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ANAHEIM, Calif. — A routine fly ball turned into an embarrassing moment for Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell during Tuesday night’s game when his defensive miscue resulted in one of baseball’s most unusual home runs.

The mishap occurred in the fourth inning when Adell attempted to catch a deep fly ball hit by Colorado Rockies player TJ Rumfield. While stretching upward for the catch, the ball clipped the edge of Adell’s glove before striking his head and sailing over the outfield wall for a solo home run.

The unusual sequence created momentary chaos on the field as the baseball bounced back onto the playing surface. Rumfield, uncertain about the official call, initially held up at second base before completing his trip around the bases, extending Colorado’s commanding 8-0 advantage.

The embarrassing defensive mistake brought back memories of a nearly identical incident from May 26, 1993, when Texas Rangers outfielder José Canseco experienced his own head-bouncing home run mishap. During that game, Canseco misjudged a long ball hit by Cleveland’s Carlos Martínez, with the baseball bouncing off his head and clearing the fence for a homer.

The NBA is moving ahead with plans for a 16-team European basketball league scheduled to begin play in October 2027, with or without participation from the existing EuroLeague, NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum announced Tuesday.

“We remain in active discussions with the EuroLeague,” Tatum said. “We believe all parties must be aligned, and we are also realistic. We are ready to proceed with FIBA and our partners if needed. There will be a meeting with the EuroLeague in the next couple of weeks.”

The EuroLeague includes many of Europe’s top basketball organizations, such as Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Fenerbahce and Barcelona.

Sports Business Journal reports that EuroLeague organizations would be required to pay between $500 million and $1 billion to secure permanent NBA Europe franchise rights, though those financial commitments have not yet materialized.

“We’ve expressed to the EuroLeague, and we’ve talked to them about (how) the only way to guarantee a permanent spot in our league is through a successful bid for permanent franchise,” Tatum said. “But … we’re also ready to proceed with our partners and investors if we can’t come to some sort of an agreement.

“It would not be ideal, obviously, but … we continue to pursue a constructive, collaborative and aligned outcome across the entire European ecosystem. We’ve been consistent in that, in believing that all parties should align here for the best interest of basketball.”

Tatum added, “At the end of the month, the bids will be finalized, and after that, we will go through our process. There’s no specific timeline for announcements. We have to finalize our negotiations with the clubs for a tipoff in October 2027.”

Tatum also confirmed recent reports that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is investing in an NBA Europe franchise that will be based in Rome.

“It’s amazing to have someone like Luka, who played in the EuroLeague, to return this way to European basketball,” Tatum said. “He is very excited about our project. Luka played in the EuroLeague, and he understands the need for a construct and a system that will benefit the sport.”

ATLANTA (AP) — Baseball’s current consecutive games leader delivered when it mattered most on Lou Gehrig Day, powering the Atlanta Braves to victory.

Matt Olson celebrated his 844th straight game appearance with a decisive home run in the sixth inning, leading the Braves to a 4-3 win against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The first baseman’s high-flying blast — his 17th home run this season — benefited from strong winds pushing toward the right-field area. The power hitter believed he had mishit the ball, but it continued carrying through the air until it barely made it over the high brick barrier.

“I did not” think it was a homer, Olson said. “Luckily, we had some wind blowing out that way.”

The performance was fitting on a day when Major League Baseball honored the 85th anniversary of Gehrig’s premature passing from ALS at age 37 — an illness forever associated with the Iron Horse that ended his then-record consecutive game streak of 2,130.

Olson, who also hit a double and scored the run that put Atlanta ahead 3-2 in the third inning, has appeared in every contest since May 2, 2021 — the current longest streak in professional baseball.

“We’ve talked about the streak,” he said. “It’s not something I’m hanging up on a pedestal. But to be able to show up and play while I’m able to, I want to.”

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss commended Olson’s consistency and said there’s no better comparison than to Gehrig himself.

“Lou Gehrig was one of my all-time heroes,” Weiss said. “I made all four of my sons do their fifth-grade book report on Lou Gehrig. That was mandatory in our house. What a legacy he left behind. And you’ve got our iron man hitting the game-winning homer on Lou Gehrig Day, so very appropriate.”

The Braves obtained Olson through a major trade with the Athletics before the 2022 season after failing to reach a contract agreement with their previous longtime first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Replacing such a beloved player created enormous expectations, but Olson has delivered impressive results since arriving in Atlanta. He established a team record with 54 home runs in 2023, and is tracking toward another strong campaign for the squad with baseball’s top record at 41-20.

“He’s rock-solid in every way,” Weiss said. “He’s so reliable.”

Olson explained his straightforward philosophy for wanting to play continuously rather than taking occasional rest days.

“I just don’t like sitting,” the 32-year-old said with a smile. “I’ve had days off in the past and, man, it sucks sitting there and watching everybody else play. Sure, you’re tired sometimes. But I just think you have a commitment to your teammates and the fans and yourself and the organization. If you can go, you should go.”

His current streak represents the longest in professional baseball since Miguel Tejada’s 1,152 consecutive games from 2000-07. Gehrig’s original mark was eventually surpassed by Cal Ripken Jr., who appeared in 2,632 straight games during his Hall of Fame tenure with the Baltimore Orioles.

Similar to his manager Weiss, Olson values Gehrig’s impact on America’s pastime and particularly his role in raising awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative neurological condition with no known treatment.

“I know people from my area who’ve been affected by it,” Olson said. “A brutal disease. Every time we get a chance to bring some awareness to it and do something to help people who are really affected by it, we’re all for it.”

Tomas Hertl netted the decisive goal with 3:24 left on the clock, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night in Raleigh, N.C.

The Golden Knights mounted an impressive rally after falling behind 2-0 early, with Shea Theodore contributing one goal and three total points in the comeback effort. Brett Howden found the net once while adding an assist, and Ivan Barbashev along with William Karlsson each contributed single goals.

Between the pipes for Vegas, Carter Hart turned away 23 shots, while Brayden McNabb recorded a personal playoff-best three assists.

For the Hurricanes, Nikolaj Ehlers lit the lamp twice, and Jordan Staal plus Shayne Gostisbehere each added goals in the losing effort despite Carolina’s early 2-0 advantage. Jalen Chatfield contributed two assists, and netminder Frederik Andersen made 18 saves.

The second contest of the best-of-seven championship series takes place Thursday in Raleigh.

As the clock wound down in the seesaw battle, Hertl executed a perfect give-and-go play with Colton Sissons, collecting the return pass in the slot before firing a shot into the upper corner of the net.

Historical data shows teams winning the finals opener capture the Stanley Cup 76.4% of the time. That percentage decreases to 65.6% when the road team takes the first game.

