Football News

PITTSBURGH — When Mike McCarthy guided the Green Bay Packers to victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, he did so with Aaron Rodgers at the height of his powers and a balanced receiving corps in which four different pass-catchers recorded at least 500 yards through the air. None of those wideouts were destined for Canton, yet the collective production proved more than enough to secure a championship. That historical snapshot raises an immediate question for the current Steelers regime: could the acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr. provide Pittsburgh with a similar brand of diversified firepower? While the provided excerpt offers no direct statistics or quotes on Pittman’s projected role, the Super-Bowl-winning template cited—four 500-yard receivers, no singular superstar—suggests the franchise may be prioritizing depth and reliability across the depth chart rather than banking on one headline-grabbing talent. Pittman, known for his size and contested-catch ability, theoretically gives offensive coordinator Arthur Smith a possession-oriented complement to the existing wide-receiver room. If the Steelers can coax 500-plus yards out of Pittman and a handful of teammates, they would inch closer to the balanced distribution that proved so problematic for them in that February 2011 loss to McCarthy’s Packers. Whether Pittsburgh’s current quarterback situation can replicate Rodgers’ elite efficiency is a separate debate, but the front office has at least signaled that surrounding the position with a varied cast of capable targets is a viable path forward. How quickly Pittman assimilates into the offense, and how his presence re-shapes target share, will determine whether the Steelers can finally replicate the multi-receiver formula that once buried them on the NFL’s biggest stage.

Darryl Strawberry turns 64 today, and while the slugging outfielder will always be linked to the 1986 champion Mets, the final act of his turbulent 17-year major-league career unfolded in the Bronx, where he helped transform the late-1990s Yankees from contenders into a budding dynasty. Born March 12, 1962, in Los Angeles, Strawberry overcame an abusive home life to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 1980 draft. By 24 he owned a World Series ring, a National League Rookie of the Year trophy, two Silver Slugger awards and eight consecutive All-Star selections, but off-field drug issues derailed his stay in Queens and Los Angeles. Suspended for cocaine in 1995, he accepted an invitation from owner George Steinbrenner and resurfaced in New York as a left-handed DH, posting a 112 OPS+ as the Yankees snapped a 14-year playoff drought. Unsigned the following winter, Strawberry resurrected his swing with the independent St. Paul Saints, hitting .435 with 18 home runs in 29 games—numbers so gaudy Steinbrenner brought him back in July 1996. He slugged three homers in the ALCS against Baltimore and walked off the White Sox with the 300th home run of his career, earning a championship ring as the Yankees captured their first title since 1978. Limited playing time followed, yet Strawberry’s impact remained outsized. In 1998 he cracked 24 home runs in 101 games and became the first player in franchise history to swat two pinch-hit grand slams in the same season. Diagnosed with colon cancer during the ALDS, he missed the World Series sweep of San Diego but returned in 1999 to hit .327 down the stretch and slug two more postseason homers as the Yanks repeated. A February 2000 drug violation triggered a season-long suspension and effectively ended his time in baseball, closing the book on a résumé that includes four World Series crowns, 335 lifetime home runs and a reputation—especially among teammates—for clutch swings and a whip-quick left-handed stroke that no hurler ever forgot. Sober for more than two decades, Strawberry now frequents Yankees Old-Timers’ Day and saw the Mets retire his No. 18 in 2024. On this birthday, the organization and its fans salute the man who found redemption in pinstripes and helped restore championship glory to the Bronx. Keywords:

Chicago, IL — The United Center scoreboard read 74-61, but the numbers felt heavier. Indiana’s 2025-26 campaign ended Wednesday night with a loss to a Northwestern team that entered the game 15-18 overall and 5-15 in Big Ten play, capping a collapse that began with so much promise. First-year head coach Darian DeVries arrived in Bloomington to immediate optimism. A 12-3 non-conference record and 3-1 league start had Hoosier fans eyeing a return to March Madness. Instead, Indiana won only two true road games after that hot start and dropped 11 of its final 18 contests, eight by double digits. Wednesday’s defeat was the exclamation point on a month-long spiral that saw the Hoosiers tumble from “safely in the field” on Feb. 9 to the wrong side of the bubble. The Wildcats, who improved to 2-0 against Indiana this season, have now beaten the Hoosiers in seven straight meetings. The last IU victory over Northwestern came on Feb. 10, 2021. Social media lit up as the clock hit zeros. National analysts labeled the loss “inexcusable” and predicted it would cost Indiana an at-large bid. A split with Northwestern over the past three weeks might have been enough; instead the Hoosiers were swept, including a 13-point defeat in Evanston on Feb. 24. Since Feb. 9 Indiana lost by 20 at Illinois, 29 at Purdue, 13 to Michigan State, 13 at Ohio State, and twice to Northwestern. The only respite was a home win over Minnesota. The free-fall leaves DeVries heading into an off-season with no postseason momentum and major roster questions. High-dollar NIL spending failed to translate into victories, and the program now faces its eighth NCAA Tournament miss in the last ten years. Inside the United Center, the scene told the story. Forwards Tucker Devries, guard Lamar Wilkerson, and guard Conor Enright sat the entire second half, a visual reminder of a season that began with hope and ended with shoulders slumped and lockers to clean out. Indiana basketball, once a February-to-April staple, will watch another March from home.

Major League Baseball released its daily transaction log on Wednesday, listing only a single notation: BASEBALL. The terse entry, devoid of player names, teams, or specific moves, leaves the industry speculating about what formal personnel changes—if any—were officially processed. Front-office personnel typically monitor these bulletins for waiver claims, disabled-list placements, and contract selections, but today’s ledger offered no actionable intelligence. With the transaction wire remaining effectively blank, clubs continue to operate with their current 40-man rosters as they prepare for the coming slate of games.

San Francisco—When the Giants host the Yankees on March 25 to ring in Major League Baseball’s 2025 regular season, the first pitch won’t be the only thing grabbing headlines. Netflix, making its baseball broadcast debut, is anchoring 73 bright-red kayaks in McCovey Cove beyond Oracle Park’s right-field wall, an eye-catching tribute to Barry Bonds’ single-season home-run record of 73 set in 2001. Nine of Bonds’ historic blasts that year splashed down in the bay, and 35 of the 108 “splash hits” ever achieved by a Giant have come off his bat despite his seven-season tenure in a park that just turned 25. While Bonds’ name was absent from the seven-person commentary roster released Wednesday, Netflix teased an eighth “special guest,” fueling speculation that the reclusive slugger could still appear in some capacity. Veteran voice Matt Vasgersian will handle play-by-play alongside franchise-favorite analysts: Hunter Pence for the Giants and Hall of Fame Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia, a Vallejo native who grew up 30 miles from the ballpark. Studio segments will be staged live on site with Elle Duncan hosting, Hall of Famer Albert Pujols and former Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo offering additional insight, field-level reporting from Lauren Shehadi, and comedian Bert Kreischer reprising the sideline role he filled during Netflix’s inaugural NFL Christmas Day game last year. Beyond the broadcast booth, Netflix is turning the waterfront into a fan zone. The pop-up bullpen will let spectators test their pitching velocity, and fans can reportedly climb into the branded red kayaks that will dot the cove. The gesture underscores Netflix’s strategy of latching onto marquee calendar fixtures: the streamer already owns rights through 2028 for the Home Run Derby and one “special event” per season, beginning with the Field of Dreams contest scheduled for August 13. Whether a ball actually reaches the chilly bay waters remains uncertain. Oracle Park’s right-field wall stands 25 feet tall and sits roughly 20 feet ahead of the cove, and San Francisco’s notorious marine layer further suppresses flight. The Giants’ entire projected 26-man roster has combined for three splash hits; no current Yankee has ever achieved the feat, and only one right-handed batter in stadium history has cleared the wall and landed a ball in the drink on the fly. Still, with Aaron Judge patrolling the visiting batter’s box and Netflix cameras rolling worldwide, Opening Night promises drama on and off the field. If nothing else, the 73 red kayaks will ensure the streaming giant’s first foray into America’s pastime makes, quite literally, a splash.

Las Vegas – Forty-eight hours after the most talked-about non-trade of the 2025 NFL off-season collapsed, the Raiders have circled the wagons around Maxx Crosby. According to multiple league sources, the club’s first move once Baltimore rescinded the deal late Tuesday night was to phone the 28-year-old defensive end and assure him he remains in their plans. “He was back in the facility at 6 a.m.,” one team staffer told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, underscoring the organization’s desire to move forward quickly. Crosby, two months removed from a full meniscus repair performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Neal El Attrache, is “ahead of schedule” and intent on participating in the off-season program, agent CJ LaBoy confirmed in a statement released Wednesday morning. The Raiders’ stance now appears straightforward: honor the free-agent contracts already agreed to when the front office believed Crosby’s $25 million-plus cap charge would be off the books, and simultaneously field exploratory calls on their star pass rusher without actively shopping him. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that “several” suitors checked in after the trade fell apart, but the sense around the league is that no one is rushing to meet Las Vegas’ previous asking price of two first-round picks. Dallas, considered the runner-up last week, has already stepped back. Instead of reviving an offer built around defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and draft capital, the Cowboys pivoted, allowing Odighizuwa to be dealt to San Francisco, effectively closing the door on a renewed Crosby pursuit. Inside the Raiders’ building, the message is that Crosby will be welcomed—provided any lingering friction can be smoothed over. A previous Athletic report highlighted the defensive end’s unease with the expanding influence of minority owner Tom Brady’s long-time business partner, wellness coordinator Alex Guerrero. With Crosby suddenly back in silver and black, mending that relationship may be as critical as mending his knee. From a financial standpoint, Las Vegas still holds the NFL’s largest remaining salary-cap cushion, giving it flexibility to absorb Crosby’s number while keeping the non-binding agreements struck with new free agents. “They told agents they would honor deals, and they plan to keep their word,” Breer wrote. For now, the Raiders anticipate opening the season with Crosby anchoring the defensive line. Whether that vision lasts through training camp will depend on how quickly the four-time All-Pro regains full strength—and whether a desperate contender eventually meets a recalibrated price tag before Week 1. SEO Keywords:

NEW YORK — Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, together with treasurer Jonathan Tisch and board director Laurie Tisch, has formally asked the NFL’s finance committee to approve the transfer of their combined 23.1 percent stake in the franchise to trusts benefiting their children, according to a league memo obtained by the New York Daily News. If approved, the maneuver would end the Tisch siblings’ direct ownership of the club. “Following the transactions, the sellers will no longer own any interest in the club,” the memo states. The timing is freighted with controversy. Steve Tisch, 77, has been under fire since Jan. 30, when Justice Department documents revealed a series of emails between the film producer and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The correspondence, dating to April 2013, shows Tisch seeking information about women in Epstein’s orbit and Epstein offering to facilitate introductions. In one exchange, Epstein urged Tisch to communicate via cellphone because he dislikes “records of these conversations.” Tisch issued a brief statement on Jan. 30 asserting that the relationship was limited to “adult women” and that he never accepted invitations to Epstein’s island. Subsequent reporting by The Athletic and The Wall Street Journal detailed additional messages suggesting Epstein arranged meetings between Tisch and young women. Neither the Giants nor the NFL have opened a formal investigation, and commissioner Roger Goodell deflected questions on the topic at the Super Bowl. A Giants spokesperson reiterated Wednesday that Tisch’s role remains “status quo.” Yet the proposed intra-family transfer, floated just days after owners concluded committee meetings in Palm Beach, could insulate the patriarch from the league’s personal-conduct policy, which empowers Goodell to punish conduct “detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in” the NFL. The memo notes that earlier phases of the Tisch restructure won finance-committee approval in 2023 and 2024, signaling the current request is the final step of a multiyear estate plan rather than a spur-of-the-moment exit. Still, the optics are stark: multiple owners, including Jerry Richardson and Daniel Snyder, have been compelled to sell teams after workplace scandals. By shifting shares to heirs rather than outside buyers, the Tisch family would retain effective control while distancing the franchise from Steve Tisch’s entanglement with Epstein. The NFL’s owners are scheduled to reconvene March 28-31 in Phoenix, where the finance committee is expected to vote on the transfer. Approval would formalize the end of the Tisch trio’s half-century run at the top of the Giants’ organizational chart and, the family hopes, blunt further public-relations fallout.

