Category: Sports

Max Muncy delivered a dramatic walk-off home run with two outs in the ninth inning Friday night, completing his three-homer performance and lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 8-7 comeback victory over the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium.

The clutch blast marked Muncy’s second career three-homer game and capped a thrilling finish that saw the Dodgers overcome their closer’s first blown save of the season. Edwin Diaz surrendered the lead in the ninth but was credited with the victory.

Los Angeles extended its hot streak with a sixth win in seven contests, recording their sixth comeback victory this season while becoming the first Major League Baseball club to reach 10 wins in 2026.

Andy Pages continued his outstanding early-season performance, connecting for his team-high fourth home run of the year – a crucial two-run blast in the eighth inning that put the Dodgers ahead 7-4. Pages also delivered a go-ahead two-run double in the sixth frame, giving Los Angeles a 5-4 advantage after trailing 4-2. The young outfielder recorded his fourth three-hit performance of the campaign.

The scoring began when Muncy launched his first homer in the second inning for a 1-0 Dodgers lead. Former Los Angeles star Corey Seager quickly responded with a three-run shot to put Texas on top.

Seager, who captured two All-Star selections, National League Rookie of the Year honors, and both World Series and NLCS MVP awards during his time with the Dodgers, connected for his second three-run homer against his former club.

Muncy’s second long ball trimmed the deficit to 3-2 in the fourth inning. Wyatt Langford then took Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow deep to extend Texas’ lead to 4-2 before Hyeseong Kim added a sacrifice fly for Los Angeles.

Pages’ eighth-inning homer appeared to put the Dodgers in command heading to the final frame, but Diaz encountered trouble in the ninth. The closer allowed a two-run homer to Evan Carter and a game-tying single to Ezequiel Duran with two outs, setting up Muncy’s heroics against Rangers reliever Jacob Latz, who suffered his first loss of the season.

Before the first pitch, the Dodgers honored the memory of Davey Lopes with a moment of silence. Lopes, who died earlier this week, served as the team’s second baseman for much of the 1970s and early 1980s as part of one of baseball’s most successful infields.

Nine-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has agreed to a seven-figure contract with the Connecticut Sun, according to reports from the team’s sideline reporter and ESPN.

The announcement came Friday night that Griner, who had a disappointing statistical season with the Atlanta Dream, will receive the substantial contract from the Sun. The Dream organization is set to move to Houston in 2027.

The 35-year-old center hails from Houston and played college basketball at Baylor University.

The Phoenix Mercury made Griner the top pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft, where she developed into a two-time scoring leader and helped capture a championship in 2014.

After her highly publicized international detention in 2022, Griner played two additional seasons with Phoenix before moving to Atlanta for the previous season. During her time with the Dream, she posted career-worst numbers with 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while making 25 starts in 39 appearances.

Throughout her career, Griner has earned six All-WNBA selections and claimed Defensive Player of the Year honors twice.

Connecticut struggled significantly last season, finishing with an 11-33 record and a .250 winning percentage that marked the worst performance in the franchise’s existence.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani made baseball history Friday night, surpassing Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki’s record for the longest consecutive on-base streak by a player born in Japan.

Ohtani accomplished the feat by recording a base hit in the fifth inning against Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker, marking his 44th consecutive game reaching base safely. The streak spans across two seasons, beginning on August 24 and continuing through the final 31 contests of the previous campaign, plus all 13 games he has appeared in this year.

The previous benchmark was set by Suzuki during his time with the Seattle Mariners in 2009, when he safely reached base in 43 straight games. Ohtani has previously expressed his admiration for Suzuki during his youth in Japan.

This marks the second time Ohtani has eclipsed a record previously held by the legendary Suzuki. During the 2024 season, Ohtani swiped 59 bases, surpassing Suzuki’s mark of 56 stolen bases set in 2001 for most steals in a single season by a Japanese-born player.

Lakers superstar LeBron James etched his name deeper into basketball history Friday evening, joining an exclusive group as only the fourth NBA player ever to accumulate 12,000 career assists during Los Angeles’ home matchup against Phoenix.

The historic milestone occurred early in the opening quarter when James secured a defensive rebound and fired a full-court chest pass downcourt. Deandre Ayton hauled in the pass over defender Collin Gillespie and converted the basket with 7:49 remaining in the first period, marking assist number 12,000 for the Lakers veteran.

James now trails three legends on the all-time assists leaderboard. Utah Jazz icon John Stockton holds the record with 15,806 career assists, while recently retired point guard Chris Paul sits in second place with 12,552. Hall of Famer Jason Kidd occupies third position with 12,091 assists.

Should the 41-year-old James return for another campaign, he would likely surpass Kidd’s total. Whether he can eventually catch Paul depends on his physical condition and how many games he appears in going forward.

Coming into Friday’s contest, James was posting 7.1 assists per game this season in his 59th appearance of the 2025-26 campaign.

Throughout his illustrious career, James maintains a 7.4 assists per game average.

Friday night’s NBA action featured an unusual sight: many of the league’s biggest stars watching from the sidelines as teams approached the final weekend of regular season play.

The matchup between Oklahoma City and Denver could have showcased two recent MVP winners – Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this year’s reigning champion, and three-time winner Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets. Instead, both players remained on the bench alongside their fellow starters.

This pattern repeated across the league, with an extraordinary 168 players sidelined Friday evening due to various injuries, illnesses, or rest decisions. The Memphis Grizzlies alone held out 14 team members.

Friday marked game 81 for every NBA franchise – their penultimate contest before Sunday’s season finale. With Saturday serving as a league-wide rest day, teams made strategic choices about player availability.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault explained his team’s approach to reporters before tipoff: “If we didn’t clinch (the No. 1 overall seed) coming into tonight, everybody would be playing. We’ve earned the right through 80 games to manage their bodies and stuff like that.”

Oklahoma City had already secured the top playoff position, making player health their main concern heading into the postseason.

Denver faced different circumstances, still competing for seeding position. Jokic remains one game short of eligibility requirements for major awards, making a Sunday appearance likely for the star center.

“We’re all aware of that,” Nuggets coach David Adelman confirmed to media members.

San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama provided Friday’s most interesting eligibility storyline. Needing exactly 20 minutes to reach the 65-game threshold for award consideration, the rookie was initially pulled after hitting that mark precisely. However, he convinced coaches to return him to action for additional development time.

Wembanyama concluded with an impressive 40 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists across 26 minutes of play.

“If I had 65 (games) before, I for sure wouldn’t have played,” Wembanyama stated.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson added: “We need as much on-the-job training, on-the-court experience together as we can. That’s what we’re trying to do without overdoing it.”

Boston provided Friday’s offensive highlight, connecting on 29 three-point shots to match the NBA record. This marked just the fourth instance in league history of a team achieving this feat, and the second occurrence this week following Memphis’s performance Monday against Cleveland.

“Hopefully, we didn’t use them all up in one game,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla commented.

Golden State took a different approach, using Friday to prepare for their upcoming play-in tournament appearance. The Warriors started Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porzingis together for the first time this season.

“We’ll just take a look at that tonight,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr explained. “We have a season full of data and film on some of the combinations. But some of decisions we have to make, there’s no data. It’s just kind of a hunch so we have give some of that a look tonight.”

Atlanta secured the 11th guaranteed playoff berth by defeating Cleveland, who rested star guard Donovan Mitchell.

“It feels great,” Hawks guard CJ McCollum said following their clinching performance. “The guys did a great job of rallying together.”

Friday’s results finalized several playoff positioning matters: Boston claimed the Eastern Conference’s second seed behind top-ranked Detroit. New York locked up third place in the East, while Cleveland’s loss guaranteed them fourth position. Atlanta confirmed their playoff spot as either the fifth or sixth seed.

Charlotte will participate in the play-in tournament after falling to Detroit. Orlando secured no worse than the 7-versus-8 play-in matchup in the East, while Miami locked into the 9-versus-10 play-in game.

Multiple sources reported Friday that the Philadelphia Eagles have obtained wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks through a trade with the Green Bay Packers involving two draft selections.

Green Bay reduced their deep receiving corps in exchange for a fifth-round draft choice initially belonging to Atlanta, plus a 2027 sixth-round selection, according to the reports. The upcoming NFL draft is scheduled to begin April 23.

The 24-year-old player has one season left on his initial contract but will remain with Philadelphia through 2027 after reportedly signing a one-year extension valued at $12.5 million.

The Packers chose Wicks during the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft from the University of Virginia.

During the most recent season, Wicks appeared in 14 regular-season contests with seven starting assignments, recording 30 catches on 46 attempts for 332 yards and two scores. His offensive participation rate was 47% with 408 snaps, a decrease from his 54% rate and 586 snaps across 17 games in 2024.

Throughout his professional career, Wicks has accumulated 108 catches on 180 attempts with 11 touchdowns over 46 regular-season appearances, including 18 starts. In postseason play, he has four receptions on 10 attempts for 64 yards and one touchdown across three games, all as a starter.

Green Bay’s remaining receiver group includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, 2025 first-round selection Matthew Golden, and newly signed free agent Skyy Moore.

Philadelphia’s receiving unit features A.J. Brown, the 28-year-old three-time Pro Bowl selection who has been mentioned in trade speculation for several months.

The Eagles also feature DeVanta Smith and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown on their roster, with the latter joining the team on a one-year free-agent deal signed in March.

AUGUSTA, Georgia – Two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau was among the prominent golfers eliminated from the Masters tournament Friday after a devastating final hole performance at Augusta National Golf Club.

The LIV Golf star entered the par-four 18th hole positioned one stroke within the four-over-par cutoff needed to advance to weekend play. However, his tournament came to a crushing end when he required two attempts to escape a bunker near the green, ultimately recording a seven on the hole that sealed his early departure.

DeChambeau had entered this year’s opening major championship with momentum from back-to-back victories on the LIV Golf tour, but struggled to replicate that success at the prestigious Georgia course. The golfer had been in contention during last year’s Masters, briefly taking the lead in the final round.

Several other notable players also failed to advance past the 36-hole cut, including 2025 U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun and former British Open winner Cameron Smith, who also competes on the LIV circuit. A significant group of past Masters winners were eliminated as well, featuring Danny Willett, Bubba Watson, Zach Johnson, Fred Couples, Jose Maria Olazabal, Mike Weir, Vijay Singh, and Angel Cabrera.

Tournament officials at Augusta National reported that 54 golfers from 15 nations successfully advanced from the original field of 91 competitors.

AUGUSTA, Georgia – Defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy is making his title defense look effortless after firing a spectacular second-round performance at Augusta National Golf Club.

The Northern Irishman carded a seven-under-par 65 on Friday – the week’s best round – putting him at 12-under overall and creating a six-stroke advantage over Sam Burns and Patrick Reed. This marks the biggest 36-hole lead in the tournament’s storied history.

McIlroy’s breakthrough Masters victory last year, which came via playoff, completed his career Grand Slam and appears to have transformed his approach to the challenging Georgia course.

“I’ve always loved this tournament, I’ve always loved this golf course even when I felt it didn’t always love me back,” McIlroy shared with Sky Sports following his stellar round. “I feel like I’m playing with the house’s money which is a nice feeling to have.”

The 34-year-old finished his round with remarkable flair, recording six birdies across his final seven holes. The highlight came at the 17th where he chipped in from off the green, followed by sinking a six-foot putt on 18 for his fourth straight birdie.

Statistical trends favor McIlroy’s position. Over the past 14 Masters tournaments, every winner was within four shots of the halfway leader, giving him significant breathing room.

McIlroy credits his relaxed mindset to finally conquering Augusta after years of struggle, including his infamous 2011 collapse when he surrendered a four-shot final-round lead.

“Over the years this golf course is sometimes — you know, my mindset hasn’t been keep swinging. It’s been guided, tentative,” McIlroy explained to reporters. “I think the experience I’ve accrued over the years and obviously with what happened last year, it makes it a bit easier out there to keep swinging.”

Despite his commanding position, the four-time major winner has no intention of playing conservatively during the weekend rounds.

“Look, I’ve built up a nice cushion at this point. I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas,” he stated.

McIlroy acknowledges that Augusta National’s unpredictable nature means his lead isn’t safe, with numerous accomplished players still within striking distance on a packed leaderboard.

“Obviously this golf course has certain characteristics that guys can get on runs, guys can make eagles, you hear roars all over the golf course,” he noted. “I think the next two days for me is really about focusing on myself.”

His strategy for the final two rounds centers on maintaining focus and avoiding distractions from the tournament’s electric atmosphere.

“It’s hard to avoid those big leaderboards out there, but like I know that I’ve got a lead. So I don’t need to keep checking it all the time. So for me, just really focusing on myself and staying in my own little world out there is the best thing,” McIlroy concluded.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Masters Tournament field became significantly smaller for LIV Golf participants on Friday, as only five players from the Saudi-backed league survived the cut at Augusta National.

Leading the charge is England’s Tyrrell Hatton, who delivered the day’s second-best performance with a remarkable 6-under 66. Starting his morning round at 2-over par from the 9:31 a.m. tee time, Hatton climbed the leaderboard with seven birdies before briefly matching the overnight leaders at 5-under. A bogey on his closing hole dropped him back slightly.

The stellar round marked Hatton’s personal best at Augusta National by two strokes across 34 career rounds at the venue, representing just his fourth sub-70 score there.

“Today was a great day,” Hatton said. “Actually walking up 18, I was pretty confident that I couldn’t mess it up enough that I wouldn’t shoot my best score here. I mean, naturally I tried with a three-putt, so that was disappointing, to say the least.”

Hatton’s score initially appeared destined to be Friday’s best before Rory McIlroy caught fire with six birdies across his final seven holes, posting a 65. After two rounds, Hatton holds a tie for seventh position, trailing McIlroy’s lead by eight strokes.

His performance far exceeded that of his LIV Golf colleagues. Dustin Johnson claimed the next-best position at even par.

The remaining three qualifiers for weekend play were Sergio Garcia at 3-over, plus Jon Rahm and Charl Schwartzel, who both barely made the cut at 4-over par.

Bryson DeChambeau faced a crushing finish, needing only a bogey on the 18th hole to advance but instead recording a triple-bogey that dropped him to 6-over. This marked DeChambeau’s second triple-bogey of the tournament, following Thursday’s disaster on the 11th hole where he required three attempts to escape a greenside bunker.

Two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson also held cut-line position until missing an 18-foot par putt on his final hole.

Current LIV Golf standings after 36 holes show Tyrrell Hatton tied for 7th at 4-under, Dustin Johnson tied for 24th at even par, Sergio Garcia tied for 45th at 3-over, Jon Rahm and Charl Schwartzel both tied for 47th at 4-over, with the eliminated players including Bubba Watson at 5-over, Bryson DeChambeau at 6-over, Tom McKibbin at 7-over, Cameron Smith at 7-over, and Carlos Ortiz at 11-over.

Regarding preparation differences between LIV events and major championships, Hatton dismissed any need for special adjustments.

“It’s another tournament that you’re at. You go on to the next hole, and you try your best,” Hatton said. “Wherever you play, whatever the tournament is, you’re always giving it your best, and you’re trying to prepare in a way to give yourself a chance to win the tournament.”

“I don’t think anyone that’s playing this week would change anything. That would be my guess. But yeah, every tournament you play, you’re trying to win. This week is no different in that sense.”

The Saudi-funded circuit entered with its smallest Masters field ever, further reduced after Phil Mickelson’s withdrawal last week due to family health concerns. LIV Golf’s Masters presence has steadily diminished since the league’s 2022 launch, dropping from 18 qualified players in 2023 to 13 in 2024 and 12 last year.

This year’s reduced number stems partly from recent departures of Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed from LIV Golf. Additionally, Joaquin Niemann failed to receive an invitation after earning special invites the previous two years.

Both former LIV players are performing well this weekend, with Reed tied for second at 6-under and Koepka sharing 13th place at 3-under.

AUGUSTA, Georgia – English golfer Justin Rose maintains his competitive fire heading into the weekend at Augusta National, though he faces a steep climb to catch defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

The 45-year-old Rose, who suffered a playoff loss to McIlroy at last year’s tournament, carded a three-under-par 69 during Friday’s second round, positioning him in a tie for fourth place at six-under overall – trailing the Northern Irishman by six strokes.

Despite being a three-time Masters runner-up, Rose insists his motivation remains as strong as ever.

“No, I feel the same, which is good,” Rose explained. “I think if I can feel the same, that means I’m doing a lot of other good things because I’m not feeling older and stuff like that. I feel the same. I feel in good form. I feel in good spirits.”

The 2013 U.S. Open winner acknowledged that while his desire to capture the Green Jacket burns bright, he’s careful not to force things on the course.

“I don’t really need to try any harder; know what I mean? I think trying harder is — I just think the experience in that is probably trying harder ain’t going to help me,” Rose said. “So that’s probably the dance I’m doing with myself.”

Rose will require a significant weekend collapse from McIlroy to have a realistic shot at his first Masters victory.

Friday’s round presented numerous challenges for the veteran golfer. He stumbled early with a bogey following a wayward drive, then encountered serious trouble at the fifth hole when his ball came to rest beneath a bush, threatening to completely derail his round before he managed to salvage par.

Rose’s fortunes changed dramatically around the turn. After securing his first birdie at the seventh hole, he strung together three straight birdies, including one at the par-four 11th that briefly put him atop the leaderboard. Although he dropped a shot at the dangerous 12th hole, he bounced back with a four-foot birdie putt at the par-five 15th.

“I felt like the round could have gone either way,” Rose reflected.

“I’m under a bush on No. 5, already one-over for the round. I felt like momentum was definitely going the wrong way at that point in my round, so I think I did a good job of digging in at that point and rebuilding the round, so I give myself a lot of credit for finding that momentum and finding that good play.”

Eighteen-year-old Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva, the tournament’s top seed, defeated Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in a hard-fought three-set match on Friday to advance to the semifinals of the Upper Austria Ladies Linz tournament in Austria.

The young Russian star delivered five aces and successfully converted five of her seven break point opportunities in the 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 victory over the 36-year-old fifth-seeded Cirstea, who is playing her final season on the professional tour. Following her second-set loss, Andreeva dominated early in the deciding set by capturing the opening three games, ultimately securing her quarterfinal win.

Andreeva’s semifinal opponent will be Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse, who pulled off an impressive comeback victory against Latvia’s fourth-seeded Jelena Ostapenko. Ruse fired nine aces during her 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 upset win, while Ostapenko struggled with her serve, committing 11 double faults throughout the match.

The tournament’s other semifinal will feature Austria’s Anastasia Potapova against Croatia’s Donna Vekic. Potapova dominated her fellow Austrian Lilli Tagger with a 7-6 (7), 6-0 victory, while Vekic eliminated Czech player Karolina Pliskova in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.

The Atlanta Falcons made a significant roster move Friday by activating the fifth-year contract option for their star running back Bijan Robinson, securing his services through the 2027 season.

The 24-year-old Robinson just wrapped up an outstanding 2025 campaign that saw him break franchise records with 2,298 total yards from scrimmage, a figure that topped the entire NFL. His rushing statistics included 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns, highlighted by a spectacular 93-yard scoring run that was the longest in the league. Robinson also proved his versatility as a receiver, hauling in 79 catches for 820 yards and four touchdowns.

