on home game days with a 7:10 p.m. start time.From there, Travis’ day is filled with staff meetings to go over specific rehab and workout plans for players, executing lifts and stretches with guys at different times, and scheduled exercise routines leading up to first pitch.“We have players that are healthy and active that we’re training and we’re also working with our rehab players… we just want to be there for them.”Connection with Roki SasakiSmith has been by Roki Sasaki’s side since his first year with the Dodgers after coming over from Japan and has seen his growth in the weight room.Sasaki is in the midst of his best stretch as a starter for LA, having posted a 1.48 ERA in his last four outings with his velocity hitting triple digits once again. In his latest start vs the Angels, he struck out 10 batters across seven shutout innings.Coach Travis says what we’ve seen out of Sasaki’s last few starts is exactly what the organization believed he was going to be.Travis and Roki ?? pic.twitter.com/R1B927Kp7q— James¹?¹?? (@ShotimeLAD) June 6, 2026“We’ve been working together for quite some time, starting from the end of last year,” he explained. “Just being able to see all the work that he put in during rehab come into fruition like performing in the playoffs… he has work ethic, really just pushing him to be better every single day.Sasaki has gained 10 pounds in strength since his rookie season and has his own nutritionist and chef guiding him as he continues to grow into his body.Smith credits more of his impact on helping Sasaki lift consistently and pushing him in a healthy manner.“Being able to add more load to his training has helped him put on more weight. He’s understanding that as he does that, he’s able to eat more. Taking what he did this offseason, putting it all together, coming in in better shape with more muscle.”Viral social media momentsCoach Travis is no stranger to social media, as many new fans have met him through various platforms. Whether or not the cameras are rolling, he says he tries to be the biggest cheerleader for the players and pump them up throughout the day.I compiled three videos of Smith that made their rounds online over the past three years that I believe capture what he means to the Dodgers organization.The first one was an exchange that went down after Game 2 of the 2025 World Series when Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a complete game en route to a 5-1 win for LA.Smith and Sasaki among others were captured on BTS footage from SportsNetLA in the team facility bowing down to Yamamoto after his historic performance. Smith exclaimed “You need a wheelbarrow for your b***s!” to the eventual World Series MVP that made the clip go viral.Dodgers strength and conditioning coach Travis Smith told Yoshinobu Yamamoto that he needs a wheelbarrow for his balls ? (via @SportsNetLA) pic.twitter.com/bIdPEGbtMT— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 20, 2025“That’s the football in me,” Travis said, “For Yama or anyone that comes up big, I want to let them know they’re the man.”He was sent a text by the team asking if he was worried he was going to get in trouble for his quote, but Smith said he was just doing his job.“I was like I don’t think so, I didn’t even know they were going to post that. I’m just trying to be the hype man.”Next up, I showed Smith a reel of him warming up with Aaron Judge during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.Dodgers Strength & Conditioning Coach Travis Smith has been working closely with Aaron Judge and the rest of Team USA this WBC.This is probably a good workout for him too ???: @WillKunkelVpic.twitter.com/99uktGVpVm— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 13, 2026Smith joined Team USA’s staff as the strength and conditioning coach and got to work with some of MLB’s biggest stars like Judge, Kyle Schwarber, Mason Miller and Will Smith. He was a part of an incredible ride that saw Team USA make the championship game.Travis was hesitant to take the WBC opportunity because he would be away from the Dodgers but McDaniel urged him to do it.“I had way more fun than I thought I would,” Smith said. “It was a little bit of affirmation for what we do here. Guys are coming in every single day and they’re the best of the best. Seeing them and how they work every day reminded me of my weight room.”Coach Travis says some of the guys on Team USA were surprised that guys were coming in every day with a plan. He noted with a smile that this is how it is for top-level professionals, especially at Dodger Stadium.My final clip for Smith was one from the 2024 season. Gavin Lux was in the dugout giving Smith and Shohei Ohtani a motion which led to Smith and Ohtani kicking off a long handshake that looked like a mix of the popular “Nae Nae” dance move and a basketball defensive slide.Smith explained to me that every time the Dodgers get a new player, he tries to think about something that they’ve done or creative spins using their names for handshakes and celebrations.“For Shohei, at that moment, he has a wife that played basketball. I don’t know if he plays basketball but just being silly.”Finally, I asked Travis what’s the best piece of advice he’d give to someone with aspirations to become a trainer or coach on a Major League staff.“Be a ‘send me, I go’ person. Understand that whatever the organization needs out of you in that moment, do your best to be great at it. A lot of people try to think about climbing the ladder or what’s next but just focus on where your feet are and really work hard. I think that with hard work and being good at what you do, you’re going to be seen.”