San Francisco—Caitlin Clark’s eight-month hiatus from competitive basketball ended with the same flair that made her a global phenomenon, as the Indiana Fever guard posted 17 points and 12 assists to propel the United States to a 110-46 rout of Senegal in the opening round of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament at Chase Center. Clark, who had not played since last suiting up for the Fever 239 days ago, checked in off the bench and promptly buried 4 of her 5 three-point attempts, erasing any rust that might have accumulated during her layoff. The performance marked her first appearance in USA senior-team colors and instantly re-energized an American squad eager to secure an early berth in next summer’s World Cup. “I think I was just trying to get everybody else involved,” Clark said afterward. “I know that’s what I can kind of bring this team—getting easy shots for everybody else. That’s what I take a lot of pride in.” Her pass-first approach produced a dozen assists, underscoring the playmaking dimension that often flies under the radar behind her deep-range scoring exploits. Head coach Kara Lawson, who guided Clark for the first time at the senior level, praised the guard’s immediate impact. “With Caitlin she brings this dynamic play to the offensive end, that goes without saying,” Lawson said. “As much as she is dynamic as a scorer, she’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the world as well.” Lawson pointed to the second quarter as the turning point, noting that Clark’s vision and timing helped the Americans find a rhythm that produced a flurry of open looks and transition baskets. The 64-point margin stood as a statement of intent from a roster stacked with WNBA talent, yet one still adjusting to new rotations and shortened preparation time. Clark’s seamless integration alongside established national-team veterans highlighted her adaptability. Despite missing eight months of game action while recovering from injury, she showed no hesitation attacking traps, threading pocket passes, and relocating for catch-and-shoot threes that kept Senegal’s defense off balance. The win positions the United States favorably in the qualifying bracket, but for Clark the night carried added significance: a re-introduction to the world stage and a reminder that her unique blend of scoring and distributing remains intact. As the tournament progresses, opposing coaches will be forced to decide whether to sell out on her long-range shot or risk conceding open lanes she consistently creates for teammates. Based on Wednesday’s evidence, neither option looks particularly appealing.

Racing Post Sport’s resident football analyst Dan Childs has earmarked Braga as Thursday’s standout wager, pricing the Portuguese side at 11-8 to defeat Ferencvaros in Budapest and strengthen their grip on a Europa League quarter-final berth. While Braga have progressed quietly through the competition, their credentials are formidable. The Arsenalistas navigated the League Phase with five wins, two draws and a solitary defeat, conceding only five goals along the way, and have yet to lose on their European travels this season, registering four victories and three draws. Ferencvaros, resurgent under Robbie Keane, are bidding to reach the last eight for the first time since 1972, but a 4-0 drubbing at Nottingham Forest on matchday eight highlighted the gulf in class they may face against seasoned opposition. Braga’s European pedigree includes a run to the 2011 final, where they fell 1-0 to domestic rivals Porto, and Childs believes the visitors’ blend of defensive resilience and knockout experience should prove decisive in the Hungarian capital.

Boston police body-camera footage released Monday captures the final minutes of an after-hours celebration that spilled into the early morning of Jan. 27 at Estella, a Temple Place restaurant where New England Patriots players had gathered following their AFC championship victory hours earlier. The five 30-minute recordings, obtained by Boston.com through a public-records request, show officers entering the dimly lit venue at 2:26 a.m. after complaints of an illegal party. Restaurant owner Helder George Brandao quickly greets them, saying, “It’s just the Patriots players. They’re getting ready to leave. They’re just celebrating the win. They’re not doing nothing.” Throughout the footage, hookahs sit atop tables and dollar bills litter the floor, while three nude or partially nude women are discovered hiding in a rear stairwell, apparently attempting to avoid police. One woman, clad in a fur coat, tells an officer, “You have all the f—ing Patriots here, and this is their private party.” Although poor lighting and crowded conditions make it impossible to clearly identify specific players, an officer is heard asking, “Are you talking about Kayshon Boutte?” when a patron mentions the Patriots wide receiver. Another man, referred to as “KC,” is believed by partygoers to be linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson; neither player is shown being questioned or detained. Police reported smelling tobacco and marijuana and documented numerous liquor bottles past the 2 a.m. closing time mandated by state law. Brandao later acknowledged to the Boston Licensing Board that violations included indoor smoking, unauthorized adult entertainment, and after-hours alcohol service. He blamed the players for escalating the scene and leaving without settling their tabs. The board ultimately imposed a three-day suspension on Estella’s liquor license, with two days held in abeyance for one year. No arrests or citations were issued to any Patriots players or patrons.

LAPEL—Winning is nothing new to Lapel, particularly for seniors Devin Craig, Tyler Cash, Andrew Evelo and Quinn Wilkins, who have left their various fields of competition with a number of championship trophies. Now, in their final season, the quartet hopes to add one more piece of hardware to the collection by claiming a regional title on familiar ground. The Bulldogs’ senior class has spent years stockpiling victories and memories, and the opportunity to secure a regional championship at home provides both motivation and a fitting stage for their last act together. With the support of the community echoing from the stands, Craig, Cash, Evelo and Wilkins aim to turn their decorated résumés into a storybook ending.

By Pete Vasquez pvasquez@cherryroad.com The Alice Coyotes have officially unveiled their 2026 football schedule, and the slate is loaded with demanding road matchups that will test the program’s mettle from the opening kickoff through the regular-season finale. While specific opponents and dates were not disclosed in Monday’s release, the announcement underscores a November-focused roadmap that will require the Coyotes to secure pivotal victories away from home if they hope to extend their postseason aspirations. The emphasis on travel-heavy stretches signals a deliberate effort to steel the squad for playoff-caliber environments later in the year. Fans can expect the full itinerary to be rolled out in coming weeks, but the early takeaway is clear: every Friday night will matter, and road toughness will likely determine how deep into November the Coyotes will play.

Austin, TX — Tennessee Titans 2024 second-round pick T'Vondre Sweat is officially in the clear after Travis County prosecutors moved to dismiss the driving-while-intoxicated charge that stemmed from an April rollover crash, court documents obtained by TMZ Sports show. The 6-foot-4, 335-pound defensive tackle was arrested in the early-morning hours of Sunday, April 7, after his orange 2023 Ford Bronco was struck from behind by a blue 2020 Dodge sports car on a Texas highway, flipped on its side and came to rest on its right flank. Sweat, 24, walked away uninjured, but officers at the scene reported “glassy eyes” and “an odor of burnt marijuana,” and the player acknowledged he had been behind the wheel. A preliminary breath sample was said to have registered .105, above the .08 legal limit, though authorities now say that measurement cannot be relied upon. In a one-page motion filed last week, the Travis County Attorney’s Office stated it “cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt the element of intoxication,” triggering an immediate dismissal. The court granted the motion and lifted all conditions of bond, including the ignition-interlock device that had been installed in Sweat’s vehicle. Defense attorney E.G. Morris hailed the outcome, telling TMZ Sports, “He was involved in an accident that was not his fault, and he was lucky to come away from it with no lasting injuries. I commend the Travis County Attorney's Office for carefully reviewing this case and coming to the conclusion stated in the Motion to Dismiss. Some may say he received special treatment. He got the treatment that I hope every citizen will receive in these circumstances—professionalism from the prosecutors. The evidence simply didn't support the charge.” Sweat, whom Morris described as “a fine young man that enjoys the support of a great family,” is now turning his attention back to football. Traded from Tennessee to the New York Jets in February, the third-year pro is preparing for the 2026 NFL season after logging 85 tackles, eight for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble across two campaigns in Nashville.

Arlington, Texas — Joey McGuire hoisted the Big 12 championship trophy high above his head as silver-and-black confetti cascaded from the rafters of AT&T Stadium late Saturday night, the perfect visual punctuation to a season that began with modest questions in Lubbock and ended with the most lopsided title-game victory in league history. Texas Tech’s 34-7 thumping of BYU on Nov. 6, 2025, not only delivered the program’s first conference crown since 2008 but also stamped the Red Raiders as a national force no longer content with simply “getting over the hump.” From the opening whistle the Red Raiders played like a team that had spent the past 12 months hearing about resource advantages, transfer-portal windfalls and the mounting pressure to turn investment into hardware. Quarterback Behren Morton picked apart BYU’s secondary for 278 yards and three touchdowns before halftime, while Tech’s defense — coordinated by Tim DeRuyter — limited the Cougars to 214 total yards and forced three turnovers that turned into 17 points. The rout was so complete that McGuire emptied the bench midway through the fourth quarter, allowing walk-ons to soak in the moment as the Tech band belted out “Fight, Raiders, Fight.” When the clock struck zero, McGuire sprinted to the student section, leaped into the arms of his players and then made the victory lap that ended at midfield with the trophy raised skyward. “This isn’t a Cinderella story,” McGuire said, his voice hoarse from the celebration. “This is what we planned for when we walked in the door — to build a roster that could compete with anyone in America and then go do it.” The win caps a remarkable 12-month arc. Last spring the Red Raiders entered camp wondering how to replace a handful of defensive starters; they leave Arlington with a roster so stocked that expectations for 2026 already include a playoff berth and, quite possibly, a national-title push. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt’s aggressive use of donor capital — Tech’s “tremendous donor base” was repeatedly cited inside the program — allowed McGuire to reload through high-impact portal additions and an offseason strength staff overhaul that transformed a solid front seven into the most feared unit in the Big 12. The victory also serves as validation for a Big 12 membership that watched Texas and Oklahoma exit for the SEC. Rather than lament the loss of blue-blood brands, Tech seized the void, recruiting at a top-15 national clip and signing the league’s highest-rated class for 2026. With the Longhorns and Sooners gone, the Red Raiders now sit atop the conference pecking order — exactly where McGuire vowed to place them when he was hired away from Baylor in 2022. Yet the triumph reframes the conversation from potential to production. As one Power Five assistant told Sports Illustrated this week, “Tech isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore. They’ve got the roster, the resources and the momentum — now it’s about handling the bull’s-eye.” McGuire, ever the recruiter, already has his talking points ready. On the field moments after the trophy celebration, he turned to a cluster of four-star prospects from the Dallas metroplex and yelled, “We’re just getting started.” Given the way his players reacted — chanting “2026, 2026” while posing for photos — the message landed. For a program that spent the better part of two decades labeled as a “sleeping giant,” Saturday night felt like the alarm clock ringing. The giant, it appears, is wide awake.

