Belmont post positions set as Sovereignty, Journalism square off

Belmont post positions set as Sovereignty, Journalism square off

Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty will start from the inside and Preakness champ Journalism will start out wide when the Belmont Stakes is held Saturday at Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Post positions were announced for the field of eight on Monday and Sovereignty landed the 2 spot while Journalism will break from post 7. Baeza, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby behind Sovereignty and Journalism, will start from the 6 spot. Journalism is listed as an 8-5 favorite and is the only horse in the field that raced in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Sovereignty, which skipped the Preakness, is 2-1. Baeza, who is 4-1, also didn't run in the Preakness. The Belmont Stakes is being held at Saratoga Race Course for the second straight year while renovations continue on the Belmont track in Elmont, N.Y. That leaves the final race of the three Triple Crown events at 1 1/4 miles instead of its traditional 1 1/2-mile jaunt. Hill Road will start out of the 1 gate and Rodriguez will at 3. Uncaged (4), Crudo (5) and Heart of Honor (8) round out the small field. Rodriguez missed both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness due to a crack in a hind hoof. The horse will surely garner betting support at 6-1 due to a win in the Wood Memorial in April. Belmont Stakes post positions 1. Hill Road 10-1 2. Sovereignty 2-1 3. Rodriguez 6-1 4. Uncaged 30-1 5. Crudo 15-1 6. Baeza 4-1 7. Journalism 8-5 8. Heart of Honor 30-1 --Field Level Media

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Belmont post positions set as Sovereignty, Journalism square off

Belmont post positions set as Sovereignty, Journalism square off Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty will start from the inside and Preaknes...

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International, intoxicated bettor reportedly behind death threats sent to Lance McCullers

International, intoxicated bettor reportedly behind death threats sent to Lance McCullers

TheMLBworld was shocked whenHouston Astros' pitcherLance McCullersreceived death threats online following a start he'd made against theCincinnati Redson May 10. McCullers was making his second start after a 2.5-year absence from Major League Baseball, recovering from major arm surgery, and did not perform well. He gave up seven runs in the first inning. TheAstrosultimately lost that game, 13-9. McCullers claimed that he received the messages after the game,threateningto "find [his] kids and murder them." "I understand people are very passionate and people love the Astros and love sports, but threatening to find my kids and murder them is a little bit tough to deal with," McCullers told reporters. The Astros granted McCullers and his family24-hour security, and finally, the man behind the threats has been discovered. ESPN reportsthat the Houston Police Department has identified the person behind the threats. The man in question has remained unnamed and is described as a sports bettor located overseas. A spokesperson for the department claimed that the man admitted to sending the messages after he had been gambling on an Astros game, and lost money. The man claims he was intoxicated. The spokesperson did add that the man has since relayed an apology to McCullers and his family. Charges are still being considered and the case remains open. MLB News:Diamondbacks' Corbin Burnes to undergo MRI on elbow after ominous early exit "I think over the last few years it's definitely increased," Milwaukee's Christian Yelich said, viaESPN, in reference to the threats he's received. "It's increased to the point that you're just, 'All right, here we go.' It doesn't even really register on your radar anymore. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. You're just so used to that on a day-to-day, night-to-night basis. It's not just me. It's everybody in here, based on performance." Just last month, Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriksrevealedthat he'd also received such threats. "Threats against my life and my wife's life are horrible and cruel," said Hendriks. "Comments telling me to commit suicide and how you wish I died from cancer is disgusting and vile. Maybe you should take a step back and re-evaluate your life's purpose before hiding behind a screen attacking players and their families." In aninterview with ESPN, head of integrity services and athlete well-being for MLB partner Sportradar, said that while the popularization of sports betting has certainly played a factor, these messages have been coming to athletes since long before gambling became so widespread. "It is broader than just sports betting," Brown claims. "Yes, sports betting is a factor, but we see it in all forms, whether racism, transphobia, doping, geopolitical, misogyny. The abuse is insane." Sports gambling is currently legal in 38 states in the U.S., with 30 states enabling gambling from a person's mobile phone. Keep in mind though, the person who sent the threats to McCullers was located overseas. MLB News:Royals call up minor league slugging sensation Jac Caglianone This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Police reportedly find man responsible for McCullers death threats

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

International, intoxicated bettor reportedly behind death threats sent to Lance McCullers

International, intoxicated bettor reportedly behind death threats sent to Lance McCullers TheMLBworld was shocked whenHouston Astros' pi...

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Trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco begins in Dominican Republic

Trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco begins in Dominican Republic

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstopWander Francostarted Monday in the Dominican Republic ina sexual abuse caseinvolving a 14-year-old girl. Franco told judges he wants justice to be done. Franco has been charged in the northern province of Puerto Plata with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking. Prosecutors introduced documents as pieces of evidence against the 24-year-old Franco during the first hearing, and added they will call at least seven witnesses in a trial that is expected to proceed on Thursday, Friday and next Monday. Franco heard the charges against him and could be sentenced to up to 30 years in jail. "I heard all they said, but I wanted to say that justice must be done," Franco told the judges. Irina Ventura, one of Franco's attorneys, said part of the evidence against her client is fraudulent and illegal. Teodosio Jaquez, another member of the player's legal team, said that the underage girl denied having sexual relations with the player. Prosecutor Claudio Cordero said all the evidence "was obtained in a lawful manner, are self-sufficient and will lead to a conviction, which is sought by the prosecutor's office." Franco was having an All-Star season in 2023 beforeDominican authorities began investigating allegationshe had been in a relationship with a minor and paid her mother thousands of dollars for her consent. The trial was initially scheduled for Dec. 12, but was postponed until June. The trial could take up to eight months to conclude, based on the average duration of trials in the Dominican Republic. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco begins in Dominican Republic

Trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco begins in Dominican Republic PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial of Tampa Bay...

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French Open: No. 1 Jannik Sinner dominates Andrey Rublev to reach the quarterfinals

French Open: No. 1 Jannik Sinner dominates Andrey Rublev to reach the quarterfinals

PARIS (AP) — Top-rankedJannik Sinner'slatest dominant performance at theFrench Openwas a 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory over No. 17 Andrey Rublev on Monday night to reach the quarterfinals and extend his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches. Sinner is a three-time major champion who won theU.S. Openlast September and theAustralian Openthis January. Now he'll try to get to the semifinals at Roland-Garros for the second consecutive year and faces 62nd-ranked Alexander Bublik on Wednesday. Here is just how good Sinner has been in Paris over the past week-plus: He hasn't lost a set and has dropped a total of 30 games. Sinner actually began somewhat slowly against Rublev under the lights at Court Philippe-Chatrier. Well, for four points, anyway. Rublev got two break points at 15-40 in the opening game, but Sinner erased those and was on his way. He only faced one other break point the rest of the match and saved it, too. Sinner finished the first set with 10 winners to just three unforced errors and kept the pressure on Rublev. ___ AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

French Open: No. 1 Jannik Sinner dominates Andrey Rublev to reach the quarterfinals

French Open: No. 1 Jannik Sinner dominates Andrey Rublev to reach the quarterfinals PARIS (AP) — Top-rankedJannik Sinner'slatest dominan...

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Novak Djokovic earns French Open win No. 100, sails into QFs

Novak Djokovic earns French Open win No. 100, sails into QFs

Novak Djokovic cruised past Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 on Monday in Paris to reach his 16th consecutive French Open quarterfinals and win his 100th career match on the clay at Roland Garros. The sixth seed from Serbia will face No. 3-seed Alexander Zverev of Germany in the quarters after Zverev's Round of 16 opponent, Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands, retired in the second set due to an abdominal injury. Djokovic, 38, is second only to Rafael Nadal's 112 match wins at the French Open. He dismissed Great Britain's Norrie in a tidy two hours and 14 minutes to notch No. 100. "It's a very pretty number, but 101 victories sounds better," Djokovic said post-match. "I will continue to search for another victory, it's clearly not finished for me here. I'm very honored to make history in this sport, which has given me everything in my life." Djokovic broke Norrie's serve seven times in 11 chances. He won 39 of his 54 first-service points (72.2 percent) and was just as sharp on return, limiting Norrie to points on just 45 percent (18 of 40) his first serves. Zverev led 6-4, 3-0 in his match when Griekspoor called for a physio. He said later that he pulled his ab at the end of warmups earlier that day. "I tried to go out there. Probably one of the biggest matches of my life against an opponent that I like to play on a beautiful court," Griekspoor said. "So I just wanted to give it a shot, but I realized pretty early that it was not going to be my day." Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan rallied past British fifth seed Jack Draper 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 and will be the only unseeded player in the quarterfinals. Bublik, who previously upset ninth seed Alex de Minaur of Australia in five sets, smashed an overwhelming 68 winners to Draper's 37. Bublik saved 6 of 8 break points he faced and converted 5 of 6 break-point opportunities. It marks Bublik's first quarterfinal berth at any Grand Slam. "Sometimes in life there's only one chance, and I had a feeling that that was mine, and I couldn't let it slip," Bublik said in his post-match remarks. "Standing here, it's the best moment of my life, period." However, his next task is none other than world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The Italian played in the final match of the night in Paris and defeated No. 17 seed Andrey Rublev of Russia 6-1, 6-3, 6-4. "I'm very, very happy, because things can go quickly in a bad way, especially in best of five," Sinner said on the court after his match. "They can go so long, so I'm very happy to finish in three. Night sessions here in Paris are always amazing." Other quarterfinal matches will pit No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz of Spain against No. 12 Tommy Paul and No. 8 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy against No. 15 Frances Tiafoe. --Field Level Media

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Novak Djokovic earns French Open win No. 100, sails into QFs

Novak Djokovic earns French Open win No. 100, sails into QFs Novak Djokovic cruised past Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 on Monday in Paris to ...