Craig Breslow Doesn't Believe Red Sox Need To 'Prove Their Worth' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox are already making calls around the league on player availability for potential trades, with a preference to add a right-handed batter to their struggling lineup.Though Boston's lineup needs improvement if the team hopes to make a return to the playoffs this season, it will be interesting to see how things shake out as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The Red Sox sit at the bottom of the AL East at 27-36, but are only a few games out of a wild card spot.With how poorly this season has gone for Boston, there have been questions about whether the team will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. Despite this, Red Sox's chief baseball officer Craig Breslow doesn't believe the team has to "prove their worth" to become buyers at the deadline.“I don’t think it’s a ‘prove’ type thing,” Breslow said on Friday, per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. “I have a lot of confidence in the players that we have. I’ve seen the way that they’ve grown together, that they’ve taken to the work. They’re committed to doing everything they can to turn this around in the same way that we are.“I think we need to run our own race. We need to make sure that we kind of get our own house in order. We need to play better. We need to win more games, and at that point, we can kind of figure out where we are relative to the league. But I think the first thing is to continue to build on the progress that we’ve seen offensively over the last month, and then make sure that we’re pitching consistently well, and we need to win games for any of this to matter.”Boston's offense has been performing better as of late, but still ranks among the lowest teams in the league in runs scored and home runs. Though Breslow doesn't believe the Red Sox need to prove their worth to be buyers at the trade deadline, the team will need to prove themselves down the stretch if they want to make the postseason. More MLB: Caleb Durbin, Alex Bregman's Last Nine Games Making Red Sox Look Smart

FARMLAND — For the first time in five years, the Golden Bears got to go swimming.Monroe Central served as the host of an IHSAA boys golf sectional on Monday, June 8, welcoming Cowan, Delta, Jay County, Muncie Central, Randolph Southern, Union City, Union (Modoc), Wapahani, Wes-Del, Winchester Community and Yorktown to Hickory Hills Golf Club. After over six hours of play, the Golden Bears emerged as the sectional champions on their home course with a score of 317.As is Monroe Central tradition, the team celebrated its first sectional championship since 2021 by jumping into the pond next to hole 3. For senior Cohen West, it was a moment he had waited for his whole high school career."It's awesome," West said. "Haven't been able to get it done the past couple of years, but I knew that this was going to be the year. Every day, we practice out here, so it's just nice to get out here, and I think we all had confidence in each other to go out and do it."An @MCBearsGolf tradition… sectional championship = swimming in the pond by hole 3!@MCGoldenBears_https://t.co/eYzJZTPVVjpic.twitter.com/U8PRhzs6wM— Cade Hampton (@CadeHamp10) June 8, 2026While West is the No. 1 player for the Golden Bears, it was junior Maddox Taylor at the No. 2 spot who took home low medalist honors. Taylor shot a 1-over-par 71, while West placed second with a 75, but Taylor was more thrilled that the team got it done for West's last match at Hickory Hills as a Golden Bear golfer."We were out here three-and-a-half hours before our tee-time getting locked in, so it feels amazing to get the team win, especially because we have a senior as our one," Taylor said. "It just feels good that his last time out here, we could bring home the hardware. It was cool that I got to win it individually too, but that's not the main thing. The team win was more important to me."West's confidence that the team would get it done this year was shared throughout the roster, including by head coach Chandler Hoel. He commended his players for their willingness to show up early and fend off the nerves to bring home the school's seventh boys golf sectional title."Coming into this, we were pretty confident," Hoel said. "We were playing some really good golf down the stretch. We shot our season low last week, and the guys felt the practice rounds went swimmingly. All these guys put in so much work this year, and being able to come here with some confidence, get in here early, kind of cut the nerves, settle, and win a sectional — it's huge."Delta (324) and Yorktown (329) took second and third place, respectively, and will advance along with Monroe Central to Regional 4, which will be hosted by Yorktown at The Players Club on Thursday, June 11. The Eagles finished with their best sectional score since 2017, when they also shot a 324 and won their last sectional title. Freshman Coltan Manor and senior Lucas Bragg both scored 77 to tie for fourth place, but it was senior Mason Hopper at the No. 5 spot who had perhaps their most clutch performance. After being unexpectedly thrust into the sectional lineup, Hopper shot a career-low 18-hole score of 79."First of all, I've got to give all my glory to my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, the only reason I can be out here that I'm still playing this game in the first place," Hopper said. "Kind of the same pressure I've been dealing with all year. I've been in this position a lot, especially these past couple of weeks, I've been hitting the ball really good. I put myself in good spots, not getting wrapped up in the score I had, and also just trying to have fun out there to take as much pressure off myself as I can."Yorktown, meanwhile, saw its four-year sectional championship streak come to an end. The Tigers nearly missed out on regional qualification for the first time since 2017 after a strong start by Wapahani showed the Raiders with an unofficial 11-stroke lead over Yorktown for third place after the front nine. All five Tigers rallied to post better back-nine scores and finish five strokes ahead of Wapahani's 334. Yorktown coach Nathan McClung credited senior Nate Schaal-Deresh for sparking the rally with three consecutive birdies on holes 10, 11 and 12."It was dicey out there, we were not in good shape, and the guys kind of made a decision that we're going to keep fighting," McClung said. "I'm really proud of the back nine score, 157, they really hung in there. Nate birdied 10-11-12, and the guys in front of him kind of hear that, that spreads down your team. When your best player shows, 'Hey, I'm not giving up on you guys. We're going to keep fighting,' Nate Schaal-Deresh was a big-time difference for us."While Wapahani just missed out on getting the full team through for the first time since 2019, the Raiders will have two representatives at Regional 4. Freshman Braydon King shot a 79 and was the top individual on a non-advancing team. Meanwhile, there was a four-way tie for the other two individual qualifier spots between Wapahani junior Dylan Dodd, freshman Landon Cook, Jay County junior Dawson Goldsworthy and Wes-Del sophomore Noah Perdue. In a playoff on the par-5 first hole, Dodd and Goldsworthy both made par to claim the final two spots.Here are the full team and individual scores from all East Central Indiana teams at IHSAA boys golf sectionals.2026 IHSAA boys golf Monroe Central sectional scoresMonroe Central (317)Delta (324)Yorktown (329)Wapahani (334)Jay County (353)Winchester Community (377)Muncie Central (385)Wes-Del (396)Union City (406)Cowan (418)Randolph Southern (DNQ)Union (Modoc) (DNQ)Other East Central Indiana IHSAA boys golf regional qualifiersElsewhere in East Central Indiana, Blackford was the first school to compete in its sectional as the Bruins played in Sectional 16, hosted by Norwell at Timber Ridge Golf Club on Friday, June 5. The other two sectionals involving area teams happened concurrently with Sectional 19 at Hickory Hills — Daleville competed in Sectional 18, hosted by Noblesville at Fox Prairie Golf Club, while Blue River Valley, New Castle and Shenandoah competed in Sectional 20, hosted by Greenfield-Central at Hawk's Tail of Greenfield.None of those five teams qualified for a regional, but two individuals managed to keep their seasons alive. Shenandoah sophomore Grady Drysdale was the top individual on a non-advancing team with a score of 76 at Greenfield, while New Castle senior Elijah Blankenship finished right behind Drysdale with a 77. Both golfers will compete in Regional 4 at Yorktown.Contact Cade Hampton via email at cbhampton@usatodayco.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CadeHamp10.This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Monroe Central wins first IHSAA boys golf sectional title since 2021