The veteran quarterback carousel gained momentum Monday, as two NFC South franchises reshaped their depth charts and tightened an already shallow pool of available passers. The Atlanta Falcons confirmed they will release four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins in a move designed to create salary-cap relief, while the Arizona Cardinals informed Kyler Murray that he will be cut, according to league sources. The decisions strip two recognizable names from a market already viewed as thin, and they arrive at a time when evaluators consider the upcoming draft class notably light on first-round-ready signal-callers. With Cousins and Murray poised to hit the open market, front offices searching for immediate starters have limited options beyond the pair. The developments underscore a supply-and-demand imbalance that could intensify bidding for the few proven quarterbacks available, while also raising the stakes for teams willing to gamble on developmental prospects in April’s draft. Neither the Falcons nor the Cardinals offered additional details on timing or post-release plans for the two veterans, but both organizations are expected to turn to younger, less expensive alternatives under center. For the rest of the league, the twin announcements serve as a reminder that marquee quarterback movement this offseason may hinge on a short list of names rather than a deep talent pool.

Melbourne, Australia – When Iran’s women’s national football team lined up for their opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on 2 March, the stadium announcer’s call for the national anthem was met with an unmistakable silence. Every player stood, but none sang. Two days earlier, the United States and Israel had launched airstrikes on Iranian targets; inside the dressing room, the squad had agreed the anthem would stay unsung as a muted protest against the escalating repression at home. The gesture did not go unnoticed. State-run broadcasters branded the squad “traitors” and one prominent television pundit declared their silence “the pinnacle of dishonour”. Another commentator demanded that “traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely”. By the time Iran had lost all three group games and been eliminated, fears for the squad’s safety had eclipsed footballing disappointment. Sources inside the Australian immigration department confirm that five players have already been granted humanitarian visas and moved to an undisclosed location. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said remaining squad members have been told they are welcome to apply to stay, although some have opted to return to Iran, anxious about possible reprisals against relatives. The situation drew sudden international attention when United States President Donald Trump publicly urged Canberra to “give asylum” to the women, adding: “The US will take them if you won’t.” Trump claimed he spoke directly with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and was assured “five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way”. In a brief statement, Trump praised Albanese for handling “this rather delicate situation” and ended with: “God bless Australia!” Football Federation Australia declined to comment on individual visa cases, but a spokesperson reiterated the governing body’s “commitment to player welfare and human rights”. The Asian Football Confederation has launched a review into the circumstances surrounding the team’s protest and subsequent media backlash, though no timeline for its findings has been given. For the players who remain in Australia, training pitches have been replaced by legal briefings and counselling sessions. Their futures, like the political storm that propelled them into the global spotlight, remain uncertain. What is clear is that a silent 90 seconds before a football match has become a flashpoint in the wider struggle for women’s rights in Iran—and drawn in one of the world’s most powerful politicians.

Foxborough, MA — While much of the NFL world was winding down Monday night, the New England Patriots struck quickly and decisively, agreeing to terms with free-agent offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker on a three-year, $42 million contract. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the deal, a move that instantly reshapes the conversation around the Patriots’ offensive rebuild and their commitment to protecting franchise quarterback Drake Maye. The signing is equal parts promise and peril. When Vera-Tucker is on the field, evaluators grade him among the league’s most versatile and effective interior blockers. The 6-foot-5, 308-pound lineman has logged starts at every offensive-line position except center—20 games at right guard, 16 at left guard, six at right tackle, and one at left tackle—offering schematic flexibility that coaches covet. Next Gen Stats credited him with the third-lowest pressure rate among all right guards as recently as the 2024 season, underscoring the impact he can have in both pass protection and the run game. Yet availability remains the elephant in the room. Since entering the league as the 14th overall pick in 2021—New York traded up in the first round to select him—Vera-Tucker has appeared in only 43 of a possible 85 regular-season games. A torn Achilles, two separate torn triceps (one in each arm), and a freak practice injury that cost him the entire 2025 campaign have limited his résumé to barely 50 percent of scheduled contests. The timing of last year’s triceps tear was especially cruel: he had just been voted a team captain for the first time in his career. New England is betting that the upside outweighs the medical red flags. Protecting Maye was the club’s stated offseason priority after the rookie showed flashes of high-end potential behind a line that too often resembled a revolving door. Left tackle Will Campbell is entrenched on the blind side, and second-year pro Jared Wilson is expected to slide to center after the departure of Garrett Bradbury to Chicago. Plugging Vera-Tucker in at left guard would solidify the interior and give offensive coordinator a stout, intelligent presence capable of identifying fronts and adjusting protections on the fly. Contractually, the Patriots structured the pact to reflect the gamble: $14 million per year lands in the second tier of guard pay, well short of the market’s top tier, and the three-year term offers an exit ramp if injuries resurface. For a club navigating a competitive AFC arms race, the calculus is clear: steady line play could accelerate Maye’s development and return New England to postseason relevance sooner than a traditional rebuild might allow. Vera-Tucker will arrive in Foxborough with something to prove. If he remains healthy, the Patriots may have landed a bargain on a lineman who can elevate an entire unit. If the injury bug bites again, the organization still has financial flexibility to pivot. Either way, Monday night’s quiet transaction sent a loud message: New England believes its championship window can re-open sooner rather than later—and it’s willing to roll the dice on talent to get there. Patriots fans, hold your breath and cross your fingers. The success of this signing may well determine how quickly Drake Maye can trade survival mode for superstar mode. SEO keywords:

Kansas City, MO — When Travis Kelce agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract to return to the Chiefs for what is widely expected to be his farewell NFL season, the move was hailed as the offseason’s marquee announcement in Kansas City. Yet on the latest episode of the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast, the star tight end never mentioned the deal once, ceding headline space to an entirely different Kelce family development: their mother’s remodeling plans. Instead of dissecting his decision to put retirement talks on hold, Kelce and older brother Jason devoted airtime to Donna Kelce’s modest Orlando, Florida condominium, which has become a viral curiosity after public records revealed renovation permits filed last week. Jason opened the segment by declaring, “Let’s talk about the most important news out of the Kelce family this week. We wanted to break this news on the show but reports have already started to leak out... Donna Kelce is remodeling her modest Florida home! Let’s give it up for Donna!” Travis, laughing, replied that he would have flown south to lend a hand had he known contractors were already lined up. The light-hearted exchange effectively shifted attention away from gridiron matters, even though the Chiefs are coming off a down 2025 campaign that saw the club win only six games. Kelce, 35, admitted on previous podcast episodes—and in a conversation with Michael Strahan—that he weighed stepping away from football before ultimately recommitting to quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The franchise further signaled an aggressive rebound by re-signing Kelce and subsequently adding Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, while also welcoming back former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after Matt Nagy departed for the New York Giants. Although the contract details place Kelce among the league’s highest-paid tight ends for 2026, the brothers’ broadcast treated the agreement as an afterthought. Listeners hoping for insight into Kelce’s on-field future were left to parse his Tuesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, where he expressed excitement to “have another run at it.” For now, the buzz surrounding the Kelce family centers on drywall and floor plans rather than touchdowns and title pursuits. Whether the renovated Florida condo will match the drama of Kelce’s final NFL act remains to be seen, but the tight end appears content to let his mother’s makeover steal the spotlight—at least until training camp opens. Keywords:

Tottenham Hotspur’s versatile midfielder Archie Gray has ended mounting speculation by informing club sources that he will not seek a move to Real Madrid—or anywhere else—this summer, even if Spurs’ faltering season ends in relegation from the Premier League. Gray, who turns 20 next month, has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal campaign for the North London side. Sitting just one point above the drop zone after five consecutive league defeats, Tottenham were dealt a further blow on the European stage with a 5-2 humbling by Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. The club’s slide has intensified chatter over the futures of several first-team regulars, yet Gray has chosen stability over a hasty exit. According to TEAMtalk, the England youth international has privately committed to remain at the club regardless of division, prioritising development over a headline-grabbing transfer. His resolve arrives as a relief to Spurs chiefs bracing for what could be a fire-sale scenario should they surrender top-flight status. Gray’s adaptability has fuelled outside admiration. This season alone he has featured as a central midfielder, centre-back and full-back, impressing in each role with composure beyond his years. While Real Madrid have placed the teenager on their long-range radar, sources close to the Bernabéu hierarchy concede he sits lower on their immediate wish list. Los Blancos’ defensive shopping list is instead topped by two of Gray’s senior team-mates. World Cup-winning captain Cristian Romero, valued at roughly €60 million, heads the queue. The Argentine is the club’s second-highest earner, making him a prime cost-cutting candidate if Spurs tumble into the Championship, and Madrid are poised to exploit any cut-price opportunity. Micky van de Ven, the rapid Dutch centre-back, is also admired—particularly by Madrid president Florentino Pérez—yet Liverpool and Barcelona are believed to hold stronger interest and would likely command a steeper fee. With the summer window looming, Tottenham face the unthinkable prospect of offloading established stars to balance the books. Gray’s stance, however, offers the club at least one high-potential asset guaranteed to stay and spearhead a promotion push should relegation become reality.

Mexico City – In a breakthrough for Iraq’s World Cup ambitions, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started issuing visas to members of the Iraqi national team ahead of their pivotal intercontinental qualifier on 31 March in Monterrey. The move comes after weeks of logistical turmoil triggered by the ongoing Israeli-United States conflict with Iran, which has forced the closure of Iraqi airspace and left coach Graham Arnold’s squad scattered across the region. With domestic-based players unable to convene, Arnold has formally petitioned FIFA to postpone the winner-takes-all showdown against the victor of the Suriname-Bolivia playoff. According to a ministry statement released late Monday, the first group of players completed visa formalities at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia on 8 March, with a second cohort scheduled to be processed at the embassy in Qatar on Tuesday. Officials declined to specify how many visas have been approved or to name the recipients, citing privacy protocols. The victor of the intercontinental playoff will secure a place in this summer’s expanded World Cup, kicking off 11 June across Mexico, the United States and Canada, and will be drawn into a daunting group featuring France, Norway and Senegal. Mexico’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that its consular network remains in daily contact with the Iraqi embassy in Mexico City and stands ready “to provide all necessary assistance in documenting the members of the Iraqi national team.” With kick-off in Monterrey barely three weeks away, every passport stamp brings Iraq one step closer to a historic appearance on the sport’s biggest stage.