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Patriots WR Stefon Diggs appears at OTAs after viral boat video

Patriots WR Stefon Diggs appears at OTAs after viral boat video

After missing the New England Patriots' first five days of organized team activities, veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs showed up for Monday's session at Gillette Stadium and participated in some drills. Diggs' appearance was noteworthy not just because veterans aren't required to take part in OTAs, but because the four-time Pro Bowler recently went viral on social media due to a video of him enjoying himself on a boat with three bikini-clad women that included top-selling rapper Cardi B. A portion of the video showed the 31-year-old Diggs holding a plastic bag filled with a pink substance. That led to speculation that Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract in March, could be on the outs with his new team and new Pats coach Mike Vrabel. While Diggs did not entertain questions after catching passes from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye on Monday, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels did share thoughts with reporters. "It's a voluntary part of the year," McDaniels said. "We know that. I don't know if we've ever had perfect attendance at these things in general. As a coach, selfishly, you love it when they're all here because you feel like you've got them all in the classroom and all on the field and all the rest of it. "(Diggs is) here today and we're excited to have an opportunity to work with the guys that are out here and available to us. So, I know he's staying up on the information and the material. And there's so many things and opportunities for us to teach all our guys going forward -- between the rest of the practices here in the spring and then going into the summer and, you know, the many days we have before we actually kick the ball off in September. So I'm not concerned about Stef in that regard. The Patriots have two more days of OTAs -- Tuesday and Thursday -- followed by mandatory minicamps June 9-11 before the team officially adjourns until training camp begins on July 24. Diggs, who's still recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered Oct. 27 in his final game for the Houston Texans, has amassed 857 receptions for 10,491 yards and 70 touchdowns during his 10-year career split among the Minnesota Vikings (2015-19), Buffalo Bills (2020-23) and Texans (2024). --Field Level Media

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Patriots WR Stefon Diggs appears at OTAs after viral boat video

Patriots WR Stefon Diggs appears at OTAs after viral boat video After missing the New England Patriots' first five days of organized tea...

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Jac Caglianone gets called up & Shohei Ohtani falls asleep mid-World Series rematch | Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Jac Caglianone gets called up & Shohei Ohtani falls asleep mid-World Series rematch | Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Could the best hitter on the Kansas City Royals have been sitting in the minor leagues this season? Everyone is about to find out as one of the top prospects in baseball, Jac Caglianone, gets the call. Jake and Jordan reflect on his impressive collegiate career and discuss how it may translate in the majors. Even some of the best athletes in the world get sleepy at work. Shohei Ohtani was caught falling asleep in the dugout during a World Series rematch vs. the New York Yankees this weekend. Jake, who may or may not have slept through his alarm before recording this episode, has some(hypocritical?)thoughts on what happened in LA. A full weekend of baseball with sweeps, mops and even some college drama occurred. The guys give a full recap on all that happened in the world of baseball. Start off your week with the Baseball Bar-B-Cast (1:51) - How Sweep It Is (2:46) - Blue Jays mop A's (10:18) - Brewers sweep Phillies (20:02) - Mets sweep Rockies (24:11) - Orioles sweep White Sox (30:44) - Tigers over Royals (32:40) - Jac Calgianone called up (37:35) - Mariners over Twins (41:07) - Nats over Diamonbacks (44:57) - Dodgers over Yankees (51:48) - Shohei falls asleep (55:02) - Turbo Mode (1:05:18) - College Baseball (1:09:24) - Lou Gehrig Day Follow the show on X at@CespedesBBQ Follow Jake@Jake_Mintz Follow Jordan@J_Shusterman_ 🖥️Watch thisfull episode on YouTube Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family athttps://apple.co/3zEuTQjor atYahoo Sports Podcasts

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Jac Caglianone gets called up & Shohei Ohtani falls asleep mid-World Series rematch | Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Jac Caglianone gets called up & Shohei Ohtani falls asleep mid-World Series rematch | Baseball Bar-B-Cast Could the best hitter on the K...

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Report: Antetokounmpo, Raptors have 'mutual interest'

Report: Antetokounmpo, Raptors have 'mutual interest'

There is "mutual interest" between the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Toronto Star reported. It was originally reported last month that Antetokounmpo would be open to playing elsewhere in 2025-26. According to the Star's report on Sunday, the Raptors are deep enough at the wing position to combine with first-round picks to make a run at Antetokounmpo. Separately, ESPN reported that the Raptors are "looking for a big fish" in the offseason trade market. ESPN reported in May that the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player is exploring whether his best long-term fit is to remain in Milwaukee or move on after 12 seasons, nine All-Star selections and one championship with the Bucks. Antetokounmpo, 30, averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 2024-25 before Milwaukee suffered its third straight first-round playoff exit. With highly paid All-Star guard Damian Lillard facing a lengthy rehabilitation after tearing his left Achilles tendon in the playoffs on April 27, the Bucks are not well-positioned to contend for a championship next season -- which speaks to the off-season decisions that the Bucks and Antetokounmpo face. He is under contract through the 2026-27 season and has a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He carries cap hits of $54.1 million in 2025-26 and $58.5 million in 2026-27. --Field Level Media

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Report: Antetokounmpo, Raptors have 'mutual interest'

Report: Antetokounmpo, Raptors have 'mutual interest' There is "mutual interest" between the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee...

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AP PHOTOS: The U.S. Women's Open

AP PHOTOS: The U.S. Women's Open

ERIN, Wis. (AP) — TheU.S. Women's Openconcluded Sunday at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. Maja Stark of Sweden won her first major championship. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

AP PHOTOS: The U.S. Women's Open

AP PHOTOS: The U.S. Women's Open ERIN, Wis. (AP) — TheU.S. Women's Openconcluded Sunday at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. Maja Stark of Sw...

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Figure Skaters Mariah Bell and Brandon Frazier Appear to Hard Launch Surprise Relationship

Figure Skaters Mariah Bell and Brandon Frazier Appear to Hard Launch Surprise Relationship

Brandon Frazier/Instagram Brandon Frazier and Mariah Bell have hard launched their relationship On Instagram, the former competitive ice skaters shared similar beachside photos in which they embraced one another Frazier won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, where Bell also competed Brandon Frazier has a new partner off the ice! On Saturday, May 31, the Olympic gold medalist pairs skater seemingly hard launched his relationship with fellow retired ice skater Mariah Bell. "Odds are.. it's going to be a great summer," Frazier, 32, wrote alongside two images onInstagramof himself and Bell embracing on a California beach at sunset. Bell, 29, shared similar pictures on herInstagram accountwith a simple caption: "Happy 😊" Joosep Martinson - International Skating Union/International Skating Union via Getty Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Friends, those in the skating community, and fans were cheering on the announcement in the comments. "All of my dreams have come true,"Alexa Knierim, Frazier's former partner wrote, while ice dancerMadison Chockenthused: "Yes yes yes!! 😍" The two former skaters even had fun in the comments, with Frazier posting, "I think we should see other people." Bell responded, "thank god." In 2022, Frazier left competitive skating to pursue other interests, including obtaining a business degree, and he also assisted former competitive skater Jenni Meno as a coach at his former training facility in Irvine, Calif., according toOlympics.com. Last summer at the Paris Summer Games, Frazier, along with other members of the U.S. team,received his gold medal for team performance from the Beijing Olympics, over two years after the Russian doping scandal. PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Bell — who finished 10th in Beijing — previously opened up to PEOPLE about the end of the relationship she was in with French skater Romain Ponsart. "It was really hard. It was really sad. I really had to work through it. It's hard when you're just not expecting something," she told PEOPLE on the eve of her Olympics debut in 2022. "Obviously, being engaged it's really tough and it's something that a lot of people go through and do get through it. It's really tough in the moment, but I definitely believe that that was something because I was broken, I didn't skate for a while," Bell continued at the time. "I didn't know what I was going to do. And I decided I was so close to this ultimate goal that nothing was going to effect. I was capable and I had all the support that I needed. But I'm even more proud now looking back." Read the original article onPeople

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Figure Skaters Mariah Bell and Brandon Frazier Appear to Hard Launch Surprise Relationship

Figure Skaters Mariah Bell and Brandon Frazier Appear to Hard Launch Surprise Relationship Brandon Frazier/Instagram Brandon Frazier and Mar...

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Reds' Elly De La Cruz honors sister, homers a day after her death

Reds' Elly De La Cruz honors sister, homers a day after her death

Cincinnati Reds All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz endured an emotional Sunday as he chose to play one day after the death of his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez. De La Cruz honored her memory with "RIP" written on his cleats and hat for the game against the host Chicago Cubs. When he homered in the sixth inning, De La Cruz patted his jersey over his heart, pointed skyward and clapped before he crossed home plate, then made a heart gesture with his hands. According to media reports, family members in the Dominican Republic said Sanchez died after prolonged, unspecified health issues. Elly De La Cruz, 23, declined to speak with reporters on Sunday before and after the game, which the Cubs won 7-3. He went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored and one walk. The home run was his team-high 12th this season and 50th in 318 career games since his major league debut in June 2023. "We just told him we will support whatever he needs to do," Reds manager Terry Francona said before the game. "He wants to play today, and then we'll go from there." The team declined to provide more details, per the player's wishes. After the game, Francona said it was a hard situation but De La Cruz wanted to be available for the team. "We care so much about playing the game and winning. But in a hurry, you're reminded of what's really important," Francona said. "I think everybody kind of kept their head on a swivel with him today just trying to take care of him." The Reds open a three-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. De La Cruz is in the lineup, batting third. --Field Level Media

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Reds' Elly De La Cruz honors sister, homers a day after her death

Reds' Elly De La Cruz honors sister, homers a day after her death Cincinnati Reds All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz endured an emotiona...