Under the option year in 2027, Robinson will receive an $11.323 million base salary, according to Spotrac data. His current four-year rookie deal worth $21.9 million, signed in 2023, will pay him $1.1 million in base salary for 2026, along with a prorated signing bonus of $3.2 million and roster bonus of $2.6 million, creating a total cap hit of $6,986,809.

Atlanta’s newly appointed general manager Ian Cunningham praised Robinson’s abilities during last month’s NFL league meetings in Phoenix. “He is one of the best players at his position, one of the best players in the league,” Cunningham stated. “I was excited that I had already had the chance to get to know him and start some dialog with him.”

Robinson’s accolades include Pro Bowl selections in both 2024 and 2025, first-team All-Pro recognition in 2025, and NFL All-Rookie team honors in 2023.

The Falcons made Robinson the eighth overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft after his successful college career at Texas.

Throughout his professional career spanning 51 games with 50 starts, Robinson has accumulated impressive statistics: 805 rushing attempts for 3,910 yards and 25 touchdowns, plus 198 catches for 1,738 receiving yards and nine touchdown receptions.

New head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized Robinson’s value both on and off the field during recent comments. “There’s no shortage in what he can do for the football team on the field,” Stefanski explained. “But also the person that he is off the field and what he brings to our locker room, and to the question earlier about culture and being a player-driven culture, he’s a driver of that just because of how he attacks each day.”

SEATTLE — A ceremony honoring baseball Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki took an unexpected turn Friday when his newly unveiled statue suffered an embarrassing malfunction.

During the much-anticipated reveal outside T-Mobile Park, the bronze bat on Suzuki’s statue broke off as the covering was removed. Broadcaster Rick Rizzs was counting down from 51 — representing the jersey number the Seattle Mariners retired for their legendary outfielder — when the mishap occurred.

As the curtain dropped away and confetti filled the air, a distinct snapping sound echoed through the crowd when the bat detached and fell.

“Here it is! The statue of one of the greatest players in the history of the game!” Rizzs announced as celebratory music played outside the stadium.

The bronze sculpture shows Suzuki in his iconic batting position. Rather than being upset by the incident, the baseball great found humor in the situation, making a playful reference to Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera through his interpreter.

“I didn’t think Mariano would come out here,” Suzuki joked with a grin through the interpreter, “and break the bat.”

Stadium crews quickly addressed the problem, reattaching the bat to its proper position at the handle. Suzuki earned his place in baseball history last summer as the first player from Japan to enter the Hall of Fame, receiving an impressive 99.7% of votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

The ceremony brought together Seattle’s three retired number honorees. Ken Griffey Jr. (No. 24) and Edgar Martinez (No. 11) joined Suzuki for the unveiling, with all three pulling away the statue’s covering together. Both Griffey and Martinez also have monuments outside the ballpark.

Suzuki, maintaining his good humor about the broken bat, suggested the flaw was somehow appropriate.

“In the Hall of Fame, I was short one vote,” Suzuki explained. “Today, the bat was broke. It kind of lets me know that I’m still not there, that I still need to keep going. So, this is a good example of that.”

Municipal leaders in Kansas City, Missouri have unveiled plans to finance $600 million through bond issuance for a brand new downtown baseball facility, hoping to prevent the Royals from following the Chiefs’ recent departure to Kansas.

On Thursday, Mayor Quinton Lucas joined nine City Council members in presenting legislation that would authorize the city manager to enter stadium negotiations with the Royals. The proposed venue would be constructed close to Union Station and the World War I museum, roughly six miles northwest from their existing home at Kauffman Stadium.

Officials estimate the total construction cost at $1.9 billion. Missouri passed legislation last year committing the state to fund half that amount at $950 million. With Kansas City’s proposed bond contribution, the Royals organization would be responsible for securing $350 million through private financing.

Both the Royals and Chiefs have called the Truman Sports Complex home since 1973, where Kauffman Stadium sits adjacent to Arrowhead Stadium on Jackson County-owned property. Current lease agreements end in 2031, and county residents voted down a tax extension in April 2024 that would have funded renovations for both facilities.

Team officials are also evaluating an alternative location approximately five miles north in North Kansas City.

Kansas lawmakers, who would need to authorize any deal to attract the Royals, appear reluctant after the state approved $2.4 billion in bonds this past December to fund 60% of a new $3 billion domed facility for the Chiefs in Kansas City, Kansas. House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican, and Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, a Democrat, released a joint Friday statement congratulating Missouri and stating they were “looking forward to what’s ahead.”

The Kansas City Council may vote on the ordinance as soon as this Thursday, though City Manager Mario Vasquez emphasized that efforts to retain the team are “just beginning.”

In a Friday statement, the Royals expressed appreciation, saying: “We are grateful for their engagement in this process, as well as for the critical work of the State of Missouri, and look forward to more detailed conversations as we consider solutions that are best for our team, our fans, and our community.”

Sports economists have consistently found over decades that public stadium subsidies fail to justify their costs, as these facilities typically redirect economic activity rather than generate new regional growth. Despite this research, municipalities and states continue funding stadium construction and renovation projects.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe characterized the Royals as “a key economic catalyst” for the state.

“The State of Missouri is committed to continue working alongside the Kansas City Royals organization and the City of Kansas City to ensure the Royals remain in Missouri — where they belong,” Kehoe stated.

Among the 60 facilities housing MLB and NFL franchises, 49 operate under public ownership or on government-owned land.

Recent examples include New York state and Erie County contributing $850 million, representing 40% of the Buffalo Bills’ new $2.1 billion stadium cost. In Ohio, state and local authorities have committed $1.2 billion to cover half the expenses for a new Cleveland Browns facility, though litigation has delayed the state’s contribution.

Kansas officials have labeled the Chiefs’ stadium project as their state’s most significant economic development initiative ever. The franchise also intends to develop a surrounding retail complex and construct a new training facility in Olathe, Kansas.

The Seattle Mariners faced an embarrassing moment Friday when their ceremony honoring Hall of Fame outfielder Ichiro Suzuki took an unexpected turn.

During the unveiling ceremony at T-Mobile Park, the bronze statue’s bat broke off just above where the hands grip it as officials removed the navy blue covering. Suzuki himself was present for the dedication, standing alongside baseball legends Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, and team owner John Stanton on the first-base side of the stadium. The legendary player covered his face with his hands and winced when he saw the damaged statue.

“I did not do that,” Griffey said.

The team responded to the mishap with humor on their social media accounts, sharing an image of a miniature version of the broken statue and writing: “Breaking: We’ve updated tonight’s Ichiro Replica Statue giveaway.”

“I didn’t think Mariano (Rivera) would come out here and break the bat,” Ichiro said through his longtime interpreter.

The bronze memorial captures Suzuki’s distinctive batting stance, showing him holding the bat perpendicular to the ground while his left hand crosses over his chest.

During his time with Seattle, Suzuki earned 10 All-Star selections as part of his Hall of Fame career. Over 14 seasons with the Mariners spanning 2001-2012 and 2018-2019, he maintained a .321 batting average and recorded 438 stolen bases.

CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga delivered six spectacular no-hit innings Friday afternoon before Pittsburgh finally managed to connect against reliever Caleb Thielbar in the seventh frame.

The 32-year-old left-hander dominated the Pirates lineup, recording nine strikeouts while issuing just one walk. Imanaga threw exactly 100 pitches during his outstanding performance, with 68 finding the strike zone.

Pittsburgh’s breakthrough came when Ryan O’Hearn stepped into the batter’s box to face Thielbar, connecting on a 1-1 slider for a clean single to right field — the Pirates’ first base hit of the contest. Bryan Reynolds followed immediately with a towering blast to left field off Thielbar’s next offering, his third home run of the season, giving Pittsburgh a 2-0 advantage on the cold Chicago afternoon.

The Pirates had managed just one baserunner against Imanaga prior to his departure. Oneil Cruz drew a two-out walk in the second inning, but the Cubs pitcher quickly escaped trouble by striking out rookie Konnor Griffin to end the frame.

Coming into Friday’s game, Imanaga was looking to bounce back from a rough start to the season, carrying an 0-1 record and 4.50 earned run average through his first two outings.

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been discharged from a Houston medical facility following successful appendix removal surgery, the franchise confirmed Friday. The seven-time All-Star is now heading back to Philadelphia to continue his recovery.

Team officials stated that Embiid’s post-surgery rehabilitation will be overseen by Philadelphia’s medical staff working alongside the surgeon who performed the operation. No specific date has been established for when the center will resume playing basketball.

The 76ers fell to the Houston Rockets 113-102 on Thursday night while playing without their star player, who had undergone the medical procedure earlier that same day at a Houston area hospital. Following the defeat, Philadelphia now holds a 43-37 record and shares the eighth playoff position with Charlotte, though the 76ers hold the advantage in tiebreaker scenarios.

Both Philadelphia and Charlotte trail seventh-place Orlando by one game, with the Magic sitting at 44-36. Toronto and Atlanta, each with 45-35 records, currently occupy the final two direct playoff berths, staying two games ahead of the 76ers. With just two contests remaining in the regular season, Philadelphia would secure a play-in tournament berth if they suffer one additional loss or if both the Hawks and Raptors each win once more.

The 32-year-old Embiid has posted averages of 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds across 38 games this season, starting in each appearance.

The former MVP from the 2022-23 campaign has compiled career statistics of 27.6 points and 10.8 rebounds over 490 games since Philadelphia selected him third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, starting every game of his professional career.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox have decided to broaden their celebration of Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago and has been a devoted supporter of the baseball franchise for years.

Team officials revealed Friday their decision to distribute pope-themed caps to every person attending their August 11th matchup with Cincinnati. Initially, these commemorative items were only available to those who had bought special theme night tickets.

“The fans have spoken, and unlike some of our more limited quantity promotions, the White Sox Pope Hat is one we believe all fans should have the opportunity to take home,” Brooks Boyer, the chief revenue and marketing officer for the team, said in a release. “We viewed the promotion as a creative way to celebrate one of the franchise’s most popular fans, and by the overwhelming response we received, White Sox fans certainly agreed.”

The commemorative caps are designed to resemble the Pope’s miter, featuring the team’s sock emblem at the center. Team officials stated that supporters who had previously bought the special tickets will still receive their hat plus one extra item.

The pontiff, who was previously known as Robert Prevost, was present for Chicago’s 2005 World Series opening game versus Houston and witnessed his cherished team defeat the Astros 5-3 during their path to a four-game championship sweep and their first title since 1917.

This past May, the White Sox revealed a graphic display near the seat that honors Pope Leo and that historic moment. The pillar features an image of Pope Leo XIV waving, alongside a photograph from the television coverage showing the future pope seated with close friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie.

During June, Rate Field held a celebration recognizing his selection as America’s first pope. The following month, during a pre-game tribute to the 2005 championship team, White Sox legend Paul Konerko received a jersey autographed by the pope, presented as a gift from one number 14 to another.

Pope Leo made headlines by breaking Vatican tradition when he wore a White Sox cap last year. This past October, he responded “they lost” to someone who shouted “go Cubs.” Just weeks ago, he gave a thumbs up gesture to a person who called out “God bless the White Sox!”

Major League Baseball announced Friday that Black player representation on opening day rosters has grown for two straight years, marking the first consecutive increase in at least 20 years.

According to MLB data, Black players comprised 6.8% of those on opening day rosters, injured lists, and restricted lists this season. This represents a jump from 6.2% in 2025 and 6.0% in 2024.

The 0.6% jump this season represents the largest single-year gain since the sport saw a 0.7% boost between 2017 and 2018.

Research from the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at Central Florida shows a stark contrast to historical numbers, with Black representation standing at 18% when their annual reports began in 1991.

Among the 64 Black players counted, 20 had participated in league development initiatives including the MLB Youth Academy, Breakthrough Series, DREAM Series, Nike RBI, and the Hank Aaron Invitational.

The league reported that 22 of these players are 25 or younger, while eight are over 32 years old. Black players averaged 27.8 years of age compared to the overall league average of 29.25 years.

Additionally, 17 Black players on opening day 40-man rosters were assigned to minor league teams, with seven coming from MLB development programs. Among this group was Milwaukee outfielder Blake Perkins, who joined the Brewers on March 26.

MIAMI — The Miami Heat officially released Terry Rozier on Friday, ending a troubled season for the player who faces federal charges connected to an illegal gambling scheme.

The procedural move was widely anticipated and frees up a roster spot for Miami to add another player ahead of the playoffs. Rozier’s lone appearance this season came during the team’s season opener against Orlando on October 22, though he never entered the game.

Federal agents took Rozier into custody at the team hotel the next morning. Authorities allege he provided insider information to help bettors win wagers on his statistical performance during a March 23, 2023 contest while he was still playing for Charlotte.

Miami has until Sunday to sign a replacement player before beginning play-in tournament action next week.

Following his arrest, the NBA immediately suspended Rozier indefinitely. Despite his legal troubles, he continued receiving his full $26.6 million salary throughout the season. Initially, Miami deposited the payments into an interest-earning account, but an arbitrator later determined Rozier should receive the funds directly.

The Heat acquired Rozier through a January 2024 trade with Charlotte, sending Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round draft pick in exchange. Miami was unaware of the ongoing federal investigation at the time. In an unusual move last month, Charlotte provided Miami with a second-round pick in this year’s draft, apparently to settle disputes over the undisclosed legal issues.

League rules required teams to release players with expiring contracts or team options by 5 p.m. Friday. Throughout the season, Miami continued including Rozier on injury reports with a “not with team” designation, and his nameplate remained above his locker despite his obvious absence.

The extent of communication between Rozier and the Heat organization since October remains unclear. He reportedly sent congratulatory text messages to team members following Bam Adebayo’s outstanding 83-point performance against Washington, but has had no known contact with the team otherwise.

The suspicious betting activity surrounding Rozier’s March 2023 performance against New Orleans was immediately flagged by sportsbooks that day. While the NBA conducted its own investigation at the time, league officials found no evidence to prevent him from continuing to play. The current federal probe is separate from that earlier inquiry.

In the game in question, Rozier started for Charlotte and performed well during his 9½ minutes on the court, recording five points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. This statistical combination in a first quarter has occurred only twice in his professional career.

Rozier left that game citing foot discomfort and did not return. Charlotte has not publicly revealed whether team officials knew about any federal investigation into their player’s activities.

During his NBA career with Boston, Charlotte and Miami, Rozier has maintained a 13.9 points per game average. He suited up for 95 games during his time with the Heat.

Ticket sales for the Atlanta Dream have exploded following the team’s blockbuster trade earlier this week that brought Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky to Atlanta.

According to a Thursday social media post from StubHub, fan interest reached unprecedented levels after the trade was announced.

“Atlanta Dream ticket demand spiked 15x after trading for Angel Reese, the largest single day spike in franchise history,” the company wrote on their X social media account. “The Angel Reese Effect is real.”

The Sky sent Reese to Atlanta on Monday in exchange for the Dream’s first-round draft selections in both 2027 and 2028, plus the ability to exchange second-round picks in 2028.

The 23-year-old forward has dominated the boards during her brief WNBA career, topping the league in rebounds for both of her professional seasons. She pulled down 13.1 rebounds per contest in 2024 and 12.6 during her rookie campaign, establishing the two highest single-season rebounding averages in league history.

In just 64 career games, Reese has achieved 49 double-doubles. The two-time All-Star selection put up 14.7 points per game this past season, an improvement from her 13.6 scoring average as a first-year player in 2024.

DALLAS (AP) — The intensity level between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild reached playoff heights with their first-round Western Conference series still a week away.

The Central Division rivals, who have already secured their playoff matchup, delivered a physical preview of what’s to come in the postseason during Dallas’ 5-4 victory Thursday night.

“That’s probably exactly what you’re going to expect. Guys finishing hits, taking hits to make plays,” said Jason Robertson, who netted his 42nd goal of the season with 9:25 remaining to secure the win for Dallas.

Stars coach Glen Gulutzan agreed with the assessment. “You knew there was going to be some emotion in the game. They’ve been trying to hunt us down for months, and it’s given them some fuel,” he said.

Dallas rallied from a two-goal deficit thanks to contributions from Wyatt Johnston, Mikko Rantanen, and Colin Blackwell, who each recorded a goal and assist. The victory pushes the Stars to 106 points, establishing a four-point lead over Minnesota for home-ice advantage in their upcoming series. Both clubs have three regular-season contests remaining before the playoffs begin.

The physical nature of the game was evident in the penalty statistics, with officials calling 12 roughing infractions — split evenly between the teams — along with numerous other altercations involving multiple players.

“Every time these two teams play each other it always is a hard-fought battle,” said Wild coach John Hynes, whose squad saw its four-game winning streak come to an end. “You saw some emotion in the game, and I think that is to be expected.”

Dallas will face only Eastern Conference opponents in their remaining games, beginning with Saturday’s home finale against the New York Rangers before traveling to Toronto. The Stars conclude the regular season at Buffalo, which has ended a franchise-record 14 seasons without playoff qualification.

Minnesota’s schedule keeps them in the Western Conference, starting with a road game at Nashville and finishing at home versus Anaheim — both teams still battling for playoff positioning. The Wild will also visit St. Louis between those contests.

Kirill Kaprizov led Minnesota’s offensive attack with two power-play goals, bringing his season total to 45 and tying his franchise record with 19 power-play tallies.

Kaprizov gave the Wild a 2-1 advantage with 16 seconds left in the opening period, scoring just 14 seconds into the man advantage. He extended Minnesota’s lead to 3-1 in the second period with another quick power-play strike, finding the net only 16 seconds into the penalty.

After Dallas tied the game, Ryan Hartman’s power-play goal with nine seconds remaining in the middle frame put Minnesota ahead 4-3.

However, the Wild couldn’t hold their lead. They suffered their first regulation defeat since March 2024 when leading entering the final period, ending a remarkable 61-0-4 record in such situations.

Minnesota had one final opportunity to tie the game after Rantanen took a slashing penalty with 2½ minutes left, but couldn’t convert even after pulling goaltender Filip Gustavsson for an extra attacker.

“How we played, we should have gotten a better result. I felt like we were playing very good,” Gustavsson said. “We went 2-2 against them.”

The season series between these teams began with Dallas winning 5-2 in their home opener on October 14. Minnesota captured both games on their home ice, winning 5-2 on December 11 and taking a 2-1 overtime decision on March 21.

The Stars may face a significant concern heading into the playoffs after defenseman Miro Heiskanen left the game with a lower-body injury following a hard check into the boards by Hartman late in the first period.

Gulutzan had no immediate update on Heiskanen’s condition but indicated the defenseman would miss the next game. “We’ll have him looked at tomorrow and the next day,” said Gulutzan when asked about potential playoff availability. “Honestly, I don’t know, but any time there’s an injury, especially your top guys, it’s concerning.”

Similar to how underdog teams have become scarce in March Madness, smaller colleges are seeing fewer of their players selected in the NFL draft.

The culprits are NIL deals and the transfer portal, which together have created a talent pipeline flowing toward major conference schools.

The Power Four conferences – SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 – control college football through superior revenue streams, television contracts and financial resources.

These advantages are increasingly drawing top athletes away from smaller programs.

“Jerry Rice still gets drafted by the 49ers, but I don’t know that it’s from Mississippi Valley State today,” said Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, referencing the Hall of Fame receiver’s legendary rise from a small school. “That’s where he started, but I think it may be from — pick a big school.”