U.S. District Judge M. Katherine Dietz on Friday urged state attorneys general to resolve their antitrust claims against Live Nation Entertainment after the Department of Justice reached a sweeping agreement with the concert giant, but leaders from more than two dozen states quickly rejected the proposal, insisting the federal accord falls short of restoring competition to the live-events market. The judge’s recommendation came during a status conference in the Eastern District of New York, where she encouraged the parties to “find common ground” following the federal government’s announcement last week that it had secured concessions from Ticketmaster’s parent company. While the terms of the federal settlement have not been publicly released, Dietz told the courtroom that “a global resolution would serve consumers better than piecemeal litigation.” State enforcers, however, signaled no appetite for compromise. In a joint statement released minutes after the hearing, a coalition led by California, Texas and New York said, “There is no chance we will sign off on a deal that fails to dismantle Live Nation’s alleged chokehold over ticketing, venues and promotion.” The states argue that any remedy short of structural separation—forcing the company to divest either Ticketmaster or its dominant concert-promotion arm—will leave intact what they describe as a “monopolistic ecosystem.” The standoff sets the stage for a protracted legal battle even as the DOJ trumpets its own settlement as a landmark victory. Live Nation faces parallel lawsuits from 39 state attorneys general, each seeking treble damages for consumers who allegedly paid inflated ticket fees. Those cases are consolidated before Judge Dietz, who has set a trial date for next spring if no settlement is reached. Outside the courthouse, the company’s ubiquitous branding remains on full display: on Sunday, a Ticketmaster advertisement occupied prime real estate along the sideline at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, ahead of the Jaguars-Browns game, a reminder of the firm’s deep ties to major sports franchises even as its legal woes mount. Live Nation declined to comment on the judge’s remarks, citing ongoing negotiations. State lawyers say they are preparing for discovery to accelerate, with depositions of senior executives scheduled to begin next month.

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has paid tribute to manager Mikel Arteta, crediting the Spaniard with expanding his understanding of the game. Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, the German international said Arteta has taught him “so many things” about football and described the coach as “amazing.” Havertz, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer, has featured regularly under Arteta’s guidance this season. While the interview offered no further tactical insights or statistics, the 24-year-old’s praise underlines the positive impact the Arsenal boss is having on his players’ development. The brief but glowing endorsement highlights the growing rapport between the squad and their head coach as the Gunners continue their push on multiple fronts.

By Jim Polzin, BadgerExtra columnist MADISON — When two towering figures in Wisconsin sports history share the same birthday, Sept. 9, the calendar itself becomes a stage for friendly one-upmanship. Former University of Wisconsin athletic director Pat Richter and ex-Green Bay Packers president/CEO Bob Harlan turned their shared birth date into an annual duel of practical jokes, each trying to outdo the other with cards, calls and gifts that grew more elaborate every year. Richter, 83, recalled the ritual with a chuckle during a recent conversation, insisting the competition stayed “good-natured, never mean-spirited.” Harlan, who steered the Packers from the dark days of the 1980s to a rebirth that culminated in Lambeau Field’s 2003 redevelopment, treasured the tradition as much as any board-room victory. “He’d find a way to get me, and I’d try to get him right back,” Richter said. “Bob always said it was the one day we didn’t talk business.” The light-hearted sparring belies the serious imprint both men left on their respective programs. Harlan’s legacy is literally set in stone: the plaza fronting Lambeau’s atrium bears his name, flanked by statues of Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi. Inside the facility, the franchise’s return to relevance traces directly to Harlan’s 1991 decision to hire Hall of Fame general manager Ron Wolf, the move that laid the groundwork for a Super Bowl XXXI title and nearly three decades of competitive stability. Richter, meanwhile, oversaw a UW athletic department that rose from regional power to national contender, hiring football coach Barry Alvarez in 1990 and watching the Badgers claim three Rose Bowl victories during the 1990s. The parallel arcs of the two administrators—each taking over struggling programs and restoring them to prominence—give their shared birthday an almost poetic symmetry. Harlan’s wife, Madeline, remembered her husband’s modest reaction to learning the plaza would carry his name. “He wondered aloud whether he’d really earned that,” she said. Friends and colleagues answered emphatically: the resurrection of the Packers brand, the modernization of stadium operations, and the hiring of football minds like Wolf and, later, Ted Thompson, all traced back to Harlan’s steady hand. Thompson, who succeeded Wolf and battled health issues related to an autonomic disorder, still engineered a roster that produced a Super Bowl XLV championship. His first draft pick, Aaron Rodgers in 2005, became league MVP and delivered the franchise’s fourth Lombardi Trophy. The decision to move on from Brett Favre and commit to Rodgers—culminating in Favre’s 2008 trade to the New York Jets—defined Thompson’s tenure, but Harlan’s earlier culture change made such bold choices possible. Away from the spotlight, the birthday exchanges continued. One year Richter mailed Harlan a single shoe, promising the mate would arrive the following year. Another year Harlan sent Richter a cake shaped like a Badger mascot—wearing a Packers jersey. Neither man ever conceded defeat. As Lambeau’s atrium bustled with tourists on a recent afternoon, visitors posed for photos beneath the Lambeau and Lombardi statues, many unaware the ground beneath their feet is Bob Harlan Plaza. Inside the Packers Hall of Fame, exhibits honor Jack Vainisi, the 23-year-old scouting pioneer hired in 1950 whose evaluations stocked Lombardi’s dynasty with future Hall of Famers. Displays also recount the 1919 founding meeting between Calhoun and Lambeau, a reminder that today’s franchise giants stand on foundations laid by generations of visionaries. Richter, reflecting on his old friend, paused. “We competed over everything—golf scores, who could tell the best story, whose birthday card arrived first,” he said. “But the truth is, every year I looked forward to September ninth because it meant I got to talk to Bob. That was the real gift.” With Harlan now 86 and Richter three years his junior, the birthday battle has slowed, but the respect has not. Two men, one plaza, one date on the calendar, and a lifetime of memories—proof that even in big-time sports, the smallest traditions can carry the greatest meaning. SEO keywords:

Abidjan sees the goals, London remembers the headers, and Munich still feels the stoppage-time dagger that delivered Chelsea’s first Champions League crown. Yet long before Didier Drogba became the face of Ivorian football and a Premier League icon, he was a quiet five-year-old placed on an airplane bound for France, clutching little more than a passport and the promise of a new life. The decision to send him away from Ivory Coast was rooted in family duty. Drogba’s father had once raised his younger brother Michel Goba after their parents died; when Michel forged a professional career in French football, he resolved to repay the favour. The young nephew arrived in Brest during the late 1980s while Goba plied his trade in the French league, and the nomadic existence that followed—Brest, Abbeville, Tourcoing, Vannes—became the only stability the boy knew. Each move deepened the ache of separation. Phone calls to Abidjan were brief, expensive and often impossible; the distance felt like an ocean even when the geography was merely a few time zones. In Vannes, the early 1990s turned into a personal low point: grades slipped, school demanded he repeat a year, and the shy teenager retreated further into himself. Football offered the only language in which he could speak freely. On neighbourhood pitches, the reserved child discovered a voice, barking instructions, rallying older team-mates, turning matches with a blend of strength and finesse that startled even his uncle. Michel Goba would watch the transformation from the touchline, struck by the contrast between the timid boy who barely said a word at the dinner table and the commanding figure who dictated play. The emotional fog began to lift when Drogba’s parents finally obtained visas and reunited with their son in the Paris region. Stability off the pitch accelerated progress on it: he excelled for local youth sides, rejected a short-cut through Paris Saint-Germain’s academy in favour of regular minutes, and signed his first professional deal with Le Mans. From there the arc bent irreversibly upward—Ligue 2 breakout, goal-glutted seasons at Guingamp alongside Florent Malouda, a single dazzling year at Marseille, and the eventual west-London odyssey that yielded Premier League titles, FA Cups, and that unforgettable night in Munich. Still, every overhead kick and last-minute penalty carries the residue of a childhood spent far from home. The legend Ivory Coast celebrates today was forged not in the bright lights of Stamford Bridge but in the quiet struggle of a boy searching for belonging, clutching a football that never asked where he came from—only how hard he was willing to fight to keep it.

London—Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has paid glowing tribute to Piero Hincapie, revealing that prior to the defender’s arrival at the Emirates, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso personally endorsed the Ecuadorian as a “warrior.” Speaking about the 22-year-old centre-back, Arteta said the recommendation from his former teammate carried significant weight and has already been borne out on the training ground. “Xabi told me straight—‘He will play through brick walls for you,’” Arteta explained. “Every day since he’s been here, that’s exactly what Piero has shown.” Hincapie, who joined the Gunners this summer, has quickly impressed staff and teammates alike with an uncompromising approach that Arteta believes will add steel to the squad. While the Spaniard stopped short of detailing specific matches or statistics, he emphasized that the defender’s mentality sets him apart. “When a professional of Xabi’s calibre uses the word warrior, you listen,” Arteta added. “Piero embraces the physical side, he embraces the fight, and most importantly he embraces the club.” The praise signals Arteta’s confidence that Hincapie can adapt to the Premier League’s rigours and become a cornerstone of the Arsenal back line for seasons to come.

Igor Tudor’s brief, bruising tenure as Tottenham Hotspur’s interim manager is ending as it began: in chaos, recrimination and record-setting despair. Yet amid the wreckage of six winless hours, a North-London derby humbling and a Champions League collapse in Madrid, the Croatian has achieved one feat no Spurs strategist could blueprint: he has made the fanbase unanimous. The verdict, echoing from the Shelf to social media, is that Tudor must go—immediately and irrevocably. Appointed to steady the ship after a turbulent autumn, Tudor instead accelerated it toward the rocks. His back-three experiments, first trialled in a 4-1 derby rout at the Emirates, re-emerged Wednesday inside the Wanda Metropolitano, where an injury-ravaged Spurs XI conceded twice inside 14 minutes to an Atletico Madrid side happy to exploit the visitors’ disarray. The selection of 22-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky—making his first non-League-Cup appearance of the campaign—backfired spectacularly, yet the greater damage was done on the touchline. Television cameras captured Tudor turning away as Kinsky, in tears, was consoled by four teammates while trudging off after the final whistle. Even Atletico supporters applauded the young keeper; his own manager offered neither eye-contact nor a consoling arm. That moment crystallised a month-long erosion of goodwill. Archie Gray’s deployment at left-back against Fulham, public praise of Arsenal’s “deserved” derby victory and now the public shunning of a distraught academy graduate have convinced previously warring factions of Spurs supporters—pro-Levy, anti-Levy, #BackAnge, #TacticsTim—to harmonise in calling for Tudor’s exit. Social-media timelines once littered with tactical sparring now read like a single chant: “Anyone but Igor.” Statistically, the numbers are grimmer than the mood. Tottenham have lost 44 matches since the start of last season; their Champions League group-stage run included zero victories over fellow last-16 qualifiers; and the 5-2 reverse in Madrid, bizarrely, represents the side’s best 70-minute spell under Tudor. As commentator Darren Fletcher noted, Spurs “won the remainder 2-1,” a moral victory that only underlines the poverty of measurable success. Off the pitch, structural problems persist. A raft of injuries and suspensions has exposed a lopsided squad: Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons look shadows of their Bundesliga selves, while January marquee signing Conor Gallagher has been derided by Spanish media as “the pitbull who never bit.” Tactical clarity, the hallmark of Ange Postecoglou’s early reign, has evaporated; so too have the buoyant vibes that briefly papered over squad deficiencies. The club now confronts the very real possibility of relegation-style momentum with ten fixtures remaining. Boardroom sources indicate chairman Daniel Levy is ready to act. The identity of the next firefighter hardly matters, pundits argue; the priority is halting a spiral that has made Spurs “appointment television” for schadenfreude rather than spectacle. Whether the successor is a Thomas Frank-style culture-builder or a short-term motivator in the David O’Leary mould, the brief will be simple: restore basic humanity, stabilise results, and buy time for a summer reset. For Igor Tudor, departure will sting. He arrived with pedigree from Serie A yet leaves as a punch-line, his reputation singed less by defeats than by the manner of them. Ironically, the very haplessness of his reign may have safeguarded Tottenham’s future: had he eked out a few dour draws, temptation to extend the experiment might have prevailed. Instead, the supporter base—fractured since the final weeks of Mauricio Pochettino—stands shoulder-to-shoulder in demanding change. As the Croatian exits, Tottenham’s hierarchy face a rare moment of consensus. Seize it, and the season may yet be salvaged. Ignore it, and the club risks tumbling toward one of the most staggering relegations in Premier League annals. For the first time in years, every voice around N17 agrees: the misery must end now.