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Wild card Lois Boisson, ranked No. 361 in the world, stuns Jessica Pegula at the French Open

Wild card Lois Boisson, ranked No. 361 in the world, stuns Jessica Pegula at the French Open

French wild card Lois Boisson produced a stunning upset atRoland Garroson Monday, ousting American world No. 3Jessica Pegulain a thrilling 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory. Boisson, ranked No. 361 in the world, is making her grand slam debut at theFrench Openhaving only made her WTA Tour-level debut in April. To say she was given long odds of beating Pegula would have been an understatement. But in front of a raucous home crowd, the 22-year-old produced the biggest shock of the tournament so far, becoming the first French wild card to reach the quarterfinals of the women's draw since Mary Pierce in 2002. The last time a Frenchwoman reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros was 2017 – accomplished by both Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic. When she faces Russian sixth seed Mirra Andreeva on Tuesday, Boisson will be the lowest-ranked female quarterfinalist at a grand slam since Kaia Kanepi at the 2017 US Open. Pegula gained an early advantage in the match with a break of serve at 3-3, and as she comfortably saw out the remainder of the opening set, it looked like it would be a routine victory for last year's US Open runner-up. Boisson, however, had other ideas, securing the crucial break at 4-4 in the second set before leveling the match by serving out her next game to love. The pair traded breaks near the start of the decider, the enthralling encounter becoming even more tense – the crowd even more involved – as the set wore on. The contest got the edge-of-your-seat finale it deserved when Boisson converted her fourth break-point opportunity at 4-4, then saved four break points while serving for the match the following game. She eventually ripped a forehand down the line to complete the victory in two hours and 40 minutes, stretching out her arms and looking to the stands as she soaked up the applause. Remarkably, Boisson had ACL and meniscus surgery around this time last year, keeping her away from the tour for nine months. She has now recorded four main draw wins at Roland Garros and is projected to rise to at least around No. 120 in the WTA rankings after the tournament. With the atmosphere on Court Philippe-Chatrier already at fever pitch, it felt timely that Paris Saint-Germain playerOusmane Dembéléshould arrive at the arena to parade theChampions Leaguetrophy his side won against Inter Milan on Saturday. On Tuesday, the home crowd might have even more to cheer should Boisson produce another huge upset against Andreeva – her second top-10 opponent in as many matches. Elsewhere in the women's draw, Americans Madison Keys and Coco Gauff are set to face each other in the final eight after both recorded straight-set victories. Australian Open champion Keys defeated compatriot Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 7-5, while second seed Gauff saw off the challenge of Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0, 7-5. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Wild card Lois Boisson, ranked No. 361 in the world, stuns Jessica Pegula at the French Open

Wild card Lois Boisson, ranked No. 361 in the world, stuns Jessica Pegula at the French Open French wild card Lois Boisson produced a stunni...

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Jedrick Willis injury update: Former Browns OT may sit out 2025 season

Jedrick Willis injury update: Former Browns OT may sit out 2025 season

Jedrick Willsis one of the top offensive tackles that remains unsigned ahead of the 2025 NFL season. It turns out that may be by design. Wills is planning to sit out "most – or possibly all" of the 2025 campaign, according toFox Sports' Jordan Schultz. The reason? Wills dealt with a lingering knee issue that limited him to five games in 2024. Schultz noted that while the 26-year-old Wills has drawn interest from multiple teams, he believes taking time off to get healthy "is the best move for the long-term future of his career." Wills was selected by theCleveland Brownsin the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft after a standout career at Alabama. The 6-5, 307-pound blocker immediately emerged as the team's starting left tackle and started 48 of a possible 53 games to begin his NFL career. Over the last two seasons, injuries have limited Wills to just 13 appearances and 12 starts. He played just 245 offensive snaps (20.8% of Cleveland's team total) in 2024, surrendering three sacks and allowing a whopping seven penalties while struggling with his overall mobility. NFL FREE AGENTS:Best fits for Keenan Allen, Aaron Rodgers, more Even when healthy,Pro Football Focushas never graded Wills better than 52nd among qualified tackles during his five-year career. As such, it isn't clear what type of interest he'll draw if he does sit out the 2025 NFL season in an effort to get healthy. TheBrownsare set to roll withDawand JonesandJack Conklinas their starting tackle duo during the 2025 NFL season. Cleveland signed veteranCornelius Lucasto help replace Wills and occupy the swing tackle role on its roster. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jedrick Wills may sit 2025 season due to knee injury, per report

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Jedrick Willis injury update: Former Browns OT may sit out 2025 season

Jedrick Willis injury update: Former Browns OT may sit out 2025 season Jedrick Willsis one of the top offensive tackles that remains unsigne...

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NCAA baseball tournament bracket: Super regional matchups, pairings for region winners

NCAA baseball tournament bracket: Super regional matchups, pairings for region winners

There are still six regionals in action on Monday, as 12 teams are fighting in win-or-go-home scenarios to move on in theNCAA baseball tournament. Only five national seeds have already won their regional, with six more hoping to move onto the super regionals in if-necessary games on Monday. No. 1 Vanderbilt,No. 2 Texas,No. 7 Georgia and No. 11 Clemson were upset in their home regionals, as Louisville, UTSA, Duke and West Virginia have already moved onto the next round. REQUIRED READING:UTSA shock Texas baseball, beats No. 2 seed to advance from NCAA Austin Regional No. 5 North Carolina, No. 6 LSU, No. 10 Ole Miss, No. 8 Oregon State and No. 14 Tennessee are all fighting for their season on Monday, against a slew of teams hoping to play spoiler to some of the top national championship contenders this season. Here's a look at the NCAA baseball tournament bracket, along with super regional matchups and which teams line up for a spot in the College World Series: Times and dates for super regionals have yet to be announced. Louisville vs. winner of No. 16 Southern Miss/Miami (No. 1 region vs No. 16 region) vs. No. 9 Florida State vs. No. 8 Oregon State/USC (No. 8 region vs No. 9 region) No. 5 North Carolina/Oklahoma vs. Arizona (No. 5 region vs No. 12 region) No. 13 Coastal Carolina vs. No. 4 Auburn (No. 4 region vs No. 13 region) No. 3 Arkansas vs. No. 14 Tennessee/Wake Forest (No. 3 region vs No. 14 region) No. 6 LSU/Arkansas-Little Rock vs. West Virginia (No. 6 region vs No. 11 region) No. 10 Ole Miss/Murray State vs. Duke No. 7 region vs No. 10 region) No. 15 UCLA vs. UTSA (No. 2 region vs No. 15 region) The NCAA tournament does not re-seed to pair lower matchups with higher ones. This means that Louisville, which came out of the No. 1 Nashville Regional, still finds itself playing the winner of the No. 16 Hattiesburg Regional. While teams do not re-seed for matchup purposes, the higher seed will still get home-field advantage. With this in mind, despite representing the No. 1 bracket, Louisville could still end up playing in Hattiesburg for super regionals if Southern Miss wins Monday. Louisville No. 9 Florida State Arizona No. 13 Coastal Carolina No. 4 Auburn No. 3 Arkansas West Virginia Duke No. 15 UCLA UTSA This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NCAA baseball tournament bracket: Super regional matchups, pairings

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

NCAA baseball tournament bracket: Super regional matchups, pairings for region winners

NCAA baseball tournament bracket: Super regional matchups, pairings for region winners There are still six regionals in action on Monday, as...

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Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns dilemma, Thunder vs. Pacers preview and Inside the NBA on TNT's impact

Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns dilemma, Thunder vs. Pacers preview and Inside the NBA on TNT's impact

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and David Aldridge discuss what the New York Knicks should do about Karl-Anthony Towns and preview the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Next, Vince and David do a deep dive on how Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle will try and formulate a winning plan against the Thunder's stellar defense. Later Vince asks David how he will remember Inside the NBA on TNT and why the show was so impactful for so many years. (1:47) How should the city of Seattle feel about the Thunder's success? (6:12) What should the Knicks do with Karl-Anthony Towns? (16:16) Will the Eastern Conference see a seismic shift this offseason? (23:09) NBA Finals Preview (30:40) How will Rick Carlisle look to utilize Tyrese Haliburton against Thunder? (36:16) How will Pacers attack Thunder's defense? (39:37) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be a problem for Pacers (45:21) David Aldridge reflects on Inside the NBA on TNT 🖥️Watch this full episode on YouTube Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family athttps://apple.co/3zEuTQjor atYahoo Sports Podcasts

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns dilemma, Thunder vs. Pacers preview and Inside the NBA on TNT's impact

Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns dilemma, Thunder vs. Pacers preview and Inside the NBA on TNT's impact On this episode of Good Word with Goodw...

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Reports: Houston Texans CB Ronald Darby retiring at age 31

Reports: Houston Texans CB Ronald Darby retiring at age 31

After a career that spanned 10 years, seven teams and included a Super Bowl 52 championship, cornerbackRonald Darbyis retiring. ESPNreportedTuesday that Darby had informed theHouston Texansof his decision. At the time of writing, neither Darby nor the team have confirmed the news. TheBuffalo Billsdrafted Darby out ofFlorida State, where he won the 2013 BCS National Championship, with their second-round pick in 2015. He finished as the runner-up to then-Kansas City Chiefscornerback Marcus Peters for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and played for the Bills for one more season. NFL RETIREMENTS:Lions center Frank Ragnow retires at 29 In August 2017, Buffalo traded him to thePhiladelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl in his first season with the team. After his rookie contract expired following the 2018 season, Darby played one more year for the Eagles, then had short stints – between one to two years – with four more teams: the Washington Football Team,Denver Broncos,Baltimore Ravensand Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars released Darby in March of this year, and he went on to sign with the Texans, his seventh team, before deciding to call it a career. Length:One year Value:$2 million Darby's one-year, $2 million contract included $850,000 guaranteed and $500,000 in playing time incentives, according toSpotrac. Darby started in 107 of the 118 regular-season games he played in his 10-year career. Here are his career (regular-season) stats: Tackles:447 Passes defensed:106 Interceptions:8 Forced fumbles:1 Fumble recoveries:1 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ronald Darby retirement: 10-year NFL veteran calls it a career

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Reports: Houston Texans CB Ronald Darby retiring at age 31

Reports: Houston Texans CB Ronald Darby retiring at age 31 After a career that spanned 10 years, seven teams and included a Super Bowl 52 ch...