Alisson and Ederson join Brazilian keepers picked for three World CupsAlisson and Ederson have joined the list of players called up for three World CupsCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBFAlisson and Ederson have joined the list of Brazilian goalkeepers called up to three World Cups for the national team. Having been part of the 2018 and 2022 editions and this year’s World Cup, they join the group made up of Gilmar Neves, Taffarel, Dida, Júlio César, Carlos, and Waldir Peres.Wearing the No. 1 shirt, Alisson has played nine World Cup matches, five of them at the 2018 edition in Russia and four in 2022 in Qatar. He is the fourth goalkeeper with the most appearances for the Seleção at World Cups. He trails Júlio César, with 12 matches, Gilmar Neves and Emerson Leão, tied on 14, and the leader in the statistic, Taffarel, with 18 matches."It is a great honor to be able to represent my country! A privilege, accompanied by the immense responsibility of wearing this shirt! We will fight with all our strength in pursuit of our long-dreamed-of sixth star," celebrated the Rio Grande do Sul native from Novo Hamburgo on his social media after his call-up was confirmed.In 2026, Alisson will play in the third World Cup of his careerCredits: FIFAEderson, meanwhile, has taken the field only once: in the match against Cameroon, in the third and final round of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup."Representing my country at a World Cup is more than the fulfillment of a dream... it is proof that God honors every step, every prayer, and every moment lived with faith. Wearing the Brazil national team shirt is a privilege that I carry with great pride," celebrated the São Paulo native from Osasco.The squad chosen by Carlo Ancelotti also includes Weverton, who is going to his second World Cup. He played only in the closing minutes of the Seleção’s 4-1 win over South Korea, which secured a place in the quarterfinals.In all, 38 goalkeepers have already been called up to represent Brazil at World Cups. The first were Joel and Velloso, in 1930.The 2026 World Cup is the third of Ederson’s careerCredits: FIFASee how many World Cups each Brazilian goalkeeper has played in:4 World CupsCastilho - 1950, 1954, 1958 and 1962Emerson Leão - 1970, 1974, 1978 and 19863 World CupsAlisson - 2018, 2022 and 2026Ederson - 2018, 2022 and 2026Gylmar - 1958, 1982 and 1966Taffarel - 1990, 1994 and 1998Júlio César - 2006, 2010 and 2014Dida - 1998, 2002 and 2006Carlos - 1978, 1982 and 1986Waldir Peres - 1974, 1978 and 19822 World CupsRogério Ceni - 2002 and 2006Weverton - 2022 and 20261 World CupJoel - 1930Velloso - 1930Germano - 1934Pedrosa - 1934Walter - 1938Batatais - 1938Barbosa - 1950Veludo - 1954Cabeção -1954Manga - 1966Félix - 1970Ado - 1970Renato -1974Paulo Sérgio - 1982Paulo Victor - 1986Acácio - 1990Zé Carlos - 1990Zetti - 1994Gilmar Rinaldi - 1994Carlos Germano - 1998Marcos - 2002Gomes - 2010Doni - 2010Jefferson - 2014Victor - 2014Cássio - 2018This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

The Philadelphia 76ers now move forward under the guidance of Mike Gansey as the team's new President of Basketball Operations. The 2026 NBA draft is roughly two weeks away and the Sixers hold the No. 22 pick in the draft. The goal now is to make the right choice and continue their due diligence to prepare for June 23.This is considered one of the deeper drafts in recent history as the Sixers have a number of options to choose from with the selection. It's obvious that Philadelphia needs to add to a bench unit that struggled at times in the playoffs. There are players who will be in the No. 22 range who would help right away.A mock draft performed by The Athletic has the Sixers selecting Arizona big man Koa Peat with the pick:Sources around the league are still trying to figure out what new head of basketball operations Mike Gansey’s type will be. So this pick might just be me wish-casting a bit, but I can’t imagine a better fit for both Peat and an organization. With Joel Embiid playing more consistently on the perimeter now, Peat could use his athleticism and strength to crash along the baseline and make smart plays while also providing tough defensive energy. The 76ers desperately need a four with some power to his game, and Peat brings that in a big way. I have Peat higher than this on my personal board, but sources across the league are unsure where he slots into the class.Peat averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds along with 2.6 assists while with the Wildcats in the 2025-26 season. He only took 20 3-pointers, making seven of them, but if the Sixers were to select him, he would immediately be in the team's rotation backing up Embiid. There is a lot to like about Peat's game as he begins his NBA career.This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2026 NBA mock draft: Sixers take Koa Peat with the No. 22 overall pick

The ambitious UFC White House event will be one of a kind for a variety of reasons — including the natural elements of the outdoor environment in Washington, D.C.The event — officially known as UFC Freedom 250 — takes place on the South Lawn of the U.S. White House this Sunday night in celebration of America's 250th birthday next month. As there's no usable venue directly around the White House’s Executive Mansion to host a fight, the UFC had to build a makeshift setup outside.For some fighters competing this weekend, it’ll be their first time fighting outdoors. But not featherweight contender Steve Garcia.Garcia, who’s set to open the historic event alongside opponent Diego Lopes, shared his previous experiences of fighting outdoors on Monday's edition of "The Ariel Helwani Show," letting his peers know what to expect."I've fought outdoors twice. The first one was at night, so I dealt with the bugs and all that," Garcia told Uncrowned. "All the lights in the back had to get shifted forward to the [cage], and we had no light in the back to warm up. So we were blind. Everybody was with their phones, wrapping their hands and hitting pads with the lights from our phones, then we walked to the cage. People didn't think about that. That was one instance. There are bugs and stuff, and it was at night, so it wasn't terrible — maybe 75 degrees."The second time was definitely hotter, maybe 85 degrees. ... They had to continue to throw ice on the canvas. That's probably the only thing I was nervous about [for Sunday’s event] — how well the Octagon is covered — because it got so hot that everybody was burning their feet on the canvas. They would just continue to throw tubs and tubs of ice all over the canvas, and have to sweep it up so nobody would slip and fall. It was a little bit of a craziness, if you will. Obviously, being in guard or on your back, you're burning your back. Definitely not a fun way to fight."Garcia, 34, has been on an absolute tear in the UFC, winning his past seven fights and ending six of those wins in knockouts. Although Garcia is long removed from his days on the sport’s amateur circuit, where he twice battled outdoors in a cage without a roof, those similar concerns are not exactly something that have kept him up at night.Realistically, Garcia views absurdities like what's in store Sunday as all a part of the job."We're fighters. This is what we do," he said. "If we were in the street and we were like, 'Bro, it's a little hot, maybe we should do this tomorrow,' we don't get that luxury. So we're going to go out there and give it the best performance and shows we can give you guys, regardless of the circumstances.”Even after securing a main event slot in his previous fight in November at UFC Vegas 110 — and ending it with an impressive first-round knockout of David Onama — Garcia still feels he's not getting the recognition he deserves.Garcia (19-5) has been a consummate entertainer and finisher over his seven-year UFC career, and the matchup with Lopes — a two-time title challenger — would’ve been the biggest of his run even if it weren’t happening at the White House. Should Garcia pull off the betting upset, he'll land on the short list for potential title challengers to reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski."I do still feel disrespected," Garcia said. "I do feel like people don't count me seriously, but I finally get a platform where I can go out there and continue to prove otherwise."I have eight fights in the UFC, seven knockouts in the UFC. Eight wins, nine if you include the Contender Series. I've knocked out several guys, and, bro, I don't even have a Topps card. How crazy? Everybody on the White House card pretty much has Topps cards. Everybody I've knocked out has a Topps card. I don't get no love."Let's put it this way, I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder for everybody doubting me, I'll tell you that much."