The record for dismissals in a single game belongs not to the feisty Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro – where 23 reds were brandished – but to an Argentine fifth-tier fixture that descended into a “Generalised Brawl” in 2011. Referee Damián Rubino sent off every player, substitute and bench member: 36 in total, 18 from each side, during the Primera D meeting between Club Atlético Claypole and Victoriano Arenas on 27 February 2011. The previous benchmark had been 20 reds in a 2002 Paraguayan match; Brazil’s recent 12-11 “win” in the card count merely nudged the global curiosity without threatening the Guinness-recognised mark set in Claypole’s Estadio Rodolfo Capocasa.

Elland Road, Sunday, FA Cup fifth-round: Norwich City’s travelling support arrive early, take their place in the away enclosure and, before the teams have even walked out, strike up the song that has become a ritual of English football’s underbelly. “Jimmy Savile, he’s one of your own,” they chant. From the adjacent South Stand comes the familiar, grim reply: a lyric describing the serial predator committing a sexual assault. Parts of the ground boo; most simply let it wash over. The game begins. The pattern repeats. Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, was posthumously exposed as one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders. A 2013 joint report by the Metropolitan Police and the NSPCC catalogued 214 confirmed offences, including 34 rapes, against 450 victims aged between five and 75. His abuse spanned 54 years and 28 hospitals, among them Leeds General Infirmary, a mile from Elland Road. Since the revelations, councils have stripped his name from buildings, his gravestone has been destroyed and his penthouse flat in Roundhay demolished. Yet inside English football grounds—most conspicuously at Leeds United matches—his name is still sung every weekend. Savile had no connection to the club. He was born in Leeds, lived flamboyantly in the city and used sport—wrestling, marathon running—to court fame, but never displayed interest in the football team that shared his postcode during its 1970s pomp. “He was the antithesis of a team player,” says Dan Davies, who interviewed Savile repeatedly and chronicled attempts to unmask him. “If there are photos with Leeds players, it will only be because publicity interests aligned.” The chants are not new. YouTube compilations date them back 15 years at Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, Middlesbrough and elsewhere. Yet frequency has spiked since Leeds returned to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. Visiting supporters, many of whom had never been to Elland Road for a league fixture, arrived determined to leave an impression. Some Leeds fans have responded by pre-empting the abuse, inventing baseless links to celebrity followers of rival clubs. The result is a call-and-response soundtrack that has become white noise inside the sport. Current legislation offers no remedy. The Crown Prosecution Service’s 2023 guidance on “tragedy chanting” covers disasters such as Hillsborough or the Munich air crash, but excludes non-football-related abuse. The FA can charge clubs for fan behaviour only when participants can be identified as “participants in football”; individual prosecution is left to police. The UK Football Policing Unit sought advice on Savile chants and was told a specific case reviewed did not meet the threshold for a public-order offence. Both the UKFPU and CPS stress each incident is judged individually, leaving campaigners frustrated. Leeds United broke their public silence on 6 March, slipping a line into a Ramadan-equality statement condemning “the sickening Jimmy Savile taunts our own supporters are subjected to at every match”. The club now wants stronger action. “We have lobbied and would be fully supportive of Jimmy Savile chants being classed as tragedy chanting and a hate crime,” a spokesperson told The Athletic. “These chants are a disgrace to the victims.” Katie Russell, co-founder of Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds, backs the stance. “Survivors hear these songs and feel re-victimised,” she says. “Football has to decide whether it wants to be a place where that is tolerated.” Inside Elland Road, season-ticket holder Katie Watkin struggles to reconcile love for her club with the “despair” of hearing abuse echo around the ground her late father first brought her to as a child. “Because Savile never faced justice, and because the rumours were always there, people act as if it’s fair game,” she says. “It isn’t.” Mick Ward, of Leeds United’s Marching Out Together supporters’ group, believes the antiquated, concrete-and-barbed-wire aesthetic of Elland Road plays a part. “Away fans see a proper old ground and think they can behave like it’s the 1980s,” he says. “But this isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about normalising abuse.” Until legislation catches up, the only sanction available is social. Norwich supporters who began the latest chorus left Leeds with no reprimand. The FA has no record of disciplinary action against any club for Savile-related chanting. The songs remain, as Ward puts it, “the game’s unspoken shame”—heard every fortnight, condemned in private, rarely challenged in public. Elland Road’s redevelopment plans, approved in January, will modernise the stadium and raise capacity to 53,000. Supporters hope the overhaul will usher in a new era on the pitch. Unless governing bodies act, the same old chants will be waiting when the turnstiles open. Keywords:

Keira Walsh has lifted the lid on the emotional turbulence behind her headline-grabbing January switch to Chelsea, describing the mid-season move from Barcelona as “the worst feeling” despite a trophy-laden first six months in blue. The 28-year-old England midfielder, who already boasts 99 senior caps and a CV glittering with two Champions Leagues, three Liga F titles and a European Championship winner’s medal, arrived at Kingsmeadow in the winter window of the 2024-25 campaign. What followed was an unprecedented domestic treble: the Barclays Women’s Super League, FA Cup and League Cup all ended up in Chelsea’s trophy cabinet, with Walsh integral to an unbeaten league run. Yet the accolades masked a difficult personal transition. “Nobody likes being the new person at school,” Walsh told BBC Sport. “It takes time to get over it. You don’t have a lot of time to get your life together, and I was moving from one country to another. I’d gone from one completely different style of football back to England. You don’t have that pre-season to get to know the players or the style. And you don’t get a grace period.” Her candour underlines a rarely discussed reality for even the most decorated professionals. After eight years and a trophy sweep at Manchester City, three seasons of continental dominance at Barcelona, and back-to-back European Championships with the Lionesses in 2022 and 2025, Walsh still felt the vertigo of starting anew. The trophies, however, have kept coming. On Sunday she could add another League Cup winners’ medal when Chelsea meet Manchester United at Ashton Gate, a rematch of last season’s FA Cup final. The Blues are also chasing a Champions League quarter-final place against Arsenal later this month and an FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham in April, meaning a second successive treble remains mathematically possible even if Manchester City have opened a gap in the WSL. “It’s very difficult to win the league every year consecutively,” Walsh conceded. “It’s almost unheard of, that’s what is special about Chelsea. We still have the EFL Cup, the FA Cup and Champions League. If we win all three, that will still be a special season.” Walsh’s experience is mirrored by one of Chelsea’s other marquee acquisitions, 21-year-old United States forward Alyssa Thompson. Signed for just under £1 million in September 2025 – a club-record fee – Thompson has scored six WSL goals this term and was named player of the tournament as the USA swept Argentina, Canada and Colombia to claim the SheBelieves Cup. “I had low expectations for myself because I was scared about being in England, away from everyone I knew,” Thompson said. “I didn’t know if people would like me. It was daunting because of the calibre of players at Chelsea.” Despite Chelsea’s heavy investment – they also briefly broke the women’s world transfer record to land centre-back Naomi Girma in January 2025 – results have dipped in the league. Still, Thompson insists the club’s culture of winning remains intact. “Winning at Chelsea is written in the DNA. When you put on the Chelsea jersey, you know what you have to bring.” History favours the Blues on Sunday: 15 victories and only one defeat in 18 previous meetings with Manchester United. For Walsh and Thompson, two players who once felt like the new kids in the playground, another medal would be the perfect antidote to those first-day nerves.

Wrexham’s promotion bandwagon has hit its roughest stretch of the campaign at the worst possible moment. Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Hull City, the Tigers’ first league double over the Red Dragons since 1948-49, left Phil Parkinson’s squad bruised, depleted and clinging to the coat-tails of the top six. With three matches left before the play-off line is drawn, the spotlight has swung sharply toward Lewis O’Brien, the £3 million summer signing from Nottingham Forest who is suddenly the last senior midfielder still standing. Injuries and suspension have gutted the engine room. Ben Sheaf’s season ended with a knee ligament injury last month, Matty James’ broken-toe comeback stalled after a setback, and George Dobson begins a three-game ban following his VAR-induced red card against Chelsea in the FA Cup. The trio had amassed 68 Championship starts and 24 substitute appearances between them; their absence forced Parkinson to pair makeshift midfielder Zak Vyner with O’Brien for the opening 45 minutes against Hull. When Vyner cramped up, Ollie Rathbone—himself nursing a groin complaint—was pressed into action earlier than planned. Friday’s Welsh derby at Swansea and the subsequent trip to Watford now hinge on how effectively O’Brien can anchor a midfield that has lost its spine. The 27-year-old’s versatility—he has already filled six different roles for Wrexham this season—will be stretched to its limit. Deployed mainly in an advanced shuttling role this term, O’Brien’s formative years at Bradford City and Huddersfield Town were spent deeper, and his loan data reflects that evolution: 64% of his 1,574 minutes for Middlesbrough in 2023-24 came as a defensive screen, while 92% of his 1,174 MLS minutes for LA FC last year were logged as part of a central three. Against Hull, nothing clicked. Wrexham’s expected goals tally stood at a meagre 0.06 until Nathan Broadhead’s 76th-minute consolation, and O’Brien’s constant movement in search of possession could not mask a collective display riddled with unforced errors. Yet the midfielder’s willingness to demand the ball under pressure, and his history of thriving in adversity, offers Parkinson hope. That resilience was forged in 2018 when, as a teenager, O’Brien stepped into a Bradford City dressing room in open revolt against chairman Edin Rahic. Within minutes of the loan announcement, social media notifications labelled him a “nobody” and lamented the lack of a new striker. Instead of wilting, O’Brien became a rare bright spot in a doomed relegation season, winning over sceptics and returning to Huddersfield with a reputation for character as well as craft. He was later named Huddersfield’s Player of the Year for 2019-20 and started every knockout match as the Terriers reached the 2022 Championship play-off final. A comparable response is required now. With top scorer Kieffer Moore also sidelined by a hamstring injury that threatens his involvement in Wales’ forthcoming World Cup play-offs, Wrexham need goals, control and composure from a midfield stripped of its senior figures. In O’Brien they possess a player who has spent the past six years adapting—sometimes weekly—to new leagues, new positions and new expectations. If the Red Dragons are to extend their season beyond the first weekend of May, the next adaptation must come immediately, starting under the lights at the Swansea.com Stadium on Friday night.