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As NBA draft approaches, Wasserman agency reveals large 2025 class

As NBA draft approaches, Wasserman agency reveals large 2025 class

Carter Bryant's mom, Sabrina, has video from when he was about 9 years old, saying he was going to be the No. 1 pick in theNBA draft. Sure, kid, keep dreaming. Bryant kept dreaming, and just as important, worked hard, and while he might not be the No. 1 pick this month, he is a projected first-round pick and possibly a lottery pick. "For me to have the opportunity to even be selected in the draft is just actually crazy to me," Bryant said. "But there was never a point in time where it was like, 'Oh, I knew.' I felt like I've always had the belief in myself to know I could play at the highest level of basketball." Bryant is one nearly two-dozen potential 2025-26 NBA rookies represented by Wasserman, the powerhouse sports, music entertainment and culture agency. Wasserman's NBA agents have signed several projected 2025 first-round draft picks, including multiple projected lottery picks: VJ Edgecombe, Kasparas Jakucionis, Collin Murray-Boyles and Bryant. Also part of Wasserman's 2025 class: Adama Bal; Oumar Ballo; Tyson Degenhart; Dawson Garcia; Cameron Hildreth; Augustas Marciulionis; Dayvion McKnight; David N'Guesson; Jaxson Robinson; Mitchell Saxon; Christian Shumate; Lazar Stefanovic; Des Watson; Luke Barrett; Nolan Traore; Joan Beringer; Eli John Ndiaye; and Saliou Niang. Wasserman on Monday announced its class with an old-school nod to classic cars, diners, varsity jackets with the catchphrase, "Where Everybody Eats." "We normally attract very focused players and families who aren't worried about the extras and are focused on basketball," Wasserman senior vice president of basketball Joe Smith told USA TODAY Sports. "We have a very rigorous pre-draft process and the families and players that want that is normally who we attract. "So this year is just kind of a microcosm of all those very, very good players and their families choosing to come with us, which turns out, in my opinion, one of the best classes in the world. That's what it is … understanding how competitive the NBA is and being realistic on that and getting those guys prepared for that." Wasserman clients are on a stellar run – San Antonio'sStephon Castle earned 2024-25 Rookie of the Year,and Cleveland'sEvan Mobley was named Defensive Player of the Year. Most of Wasserman's NBA prospects have been working out with each other in Southern California preparing for the draft. "It's a very, very competitive iron-sharpens-iron environment, and you've got to want that," said Smith, a former pro basketball player who spent 14 seasons overseas, including six years in Italy's top division. Bryant, who spent one season at Arizona, has dedicated his workouts to all aspects of his game, which include defense, shooting, ball-handling and conditioning. "The main focus for me was just staying in tiptop shape," said Bryant who is gaining an appreciation for low-impact workouts in a pool. In his sophomore season at South Carolina in 2024-25, Murray-Boyles averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds and shot 58.6% from the field, earning second-team All-SEC honors. With his two-way ability, strength and effort, he has steadily climbed on draft boards and is theprojected No. 10 pick in USA TODAY's latest mock draft. Asked what he was focused on during predraft workouts, Murray-Boyles didn't hesitate. He called his 3-point shot (26.5% on 34 attempts) the elephant in the room. "My goal is just to obviously become a better shooter," he said. "That's my only concern, only question mark in my game really, or the biggest one." He reminds himself daily: make sure his guide hand is in the right spot on the basketball; keep his hips low; stay consistent; build proper habits. "The first day here I knew the amount of preparation I would be getting and the type of player I would be coming out of this pre-draft process," Murray-Boyles said. Said Smith: "We just have a really good stable of young players who are really, really hungry and work really hard. So we are super-excited for them." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:As NBA draft approaches, Wasserman agency reveals large 2025 class

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

As NBA draft approaches, Wasserman agency reveals large 2025 class

As NBA draft approaches, Wasserman agency reveals large 2025 class Carter Bryant's mom, Sabrina, has video from when he was about 9 year...

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Suns coaching search down to 2 candidates, Cavs assistants Bryant and Ott, AP source says

Suns coaching search down to 2 candidates, Cavs assistants Bryant and Ott, AP source says

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have whittled their coaching search down to two candidates, with Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott making the cut, a person familiar with the search confirmed on Monday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the news has not been officially announced by the team. ESPN first reported that Bryant and Ott were the two finalists. The Suns are looking for their fourth coach in four seasons after firing Mike Budenholzerfollowing a miserable 36-46 seasonthat ended without a trip to the playoffs. Bryant and Ott are expected to meet with Suns management later this week. The 39-year-old Bryant has been in the NBA for more than a decade as an assistant with the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks before joining the Cavaliers as associate head coach in 2024. He played in college at Utah. The 40-year-old Ott has worked for the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Cavaliers. He also worked as a video coordinator under Tom Izzo at Michigan State, which is where Suns owner Mat Ishbia played as a walk-on from 1999 to 2003. ___ AP NBA:https://apnews.com/nba

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Suns coaching search down to 2 candidates, Cavs assistants Bryant and Ott, AP source says

Suns coaching search down to 2 candidates, Cavs assistants Bryant and Ott, AP source says PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have whittled thei...

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Charles Barkley says he plans to work 2 more years on ESPN and TNT before he retires: 'The best I can do'

Charles Barkley says he plans to work 2 more years on ESPN and TNT before he retires: 'The best I can do'

Charles Barkley will have a new home next season. He — along with everyone over at "Inside the NBA" — will head to ESPN after the networkacquired the rights to the program from Warner Bros. Discoveryin November. Barkley spoke about that move during a Monday appearance on the "Dan Patrick Show," saying he'll give ESPN and TNT two years before he calls it quits. "I actually have 7 years left on my contract...I'm gonna be a good soldier for Kenny, Ernie, and Shaq, and the people I work with...But the best I can do is 2 years."- Charles Barkley on the move to ESPN(🎥@dpshow)pic.twitter.com/oR3QwVXby5 — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)June 2, 2025 Barkley confirmed he signed a new contract with TNT last week. It took both sides two months to reach a deal. While that contract has seven years left on it, Barkley said he made it clear he was willing to work only two years before he calls it a career. "I said I would work for two more years and that's what I agreed to ... I actually have seven years left on my contract. Yeah, there's no way I'm working seven years. I'm going to be a good soldier for Kenny, Ernie and Shaq and the people I work with ... but the best I can do is two years." It's not the first time Barkley has talked about retirement. The 62-year-old claimed last June that he would retire following the 2024-25 season. Two months later, hechanged course, saying he was committed to TNT. While "Inside the NBA" will air on ESPN, TNT will still independently produce the show. Barkley said he was worried about his workload with both networks, and told Patrick he would "walk on home" if he feels overworked in the new arrangement. It's unclear whetheranything will changewith the show moving over to ESPN. "Inside the NBA" is regarded as the best NBA studio show around, which is why ESPN wanted its rights. While it's assumed the network wouldn't mess with a good situation, even Barkley admitted he wasn't sure what next year will bring. "Nobody knows what's going to happen," he said. "What are we going to do?" Stability should help ensure the program remains as entertaining as ever ... at least for the next two seasons. At that point, "Inside the NBA" could be looking to fill a massive void if Barkley goes through with his retirement this time around.

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Charles Barkley says he plans to work 2 more years on ESPN and TNT before he retires: 'The best I can do'

Charles Barkley says he plans to work 2 more years on ESPN and TNT before he retires: 'The best I can do' Charles Barkley will have ...

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Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum, boxing hall of famer and three-time champion, dies at 68

Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum, boxing hall of famer and three-time champion, dies at 68

Mike "The Body Snatcher" McCallumwas so feared for his impeccable technique that the "four kings" of the 1980s declined to fight him. Nevertheless, McCallum won world titles at super welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. McCallum, the first Jamaican-born champion, died Saturday in Las Vegas at 68. TheJamaica Observerreported that McCallum fell ill while driving to a gym and pulled off the road. He was found to be unresponsive, and was later pronounced dead. In the ring, his attention to detail and faultless technique enabled him to post a 49-5-1 record. McCallum earned his nickname by repeatedly punching the body and head. More often than not, bouts ended in knockouts — he recorded 36 KOs and was never knocked out. The Ring magazineranked him in 2011 as eighth on its list of the "10 best middleweight title holders of the last 50 years." Not that his inability to secure a bout with the "kings," Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard or Marvin Hagler, spoiled his mood. It was particularly telling that Hearns wouldn't fight McCallum, because they were longtime sparring partners before becoming champions. McCallum was disappointed but remained all smiles outside the ring, consistently carrying himself with a pleasant, if serious, disposition. "None of 'The Four Kings,' wanted anything to do with that guy and I know that for a fact because I tried to make some of those fights," Hall of Fame boxer Lou DiBellatold longtime boxing writer Kevin Iole. "He was the most perfect technical fighter I've ever seen, and he wasn't a pitty-pat guy." Read more:Georgia O'Connor, beloved and unbeaten British boxer, dies at 25 McCallum became the first Jamaican boxer to win a world title whenhe defeated Irishman Sean Mannionby unanimous decision in 1984 at Madison Square Garden for the WBA Junior Middleweight crown. Jamaican Sport Minister Olivia Grange issued a statement upon learning of McCallum's passing, saying, "It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica's three-time World Boxing Champion Michael McKenzie McCallum. "I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. On behalf of the Ministry of Sports I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican." Michael McKenzie McCallum was born Dec. 7, 1956, inKingston, Jamaica, and began boxing as a teenager, racking up as many as 250 amateur bouts before turning pro in 1981. He represented Jamaica at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals. He boxed professionally until 1997, successfully defending the WBA junior middleweight crown six times, including wins over Julian Jackson, Milton McCrory and Donald Curry before moving up a weight class to middleweight. Read more:Commentary: Thirty years ago Freddie Roach didn't take sage advice, opened Wild Card Boxing Club McCallum defeated Herol Graham in 1989 to become WBA middleweight champion and defended the belt with wins over Steve Collins, Michael Watson and Sumbu Kalambay. He won his third division title in 1994 by again stepping up in weight class and defeating Jeff Harding for the WBC light heavyweight crown. He met his match against James Toney, fighting to a draw Dec. 13, 1991, before losing to Toney twice. McCallum also dropped a 12-round decision to Roy Jones in a 1997 light heavyweight title fight. He retired shortly thereafter and became a successful trainer, taking great pride in teaching his body-punching technique to young boxers. Jones expressed sadness to Kevin Iole, saying, "Man, we lost another beautiful boxing soul. May he rest in peace." Jones also lamented that McCallum was unable to book fights against the four kings. "In the junior middleweight division, everyone always went around Mike McCallum, and that says a lot about him," Jones said. "Not even Marvin [Hagler] ever talked much about fighting Mike McCallum. You don't have to listen to what they say [about him]. You watch what they do and everyone wanted to go around him for a reason." In a post on X, the WBC said: "Rest in Peace to the legendary Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum. Former WBA world champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of his era. Thank you for the fights, the lessons, and the greatness." Rest in Peace to the legendary Mike "The Body Snatcher" McCallum 🌹🇯🇲Former WBA world champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of his era. 🥊Thank you for the fights, the lessons, and the greatness. 🙏🕊️pic.twitter.com/hF5IX4OAxT — WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing)June 1, 2025 Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared inLos Angeles Times.

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum, boxing hall of famer and three-time champion, dies at 68

Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum, boxing hall of famer and three-time champion, dies at 68 Mike "The Body Snatcher" McCal...