Boston Celtics big man alum and three-time Chicago Bulls NBA champion Stacey King passed away on Sunday, June 7, per an announcement made by the Bulls. He was 59. King, who was with the Celtics for a cup of coffee in 1997 in between stints with the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks in the latter hears of his eight-season career in the league, had made a name for himself after retiring from the game as a player as a broadcaster primarily covering the team he won titles with.Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement circulated on social media that said "Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history.""His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades – first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans," Reinsdorf continued. "We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day," the statement added. "Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."The former No. 6 overall pick of the 1989 draft logged 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in a reserve role in his time with Boston. Rest in Peace.Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKpiTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics short-timer big man Stacey King passes

The president is using the slow count of mail ballots in California to renew his effort to cast doubt on election outcomes he doesn’t like, despite a lack of evidence of any widespread fraud.

The bissus of South Sulawesi are considered a link between the earthly and celestial because they are thought to embody both male and female traits.

A judge just granted Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby eligibility, and now the NCAA’s floodgates are wide open originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The floodgates didn't just crack; they flew off the hinges on the NCAA.A judge in a district court in Lubbock County, Texas, granted the injunction requested by Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby on Monday, making him eligible for the 2026 college football season per ESPN's Pete Thamel. But Sorsby cannot play in Texas Tech's first two games, a penalty his own legal team proposed to the NCAA as a compromise.The NCAA was not in a compromising mood."The NCAA strongly disagrees with the court's ruling in Sorsby's case and is deeply concerned about the damaging, far-reaching and broadly destabilizing ramifications of this outcome, which undermines and corrupts the integrity of sports," the organization said in a statement, per Thamel:"The NCAA is committed to supporting student-athlete mental health but must continue to aggressively defend against actions that defraud college athletics and threaten competitive integrity such as betting on one's own sport."Those are strong words, but the problem is that a state court in Texas just made them look completely powerless to back them up.The soul of college football could be lost When an unnamed Big 12 athletic director texts Pete Thamel and says, "we lost our soul today," on the Pat McAfee show. That is a person whose entire professional existence is built around the structure of college athletics telling you, off the record, that something is fundamentally broken. You don't say that lightly.And it wasn't just one anonymous AD venting into a phone. Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported that Big 12 athletic directors have had serious conversations about refusing to play Texas Tech this season entirely.Kansas State Athletic Director Gene Taylor confirmed it directly, telling Yahoo Sports, "We've had serious conversations about it."Then University of Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks went even further, perOn3.com: "I think there needs to be serious conversations about not playing Texas Tech in any sports." Brooks later added, "This is not about Texas Tech. It's about protecting our own locker room. We cannot in good conscience put our student athletes on a field where the competitive integrity of the contest is compromised and overridden by the courts. If the state courts want to dictate eligibility rules, then they can play themselves."He didn't stop there."All FBS schools should only take the field against programs operating under a uniform and trustworthy standard of fairness," Brooks said. "We've officially reached the point of no return."The Watermelon on the sidewalkJeremy Greene of ESPN Asheville's Sportsocracy may have brought to light something no one thought of, he said; "This just basically busted the NCAA wide open. This is like a ripe watermelon sitting on the sidewalk for every kid that's ever been told they're ineligible, just watch them come out of the woodwork."Greene continued by saying, "If I was a kid that didn't make it, I didn't play in the NFL, maybe I was on a practice squad or something like that, oh I'm ineligible? No, I'm not."And he's right, and that's terrifying for the NCAA. The Sorsby ruling doesn't just affect Texas Tech. It is a blueprint, or it is a roadmap that every disgruntled, ruled-ineligible player in America now has access to. The G League players getting reinstated to college basketball felt like a warning shot, but this is the actual explosion. You thought NIL was chaotic? Wait until the courts start handing out eligibility like Halloween candy.And the interesting part is Texas Tech just looked at the University of Texas and said recently they'd buy out their week one game to play them rather than comply with their already scheduled opponents. What happens when you have to buy out every game on your schedule because nobody will take the field against you?Someone has to take the reins in college sportsThis is exactly the moment the Protect College Sports Act was designed for. The writing is on the wall. A patchwork system of state courts issuing conflicting eligibility rulings is not a college athletics landscape; it is anarchy dressed up in school colors.The last time anything this seismic rattled college football was Michigan's sign-stealing scandal, and that at least operated within the existing disciplinary framework. This ruling goes around the framework entirely. A state court has now told the NCAA that its rules are suggestions.The fix isn't complicated, even if the politics of it would be at first, but they already have the answer in a simple structure; they just have to revamp the Division I and Division II rules. Build a true Division I umbrella and not just the SEC and Big Ten running their own game, but every school willing to meet a defined financial and competitive threshold.Those programs operate under one unified standard, one set of eligibility rules, and one governing body that has actual legal authority to enforce them. The College Football Playoff becomes exclusive to that structure; either you're in, or you're out.The NCAA has spent years pretending it isn't already a minor professional league while cashing billion-dollar media rights checks. The Sorsby ruling is, as ESPN’s Tank Spencer said, “The straw that broke the camel’s back.”Either the NCAA steps up and goes above the state court level and fights this at the federal level with everything it has, or it hands the reins to someone else who will.