The NCAA basketball tournament once regularly showcased unknown programs from remote locations that captured national attention and destroyed tournament brackets. However, for the first time since the field expanded in 1985, all 16 Elite Eight teams last year came from major conferences, including the Big East. This pattern repeated in the most recent tournament, indicating that the transfer portal is consolidating elite talent at well-funded institutions.

This basketball trend is now appearing in football recruiting and development.

The numbers tell the story: Just 24 players from non-major conferences were drafted in 2024, continuing a steep decline from 70 such selections in 2022. The figure dropped to 38 in 2023 before reaching last year’s low of 34.

Even these statistics include players from traditionally strong programs outside major conferences. Last year’s two first-round picks from non-power schools were Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, chosen sixth by Las Vegas, and North Dakota State lineman Grey Zabel, selected 18th by Seattle.

Boise State has consistently produced NFL talent, with seven draft picks since 2021, while North Dakota State has captured 18 national titles, including 10 FCS championships since 2010 and eight Division II crowns.

Other 2024 selections came from schools like Alabama A&M, Central Arkansas and Western Kentucky.

The NCAA implemented its name, image and likeness policy in summer 2021, allowing athletes to earn money from their personal brands. Soon after, rule changes permitted multiple transfers while maintaining immediate eligibility under specific conditions.

Athletes like Jeanty and Zabel continue reaching the draft – they’re just more likely to come from established football programs now.

This year’s draft from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh could see even fewer small-school names called, as only 17 of the 319 combine invitees represented non-power conference programs.

Notable exceptions include Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, rated by NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah as the draft’s 16th-best prospect, and San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson, ranked 40th by Jeremiah.

This shift has altered how NFL organizations approach college scouting, with fewer trips to smaller campuses.

“I think as you set your schedule for where you want your scouts to spend their most time, I think even in the last couple of years, you want them more in those places, concentrated areas like we talked about,” explained Broncos general manager George Paton. “Not that there’s not going to be good players in some of these other smaller schools.”

The difference is that many talented players now transfer to major conferences, where they access better financial opportunities, increased visibility and stronger personal branding possibilities.

Paton discovered one of the decade’s best small-college gems when he selected Wisconsin-Whitewater guard Quinn Meinerz in the third round of 2021.

Among 37 smaller-school draftees that year, Meinerz quickly became one of the league’s premier guards, famously wearing a gold paisley suit to sign his $80 million contract extension in 2024. He has since earned consecutive first-team All-Pro selections.

Despite playing “for the love of the game” in Division III’s Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Meinerz attracted NFL attention.

“There’s a pretty good scouting department across the entire NFL,” Meinerz noted, “and they’ll come find you.”

While that remains true, scouts increasingly find their targets concentrated within Power Four conference boundaries.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A moment of pure frustration at Augusta National has put Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre in hot water both literally and figuratively during Thursday’s opening round of the Masters Tournament.

MacIntyre displayed his middle finger toward the course after watching his approach shot find the water hazard fronting the 15th green. Standing at 3-over-par at the time, the Scottish player’s troubles were just beginning. His next attempt from the drop zone suffered the same watery fate, spinning backward off the firm green surface.

The disastrous sequence resulted in a quadruple-bogey 9, pushing MacIntyre to 7-over for the tournament. Additional struggles on the 17th hole with another bogey left him at 8-over 80 for the day. His woes continued into Friday’s second round with a double-bogey on the opening hole, placing him at 10-over and well outside the projected cut line.

Tournament officials may review MacIntyre’s gesture for possible disciplinary measures, as such conduct violates professional golf’s standards of sportsmanship.

The 15th hole, typically among Augusta National’s more manageable scoring opportunities, proved treacherous for multiple players due to exceptionally dry and firm course conditions. Thursday’s field averaged 74.65 strokes, with the par-5 15th playing to a 5.12 average — the only par-5 to play above par.

Patrick Reed experienced similar misfortune when his well-struck 7-wood approach bounced off the green and rolled into the water near the 16th hole. Reed attributed the outcome to unfortunate bounces on the concrete-hard putting surface. Gary Woodland narrowly avoided disaster, watching his second shot roll dangerously close to the same watery grave.

Veteran Fred Couples endured perhaps the day’s most painful experience at the 15th. Sitting comfortably at 2-under and inside the top-10, Couples watched in disbelief as two consecutive approach shots rolled back into the hazard, matching MacIntyre’s quadruple-bogey 9. A subsequent double-bogey on 16 contributed to his 78.

“I’ve played I don’t know how many rounds. I’ve never done that, hit it in the water going for the green. Never hit a 90-yard shot in the water and then followed up with another one,” Couples explained. “I’ve played 41 years here. I’ve never done that.”

“It was kind of like a shot I can handle, but I wasn’t even trying to handle it. I was just trying to hit it 30 feet right. No one is going to hit it in there five feet I don’t think. The greens are like concrete. The course was really, really good.”

Adam Scott also found the water with his 15th-hole approach but demonstrated better course management. Rather than dropping in the same location, Scott utilized the designated drop area forward of the hazard, pitched to the back portion of the green, and limited the damage to a single bogey.

PHILADELPHIA — When Philadelphia Flyers supporter Mike Culin decided his struggling hockey team needed divine assistance, he abandoned conventional lucky charms for a celestial strategy: presenting Pope Leo XIV with a personalized Flyers uniform during a family vacation to Italy.

“I thought, what are you doing? That jersey is expensive,” recalled Culin’s spouse, Christine. “Do you honestly believe you’ll manage to reach the Pope and give him this? But he had confidence.”

Few have endured more heartbreak than Flyers supporters over the past fifty years, but Mike Culin never lost his belief, whether in hockey or in heaven.

When the opportunity arose, Culin prepared for the ultimate play — an attempt to somehow deliver the Flyers jersey bearing “Pope Leo” on the nameplate and number 14 (with respect to current No. 14 Sean Couturier) from Essington, Pennsylvania, to Vatican City and into the possession of the first American-born pope, a Chicago native and devoted sports enthusiast.

The Culin family, along with their son Jesse Gennett, his spouse, and her parents, embarked on an Italian journey that included securing a position for the papal gathering in St. Peter’s Square. The group assembled on March 18 with jersey ready, hoping to attract Leo’s notice as he passed in the popemobile.

“Our objective was simply getting him to notice it,” Gennett explained. “We figured we needed to position ourselves near the edge because that would give us the best opportunity for him to spot it. And he did notice it. He gestured toward it and gave what looked like a thumbs up. Everything happened incredibly quickly.”

Christine Culin raised the jersey by gripping both shoulders so the pope would see it, while her daughter-in-law requested the jersey for a better opportunity to hand it over as the popemobile drew near.

“For you! For you! For you! For you!” Gennett’s wife, Valerie Giacobbe, shouted toward the papal procession.

Indeed, a security officer grabbed the jersey and transferred it to someone who examined the uniform while seated in the vehicle behind Leo. The families cheered with excitement and captured additional photos when the popemobile paused so Leo could bless some infants.

“He might have looked right and completely missed it,” Mike Culin noted. “Instead he looked left and spotted the jersey.”

Culin’s hope centered as much on securing some heavenly assistance for the Flyers’ final games as it did on gifting Leo a jersey.

“He believed the Flyers required that support,” Gennett said. “And they absolutely did.”

With this ultimate advantage, the Flyers defeated Anaheim that evening to begin a three-game victory run, contributing to a 9-4 performance during that period to enter the Eastern Conference playoff race. The white smoke signaling a playoff position hasn’t yet emerged from their home venue: The Flyers maintain a slim one-point advantage for the final spot with three contests remaining.

Certain Flyers supporters attribute papal influence to the winning streak, while more skeptical fans believe it was actually an arrival from above that triggered the turnaround: Canadian teenager Porter Martone, who has scored one goal and earned four points in his initial five NHL appearances.

The papal footage gained social media attention when Chris Gennett, a musician and Jesse’s brother, shared the 60-second family video on TikTok.

The pope, formerly Robert Prevost, is a recognized sports enthusiast, particularly of the Chicago White Sox. He was present at the 2005 World Series opening game against Houston in Chicago and witnessed his favorite team defeat the Astros 5-3 en route to a four-game championship sweep and their first title since 1917.

But what would prompt him to acknowledge a Flyers jersey? He did study at Villanova University near Philadelphia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1977. Perhaps he attended some games at the former Spectrum and cheered for those combative Broad Street Bullies.

Culin mentioned he would have kept the jersey — a family friend hand-sewed the nameplate — as a novelty memento if Leo hadn’t noticed the gift.

Maybe during his private moments, Leo has tried on the size 52 jersey, just for enjoyment.

“He had to check if it fits, right?” Culin said with a chuckle.

A former major championship winner found himself banned from Augusta National Golf Club this week after breaking the venue’s well-known cell phone restrictions, according to reports from Golfweek.

Mark Calcavecchia, who captured the 1989 British Open title at Royal Troon, was removed from the golf course Wednesday, just one day before the Masters Tournament began. The 65-year-old golfer had been invited to attend as an honorary guest.

When contacted by Golfweek about the incident, Calcavecchia declined to elaborate on what happened.

“I’ve got nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, so I think we should literally hang up right now,” Calcavecchia told the publication before terminating the conversation.

Neither Augusta National officials nor Calcavecchia’s representative provided immediate confirmation when Reuters reached out for comment via email.

Throughout his career, Calcavecchia secured 13 victories on the PGA Tour and participated in the Masters Tournament on 18 occasions. His strongest showing at Augusta came in 1988, when he placed second behind Britain’s Sandy Lyle.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell declared Friday that the league’s historic Australian debut will mark the beginning of a long-term commitment to the region, not just a single showcase event.

Speaking to media at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Goodell emphasized the NFL’s dedication to establishing a lasting presence in Australia ahead of the September 11 regular season matchup between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

“There’s no question that we’re going to be playing here again,” Goodell stated during his visit to the famous venue. “Our view is that we’re coming here for the long term. We don’t come as a one-offs. This isn’t a circus.”

The commissioner stressed the league’s serious investment in the Australian market, adding: “This is something that’s an investment in this, in this market and we believe that, this is long term and will be great for the NFL long term.”

When asked about the possibility of another game occurring by 2027, Goodell responded with a simple “It might.”

Demand for the inaugural Australian NFL game has exceeded expectations at the 100,000-capacity stadium. Goodell revealed that pre-sales were so robust the league could have completely sold out the event early, but officials deliberately held back tickets to ensure American fans could still purchase seats.

The commissioner expressed optimism about potentially breaking the NFL regular season attendance record of 105,121 fans, set when Dallas hosted the New York Giants in Arlington in 2009.

“We’re going to have to talk and see how many more seats we can get in there,” Goodell explained. “So I think the record is slightly over 100… but it’s going to be darn close and maybe we can get there.”

While excitement builds in Australia, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan previously voiced concerns about opening the 2026 season with the lengthy international trip, questioning the benefits for his team’s preparation.

Goodell acknowledged the coach’s perspective as completely reasonable given his primary responsibility to win games.

“Coach Shanahan is enthusiastic and a great football coach, but also someone who truly understands the importance of expanding our game globally. But his job is to win,” Goodell said.

The commissioner promised to create an exceptional experience for both teams while maintaining competitive integrity, noting: “We’re going to make it a great experience for the team… (but) they got to make sure that they’re able to continue the competitiveness because this game is real, this counts and they’ll go on a week two as soon as they leave here.”

The Utah Hockey Club secured their inaugural playoff appearance following a 4-1 triumph against Nashville on Thursday evening in Salt Lake City, with Dylan Guenther and Nick Schmaltz each contributing one goal and one assist.

Utah’s postseason qualification became official when Anaheim defeated San Jose 6-1 later in the evening, guaranteeing the franchise a playoff spot in just their second year of existence.

Clayton Keller registered three primary assists for Utah, which extended their winning streak to five games. Goals also came from Kailer Yamamoto and Lawson Crouse, while Logan Cooley contributed two assists. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka recorded 29 saves in the victory.

Nashville received a goal from Erik Haula and 23 saves from Juuse Saros, but saw their four-game point streak (3-0-1) come to an end. The Predators now sit one point behind Los Angeles in the battle for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position.

Pittsburgh 5, New Jersey 2

The Penguins claimed their first playoff berth since 2022 with a road victory in Newark, highlighted by goals from Tommy Novak and Egor Chinakhov scored just nine seconds apart.

Additional scoring for Pittsburgh came from Bryan Rust, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson. Chinakhov and Sidney Crosby each recorded two assists, while both Malkin and Karlsson added one helper apiece. Stuart Skinner turned aside 19 shots for the win.

New Jersey’s goals came from Paul Cotter and Jack Hughes, with Jake Allen making 25 saves in the losing effort.

Colorado 3, Calgary 1

Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas each posted one goal and two assists as Colorado defeated Calgary at home to secure the top overall playoff seeding.

MacKinnon established a personal best with his 52nd goal of the campaign, Gabriel Landeskog also found the net, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 28 saves as the Avalanche captured the Presidents’ Trophy for the fourth time in franchise history.

Calgary got Tyson Gross’s first NHL goal in his third career appearance and 38 saves from Dustin Wolf, but the Flames have now lost four of their last five contests (1-3-1).

Carolina 7, Chicago 2

Logan Stankoven recorded two goals and one assist while Mark Jankowski scored twice as the visiting Hurricanes dominated Chicago.

Carolina moved two points clear of Buffalo for Eastern Conference home-ice advantage. Frederik Andersen stopped 23 shots for the Hurricanes while William Carrier earned three assists. Taylor Hall added a goal and assist, with K’Andre Miller and Sean Walker also scoring.

Chicago suffered their seventh defeat in eight games (1-6-1). Anton Frondell scored twice for the Blackhawks, Louis Crevier contributed two assists, and Spencer Knight made 15 saves.

Ottawa 5, Florida 1

Fabian Zetterlund found the net twice, Jake Sanderson recorded two assists, and Linus Ullmark stopped 22 shots as Ottawa moved closer to playoff qualification with a home victory over Florida.

Drake Batherson, Artem Zub, and Claude Giroux also scored for Ottawa, which completed a successful 4-1 homestand and maintained a three-point cushion over the Islanders and Red Wings for the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot. The Senators also closed within two points of idle Boston for the first wild-card position.

Jesper Boqvist scored with 5:43 remaining for Florida to prevent the shutout, beating Ullmark with a late goal. Sergei Bobrovsky made 23 saves on 27 shots.

New York Islanders 5, Toronto 3

Matthew Schaefer matched the rookie record for defenseman goals (23) as the Islanders, playing their first game under new head coach Peter DeBoer, defeated visiting Toronto.

Calum Ritchie contributed a goal and assist while Tony DeAngelo returned from injury to register two assists as New York ended a four-game losing streak. Ilya Sorokin made 13 saves.

Toronto received goals from Steven Lorentz, Easton Cowan, and Morgan Rielly. Artur Akhtyamov stopped 39 of 44 shots in his NHL debut.

Detroit 6, Philadelphia 3

Dylan Larkin completed a hat trick and added an assist to power Detroit past visiting Philadelphia in dominant fashion.

Alex DeBrincat became the first Red Wings player to reach 40 goals in a season since Marian Hossa in 2009. Moritz Seider tallied one goal and four assists while Patrick Kane contributed a goal and two assists for Detroit, which had struggled with seven losses in their previous nine games (2-6-1).

Porter Martone scored and assisted for Philadelphia, which had won three consecutive games entering the contest. Christian Dvorak and Luke Glendening also scored for the Flyers.

Buffalo 5, Columbus 0

Colten Ellis recorded 37 saves for his first career shutout in Buffalo’s home victory over Columbus.

Josh Doan scored twice while Peyton Krebs, Jack Quinn, and Rasmus Dahlin also found the net for the first-place Sabres, who won their third straight and maintained a two-point lead over Montreal in the Atlantic Division. Josh Norris and Logan Stanley each contributed two assists.

Jet Greaves made 19 saves for Columbus, which fell to 1-6-1 in their last eight games as their playoff hopes took a potentially fatal blow.

Montreal 2, Tampa Bay 1

Juraj Slafkovsky scored with 1:04 left in the third period as host Montreal edged Tampa Bay in a tight contest.

Cole Caufield reached the 50-goal milestone for Montreal. Suzuki recorded two assists, Slafkovsky added a goal and assist, and Jakub Dobes made 17 saves.

Darren Raddysh scored and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 19 shots for Tampa Bay, which has lost three straight and trails second-place Montreal by two points and first-place Buffalo by four in the Atlantic Division.

Winnipeg 3, St. Louis 2

Mark Scheifele reached 99 points for the season with two assists as Winnipeg captured their third consecutive victory at St. Louis.

Alex Iafallo, Josh Morrissey, and Jonathan Toews scored for the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck made 20 saves as Winnipeg kept their slim playoff hopes alive. The defeat virtually eliminated St. Louis from postseason contention.

Dylan Holloway recorded a goal and assist for St. Louis. Colton Parayko also scored, and Jordan Binnington stopped 31 shots.

Seattle 4, Las Vegas 3 (Shootout)

Rookie Berkly Catton led a comeback from a two-goal third-period deficit and scored the deciding goal in the fifth round of the shootout as Seattle kept their faint playoff hopes alive against visiting Las Vegas.

Jared McCann and Bobby McMann also scored in regulation while Vince Dunn contributed two assists for the Kraken, who snapped a six-game winless streak (0-5-1). Joey Daccord made 31 saves and stopped four of five shootout attempts.

Mark Stone scored twice, Brett Howden also tallied, and Adin Hill stopped 30 shots for the Golden Knights, who suffered their first loss in five games under new coach John Tortorella. Vegas remains tied with Anaheim for second in the Pacific Division, both teams one point behind Edmonton.

Dallas 5, Minnesota 4

Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, and Colin Blackwell each recorded a goal and assist in Dallas’s comeback victory over visiting Minnesota. The matchup served as a postseason preview, as both teams will meet in the Stanley Cup playoffs’ first round.

Cameron Hughes scored his first career goal while Esa Lindell added two assists for the Stars. Jake Oettinger stopped 27 shots.

Minnesota received two goals from Kirill Kaprizov and a goal plus assist from Quinn Hughes. Ryan Hartman also scored, Mats Zuccarello contributed three assists, and Matt Boldy added two helpers. Filip Gustavsson made 15 saves.

Los Angeles 4, Vancouver 1

Adrian Kempe scored twice and Anton Forsberg stopped 24 of 25 shots as Los Angeles significantly boosted their playoff chances with a victory over visiting Vancouver.

Trevor Moore and Joel Armia found the net while Artemi Panarin recorded two assists for the Kings, who moved past Nashville in the race for the Western Conference’s final wild-card berth.

Marcus Pettersson scored and Nikita Tolopilo made 22 saves for Vancouver, which extended their losing streak to four games.

Anaheim 6, San Jose 1

John Carlson’s first career hat trick led Anaheim to a convincing victory over visiting San Jose.

Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn, and Frank Vatrano provided the remaining goals as the Ducks ended a six-game winless streak (0-5-1). Beckett Sennecke, Pavel Mintyukov, Troy Terry, and Mikael Granlund each contributed two assists, while Lukas Dostal made 18 saves.