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When is NFL mandatory minicamp? Dates for all 32 teams

When is NFL mandatory minicamp? Dates for all 32 teams

School is almost out for the summer, but class is about to be in session for each of the 32 NFL teams. It's camp season across the country, as the youth embark on field trips, endless games and more before the fall rolls around again. More importantly, they are a great way to develop social and leadership skills, remain active and encourage independence. Countless rookies across the NFL are getting a taste of this at the professional level, while the veterans are gearing up for another run at glory. Yet the time for fun and games is almost over. Rookie minicamps are in the rearview. Voluntary minicamps are set to wrap up soon enough. Attendance matters at mandatory minicamp. It's the last stop and final tune-up prior to training camp, which will eventually give way to preseason action before the games really begin to count in September. Here's a look at the mandatory minicamp dates for each team in 2025. Most of the NFL will conduct their mandatory minicamps from June 10-12, with a few exceptions. TheBaltimore Ravens,Kansas City Chiefs,New York Giants,Los Angeles RamsandSeattle Seahawkswill all wait an extra week for theirs, while theChicago Bearsbegin their three-day camp a week earlier than the majority of teams. Only one team elected to cancel their minicamp this year, as theDetroit Lionsopted to shorten their offseason workout program. Training camp in the Motor City is slated to begin a little earlier this year, since the Lions will be playing in the NFL's Hall of Fame game on July 31 against theLos Angeles Chargers. Buffalo Bills: June 10-12 Miami Dolphins: June 10-12 New England Patriots: June 9-11 New York Jets: June 10-12 Baltimore Ravens: June 17-19 Cincinnati Bengals: June 10-12 Cleveland Browns: June 10-12 Pittsburgh Steelers: June 10-12 Houston Texans: June 10-11 Indianapolis Colts: June 10-12 Jacksonville Jaguars: June 10-12 Tennessee Titans: June 10-12 Denver Broncos: June 10-12 Kansas City Chiefs: June 17-19 Las Vegas Raiders: June 10-12 Los Angeles Chargers: June 10-12 Dallas Cowboys: June 10-12 New York Giants: June 17-18 Philadelphia Eagles: June 10 Washington Commanders: June 10-12 Chicago Bears: June 3-5 Detroit Lions: Canceled Green Bay Packers: June 10-12 Minnesota Vikings: June 10-12 Atlanta Falcons: June 10-11 Carolina Panthers: June 10-12 New Orleans Saints: June 10-12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: June 10-12 Arizona Cardinals: June 10-12 Los Angeles Rams: June 16-18 San Francisco 49ers: June 10-11 Seattle Seahawks: June 17-19 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL mandatory minicamp 2025: Dates for all 32 teams

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

When is NFL mandatory minicamp? Dates for all 32 teams

When is NFL mandatory minicamp? Dates for all 32 teams School is almost out for the summer, but class is about to be in session for each of ...

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Pacers vs. Thunder: How Indiana wisely and efficiently built a championship finalist

Pacers vs. Thunder: How Indiana wisely and efficiently built a championship finalist

As the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face each other in the NBA Finals, it's worth a moment to look back at how they each got there, through the lens of their respective roster construction. First off, let's take a look at the Pacers, who used a more traditional approach to get where they are. Indiana applied a model that's becoming increasingly popular among NBA teams, which entails having two max-level contracts and considerable depth on the bench. What's interesting is how neither Tyrese Haliburton nor Pascal Siakam were drafted by the Pacers, meaning both were external acquisitions — from the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors, respectively. Indiana, which had All-Star center Domantas Sabonis on its roster, was shipped to the Kings in a deal for Haliburton, who at the time was available due to the presence of De'Aaron Fox. (Side note: Why is Sacramento afraid of having multiple ball-handlers? This is the same team that allegedly had issues with the idea of drafting Luka Dončić in 2018, also due to the presence of Fox. Guys, you can have more players who can dribble the ball, promise!) With Sabonis and Haliburton swapping places, and the latter landing in a place where there was a need for a primary player, Haliburton took full advantage of the available role. This resulted in Haliburton signing a max rookie extension with the Pacers after his third season, which turned into a 30% maximum salary, as opposed to the regular 25%, due to him making All-NBA in 2023-2024. As for Siakam, who won a title with the Raptors in 2019, he became available when the organization decided to pivot into a major retooling process, clearing the path for Indiana to make a push for him. Fortunately for the Pacers, this time around they didn't have to relinquish a player in the same quality tier as Sabonis. Instead, they sacrificed draft equity, giving up two 2024 selections in the first round and a 2026 first-rounder. (One of those selections was acquired via Oklahoma City in an earlier trade in the summer of 2023.) As for salary-matching, the Pacers primed themselves perfectly months before, when they'd signed Bruce Brown to a massive $45 million deal over just two seasons. Brown's outgoing salary of $22 million, combined with the contracts of other less notable players, ultimately allowed the Pacers to absorb Siakam, and thus a duo was formed that would lay the foundation for the team we'll now be seeing in the Finals. This isn't to say the Pacers didn't have weapons even before the acquisitions of Haliburton and Siakam. Myles Turner has spent his entire professional career, now stretching a decade, with the Pacers since being selected 11th overall in 2015 out of Texas. The 3-point shooting center, who is also an elite defender, became one of the first true 3&D centers in the NBA and remains one of the most consistent of his kind. The 29-year-old, who had to navigate constant trade rumors for well over five seasons, leveled up his game three years ago, turning himself into a more evolved — and involved — scorer than before and has now settled into a role where he's either the third or fourth option any given night. As for other crucial members of the core, they too were acquired without Indiana relinquishing its entire future. Bennedict Mathurin was selected sixth overall in 2022 and has developed into a fully capable scorer with a keen sense for drawing fouls. Later in that same draft, Andrew Nembhard was selected as the first pick of the second round. The 25-year-old was an older rookie, but proved good enough to warrant a three-year contract extension worth $59 million, which he signed last summer. The contract will go into full effect this July. Just days after selecting Mathurin and Nembhard, the Pacers made a trade with the Boston Celtics in which they forked over veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon in a deal to acquire Aaron Nesmith, who has now become a high-end two-way starter. In 2023, the Pacers extended Nesmith with a deal that ranks among the best in the NBA at three years and $33 million. Also in 2023, the Pacers traded for Knicks forward Obi Toppin, a former lottery selection, giving up only two second-round selections. The 27-year-old is now one of the most potent bench scorers on the team. It's difficult to find many flaws with how the Pacers have constructed this team. They didn't hit obvious home runs on every roster decision, but they did move forward, ever so slightly, with every move and within their timeline. Essentially, they were just rock solid in how they built this team. They took swings, yes, but also took safer routes more times than not. Additionally, it's how they've dealt with their acquisitions post-trade that has been enormously impressive. Nesmith is one of the best deals in the league. Turner is a free agent this summer, but he's been a bargain for years now. Even Toppin, who is on a fairly large deal with another $45 million remaining after this year, is productive and can be moved if needed. And while this team will get expensive in the future — to the point where it likely will have to enter luxury-tax territory — you can still make the argument that not a single contract on its cap sheet is considered a bad asset. The Pacers haven't been flashy, but they've been about as stellar as any team could hope to be, and as a direct result of their efforts, they now find themselves in the NBA Finals.

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Pacers vs. Thunder: How Indiana wisely and efficiently built a championship finalist

Pacers vs. Thunder: How Indiana wisely and efficiently built a championship finalist As the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare...

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OKC's Mark Daigneault knows what it takes to win championships. His wife has won a ton of them

OKC's Mark Daigneault knows what it takes to win championships. His wife has won a ton of them

Oklahoma City's Mark Daigneault has the best record of any coach in the NBA this season. And he has the second-best record of any coach in his house. Daigneault is a coach, and a coach's husband, too. His wife is Oklahoma assistant women's gymnastics coach Ashley Kerr. She and the Sooners went 33-2 this season and won another national championship, their third in the last four years. So, as Daigneault chases his first NBA title — he and the top-seeded Thunder open the NBA Finals at home against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night — his wife has now been part of seven national championships over her career on the staffs at Florida and Oklahoma, the most recent of those coming just a few weeks ago as Oklahoma City was starting this playoff run. Daigneault isn't shy about touting the strengths of his wife's resume, either. "Among my wife and I, she is — by far — the more accomplished, more impressive, better coach," Daigneault said. "She's the real deal." It is a relationship born from ties to Florida. Daigneault — a Massachusetts native — was a student manager under Jim Calhoun at Connecticut, part of the team that won an NCAA championship there in 2004, then started his assistant-coaching career at Holy Cross for three years before moving on to Billy Donovan's staff at Florida. Kerr, a Florida native, was a gymnast whose four years as a student-athlete for the Gators was ending around that time. She was brilliant, a four-time All-SEC academic selection, and Florida found a way to keep her with the program once her eligibility was exhausted. Kerr became a volunteer student manager for the 2011 season, then got promoted to team manager and eventually assistant to the head coach. Along the way, she and Daigneault started dating and over time things got serious. And then, the relationship reached a key moment. Daigneault had an offer from Oklahoma City to coach the Blue, its G League franchise. He was ready to leave. Kerr had a job in Gainesville. She was not ready to leave. "The OKC job was a no-brainer for him," Kerr told The Oklahoman newspaper for a story in 2021. "I was like, 'You have to do it. You have to.'" It became a long-distance relationship for a few years, until Kerr decided it was time to leave Florida and try to embark on a coaching career in Oklahoma. The Sooners didn't have a job for her initially, before a volunteer position opened up right around the time she was going to make the move anyway. Kerr kept that volunteer job — coaching balance beam and helping Oklahoma win three NCAA titles — for about six years, before the NCAA changed rules to allow volunteer assistant positions to be converted into full-time, paid positions. Over that time, Daigneault was promoted from the Blue to the Thunder, they got married and started a family. "She has a way of connecting with our student-athletes on a personal level and is an exceptional leader," Oklahoma coach K.J. Kindler said when Kerr was finally promoted. Daigneault likes to say the real coaches in his house right now are the couple's two children, ages 3 and 2, who basically run the show. "We are not in charge," Daigneault said. "We are just surviving." The younger of the two kids was born April 15, 2023 — a day after the Thunder were eliminated from that season's play-in tournament, and the day the Sooners were competing in the NCAA gymnastics final at Fort Worth, Texas. It was also more than a week ahead of Kerr's due date. Except she went into labor, in Fort Worth, around 5 a.m. Daigneault had been back in Oklahoma City for about an hour after the middle-of-the-night flight home from Minnesota, where the Thunder lost that play-in game. He hopped in the car and made it to Fort Worth just in time for the birth that morning, and later that night the Sooners won a national title. "Our team really rallied around her," Kindler said. There are obvious benefits to a coach being married to another coach, as Daigneault and Kerr have found. There is an understanding of the jobs, an understanding of long hours and late nights and travel and unpredictability. But when they're home, they try to be home, not still at work. "There's certainly a lot more things that define our relationship together, starting with our kids now," Daigneault said. "That's occupying the majority of our bandwidth, but even beyond that, we've always tried to compartmentalize it in a way that's pretty healthy because we both like to be home when we're home and not just using the house as an extension of our jobs." Daigneault got his master's degree from Florida, though originally intended to get it immediately after graduating from Connecticut. If he had stuck to that schedule, though, he almost certainly wouldn't have coached at Holy Cross. He might not have made it to Florida. He might not have met Kerr. He might not be married to someone with seven national championships and counting. He might not have come to Oklahoma City. He might have missed out on these NBA Finals. Right place, right time. "If you replayed my life 10 million times — I used to say a million, but now that we're playing in the NBA Finals, I'll say 10 million — this would only happen once," Daigneault said. "And so, there's never a minute that I'm not grateful." ___ AP NBA:https://apnews.com/nba

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

OKC's Mark Daigneault knows what it takes to win championships. His wife has won a ton of them

OKC's Mark Daigneault knows what it takes to win championships. His wife has won a ton of them Oklahoma City's Mark Daigneault has t...