Knicks vs. Spurs Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 3 of NBA Finals originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The NBA Finals will return to Madison Square Garden for the first time in nearly three decades when the Knicks host the Spurs on Monday night.New York will bring a 2-0 lead and 13-game winning streak into Game 3 of the championship series. The Knicks are ready to play in front of one of the most electric crowds in recent memory and take another step toward the Larry O'Brien Trophy.However, New York knows that the series is far from over. San Antonio had opportunities to take control in Games 1 and 2, and Victor Wembanyama will be highly motivated to deliver a signature performance after missing a potential game-winning shot in the previous battle.Follow along right here for live updates and highlights from Game 3 between the Knicks and Spurs.Knicks vs. Spurs score1234FSpursKnicksKnicks vs. Spurs live updates, highlights from Game 3 of NBA Finals7:30 p.m.: For the first time since 1999, the NBA Finals returns to Madison Square Garden.Photos from outside the Garden. https://t.co/w8a50tgiC6pic.twitter.com/tsjoVo6a1t— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 8, 2026How to watch Knicks vs. Spurs Game 3: TV channel, live streamTV channel: ABCLive stream: DIRECTV | ESPN app | fuboGame 3 between the Knicks and Spurs will air live on ABC. The game will also be available to stream on DIRECTV, the ESPN app and fubo.Try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live NBA, MLB and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1 and NFL Network — all included with DIRECTV.Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.Knicks vs. Spurs Game 3 start timeDate: Monday, June 8Time: 8:30 p.m. ETGame 3 between the Knicks and Spurs is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, June 8. The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York.Knicks vs. Spurs schedule: New York leads 2-0DateGameTime (ET)TV/Live streamJune 3Game 1: Knicks 105, Spurs 95——June 5Game 2: Knicks 105, Spurs 104——June 8Game 3: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 10Game 4: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 13Game 5*: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 16Game 6*: Spurs vs. Knicks8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fuboJune 19Game 7*: Knicks vs. Spurs8:30 p.m.ABC, DIRECTV, ESPN app, fubo*If necessaryNBA Playoffs scores, results 2026Conference finalsKnicks 4, Cavs 0Game 1: Knicks 115, Cavs 104 (OT)Game 2: Knicks 109, Cavs 93Game 3: Knicks 121, Cavs 108Game 4: Knicks 130, Cavs 93Spurs 4, Thunder 3Game 1: Spurs 122, Thunder 115 (2OT)Game 2: Thunder 122, Spurs 113Game 3: Thunder 123, Spurs 108Game 4: Spurs 103, Thunder 82Game 5: Thunder 127, Spurs 114Game 6: Spurs 118, Thunder 91Game 7: Spurs 111, Thunder 103Conference semifinalsKnicks 4, 76ers 0Game 1: Knicks 137, 76ers 98Game 2: Knicks 108, 76ers 102Game 3: Knicks 108, 76ers 94Game 4: Knicks 144, 76ers 114Spurs 4, Timberwolves 2Game 1: Timberwolves 104, Spurs 102Game 2: Spurs 133, Timberwolves 95Game 3: Spurs 115, Timberwolves 108Game 4: Timberwolves 114, Spurs 109Game 5: Spurs 126, Timberwolves 97Game 6: Spurs 139, Timberwolves 109First roundKnicks 4, Hawks 2Game 1: Knicks 113, Hawks 102Game 2: Hawks 107, Knicks 106Game 3: Hawks 109, Knicks 108Game 4: Knicks 114, Hawks 98Game 5: Knicks 126, Hawks 97Game 6: Knicks 140, Hawks 89Spurs 4, Trail Blazers 1Game 1: Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98Game 2: Trail Blazers 106, Spurs 103Game 3: Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108Game 4: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 93Game 5: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 95

Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesIt has been a phenomenal start to life on the PGA Tour for Alex Fitzpatrick when you consider that he did not even have a card two months ago. Fitzpatrick has taken his opportunity with both hands after he won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother Matt Fitzpatrick back in April.The win not only handed him a PGA Tour card, but it also gave the youngster the chance to play in the signature events.Alex Fitzpatrick reflects on his start to life on the PGA TourRemarkably, he has already registered four top 10 finishes in five starts, including a sixth place finish at the Memorial Tournament this past week.In fact, the 27-year-old has a greater number of top 10 finishes in the signature events this season than his older brother, who won the RBC Heritage the week after The Masters.Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesSo perhaps it is no surprise that Fitzpatrick seems to be delighted with how he has adapted to life on the PGA Tour after making the jump from the DP World Tour.“I would like to say it’s gone pretty well. I’m incredibly grateful because I have great people, a great team around me, lots of people that I trust and lots of great advice, especially my brother and the people around him. I feel like coming here for four years for college has really helped me as well and being familiar with the guys out here,” he said.“So I don’t really feel like it’s been hard to kind of fit in. Again, after we played the Zurich, everyone was so welcoming in Miami that it felt right at home. So it’s been really nice for me.”Fitzpatrick pleased to prove a point after his Zurich Classic victoryThere was some debate over Fitzpatrick’s situation after the win at TPC Louisiana. While it was hard to have any complaints with the decision to hand him a PGA Tour card, it did seem odd that he was given a ticket to the signature events.Obviously, Fitzpatrick more than played his part in the win. However, it was a team event, so there is a small asterisk against it.But Fitzpatrick has silenced anyone who felt that he was not deserving of a chance in the signature events. He has certainly not looked out of place over the last couple of months.And he spoke about how pleasing it has been to prove that point.“Yeah, it’s really rewarding. I guess that was always the thing after we won, it was, like, how is he going to do, is he going to carry on playing okay. I think that the biggest thing I took really was the win in India. I felt like that was a big weight off my shoulders. That was kind of something that I had wanted since I was young, to win on that tour, and I felt like that made it a little easier going into the Zurich not having as much pressure and just trying to enjoy it,” he said.“But it’s definitely been really rewarding playing some good golf following that and, yeah, hopefully, that stays like that.”Given how good Fitzpatrick has been from tee to green over the last few weeks, it has to be said that he is a contender to be in the mix at the US Open later this month.It really would be the icing on the cake for the Englishman if he managed at Shinnecock to lift the trophy that he watched his brother get his hands on four years ago at Brookline.It would be naive to write him off.