GOLD COAST, Australia — The Iranian women’s national soccer team boarded a flight out of Sydney late Tuesday with its roster reduced by seven, after a dramatic airport standoff in which Australian officials made last-minute offers of humanitarian visas to every player and staff member. Seven women ultimately accepted the chance to remain permanently in Australia, but one later reversed her decision, leaving six who will begin new lives here under government protection. The scene inside Sydney Airport’s departure terminal was described by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke as “emotional.” As the squad moved through security, each woman was separated from her teammates and Iranian minders, provided an interpreter, and told she could walk away from the flight and claim asylum. Officials gave them time to telephone relatives before deciding. Burke said the women were assured that “in Australia you can be safe,” a direct response to the global attention that followed the team’s refusal to sing Iran’s national anthem before its opening Asian Cup match last month. The silent protest—interpreted variously as defiance or mourning—prompted Australian-Iranian community groups to warn that players could face reprisals from Tehran. The Iranian Football Federation dismissed those concerns on Tuesday, with First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref insisting that “Iran welcomes its children with open arms and the government guarantees their security.” State television asked international soccer bodies to review what it labeled “direct political interference” by U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly criticized Australia for failing to offer the squad refuge. Australian officials countered that private discussions with the players had been under way since before Trump’s remarks. Burke acknowledged that some members of the delegation had links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and were not invited to apply for visas. “There were some people leaving Australia who I am glad they’re no longer in Australia,” he said. After the flight departed, Burke’s office published—and later removed—photographs of the seven women who had accepted asylum, their faces unobscured. Within hours, one woman contacted the Iranian embassy and elected to rejoin her teammates, forcing Australian authorities to relocate the remaining six to an undisclosed location. Burke pledged they would receive immediate housing, health care, and permanent residency without a court fight. The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the rest of the squad traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they await onward flights. An AFC statement said the governing body will “continue to prioritize the welfare and safety of the players and officials” while providing logistical support. Burke defended Australia’s handling of the saga, arguing the critical point was that every traveler understood she had a choice. “We couldn’t take away the pressure of the context,” he said, “but as a nation what mattered was that we could provide the choice.”

Washington — FIFA president Gianni Infantino moved to end speculation over Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup, announcing in the early hours of Wednesday that United States President Donald Trump has personally assured him the Iranian team will be welcome at the tournament. Infantino, in Washington for the World Cup draw, revealed the conversation in an Instagram post published shortly after midnight Eastern Time. The White House later confirmed the meeting took place. The discussions follow weeks of uncertainty triggered by American and Israeli military strikes that killed Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted retaliatory Iranian attacks across the Middle East. Iran, which qualified for the 48-team competition, is scheduled to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, yet Iranian officials were notably absent from last week’s World Cup planning summit in Atlanta attended by every other competing federation. Last week Trump told Politico he was indifferent to Iran’s involvement, describing the country as “badly defeated” and “running on fumes.” Infantino’s post offered a markedly different tone, saying Trump “reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.” “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino wrote. “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World.” The post concluded with a soccer-ball emoji, three globe symbols, and a heart. Infantino and Trump have cultivated a visible rapport throughout Trump’s second term. The FIFA president attended both Trump’s pre-inauguration rally and the inauguration in January, has been a guest at multiple Oval Office briefings, and in December presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw in Washington. FIFA created the award in November to honor “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace,” bypassing the usual FIFA Council deliberations. U.S. Soccer Federation CEO JT Batson echoed Infantino’s confidence last week, telling Sky News: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared over the weekend the intention of a safe and secure World Cup where all teams are participating. And we’re certainly very supportive of that.” With kickoff in June, the assurance from the White House appears to remove the final barrier to Iran’s involvement, ensuring all 48 qualified nations will take the field across 16 host cities in the United States.

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has sounded a fresh alarm over the widening financial chasm between the Bundesliga and the Premier League, pinpointing domestic broadcast revenue as the key driver of the imbalance. Speaking to German outlet Tz and relayed by @iMiaSanMia, Hainer revealed that England’s bottom-tier club earns more from television money than Germany’s top club, a gap he believes threatens the league’s competitiveness on the European stage. “The bottom team in England gets more money than the top team in our league,” Hainer stated bluntly, underlining the scale of the shortfall. He argued that sustainable improvement hinges on Bundesliga sides collectively expanding their commercial footprint across America, Africa, and Asia, regions where Bayern and Borussia Dortmund have already invested heavily in branding and pre-season tours. Yet the cost of such outreach remains prohibitive for many clubs. Pre-season expeditions to distant markets demand significant outlay at a time when tighter margins make every euro count, leaving only the country’s richest outfits willing to take the plunge. Werder Bremen recently shelved plans for a 2026 U.S. tour, citing political uncertainty and immigration crackdowns, illustrating how off-field issues can derail expansion efforts before they begin. With Bayern now working to secure Michael Olise’s future, the club’s hierarchy is equally focused on the broader task of ensuring the league’s economic health, knowing that on-field success and off-field growth are increasingly intertwined.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans capped the second day of the NFL’s legal tampering period by fortifying their kicking game, agreeing to terms with veteran punter Tommy Townsend on a two-year deal that can reach $6 million, the team confirmed. Townsend, 27, arrives after two seasons in Houston where he ranked among the league’s busiest specialists. In 2023 he placed fifth in total punts (72), fifth in punts inside the 20 (30), and unleashed a career-long 73-yard boot that ranked fifth in the NFL. The left-footed punter gives coordinator John Fassel a proven directional kicker to pair with kicker Nick Folk and long-snapper Morgan Cox. An undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2020, Townsend won the Kansas City job as a rookie and was recognized on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team. He spent four seasons with the Chiefs, overlapping with current Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, before joining the Texans in 2022. Over 96 career games he has averaged 46.2 yards per punt with a 41.8-yard net. Townsend becomes the 12th player to reach an agreement with Tennessee since the negotiation window opened Monday, continuing an aggressive early push in free agency. Terms of his contract include $3.75 million in guarantees, per source, positioning him among the top-10 highest-paid punters in average annual value. Tennessee finished 2023 ranked 28th in gross punting average and 31st in net, prompting the front office to prioritize the position. With Townsend in place, the Titans now turn their attention to the remainder of the market with more than $50 million in salary-cap space still available.

TAMPA — When the Buccaneers inked veteran punter Riley Dixon last spring, the move was framed as a stabilizer for a special-teams room that had cycled through three different punters in 2024. Nine seasons of NFL mileage suggested Dixon could steady the position. Reality, at least early on, was rockier. By the final week of September, two of Dixon’s punts had been swatted away, and Tampa Bay’s coaching staff was already canvassing alternatives. Yet the 32-year-old held his roster spot, calmed the operation, and punted every remaining down of the schedule. The final analytics were a mixed bag. Pro Football Focus stamped him with a 56.4 grade—his lowest since a 51.2 mark with the 2021 New York Giants. His net average of 40.16 yards ranked 27th league-wide, and his 4.33-second hang-time placed 23rd. Where Dixon continued to earn his paycheck was directional placement: 31 of 63 attempts (49.2 percent) were downed inside the 20, fourth-best in the NFL. By comparison, during 2024 in Denver he logged 42.2 net yards, 4.43 hang-time and 34 inside-the-20 punts on 77 attempts. The club’s uncertainty about retaining him dissolved earlier this month when it exercised the option on his contract, blocking his path to March’s open market. Dixon, who turns 33 in August, now faces a new chapter under freshly hired special-teams coordinator Danny Smith, the energetic longtime Steelers assistant who arrived in Tampa after Mike Tomlin’s departure from Pittsburgh. Smith inherits a unit that, like the Steelers’ recent punting carousel, is searching for consistency; Pittsburgh has started three punters since 2023. For the Bucs, the bet is that a seasoned leg and a new voice can coax more distance and hang-time without sacrificing the precision that has long been Dixon’s calling card. The special-teams overhaul begins with him.

Houston, TX — The Houston Texans continued their aggressive offseason overhaul along the defensive line on Monday, agreeing to terms with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end/defensive tackle Logan Hall on a two-year deal worth approximately $7 million, according to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Hall, a second-round selection (33rd overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Houston, becomes the latest addition to a front that has already undergone significant reconstruction. General manager Nick Caserio has prioritized depth and versatility up front this spring, previously extending edge rusher Danielle Hunter on a one-year pact, re-signing interior stalwart Sheldon Rankins to a two-year contract, and importing rotational pieces Dominique Robinson and Naquan Jones on one-year deals. The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Hall logged his first full season as a starting edge defender for Tampa Bay in 2025, compiling a 66.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. His snap-by-snap splits illustrate a player still refining his craft: 66.0 run-defense grade, 34.6 tackling grade, 65.5 pass-rush grade and 63.2 coverage mark. While the raw production never matched the pre-draft hype, Hall flashed incremental improvement late in the year, using an explosive first step to stress tackles and stacking more impact plays against the run down the stretch. Scouts have long lamented that Hall’s elite frame and athleticism have yet to translate into consistent disruption. He too often plays upright and fails to convert speed-to-power, leaving sacks and tackles for loss on the field. Still, the Texans are banking on untapped upside, believing a change of scenery and a reduced role behind established stars can unlock the disruptive traits that made him a top-35 pick only three years ago. From a roster-building standpoint, the contract mirrors Caserio’s preferred template: modest term, reasonable average annual value, and an easy escape hatch if the experiment stalls. Should Hall plateau, Houston can move on with minimal cap pain; if he blossoms into a high-impact rotational piece, the club will have secured a premium athlete at a below-market rate. The Texans already feature two of the league’s premier edge rushers, mitigating the immediate burden on Hall to produce. Instead, he will be asked to supply quality reps in sub-packages, spell starters across multiple techniques, and provide insurance against injury. In that context, the signing represents both depth and upside—an inexpensive flier on a toolsy, local product who has yet to turn 25. Whether Hall ultimately emerges as a late-blooming difference-maker or settles into a reliable rotational role, Houston’s defensive line room now boasts enviable numbers, varied skill sets, and competition at every spot. For a franchise eyeing postseason contention, the latest addition could prove to be more than just a footnote in a busy offseason.

Colfax, Wash. — In what Rep. Joe Schmick calls “a perfect resolution to cap off a perfect season,” the Colfax Bulldogs boys basketball team will be formally honored on the floor of the state legislature for an undefeated campaign that ended with a State 2B championship and unfolded against the backdrop of heartbreaking loss. Schmick, R-Colfax, announced Monday that he will introduce a resolution recognizing the team’s 2023-24 title run, its flawless record, and the legacy of head coach Reece Jenkin, who guided the program for more than two decades and amassed more than 300 victories before succumbing to pancreatic cancer on Feb. 27 at age 45. “This team didn’t just win a championship,” Schmick said. “They showed the entire state what resilience, character and community support look like. In a small town like Colfax, people rally around each other in difficult times, and this season showed the very best of that.” Jenkin received his diagnosis in December, prompting assistant David Cofer—already the school’s head football coach—to join the basketball staff and help steer the Bulldogs through the postseason. Cofer learned of the planned legislative tribute only Sunday, less than 24 hours after Colfax secured the state crown. “We’re really honored,” Cofer said. “It’s cool to see that recognition at that level. I think that’s a huge honor for what these boys accomplished.” The resolution will salute both the players’ on-court perfection and the spirit that sustained them after Jenkin’s death, leaving behind his wife and three children. “Being a small-town coach is hard, because everybody knows everybody,” Schmick noted. “I think he’s done it well.” A date for the resolution’s formal introduction has not yet been set.