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Novak Djokovic earns his 100th career French Open victory by overwhelming Cam Norrie

Novak Djokovic earns his 100th career French Open victory by overwhelming Cam Norrie

PARIS (AP) —Novak Djokovicearned his 100th careerFrench Openvictory, a mark surpassed among men only by Rafael Nadal, by overwhelming Cam Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the fourth round Monday. Djokovic hasn't ceded a set on his way to the quarterfinals this year at Roland-Garros, where he has won three of his 24 Grand Slam titles. The 38-year-old Serbian had a pair of three-match losing streaks this season but seems to be in top form lately, including collecting his100th titleat the Geneva Open the week before play began in Paris. Next up for Djokovic is a matchup against No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev on Wednesday for a berth in the semifinals. Djokovic improved to 100-16 at the French Open. Nadal, who retired at the end of last season, went 112-4 while winning a record 14 championships at the clay-court major. ___ AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Novak Djokovic earns his 100th career French Open victory by overwhelming Cam Norrie

Novak Djokovic earns his 100th career French Open victory by overwhelming Cam Norrie PARIS (AP) —Novak Djokovicearned his 100th careerFrench...

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Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow retires after 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow retires after 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls

DETROIT (AP) — Detroit center Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who was key to coach Dan Campbell's Lions revival, announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday after seven seasons. Ragnow, 29, posted to social media that he has tried to convince himself he's feeling well enough to play, "but I'm not," he said. "I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don't," said Ragnow, who was drafted 20th by the Lions in 2018. "I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life." Ragnow battled through multiple injuries throughout his career. In 2021, following a season in which he played witha fractured throat, general manager Brad Holmes and Campbell made him the league'shighest paid center at the timewith a $54 million, four-year extension. Ragnow earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023 and 2024. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2020 under then-coach Matt Patricia, and then made three straight from 2022-24. "These past couple of months have been very trying as I've come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I'm officially retiring from the NFL," Ragnow said. "The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can't emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all." ___ AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow retires after 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow retires after 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls DETROIT (AP) — Detroit center Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl sele...

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Heisman winners Ingram, Newton, Griffin are among players on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Heisman winners Ingram, Newton, Griffin are among players on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Heisman Trophy winners Mark Ingram, Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III and former AP National Player of the Year Ndamukong Suh are on the ballot for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class. The National Football Foundationreleased the ballotMonday for the class that will be announced in January. It includes 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from lower levels. Ingram became Alabama's first Heisman winner in 2009 after running for 1,658 yards and 20 touchdowns. Newton in 2010 was just the third player in FBS history with 20 passing and 20 rushing touchdowns. Griffin in 2011 led the nation in points responsible for and ranked second in total offense. Suh was a force for Nebraska in 2009 and became the first defensive lineman in 15 seasons to be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He finished fourth in voting but was honored as the nation's top player by The Associated Press. Among other players on the ballot are Iowa's Brad Banks, Colorado's Eric Bieniemy, Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant, Penn State's Ki-Jana Carter, Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald, Syracuse's Marvin Harrison, Oklahoma's Josh Heupel, Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, Washington State's Ryan Leaf, California's Marshawn Lynch, Illinois' Simeon Rice and Florida State's Peter Warrick. Among coaches on the ballot are Larry Coker, Gary Patterson and Chris Petersen. Coker led the Canes to consecutive national championship games and won the 2002 Rose Bowl to become the first rookie head coach to lead his team to a title since 1948. Patterson is TCU's all-time wins leader who led the Horned Frogs to six AP top 10 final rankings. Petersen is Boise State's all-time wins leader who led the Broncos to two undefeated seasons and led Washington to the 2016 College Football Playoff. The NFF also announced an adjustment to the eligibility criteria for coaches to be considered for induction. The minimum career winning percentage required for coaching eligibility will go from .600 to .595 beginning in 2027. The change would make Mike Leach eligible. Leach, who died in 2022, had a .596 winning percentage with a 158-107 record over 21 seasons at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State. Leach was known forhis innovative wide-open offensesand his knack for pulling upsets. He won 18 games against Top 25 opponents when his team was unranked. ___ AP college football:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-football

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Heisman winners Ingram, Newton, Griffin are among players on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Heisman winners Ingram, Newton, Griffin are among players on College Football Hall of Fame ballot Heisman Trophy winners Mark Ingram, Cam Ne...

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Stefon Diggs back on the field for Patriots OTAs after viral boat video

Stefon Diggs back on the field for Patriots OTAs after viral boat video

NFLteams continue their organized team activities (OTAs) this week as voluntary workouts continue league-wide. Players have pads on and veteran players are getting their first taste of action ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Last week, theNew England Patriotsmade headlinesbecause free agent signeeStefon Diggswas not in attendance. This came shortly aftera video of Diggs went viral on social mediaon a boat with girlfriend Cardi B. Top remaining NFL free agents:Best fits for Keenan Allen, Aaron Rodgers, more On June 2, Diggs was back in action for thePatriots, telling media members "nice to see you all" while jogging onto the practice field. Stefon Diggs: "Nice to see you all."pic.twitter.com/EPu9aNPVsU — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)June 2, 2025 Vrabel answered questions during the first week of OTAs about Diggs' absence. "This is a voluntary part of our offseason program," he said. "Every player that's not here, which there aren't many, have been in communication with me and their position coaches." 'Coming here was a blessing':Joe Milton happy joining Cowboys, Dak Prescott Vrabel iterated that players who aren't attending OTAs aren't completely on their own. "Every player that's not here, which there aren't many, have been in communication with me and their position coaches," he said. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDanielswas asked if he was concerned about Diggs' absenceahead of the wide receiver's first time at OTAs. "Again, it's a voluntary part of the year," he said. "We know that. I don't know if we've ever had perfect attendance at these things in general... he's here today and we're excited to have an opportunity to work with the guys that are out here and available to us. I know he's staying up on the information, the material. I'm not concerned about [Diggs] in that regard." Josh McDaniels said Stefon Diggs is here today at the Patriots facility. The Pats OC was asked if he's been concerned about the WR's absence."He's staying up on the material. … I'm not concerned on Stef in that regard."pic.twitter.com/eACTjMFZ6I — Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna)June 2, 2025 OPINION:If you crave the NFL, 'Project: June' is for you. Because the league never truly sleeps Diggs' 2024 season was cut short bya torn ACLsuffered in Week 8 against theIndianapolis Colts. He had surgery shortly after and wasahead of schedule in Marchin his recovery and was expected to be a full-go for the 2025 NFL season. His participation in OTAs is right in line with that timetable. New England has a dozen wide receivers on the depth chart entering OTAs. Here's how the order looks: Stefon Diggs Mack Hollins DeMario Douglas Kayshon Boutte Kendrick Bourne Kyle Williams Javon Baker Ja'Lynn Polk Efton Chism III Jeremiah Webb John Jiles DeMeer Blankumsee This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Stefon Diggs back for Patriots OTAs after viral video

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Stefon Diggs back on the field for Patriots OTAs after viral boat video

Stefon Diggs back on the field for Patriots OTAs after viral boat video NFLteams continue their organized team activities (OTAs) this week a...

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Liam Coen denies Travis Etienne trade rumors: 'Absolutely inaccurate'

Liam Coen denies Travis Etienne trade rumors: 'Absolutely inaccurate'

Pump the brakes on anyTravis Etiennetrade rumors. TheJacksonville Jaguarsrunning back has been a target of trade speculation over the last month. Part of the reasoning? His team's new regime – led by rookie general manager James Gladstone and rookie head coach Liam Coen – decided to draft two running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft:Bhayshul Tutenin the fourth round andLeQuint Allenin the seventh. But Jaguars head coach Liam Coen's comments to reporters on Monday suggest that Etienne's job is safe. "Every day, everything we've asked him to do, he's done at a good click for us,"Coen said. "He's done a great job. I don't really understand some of the stuff I've seen out there. That's absolutely inaccurate." JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS:Win-loss record predictions after schedule release The Jaguars have at least five running backs on their offseason roster after adding two in the draft: Etienne,Tank BigsbyandKeilan Robinsonare returning, and Tuten and Allen are the incoming rookies. Last year was Etienne's first full season without at least 1,000 rushing yards in his career as the Jaguars struggled offensively. The team finished the 2024 season averaging 101.7 rushing yards per game, the seventh-lowest average of any team last year. After Etienne missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury, the Clemson product put together back-to-back 1,000-yard efforts in 2022 and 2023. That was an impressive feat in the latter season as he was beginning to split carries with Bigsby, the then-rookie that Jacksonville had drafted before the 2023 season. In 2024, Etienne missed two games with a hamstring injury. He finished the year with 558 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 150 carries – good for an average of 3.7 yards per carry. He also tallied 254 receiving yards on 39 catches for a total of 812 yards from scrimmage on 180 touches. Notably, Bigsby finished ahead of Etienne in carries and rushing yards in 2024, though Etienne's injury meant that Bigsby did play in one more game than his more veteran counterpart. Etienne is playing on his fifth-year option in 2025 and is set to become a free agent after the season. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Liam Coen: Travis Etienne is here to stay; trade rumors 'inaccurate'

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Liam Coen denies Travis Etienne trade rumors: 'Absolutely inaccurate'

Liam Coen denies Travis Etienne trade rumors: 'Absolutely inaccurate' Pump the brakes on anyTravis Etiennetrade rumors. TheJacksonvi...