The Cowboys drafted cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round in 2025, knowing he would miss part of his rookie season. Revel likely would have gone higher in the draft if not for his torn ACL in September 2024 while practicing with teammates at East Carolina.He played seven games last season with the Cowboys, but Revel feels even healthier this offseason. He has shed his knee brace and is getting a full offseason of practice."It’s very beneficial," Revel said, via Tommy Yarrish of the team website. "Just because I can clean up a lot of things, a lot of errors I didn't see last year, or I did see last year, that I could clean up this year."We've got a new coaching staff, they're very detailed and very technical. When it comes to things, each day is intentional to get better. That's what I feel like I've been doing. Of course there's some things I need to work on. My knee is 100 percent, so now it's time to focus on situational ball and I've got to see what I need to fix or get better at."New Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker met Revel in a combine meeting while Parker was still with the Eagles."He has a hell of a story," Parker said. "Football means a lot to him, and he wants to work hard at it, so I think that's where it starts. He has that built in his mind. Physically, his traits, the height, the speed, the power, he has all of that. So now it's about just working from the neck up in terms of how the position needs to be played."Revel will compete with Cobie Durant for the starting job opposite DaRon Bland.

Who is Avery Wilson? Meet Knicks' national anthem singer who has become team's 'good luck charm' in playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Just about everything possible has been credited with fueling the Knicks' improbable win streak, including Karl-Anthony Towns' "The Devil Wears Prada 2" cameo. To some, the national anthem is at the heart of New York's playoff success.The Knicks don't traditionally bring back the same national anthem singer every night, instead choosing to rotate through singers, but they have kept coming back to former "The Voice" contestant Avery Wilson throughout the playoffs.New York is 6-0 when Wilson sings the national anthem, and their only home loss in the playoffs happened to come when a scheduling conflict prevented him from performing before a game against the Hawks.Here's what you need to know about Wilson and why he might be the Knicks' good luck charm.MORE:Which teams have overcome a 2-0 deficit in the NBA Finals?Who is Avery Wilson?Wilson, a contestant on "The Voice" seasons three and eight, is an R&B singer and actor on Broadway. He played Scarecrow in "The Wiz" on Broadway, earning a Grammy nomination for the performance.After he was asked to perform the national anthem before the Knicks' playoff opener in April, Wilson left an impression on MSG Sports chief operating officer Jamaal Lesane and earned an invitation back."He closed his eyes and felt emotional hearing me sing," Wilson told the New York Daily News.View this post on InstagramA post shared by AV (@averywilson)The Connecticut-born singer wasn't able to return for Game 2 due to a scheduling conflict, but he did make it back for Game 5 as well as each of the Knicks' home games against the 76ers and Cavaliers. New York is 6-0 when he performs the anthem. "They refer to me as a good-luck charm," Wilson told the Daily News.While all of the celebrities will be out for the Knicks' NBA Finals games at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks don't see any need to go bigger than what's worked so far, putting Wilson squarely in the spotlight as millions watch at home.MORE: Where Knicks winning streak ranks in NBA historyWhat does Avery Wilson sing?Wilson appeared on the Billboard Hot R&B chart with his 2015 single "If I Have To" and appeared on the charts again in 2024 with single "Kiss The Sky."Avery Wilson Broadway playsWilson moved into acting in 2024, when he was cast as Scarecrow in "The Wiz" on Broadway. Before he earned the role, a Broadway career hadn't been on Wilson's radar for long."I don't know all of the history of Broadway and all the shows, but I did frequent a couple shows a little while ago, maybe two or three years ago, and I was like, 'I want to do that,' Wilson told People Magazine in 2024.MORE:Is Donald Trump really a Knicks fan?Is Avery Wilson a Knicks fan?It isn't clear whether Wilson is a Knicks fan, but he is from nearby Connecticut and has talked excitedly about the team's success in games when he performs the national anthem.If Wilson wasn't a Knicks fan before, he might not have a choice now with the way he has become such a staple of New York's historic playoff run.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey said she was not allowed to speak with immigrants at the Delaney Hall detention center.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour has made his decision on which goalie will start Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday, June 9.But he's not revealing whether Frederik Andersen or Brandon Bussi will play against the Vegas Golden Knights."It's the only suspenseful thing around here that I have to hold onto," he told reporters on Monday, June 8. "It seems to have taken a life of its own, so I kind of enjoy it."Andersen, who has started every playoff game, didn't take part in practice on Monday. Brind'Amour said it was a maintenance day.The reason the starting goalie is even a question is because Brind'Amour pulled Andersen for Bussi during the Hurricanes' Game 3 loss.The Golden Knights had scored four goals against Andersen (plus two disallowed ones) in the second period, including Mitch Marner's hat trick.Brind'Amour inserted Bussi at the start of the third period. The backup goalie stopped 18 of 19 shots in the third period and two overtime periods, allowing only Shea Theodore's fluke goal.Making the case for Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen as the Game 4 starter:The case for Brandon Bussi starting Game 4He looked great in his first action since mid-April. He quickly had to face red-hot Marner on a penalty shot and stopped him, allowing the Hurricanes to rally. Brandon Bussi denies Mitch Marner on a penalty shot 👎 pic.twitter.com/Rh4FoAB7yN— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2026Bussi can't be blamed for the lone goal against him.He's rested while Andersen has played a lot and hasn't been as strong as he was in earlier rounds.The case for Frederik Andersen starting Game 4Go with what got you here. Andersen was stellar in sweeps in the first two rounds. He rebounded and won after his lone loss in the conference finals, plus his Game 1 loss in the final.Though Andersen might want the fourth goal back, the second goal was an own goal tipped in by his defenseman. On the third goal, the Hurricanes gave Marner too many chances.Andersen was clipped in the head by Ivan Barbashev on the second disallowed goal, but Brind'Amour said he's fine. The goalie has two days off between games, and that and the skipped practice should give him enough rest.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricanes won't reveal Game 4 goalie: Should Andersen or Bussi start?