Shakir Mukhamadullin scored and Yaroslav Askarov stopped 24 shots for San Jose, which has now lost consecutive games.

San Diego shortstop Xander Bogaerts delivered a dramatic grand slam in the bottom of the 12th inning Thursday evening, lifting the Padres to a thrilling 7-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

The marathon game reached its climax after Fernando Tatis Jr. opened the final frame with a sacrifice bunt, advancing automatic runner Jake Cronenworth to third base. Colorado reliever Valente Bellozo (0-1) then chose to intentionally walk both Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado, loading the bases for Bogaerts. The veteran infielder made the Rockies pay, driving a 1-0 offering over the left field wall for his second long ball of the campaign.

Padres reliever David Morgan (1-0) earned the victory after tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings without surrendering a hit. Colorado threatened in the top of the 12th when they moved their go-ahead run to third base, but Willi Castro was thrown out at home plate on Brenton Doyle’s ground ball to second baseman Cronenworth.

Both clubs managed to score single runs in the 10th and 11th innings before San Diego’s explosive finish.

In other MLB action Thursday:

Twins 3, Tigers 1

Minnesota’s Brooks Lee delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single through the right side in the eighth inning, helping the Twins complete a four-game sweep of Detroit. Josh Bell contributed three hits and a solo homer for Minnesota. Garrett Acton (1-0) captured his first major league victory with two innings of one-run relief work, while Eric Orze notched his first save. Detroit’s Gleyber Torres provided their only run as the Tigers extended their losing streak to five games.

Athletics 1, Yankees 0

Oakland pitcher Jeffrey Springs dominated New York with a near no-hitter, allowing just one hit across seven brilliant innings in the Athletics’ 1-0 road victory. Springs (2-0) carried his no-hit attempt into the seventh before Ben Rice broke it up with a single. Max Muncy’s triple and Tyler Soderstrom’s RBI single provided the game’s only run, giving Oakland their first series victory over the Yankees since April 2016.

White Sox 2, Royals 0

Chicago ended their lengthy road struggles against Kansas City with a 2-0 triumph, snapping a 14-game losing streak at Kauffman Stadium. Anthony Kay (1-0) struck out six batters over 5 2/3 innings, while Colson Montgomery’s RBI double and Luisangel Acuna’s sacrifice fly provided the offense. The White Sox had won just twice in their previous 25 games in Kansas City, with their last victory coming in September 2003.

Diamondbacks 7, Mets 1

Arizona erupted for four runs in the seventh inning, capped by Jorge Barrosa’s RBI triple, to defeat New York in the series finale. Gabriel Moreno’s pinch-hit double tied the game before Alek Thomas drove in the go-ahead run. Eduardo Rodriguez (1-0) allowed one run over six innings for the Diamondbacks, who improved to 7-3 following their season-opening sweep by the Dodgers.

Marlins 8, Reds 1

Miami’s Owen Caissie and Javier Sanoja combined for six hits and five RBIs to power the Marlins past Cincinnati and earn a split of their four-game series. Max Meyer (1-0) scattered four hits over five innings for his first victory, while Cincinnati’s Rhett Lowder (1-1) saw his impressive early-season numbers take a hit, surrendering eight hits and five runs in 5 1/3 innings.

The New York Knicks maintained their impressive home court dominance Thursday evening, defeating the Boston Celtics 112-106 at Madison Square Garden to push their home winning streak to six consecutive games.

Josh Hart delivered a standout performance with 26 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 25 points along with 10 assists to lead the Knicks’ offensive attack.

The contest remained competitive until the final moments, with Boston cutting the deficit to just three points at 109-106 following a Nikola Vucevic basket with 35.6 seconds remaining on the clock. However, Hart responded with a crucial three-pointer that stretched New York’s advantage to six points with only 15.2 seconds left to play. Hart connected on five of his seven attempts from beyond the arc, including two critical shots in the game’s final minute.

Karl-Anthony Towns provided additional support for the Knicks with 16 points and 12 rebounds. The victory keeps New York in position to potentially overtake Boston and secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

Boston’s offense was paced by Jayson Tatum, who recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Payton Pritchard contributed 23 points, while Baylor Scheierman added 20 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting performance from three-point range. The Celtics played without Jaylen Brown, who was sidelined due to an Achilles injury.

In other NBA action Thursday:

Rockets 113, 76ers 102

Kevin Durant posted a game-leading 29 points and connected on a pivotal late three-pointer that helped Houston withstand a fierce comeback attempt by Philadelphia at home.

Houston extended their winning streak to eight games, though they had to endure a tense finish after watching a 28-point lead shrink to just three points. Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson each contributed 19 points for the Rockets.

Philadelphia, now losers of three straight games, competed without Joel Embiid, who underwent emergency appendectomy surgery earlier Thursday. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 23 points, while VJ Edgecombe added 21 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.

Raptors 128, Heat 114

Brandon Ingram exploded for 38 points, including 23 in the opening half, as Toronto defeated Miami at home to complete a season sweep of the Heat and climb to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

RJ Barrett supported Ingram’s effort with 22 points for Toronto, while Collin Murray-Boyles achieved a perfect shooting night en route to 17 points. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley chipped in 13 and 11 points respectively.

Bam Adebayo rebounded from a poor showing earlier this week by posting 24 points and 11 rebounds for Miami. Tyler Herro contributed 15 points, and Davion Mitchell added 15 points with 11 assists.

Bulls 119, Wizards 108

Tre Jones poured in 31 points, Collin Sexton added 27, and Leonard Miller achieved a career-best 26 points as Chicago secured a road victory over Washington.

Jones shot efficiently at 9-of-14 from the field and perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line for the Bulls, who used a strong third-quarter finish to defeat Washington for the second time in three days. Miller, who made 11 of 14 field goal attempts, also grabbed 11 rebounds for his second double-double in three contests.

Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Julian Reese posted 16 points and 15 rebounds. Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the short-handed Wizards, who dressed only the league-minimum eight players.

Pacers 123, Nets 94

Reserve forward Obi Toppin posted a season-high 26 points and nine rebounds as Indiana took early control and cruised to a comfortable victory over Brooklyn.

Toppin, the lone available player from Indiana’s NBA Finals run last season, shot 11-of-14 from the field in just 19 minutes of action. Micah Potter added 18 points and 14 rebounds for the Pacers, who shot 52 percent from the field, scored 80 points in the paint, and dominated the boards 66-43.

E.J. Liddell paced Brooklyn with career-highs of 26 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 10-of-16 from the field while setting personal scoring bests for the third consecutive game. Rookie Ben Saraf contributed 19 points and Tyson Etienne added 14.

Lakers 119, Warriors 103

LeBron James recorded 26 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds as Los Angeles ended a three-game skid with a road victory over Golden State in San Francisco.

Deandre Ayton scored 21 points on efficient 9-of-11 shooting, and Jake LaRavia contributed 16 points for the Lakers, who moved into a tie with Houston for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Both teams trail Denver by one game. Luke Kennard finished with 14 points, Rui Hachimura and Nick Smith Jr. each added 12, and Bronny James scored 10.

Brandin Podziemski and Nate Williams each led Golden State with 17 points. Charles Bassey, Pat Spencer, and Malevy Leons contributed 12 points apiece, Seth Curry added 11, and Gary Payton II scored 10. Bassey also grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Lakers broke out of their recent slump in impressive fashion Thursday night, defeating the Golden State Warriors 119-103 in San Francisco behind a stellar performance from LeBron James.

James put together a dominant stat line with 26 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds, leading the Lakers to their first victory after dropping three consecutive games. The win improved Los Angeles to 51-29 on the season, creating a deadlock with Houston for the fourth position in the Western Conference standings. Both clubs trail Denver by just one game, as the Nuggets hold a 52-28 record.

The Lakers seized control early in the final period, transforming a nine-point advantage into a commanding lead with an explosive 24-6 scoring burst to open the fourth quarter. Deandre Ayton provided excellent support with 21 points on efficient 9-of-11 shooting, while Jake LaRavia contributed 16 points to the balanced offensive attack.

Several other Lakers players made meaningful contributions to the victory. Luke Kennard finished with 14 points, while both Rui Hachimura and Nick Smith Jr. added 12 points each. Bronny James reached double figures with 10 points, helping Los Angeles capture the season series against Golden State with a 3-1 record.

For the Warriors, Brandin Podziemski and Nate Williams shared scoring honors with 17 points apiece. Charles Bassey, Pat Spencer and Malevy Leons each tallied 12 points, with Seth Curry adding 11 and Gary Payton II contributing 10. Bassey also dominated the boards with a season-best 13 rebounds, while Leons achieved a career-high point total.

The loss continued Golden State’s recent struggles, marking their fifth defeat in six games and cementing their position as the 10th seed in the Western Conference, where they will participate in the play-in tournament. Their record now stands at 37-43.

Both teams dealt with significant absences due to injuries and rest. Golden State was without Stephen Curry (right knee injury management), Kristaps Porzingis (illness/knee), Will Richard (back) and Gui Santos (pelvic contusion), forcing them to use their 41st different starting lineup this season. The Lakers also missed key players including Luka Doncic (hamstring), Austin Reaves (oblique), Jaxson Hayes (foot) and Marcus Smart (ankle).

LeBron James established the tone early, scoring 12 points in the opening quarter as Los Angeles built a 28-23 lead. The Lakers maintained their advantage at halftime, holding a 53-49 edge after shooting an impressive 59.5% from the field. James had already accumulated 18 points by the break.

The third quarter saw Bronny James connect on a three-pointer with 1:38 remaining to extend the Lakers’ lead to 82-67, though Golden State managed to close the period with six consecutive points. However, Los Angeles completely took over in the fourth quarter, making their first 10 field goal attempts, including four three-pointers, to put the game away.

LeBron James capped his excellent night by shooting 11-for-17 from the field and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc before taking a seat on the bench with 6:05 left in the game and his team holding a comfortable 106-81 advantage.

The Los Angeles Kings significantly enhanced their postseason prospects Thursday evening, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 at home behind a stellar two-goal performance from Adrian Kempe and outstanding goaltending from Anton Forsberg, who turned away 24 of 25 shots.

Trevor Moore and Joel Armia also found the back of the net, while Artemi Panarin contributed two assists in the victory that propelled Los Angeles past Nashville in the battle for the Western Conference’s final wild-card playoff spot.

The triumph puts the Kings at 85 points with only four regular season contests remaining, giving them a slim one-point advantage over the Predators, who suffered a 4-1 defeat to Utah earlier Thursday. Los Angeles also holds a crucial game in hand over Nashville in the tight playoff race.

For Vancouver, defenseman Marcus Pettersson managed their lone goal while netminder Nikita Tolopilo recorded 22 saves in the loss, extending the Canucks’ losing streak to four games.

Los Angeles addressed recent concerns about slow starts by coming out aggressively against Vancouver, striking early when Kempe converted a one-timer through Tolopilo’s legs just 89 seconds into the contest, finishing off a feed from Brandt Clarke.

The Canucks drew even at 14:17 of the opening frame on a fortunate deflection when Pettersson’s wide slap shot caromed off Los Angeles defenseman Brian Dumoulin’s skate and found its way into the net.

However, the Kings quickly reclaimed their advantage just 91 seconds later following a neutral zone turnover forced by Jared Wright’s hit on Vancouver forward Jake DeBrusk. Scott Laughton advanced the puck into the attacking zone before setting up Armia, who beat Tolopilo glove-side to restore the lead.

Kempe doubled his tally and reached a team-high 34 goals for the season with just 29 seconds remaining in the middle period, deflecting Joel Edmundson’s pass while cutting through the slot area as Los Angeles capitalized on another Vancouver miscue in their defensive zone.

Los Angeles native Moore capped the scoring at 9:17 of the final period when a long-range shot deflected off Vancouver defenseman Elias Pettersson’s stick, then bounced off Moore’s shoulder before crossing the goal line to complete the 4-1 victory.

The two teams will face each other one final time during the regular season’s closing week, wrapping up their four-game series for the year.

Las Vegas Aces standout Jackie Young is poised to break new ground in women’s professional basketball, with reports indicating she’ll become the league’s first player to earn more than $1 million per season.

According to ESPN sources on Thursday, the 28-year-old guard is finalizing a one-year agreement valued at $1.19 million with the defending champion Aces. This figure represents the highest possible salary for players who don’t qualify for the league’s top-tier maximum contract of $1.4 million.

The historic agreement ensures Young remains in Las Vegas rather than entering free agency. During the 2025 season, the four-time All-Star contributed 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, playing a crucial role in the Aces capturing their third championship title in four seasons.

Young’s professional journey began when Las Vegas selected her as the top overall pick in the 2019 draft following her standout career at Notre Dame. She inked a contract extension with the franchise in May 2024. Her impressive resume includes four All-Star selections, two All-WNBA honors, and the 2022 Most Improved Player award.

Beyond her WNBA success, Young has excelled on the international stage, capturing Olympic gold medals in both 3×3 basketball at the 2020 Tokyo Games and traditional 5-on-5 competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She also helped Notre Dame claim a national championship in 2018.

With Young’s return now secured, Las Vegas will focus on retaining other key players, including four-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP A’ja Wilson, who has expressed interest in staying with the team, along with six-time All-Star guard Chelsea Gray.

NEW YORK — An 18-year-old rookie for the New York Islanders has reached a historic milestone, equaling the NHL’s all-time record for goals scored by a first-year defenseman. Matthew Schaefer found the back of the net for the 23rd time this season during Thursday night’s game, matching the benchmark established by Hall of Fame player Brian Leetch.

The record-equaling score occurred 9 minutes and 39 seconds into the second period, putting the Islanders ahead 3-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs in what became a 5-3 victory for New York. Schaefer managed to slip the puck between the legs of goalie Artur Akhtyamov after receiving a feed from Tony DeAngelo.

When asked about being compared to Leetch, Schaefer expressed amazement at the achievement. “It’s crazy. You don’t really think about that stuff,” Schaefer said. “But obviously when it gets brought up it’s crazy to think. It’s definitely an honor to see some of those guys and what they’ve done.”

The teenage defenseman is putting together one of the most impressive debut campaigns ever seen from someone playing his position in professional hockey. Currently sitting second on his team’s scoring chart with 59 points, Schaefer has demonstrated exceptional offensive skills from the defensive zone.

Thursday’s tally marked his first goal since a March 21 matchup against Montreal, breaking a recent scoring slump while adding yet another achievement to his already impressive first-year statistics.

New Islanders head coach Peter DeBoer was clearly impressed after witnessing Schaefer’s performance in person for the first time. “Watching him from the bench, live, it’s just, wow, what a player,” DeBoer said. “I watched him a lot on video as we were scouting for the Olympics. To see him live like that, at the age he’s at, and how dynamic he is, both ends of the rink, defensively, in particular. I know the offensive stuff, but for a young player how defensively aware he is and how much he works at the defensive piece of the game too. He’s a really, really special player.”

Chosen as the top pick in last year’s draft, Schaefer joined the professional ranks after dealing with injuries during his final junior hockey season, yet quickly established himself as an impact player. He became the youngest defenseman in league history to register a point in his first NHL appearance and has continued breaking age-related records throughout the season.

Schaefer now sits just one goal away from surpassing Leetch, who established the current record during the 1988-89 season and went on to capture the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. Schaefer is widely considered the leading candidate for this year’s same award.

NEWARK, N.J. — Pittsburgh hockey fans will finally get to experience playoff excitement again after a lengthy wait.

The Penguins secured their return to the postseason Thursday evening with a victory over New Jersey, breaking a three-year absence from playoff competition. Prior to this drought, the franchise had reached the playoffs for 16 straight seasons, with their last miss occurring during Sidney Crosby’s first year in 2005-06. That remarkable run included three Stanley Cup championships.

“That’s why you play — that’s the best time of year,” Crosby said. “I know how hard it is. I think I understand that. We had some tough ones where it came down to the last day and didn’t get in, and you don’t ever know. But I thought right from camp, we’ve had those intentions and had that belief.”

The season featured significant ups and downs, including a difficult eight-game losing streak in December followed by two separate six-game winning streaks during the winter months. With the Eastern Conference playoff picture remaining unclear through late March, Pittsburgh has captured five victories in six games since March 30 to secure their spot.

“A couple weeks ago (we realized) it’s really in our hands (because we) play a lot of the teams in it,” defenseman Connor Clifton said. “We figured it was going to work itself out, and first and foremost it’s about us and getting points and we’ve done that, so it’s been good.”

The playoff qualification comes as an unexpected achievement. Sportsbooks had Pittsburgh listed as 6-1 longshots to make the postseason before the season began, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Many viewed this campaign as potentially the final opportunity for the veteran core of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, who after 20 seasons together hold the record as the longest-serving trio of teammates in North American professional sports.

However, first-year head coach Dan Muse has validated general manager Kyle Dubas’s decision to hire him from relative obscurity, having spent five seasons as an assistant under Peter Laviolette with Nashville and the New York Rangers. Taking over from two-time Cup champion Mike Sullivan presented significant challenges, but Muse has excelled in his debut as an NHL head coach.

“He’s been great: Calm there behind the bench, and he’s just a really personable guy, easy to talk to away from the rink,” forward Justin Brazeau said. “Any time you create that atmosphere in here, it’s not too tense or anything like that. I think guys are just willing to go out there and play free.”

The team has benefited from contributions across all age groups. Center Ben Kindel, selected 11th overall in last year’s draft, earned a roster spot at just 18 years old. Defenseman Erik Karlsson excelled at age 35. Crosby maintained his point-per-game pace for a remarkable 21st straight season, despite missing time due to an injury that prevented his Olympic participation.

“It takes everybody,” Crosby said. “Everybody has had a part in this. Obviously it’s a team game, but especially with this group: With the injuries and all the different guys in and out, everybody’s contributed to us getting there.”

Muse, echoing Crosby’s sentiments, recognized the team’s playoff potential during training camp preparations.

“I just saw the competitive nature of the group,” Muse said. “There’s ebbs and flows in every season, but I think this group has just continued to grow. Enjoy it for a little bit, a minute, and then it’s just continuing that preparation. It’s a big step for the group. I’m really proud of these guys, happy for these guys, the staff, everybody involved. The players have done a great job with it throughout the year. We talked about earning things at the beginning of the year. This group earned it.”

AUGUSTA, Georgia – Spanish golfer Jon Rahm entered this week’s Masters Tournament as one of the hottest players in professional golf, but his stellar LIV Golf form failed to translate to Augusta National on Thursday.

The defending Masters champion endured a brutal opening round, shooting 6-over-par 78 without recording a single birdie. Rahm appeared visibly frustrated as he navigated the challenging course where he claimed victory just one year ago.

“It’s a hard golf course,” said Rahm, reflecting on his disappointing performance at the venue where he captured the 2023 green jacket. “Some of the players might have been able to manage a respectable round, but when you have no feel with the swing whatsoever, it’s just not an easy one.”

The two-time major winner has been in exceptional form on the LIV Golf circuit this season, leading the individual standings with one victory and three second-place finishes across five tournaments. However, none of that momentum carried over to Thursday’s round.

Rahm’s troubles began early, accumulating four bogeys on the front nine. His round completely unraveled at the par-five 13th hole, where what should have been a birdie opportunity turned into a devastating double-bogey.