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Saquon Barkley hurdles way on to 'Madden 26' cover

Saquon Barkley hurdles way on to 'Madden 26' cover

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley vaulted onto the cover of the "Madden 26" video game. EA Sports released a cover image on social media Monday featuring the Super Bowl champion hurdling a defender. It pays homage to a viral highlight from Barkley's remarkable 2024 season in a Week 9 win against Jacksonville. Barkley leapt over Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones with an acrobatic, backward hurdle on a 14-yard reception. "It was the best play I've ever seen," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said afterward, echoing the thoughts of many. "Saquon you're INSANNE!!" basketball great LeBron James posted on social media. Barkley finished that game with 159 rushing yards en route to an NFL-leading 2,005 yards on the ground. The NFL Offensive Player of the Year added 499 more rushing yards in the postseason as Philadelphia ultimately upended the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX. Barkley, 28, is the first Eagles player featured on the cover of the popular franchise since quarterback Donovan McNabb on "Madden NFL 06." --Field Level Media

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Saquon Barkley hurdles way on to 'Madden 26' cover

Saquon Barkley hurdles way on to 'Madden 26' cover Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley vaulted onto the cover of the ...

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Sports betting roundup: Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals ready to get started

Sports betting roundup: Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals ready to get started

TheStanley Cup FinalandNBA Finalsare ready to get underway, with the Edmonton Oilers favored to win the hockey title and the Oklahoma City Thunder favored to win in basketball. On Wednesday, theFlorida Pantherswill take on the Oilers in a Stanley Cup rematch from a year ago, which Florida won. On Thursday, the NBA Finals has theIndiana Pacersagainst theThunderin Game 1. Indiana has never won an NBA championship. The Thunder have never won a title, either, but did win when they were the Seattle Supersonics in 1979. Trends of the Week The Thunder are massive favorites against the Pacers, listed at -700 to win going into the series. "The Thunder are big favorites to win the NBA championship and a great result for the sportsbook on the futures market," BetMGM trading manager Christian Cipollini said. "We are cheering against the Pacers lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy." Going into the regular season, Oklahoma City was +900, while Indiana was +5000. In the NHL, Edmonton is a slight favorite at -115 to win the series overFlorida. "BetMGM is pulling for the Panthers in a Stanley Cup Finals rematch," BetMGM senior sports trader Matthew Rasp said. "The Oilers have been a losing result for us all season, and we hope anyone besides Connor McDavid or Sergei Bobrovsky wins the Conn Smythe trophy." As of Monday morning, Edmonton is taking in 51% of the bets and 72% of the money in series bets. McDavid is currently the favorite to win the Conn Smythe at +100, and has received the most bets and most money of any player in the league throughout the season. Scottie Schefflerwon for the third time on the PGA Tour this season, taking the Memorial by four shots. Going into the tournament, he was a massive favorite at +300. In pre-tournament bets, he took in 18.7% of them and 44% of the money. Upset of the Week The New York Yankees were +145 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday Night Baseball and came away witha 7-3 win. It was just their second win as an underdog this season. Going into the game, they were 1-5. Coming Up After a few months of theMLB season, the Dodgers are still the favorites to win the World Series at +240. The Yankees are next at +550, followed by the Detroit Tigers at +900. No other team has odds shorter than +1000. The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are both +1000. ___ This column was provided to The Associated Press by BetMGM online sportsbook. ___ AP sports:https://apnews.com/hub/sports

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Sports betting roundup: Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals ready to get started

Sports betting roundup: Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals ready to get started TheStanley Cup FinalandNBA Finalsare ready to get underway, wi...

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Brian O'Connor, who led Virginia to 7 CWS and 2015 national title, takes over at Mississippi State

Brian O'Connor, who led Virginia to 7 CWS and 2015 national title, takes over at Mississippi State

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Brian O'Connor, who led Virginia to seven College World Series appearances and a national championship, is leaving the Cavaliers to take over at Mississippi State. MSU announced O'Connor's hiring after theBulldogs' season-ending 5-2 loss to Florida Stateon Sunday in the NCAA Tournament. The 54-year-old O'Connor won 917 games over 22 seasons at Virginia and was national coach of the year three times and Atlantic Coast Conference coach of the five times. Under O'Connor, the Cavaliers played in 18 NCAA regionals and nine super regionals, and his2015 team won the national championship.He had 102 players selected in the Major League Baseball amateur draft, including 31 who reached the big leagues. "Mississippi State represents everything I love about college baseball — tradition, passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence," O'Connor said. "I've coached against this program and followed it closely for years. The atmosphere at Dudy Noble Field is nationally recognized as the best in the sport. I'm incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead a program with this kind of legacy and fan base." Mississippi State fired seventh-year coach Chris Lemonis on April 28. Lemonis led the Bulldogs to the2021 national championshipbut they mostly have struggled since. Justin Parker took over as interim coach and the Bulldogs closed with wins in 11 of their last 15 games and reached the Tallahassee Regional final. They finished 36-23. Athletic director Zac Selmon said MSU's hiring of O'Connor represents a "powerful step forward." Virginia had five seasons with 50 wins and 13 seasons with at least 40, and his .702 career winning percentage ranks second among active Division I coaches. O'Connor's team went 32-18 this season and missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. "Brian O'Connor is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in college baseball. He's a national champion, a Hall of Famer, and a proven leader with a track record of building a championship-caliber program," Selmon said. "Mississippi State is built to win at the highest level, and Coach O'Connor knows what that takes." ___ AP college sports:https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Brian O'Connor, who led Virginia to 7 CWS and 2015 national title, takes over at Mississippi State

Brian O'Connor, who led Virginia to 7 CWS and 2015 national title, takes over at Mississippi State STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Brian O'...

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Saquon Barkley Madden cover: Eagles RB's hurdle to grace video game

Saquon Barkley Madden cover: Eagles RB's hurdle to grace video game

The popular "Madden" video game franchise announced Monday thatPhiladelphia Eaglesrunning backSaquon Barkleywould be gracing its cover in 2025. Barkley was chosen after producing just the ninth 2,000-yard rushing season in NFL history in his first year with the Eagles. He achieved the feat despite sitting out the final game of the regular season to prepare for Philadelphia's Super Bowl run. The game's cover art will feature Barkley's most iconic play from the 2024 campaign: a 14-yard reception during which he reverse hurdled overJacksonville JaguarscornerbackJarrian Jones. The move came after Barkley had already used his patented spin move to avoid another would-be tackler. THE 180 HURDLE??? DID SAQUON JUST INVENT THIS?!📺:#JAXvsPHIon CBS/Paramount+📱:https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqGpic.twitter.com/tYThjnbdgG — NFL (@NFL)November 3, 2024 SAQUON BARKLEY HURDLE:Eagles RB wows coach, fans with highlight reel play Below is a look at the "Madden 26" cover, via the team's X (formerly Twitter) account: .@Saquonhurdled his way onto the cover of#Madden26Coming 8.14.25. Pre-Order Today.🔗:https://t.co/zm14BbUaJfpic.twitter.com/l1QYWN0b7h — Madden NFL 26 (@EAMaddenNFL)June 2, 2025 Barkley referred to making the cover as a "dream come true" ina post shared to social media. "It starts with imagination," Barkley said. "Being a kid, having those moments, playing video games and saying, 'Why can't I do it in real life?'" Barkley will be the second Eagles player to be on the cover of a Madden game. Donovan McNabb was the first to do so for the 2006 iteration of the game. Barkley will also become the third-ever Eagles player to earn a 99 overall rating – the highest in the game –as the team revealedfollowing the cover announcement. Philadelphia's previous members of the 99 club were safety Brian Dawkins (2004) and kicker David Akers (2006). Madden first put an athlete on the cover in 2001, whenTennessee Titansrunning back Eddie George was chosen to front the game. Below is a look at all of the people to earn the cover art nod since then. 2001: Eddie George, RB,Tennessee Titans 2002: Daunte Culpepper, QB, Minnesota Vikings 2003: Marshall Faulk, RB, St. Louis Rams 2004: Michael Vick, QB, Atlanta Falcons 2005: Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens 2006: Donovan McNabb, QB,Philadelphia Eagles 2007: Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle Seahawks 2008: Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans 2009: Brett Favre, QB, Green Bay Packers 2010: Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers and Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals 2011: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints 2012: Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns 2013: Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions 2014: Barry Sanders, RB, Detroit Lions 2014: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings 2015: Richard Sherman, CB, Seattle Seahawks 2016: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants 2017: Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots 2018: Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots 2019: Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers 2020: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs 2021: Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens 2022: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs and Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023: John Madden, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach 2024: Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills 2025: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers 2026: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Eagles RB Saquon Barkley chosen as Madden 26 cover athlete

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Saquon Barkley Madden cover: Eagles RB's hurdle to grace video game

Saquon Barkley Madden cover: Eagles RB's hurdle to grace video game The popular "Madden" video game franchise announced Monday...

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Eagles' Saquon Barkley announced as Madden NFL 26 cover athlete

Eagles' Saquon Barkley announced as Madden NFL 26 cover athlete

Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley was announced Monday as EA Sports' cover athlete for Madden NFL 26. Barkley'ssensational backward hurdleover a defender from Week 9 of last year's Super Bowl-winning season is depicted on the standard cover. The deluxe edition features a tight shot of Barkley in his game-day gear. Barkley last seasonset an NFL single-season rushing record, postseason included, topping the mark of 2,476 yards set by Terrell Davis. He ended perhaps the greatest debut season of any free agent in Philadelphia sports history with 2,504 yards rushing and 18 rushing touchdowns. "Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL '99 Club' are both dreams come true," Barkley said in an EA Sports news release. "I'm grateful to my teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans for their support, and I can't wait to hit the field again to give Madden players more highlight-reel moments in Madden NFL 26." Barkley is the first Eagles player on the cover since Donovan McNabb was on Madden 06. ___ AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Eagles' Saquon Barkley announced as Madden NFL 26 cover athlete

Eagles' Saquon Barkley announced as Madden NFL 26 cover athlete Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley was announced Monda...