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)FIFA via Getty ImagesFor many Americans, the 2026 FIFA World Cup might be difficult to avoid during a 38-day period.It kicks off when Mexico hosts South Africa in Mexico City on June 11 and concludes with the finals in East Rutherford, N.J. on July 19.With that in mind, here is a guide for beginners and aficionados to what many claim to be “The Greatest Show on earth.”Not one, not two, but three hostsFor the first time ever, three countries will host the World Cup - Mexico, Canada and the U.S. - in 16 venues. Eleven U.S. cities will welcome the world. They include Atlanta, Miami, Inglewood, Calif., San Francisco, Seattle, Arlington, Texas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia and East Rutherford, N.J. Three Mexican cities will host - Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey - as will two in Canada - Toronto and Vancouver.Mexico also will become the first country to host or co-host the cup three times, having also done so in 1970 and 1986.The U.S., Mexican and Canadian national teams will play all of their group stage matches in their own country.This is the second World Cup to have multiple hosts. Korea and Japan shared the hosting duties in 2002.FORBES | By Michael Lewis10 Players Who Are Expected To Leave Their Mark At The World CupFans of Curacao react as they watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match between Jamaica and Curacao at the old town Willemstad in Curacao, in the Dutch Caribbean, on November 18, 2025. The tiny Caribbean nation of Curacao became the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup on November 18 as Haiti booked their return to the tournament for the first time in 52 years along with Panama. (Photo by Angel Batta / AFP) (Photo by ANGEL BATTA/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty ImagesTeeming with teamsA record 48 teams will compete in the World Cup, 16 more than the previous tournament in Qatar, which had 32 countries performing in 2022.While the 16 added squads will give countries such as Curacao and the Cape Verde Island an opportunity to play at the highest stage, it also could open the door for some lopsided affairs in the group stage.Games aplentyWith 48 teams, comes more games and another around added. In other words, teams vying to win the World Cup will need to survive eight rounds, instead of the traditional seven.Teams that have excellent depth and the fortunate ones that can avoid injuries, especially to their stars and superstars, could be in position to win it all.How it worksThe 48 teams have been drawn into 12 groups of four squads apiece. The first- and second-place sides in each group will advance to the knockout round, including the eight best third-place teams.The knockout rounds begin with the Round of 32, continue with the Round of 16, then the quarterfinals, semifinals and the final.NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 21: (L-R) Stu Holden, Rob Stone, Carli Lloyd, Rebecca Lowe, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Alexi Lalas attend the Fox Sports FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Day event at Lavan Chelsea on May 21, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports via Getty Images)FOX Sports via Getty ImagesIf you want to watchThere are plenty of ways to watch the World Cup, whether it is on your television, computer or phone.For the English-speaking public, FOX Sports will show all 104 matches on their various platforms.A record 70 matches will be televised on FOX, including all U.S. Men's National Team games. FOX Sports will air all 104 tournament matches airing live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within FOX One’s new viewing experience and the FOX Sports App.For the full schedule, visit FOX Sports.For the Spanish-language audience, Telemundo will televise 92 airing free over-the-air on its network and 12 on Universo. Every match will stream live on Peacock (Premium and Premium Plus subscribers) and the Telemundo App.For Telemundo's full schedule, visit Telemundo.FORBES | By Michael Lewis4 U.S. Soccer Documentaries To Watch Before The 2026 World CupWROCLAW, POLAND - SEPTEMBER 5: Ousmane Dembele of France looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Ukraine and France at Tarczynski Arena on September 5, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWho are the favorites?Well, that could depend on whom you talk to. So many pundits have their own favorites.Many have liked France, which won the world championship in 2018 and lost in the 2022 final on penalty kicks to Argentina and Lionel Messi. Argentina has to be considered, along with Brazil, two long-time global powers. Spain, which boasts 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal, who will turn 19 on July 13.England and Germany have been mentioned as teams that could go deep in the tourney, or even win it. Portugal, which has never won a World Cup, is considered a contender as well.FORBES | By Amber Love Bond15 Places For Fans To Watch The FIFA World Cup In MiamiCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 31: Christian Pulisic of United States celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly match between United States and Senegal at Bank of America Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWhat about the U.S.?The U.S. Men's National Team isn't considered a favorite. A quarterfinal appearance would be considered a decent finish.Forward Christian Pulisic, who recently snapped a five-month scoreless streak for club and country, is expected to lead the attack. Other key players include forward Folarin Balogun, midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams and defenders Sergino Dest, and Chris Richards, who is recovering from an ankle injury. The team's Achilles Heel is the defense, which has turned the ball over during inopportune times in friendlies and World Cup warm-up matches. If the team continues on that path, it won't reach its full potential.Only two host national teams have failed to reach the knockout round - South Africa (2010) and Qatar (2022).FORBES | By Pamela N. DanzigerBehind The $10.5 Billion Brand Spending Spree At The 2026 FIFA World CupBrazilian footballer Pele in the net after scoring for Santos against Guarani FC of Campinas, 1958. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images)gettyThe elite eightOnly eight countries - that's right, only eight - have won the coveted World Cup since the competition was introduced in 1930. This is the 23rd World Cup.Brazil leads the way with five championships, followed by Germany and Italy (which did not qualify this time) with four apiece. Next comes Argentina with three, France and Uruguay with two each, and England and Spain with one apiece.Sparked by the incomparable Pele, the Brazilians won three out of World Cups from 1958 to 1970.While the World Cup is 96 years old, it has not been held in succession since 1930. It was interrupted for 12 years due to World War II. The 1938 tournament was the last one until Brazil hosted it in 1950.FORBES | By Michael LewisSome World Cup Hotel Prices Drop As The Tournament NearsHome hemisphere advantageOnly two South American teams have won a World Cup in the Eastern Hemisphere - Brazil and the great Pele in Sweden in 1956, and Argentina and the fabulous Lionel Messi in Qatar in 2022.Only one European team has won a World Cup in the Western Hemisphere in 2014.EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, USA - APRIL 20: A view of MetLife Stadium is seen as soccer fans traveling to MetLife Stadium during upcoming World Cup matches are expected to face significantly increased transportation costs, with NJ Transit confirming round-trip train fares of up to $150 from New York City, USA on April 20, 2026. The fare marks a sharp rise from the standard $12.90 ticket for the roughly 9-mile, 15-minute journey from Penn Station. FIFA has expressed concern that the steep pricing could have a âchilling effectâ on attendance, adding to already high match ticket costs for fans attending games in the New York/New Jersey area. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty ImagesAbout those stadium namesBecause FIFA has taken control of the 16 stadiums, those venues won't have their traditional names during the competition, which might confuse viewers thinking that a new stadium was built for the games.Here is a breakdown of the stadium names:U.S.Atlanta - Atlanta Stadium, instead of Mercedes-Benz StadiumBoston - Boston Stadium, instead of Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)Dallas - Dallas Stadium, instead of AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)East Rutherford, N.J. - New York New Jersey World Cup Stadium, instead of MetLife Stadium (interestingly, the stadium is located in New Jersey, but New York has been placed ahead of New Jersey, angering many citizens of the Garden State)Houston - Houston Stadium, instead of NRG StadiumMiami - Miami Stadium, instead of Hard Rock StadiumInglewood, Calif. - Los Angeles Stadium, instead of SoFi StadiumKansas City, Mo. - Kansas City Stadium, instead of Arrowhead StadiumPhiladelphia - Philadelphia Stadium, instead of Lincoln Financial FieldSan Francisco - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, instead of Levi's Stadium (Santa, Clara)Seattle - Seattle Stadium, instead of Lumen FieldMexicoMexico City - Mexico City Stadium instead of Estadio AztecaGuadalajara - Guadalajara Stadium, instead of Estadio AkronMonterrey - Monterrey Stadium, instead of Estadio BBVACanadaToronto - Toronto Stadium, instead of BMO FieldVancouver - Vancouver Stadium, instead of BC PlaceMichael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective, has been published.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 25: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Monday, May 25, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Christopher Denver/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images The MLB trade deadline is under two months away, and teams already need help in certain areas.Nowhere is that reflected more than in the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen.Through 66 games of the season, the Pirates are 34-32. With 96 games left, the bullpen is the largest Achilles heel and must be addressed for the Pirates to be a true contender. ESPN insider Jeff Passan released his first trading deadline piece last week, identifying the buyers, sellers, and teams in between. Passan labels the Pirates in the “Could Acquire… But” category, needing to answer important questions.“Barring a rough June — which is not entirely out of the realm of possibility with upcoming series against the Braves, Dodgers, Mariners, and Phillies — the Pirates will add at the deadline,” Passan said. Since writing his piece, the Pirates were swept by the Atlanta Braves and outscored 15-8. Evan Sisk replaced Bubba Chandler with one out in the seventh inning and inherited the bases loaded. One of the Bucs’ best relievers allowed a bases-clearing double to Michael Harris.The three runs were all Atlanta needed to win 3-2.Passan feels comfortable with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, and the Pirates’ rotation, while admitting the bullpen needs help. “Their rotation is already good enough to have squeezed Mlodzinski out,” Passan said. “Their bullpen could use another power arm, though Gregory Soto, Mason Montgomery, and rookie Wilber Dotel are high-octane options.”He thinks the Pirates could deal Carmen Mlodzinski in a potential trade. It’s important to note this was written before Mlodzinski delivered four innings of one-run ball in his first outing after moving to the bullpen, to help the Pirates defeat Houston on Thursday, 5-1.Passan identified Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers as a potential replacement for Henry Davis or Endy Rodriguez and add a most consistent hitter behind the plate. Jeffers is hitting .295 with a .408 on-base percentage, seven homers, and 26 RBIs.Passan believes the objective of the Pirates season is to make the postseason. It’s true, and it would mark the first time Pittsburgh is back in the playoffs since 2015. Pirates fans may be thinking more.To do so, the Bucs need to acquire a bullpen arm… or five, more so than a catcher.The bullpen owns a 4.14 ERA, fifth worst in the National League, a number helped by occasional opener situations with Carmen Mlodzinski. It also has a collective 1.32 WHIP and has allowed 118 earned runs, fourth worst in the NL.Aroldis Chapman has been rumored to be the most likely reliever traded at, or even before, the deadline.Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Pirates are aggressive in their pursuit of relief pitching. In 20 games, Chapman has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Over 19.2 innings, Chapman owns a 0.46 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts.He has completed 13 saves for the 27-36 Red Sox, last place in their division, and significantly underperforming.Fellow Boston reliever Garrett Whitlock also would make sense. Whitlock owns a 3.20 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 19.2 innings.He was a key piece for Team USA’s bullpen in the World Baseball Classic and set the table for Mason Miller to close the ninth inning. Whitlock is expected to rejoin the Red Sox on Tuesday after battling a knee injury.Relief pitching will be at a premium for the Pirates and likely other clubs as the August 3 deadline nears. It’s also the least expensive compared to impact bats and top-to-middle-of-the-rotation starters.The Pirates need a bounce back against the Los Angeles Dodgers, hosting the defending champions for a three-game series beginning on Tuesday night.