From 176 yards out, Rahm’s approach shot sailed into the azaleas, and despite an extensive search, his ball could not be located. After taking a penalty drop, he chipped his next shot to within 32 feet of the pin but required three putts to complete the hole.

“I still don’t know what happened, honestly,” Rahm explained regarding his wayward second shot at the 13th. “To get so lucky off the tee, to have an eight-iron in my hand, I don’t know, that ball came out 20 – about 10 yards left, 20 feet higher, and hooking in a way that I didn’t expect.”

“To make such a mistake from what could have been a good birdie look, it’s a big problem. It’s probably the part I’m the most upset at today.”

Among the 10 LIV Golf players competing in the 91-man field, Rahm was widely considered to have one of the strongest chances for success this week. Instead, he finished Thursday tied for 73rd place, trailing co-leaders Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns by 11 strokes.

Despite the disappointing start, Rahm remains optimistic about his chances, drawing on his experience of overcoming poor opening rounds at Augusta National. In 2023, he began his eventual championship run with a four-putt double bogey on the first hole. Last year, he opened with a 3-over 75 before ultimately finishing tied for 14th.

“I’ve done that a few times,” Rahm noted about his ability to recover from slow starts at the Masters.

“But it still sucks to be in this position, to need a Herculean effort the next two days to give myself a chance to maybe sniff having a chance to win. It’s just frustrating.”

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Golfers competing in the 2026 Masters are preparing for what could become one of the most challenging tournaments in recent memory, as dry weather conditions give course officials complete control over how difficult they want to make Augusta National.

Shane Lowry from Ireland, who shot 2-under-par 70 in Thursday’s opening round, believes the tournament could reach new levels of difficulty. “I think this could be the toughest Masters we’ve played in a while,” Lowry explained. “You look at the forecast. They can do whatever they want with the golf course this weekend.”

“I think over the last few years we’ve had a day every year where it’s been raining or it’s been heavy rains. It’s kind of helped us a little bit, but I think before the week is out, it’s going to get very, very crusty around here,” Lowry added.

The challenging conditions were already evident during the first round when Patrick Reed, sitting at 4-under, hit what appeared to be a perfect 7-wood shot on the par-5 15th hole. Despite landing on the green, the ball bounced over and rolled into the water hazard 40 yards beyond.

Despite experiencing that unfortunate break, Reed welcomes the prospect of increasingly demanding course conditions. “They could make this place really, really hard if they wanted to,” Reed stated. “I wouldn’t be surprised. We have the best players in the world here. Why not? Challenge us and make it difficult, because it’s one of these golf courses, though, if you hit quality golf shots, you’re going to get rewarded for it.”

“If it’s going to firm up and it’s going to get faster and faster,” Reed explained further, “you’re just going to have to hit quality golf shots and know where you are going to hit the ball.”

Thursday’s opening round statistics revealed the course’s growing difficulty, with only the par-5 holes (excluding the 15th) playing under par. The seventh hole proved most challenging, averaging 4.42 strokes. Six of the most difficult holes were located on the back nine, including the final two holes which tied as fourth-most difficult at 4.33 strokes each.

As the day progressed, scoring became increasingly difficult, with the first-round average finishing at 74.65.

Several top contenders, including Lowry, Reed, and defending champion Rory McIlroy, benefited from morning tee times on Thursday but will face afternoon conditions on Friday when the course is expected to be at its most unforgiving. McIlroy, who shares the lead at 5-under 67 with Sam Burns, will tee off in the penultimate group at 1:44 p.m.

The Northern Ireland golfer has adapted his equipment strategy for these demanding conditions, switching to a softer golf ball that provides additional spin and better stopping power on firm greens.

“I’ve said for the last few years that I’ve started to really relish that type of golf. I really want to excel at that type of golf,” McIlroy commented. “When these greens get fast — last year they got really fast and firm on Sunday — but I think you’re going to see that for the next three days.”

“There’s still opportunities to shoot really, really good scores,” McIlroy concluded. “Look at Justin Rose last year on the final day. But it takes a very, very good, solid round of golf to do that.”

AUGUSTA, Georgia – An 18-year-old amateur golfer experienced all the expected challenges of his Masters debut at Augusta National, plus one unexpected wardrobe malfunction that kept everyone laughing.

Mason Howell, a high school student who holds the U.S. Amateur championship title, was paired with last year’s Masters winner Rory McIlroy for Thursday’s opening round. The teenager described the day as both a learning opportunity and an enjoyable experience, despite shooting a five-over 77.

“Rory is awesome. We had a great walk today,” Howell shared with media following his round.

The young golfer admitted that pre-round anxiety got the better of him initially. “I was on the first tee and couldn’t feel my arms,” he explained.

Adding to the drama was Howell’s baseball cap, which refused to stay put during his swings. The hat flew off three separate times throughout the round, beginning with his very first tee shot when excitement and aggressive play combined to create the wardrobe issue.

“I was going to swing out of my shoes to see if I could cover that right bunker,” Howell said. “It was pretty funny.”

While his initial drive ended up in the wrong fairway – landing on the ninth hole instead – Howell said sharing a laugh with McIlroy afterward helped calm his nerves. He managed to save par on both opening holes and noted his driving accuracy improved throughout the day.

The pairing provided valuable lessons for the amateur, as he watched McIlroy demonstrate the strategic thinking that separates major champions from other players. Howell observed how the Northern Ireland native made smart decisions when in difficult positions and avoided turning small mistakes into bigger problems.

“He does a great job knowing where to miss,” Howell noted. “There are some things I can learn going into tomorrow.”

Even when facing challenges, including putting struggles on the fourth hole, Howell maintained a positive attitude with his caddie and left the course feeling optimistic about future rounds.

Looking ahead to Friday’s second round, he identified key areas for improvement: hitting more greens in regulation and exercising patience. He also plans to address his equipment issue with a simple adjustment.

“We might just tighten it up one button,” he said, referring to his troublesome hat.

MINNEAPOLIS — A frightening collision between two Detroit Tigers outfielders sent center fielder Parker Meadows to the hospital Thursday during their game against Minnesota.

The 26-year-old Meadows suffered a head injury when he crashed into teammate Riley Greene as both players chased down a shallow fly ball hit by Josh Bell in the eighth inning. Medical staff transported Meadows off the field via cart for immediate medical evaluation.

The collision occurred when Greene, playing left field, called for the ball while Meadows was also moving toward it from center field. Despite Meadows attempting to pull back at the final moment, his face struck Greene’s head with significant force, causing both players to fall to the ground.

Following the impact, Meadows remained on his back appearing stunned and barely responsive, with his arms extended upward and visible bleeding on his face. After several minutes, medical personnel helped him sit upright before assisting him to his feet and onto the medical cart.

Detroit’s organization has not yet provided an update regarding Meadows’ medical status or the extent of his injuries.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid received a diagnosis of appendicitis and is set to have surgical treatment on Thursday in Houston, according to an announcement from the team.

The surgery is scheduled for the same day the 76ers are set to face the Houston Rockets on the road.

Philadelphia officials stated that additional information regarding Embiid’s condition will be shared when deemed necessary.

Currently sitting in eighth place within the Eastern Conference standings, the 76ers remain positioned to qualify for the play-in tournament.

This season has seen Embiid participate in only 38 games due to various health concerns. His most recent absence came during Saturday’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons, where he was sidelined due to a right oblique injury, ongoing injury management protocols, and illness. Throughout the entire season, the star center has been unable to participate in consecutive games during back-to-back scheduling.

Oakland Athletics right fielder Brent Rooker was forced to exit Thursday’s matchup against the New York Yankees after experiencing right flank discomfort during his opening inning plate appearance.

The injury occurred when Rooker swung at a changeup from Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers, fouling the ball off with the count at 0-2. Rooker immediately showed signs of distress, grimacing and appearing to favor his back area before being examined by manager Mark Kotsay and team medical staff, who ultimately removed him from the contest.

Oakland officially disclosed the injury during the fourth inning of play.

Lawrence Butler stepped in to replace Rooker in the third position of the batting order. Butler struck out looking on the following pitch, with the at-bat officially recorded under Rooker’s statistics.

The previous evening, Rooker had delivered the game-winning hit for Oakland, connecting on a sacrifice fly against David Bednar in the ninth inning that secured a 3-2 victory on Wednesday.

This season, Rooker has struggled at the plate with a .146 batting average, though he has contributed two home runs and eight RBIs. His most impressive performance came during Sunday’s dramatic 12-10 extra-inning triumph over Houston, where he drove in six runs on two homers, including a walk-off three-run blast that ended the contest in the 10th inning.

NEW YORK — Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will take the court at Madison Square Garden Thursday evening, marking his first appearance at the venue since suffering a devastating Achilles tendon rupture during last year’s postseason.

The Celtics will be shorthanded for their matchup against the New York Knicks, as teammate Jaylen Brown has been sidelined with left Achilles tendinitis.

Boston can clinch the Eastern Conference’s second seed with a win Thursday night, an achievement many considered unlikely given they expected to play most of the season without their star forward.

Tatum’s injury occurred on May 12 during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, when he collapsed on the court in the final quarter of New York’s victory. The Knicks ultimately eliminated the defending champion Celtics in that series.

Following Thursday morning’s practice session at MSG, Tatum shared his emotions with reporters, describing feelings of “nervousness, anxiousness. All the things you probably would expect.”

When asked about his approach to handling the emotional return, Tatum responded: “I think it’s just deciding to face the challenge head-on and put my uniform on.”

Since returning to action on March 6, Tatum has appeared in 15 contests, posting averages of 21.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Following Tuesday’s home win against Charlotte, he admitted he wasn’t “thrilled to go back and play” at the famous Manhattan arena.

“Last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me,” Tatum explained.

During Tatum’s extended recovery period, Brown stepped up with an outstanding campaign for the Celtics. The All-Star guard is posting 28.8 points per game across 70 appearances this season.

The NBA handed down a $25,000 penalty to the Orlando Magic on Thursday after the team improperly handled their injury reporting requirements.

According to league officials, the Magic incorrectly reported guard Anthony Black’s availability before their Monday matchup with the Detroit Pistons. The team’s original injury report marked Black as unavailable to play, but he ultimately took the court during the game.

The 22-year-old guard contributed 14 points during his 15 minutes of action in Orlando’s dominant 123-107 win over Detroit.

In his third NBA season, Black has posted averages of 15.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.8 rebounds across 62 appearances, including 40 games as a starter.

Federal investigators are examining the National Football League over concerns the organization may be engaging in unfair business practices, a government source has revealed.

The unnamed official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing probe, explained that the investigation centers on “affordability for consumers and creating an even playing field for providers.”

The Wall Street Journal was first to break news of the federal investigation.

Two individuals familiar with the matter indicated that NFL leadership has yet to be formally notified about the investigation. These sources also requested anonymity as they are not permitted to discuss potential legal proceedings.

This federal probe emerges as government agencies intensify their examination of rising costs for sports viewing. The Federal Communications Commission has launched a public comment period regarding the trend of live sporting events moving from traditional broadcast television to streaming platforms.

NEW YORK — Oakland Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning during Thursday afternoon’s game against the New York Yankees in the Bronx.

The southpaw permitted two runners to reach base during the third frame but escaped trouble by striking out slugger Aaron Judge on a called third strike using his changeup. Springs concluded the fifth inning by retiring José Caballero on a fly ball to deep left field.

During the sixth inning, Springs successfully used an automated ball-strike challenge that resulted in a strikeout of Ryan McMahon on a called third strike. He finished the sixth frame having thrown 72 pitches after Judge made a soft ground out to the third baseman.

Oakland’s franchise record includes 13 no-hitters throughout its history. The most recent came from Mike Fiers, who accomplished the feat on May 7, 2019, at home in Oakland against Cincinnati.

The Yankees organization has been on the receiving end of eight no-hitters during their franchise history. Their most recent occurrence was a combined effort by Houston pitchers Cristian Javier, Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly on June 25, 2022, at Yankee Stadium.

A Dutch transgender darts competitor says she will continue her battle after new regulations implemented by the sport’s governing body restrict women’s competitions to biological females only.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven from the Netherlands expressed her opposition Thursday as the Darts Regulation Authority’s updated policy went into effect.

“Apparently, I just got retired — not by choice, but because I’m no longer allowed to compete,” Van Leuven stated in an Instagram video posted to her account.

The 29-year-old athlete had been participating in the Professional Darts Corporation’s Women’s Series. Last year, she made history by becoming the first transgender woman to participate in the PDC World Darts Championship.

“I’ve worked so damn hard for years just to get here. I showed up, I competed. I respected the sport every game, every single day,” van Leuven said. “And now, with just one decision, I’m being told I don’t belong anymore. This isn’t just about me. This is another huge hit for the trans community.”

Van Leuven remains qualified to participate in open PDC competitions.

While her potential legal recourse remains uncertain, she wrote alongside her video message: “This isn’t the end. I’m just going back to the drawing board. I’m not done fighting.”

The DRA released a statement Thursday explaining it initiated a policy evaluation in 2025, which involved obtaining a report from “an academic developmental biologist who has published several papers on sex and categories in sport. The DRA has also considered extensive legal advice.”

“As a result of its review, the DRA is satisfied that to achieve fair competition in darts, only biological females should be eligible to compete in women’s tournaments regulated by DRA Rules,” the organization stated.

The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled new premium seating options for this playoff season, creating additional spots for high-profile fans and celebrities in their exclusive floor section.

The franchise revealed Thursday that they’re introducing extra courtside seats in the same area where stars like Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, Will Ferrell, Ice Cube, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kim Kardashian have been regulars for decades. According to the Lakers, their floor seating has been completely sold out for over five decades.

“Courtside Reserve is second-row courtside seating that places fans in the heart of the action within the highly sought-after and exclusive floor section, offering an immersive experience,” the Lakers explained in their announcement. “The new on-floor seating features premium hospitality, including in-seat food and beverage service, VIP club access and a seamless, elevated experience from the moment guests enter the arena.”

Fans interested in purchasing these exclusive tickets must apply for access through a special section on the team’s website. The organization emphasized that these limited Courtside Reserve spots are being “offered in the smallest quantity to preserve the exclusivity of the courtside environment,” and buyers will receive priority access to purchase season tickets in this section going forward.

This suggests the Courtside Reserve concept will extend beyond just this postseason.

While the Lakers haven’t disclosed specific pricing, reports from the New York Post indicate that regular season courtside tickets typically range from $4,000 to $10,000 per seat, varying by game day and opposing team. During playoff games, these premium seats can command between $20,000 and $40,000 per seat for each contest.

Following their NBA championship victory during the 2019-20 bubble season, the Lakers have experienced mixed playoff success, missing the postseason once, suffering three first-round eliminations, and reaching the conference finals on one occasion.

With three regular season games remaining, both the Lakers and Houston Rockets hold identical 50-29 records, though Los Angeles currently claims the No. 4 playoff seed due to tiebreaker advantages. This fourth seed position secures home-court advantage for their opening playoff series.

Should current standings hold, the Lakers would face the Rockets in their playoff opener at home.

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid will be absent from Thursday night’s matchup against the Houston Rockets after being sidelined by illness.

The timing proves challenging for Philadelphia, as the franchise currently sits in eighth place with a 43-36 record while battling to secure a better playoff position in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers trail the sixth-seeded Toronto Raptors by one game, with Toronto holding a 44-35 record and only three contests left on the schedule.

This season, the 32-year-old Embiid has contributed 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game across 38 appearances, all as a starter.

The dominant big man earned MVP honors during the 2022-23 campaign and has been selected to seven All-Star games throughout his career. Over his entire NBA tenure, Embiid has posted averages of 27.6 points and 10.8 rebounds across 490 games since Philadelphia selected him third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a fractured foot during Tuesday night’s 4-3 shootout defeat against Montreal.

Head coach Paul Maurice announced Thursday that Jones sustained the foot fracture in the second period of the game but continued playing through the pain.

“He gutted it out (to finish the game),” Maurice said. “We’ll get it looked at when we get back.”

Despite the injury, Jones completed 31 shifts and recorded a team-leading 29 minutes and 27 seconds of ice time in the loss to the Canadiens.

The defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champions now sit at 37-37-4 with 78 points and have already been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

The 31-year-old veteran had previously been sidelined for 26 contests earlier this campaign due to an upper-body ailment suffered on January 2nd. Jones concludes the season with 32 points, including seven goals and 25 assists, across 52 appearances.

Throughout his career, the four-time All-Star and 2025 Stanley Cup champion has accumulated 473 points on 106 goals and 367 assists over 912 NHL games with four different franchises since Nashville selected him fourth overall in the 2013 draft.

At a time when stadium food prices continue to soar across the country, one prestigious sporting event stands out for bucking the trend. The Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia has maintained its tradition of offering remarkably affordable concession stand food.

The tournament’s signature cheese sandwich remains priced at just $1.50, the same cost it has been for years despite widespread inflation affecting food prices nationwide. Other sandwich options at the concession stands range from $1.50 to $3, making them among the most budget-friendly options at any major sporting venue.

Even the tournament’s most expensive concession items – beer and wine – are priced at just $6 each, a fraction of what similar beverages cost at other major sporting events. The Georgia golf championship has built its reputation on maintaining a straightforward and accessible menu for patrons.

This commitment to affordable concessions continues even as the tournament’s ticket prices have steadily increased over the years, creating a unique contrast in the world of professional sports hospitality.

Professional football organizations are discovering that Name, Image, and Likeness agreements revolutionizing college athletics provide valuable intelligence about how future draft picks will handle sudden wealth before signing major professional contracts.

According to numerous talent evaluators, this insight has become a valuable asset during the selection process.

“The cool thing about college scouting that we always had to answer when we were going to schools, how’s a guy going to be when he has money? Now we have that answer,” Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said recently. “Some guys get the money and change the way they are. Other guys get the money and you hear stories about taking guys out for dinner, taking his teammates (out) and he works hard, is a leader. You kind of get the answer. It’s a great thing and it’s great for players in college to have that opportunity.”

Financial decisions can reveal a prospect’s maturity level, showing whether they demonstrate self-control or become easily sidetracked. Athletes who remain concentrated despite profitable opportunities are more likely to successfully adjust to professional football. Talent scouts examine whether a player’s on-field performance declines after receiving substantial compensation or if they continue displaying the same dedication and reliability. Their relationships with fellow team members also represent a crucial factor.

“Does the guy have eight cars or does he actually have a financial advisor, and he puts it into an S&P stock index because he’s trying to grow his portfolio?” Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio said. “You’ve got probably a different thought process that goes into it. I know what I would do. Nobody was giving me any NIL money and I wasn’t good enough. But, again, it’s just understanding their thought process.”

Student-athletes were prohibited from monetizing their athletic abilities until 2021, when the NCAA modified regulations to allow students to generate income from their name, image and likeness.

This policy change, combined with increased mobility through the transfer portal, has fundamentally altered college athletics. Elite athletes are now securing lucrative partnerships with major corporations. Educational institutions can allocate up to $20.5 million for athlete compensation. Many competitors are pursuing financial opportunities by transferring between universities.

“I think it paints a clearer picture in terms of makeup,” Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles said. “I like to follow the whole journey. I don’t hold it against an 18-year-old that gets a million bucks to go to school and maybe didn’t have his priorities straight. I think most of us here, if that happened to us, we might be doing some crazy things, too, or maybe not focus where we should be focused. But I want to see the learning lessons that come from that and understand their structure of the people they put around them. I want to understand how they battle through adversity. I think the toughest thing is when there’s an out to transfer when things get hard, we heard the resilience of our young players. So I want to learn through that and learn how they grew throughout their whole deal.”

These commercial agreements can also prepare athletes for NFL careers, providing early exposure to wealth, sponsorship deals and personal marketing. They gain experience with celebrity status and fiscal responsibility during college.

“I think it helps, for us, it helps us reveal maybe makeup, character, behavior,” Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “To some degree, you can see the journey that some players take. And look, in a lot of ways, (it has been) a very positive change.”

School transfers were previously viewed as warning signs. That perspective has shifted.

“Back in the day, if a guy transferred one time, you kind of asked what happened? Like, did you get run out of this school or whatever?” Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane said. “Well, now it’s. … why’d you stay here four years? Like, what happened? It’s almost, it’s flipped, but you do ask those questions. And sometimes you ask them about, did you leave just because of the money? Did you leave for other reasons? You kind of just want to know. And at the same time, our scouts, one of their jobs, is talking to individuals at each program and trying to put together that puzzle of who this person is, how they tick. Are they simply motivated just for money? Or is the money a side benefit? They’re really still playing the game for the love of the game.”

Certain athletes remain in college longer because they can earn more as student-athletes if they’re not projected as early draft selections.

Additional playing time can also enhance their draft prospects.

Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan said he evaluated several players who chose to return for another season that he wishes would have entered the draft.

“We just gotta evaluate who is at our disposal,” Morgan said.

Negotiations are underway between the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks for a potential player exchange involving All-Star guard Ariel Atkins and forward Rickea Jackson, according to a Thursday report from Front Office Sports.

While no deal has been completed, sources indicate an official announcement could come this Saturday if talks progress successfully.

The 29-year-old Atkins posted solid numbers during her debut season with Chicago in 2025, recording 13.1 points per game along with 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals across 34 contests, starting every game.

Atkins brings championship experience to any team, having won a WNBA title with Washington in 2019. Throughout her professional career spanning stints with the Mystics from 2018-24 and now Chicago, she has compiled averages of 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals over 251 games with 246 starts. The seventh overall selection in the 2018 draft has earned five All-Defensive team honors and maintains a solid 36.2% accuracy rate from beyond the arc.

Meanwhile, Jackson put together an impressive 2025 campaign for Los Angeles, contributing 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while starting 37 of 38 appearances.

The 25-year-old forward entered the league as the fourth pick in the 2024 draft and immediately made her mark by earning All-Rookie team recognition. Her strong play continued into 2025, where she placed ninth in MVP consideration. Over her two-year professional career spanning 78 games with 72 starts, Jackson has maintained averages of 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

This potential move would mark Chicago’s second significant roster change this week, following Monday’s trade that sent two-time All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two first-round draft selections.

Global ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics began Thursday after organizers reported breaking records during the initial week of local presales, demonstrating significant early interest for Games that depend heavily on private funding.

According to LA28, more tickets were purchased during the opening week than any previous Olympic Games achieved in their first week of sales. Every ticket during this initial period went to buyers from the Los Angeles and Oklahoma City regions, though some customers voiced concerns about elevated prices, additional fees, and limited availability.

Officials reported that local purchasers bought hundreds of thousands of $28 tickets, which organizers promote as the most affordable Olympic tickets in modern times. However, some buyers have expressed frustration over high costs, fees, and scarce ticket options.

“The success of the locals presale speaks for itself,” stated LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover. “We’re thrilled by the level of interest and enthusiasm in tickets to the Games.”

The worldwide sales phase, called “Drop 1,” continues until April 19 for fans chosen through a lottery system and given specific purchasing windows. Tickets are offered for all Olympic competitions, including opening and closing ceremonies.

Event organizers admitted that some customers experienced surprise at pricing after marketing campaigns emphasized the $28 entry-level options, only to discover many budget seats sold rapidly or that certain events carried much higher price tags.

Allison Katz-Mayfield, LA28’s senior vice president for games delivery revenue, explained to Reuters this outcome was anticipated since the cheapest tickets would naturally sell first.

“We really wanted to make sure that the locals had access to the most affordable tickets and we saw that come to life through this presale,” she explained, noting that additional low-cost options would become available in upcoming sales periods.

LA28 announced that over one million $28 tickets will eventually be offered to the public. Nearly half of all Olympic tickets cost less than $200, while more than three-quarters, including championship events, are under $400. Only approximately 5% of tickets exceed $1,000, according to organizers.

Katz-Mayfield reported that interest surpassed projections from the registration process through the initial sales window. She noted that roughly one-third of currently available tickets remained priced below $200 as global sales commenced.

The organizing committee faces pressure to demonstrate it can produce a financially responsible Games without burdening taxpayers, who might bear responsibility for budget overruns. LA28 has stated its more than $7 billion operation will be funded primarily through ticket sales, sponsorships and hospitality services.

Katz-Mayfield said robust ticket sales, combined with sponsorship and hospitality income, provided encouraging indicators for the Games’ financial stability.

LA28 also cautioned fans against purchasing from unauthorized resale websites before its official resale program launches in 2027, warning that tickets sold elsewhere might be speculative or invalid.

Monday night’s NCAA men’s basketball championship game between Michigan and the University of Connecticut captured the attention of 18.3 million viewers nationwide, representing the largest television audience for the tournament’s final game in seven years.

The viewership numbers across TBS, TNT, truTV and HBO Max showed a significant 23% jump compared to the same networks’ coverage of the 2024 championship contest.

Michigan’s 69-63 triumph in Indianapolis, which secured the Wolverines their first national title since 1989, reached its highest audience of 20.4 million viewers during the game’s final moments between 11 and 11:15 p.m. Eastern Time.

These viewing figures represent the strongest performance for an NCAA championship game since Virginia’s victory over Texas Tech in Minneapolis during 2019.

The Final Four rounds, which included Arizona and Illinois alongside the two finalists, brought in an average of 14.2 million viewers, reflecting an 11% increase from the previous year. The complete tournament, with additional games broadcast on CBS, averaged 10.9 million viewers – a 7% rise from last year and the second-highest viewership for the tournament since 1994.

Television coverage of March Madness is split between TBS Sports and CBS Sports, with the two networks taking turns broadcasting the championship game annually.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — While it may be excessive to claim that Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin’s legendary matchup rescued the NHL, their emergence certainly brought a new chapter to a league that desperately needed revitalization following the devastating 2004-05 lockout season.

Drafted just one year apart but worlds different in personality — Ovechkin embodying explosive passion while Crosby represents methodical precision — these two icons have dedicated nearly twenty years to shaping their teams and transforming hockey itself. They represent that exceptional category of athletes who arrived with enormous pressure and managed to exceed every expectation.

Their combined achievements include five Hart Trophies, four Stanley Cup victories, more than 3,400 career points, and an endless collection of unforgettable moments that have cemented their places in hockey history.

Ovechkin holds the record as hockey’s greatest goal scorer of all time, while Crosby stands as the sole player to maintain a point-per-game average across 21 consecutive seasons. These two legends will clash twice more during this weekend’s final regular season games as Washington and Pittsburgh complete a home-and-away series.

Nobody knows if these 100th and 101st career encounters between these hockey giants will mark their final meetings.

Crosby, now 38, has his contract extending through next season and continues performing at an elite level as his Pittsburgh team surprisingly pushes toward playoff qualification. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Ovechkin remains secretive about his plans following what has been a disappointing campaign for Washington.

This could represent the conclusion of their storied rivalry. Even if not, the end approaches rapidly. Before this legendary competition transitions into nostalgic memories, let’s examine the memorable highlights (and one notable disappointment) from two athletes who lifted a league damaged by internal conflicts and guided it successfully into modern hockey:

Final Score: Pittsburgh 5, Washington 4

Venue: Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh

Statistics: Crosby recorded one goal and one assist; Ovechkin contributed one assist.

Game Summary: This inaugural meeting between the future superstars remains unique as the only contest that featured Hall of Fame legend Mario Lemieux, who served as Ovechkin’s childhood hero. Lemieux announced his retirement two months afterward, having already transferred leadership responsibilities to Crosby. The 18-year-old “Sid the Kid” demonstrated his future potential by maneuvering between two Washington defenders before executing the signature backhand shot that would become his trademark move.

Final Score: Washington 5, Pittsburgh 2

Venue: Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.

Statistics: Crosby earned one assist, Ovechkin scored one goal with one assist.

Game Summary: This relatively routine mid-season result provided a rare glimpse into the genuine animosity that existed between Ovechkin and Crosby during their early careers. A second-period confrontation led to physical contact that resulted in Crosby losing his helmet and considerable verbal sparring between the players. The Associated Press reported their post-game comments:

“What I can say about him?” Ovechkin said. “He is a good player, but he talks too much.”

And what does Crosby make of Ovechkin’s showmanship?

“Like it or lump it, that’s what he does,” Crosby said. “Some people like it, some people don’t. Personally, I don’t like it.”

Final Score: Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3

Venue: Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.

Statistics: Both Crosby and Ovechkin achieved hat tricks.

Game Summary: During their inaugural playoff encounter, both stars delivered spectacular performances in their athletic prime. Each player scored three goals in the Eastern Conference semifinal’s second game, with Ovechkin netting the decisive score with 4:38 remaining in regulation.

However, Crosby ultimately prevailed in the series. After seven grueling games, Ovechkin missed a crucial breakaway opportunity against goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, and Crosby responded with a goal moments later, launching a decisive 6-2 victory. Crosby captured his first Stanley Cup championship one month later.

Final Score: Washington 5, Pittsburgh 4

Venue: Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh

Statistics: Crosby scored twice; Ovechkin recorded three goals and one assist.

Game Summary: During a blizzard on Super Bowl Sunday, Ovechkin orchestrated a dramatic rally from a 4-1 disadvantage. His three-goal performance included two third-period scores that forced a tie, and he provided the key pass for Mike Knuble’s power-play winner 2:49 into overtime.

Several days afterward, Crosby led Team Canada to a dominant 7-3 quarterfinal victory over Ovechkin’s Team Russia at the Olympics. Crosby then delivered arguably his career’s most significant moment by scoring the overtime goal that secured Olympic gold for Canada on their home ice.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 2, Washington 0

Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

Statistics: Crosby recorded one assist, Ovechkin was held scoreless.

Game Summary: The third playoff series between these franchises during the Crosby-Ovechkin era concluded with the familiar outcome of their previous encounters. Crosby assisted on Bryan Rust’s second-period goal that gave Pittsburgh the lead. Ovechkin unleashed a powerful one-timer toward Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury, but the goaltender miraculously deflected the shot with his stick handle, completing a 29-save performance that propelled the Penguins to their second consecutive Stanley Cup title.

Final Score: Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3

Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh

Statistics: Both Crosby and Ovechkin contributed one goal and one assist.

Game Summary: Pittsburgh’s quest for three straight championships began promisingly in 2018. The Penguins advanced smoothly to face Washington in the second round, splitting their opening games in the nation’s capital. Crosby scored late in the second period to give Pittsburgh the advantage before former Penguin Matt Niskanen equalized early in the third period.

The contest seemed destined for overtime until Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom created a two-on-one scoring opportunity. Backstrom passed to Ovechkin, whose initial attempt was stopped by goaltender Matt Murray. In one smooth sequence that contrasted sharply with his typical power-based style, Ovechkin deflected the rebound mid-air into the empty net, giving Washington the series advantage.

Six days later in the same arena, Ovechkin set up Evgeny Kuznetsov’s overtime winner in Game 6 as Washington overcame their playoff struggles and captured the franchise’s first and only Stanley Cup championship.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Oklahoma City has once again established itself as the team to beat in the NBA playoffs, securing the conference’s top seed for three consecutive seasons.

The defending champion Thunder achieved this milestone Wednesday evening with a commanding 128-110 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers, earning them a place among basketball’s most legendary franchises.

Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have become just the seventh organization in NBA history to capture their conference’s premier regular-season standing for three years running. This exclusive group includes the championship-winning Boston Celtics of the 1970s and 1980s, the legendary Showtime Lakers, Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls dynasty, the early 2000s Lakers, and the recent Golden State Warriors powerhouse.

Following their dominant performance against Los Angeles — marking their 19th victory in their last 20 contests — the Thunder (64-16) officially secured the top playoff position ahead of San Antonio (61-19) while also claiming the league’s finest overall record.

Team members acknowledge the significance of this accomplishment while keeping their focus on larger objectives in the coming months.

“This definitely feels more satisfying, not just because we’ve had to overcome more challenges,” remarked MVP candidate Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed 20 points and 11 assists before resting in the final quarter. “Achieving something repeatedly and maintaining that level is always more difficult. It presents greater challenges. The competition improves. Individual players develop. For our team to maintain the top overall record despite various obstacles demonstrates our character. We consistently emphasize at each season’s start that regardless of past success, we must earn our playoff position and seeding, and we’ve earned this first overall seed.”

Oklahoma City has dominated since their breakthrough campaign two years ago when they captured the Western Conference’s best record with 57 wins. Following last year’s 68-victory season, they’ve joined an exclusive trio of franchises in league history to achieve at least 64 wins in consecutive seasons, alongside the 1995-97 Bulls and 2015-17 Warriors.

However, the team recognizes that playoff competition presents greater challenges, and Oklahoma City aims to become the first franchise to capture championships after posting the NBA’s top record in back-to-back seasons since Jordan’s Bulls accomplished this in 1996 and 1997.

“This represents a tremendous achievement,” stated Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “Each season brings unique experiences, and this year provided vastly different challenges. When you capture a championship, that success creates expectations for the following year. Everyone — ourselves included — measures performance against that standard. Staying focused during the subsequent regular season proves incredibly challenging. This team taught me valuable lessons through their daily commitment to embracing each day’s specific challenges, which I believe explains our successful season.”

Oklahoma City opened this campaign with an impressive 24-2 start that sparked discussions about potentially being the greatest regular-season team in basketball history. Injuries limited the Thunder to an 18-12 record from mid-December through the All-Star break — however, they’ve recaptured their dominant form with a remarkable 22-2 run since that period.

The Thunder maintained at least a share of first place throughout the entire season, becoming only the seventh wire-to-wire conference leader in league history. Golden State most recently achieved this distinction in 2016.

“I believe we successfully navigated all the challenges we encountered this year, and our efforts have been rewarded,” said Chet Holmgren, who tallied 30 points against the Clippers.

While injury concerns may have prevented Oklahoma City from pursuing historic single-season records, these setbacks might have left the team better rested for upcoming playoff battles: Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace are the only players to participate in 70 games this season.

With two remaining regular-season games before several days of preparation for another postseason campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander believes the team is prepared for the challenge.

“We comprehend the winning process and the formula for success,” explained Gilgeous-Alexander, who reached at least 20 points for his 141st straight game despite failing to make a free throw for the first time all season. “We recognize that everyone contributing to this formula is essential for success. It’s not about flashy plays or superficial elements. Understanding how to complete the job each night, and the methods to achieve it, I think we’ve developed that consistency more than anything else.”

Federal investigators have launched an inquiry into the National Football League to determine if the organization has employed business practices that violate antitrust laws and potentially damage consumers, according to a Thursday report from the Wall Street Journal.

Sources with knowledge of the matter told the publication that the investigation is underway, though the specific details about what aspects of the NFL’s operations are being examined have not been disclosed.

The Wall Street Journal indicated that the precise boundaries and focus areas of the federal inquiry could not be immediately determined.

Dr. Jason Schepis was watching the Olympic gold medal hockey match from his New Jersey home when he witnessed his dental work getting knocked across the ice during the final period of an intense game.

Team USA’s 24-year-old forward Jack Hughes had just received a stick to the face from Canada’s Sam Bennett, later describing how he spotted a complete tooth and fragments of others scattered on the rink surface.

As the New Jersey Devils’ team dentist, Schepis recognized those damaged teeth immediately – he had previously restored the same ones after Hughes suffered a high stick injury during playoff action years earlier.

“We did the root canals, fixed it up,” Schepis remembered. “Those were his teeth.”

Following typical hockey tradition, Hughes ignored the dental damage and proceeded to net the overtime winner in a 2-1 victory, delivering America’s first men’s hockey gold since 1980. His toothless smile perfectly captured a sport where dental gaps serve as symbols of toughness and “spittin’ chiclets” has become such common terminology it inspired a well-known hockey podcast name.

Describing hockey players as needing dental care would be a massive understatement. Each team employs a specialist who joins physicians and medical personnel at every NHL contest, prepared to respond when emergencies occur.

“When there is an injury to the mouth, our physicians are like, ‘Oh yeah, we’re so happy you’re here because we would not have been able to do that,’” explained San Jose Sharks dentist Mark Nishimura. “Sometimes we’re really not busy, and other times, when it’s bad, it’s bad.”

The situation turned severe when Nishimura received Joe Pavelski’s knocked-out teeth after a puck struck the player’s jaw during 2019 playoff action, though the incident led to a goal. That same year saw Keith Yandle lose nine teeth, yet he returned to action and continued playing 168 consecutive games.

Brent Burns lost three teeth to an errant stick in 2013 but has since appeared in over 1,000 straight games. Chris Clark required three hours of surgical work involving braces, screws and cadaver bone material after a puck bounced off his stick into his mouth in 2006.

Clark describes hockey dentists as “triage doctors,” knowledge gained through his own tooth-losing, palate-breaking experience with the Washington Capitals.

Veteran Capitals dentist Tom Lenz witnessed that incident and has encountered every possible scenario, including transporting players to his practice during nighttime hours when timing becomes critical. Since pucks and sticks create mouth injuries unlike those seen in the general population, his early career days over twenty years ago brought considerable anxiety.

“You never know till you get back there, so you always have to be ready to just jump in and take care of it,” Lenz explained. “It can be a simple chipped tooth. It can be teeth knocked out. It can be jaw fractures. … We try to get them stable, out of discomfort — whatever that takes.”

Their responsibilities extend to treating facial cuts affecting players, referees and coaches alike. During regular season games, the home dentist handles both teams and collaborates with other medical professionals, such as when Schepis sidelined Chicago’s Connor Bedard due to jaw fractures in early 2024.

Playoff situations differ, which explains Schepis’s presence on the road when Hughes took Jordan Staal’s stick to the mouth during the Devils-Carolina Hurricanes series opener in May 2023.

“They’re snapped in half, the nerves are hanging out, the ice is cold (and) he can’t breathe because the nerves are hanging,” Schepis described. “Just numb him right at the end of the first, did the root canals right there, pulled the nerves out. The orthopedic surgeons think it’s like miracle work.”

After Alex Ovechkin lost a front tooth to a stick in October 2007, Lenz installed a temporary implant called a “flipper” with plans for permanent restoration following retirement.

Lenz said Ovechkin initially demanded immediate replacement, then lost the temporary piece, making his gap-toothed appearance part of his signature look despite his mother’s disapproval. Ovechkin now holds the league’s career scoring record and continues playing at 40.

“Had one made within a day or so because he was so adamant about, ‘I can’t go around like this,’” Lenz recalled. “It’s so him now that it’s going to be strange to see him with all his teeth up there.”

Unlike Ovechkin, Hughes told Jimmy Fallon that missing teeth won’t become his permanent appearance. He has already received dental repairs.

Currently in his 14th NHL season, Brenden Dillon wore mouth protection as a youth because hockey incidents required three rounds of braces. After abandoning protection in minor league play, his first NHL fight resulted in mouth damage, prompting him to resume wearing guards.

“Not a fun part of it,” Dillon said. “I don’t think basketball, football — maybe baseball, a ball here and there maybe — but way more in hockey. Sticks, pucks, the glass, ice — the whole nine yards. It feels like once a game at least somebody’s getting dinged up with something.”

Schepis, Lenz and fellow NHL team dentists also serve other sports. Lenz noted that many NBA players he treats have never received stitches previously.

“Hockey players sometimes will even go, ‘How many is it going to be?’” Lenz said. “If it’s like two or three or so, a lot of the guys will just go: ‘Then just suture it. No anesthetic, I don’t want to take that. Just suture it and I want to get back out there.’”

Nishimura recalls being asked about reinserting teeth when Pavelski lost them to a shot from then-teammate Burns. The Sharks defeated Vegas 5-2, adding to Pavelski’s reputation for courage.

“Pavs went back, we numbed him up, sutured him,” Nishimura said. “He went back out and finished the game. It’s incredible. Hockey players, they don’t quit. They are a special breed of human being.”

Dillon, currently with New Jersey, has endured multiple root canals and chipped teeth while recognizing he should wear mouth protection during practice sessions. Lenz has observed fewer facial injuries since mandatory visor requirements, with only four grandfathered players still competing without them.

Clark rarely used visors during his playing career but supports current players’ widespread adoption, similar to how helmets became required equipment, given the frequency of stick and puck contact with faces.

“It’s sort of part of the deal,” Clark said.

Having hockey dentists available remains equally essential. Schepis recalls performing a 1 a.m. root canal on Jaromir Jagr and placing over 30 stitches for another player when puck damage extended completely through his mouth.

“There’s a lot of little nuances to sports dentistry vs. regular dentistry because it’s just not standard,” Schepis explained. “You have to move fast and you have to always move with the player’s best intention. But we know they want to be out there. We know the team wants them out there. You always have to be available any time of night.”

Professional baseball players are making more money than ever before, with a new Associated Press analysis revealing that average salaries have climbed to an unprecedented $5.34 million at the start of this season—a 3.4% jump from last year.

For the fourth year running, the New York Mets are baseball’s biggest spenders, leading all teams with their massive payroll investments.

The highest-earning player in baseball remains Mets outfielder Juan Soto, who’s collecting $61.9 million this season for the second year in a row. Behind him is New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger at $42.5 million.

Two players are tied for the third-highest salaries: Philadelphia’s pitcher Zack Wheeler and Mets third baseman Bo Bichette, each earning $42 million. Toronto’s first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rounds out the top five at $40.2 million, slightly ahead of Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge’s $40 million contract.

The Mets are spending $352.2 million on player salaries this season, which falls just short of their own record of $355.4 million set in 2023 but represents an increase from last year’s $322.6 million. Their spending dwarfs that of the most frugal team—Cleveland manages with just $62.3 million, more than five times less than New York’s investment.

The defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, hold the second position in spending at $316.6 million, a slight decrease from their previous year’s $319.5 million. However, if contracts with delayed payments were calculated at full value rather than present-day worth, the Dodgers’ total would balloon to $395.2 million. The Mets, with fewer deferred payment deals, would see their spending rise to $360 million under the same calculation.

The current average salary of $5,335,966 represents a significant increase from last season’s opening figure of $5,160,245. Under the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire in December, salaries have grown by 28%, averaging 5.6% growth each year.

The top-spending teams remain unchanged from last year’s rankings, with the Yankees in third place at $297.2 million, followed by Philadelphia at $282 million and Toronto at $269 million.

More teams are joining the high-spending ranks, with six clubs now carrying payrolls exceeding $250 million compared to four last year. Ten teams have crossed the $200 million threshold, up from nine previously.

On the other end of the spectrum, eight teams are operating with budgets under $100 million, an increase from five teams in that category last year.

Detroit made the most dramatic spending increase, adding $64.2 million to reach $206.7 million after signing pitcher Framber Valdez, retaining Gleyber Torres through a qualifying offer, and providing ace Tarik Skubal with a substantial arbitration raise. Atlanta boosted spending by $44.1 million, while the Chicago Cubs, Toronto, and the Mets each increased their budgets by approximately $30 million.

Minnesota took the opposite approach, reducing their payroll by $46.3 million from last season’s opening day to $96.5 million.

St. Louis also made significant cuts, dropping from $141.5 million to $100.4 million. The Cardinals’ current spending includes $44 million they’re paying to Arizona and Boston as part of trades involving Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras, plus $3.4 million in present-day value for Arenado’s $6 million assignment bonus that remains the Cardinals’ responsibility through 2041.

Additional teams making substantial reductions include the Guardians (down $40.2 million), Texas (reduced by $37.3 million), and Washington (cut by $23.3 million).

The salary calculations encompass 942 players listed on opening day rosters and injured lists, but exclude those on restricted lists such as Cleveland pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar, and Philadelphia outfielder Johan Rojas.

Players assigned to minor league teams at season’s start, including Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim and Toronto pitcher Yariel Rodríguez, are also not reflected in these figures.

The median salary—the midpoint where half of all players earn more and half earn less—increased to $1.4 million from $1.35 million, though it remains below the peak of $1.65 million reached in 2015. Active roster expansion to 26 players occurred in 2021.

Both average and median salaries typically decrease throughout the season as veteran players are released and replaced by younger players earning closer to minimum wage. MLB’s calculation puts the final 2025 average at $4.61 million, while the players’ association estimates $4.72 million.

Currently, 519 players are earning at least $1 million, representing 55% of all players—the same percentage as last year.

Nineteen players are earning $30 million or more, an increase of four from last season. Seventy-four players are making at least $20 million, up from 66, while 168 players earn $10 million or more, down from 177.

Thirty-one players are earning the league minimum of $780,000.

The highest-paid 50 players account for 30% of all salaries, up from 29% in the previous two seasons, while the top 100 earners represent 49% of total compensation, an increase from last year’s 48%.

These figures incorporate base salaries along with prorated portions of signing bonuses and other guaranteed income. The calculations also account for cash adjustments in trades, signing bonuses assigned to the contracting club, option buyouts, and severance payments for released players.

MLB’s official payroll figures are based on 40-man rosters and change daily based on roster transactions.

Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid delivered a spectacular five-point performance Wednesday evening, netting three goals and dishing out two assists as the Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-2 on the road.

The victory boosted Edmonton’s record to 40-29-10 for 90 points, extending their hot streak to 6-1-1 over their last eight contests. The win also pushed the Oilers two points clear of the idle Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division.

Jack Roslovic and Vasily Podkolzin each contributed one goal and one assist for Edmonton, while defenseman Evan Bouchard recorded two assists in the winning effort.

Between the pipes for Edmonton, Connor Ingram faced 10 shots and allowed two goals before being pulled for the final period. Tristan Jarry took over in the third and turned away all four shots he encountered.

San Jose got goals from Macklin Celebrini and Kiefer Sherwood in the losing effort. The Sharks fell to 37-33-7 with 81 points, suffering just their second defeat in seven games. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made 21 saves in the loss.

Sabres 5, Rangers 3

Zach Benson found the net twice as Buffalo rallied for a victory against New York at Madison Square Garden.

Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker each recorded one goal and one assist for the Sabres, who claimed sole possession of the Atlantic Division’s top spot. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen turned aside 17 shots for the win.

New York got two goals from Alexis Lafreniere, while Adam Fox contributed one goal and one assist. Igor Shesterkin made 22 saves for the Rangers, who had been riding a two-game winning streak and had won five of their previous six matchups.

Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 0

Logan Thompson recorded 21 saves for his third shutout of the season as Washington kept their playoff hopes alive with a road victory over Toronto.

Thompson has now blanked the Maple Leafs twice this season. Dylan Strome and Martin Fehervary each tallied one goal and one assist for the Capitals, while Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson added single goals. Washington now sits three points behind Ottawa for the second Eastern Conference wild card spot and three points back of Philadelphia for third in the Metropolitan Division.

Joseph Woll allowed three goals on 17 shots for Toronto, which has now dropped three consecutive games (0-2-1) and will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Following a disappointing overtime loss where Edmonton surrendered multiple leads against Utah, the Oilers turned to their captain for a bounce-back performance.

Connor McDavid delivered exactly what his team required, recording his 15th career three-goal game while contributing two assists in Edmonton’s commanding 5-2 triumph over the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night. The victory propelled the Oilers to the summit of the Pacific Division standings.

“He knows our team needed a win,” coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We’re playing a little short-handed and he’s going to be the guy. Tonight every shift he was really dialed in and played extremely well. I’ve seen him play a lot of good games and that was one of his best.”

McDavid wasted no time making his presence felt, finding the net during a power play on just his third shift of the game. He then set up Vasily Podkolzin for another man-advantage goal before the opening period concluded, and dominated the early portion of the second frame with two additional goals and another assist across his first seven shifts.

When Edmonton’s captain performs at such an elite level, his teammates understand their role becomes straightforward.

“Get him the puck,” Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard said. “When you see him playing the way he was tonight, and honestly, most of the season, you want to get him the puck. He makes things happen when not many other people can.”

The matchup featured McDavid facing off against fellow Canadian Olympic team member and Hart Trophy candidate Macklin Celebrini, who opened the scoring with a power-play goal for San Jose.

McDavid responded with his first goal less than two minutes afterward, and the Sharks proved unable to contain him throughout the remainder of the contest.

“He’s the best player in the league and he’s also the fastest so if you don’t really slow him down or get in his way he’s just going to skate by you,” Celebrini said. “It’s simple as that. You’ve seen it his whole career. I loved watching it when I was a fan but it’s super frustrating when you play against it.”

McDavid’s season total now stands at 133 points, maintaining a six-point advantage over Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov in the Art Ross Trophy competition. This marks his second-highest single-season output, trailing only his 153-point campaign in 2022-23.

With three games remaining, McDavid requires just three more goals to reach the 50-goal plateau for the second time in his career, though his attention remains focused on team objectives. Edmonton currently holds a two-point lead over Vegas in the division, although the Golden Knights possess a game in hand.

“We’ve got to punch our ticket,” McDavid said. “We’ve got three games left. We’ve still got to punch our ticket to the playoffs. Those individual things are nice but not at the top of mind.”

Despite reaching consecutive Stanley Cup Finals over the previous two seasons, Edmonton has experienced an inconsistent campaign. However, the Oilers have compiled a 6-1-1 record over their last eight contests to seize control of the Pacific Division lead.

With high-scoring linemate Leon Draisaitl potentially returning from injury before the playoffs begin, Edmonton aims to rediscover their championship form in time for another postseason run.

“It’s been kind of an up-and-down year for us, honestly,” McDavid said. “We still feel like our best hockey is ahead of us. We’re kind of finding it right now, which is a good time to do it.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder locked up the NBA’s best record Wednesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 128-110 in Inglewood, California, behind a dominant performance from Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren delivered 30 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 20 points and dished out 11 assists in the victory. The win secured Oklahoma City’s third straight Western Conference top playoff seed and extended their winning streak to seven games.

Bench contributor Isaiah Joe chipped in 21 points and Jalen Williams provided 18 more for the Thunder, who captured their franchise’s first NBA championship last season. With the league’s best record now locked up, Oklahoma City will enjoy home-court advantage throughout the entire NBA Finals.

For Los Angeles, Kawhi Leonard managed 20 points while Kobe Sanders added 17 off the bench. The Clippers have already secured their spot in the play-in tournament despite starting the season with a dismal 6-21 record. Los Angeles was without Darius Garland due to a toe injury.

Brook Lopez and Jordan Miller each contributed 16 points for the Clippers, who remain in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. The final positioning for the eighth and ninth seeds will be determined Friday when Los Angeles travels to face the Portland Trail Blazers.

Suns 112, Mavericks 107

Devin Booker exploded for 37 points and nine assists while Dillon Brooks added 28 points, including a crucial late layup, as Phoenix defeated Dallas at home to secure the Western Conference’s seventh playoff seed.

Reserve players Royce O’Neale and Collin Gillespie scored 14 and 13 points respectively for Phoenix (44-36), who nearly squandered an 18-point advantage and trailed during the fourth quarter of their final regular-season home contest. The Suns will host either the Clippers or Trail Blazers in Tuesday’s play-in tournament opener.

John Poulakidas achieved career-highs with 23 points and five three-pointers for Dallas (25-55), while Marvin Bagley III added 20 points. The Mavericks have dropped 10 of their last 12 games. Cooper Flagg recorded 11 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, bolstering his Rookie of the Year candidacy in what has become a two-player race with former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel of Charlotte.

Cavaliers 122, Hawks 116

Donovan Mitchell poured in 31 points and Evan Mobley registered 22 points with a career-high-tying 19 rebounds, leading Cleveland past visiting Atlanta in what could preview an Eastern Conference playoff matchup.

James Harden contributed 21 points and Jarrett Allen added 16 for Cleveland, which cannot finish lower than fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers have now won four consecutive games and six of their past seven, moving within half a game of the third-place New York Knicks.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker tallied 25 points and Jonathan Kuminga provided 24 off the bench for the fifth-place Hawks, who missed an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth. All-Star Jalen Johnson recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists before fouling out. Atlanta maintains a half-game lead over Toronto, though both teams risk falling into the play-in tournament.

Pistons 137, Bucks 111

Jalen Duren posted 21 points and nine rebounds to pace Detroit’s victory over visiting Milwaukee.

The Pistons, who already own the Eastern Conference’s top seed, captured their fourth win in five recent outings. Duncan Robinson contributed 20 points while star player Cade Cunningham returned from an 11-game absence due to a collapsed lung, adding 13 points and 10 assists.

Milwaukee suffered its second straight defeat and eighth loss in their last 10 contests. Michigan native Ryan Rollins paced the Bucks with 23 points, while Jericho Sims achieved a triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Magic 132, Timberwolves 120

Paolo Banchero collected 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists as Orlando defeated visiting Minnesota for their fourth straight victory.

Desmond Bane scored 18 points and Franz Wagner added 17 for Orlando, which climbed to seventh in the competitive Eastern Conference standings, half a game ahead of Philadelphia with two games remaining. Goga Bitadze contributed 14 points and a season-best 15 rebounds, while Tristan da Silva, Jalen Suggs and Jevon Carter each reached double figures.

Terrence Shannon Jr. established career-highs with five three-pointers and 33 points for shorthanded Minnesota, which had already clinched the Western Conference’s sixth position Tuesday. Jaden McDaniels returned from a six-game knee injury absence to score 18 points in 19 minutes, while Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo added 15 and 12 points respectively.

Nuggets 136, Grizzlies 119

Jamal Murray scored 26 points while Nikola Jokic recorded his 34th triple-double of the season with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, powering host Denver past Memphis for their tenth consecutive victory.

Cameron Johnson provided 18 points as the Nuggets established a 1.5-game lead over both the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets for the Western Conference’s third seed.

Cedric Coward finished with 27 points for Memphis, which has now lost six straight games and 19 of their past 21 contests.

Spurs 112, Trail Blazers 101

De’Aaron Fox scored 25 points and San Antonio’s bench players combined for 48 points as the host Spurs defeated Portland.

San Antonio played without Victor Wembanyama (rib injury) and Stephon Castle (knee injury) but still managed their 13th victory in 14 games. The Spurs became locked into the Western Conference’s second seed when Oklahoma City won their contest.

Deni Avdija led Portland with 29 points while Scoot Henderson added 20. The Trail Blazers remain ninth in the West, one game behind the Clippers ahead of Friday’s crucial meeting in Portland.

Toronto rallied for a crucial 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday afternoon, with the winning run crossing the plate in the eighth inning thanks to a defensive miscue.

The Blue Jays managed to claim the final game of their three-contest series against Los Angeles, which was a rematch of the 2025 World Series that the Dodgers captured. Toronto’s victory snapped a six-game losing streak while also halting Los Angeles’ five-game winning run. Relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman navigated through a single and walk in the final frame to secure his second save of the season, while Tyler Rogers (1-0) earned the victory after working 1 2/3 innings.

The decisive sequence unfolded in the eighth when Davis Schneider drew a walk with one out against Ben Casparius (0-1), then advanced to third base on Andres Gimenez’s base hit. Schneider came home to score when catcher Will Smith’s throw sailed away during Gimenez’s successful steal of second base. Earlier offensive contributions came from George Springer and Jesus Sanchez, who each connected for RBI doubles, plus Daulton Varsho’s run-scoring single.

Shohei Ohtani’s leadoff walk in the opening inning marked his 43rd consecutive game reaching base, dating back to August. This achievement matches Ichiro Suzuki’s 2009 record for the longest such streak by a Japanese-born player. On the mound, Ohtani worked six innings while surrendering just one unearned run on four hits and a walk, recording two strikeouts. Los Angeles got offensive production from Freddie Freeman and Will Smith with RBI singles, plus Teoscar Hernandez’s sacrifice fly.

Guardians 10, Royals 2

Angel Martinez delivered four hits including a grand slam as Cleveland dominated visiting Kansas City 10-2 in the deciding contest of their three-game set.

Rhys Hoskins contributed three doubles along with an RBI and run scored, while Jose Ramirez and Juan Brito each recorded two hits, an RBI and run scored for Cleveland, which has captured three of its last four games. Guardians southpaw Joey Cantillo (1-0) surrendered two runs (one earned) and three hits across 5 2/3 innings, striking out nine while walking two.

Bobby Witt Jr. managed two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which has dropped three of four contests. Royals starter Cole Ragans (0-3) faced only five batters before exiting with a thumb contusion on his pitching hand after being struck by a Ramirez comebacker.

Padres 8, Pirates 2

Nick Castellanos knocked in two runs and Jake Cronenworth belted his first home run of the season to power San Diego past host Pittsburgh 8-2.

The defeat continued Pittsburgh starter Mitch Keller’s run of hard luck, despite throwing six shutout innings. Through three starts this season, Keller owns a 1.00 ERA and has permitted only two runs across 18 innings, yet has just one victory to show for his efforts. Rookie Konnor Griffin and Joey Bart provided RBIs for Pittsburgh.

San Diego’s Michael King (1-1) worked six innings while allowing two runs on four hits and three walks, striking out four batters on 95 pitches. Mason Miller handled a scoreless ninth inning, though his streak of 11 straight strikeouts ended when Mangum grounded out to conclude the game. Luis Campusano and Fernando Tatis Jr. each contributed an RBI.

Red Sox 5, Brewers 0

Sonny Gray delivered 6 1/3 scoreless innings and Trevor Story drove in two runs as Boston blanked visiting Milwaukee 5-0.

Gray (2-0) held Milwaukee to three hits while walking two and striking out two. The triumph gave Boston consecutive victories for the first time this season, following their 3-2 win over the Brewers on Tuesday. The series finale victory also delivered Boston’s first series win of the campaign.

Milwaukee starting pitcher Shane Drohan (0-1) made his major league debut but was removed with two outs in the third inning. He surrendered three runs on three hits while issuing four walks and striking out two. Three of those four walks came during Boston’s three-run third inning.

Rangers 3, Mariners 0

A three-run inning provided all the offense Texas needed to shut out Seattle 3-0 in Arlington, completing a three-game series sweep of the struggling Mariners.

A bases-loaded throwing error by Mariners first baseman Connor Joe allowed two runs to score, and Texas tacked on another run in the fifth inning against Seattle starter Bryan Woo (0-1). The Rangers received five scoreless innings from starter MacKenzie Gore (2-0), who permitted one hit while striking out nine and walking two. Their bullpen then completed the shutout with four scoreless frames.

The Mariners managed just three total runs throughout the series despite solid pitching performances. Seattle has now lost five consecutive games and seven of their last eight. The Mariners have been shut out three times during that eight-game stretch and haven’t scored more than three runs in any of those contests.

Additional Scores:

Rockies defeated Astros 9-1, with Hunter Goodman homering and Michael Lorenzen (1-1) earning his first win with Colorado. The victory completed a three-game home sweep of Houston, Colorado’s first series sweep of the Astros since 2012.

Orioles topped White Sox 5-3, with Taylor Ward going 4-for-5 with three doubles and two RBIs as Baltimore completed a three-game series sweep in Chicago. Kyle Bradish (1-2) earned his first victory of the season.

Marlins beat Reds 7-4, ending Cincinnati’s five-game winning streak behind Griffin Conine’s two-run homer and Connor Norby’s solo shot. Michael Petersen recorded his first career save.

Cubs defeated Rays 6-2, with Nico Hoerner homering to highlight his three-hit performance as Chicago earned their first back-to-back wins and first series victory of the season.

Cardinals beat Nationals 6-1, as Jordan Walker homered again and Alec Burleson drove in three runs in the decisive game of their three-game series in Washington.

Athletics edged Yankees 3-2, with Brent Rooker delivering a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the ninth inning for the victory in New York.

Giants shut out Phillies 5-0, as Tyler Mahle combined with four relievers on a four-hitter and Rafael Devers broke a sixth-inning tie with a three-run home run.

Braves defeated Angels 8-2, with Matt Olson homering and Ronald Acuna Jr. doubling twice in the rubber game of their series in Anaheim.

Diamondbacks beat Mets 7-2, as Ryne Nelson earned the win with 5 2/3 solid innings for visiting Arizona, cooling off surging New York.

Twins topped Tigers 8-6, with Royce Lewis going 2-for-3 with two RBIs as Minnesota won its third straight game in Minneapolis.

Beloved college basketball announcer Dick Vitale revealed Wednesday that medical professionals discovered concerning findings during recent imaging tests, with the 86-year-old sports icon now preparing for a biopsy scheduled for this Friday.

“Like countless others, each time I go for any kind of test I am a nervous wreck,” stated Vitale, who has been fighting cancer since 2021, in a release from ESPN. “The latest example is my scans last week. The anxiousness you feel about the uncertainty is off the charts. You just never know what’s next and it can be surprising or scary. While I feel great physically and mentally, I heard from doctors that the latest tests (a PET scan, CAT scan and two MRIs) showed some abnormalities.”

“They are recommending some additional testing to determine next steps,” Vitale continued. “I’m hoping for the best, and we will see what the roadmap looks like after the upcoming biopsy.”

The veteran broadcaster has faced multiple cancer battles, receiving melanoma and lymphoma diagnoses in 2021, followed by vocal cord cancer in 2023. Most recently, he had surgery to treat lymph node cancer in 2024. Despite these health challenges, Vitale returned to the broadcast booth and worked a First Four matchup last month featuring North Carolina State versus Texas alongside Charles Barkley.

“Our teammate. Our friend. We love you, @DickieV. In your corner, always,” ESPN shared on social media platform X.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Vitale transitioned from coaching basketball at both collegiate and professional levels to broadcasting. He joined ESPN’s coverage team during the 1979-80 college basketball season and became a household name in the sport. His contributions earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. He currently resides in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, with his spouse Lorraine.

“As always,” Vitale concluded in his statement, “I plan to remain as active as ever and fight as hard as can be.”

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Most weekends, 39-year-old Brandon Holtz can be found showing homes to clients or joining his regular 12-person golf scramble around Bloomington, Illinois.

This weekend, however, the real estate professional hopes to spend his time walking the legendary fairways of Augusta National Golf Club. After earning his spot through the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship at Arizona’s Troon Country Club last September, Holtz is experiencing the Masters Tournament from an entirely new perspective — as a competitor rather than a spectator.

“I’m the old fat guy out here. It’s been great,” Holtz remarked about his Masters debut. He’s scheduled to begin play Thursday morning at 9:02 a.m. alongside two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson. “I’ve met a lot of guys, talked to them, just trying to understand their story a little bit. Played with Tommy Fleetwood (Tuesday), played with Jordan Spieth (Wednesday). Talk about two icons of the sport. Just learned some things from them. At points in time I was just sitting back and watching them play.”

While this marks Holtz’s 16th visit to Augusta National, his previous 15 trips were as a fan. His father Jeff, who’s serving as his caddie this week, received lifetime Masters passes in 2004. During Wednesday’s traditional par-3 competition, Brandon was joined by his wife Liz and their 6-year-old son Baker, with 2-year-old daughter Millie also part of the family gathering.

Holtz’s athletic background stems from college basketball at Illinois State University. Following graduation, he briefly pursued professional golf, but the financial realities of constant travel without sponsorship quickly became apparent. Two different basketball coaches at ISU later told him they would have encouraged him to focus on golf if they had known he possessed this level of talent.

“We can all — hindsight is 20/20,” Holtz reflected. “We can all sit and dream and wish. Just take life as it comes to you and live in the moment.”

When Holtz examines pre-tournament rankings of this week’s 91-player field, he typically finds his name near the bottom of lists topped by stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

Holtz feels no pressure to prove anything during Thursday and Friday’s rounds, or beyond if he advances to weekend play. However, he’s already benefiting from his presence at Augusta National. When he struggled with his driver — the club that helped him qualify — friends and USGA officials arranged to have his previous driver shipped to the course, which he expected to receive Wednesday.

“Only got half a day left, but sometimes you just got to get out there and play. Shut the brain off and tee it up and hit it and go find it and hit it again,” Holtz explained.

Typically, Holtz spends Saturdays at Lakeside Country Club, a nine-hole course where annual memberships for golfers under 40 cost $1,835. The casual atmosphere includes a gas station convenience store bordering two holes, where his group often makes snack runs between shots.

As for potentially playing a more demanding round this Saturday at Augusta, Holtz is staying focused on the immediate challenge.

“I’m taking one shot at a time, trying not to get too far ahead of myself,” he said. “You don’t know what you don’t know. Obviously I’ve been out here, but (it) hasn’t been tournament time yet. So one shot at a time and see what happens.”

Augusta National’s strict no-cellphone policy left Holtz wishing he could capture memories from his practice rounds with Fleetwood and Spieth.

“I wish I had my camera. I see all those people taking photographs and I’m wanting to take a shot or two myself. (Spieth is) a great guy,” Holtz said. “Just got a lot of information off him. We just talked, talked as people talk. Learned a little bit about his family and he was asking about mine. So it was just really, really fun to play with him.”

Major League Baseball has issued disciplinary action against Los Angeles Angels slugger Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez following a heated altercation that cleared both benches during Tuesday evening’s game in Anaheim, California.

Soler, who serves as the Angels’ outfielder and designated hitter, received a seven-game suspension along with an undisclosed fine. Lopez initially faced a seven-game ban as well, but successfully appealed to reduce his punishment to five games plus a fine.

The Angels player has chosen to challenge his suspension, which means the penalty will remain on hold until his appeal process concludes. The suspension was originally set to take effect during Wednesday’s series finale.

The confrontation began in the fifth inning when Lopez delivered a high inside fastball that deflected off catcher Jonah Heim’s mitt and rolled to the backstop, allowing baserunner Nolan Schanuel to move into scoring position. Soler, who had already connected for a two-run home run in the opening frame and been hit by a pitch on his left hand earlier in the game, became visibly upset with the location of the pitch.

After staring down the Braves pitcher for several moments, Soler charged toward the pitcher’s mound. The two players engaged in a physical altercation, exchanging punches that appeared to miss their targets as teammates from both dugouts rushed onto the field. Lopez defended himself using his glove while throwing punches with his pitching hand, which was still gripping the baseball.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss ultimately helped end the melee by tackling Soler near the first base line.

At the time of his ejection, Lopez had thrown 80 pitches across 4 2/3 innings, recording seven strikeouts while giving up two unearned runs on three hits and two walks. The Braves went on to win the contest 7-2.

Notably, Soler earned World Series MVP honors with Atlanta in 2021 but has since played for three different organizations, including a return stint with the Braves in 2024 before joining the Angels.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida authorities are taking steps to obtain Tiger Woods’ medication records from a local pharmacy following the golf star’s recent arrest on driving under the influence charges after a vehicle crash.

Officials in Martin County announced Tuesday their intention to subpoena Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Beach for comprehensive prescription records covering the golf legend from January through last month. The request encompasses all medications on file for Woods during that timeframe.

The subpoena will demand detailed information including when prescriptions were dispensed, pill quantities, dosage specifications, and any accompanying guidance such as driving warnings, based on court documents available online.

Lewis Pharmacy and Woods’ legal representative Doug Duncan have 10 days to file any challenges to the subpoena with the State Attorney’s Office. Neither the pharmacy nor Duncan responded immediately to requests for comment.

Last week, Woods entered a not guilty plea to the DUI charges. A sheriff’s department report indicated that officers discovered two pain medication pills on Woods and observed signs of impairment following an incident where his SUV struck a trailer and overturned.

The crash happened on Jupiter Island’s beachfront residential streets, where Woods was reportedly driving at excessive speeds in a zone with a 30 mph limit. The vehicle sustained approximately $5,000 in damages, incident reports show. While Woods consented to a breath test that detected no alcohol, he declined to provide a urine sample.

Woods announced last week his decision to step back and pursue treatment.

This marks Woods’ second hiatus following a vehicle accident. Following a 2009 crash near Orlando where his SUV struck a fire hydrant and tree outside his residence, he took a four-month break before returning at the Masters tournament to focus on personal improvement.

Woods also survived a serious 2021 Los Angeles area crash that severely injured his right leg, with injuries so severe that medical professionals initially considered amputation.

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Wednesday they have secured rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin with a nine-year contract extension, marking a historic investment in the organization’s future.

While the Pirates didn’t disclose financial terms, ESPN reports the deal is valued at $140 million, setting records as both the largest guaranteed contract in franchise history and the biggest rookie deal ever signed.

Pittsburgh selected Griffin as the ninth overall draft pick in 2024 from Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, Mississippi. The previous year, the organization chose pitcher Paul Skenes with their first overall selection.

Griffin, who will celebrate his 20th birthday on April 24, began this season playing for Triple-A Indianapolis before earning his major league call-up and debut on April 4.

“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans. It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization,” Pirates chair Bob Nutting said in a statement. “Konnor represents everything we value in a player — exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family. This is another important step in the work we have been doing to build a winning team, for this year and going forward.”

According to ESPN, the timing of the contract signing was strategic. By finalizing the agreement after Griffin’s major league debut, Pittsburgh positioned itself to receive a first-round draft compensation pick if Griffin earns Rookie of the Year honors or finishes in the top three for Most Valuable Player voting in 2026, 2027, or 2028.

“This week has been amazing, debut week, and then sitting here signing a contract, it’s been amazing,” Griffin said, per ESPN. “It’s one of the best weeks of my life. … But it’ll be even better if we can get a win today.”

Griffin earned minor league player of the year recognition in 2025 after posting impressive numbers across 122 games at three different levels. He batted .333 while contributing 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases spanning Class A, High A, and Double A competition.

Through his initial five major league appearances with Pittsburgh, Griffin is batting .176 with three RBIs.

Griffin joins two other shortstop prospects who secured major extensions this spring. Seattle committed $95 million over eight years to Colt Emerson, while Milwaukee agreed to pay Cooper Pratt $50.75 million across eight seasons with additional team options.

Both Emerson and Pratt are currently competing at the Triple-A level to start the season.

The Pirates haven’t reached the playoffs since 2015.

Major League Baseball issued matching seven-game suspensions Wednesday to Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López after both players were thrown out of Tuesday night’s game for fighting.

Michael Hill, who serves as MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations, said both athletes also face financial penalties, though the amounts were not disclosed. While the bans were set to take effect Wednesday, both players have filed appeals that will delay the suspensions.

The confrontation began building when Soler connected for a home run against López during the opening inning Tuesday evening. When Soler stepped into the batter’s box for his second plate appearance, López struck him with a 96 mph fastball. The situation escalated in the fifth inning when López delivered a high-and-inside wild pitch that deflected off catcher Jonah Heim’s glove, prompting Soler to rush toward the pitcher’s mound.

As Soler approached, López raised his hands and the two men stared each other down before exchanging blows.

López, a right-handed pitcher, kept the baseball gripped in his throwing hand while swinging at Soler during the altercation.

Both teams’ players and coaching staff rushed from their dugouts and bullpen areas as Braves manager Walt Weiss brought down Soler with a tackle. Soler previously earned World Series MVP honors in 2021 while playing for Atlanta.

Baseball has lost one of its most accomplished base runners with the passing of former Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Davey Lopes, who died Wednesday at the age of 80.

The Dodgers organization received word of Lopes’ death in Rhode Island from Lin Lopes, his former spouse.

During his decade-long tenure with Los Angeles, Lopes earned four All-Star selections and became a cornerstone of one of baseball’s most celebrated infields. He participated in four World Series appearances, capturing a championship ring in 1981. His 1,134 games at second base remain unmatched in franchise history, while his 1,145 games in the leadoff position trail only Maury Wills’ 1,279 in team annals.

Lopes reached the major leagues relatively late, making his debut on September 22, 1972, at age 27.

The following season marked the beginning of a historic run, as Lopes joined Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey to form an infield unit that would start together for 8½ straight seasons.

Speed became Lopes’ calling card as he developed into one of baseball’s premier base thieves. His 418 stolen bases in Dodger blue rank second in team history behind Wills’ 490, while his 83.1% success rate (among players with at least 100 steals) stands as the franchise benchmark.

Lopes made history on August 4, 1974, becoming the first Dodger since Wills to swipe four bases in a single contest. Twenty days later, he matched the National League mark with five steals against St. Louis. The 1975 season brought another milestone when Lopes set what was then a major league record by successfully stealing 28 consecutive bases.

His speed dominated the basepaths in back-to-back seasons, leading all of baseball with 77 steals in 1975 and pacing the National League with 63 the following year. The 1978 campaign saw remarkable efficiency as he succeeded on 45 of 49 steal attempts.

That same 1978 season delivered Lopes’ finest World Series performance, highlighted by a two-homer opening game against the New York Yankees. He also earned Gold Glove recognition that year.

Following his Dodgers career, Lopes continued playing for Oakland (1982-84), Chicago Cubs (1984-86), and Houston (1986-87). His career totals included 557 stolen bases (26th all-time), a .263 batting average across 1,812 games, 155 home runs, 614 RBIs, 232 doubles, and 50 triples.

Lopes transitioned to managing after retirement, leading Milwaukee from 2000-02. His coaching career spanned multiple organizations including Baltimore, San Diego, Washington, Philadelphia, and a return to Los Angeles.

He earned a second World Series title as Philadelphia’s first-base coach before rejoining the Dodgers as baserunning and first-base instructor from 2011-15. His final major league seasons came as Washington’s first-base coach in 2016-17.

Lopes leaves behind siblings Patrick and John, along with sisters Jean, Judith, Mary, and Nina.

Philadelphia completed a trade deal Wednesday, bringing in outfielder Steward Berroa from Milwaukee in exchange for cash.

The 26-year-old Berroa was immediately sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after joining the Phillies organization. Milwaukee had placed him on waivers the previous week.

To make space on their 40-man roster, Philadelphia released right-handed pitcher Yoniel Curet, who is 23 years old.

During his major league career spanning 30 games between Toronto in 2024 and Milwaukee this season, Berroa has struggled at the plate, posting a .167 batting average with just one run batted in.

The San Antonio Spurs announced that star players Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle will not take the court for Wednesday evening’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The team disclosed that Wembanyama sustained a rib contusion during Monday’s game, while Castle is experiencing soreness in his right knee.

For Wembanyama, the timing is crucial as he needs just one more appearance of at least 20 minutes to satisfy the NBA’s 65-game minimum requirement for individual award consideration.

With only two contests remaining after Wednesday’s game – Friday’s home date with Dallas and Sunday’s finale against Denver – the window is narrowing for the young star.

San Antonio expressed optimism that both players could return to action when they host the Mavericks on Friday.

Both athletes took part in Wednesday’s pre-game shootaround session.

“I can’t tell you too much of how (Wembanyama) looked, but he heals fast,” veteran teammate Harrison Barnes commented.

Wembanyama’s injury occurred during the opening half of San Antonio’s 115-102 triumph over Philadelphia. In that same contest, Castle delivered an impressive performance with 17 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.

Despite playing fewer than 16 minutes against the 76ers, Wembanyama contributed 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks. His playing time qualified as an official game appearance under NBA rules, which permit two instances of 15-19:59 minutes to count toward the mandatory minimum.

The Spurs enter Wednesday with a stellar 60-19 record, having already secured the Southwest Division championship and guaranteed themselves no lower than the second seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They currently sit three games behind conference leaders Oklahoma City, who hold a 63-16 mark.

Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday that James Pearce Jr. has not participated in the team’s voluntary offseason training sessions.

“I will tell you guys, James Pearce is not here,” Stefanski told reporters. “We’ve been in constant communication with his representation.”

The defensive player was taken into custody near Miami on February 7th following an altercation with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA athlete Rickea Jackson.

Pearce is currently facing three serious felony accusations: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and resisting an officer with violence. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for stalking.

Stefanski stressed that the current training sessions are not mandatory and declined to provide specifics about player attendance.

“It’s a voluntary program, so that’s up to each individual player to make those decisions,” the new Falcons head coach explained. “I would also add that we’ve had great discussions with his (Pearce’s) representation. I don’t want to get into the specifics of that.”

Among those participating in workouts is star running back Bijan Robinson, who received AP first-team All-Pro recognition after recording 2,298 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns in the 2025-26 campaign.

Robinson revealed he hasn’t communicated with Pearce since the arrest occurred.

“If he does come back, if he’s here in this building, I’m going to make sure that he’s all the way focused, all the way ready to go, make sure his mind is in the right place, so he can be at his best on and off the field,” Robinson stated.

Pearce’s future with Atlanta remains uncertain following his legal troubles. The organization’s leadership, featuring many new personnel this season, has maintained silence throughout the ongoing investigation.

“Obviously, we’re aware of the most recent articles and things that have come out regarding James Pearce,” Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham commented in March. “Those are concerning, right, to say the least, but outside of that, I’ll just keep it just very similar to what we said at the combine. We’re not going to comment on an open legal matter here moving forward.”

During the 2025 season, Pearce topped the Falcons’ defensive statistics with 10.5 quarterback sacks. His additional contributions included 26 total tackles, five pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Atlanta’s pass rush dramatically improved with Pearce’s presence, establishing a franchise record with 57 total sacks – an increase of 26 from the previous year.