Carolina suffered just their second playoff loss this season, but now faces pressure to even the series before it moves to Las Vegas. The Hurricanes had controlled the early action.

Ehlers got Carolina on the scoreboard with the third-quickest goal to begin a finals game in history. The opening shot of the game deflected off the goalpost and crossed the goal line just 25 seconds into play.

Ehlers doubled Carolina’s lead with a breakaway score at the 12:08 mark of the opening period.

Vegas rallied back with three consecutive goals to take control.

Theodore got the Golden Knights on the scoreboard 80 seconds following Ehlers’ second goal, as his shot from the point deflected off a Carolina defender and found the net.

Barbashev evened the score 30 seconds into the second period, placing a shot in the top corner from the slot area. Karlsson then put Vegas ahead 3-2 at 4:35 of the middle frame, capitalizing on a scoring opportunity near the goal line.

Staal knotted the game eight minutes later. Carolina capitalized on a Vegas turnover in their attacking zone, with Staal firing a shot from the slot to make it 3-3 entering the final period.

Howden restored Vegas’ lead when he deflected Theodore’s shot-pass 81 seconds into the third period.

But Gostisbehere equalized once more, scoring from the left faceoff circle at 11:19 of the final frame.

RALEIGH, N.C. — After two lackluster conference final series drained excitement from the NHL playoffs, the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes delivered exactly what hockey fans needed in their Stanley Cup Final opener.

Tuesday night’s thrilling 5-4 Golden Knights victory showcased non-stop action, featuring everything from lightning-fast scoring to spectacular goaltending performances. The defensive systems that carried both teams to this stage took a backseat to offensive fireworks, creating an entertaining spectacle for viewers.

The fireworks began immediately when Nikolaj Ehlers found the net just 25 seconds into the game for Carolina, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The fast-paced action continued as both teams generated numerous high-quality scoring chances, including odd-man rushes and breakaway opportunities that likely gave coaches nightmares.

Vegas demonstrated their resilience by overcoming another early deficit, trailing by two goals barely 12 minutes into the contest. Ivan Barbashev’s tally 30 seconds into the middle frame created NHL history, marking the first Cup final game ever to feature goals scored that rapidly in consecutive periods.

Jordan Staal provided a memorable moment for Carolina, netting his first playoff goal at this level since 2009 while surpassing his older brother Eric’s record for the longest drought between Cup final tallies. The arena erupted again when Shayne Gostisbehere knotted the score with less than nine minutes remaining in regulation.

Carter Hart delivered his most crucial save with 3:43 left on the clock, using a spectacular glove stop to deny Seth Jarvis, Carolina’s struggling top-line winger who continues searching for offensive success.

The Golden Knights saved their best moment for last in a game filled with highlights. Colton Sissons created the winning play with a clever backhand feed to Tomas Hertl, who had also struggled early in the playoffs, for the decisive goal just 19 seconds after Hart’s brilliant save on Jarvis.

Following such an exhilarating battle between two championship-caliber teams, hockey enthusiasts can only hope the remaining games deliver similar entertainment value.

Two of college athletics’ most powerful conferences announced Tuesday they cannot back the current form of bipartisan federal legislation aimed at governing an industry grappling with rapid transformation where some athletes now earn millions of dollars.

The Southeastern and Big Ten conferences stated the legislation “leaves critical issues unresolved,” particularly failing to provide adequate federal override of state regulations – a component long viewed as essential for gaining NCAA and conference backing.

During a recent Associated Press interview, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who co-authored the measure with Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., stated “the bill is drafted to preempt state laws that conflict with the provisions in this bill.”

The joint SEC-Big Ten announcement emerged just under 24 hours ahead of a planned Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the proposed legislation. Cruz leads the committee while Cantwell serves as the top-ranking Democrat.

While the Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conferences have endorsed the proposal, the Big Ten and SEC wield the most influence as the wealthiest conferences with significant control over College Football Playoff decisions.

Among the measure’s main components is allowing conferences to combine their media rights – a concept the Big Ten and SEC have consistently argued would not produce the financial benefits supporters claim. The conferences’ joint statement did not address this particular provision.

A representative from Cruz’s Commerce Committee confirmed they are aware of the Big Ten-SEC stance.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams and general manager Les Snead have built their reputation over more than ten years by executing bold, high-stakes transactions that NFL supporters everywhere hope their organizations would pursue.

Their newest acquisition ranks among their most significant and dangerous — perfectly fitting their established approach.

On Tuesday, Myles Garrett arrived at the Rams’ Woodland Hills training facility following LA’s decision to surrender emerging talent Jared Verse plus three valuable draft selections to finalize one of the league’s most substantial trades in recent memory.

“To acquire a player like this, these things don’t come up often,” coach Sean McVay said.

However, this daring transaction for what many consider the premier pass rusher of his era represents just another chapter in Snead’s history of franchise-altering deals. Over the previous decade, he has orchestrated moves to obtain Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller, Trent McDuffie, Brandin Cooks and additional established players at costs many organizations would consider prohibitive.

The franchise has dedicated ten years pursuing championships with a sense of immediacy that appears focused on immediate success, but actually stems from institutional belief that McVay’s leadership capabilities will compensate for the necessary sacrifices in future draft assets and veteran personnel.

“You’re always threading that needle for sustainability, trying to win consistently,” Snead said Tuesday. “But it’s a hard one to thread.”

McVay fully embraces the organization’s aggressive timeline, as the head coach frequently serves as the most insistent voice encouraging Snead to complete major transactions: “I’m not the most patient person,” McVay said with a smirk.

“To be able to add players like (Garrett) is so rare,” McVay added. “We feel really fortunate that this feels very similar to when we were fortunate enough to acquire a player like Matthew Stafford. Things like this don’t present themselves, and we wanted to be aggressive.”

While such chances may be uncommon, the Rams have capitalized on significantly more opportunities than competing franchises — and they were already considered a leading Super Bowl candidate before securing Garrett.

Three months earlier, Snead addressed Los Angeles’ main vulnerability by obtaining McDuffie, making him the league’s most expensive cornerback while reuniting him with free-agent addition Jaylen Watson, his former Chiefs teammate.

Despite possessing a defensive front featuring four quality players all remaining under rookie deals, Snead and McVay sought further enhancement.

The general manager initiated discussions with Browns counterpart Andrew Berry following Cleveland’s contract adjustment for Garrett that indicated a potential transaction involving the All-Pro who had recently established the NFL’s single-season sacks record.

“Andrew and I have a good relationship, (and) we like talking football a good bit,” Snead said. “So I would pester him a little bit, probably jokingly at first. Kept doing that, and then we began talking a little more seriously.”

Snead initially attempted to structure the agreement using only draft selections from current and future years. Berry insisted on including Verse, the promising young defender and Snead’s sole first-round selection between quarterbacks Goff (2016) and Ty Simpson (2026).

While both Snead and McVay express reluctance about trading Verse, the Rams ultimately consented with support from owner Stan Kroenke, who has consistently endorsed his management team’s distinctive urgency.

Garrett welcomed the chance to join this organization’s tradition of elite pass rushers extending from the Fearsome Foursome through Aaron Donald. Additionally, after nine seasons in Cleveland, he sought the opportunity to compete for a perennial championship contender.

The Rams have maintained that status throughout McVay’s tenure beginning in 2017 — accumulating eight winning campaigns, seven playoff appearances, four NFC West championships, three conference title game visits, two Super Bowl trips and one championship.

“It just came down to the timing of everything,” Garrett said. “What does it look like to be a winner now, and to have the opportunity to do that immediately? That was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

The organization’s assertiveness extends beyond trades: Snead and McVay have demonstrated willingness to release quality performers and team legends when deemed necessary for financial or competitive reasons.

They have parted ways with Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp and star running back Todd Gurley, while trading Goff and receiver Robert Woods before their Rams contract extensions had begun.

Such decisions often appear ruthless to supporters, with players like Goff and Kupp publicly expressing disappointment regarding how Snead and McVay handled their departures. Eventually, however, most seem to accept this as the organization’s standard operating procedure.

This includes Woods, a reliable five-year contributor and clubhouse leader during McVay’s early seasons after joining as a free agent in 2017.

The Southern California native injured his knee during practice in the middle of the 2021 campaign, sidelining him for the Rams’ Super Bowl championship journey — and Snead dealt him to Tennessee one month after the celebration.

Woods spent four additional seasons with various NFL teams before retiring this year — and promptly rejoined the Rams in a coaching capacity.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Apart from capturing a Super Bowl championship, Myles Garrett accomplished nearly everything possible for a defensive player during his initial nine NFL campaigns.

Currently part of a Los Angeles Rams squad expected to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this coming February, Garrett is prepared to address the one significant gap in his professional accomplishments.

“Since the very beginning, it’s always been about winning. … And to have an opportunity to do that immediately? That was the opportunity that was too difficult to pass up,” Garrett said at his introductory news conference Tuesday, one day after the blockbuster deal that sent him from Cleveland to Los Angeles.

Garrett had reached the playoffs with the Browns in 2020 and 2023, representing his only two successful seasons in Cleveland following his selection as the top overall pick in 2017. Joining the Rams, the 30-year-old pass rusher has become part of a franchise that has qualified for the postseason in seven of head coach Sean McVay’s nine years leading the team, captured the Super Bowl after the 2021 season, competed in another championship game, and fell just short against Philadelphia and Seattle squads that ultimately claimed titles over the previous two years.

The Rams used the offseason to strengthen their roster for another championship attempt by fixing the defensive weaknesses that hurt them in the 31-27 NFC championship defeat to the Seahawks. They acquired All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie through trade, brought in fellow Chiefs defensive back Jaylen Watson via free agency, and completed their upgrades by obtaining a two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year and five-time first-team All-Pro in Garrett.

These additions have Garrett anticipating significant achievements.

“I see a position to solidify myself here as well among the very greats,” he said.

After a campaign where he established the NFL single-season mark with 23 sacks while also recording a personal-best 33 tackles for loss, Garrett thinks the Rams’ framework and resources could enable him to achieve even loftier goals. He becomes part of a defensive unit that already finished among the top 10 in points surrendered and quarterback takedowns, and Garrett anticipates an offensive attack featuring quarterback Matthew Stafford, who earned NFL MVP honors after throwing for 46 touchdowns, will provide him numerous opportunities to seal victories in the final quarter.

Such chances were rare in Cleveland, where Garrett accumulated 125 1/2 sacks across 134 career contests. The Browns posted a 58-90-1 record throughout Garrett’s tenure there.

“I mean, that did play into the decision as well, knowing I have the ability, you know, late game, to pin my ears back, not just because we need a play to be made, but because we have the lead and it’s obvious passing downs, being able to make those game-changing plays to win the game for us, those are things that appealed to me,” Garrett said.

Garrett has already begun adjusting to his new environment, reaching an agreement with nose tackle Poona Ford to obtain the No. 95 jersey.

Garrett is also eager to connect with NBA superstar LeBron James, who has played the last eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, for additional insight about the city. Garrett characterized James as a “positive force in my life,” having gained counsel and guidance from the Akron, Ohio, native and four-time NBA champion throughout the years since joining the Browns.

Garrett possesses some existing knowledge of the area. His girlfriend, Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Chloe Kim, hails from Torrance, California, in Los Angeles County. His father, Lawrence, was born in Los Angeles.

Despite all the early enthusiasm surrounding the trade, Garrett recognizes it will ultimately be evaluated based on how he and the Rams perform during competition.

“Nothing changes for me,” he said. “I don’t feel any pressure to be anything else, be anything different. As long as I’m myself and I come here to work every day and I’m a leader, the success will follow.”

Wide receiver Drake London has reached agreement with the Atlanta Falcons on a four-year contract extension valued at $141 million with $100 million in guaranteed money, according to an ESPN report Tuesday that cited London’s agent.

The contract gives London an annual average of $35.25 million, making him the third highest-paid wide receiver in the league. Only Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba at $42.15 million and Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase at $40.25 million earn more per year. London’s deal also represents the largest average annual salary in Atlanta franchise history, ESPN reported. Smith-Njigba inked his extension with the Super Bowl champion Seahawks during the earlier portion of this offseason.

Atlanta selected London with the eighth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he became an instant contributor in the starting lineup. London topped the team in receiving yards during each of his initial three campaigns before tight end Kyle Pitts edged him by a mere nine yards in 2025, though London appeared in five fewer contests.

Across 62 career appearances (60 as a starter), the 24-year-old London has recorded 309 catches for 3,961 yards and 22 touchdowns while wearing an Atlanta uniform. His most productive campaign came in 2024, when he participated in all 17 games and established personal bests with 100 receptions, 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns.

London will compete during the 2026 season under his fifth-year rookie option valued at $16.82 million. The new extension will then carry him through the 2030 season.

The Falcons are beginning a fresh chapter this year under head coach Kevin Stefanski and with franchise icon and former quarterback Matt Ryan assuming a newly established position as president of football. Tua Tagovailoa was acquired to battle Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback position.

New Zealand professional golfer Lydia Ko has an opportunity to surpass Annika Sorenstam’s record as the top earner in women’s golf history during this week’s U.S. Women’s Open, but Ko questions whether such comparisons are appropriate.

“We’re playing in a very different generation right now,” the 29-year-old Ko stated to media members at Tuesday’s press conference held at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., where this year’s tournament kicks off Thursday.

“It’s cool to be, I guess, compared to that record and hopefully surpass it at some point,” Ko commented, “but it’s like very hard to kind of like compare it because we are playing for a lot more money than she did back in that day.”

Currently, Ko has accumulated $21.8 million in career earnings, trailing Sorenstam’s $22.5 million total. Ko has captured 23 LPGA Tour victories throughout her career, while the Swedish golfer Sorenstam claimed 72 victories between 1995 and 2008, ranking third in history behind Americans Kathy Whitworth (88 wins from 1962-85) and Mickey Wright (82 wins from 1956-73).

“For me, like the win count is probably a little bit more meaningful,” explained Ko, who holds three major championship titles. “Not that the money isn’t meaningful. Obviously, we’re very grateful that we get to play for a lot more money… I just feel like I’m like an ant and (Sorenstam) is — I don’t know what the biggest bug or living thing is, but she’s that.

“So, it’s kind of hard to compare that just because we’re playing for so much more now. Hopefully in years time, they play for so much more than what we do.”

The venue, Riviera Country Club, will serve as the location for both men’s and women’s golf events when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics. Ko has competed for New Zealand in three Olympic Games, earning gold in Paris 2024, silver in Rio 2016, and bronze in Tokyo 2021 (which was delayed from 2020).

However, she does not intend to participate in another Olympics.

“The only thing that I would be like very excited for is because they’re adding the mixed team component. I love team play,” Ko mentioned. “That will be the only thing that I’m very jealous that I’m not a part of. Who knows? I could be a part of it in a different place rather than just competing, and I do take pride in competing for New Zealand at the Olympics, and I really hope that I can be a part of it somehow in some shape or form. But, no. Three Olympics, and that stress was enough.”

San Diego has sidelined outfielder Ramon Laureano due to right hip inflammation, officially placing him on the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

The roster move was made effective from Sunday. To fill the vacancy, San Diego promoted outfielder Jase Bowen from Triple-A El Paso. The 25-year-old Bowen was set to make his major league debut Tuesday evening, taking the starting position in left field and hitting seventh in the lineup against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.

The 31-year-old Laureano’s most recent appearance came Saturday, where he finished 0-for-3 with one walk during a 9-4 defeat to the Washington Nationals on the road.

This season marks Laureano’s second year with San Diego, where he’s posted a .203 batting average alongside seven home runs and 21 RBIs across 53 contests. His performance started strong with a .357 average through four March games before settling to .252 by April’s conclusion.

Throughout his major league career, Laureano has maintained a .250 batting average with 113 home runs and 349 RBIs over 795 regular-season appearances. His career has included stints with the Athletics (2018-23), Cleveland Guardians (2023-24), Atlanta Braves (2024), Baltimore Orioles (2025), and currently the Padres (2025-present).

Bowen was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He joined San Diego’s organization on a minor-league deal before this season began.

At El Paso this year, Bowen has compiled impressive numbers with a .292 batting average, .362 on-base percentage, and .600 slugging percentage, along with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs in 49 games.

Additionally, San Diego moved right-hander Nick Pivetta from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, creating the necessary 40-man roster space for Bowen’s addition.

In women’s professional golf right now, one question stands out: Can anyone challenge Nelly Korda when she’s performing at this elite level?

After experiencing her season’s poorest result at the Kroger Queen City Championship with an eighth-place tie, Korda stepped away from tournament play for two weeks. That disappointing finish followed an extraordinary opening to 2026, where her initial six tournaments produced three victories and three second-place finishes.

Her most significant triumph came at the Chevron Championship, this year’s opening major tournament. Now preparing for the second major championship, the world’s top-ranked player expresses an unquenchable competitive appetite.

Speaking to media on Tuesday before this week’s U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., Korda explained her motivation. “I’m just motivated to put myself into that position, to grind on off weeks, to just play the game,” she said. “It’s really hard to explain, but it’s really there’s nothing better when you’re a very competitive person than being in the hunt on a back nine at a tournament. There’s a really big rush of emotions. Even if it doesn’t work out, you constantly want to put yourself back into that because all that work that you’ve put in in your off weeks, that’s what makes it worth it.”

The golfer outlined her demanding weekly routine, which includes early morning starts, extensive practice sessions, physical training, physiotherapy treatments, and early bedtimes following dinner.

“All those days, you kind of sacrifice your time at home with your friends or with family, but it’s just so worth it because there’s no better rush of emotions than being in the hunt,” Korda explained.

This dedication paired with her exceptional abilities makes Korda a formidable competitor. Following a winless 2025 campaign, she had previously captured seven titles in 2024, including her inaugural Chevron Championship victory. Her 2026 performance mirrors that successful 2024 season, helping her reclaim the top ranking from Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul.

During last year’s championship at Erin Hills in Wisconsin, Korda remained competitive throughout the final round but couldn’t overtake Sweden’s Maja Stark at the U.S. Women’s Open. Her second-place finish represented her strongest showing in that tournament.

Reflecting on that near-miss, she said her main lesson was “That I was just hungry for more.”

“Last year was just a weird year of kind of not necessarily playing my best, but also when I did, not getting the bounces or just missing by a centimeter here and there,” Korda noted. “But I also learned a lot about myself. It made me hungrier to be in those positions.”

A championship this week would mark Korda’s fourth major title. Betting markets favor her heavily, with odds of +340 on DraftKings and +400 on BetMGM.

However, despite her success and status as the most accomplished American female golfer of her generation at age 27, Korda dismissed suggestions that she represents the sport’s public face.

“Definitely don’t think of myself as the face of the sport, but I would say that it’s growing,” Korda responded. “I’ve seen like from my rookie year, or even just maybe 2023, I’ve seen a big interest in girls, little girls coming out, supporting us.”

She continued: “It’s amazing to see how many dads and little girls come out to our events. It is absolutely amazing to see. It has grown every single year. There are times where (caddie Jason McDede) and I catch ourselves, and we kind of look around to the crowd and we’re like, wow, it’s amazing to see how many people are here on a Thursday. So I do think that we are growing. Obviously, there’s always room for improvement in everything that you do, but I’ve seen a really big trend in the fans coming out.”

PLANO, Texas — The NHL’s Dallas Stars have revealed their intention to relocate from downtown to the suburban community of Plano within the next five years, coinciding with the expiration of their current arena lease.

Team representatives announced Tuesday they have signed a preliminary letter of intent for constructing a hockey-focused arena and entertainment complex approximately 20 miles north of their current downtown venue, the American Airlines Center, which has housed both the Stars and the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks since opening in 2001.

Both franchises face lease expirations at the AAC in 2031. The organizations have been engaged in legal battles regarding their partnership arrangement and facility management responsibilities.

The Stars revealed their relocation plans just one day following the Mavericks’ announcement of a tentative agreement for their own new facility roughly 10 miles north of downtown, remaining within Dallas city boundaries. The basketball team’s proposal involves 104 acres where Valley View Mall previously stood before demolition three years ago.

The proposed Stars venue would be integrated into an extensive redevelopment initiative at The Shops at Willow Bend, where Texas’s final enclosed shopping mall faces upcoming demolition.

The Stars have submitted their preliminary agreement to Plano city officials, who have scheduled the proposal for City Council review during Monday’s upcoming session. The document outlines plans for both the mixed-use development and arena design and construction phases.

“This project would present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our franchise,” Stars owner Tom Gaglardi said in a statement. “We eagerly await the vote by the Plano City Council and look forward to continuing the conversation to be part of the redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend.”

The shopping center, spanning roughly 90 acres, opened in 2001 and currently features operating restaurants and parking structures. The proposed arena would serve as the centerpiece for redevelopment potentially incorporating sports facilities, entertainment venues, retail establishments, restaurants and community gathering areas.

The hockey franchise operated as the North Stars before relocating from Minnesota and commencing Dallas operations during the 1993-94 season. In 1999, the Stars became the inaugural Sun Belt hockey organization to capture a Stanley Cup championship.

The team secured that title while competing at Reunion Arena, another facility they shared with the Mavericks following their Dallas arrival. That downtown venue, located approximately one mile from the AAC, underwent complete demolition in 2009.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams aren’t ruling out the possibility of Aaron Donald coming out of retirement, and head coach Sean McVay says the decision rests entirely with the former superstar defensive tackle if he chooses to suit up again and play with Myles Garrett.

Talk about Donald potentially ending his two-season retirement heated up right after the Rams completed their major trade on Monday, bringing Garrett over from the Cleveland Browns. The 35-year-old Donald stepped away from football in March 2024 following an outstanding decade-long career entirely with the Rams organization.

During Garrett’s introduction to the media on Tuesday, McVay addressed questions about Donald but offered no definitive answer about whether the retired star would return to action — though he didn’t dismiss the speculation either.

“Aaron is a guy that I stay really close in touch with, and I know the respect that he has for Myles,” McVay said. “Talked to him about the opportunity to be able to bring (Garrett) on board. If Aaron decides he wants to dust them off at the age of 35, I bet you he could still do it at a pretty high clip.”

ESPN personality Pat McAfee fueled comeback rumors on Tuesday, revealing he had exchanged messages with Donald about a possible return. According to McAfee, Donald indicated that Garrett’s move to LA “for sure got me thinking,” adding that he’s “gotta see if that fire can light back up.”

Throughout his 10 seasons in St. Louis and Los Angeles, Donald earned eight All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl appearances, three AP Defensive Player of the Year titles, and a Super Bowl championship. He concluded his career at the peak of his abilities, setting a franchise record with 111 sacks while establishing himself as the league’s premier interior pass rusher before deciding he was prepared to move away from the demanding routine needed to compete at that elite level.

Since Donald retired at what’s considered a relatively early age for defensive linemen, discussions about his potential comeback have persisted throughout his two years away from the game in Los Angeles, where the Pittsburgh-born player continues to live with his family. Rams supporters actively hoped for his return during last season as the team looked positioned for another Super Bowl attempt, but Donald remained unmoved by those appeals.

Donald even trained with Jared Verse, the first-round draft selection and emerging edge rusher who was sent to Cleveland as part of the package with three valuable draft picks. The Rams sacrificed significant assets to land Garrett, the two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year and one of the few players who matches Donald’s elite status in recent NFL history.

Garrett has expressed admiration for Donald’s abilities in the past, and the Rams’ newest star player listened approvingly on Tuesday as McVay spoke highly of Donald.

The Rams’ defensive front is already formidable, with Garrett now joining 12-sack edge rusher Byron Young and solid interior defenders Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford. Garrett has already obtained his preferred No. 95 jersey from Ford, who had been wearing that number with the Rams last season.

“There was a conversation,” Garrett said with a laugh.

“A conversation and a couple of bucks?” McVay interjected.

“Maybe more than a couple of bucks,” Garrett said with a laugh. “He was open to it.”

The New York Yankees will be without their team captain and star outfielder Aaron Judge, who is listed as day-to-day due to a bone bruise affecting his upper right rib.

This marks Judge’s first absence from the lineup this season as the Yankees kick off their homestand Tuesday facing the Cleveland Guardians. Jose Caballero will take over duties in right field during Judge’s absence.

Manager Aaron Boone explained to reporters before the game that Judge had been experiencing persistent right shoulder discomfort for several weeks, prompting medical imaging. The tests revealed a bone bruise on his rib, which doctors determined was the source of the shoulder pain Judge had been experiencing.

The three-time American League MVP currently shares the team’s home run leadership with Ben Rice, both having hit 17 long balls this season. Judge’s 2024 statistics also include 10 doubles, 38 RBIs and five stolen bases, though he’s batting .248 across 59 games. This batting average represents his lowest performance since his rookie season in 2016, when he hit .179 over 27 games.

Judge brings an impressive resume to the Yankees, having earned All-Star recognition in each of the past five seasons and seven times throughout his career. Over his time with the team, he has maintained a .291 batting average while accumulating 385 home runs, 868 RBIs, 213 doubles and 70 stolen bases across 1,204 games.

Jalen Brunson’s quest in these NBA Finals extends beyond pursuing a championship trophy.

A title victory could establish him among the greatest players to ever wear a New York Knicks uniform while securing his place in the city’s sports legend status.

Despite only four seasons with the team, he has already made his mark throughout the franchise record books for an organization that spans all 80 NBA seasons. His playoff scoring total ranks third in team history. Since Brunson joined in 2022, the Knicks have reached the postseason each year, a stark contrast to winning just one playoff series in the previous two decades.

The team now finds itself in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, seeking their first championship since 1973.

Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Willis Reed are commonly considered the franchise’s greatest players in various orders. Should Brunson guide the Knicks to victory, he could potentially claim the top spot among them.

“Well, right now a lot of people say he’s the greatest Knick ever because of getting them to the finals and obviously if he wins a championship,” Frazier said. “So I don’t think he’s the greatest Knick ever — I always say it’s Willis, and Willis said it’s Patrick, and Patrick says it’s Patrick. So he would definitely be on Mount Rushmore. We’ll put him up there if he can bring this title.”

Brunson’s postseason scoring average of 26.9 points exceeds his regular season mark of 26 per game. The Eastern Conference finals MVP is creating history simply by reaching the finals, as he and his father, Rick, a Knicks assistant who played for them in 1999 when Jalen was just shy of 3 years old, will become the first father-son duo to play in the finals for the same franchise.

These achievements weren’t anticipated when Brunson joined New York. This situation differs from Victor Wembanyama’s arrival in San Antonio from France as the No. 1 draft selection, a 7-foot-4 talent whose skills clearly suggested potential greatness.

Standing at 6-2 without apparent explosive athleticism, Brunson’s path led him to become only a second-round selection in 2018 despite being a two-time NCAA champion and college player of the year at Villanova. He joined Dallas alongside Luka Doncic, and observing the Slovenian star’s natural ability caused Brunson to reflect on his own capabilities.

“It made me kind of question myself to see how hard I actually had to work to be in the position I wanted to be,” he said.

He primarily served as a reserve during his four Dallas seasons before the Knicks invested over $100 million to acquire him. This decision ranks among their finest ever — and considering Brunson’s New York performance at that price for a now consistent All-Star, it represents one of the greatest free agent signings in league history.

With only two NBA championships in franchise history, the decades-long wait for a third title means Brunson could easily join New York sports legends like Joe Namath, Derek Jeter or Reggie Jackson, figures still celebrated throughout the five boroughs years after their victories, if he captures one championship now.

Achieving this goal would confirm the second-team All-NBA selection as a genuine superstar. However, the reverse scenario remains possible. Should Brunson falter against the Spurs’ strong defensive guards and the Knicks fall short, critics will quickly argue the team requires additional talent because Brunson lacks true superstar qualities.

“I mean, I don’t really care what people say, so at the end of the day I’m not going to base my judgment or evaluation of him as a player off people that never played the game and just never been in that situation,” teammate and close friend Josh Hart said. “So I know he doesn’t really care about it, I don’t really care about it. At the end of the day those quote-unquote people are irrelevant.”

Throughout New York, Brunson’s influence is unmistakable. Mets slugger Juan Soto hit a home run and performed the hand gesture Brunson uses to celebrate a 3-pointer. Jets coach Aaron Glenn said the impact the captain has on the club is evident.

“I mean, you can tell that the leadership, the fight, everybody follows that, and it’s easy to follow that,” Glenn said. “He’s a guy, and I continue to say this, that leadership really comes down to one word and that’s ‘influence.’ You really see the influence that he has, and it’s not always verbal. It’s a lot of just what he does and how he operates.”

While Brunson avoids seeking attention and lacks the flashy presence of Frazier, the stylish “Clyde” famous for his vibrant wardrobe, a championship would place him in the same exclusive group, offering enduring rewards.

“I can’t walk the street, it’s like I’m in a parade. Anywhere I go people are like, ‘Oh, there he is, there’s Clyde! There’s Clyde!’” Frazier said. “So if these guys win another title — man, I can’t spend money now in New York. I’ll never have to spend money again in this city.

“And that’s what I want to show the players. Hey man, I’ve been doing this for 50 years. Fifty years just for winning two titles! So you guys can have it if you just win one title.”

NEW YORK — New York Yankees star Aaron Judge will be absent from Tuesday’s starting lineup in the matchup against Cleveland due to a bone bruise in his upper right rib that’s causing discomfort in his right shoulder, with the possibility of missing several games.

“He’s been kind of the last couple of weeks kind of dealing with some shoulder soreness, just kind of more nagging,” manager Aaron Boone explained before the series opener against the Guardians. “Then over the weekend, the last couple of games in Sacramento, I think it became a little more than just that, where I noticed with some swings and stuff. It became a little more than just nagging. I think it was affecting him.”

According to Boone, medical examinations conducted during Monday’s off day uncovered the bruise, and Judge was set to consult with a team physician later on Tuesday.

The slugger is currently batting .248 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs. The three-time AL MVP has managed just one home run over his past 18 contests since May 10 and broke an 11-game drought without a homer or RBI by delivering a walk-off, two-run blast in the ninth inning that secured a 2-0 victory over Tampa Bay on May 24.

Prior to that Tampa Bay game, Judge was mired in a 1-for-24 cold streak that had pushed his batting average down to .246. He had gone hitless through 15 at-bats before connecting for a single in the opening frame.

“I think probably something that’s been affecting him a little bit here recently, especially this weekend,” Boone noted. “So, hopefully, it is something that we just get calmed down here and put it behind us.”

Last season, Judge captured the batting crown with a career-best .331 average along with 53 homers and 114 RBIs across 152 games. He was sidelined for 10 games from July 26 through August 4 due to a flexor strain in his right elbow suffered during a throw home on July 22 in Toronto. He received a plasma-rich injection and avoided offseason surgery, though he didn’t return to outfield duties until September 5.

During Judge’s injury absence last year, Giancarlo Stanton covered 17 games in the outfield. Stanton has been unavailable since April 24 with a strained right calf.

For Tuesday’s game, José Caballero got his 22nd career start in right field and third since joining the team from Tampa Bay in the July 31 trade.

Judge had been in the starting lineup for 52 of New York’s initial 59 games in right field. Rookie Spencer Jones made four right field starts before being sent down on May 23, while Cody Bellinger has started two games there.

The Philadelphia Eagles brought aboard running back Elijah Mitchell on Tuesday, adding another veteran to their backfield roster.

The 28-year-old Mitchell joins a crowded running backs room that features three-time Pro Bowl performer and 2024 first-team All-Pro Saquon Barkley at the top, along with Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele.

Mitchell entered the NFL when San Francisco chose him in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. During his three-year tenure with the 49ers, he accumulated 1,523 rushing yards and nine touchdowns across 327 carries in 28 regular-season appearances, starting 12 of those contests. His postseason performance included 237 yards rushing and two scores over eight playoff contests with two starts, but a hamstring injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 campaign.

In 2025, Mitchell appeared in a single game for the Kansas City Chiefs before being released in December and joining New England’s practice squad. The Patriots gave him a futures contract in February but cut him in April.

Cleveland’s first-year head coach Todd Monken believes the team should avoid potential risks if they consider selecting Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby in a possible NFL supplemental draft, given his loss of college eligibility due to gambling violations.

Speaking personally rather than for the Cleveland organization, Monken described pursuing Sorsby as a “slippery slope” despite the player’s demonstrated abilities and talent level.

“I don’t think we’re in a position to want to go down that road,” Monken stated during the Browns Foundation Golf Tournament. “That’s my opinion. That’s not (general manager Andrew Berry’s).”

“I like the quarterbacks that we have. I think that’s a slippery slope when you go down that, irrespective of talent, right?” Monken added. “In terms of the situation he’s (put) himself in, we all know what that is. He put himself in that situation. And we’ve seen in other sports with players that have been banned for life from playing in professional sports.”

“But from my end of it, kind of a tough angle to go down that road and think that’s going to be your franchise quarterback if he’s ever eligible to even play in the NFL,” he concluded.

After transferring from Cincinnati during the offseason, Sorsby was expected to be Texas Tech’s starting quarterback for 2026. ESPN rated him as the top transfer in this year’s class.

However, Sorsby’s college career hit a roadblock when extensive betting activity caused the NCAA to strip his eligibility in April and reject his reinstatement appeal in May. NCAA regulations forbid athletes and staff from placing wagers on NCAA championship events, including football.

While Sorsby pursues a court injunction to compete in 2026, entering the NFL’s supplemental draft remains a backup plan if legal efforts fail.

When questioned about Sorsby on Tuesday, Cleveland’s general manager Berry provided a less definitive response than his coach.

“No different than we do every year,” Berry commented. “We’ll do the work on all the prospects, and then we’ll make the appropriate decision for the organization.”

Cleveland’s current quarterback roster features veteran Deshaun Watson, second-year players Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, plus 2026 sixth-round selection Taylen Green.

Following Monday’s hearing in Lubbock County, Texas, Judge Ken Curry has not yet ruled on Sorsby’s temporary injunction request. Curry asked for additional paperwork before making his decision, which could come within days, ESPN reported.

Sorsby’s lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, asked for a ruling by June 15 to give his client time to decide about applying for the NFL supplement draft, which has a June 22 application deadline.

During the hearing, Curry listened to arguments from both Sorsby’s legal team and the NCAA regarding whether the quarterback should return to competition after allegedly placing thousands of unauthorized bets on college and professional sports — including wagers on his former team at Indiana.

Court records show Sorsby made at least 40 bets on Indiana football during his redshirt freshman season with the Hoosiers.

These wagers ranged from $1 to $114, totaling at least $850 during September and October 2022 while he was redshirting. In correspondence with the NCAA, Sorsby stated he never wagered on games he participated in or bet against his own team.

Over four years, the quarterback placed approximately $90,000 in bets through sportsbook accounts registered under family members’ and friends’ names, with 2,900 bets worth more than $30,000 occurring between June 2022 and December 2023 alone. Recently, Sorsby disclosed completing a 35-day inpatient rehabilitation program in Arizona for “a diagnosed gambling addiction and anxiety disorder.”

NCAA attorney Taylor Askew argued Monday that granting an injunction would effectively make the collegiate organization the first U.S. sports league unable to penalize its athletes for betting on their own competitions.

The NFL last conducted a supplemental draft in 2019. Established in 1977, this process was designed to provide players facing “sudden eligibility changes” with a pathway from college to professional football. Nevertheless, the league would likely thoroughly examine the investigation into Sorsby’s off-field conduct before deciding whether to conduct the special draft in July.

Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus voiced his disapproval of how the PGA Tour currently arranges its tournament schedule during a Tuesday press conference before this weekend’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

“I don’t want to comment on the tour’s schedule because I’m not exactly in favor of what they’re doing right now,” Nicklaus stated, though he went on to outline what he views as upcoming difficulties for the tour.

“I hate to see tournaments bunched too much together with too many big tournaments too close together. That’s a problem, I think. And I think that’s going to be a problem for the tour in the future,” Nicklaus explained during the media session in Dublin, Ohio.

The golf icon, whose tournament debuted in 1976 as a pioneering event when active players didn’t typically host competitions, argued that the present scheduling format prevents individual tournaments from distinguishing themselves.

“If you looked at the schedule, we’re involved in the Cognizant down in Florida, and, you know, we have Pebble Beach and Los Angeles, Tiger’s event, and then Cognizant, and then we had Bay Hill and The Players. I mean, what chance does that tournament have? I mean, it sits right in the middle of those. They don’t have a chance.”

The 18-time major champion also expressed concern that the compressed schedule creates excessive demands on the golfers themselves.

“The other tournaments also say, you know, I got four out of five. It’s hard for guys to play that. See, the problem is not so much from the standpoint of players, it’s hard for the players to really be focused to play that much and be on top of their game,” Nicklaus explained.

“I look at it from the way I was as a player. I could play a couple weeks in a row, maybe three weeks in a row, but I needed some time off to be able to recharge the batteries. And I think everybody needs to recharge their batteries. So to jam it all in in one period of time, and then leave the rest of the year open, I think it’s tough.

“I don’t think it’s a problem yet, but I think it will be if we don’t address it.”

Nicklaus mentioned he has not yet discussed this matter but intends to speak with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp and outgoing commissioner Jay Monahan, joking, “I probably shouldn’t have brought it up here. I’ll get chastised for that later.”

The NBA revealed its 12-person officiating team for the 2026 Finals on Tuesday, marking a milestone moment for Curtis Blair who will referee his first championship series alongside Scott Foster, who returns for his 19th Finals appearance.

The championship matchup kicks off Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. ET when the New York Knicks visit the San Antonio Spurs for Game 1.

“Being selected to work the NBA Finals is the highest honor for an NBA official, and I congratulate them on an outstanding and well-earned achievement,” said Byron Spruell, NBA President, League Operations. “We are grateful for their unwavering dedication to the game and pursuit of excellence in their craft.”

NBA Referee Operation management chose the crew after evaluating their performance scores for accurate calls and additional criteria throughout both the regular season and playoffs.

Joining Blair and Foster on the Finals roster are Tony Brothers (15th Finals), Marc Davis (15th), James Capers (14th), Zach Zarba (13th), John Goble (10th), Josh Tiven (seventh), James Williams (sixth), Courtney Kirkland (fifth), Sean Wright (third) and Tyler Ford (second).

The 55-year-old Blair previously worked as a Finals alternate in both 2021 and 2022. Since joining the NBA in 2008, he has officiated over 1,000 games.

“Very emotional moment, very emotional moment for me, because I’ve been right there on the doorstep for so many years,” Blair told The Associated Press. “Yeah, very emotional. This is my 18th year and one thing I had to realize going through this journey is that everybody has their own journey. Everybody has their own timetable. You become a referee, become an umpire, you get to the first round, the second round, third round. You just have to worry about yourself and your journey.”

Among the selected crew, Foster leads with 26 Finals games under his belt, while Davis has worked 23 and Brothers has officiated 19.

The league has designated Nick Buchert, JB DeRosa, Mitchell Ervin and Justin Van Duyne as this year’s backup officials.

Specific referee assignments for each game will be published on the league’s official website around 9 a.m. ET on game days.

Professional golfer Aaron Rai believes his disappointing performance at the Myrtle Beach Classic last month, where he dropped from the lead to fifth place, actually played a crucial role in preparing him for his later PGA Championship victory.

The 31-year-old Englishman is now drawing on those same experiences as he gets ready for this week’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Rai explained how valuable the Myrtle Beach experience proved to be. “That experience at Myrtle Beach was absolutely invaluable for the PGA, and I’m not sure I would have handled the situation as well as I did at the PGA if I hadn’t experienced it the week before at Myrtle Beach,” he stated.

The English golfer highlighted that being in the final group at Myrtle Beach was particularly beneficial, since he hadn’t been in that position for at least five months beforehand. He described the experience as “huge.”

Rai also pointed to specific challenges during his final round that better prepared him for his breakthrough major championship win. “Bits from the crowd, bits from a couple of mistakes that I made in the midsection of the round. I think I made four bogeys in a row around the turn. I think just kind of where my mind went, certain things that I could have dealt with better, I was very aware of even on the Saturday of the PGA,” he explained.

He emphasized how the recent timing of that experience made it easier to make necessary adjustments. “I think when you’ve had that experience so recently before, it’s a lot fresher in the mind and it’s a lot easier to make those adjustments. So, yeah, that was crucial, really,” Rai said.

Looking ahead to this week’s competition, Rai expressed enthusiasm about returning to Muirfield, describing it as one of his preferred venues on the professional tour. “It’s an absolutely incredible event, a course that I absolutely love,” he commented. “Very demanding. I think it requires a complete game no matter what your skill set is, whether you’re a little shorter, whether you’re a little longer, whether you’re straight, whether the short game is good. It requires everything to be successful around this event.”

This marks Rai’s fourth tournament appearance at Muirfield. While he achieved a T26 finish in 2022, he failed to make the cut in both 2023 and 2025.

Reflecting on his previous struggles at the venue, Rai acknowledged the course’s difficulty but expressed confidence in his improved preparation. “Certainly after playing it a little bit more, it definitely requires a little bit more understanding, and I probably haven’t done as good of a job as I could in terms of my preparation, especially last year,” he said, referring to his 9-over-par performance that included rounds of 79 and 74.

“I think just trying to approach it a little bit better. Got here slightly earlier this week as well in order to do so. And to just learn from a couple of the mistakes that I’ve made in previous years,” Rai added.

Rai faces stiff competition from two-time defending champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who claimed victory last year with a 10-under finish, defeating Ben Griffin by four strokes.

According to ESPN reports on Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins have added wide receiver Jalen Reagor to their roster. The contract details have not been made public.

The 27-year-old receiver will be playing for his fifth NFL franchise after being selected as a first-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020.

Reagor did not appear in any games during the 2025 season, having spent portions of the year on the Los Angeles Chargers’ injured reserve list and practice squad.

Throughout his professional career spanning 64 games with 27 starts, Reagor has recorded 86 receptions for 1,037 yards and four touchdowns while playing for the Eagles from 2020-21, the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, the New England Patriots in 2023, and the Chargers in 2024.

In the 2020 draft, Reagor was chosen 21st overall, picked just one selection before current Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — During Tuesday’s practice sessions, both the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks worked out on a court featuring the NBA Finals logo painted at center court. Players conducted interviews against the backdrop of the championship emblem and encountered finals branding throughout their surroundings.

While this scene appeared routine, it represented anything but ordinary circumstances.

The championship stage represents uncharted territory for nearly every player on both the Spurs and Knicks rosters, leaving very few athletes on either team with genuine understanding of what Wednesday night will bring when the league’s 80th championship series begins in San Antonio.

Both teams share two significant characteristics: the experience will be fresh for most, and reaching this point required extensive journeys for all involved.

“Falling in love with basketball happened really early on in my life,” San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama said. “I mean, I have pictures of myself with a basketball at an age where I was not even old enough to have memories.”

Additional memorable moments will undoubtedly unfold during the upcoming four to seven games. San Antonio pursues their sixth championship and first since 2014, while New York seeks their third title and first since 1973.

This pairing represents a matchup that marketing executives might have conceived: New York stands as a global metropolis, the Knicks represent an legendary franchise, the Spurs bring championship pedigree, and their top performer is a 7-foot-4 French athlete who commands massive international attention.

“The best player in the world,” Spurs guard Stephon Castle said of Wembanyama.

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson — who earned Eastern Conference finals MVP honors — expressed tremendous admiration for Wembanyama, the Western Conference finals MVP.

“Watching him as a player, it’s pretty unbelievable,” Brunson said Tuesday. “The things he’s able to do on both sides of the ball, people have never really seen before from a person of his size. So, it’s incredible to watch. … He’s pretty incredible.”

San Antonio reached the championship series by capturing 62 regular season victories, defeating Portland in the opening round, eliminating Minnesota in round two, then completing a seven-game marathon that ended Oklahoma City’s reign as defending champions.

New York arrived through an 11-game postseason victory streak — claiming the final three games against Atlanta in round one, then sweeping both Philadelphia and Cleveland. Their scoring margins during those 11 victories are unprecedented in any 11-game span throughout the NBA’s 80-year existence.

“It’s a great team,” Wembanyama said. “It’s a great team of experienced guys who are not here by chance, but by relentless effort over the years. Very different career paths for all of them. They’re right where they’re supposed to be, in my opinion.”

Among all participants in this championship series, only the Spurs’ Harrison Barnes (with Golden State) and the Knicks’ Mikal Bridges (with Phoenix) have previously started finals contests. Since Barnes usually comes off San Antonio’s bench while Bridges typically starts for the Knicks, nine of the ten opening-game starters will face unfamiliar circumstances.

“When you can prepare the right way, when you do your routines, you treat it like a normal game, it allows you to be as normal as possible,” Brunson said.

Several players maintain connections to championship history despite lacking personal finals experience. Spurs guard Dylan Harper’s father is Ron Harper, who captured five NBA titles as a player. Brunson’s father — Knicks assistant Rick Brunson — competed for New York during the 1999 finals, and Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson witnessed previous Spurs championship celebrations firsthand. Growing up in San Antonio, his stepmother worked at a hotel offering prime parade route views.

“Being able to take pictures and run up on players for autographs, I was definitely that kid,” said Clarkson, whose father previously detailed vehicles for some Spurs players. “Seeing this energy and seeing how alive the city comes when the Spurs are in the finals and winning championships, it’s a great experience.”

Upon conclusion, a new champion will emerge. That franchise will become the NBA’s eighth different title winner across the past eight seasons — extending an unprecedented streak in league history. San Antonio enters as favorites, while New York embraces their underdog status.

“We’re here now, so there’s nothing more for us to say or talk about or to think,” Spurs guard Devin Vassell said. “We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing and that’s been successful for us.”