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'Madden 26' cover: Saquon Barkley hurdling a defender announced as cover ahead of August release date

'Madden 26' cover: Saquon Barkley hurdling a defender announced as cover ahead of August release date

Saquon Barkley did a lot of things right during his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but one image will outlive will define the year long after he's retired from the game. That would be Barkley'sincredible backward hurdle, which he pulled off in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. That hurdle is the inspiration behind the "Madden 26" cover. Barkley was announced as the game's cover athlete Monday, and will be pictured on the cover in his iconic hurdle pose. @Saquonhurdled his way onto the cover of#Madden26Coming 8.14.25. Pre-Order Today.🔗:https://t.co/zm14BbUaJfpic.twitter.com/YyAjxKcCCi — Madden NFL 26 (@EAMaddenNFL)June 2, 2025 EA Sports' vice president of franchise strategy and marketing Evan Dexter confirmed the backward hurdle was the momentthe company wanted to capturefor the box art, according to PhiladelphiaEagles.com. "Saquon's reverse hurdle was one of the rare, defining moments in NFL history that would have once been described as 'something out of a video game.' Now, it's a display of the athleticism and creativity of one of football's most electrifying athletes." In a statement, Barkley said he was grateful to be the Madden cover athlete. He said he looked forward to making more highlights next season. Barkley also tweeted about the honor, calling it a "dream come true." He shared a quick clip of the photo shoot EA Sports used to capture the cover image. Hurdling onto the@EAMaddenNFLcover 🙏🏾Dream come true! Fly Eagles Fly 🦅https://t.co/zUTwOWHE1Upic.twitter.com/X1xQWIEpk6 — Saquon Barkley (@saquon)June 2, 2025 This story will be updated.

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

'Madden 26' cover: Saquon Barkley hurdling a defender announced as cover ahead of August release date

'Madden 26' cover: Saquon Barkley hurdling a defender announced as cover ahead of August release date Saquon Barkley did a lot of th...

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Tennessee vs Texas softball live score: Updates, highlights, TV channel for WCWS semifinal

Tennessee vs Texas softball live score: Updates, highlights, TV channel for WCWS semifinal

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. By the end of the day Monday, one SEC team with some shade of orange and the initials "UT" will be headed to the championship series of the2025 Women's College World Series. The question is whether it will beTennesseeorTexas. TheLady Volsand Longhorns will square off on June 2 from Devon Park in Oklahoma City in the WCWS semifinals, with the first pitch of two potential games set for noon ET. Texas, which is one of two undefeated teams in the event, needs just one win to advance while Tennessee, which already has a loss to its name in the double-elimination tournament, will need to beat the Longhorns in back-to-back games to keep its season alive. REQUIRED READING:WCWS schedule: Scores, start times, TV channels for Monday NCAA semifinal games It will be the fourth meeting between the teams this season, with the Lady Vols taking two of three from Texas in a mid-April series in Austin, Texas. With its championship dreams on the line, Tennessee is expected to start flame-throwerKarlyn Pickensin the pitching circle. If the Lady Vols manage to win the first game, a decisive second game is tentatively scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET, depending on how long the first contest runs. Follow along here for the live score, updates, highlights, information on how to watch and more from Tennessee and Texas' softball semifinal game from the 2025 WCWS: REQUIRED READING:Karlyn Pickens' parents shed light on Tennessee's record-breaking pitcher, Smokey's journey This section will be updated throughout the game. Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 F Tennessee — — — — — — — — Texas — — — — — — — — This section will be updated closer to first pitch Date: Monday, June 2 Time: Noon ET Location: Devon Park (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) First pitch for Tennessee and Texas' softball game in the 2025 Women's College World Series is set for noon ET from Devon Park in Oklahoma City. Watch Tennessee vs Texas softball in the WCWS live with ESPN+ TV channel: ESPN Live stream: ESPN app |ESPN+ Monday's WCWS semifinal game between Tennessee and Texas will air on ESPN. Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Michele Smith (analyst) and Jessica Mendoza (analyst) will be on the call while Holly Rowe will serve as the sideline reporter. Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app, which requires a valid cable login to access, andESPN+, ESPN's subscription streaming service. This section will be updated when odds become available Predictionfrom the Knoxville News-Sentinel: Tennessee 6, Texas 3 In explaining her pick,Tennessee beat writer Cora Hall says: The Lady Vols have proven they have what it takes to win games in Oklahoma City. With Pickens still relatively fresh this deep into the WCWS, Tennessee can steal a game from Texas, especially with how its offense is performing. Below is Tennessee's NCAA tournament schedule. For the Lady Vols' full 2025 schedule,click here. Knoxville Regional: Friday, May 16:No. 7 Tennessee 17, Miami (Ohio) 0 (5 innings) Saturday, May 17:No. 7 Tennessee 4, Ohio State 2 Sunday, May 18:No. 7 Tennessee 5, Ohio State 0 Knoxville Super Regional: Friday, May 23:Nebraska 5, No. 7 Tennessee 2 Saturday, May 24:No. 7 Tennessee 3, Nebraska 2 Sunday, May 25:No. 7 Tennessee 1, Nebraska 0 Women's College World Series: Thursday, May 29:No. 2 Oklahoma 4, No. 7 Tennessee 2 Friday, May 30:No. 7 Tennessee 11, No. 3 Florida (5 innings) Sunday, June 1:No. 7 Tennessee 5, No. 9 UCLA 4 (9 innings) Monday, June 2:No. 7 Tennessee vs. No. 6 Texas (noon ET) ANALYSIS:How Texas finally solved its Oklahoma mental hurdle' at the WCWS Below is Texas' NCAA tournament schedule. For the Longhorns' full 2025 schedule,click here. Austin Regional Friday, May 16:No. 6 Texas 10, Eastern Illinois 2 Saturday, May 17:No. 6 Texas, Michigan 4 Sunday, May 18:No. 6 Texas 9, UCF 0 Austin Super Regional Thursday, May 22:No. 11 Clemson 7, No. 6 Texas 4 Friday, May 23:No. 6 Texas 7, No. 11 Clemson 5 Saturday, May 24:No. 6 Texas 6,No. 11 Clemson 5 Women's College World Series Thursday, May 29:No. 6 Texas 3, No. 3 Florida 0 Saturday, May 31:No. 6 Texas 4, No. 2 Oklahoma 2 Monday, June 2:No. 6 Texas vs. No. 7 Tennessee (noon ET) Women's College World Series:May 29-June 5/6 WCWS finals:June 4-5/6 The Women's College World Series began May 29 and will run through either June 5 or June 6. The WCWS three-game championship series will begin on June 4 and end on June 5 or 6, depending on whether the series concludes in two or three games. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Tennessee-Texas softball live score: Updates, highlights from WCWS semifinal

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

Tennessee vs Texas softball live score: Updates, highlights, TV channel for WCWS semifinal

Tennessee vs Texas softball live score: Updates, highlights, TV channel for WCWS semifinal USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from link...

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French Open: Unseeded Frenchwoman Boisson stuns Pegula and joins No. 2 Gauff in the quarterfinals

French Open: Unseeded Frenchwoman Boisson stuns Pegula and joins No. 2 Gauff in the quarterfinals

PARIS (AP) — Loïs Boisson had never even played at theFrench Openbefore, let alone in the biggest arena at Roland-Garros, and now the unseeded 21-year-old Frenchwoman is through to the quarterfinals. Boisson, a wild card entryranked 361st, threw her head back and roared after beating third-seeded American Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Monday's fourth-round play. Quite some victory, considering Pegula was the U.S. Open runner-up last year. Understandably, Boisson was nervous as she served for the match and saved three break points. After Pegula missed an easy-looking winner at the net, and then clutched her head in her hands, Boisson had her first match point, and the biggest point of her career so far. Pegula returned a strong serve to the back of the court, where Boisson unleashed a brilliant forehand winner down the line. She then raised her arms in the air, realising the enormity of her win. "I really don't know what to say, but 'Thank you to all of you'" Boisson told the crowd in her post-match interview. "Playing on this court with such an atmosphere was really incredible." Boisson made thenotoriously hard-to-please crowdlaugh when she added: "I'm really happy on here. I can stay a long time if you like." The crowd broke into chants of "Loïs, Loïs" and she waved back to them. She was in the news last month. British player Harriet Dartapologized to Boissonafter asking the chair umpire to tell her to put some deodorant on. Now she's the only French player — male or female — left at Roland-Garros. Asked what her ambitions were for the rest of the tournament — she plays sixth-seeded Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday in the quarterfinals — she replied, "I hope to win, right?" That prompted more laughter from the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier, which included tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, who has been criticized in some quarters for thelack of women playing in the night session. Top-ranked Jannik Sinner was playing his fourth-round match later Monday in the night session against No. 17 Andrey Rublev, following 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic's match against Britain's Cameron Norrie. What else happened at the French Open on Monday? In other women's fourth-round play, second-seeded Coco Gauff,the 2023 U.S. Open champion, won 6-0, 7-5 against No. 20 Ekaterina Alexandrova. Over on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, the 18-year-old Andreeva, who reached the semifinals at Roland-Garros last year for her best performance at a major, won 7-5, 6-3 against No. 17 Daria Kasatkina. She playfully threw her wristband at Andreeva when they came to the net and Andreeva joked she would keep it. No. 7 Madison Keys also advanced on Court Suzanne-Lenglen after beating Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 7-5 in an all-American contest. There's another one coming up for Keys against Gauff. In remaining men's fourth-round play, No. 3 Alexander Zverev, last year's runner-up, was leading 6-4, 3-0 against Tallon Griekspoor when the unseeded Dutch player retired from the match. He later said it was due to an abdominal strain. Who is playing Tuesday at Roland-Garros? The quarterfinals are underway, with two men's matches and two women's matches, all on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka facesOlympic champion Qinwen Zhengfollowed by defending women's champ Iga Swiatek against No. 13 Elina Svitolina. The first men's contest sees eighth-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti take on No. 15-seeded American Frances Tiafoe, before defending champion Carlos Alcaraz plays 12th-seeded American Tommy Paul. ___ More AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

bySlavek Pynzarek

in

June 02, 2025

French Open: Unseeded Frenchwoman Boisson stuns Pegula and joins No. 2 Gauff in the quarterfinals

French Open: Unseeded Frenchwoman Boisson stuns Pegula and joins No. 2 Gauff in the quarterfinals PARIS (AP) — Loïs Boisson had never even p...

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