Austin, TX — Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff opened spring camp by rolling out the burnt-orange carpet for a trio of 2028 blue-chippers, and the early returns suggest the Longhorns made a lasting impression. On the first day of workouts, UT extended new offers to offensive linemen Ty McCurry and Jayden Thompson, while premier edge defender Brayson Robinson toured campus without an offer in hand. All three left the Forty Acres buzzing about the program’s blend of football infrastructure and campus atmosphere. McCurry, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound freshman All-American according to Sports Illustrated, already owns 11 FBS offers and has visited Austin twice. After practice he said coaches reiterated that he sits atop their offensive-line board. “They said I’m their top guy and that they want me back out for a visit soon,” McCurry told reporters. “I’ve loved the past two times I’ve been in Austin … can 100 percent see them being a contender in my commitment down the line.” Thompson, rated the No. 15 offensive tackle in the 2028 class by 247Sports, echoed the sentiment. He cited the staff’s hospitality and an extensive tour that went well beyond the football facilities. “My conversations with the coaches went very well, they were all very inviting and helpful,” Thompson said. “If I had one takeaway, it would be the tour of not just the football part of the school, but the campus as well.” Robinson, a Mavel, Texas product who lists early interest from Alabama and Arizona State, said the family-oriented vibe stood out. “It went amazing and I like how every coach introduced themselves to my family and me,” Robinson noted. “I also love the culture.” With more than three years until National Signing Day for the 2028 cycle, Sarkisian’s staff is positioning itself at the forefront of each prospect’s recruitment. If the initial reactions are any indication, Texas has already secured pole position for three of its highest-priority targets.

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys continued their off-season renovation along the defensive front on Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year, $3 million contract with nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Ogbonnia, a fifth-round selection in the 2022 draft, becomes the second defensive lineman added in free agency this cycle, joining former Green Bay standout Rashan Gary as new faces in coordinator Christian Parker’s meeting room. The 6-foot-4, 324-pound interior defender brings 1,004 career defensive snaps and an additional 128 on special teams across 43 games, 21 of which he started. While Ogbonnia’s first three seasons have been interrupted by injuries, his reputation as a stout run-stuffer should bolster a unit already featuring Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas. The Cowboys now possess one of the league’s deepest interior rotations, a clear signal of intent to control the line of scrimmage in 2025. Dallas, which finished last season ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in rushing yards allowed per game, views Ogbonnia as both depth and insurance against the physical toll of a 17-game schedule. The one-year structure protects the club financially while offering the 24-year-old an opportunity to re-establish himself after a series of medical setbacks. With organized team activities on the horizon, Ogbonnia will compete immediately for rotational snaps behind the established veterans, giving the Cowboys flexibility to keep their front fresh in critical late-season situations.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.—On the second day of 2026 free agency, the New York Jets traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for Geno Smith, the quarterback who once began their post-Mark Sanchez era in 2013. Smith, now 35 and a two-time Pro Bowl selection after a career resurrection in Seattle, returns to a franchise still starving for its first playoff berth since Sanchez guided the Jets to the 2010 AFC Championship game. The acquisition completes a dizzying quarterback carousel that has spun for 15 consecutive non-playoff seasons—the longest active drought across the NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA. Since Sanchez’s final snap for the Jets, 14 different quarterbacks have started at least one game, a revolving door that has undercut every roster rebuild. Sanchez’s decline began in 2011, when two separate three-game skids doomed an 8-8 team, and bottomed out in 2012 with the infamous “butt fumble” and an eventual benching. The Jets drafted Smith 39th overall in 2013; shoulder surgery ended Sanchez’s season before Week 1, thrusting Smith into the lineup. He finished 8-8 with 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, then went 3-10 in 2014 while being benched for Michael Vick. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s 31-touchdown binge in 2015 produced 10 wins yet no postseason berth. Fitzpatrick faltered the next year, giving way to Smith—whose lone 2016 start ended with a torn ACL. Bryce Petty and veteran Josh McCown split 2017 duties during a second straight 5-11 campaign. The 2018 trade-up for Sam Darnold signaled a new era, but a pick-six on his first Monday-night attempt foreshadowed turbulence. Darnold’s best stretch came in 2019 when the Jets went 7-6 in his starts, but shoulder injuries and a 2-10 record in 2020 prompted GM Joe Douglas to ship him to Carolina. Zach Wilson’s arrival as the No. 2 pick in 2021 produced flashes—he went 5-4 in 2023—but two benchings and a late-season demotion to third string soured the organization. The 2024 Aaron Rodgers experiment ended four snaps into Week 1 when the 40-year-old tore his Achilles; Rodgers returned in 2025 but mustered only a 5-12 record while displaying rust from the injury. With Rodgers gone, the Jets hoped 2025 would belong to Justin Fields, but a 2-7 start scuttled that plan. Tyrod Taylor’s relief appearance lasted barely a month before a December groin injury thrust undrafted rookie Brady Cook into the huddle. Cook lost all four starts, and New York finished 3-14 after becoming the first NFL team to drop five straight games by 23-plus points. Enter Smith, who left the Jets in 2016 and rebuilt his reputation in Seattle, winning 2022 Comeback Player of the Year honors. Though his 2025 season in Las Vegas featured a league-high 17 interceptions, the Raiders agreed to pay most of his remaining salary, allowing cap-strapped New York to absorb the veteran for just over the league minimum. First-year offensive coordinator Frank Reich now inherits a passer who has already worn Jets green—and felt the weight of its playoff drought. If Smith secures the Week 1 job, he will join Rodgers, Darnold and a litany of former starters whose collective failure to stabilize the sport’s most critical position has kept the franchise on the outside of the postseason for a decade and a half. For the Jets, the circle is complete; for their long-suffering fans, the hope is that history does not repeat.

By Thomas Carelli With the 2026 fantasy baseball draft season inching onto the horizon, owners across the country are already locked in a second competition: crafting the most ridiculous, meme-worthy team name their league-mates will see on the leaderboard. While the six-month chase for a championship remains the primary goal, the annual race for comedic bragging rights has become a tradition every bit as cherished. “Think of it as the hobby inside the hobby,” said Carelli, a New Jersey-based sportswriter who has chronicled fantasy trends for nearly a decade. “You’re not just trying to win—you’re trying to make your friends laugh every time they scroll past your squad.” The formula, according to Carelli, is delightfully low-stakes: mine the endless vaults of pop culture, twist a top player’s name into a punch line, and hope the joke lands. Movie references remain a gold mine—owners can start with a film title or one-liner and reverse-engineer a baseball pun. Funny sayings, comedic one-liners, and whatever “brainrot” the mind can produce after a long day of mock drafts are equally fair game. The article’s guiding principle is simple: if a name makes league-mates groan and applaud in equal measure, it belongs on the roster. Carelli, a lifelong Mets and Jets fan who graduated from William Paterson University in 2018 with a degree in Sport Management, argues that the exercise captures the spirit of fantasy sports. “At the end of the day, this is the good-old-fun part of our six-month endeavor,” he said. “You pick any player on your team, especially if you drafted him, and you stick on a name that will—hopefully—play with your friends.” While the forthcoming list of 2026-ready monikers is promised as a sequel to an earlier compilation, Carelli insists the creative well never runs dry. Every blockbuster, viral catchphrase, or breakout star offers fresh material, ensuring that each fantasy season begins not only with stat projections but with a brand-new batch of inside jokes waiting to be coined.

Eugene, Ore. — When Oregon released its 2026 football staff on Monday afternoon, the most important line on the depth chart had nothing to do with a player: Koa Ka’ai, elevated from assistant quarterbacks coach to full-time quarterbacks coach, will now steer the development of Heisman-caliber signal-caller Dante Moore. The promotion, necessitated by Will Stein’s departure to become head coach at Kentucky, preserves continuity for Moore, who blossomed in 2025 after transferring from UCLA. Ka’ai has worked daily with Moore since the quarterback arrived on campus in 2024, first as an analyst and later as Stein’s right-hand man. That relationship, forged through thousands of practice reps and film-room hours, will continue uninterrupted as Moore attempts to lead the Ducks back to the College Football Playoff and secure a first-round NFL draft grade in 2027. Ka’ai’s Oregon roots run deep. A versatile athlete who originally joined the program as a tight end in 2011, he appeared in 24 career games on offense, defense and special teams. After his playing career ended, Ka’ai returned in 2022 as a tight end and running back analyst, quickly earning a reputation for meticulous teaching and an ability to translate complex schemes into digestible language. His collaboration with offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer—then the tight ends coach—caught the attention of head coach Dan Lanning, setting the stage for Ka’ai’s steady ascent through the offensive staff. Moore’s statistical leap in 2025 underscores the value of that coaching stability. Operating behind a veteran line and guided by Stein and Ka’ai, the junior completed 71.8 percent of his passes for 3,545 yards, 30 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. The Ducks finished 13-2, reaching the CFP semifinal, and Moore bypassed the 2026 draft to refine his craft for one more collegiate season. With Ka’ai now running the room, Moore will encounter familiar terminology, drill progressions and practice schedules—an edge that should accelerate refinement of his pre-snap diagnostics, pocket patience and intermediate accuracy. The continuity also benefits Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola, who arrived this winter and will spend the season apprenticing behind Moore while competing for the 2027 starting role. Ka’ai’s ability to develop both quarterbacks simultaneously will serve as a referendum on his coaching acumen and reinforce Oregon’s reputation as Quarterback U: since 2020, two former Ducks have heard their names called in the first round of the NFL Draft. For Ka’ai, the stakes are clear. Help Moore ascend from star to superstar, shepherd Raiola’s transition from five-star prospect to seasoned starter, and Oregon remains a destination for elite quarterback talent long after Stein’s exit. Fail, and the Ducks risk falling behind in an arms race where elite quarterback play is the price of playoff admission. Moore has already bet on Ka’ai once—by returning to Eugene. Now the coach must return the favor by pushing the quarterback, and the program, one step further in 2026.

British viewers are set for a feast of live football from Tuesday, March 10 through Sunday, March 15 as broadcasters roll out wall-to-wall coverage of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, Europa League knockout ties and a full Premier League programme. The mid-week action begins on Tuesday in Istanbul, where Liverpool meet Galatasaray in a first-leg Champions League encounter. The cauldron of the Rams Park is renowned across Europe, and the Reds will aim to secure a result to protect ahead of the Anfield return. Also on Tuesday, Bayern Munich travel to Bergamo to face an Atalanta side whose fearless attacking approach has made them a continental force, while Tottenham Hotspur head to the Spanish capital for a tactical duel with Diego Simeone’s battle-hardened Atlético Madrid. Wednesday’s slate is headlined by a heavyweight collision at the Bernabéu as Real Madrid welcome Manchester City, a fixture that has produced drama in recent seasons and could again shape the destiny of the competition. Elsewhere, Newcastle United stage a first European meeting with Barcelona at St James’ Park, Arsenal visit Bayer Leverkusen, and Chelsea renew acquaintances with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, famed for their Arctic home advantage, host Sporting CP to complete the Champions League picture. The Europa League joins the schedule on Thursday. Roma take on domestic rivals Bologna in an all-Italian affair, Aston Villa head to Lille under the guidance of Europa League specialist Unai Emery, Panathinaikos welcome Real Betis to Athens, Stuttgart meet Porto in a clash of two of the continent’s brightest coaching talents, Celta Vigo entertain Lyon, and Nottingham Forest round off the night against Danish outfit Midtjylland at the City Ground. Attention then shifts to domestic matters. Premier League coverage begins on Saturday lunchtime when league leaders Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates, looking to extend their advantage at the summit. Later, Chelsea face Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in a contest with major implications for European qualification, while Manchester City travel to the London Stadium to meet a West Ham side fighting relegation. Sunday’s programme opens with Crystal Palace against Leeds United, a fixture that could affect the lower reaches of the table, before Manchester United welcome Aston Villa in a battle for top-four positioning. Nottingham Forest return to action against Fulham, and the weekend concludes with a heavyweight clash at Anfield as Liverpool take on Tottenham, the Reds chasing Champions League football and Spurs battling to move clear of danger. All fixtures are live on Sky Sports platforms, with selected games also available in Ultra HDR.

SOUTH BEND — A private funeral Mass for Lou Holtz, the legendary former Notre Dame football coach who guided the Irish from 1986-96, will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 16, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the university announced. While attendance inside the Basilica is limited to invited guests, the Mass will be accessible to the public via a livestream and on-campus simulcasts in Washington Hall and Purcell Pavilion. Seating at both overflow locations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Holtz, 89, passed away on March 4 in Orlando, Fla. His tenure at Notre Dame included a national championship and a restoration of the program’s national prominence. Immediately following the liturgy, members of the public are invited to line both sides of Notre Dame Avenue as the Holtz family leads a funeral procession from Notre Dame Circle to the main gate of Cedar Grove Cemetery. Graveside services, in keeping with the family’s wishes, will be private. A public visitation will be held the preceding evening, Sunday, March 15, from 7 to 10 p.m. inside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Holtz family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to either the Holtz Charitable Foundation, Inc., Attn: Treasurer, 791 Pheasant Run Court, Port Orange, FL 32127, or online at holtzfoundation.org. Donations may also be made to Holtz’s Heroes Foundation, Inc., Attn: Brian Baker, 9630 Claymount Lane, Fishers, IN 46037, or at holtzsheroes.org. Lou Holtz’s official obituary was previously shared by the family on social media.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel has launched a scathing attack on the Premier League’s tactical trends, branding the English top flight “boring to watch” and singling out Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces as emblematic of the problem. Speaking on the Zack Nani stream and quoted by Maxifoot, Tel did not hide his frustration: “I’ll tell you the truth, yes, it’s not exciting. It’s boring to watch; it’s really just a clash between two teams with their own ideas. There’s less spectacle. There’s no Vinicius pulling off a sombrero flick, no dribble, no Kylian [Mbappé] accelerating past you. Here, I’d say it’s more structured, maybe too much so.” Arsenal lead the division by seven points and have scored 19 goals from set-pieces this season, more than any other club. Tel believes the emphasis on such routines has stripped the league of flair: “All those set-pieces, little details that can sometimes make the difference. But sometimes you think it might be too much. I told the assistant coach in charge of set-pieces, ‘Don’t put me on that one,’ because it’s a zoo.” The comments land at a delicate moment for Spurs, who sit just one place above the relegation zone with nine matches remaining, while their north London rivals close in on the title. Tel, reportedly open to leaving Tottenham in recent months, contrasted the Premier League with La Liga, hinting that Spain offers a more expressive environment for attackers. For Arsenal supporters, the aesthetic debate will carry little weight if set-piece efficiency delivers a first league crown since 2004. Yet for neutrals—and certainly for one disillusioned Tottenham striker—the spectacle of corner after corner offers little to celebrate.

Real Madrid have entered the race for Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers, prompting bookmakers to cut the odds on a Santiago Bernabéu switch to 4/1, according to Football Insider. The 22-year-old has registered ten goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, taking his combined goal-involvement tally to 17 and alerting Europe’s elite. Tottenham, long-term admirers of Rogers, view the versatile forward as a potential successor to Xavi Simons, who only arrived last summer but is already being linked with an exit after struggling to impose himself in a faltering Spurs side. Rogers’ ability to operate across the front line and in the half-spaces behind it appeals to both Tottenham and Madrid, though the Spanish giants’ interest significantly complicates the north London club’s pursuit. Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with monitoring Rogers, a scenario that is expected to drive the eventual fee toward marquee territory. For Tottenham, who have prioritised Premier League-proven recruits in recent windows, landing Rogers would represent a statement acquisition; yet with Madrid now at the table, the Lilywhites face a heavyweight battle when the window reopens.

Glasgow, 9 March 2026 — Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has demanded that away supporters be barred indefinitely from Old Firm fixtures after violent scenes marred Celtic’s 4-2 penalty-shootout victory over Rangers in Saturday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. The match, goalless through 120 minutes, erupted into chaos when jubilant Celtic fans spilled from the Broomloan Road Stand onto the pitch. Home supporters soon followed, prompting skirmishes that required a heavy police response. Nine arrests have been made for offences ranging from assault on a police officer to attacks on a coach and player, while investigators are reviewing vandalism, graffiti and pyrotechnics thrown inside the ground. Strachan, speaking to Covers.com World Cup betting, questioned the wisdom of reintroducing travelling support after a six-year absence. “It’s great to see two different sets of colours in the ground during an Old Firm game – but is it really worth it?” he asked. “I was personally happy when there was just one set of supporters in the stadium. I know I’m in the minority, but you’re putting police and staff at risk, and you’ve got fans running onto the pitch to attack people working there.” Celtic were allocated roughly 7,500 seats under Scottish Cup regulations, the first time since 2018 that the club has received the full away allocation for a derby. The next league meeting later this season is expected to welcome around 2,500 travelling fans. Strachan linked the volatility to a broader societal shift. “The world has become a nastier place in the past 30 years. Social media has made everything worse – some of the comments you see really are horrific and it builds up with both sides. When people who are saying these things to each other on social media eventually meet, this is what happens. I’m afraid the worst of us comes out at a football match, and it’s just not worth it.” Neither Celtic nor Rangers has issued an official statement on the incidents or on Strachan’s proposal.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals moved swiftly to shore up a beleaguered secondary on Tuesday, agreeing to a three-year, $40 million contract with free-agent safety Bryan Cook, according to multiple reports confirmed by The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. The deal, first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, delivers an instant upgrade to a Cincinnati defense that finished last season plagued by missed tackles and blown assignments. Cook, 25, arrives in his hometown after four seasons in Kansas City where he developed into one of the league’s most reliable all-purpose safeties. A University of Cincinnati product and Mt. Healthy High School graduate, the 6-foot-1 defender started 31 games over the past two seasons and missed only 11 tackles during that span—good for the seventh-best missed-tackle rate among NFL safeties. His versatility to play both single-high and in-the-box roles made him the No. 3-rated safety and No. 37 overall free agent on The Athletic’s annual board. The signing represents a dramatic pivot for the Bengals, whose secondary surrendered big plays with alarming frequency in 2023. Coaches believe Cook’s tackling efficiency and pre-snap communication will tighten a unit that too often appeared disjointed. Expectations inside Paycor Stadium are that the former Chief will line up as the starting strong safety from Week 1 and serve as the on-field traffic cop for a retooled back end. For Kansas City, Cook’s exit compounds an already crushing week in the defensive backfield. The Chiefs traded Pro Bowl corner Trent McDuffie to the Rams and watched Jaylen Watson sign with Los Angeles as well, leaving the roster with minimal proven experience at either corner or safety. While front-office officials anticipated Cook’s departure, the cumulative losses have created a near-total makeover for a secondary that helped anchor two recent Super Bowl runs. Depth pieces who saw late-season action will compete for expanded roles, yet league sources anticipate at least one marquee addition—via free agency or the draft—before training camp. Cook’s homecoming also underscores the Bengals’ willingness to spend on defense after devoting major resources to the offense a year ago. The $40 million pact, which includes significant guaranteed money in Year 1, signals Cincinnati’s urgency to return to postseason contention in an increasingly competitive AFC North. Negotiations wrapped up quickly once the legal tampering window opened, with Cook choosing familiarity—both with the city and the college program that fills Paycor Stadium every fall Sundays—over competing offers. Bengals officials believe the marriage of need, scheme fit, and local ties will pay immediate dividends when the 2024 season kicks off.

Torquay United expect to name a new manager within days as the National League South club battles to halt a slide that has seen them drop from top spot in early February to sixth place and nine points behind leaders Dorking Wanderers. Co-chairmen Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh confirmed the search is nearing completion after what they described as an “encouraging” response from across the game. “We hope to complete the appointment over the coming days,” the pair said in a joint statement released on Monday. “What has been particularly encouraging has been the level and quality of interest in the role. Torquay United remains a very attractive club for ambitious managers, and we have received a significant number of strong applications.” The Gulls have been without a permanent boss since Paul Wotton was dismissed earlier this month following a five-match winless run. Veteran Neil Warnock, 77, who serves as an advisor to the club’s owners, has overseen the last two fixtures on an interim basis, drawing 1-1 with Farnborough before Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Ebbsfleet United. Warnock will remain in the dugout for Tuesday night’s home encounter with Salisbury as the club tries to avoid an eighth game without victory. Bowes-Cavanagh and Westcott stressed that the incoming manager will be tasked with delivering “medium and long-term ambitions” rather than merely arresting the current slump. They also pledged immediate reinforcements to a squad depleted by injuries. “We know we are light on numbers in certain areas and we are actively working to strengthen the group,” the statement continued. “We hope to add some additional depth to the squad shortly as we head into the final 10 games of the season. Our focus remains firmly on maintaining our position in the play-off places and giving ourselves the best possible chance in the run-in.” Players, meanwhile, have been left in no doubt about the recent dip in results. “The squad are fully aware that results have not been where we would like them to be recently,” the co-chairmen added. “A loss of form, injuries and the departure of a manager can all test a group, but the players know the strength of support behind them and they are determined to respond.” With only a dozen fixtures remaining, Torquay’s next appointment could prove pivotal to salvaging a promotion push that once looked assured.

Milan, Italy – In a fixture famed for its razor-thin margins, Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina produced the clearest possible illustration of the Italian maxim “Gol sbagliato, gol subito”: miss a chance, and you’ll be punished immediately. An 80-second swing inside the second half settled the contest, gifting AC Milan a 1-0 victory over Inter and igniting wild celebrations at a packed Giuseppe Meazza. The decisive sequence began with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the Inter midfielder, presented with a gilt-edged opportunity to break the deadlock. His attempt, however, failed to find the net, and within moments the ball was in Inter’s penalty area at the other end. There, Pervis Estupiñán—the Ecuadorian full-back signed last summer from Brighton—met the cross to score his first goal for the Rossoneri, a strike that ultimately separated the sides. Lega Serie A’s official footage captures the entire drama, from Mkhitaryan’s anguished reaction to Estupiñán’s cathartic finish, all compressed into little more than a minute of play. The clip, circulating rapidly across social platforms, underscores why derby lore is written in heartbeats rather than halves. Estupiñán’s maiden Milan goal arrived in the 67th minute and proved enough to secure three precious league points. After the final whistle he was mobbed by teammates Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana, the trio saluting the Curva Sud in a moment already being replayed on loop by local broadcasters. Inter, meanwhile, were left to rue the cruelty of the game’s unwritten law: spurn a sitter, and the opposition will make you pay. On this occasion, the price was derby defeat and the momentum swing that accompanies it. With the result, Milan leapfrog their city rivals in the standings, while Inter must regroup quickly with a congested fixture list looming. Yet for neutrals and purists alike, Sunday’s clash will be remembered for a single, breathless passage that encapsulated the essence of calcio: fortune can pivot in less time than it takes to order an espresso. SEO keywords: