NHL free agents 2025: Ranking best players availableNew Foto - NHL free agents 2025: Ranking best players available

The biggest question as the NHL heads to free agency on July 1 is who will be left. Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP,was re-signed by the Florida Panthersbefore theNHL drafton an eight-year, $64 million deal.Toronto Maple Leafscenter John Tavares also left money on the table with a four-year deal averaging $4.38 million a year.Dallas Starscaptain Jamie Benn signed a bonus-laden one-year deal. Matt Duchene is alsoback with the Stars,trade deadline acquisition Trent Frederic re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers for eight years andChicago Blackhawksleading goal scorer Ryan Donato is sticking around. Jonathan Toews already decided on theWinnipeg Jetsfor hisNHL comeback. And nowreports out of Canadasay the Maple Leafs andVegas Golden Knightsare discussing the possibility of a sign-and-trade deal involving Toronto's Mitch Marner. If that happens, it would take the top free agent off the market. Panthers general manager Bill Zito is still hoping he can bring back Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. Here are the NHL's top pending unrestricted free agents with thesalary cap going up: The team that signs him will get a prolific scorer. He had a career-best 102 points last season and three other 90-point seasons, all with Toronto. The postseason is another story. The Maple Leafs have been to the second round only twice during his nine years with the team. The Leafs aren't likely to want to lose him for nothing so look for them to trade his rights. He was shockingly traded to the Panthers in March, then put together a playoff to remember with 10 goals. Six of those were in the Stanley Cup Final as he made somespectacular moves. The speedster is a consistent 20-goal scorer and could get more in a place that plays him more than 16 minutes a game. Ekblad is the franchise's top-scoring defenseman after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2014. He led Panthers defensemen in playoff scoring despite missing four games withsuspensions, including two at the tail end of a20-game PED ban. He has expressed an interest in returning. He was a 40-goal scorer in 2023-24. He, like the team, dropped off last season, but he still scored 25 goals, his sixth season of 20 or more. Granlund played well on Dallas' all-Finland line after arriving in a trade from the Sharks. He plays on the power play and penalty kill and had a hat trick in the second round. The shutdown defenseman averaged more than 23 minutes a game, had a career-best plus-26 rating and scored 30 points (second best in career). He's no longer the prolific scorer he was earlier in his career, but he has topped 20 goals in the two seasons since he returned from hip surgery. His numbers have dropped in his past two seasons in Ottawa. But Giroux, 37, still got 50 points and is a former captain. He'll draw interest after a 25-goal season, 10 more than his prior career best. He averages 23 minutes a game, kills penalties and gets power play time. There aren't a lot of free agent goalies out there. Allen had a steady 2.66 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 29 starts while serving as Jacob Markstrom's backup. He had been bought out by the Winnipeg Jets and rejoined former coach Paul Maurice in Florida. He was a key contributor in the Panthers' run with three goals in their first two playoff games. He showed in Edmonton that he can move up and down the lineup. Teams will appreciate that type of versatility. Kuzmenko bounced around a lot after scoring 39 goals in his first NHL season in 2022-23. He played for three teams this past season and finished strong with the Kings. He's coming off a career-best 39 assists and 40 points. He had 93 points in his two seasons with Colorado, but missed nearly half the season in 2024-25 with injuries. He's 40 and his scoring numbers have dropped, but he still can play a lot of minutes. He hasn't missed a game since the 2013-14 season. He's also 40 but still had 10 playoff goals this season. Even though he has come up short in five recent trips to the Stanley Cup Final, he does get to the championship round. He won in 2007. He scored 20 goals but had diminished ice time in the playoffs, including some scratches. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NHL free agents rankings 2025: Best players available to sign

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June 29, 2025

NHL free agents 2025: Ranking best players available

NHL free agents 2025: Ranking best players available The biggest question as the NHL heads to free agency on July 1 is who will be left. Sa...
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Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles OliveiraNew Foto - Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles Oliveira

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ilia Topuria continued his ascension up the pound-for-pound ladder with a major statement via a vicious first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight championship Saturday night at UFC 317. Topuria used adevastating right hand before finishing with a left hookto drop Oliveira and end the bout at the 2:27 mark of the opening round, fulfilling his prediction of a first-round KO while sending the announced crowd of 19,800 into a frenzy. "I always say I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts," said Topuria, who closed a -400 favorite at BetMGM sportsbook. Topuria (17-0), who now has 10 first-round finishes to his credit, moved up to the 155-pound weight class following a successful campaign in the featherweight division last year. He claimed that belt with a second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski and defended his title by finishing Max Holloway in the third round of an October bout in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Topuria, who came in ranked fourth on UFC's pound-for-pound list, joined nine others who have held a UFC belt in two weight classes. He is the first undefeated fighter to become champion in two UFC divisions. "I think tonight was his big night," UFC CEO and president Dana White said. "We have a star on our hands." Oliveira (35-11), who has the most finishes in UFC history, was hoping to become the first fighter to win the lightweight belt on separate occasions. Fellow lightweight Paddy Pimblett was in the audience and summoned to the ring, wherea heated exchangeled to Topuria shoving the eighth-ranked contender and igniting a rivalry from years ago. "Let's (expletive) fight! If you're ready, I'm here," Topuria said to Pimblett before he entered the ring. White wasn't happy with Pimblett getting in the ring, knowing the history of bad blood between the two. The pair have been at odds for some time, after they came to blows when Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria's head in 2022. "That was a heavy knockout, I'll give you that," Pimblett said to Topuria. "But you will never knock me out." Replied Topuria: "I'm going to submit you." In the co-main event, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (30-5) successfully defended his belt by applying a rear-naked chokehold to defeat Kai Kara-France (25-12) at the 1:55 mark of the third round. It marked the second time the fighters met, nine years after their quarterfinal clash on the reality show "The Ultimate Fighter," also won by Pantoja, but by unanimous decision. Pantoja, who closed a -250 favorite and extended his win streak to eight fights, won the title two years ago when he beat Brandon Moreno by decision, and has now defended his title successfully four times. The 35-year-old Brazilian was joined in the ring after his victory by No. 12 Joshua Van, who put on a show of his own. Van (15-2-0) defeated No. 1 contender Brandon Royval (17-8-0) in a slugfest in which both fighters displayed incredible boxing skills. Van, who closed a -120 favorite, used an overhand right to drop Royval before closing out the bout with a severe ground-and-pound to secure the unanimous decision. The 419 combined significant strikes landed were the third most in a UFC fight, and the most in both a three-round bout and a featherweight clash. Moments after Pantoja's win, Van challenged Pantoja with both standing nose to nose before exiting the octagon. Other matches from the main card: In a lightweight bout, No. 9 Beneil Dariush (23-6-1) survived a first-round knockdown to defeat No. 11 Renato Moicano (20-7-1) via unanimous decision. In a bantamweight battle, Payton Talbott (10-1-0) used a much-improved ground game to register a unanimous decision over Felipe Lima (14-2-0). ___ AP sports:https://apnews.com/hub/sports

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June 29, 2025

Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles Oliveira

Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles Oliveira LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ilia Topuria conti...
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Dave Parker's teammates, Hall of Famers, current Pirates react to his death: 'One of the greatest to ever do it'New Foto - Dave Parker's teammates, Hall of Famers, current Pirates react to his death: 'One of the greatest to ever do it'

The baseball world mournedthe death of Dave Parker, Hall of Famer and former National League MVP, on Saturday. The 19-year major leaguer had battled Parkinson's disease for nearly 15 years. ThePittsburgh PiratesandCincinnati Reds, the teams with whom Parker played the majority of his MLB career, expressed their condolences. As did theAthletics,Angels,BrewersandBlue Jays, in addition toMajor League Baseball. We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker.A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award and a World Series Championship in 1979.The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame…pic.twitter.com/UuikGxw6dI — Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates)June 28, 2025 Plenty of Parker's former teammates, fellow Hall of Famers and current Pirates players voiced their sympathies as well. Fellow Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven and Parker were teammates on the Pirates from 1977-80, which included winning the World Series in 1979. "What a sad [day] as my former teammate and friend, HOF'er Dave Parker, passed away," Blyleven posted on social media. "He fought Parkinson's for years. Our condolences to his wife Kellye, his family and everyone that had the great opportunity to be with him. RIP Cobra." What a sad as my former teammate and friend HOF'er Dave Parker passed away. He fought Parkinson's for years. Our condolences to his wife Kellye, his family and everyone that had the great opportunity to be with him. RIP Cobra 🙏🙏🙏❤️pic.twitter.com/xR23BqVLw2 — Bert Blyleven (@BertBlyleven28)June 28, 2025 "Man, I am crushed," former teammate Dave Stewart toldUSA Today's Bob Nightengale. "He's one of the greatest teammates I've ever had. He had such a presence when he walked into the room." Parker and Stewart played together on the Oakland Athletics in 1988 and 1989, getting to the World Series in both seasons and winning a championship on their second try. Oakland A's DH Dave Parker hits a HR vs. the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the 1989 World Series! (Al Michaels with the call) Happy 74th Birthday to Dave "The Cobra" Parker!#MLB#Baseball#History#Athleticspic.twitter.com/AK4u291Kzc — Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile)June 9, 2025 Keith Hernandez didn't play on any teams with Parker, but was certainly a peer as both were top major leaguers in the late 1970s through the 1980s. "The best player of the late '70s and early '80s," Hernandez told the New York Post's Mike Puma. "Great boisterous peer. "He used to say, "When the leaves turn brown, I will be wearing the [batting title] crown." Until I usurped his crown in '79. He was a better player than me. RIP." Keith Hernandez on Dave Parker's passing: "The best player of the late '70s and early '80s. Great boisterous peer. He used to say, "When the leaves turn brown, I will be wearing the [batting title] crown." Until I usurped his crown in '79. He was a better player than me. RIP. — Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets)June 28, 2025 Hernandez did indeed win the National League batting title in 1979 with a .344 average after Parker won it for the previous two consecutive seasons, batting .338 in 1977 and .334 in 1978. Fellow Hall of Famer Frank Thomas remembered fielding a ground ball from Parker at first base early in his major league career. RIP Dave Parker the Cobra! One of the greatest to ever do it. Loved watching you as a kid. I will always remember that first line drive ground ball you hit me in the show right off my chest. You said welcome to the show kid. That Big smile and the finger point trot.#Legendary — Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35)June 28, 2025 "RIP, Dave Parker, the Cobra!" Thomas posted on social media. "One of the greatest to ever do it. Love watching you as a kid. I will always remember that first line drive ground ball you hit me in the show right off my chest." "You said, welcome to the show, kid," he continued. "That big smile and the finger point trot. #Legendary." Eric Davis, Parker's teammate with the Reds, issued a statement because he was too distraught to talk,according to Nightengale. The thought that Parker wouldn't be alive for his Hall of Fame induction was too upsetting. "He probably had more impact on young players than any player I've ever been around," Davis said. "He was a big, loveable...he was funny you could mess with him, not too much." - Terry Francona shared his feelings about his former teammate, the late Dave Parker.#Reds@WCPOpic.twitter.com/7YRLvOLTqn — Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky)June 29, 2025 Current Reds manager Terry Francona played with Parker on the 1987 Reds and 1990 Brewers, remembered getting to play with a star he long admired. "He was a big, lovable... I caught him toward the end of his career," Francona recalled. "He was funny, you could mess with him. "Not too much," he added with a laugh. Andrew McCutchen on the late Dave Parker:pic.twitter.com/IcpxLNHHXY — Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf)June 29, 2025 Pirates veteran Andrew McCutchen shared his thoughts on Parkerwith MLB.com's Alex Stumpf, acknowledging what he meant to Pittsburgh fans. "It's a tough thing to hear, but he had been battling Parkinson's for quite some time,"McCutchen said. "It was rough to see him go through that. I just hope now he's in a a better place and not having to worry about any of that stuff anymore." "Just thinking about his family and the fanbase who may have had any type of interaction with him, childhoods," he added. "He was probably Superman to a lot of people when he played." McCutchen's teammate,Nick Gonzales, currently wears the No. 39 jersey that Parker wore during his 11 seasons with the Pirates (and throughout his career) and thinks it should be retired. Nicky G on wearing Dave Parker's #39 ⬇️"I think it should be retired and I should get a new number, honestly... it's an honor just to wear it on my back."pic.twitter.com/gZlOfbKXPh — SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh)June 29, 2025 "It just meant a little bit more today, playing with that number," Gonzales said on Saturday. "I think it should be retired and I should get a new number, honestly." "That might happen at some point," he continued. "For what he did for this community... it's an honor just to wear it on my back." Parker waselected to the Baseball Hall of Famein December by the Classic Era Committee, earning votes on 14 of 16 ballots. He will be officially inducted into Cooperstown on July 27.

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June 29, 2025

Dave Parker's teammates, Hall of Famers, current Pirates react to his death: 'One of the greatest to ever do it'

Dave Parker's teammates, Hall of Famers, current Pirates react to his death: 'One of the greatest to ever do it' The baseball wo...
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Ferreira, Musovski score goals to lead Seattle's 2-0 win over Austin; Rusnák reaches MLS milestoneNew Foto - Ferreira, Musovski score goals to lead Seattle's 2-0 win over Austin; Rusnák reaches MLS milestone

SEATTLE (AP) — Jesús Ferreira and Danny Musovski scored midway through the match and the Seattle Sounders defeated Austin FC 2-0 on Saturday night to move into fifth place in the Western Conference of the MLS. Ferreira scored in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, giving the Sounders a 1-0 halftime lead. He connected with a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the top right corner. He was assisted by Paul Rothrock, with a second assist by Albert Rusnák. The assist made Rusnák the 13th player in MLS history to record 65 career goals and 65 career assists. He leads the Sounders offensively this season, with seven goals and four assists. In the 54th minute, Musovski scored with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom left corner. Ferreira had the assist. The Sounders (29 points, 8-6-5) move into fifth place, their three points for the win breaking a tie with Austin which remains at 26 points (7-8-5) and San Jose. San Jose has 27 points after a 1-1 tie with LA Galaxy. Austin's Brad Stuver made four saves. Seattle's Stefan Frei had one save for the clean sheet. Seattle's Reed Baker-Whiting was shown a second yellow card in the 89th minute. It was Seattle's first match of the second half of the MLS season. The Sounders recently played three matches in the FIFA Club World Cup. Austin last played on June 14 in a MLS match. Up next Austin hosts LAFC on Saturday. Seattle hosts Columbus on Sunday. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/soccer

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June 28, 2025

Ferreira, Musovski score goals to lead Seattle's 2-0 win over Austin; Rusnák reaches MLS milestone

Ferreira, Musovski score goals to lead Seattle's 2-0 win over Austin; Rusnák reaches MLS milestone SEATTLE (AP) — Jesús Ferreira and Dan...
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Bowman Gray Stadium race ends in absolute chaos, with one driver drop-kicking a competitor's carNew Foto - Bowman Gray Stadium race ends in absolute chaos, with one driver drop-kicking a competitor's car

North Carolina's Bowman Gray Stadium has seen some of the weirdest and wildest races in the world of auto racing, but Saturday might have been a new peak (or low). Driving the No. 8 car in a 20-lap street stock race, Kyler Staley was a step ahead of Brad Lewis in the final stretch and seemingly about to win, when his father decided to help out. Sitting far enough behind the leaders to be just ahead of the finish line, Zack Staley slowed down in front of Lewis to try to swing the result. It didn't work out. It was actually Kyler who slowed down more, while Lewis surged between father and son for the win. And then it got stupid. 🚨 All hell just broke loose at@BGSRacingat the finish for the Street Stocks!#BowmanGraypic.twitter.com/VwXXFSaNR1 — FloRacing (@FloRacing)June 29, 2025 Lewis' daughter Emilee had been trailing behind the leaders in the final lap and apparently didn't appreciate Zack Staley's attempt to sabotage her father, as she drove straight into him and spun him out after crossing the finish line. Both of the Staleys were visibly livid. When Brad Lewis was given the checkered flag as the winner, Kyler ran out of his car to confront him, but Lewis just drove away. Kyler got into it with Emilee Lewis, and then Zack ran across the infield and drop-kicked the windshield of her car in a scene straight out of "Talladega Nights." After the kick, Zack started ripping up the hood until the police intervened. As he walked away, he issued a middle-finger salute behind him. Then his son climbed on his own car and did the same. The official results were Brad Lewis first, Kyler Staley second, Emilee Lewis third and Zack Staley 14th in a 21-car race. It is unclear what consequences await the drivers involved.

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June 28, 2025

Bowman Gray Stadium race ends in absolute chaos, with one driver drop-kicking a competitor's car

Bowman Gray Stadium race ends in absolute chaos, with one driver drop-kicking a competitor's car North Carolina's Bowman Gray Stadiu...
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Jake Paul Beats Julio César Chávez Jr. by Unanimous Decision in 10-Round Fight, Tells Doubters to 'Shut the F— Up' After WinNew Foto - Jake Paul Beats Julio César Chávez Jr. by Unanimous Decision in 10-Round Fight, Tells Doubters to 'Shut the F— Up' After Win

Jake Paul's anticipated return to the ring ended with a victorious win against Julio César Chávez Jr. after going 10 rounds. The fight took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on Saturday night. With a record of 11 wins and one loss, including seven knockout victories, this boxing match marks Paul's latest win following a seven-month hiatus from the sport. His most publicized fight was againstMike Tysonin November 2024, which ended with Paul handily defeating the 58-year-old boxing great. The event became one of the most-watched sporting events onNetflix, peaking at an estimated 65 million viewers globally. More from Variety How to Watch Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Live Online Jake Paul Walks Off Piers Morgan Set and Slams Host: 'I Don't Give a F-- About Your Show, Dumbass' Logan and Jake Paul's Max Reality Show 'Paul American' Is Loud, Obnoxious - and a Perfect Fit for Trump's America: TV Review Outside of Tyson, Chávez Jr. has held a strong record with 54 wins, one draw and six losses, including 34 knockouts. From 2011 to 2012, he held the WBC middleweight title until losing to Sergio Martinez that same year. Since then, he has faced highs and lows throughout his career, including a previous defeat in 2021 against former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, whom Paul defeated in 2022. His father, the former three-division world champion Julio César Chávez, expressed his high hopes for his son before he entered the ring with Paul. "All fights are difficult. Jake Paul is young and strong, but he's never faced a fighter like my son," he said during a press conference in May. "I would've given Mike Tyson a better fight. He didn't throw one punch the whole fight. This time is different." There were six other fights on the main card before Paul vs. Chávez Jr. The co-main event featured a battle between Gilberto Ramírez and Yuniel Dorticos, which ended in TK's victory. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

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June 28, 2025

Jake Paul Beats Julio César Chávez Jr. by Unanimous Decision in 10-Round Fight, Tells Doubters to ‘Shut the F— Up’ After Win

Jake Paul Beats Julio César Chávez Jr. by Unanimous Decision in 10-Round Fight, Tells Doubters to 'Shut the F— Up' After Win Jake Pa...
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Toronto takes down the Timbers 3-0 for rare home winNew Foto - Toronto takes down the Timbers 3-0 for rare home win

TORONTO (AP) — Alonso Coello and Tyrese Spicer each scored to help injury-depleted Toronto beat the Portland Timbers 3-0 on Saturday night. Toronto (4-10-5) snapped a five-game winless run (0-4-1) at home. Before Saturday, it had collected just five of a possible 33 points at home (1-7-3). Portland (8-5-6) entered having lost just one of its last seven outings (3-1-3). Coello scored on a free kick in the 11th minute when he fired the ball past the Portland wall and Canadian goalkeeper James Pantemis for his second MLS goal. Spicer made it 2-0 in the 56th. Pantemis made a lunging one-handed save to stop Kosi Thompson's header but the ball went back to Spicer, who sent it home for his second of the season. Toronto added an insurance goal in stoppage time, with Derrick Etienne Jr.'s cross bouncing in off Portland defender Ian Smith with TFC forward Deandre Kerr nearby. Sean Johnson posted his fifth clean sheet of the season after Portland attempted just four shots, none on target. Only five of TFC's remaining 15 games are at home. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/soccer

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June 28, 2025

Toronto takes down the Timbers 3-0 for rare home win

Toronto takes down the Timbers 3-0 for rare home win TORONTO (AP) — Alonso Coello and Tyrese Spicer each scored to help injury-depleted Toro...
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Pasquantino drives in five as Royals beat Dodgers 9-5, ending 11-game home skidNew Foto - Pasquantino drives in five as Royals beat Dodgers 9-5, ending 11-game home skid

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered, doubled and drove in a career high-tying five runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-5 on Saturday to snap an 11-game home losing streak. Ohtani made his third start of the season andthrew the fastest pitchof his career, a 101.7 mph fastball that induced an inning-ending double-play grounder by Pasquantino in the first. The Dodgers' two-way superstar threw 27 pitches in two scoreless innings. He is working as an opener as he eases back into pitching following Tommy John surgery in 2023. Ohtani went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as LA's leadoff batter. Pasquantino's430-foot, three-run blastto right-center off Ben Casparius (6-2) capped a four-run fifth inning for the Royals, who won at Kaufmann Stadium for the first time since May 31. They ended a six-game skid overall. Freddie Freeman went 3-for-3 with a homer for the Dodgers, whose five-game winning streak ended. Infielder Miguel Rojas pitched the eighth. Seth Lugo (5-5) threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and five walks while striking out eight. TIGERS 10, TWINS 5 DETROIT (AP) — Zach McKinstry had three hits, including one of Detroit's four home runs, and the Tigers went on to beat the Minnesota. Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter and Gleyber Torres also homered for the Tigers. Casey Mize (8-2) gave up two runs on five hits and one walk in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out five as he improved to 5-0 with a 2.00 ERA in six starts at home this season. Bailey Ober (4-6) took the loss, allowing seven runs on 11 hits, including all four home runs. He walked one and struck out five. The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the second when Spencer Torkelson doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly. After Minnesota went ahead 2-1 on Buxton's two-run homer in the third, Detroit tied the game in the bottom of the inning on Carpenter's homer. Colt Keith made it 3-2 in the fourth with a sacrifice fly and Torres followed with a two-run homer. Greene led off the fifth with Detroit's third home run to move the lead to 6-2, and McKinstry's lead-off homer in the sixth made it a five-run game. ATHLETICS 7, YANKEES 0 NEW YORK (AP) — Brent Rooker ended Clarke Schmidt's scoreless streak at 28 1/3 innings with a solo homer in the fourth inning, Nick Kurtz added a three-run drive in the sixth and the Athletics beat New York. Former Yankee JP Sears (6-7) allowed two hits over 5 2/3 innings for the A's, who had lost five of six and entered a major league-worst 11-31 since May 13. Jack Perkins, a 25-year-old right-hander who debuted last weekend, finished the three-hitter for his first big save and extended his scoreless streak to 6 1/3 innings. New York was shut out for the sixth time, two shy of its 2024 total. Schmidt (4-4) had an extra day of rest after he threw a career-high 103 pitches over seven no-hit innings against Baltimore on June 21. He gave up four runs and four hits in six innings. Rooker's fourth-inning homer on a hanging slider ended the longest scoreless streak by a Yankees starter since Don Larsen's 29 innings over 1957-58 and the longest within a season since Allie Reynolds' 30 in 1951, according to STATS. Kurtz's homer, on a cutter, followed a pair of four-pitch walks and landed behind the right field short porch. Yankees pitchers walked five and four of those runners scored. WHITE SOX 1, GIANTS 0 CHICAGO (AP) — Adrian Houser pitched seven sharp innings and Andrew Benintendi homered in the sixth as Chicago beat San Francisco. Houser (3-2) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out five before giving way to Grant Taylor. He fanned two in two hitless innings for his second save in his eighth career appearance. Benintendi hit his 10th home run— a two-out shot to right-center field on a 2-0 pitch from Robbie Ray (8-3), who gave up four hits and struck out six in six innings. Michael A. Taylor had a one-out double in the Chicago seventh but was thrown out at home by right fielder Mike Yastrzemski on Josh Rojas' hit when Taylor slid and failed to touch the plate. Giants rookie Christian Koss batted in the leadoff spot for the first time and had the only hit off Houser through five innings. Koss finished 2 for 4. BREWERS 5, ROCKIES 0 MILWAUKEE (AP) — Quinn Priester struck out a career-high 11 batters in seven innings of one-hit ball, Joey Ortiz homered for the third time in four games, and Milwaukee extended its winning streak to four with a victory over major league-worst Colorado. Priester (6-2) allowed a one-out single to Michael Toglia in the fifth and walked a pair while throwing 95 pitches in the longest and best start of his three major league seasons. Aaron Ashby and DL Hall completed the one-hitter. Brice Turang had three hits, including a run-scoring infield single in the first and an RBI double in the fifth. Ortiz hit a two-run homer in the fourth. Antonio Senzatela (3-11) allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings. RAYS 11, ORIOLES 3 BALTIMORE (AP) — Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Díaz each homered, Zack Littell pitched seven strong innings and Tampa Bay beat Baltimore. Littell (7-7) gave up one run and three hits with two walks. It was the fifth time Littell has gone at least seven innings this season. Joe Rock got the last six outs in his major league debut and gave up Ramón Laureano's 10th home run — a two-run shot in the ninth. Tampa Bay, which won for the 11th time in 15 games, grabbed the lead two batters into the game against Zach Eflin (6-6) when Josh Lowe doubled and scored on Brandon Lowe's single that extended his hitting streak to 15 games. One out later,Aranda hit a 467-foot shotout to right field for his 10th home run and a 3-0 lead. Chandler Simpson drove in the final run of the inning with a grounder. Scott Blewett pitched two scoreless innings after replacing Eflin to begin the second before running into trouble in the fourth. Simpson walked, stole his 22nd base and scored on a sacrifice fly by Taylor Walls for a 5-0 lead. Josh Lowe had a two-out single, Brandon Lowe worked a 10-pitch walk and Díaz hit his 13th homer to make it 8-0. MARLINS 8, DIAMONDBACKS 7, 10 INNINGS PHOENIX (AP) — Agustín Ramírez hit a run-scoring single in the 10th inning, Heriberto Hernández had a tying sacrifice fly in the ninth and Miami stretched its winning streak to six games with a victory over Arizona. Arizona led 7-3 entering the eighth inning, but Miami's Otto Lopez hit a two-run homer off Jalen Beeks and Liam Hicks followed with a run-scoring single to pull Miami to 7-6. Hernández tied it in ninth on a sacrifice fly off Shelby Miller after Dane Myers singled and stole two bases. Ramírez lined a run-scoring single off Juan Morillo (0-2) in the 10th. Anthony Bender (2-5) was perfect over the final two innings to close out Miami's comeback. Arizona's Ketel Marte homered and had four RBIs in his second home game sincean emotional road tripto Chicago. Arizona starter Brandon Pfaadt got off to shaky start, allowing two runs in the first inning — one on shortstop Geraldo Perdomo's fielding error. Pfaadt struck out the next three batters and allowed three runs — two earned — on five hits and struck out seven in five innings. RED SOX 15, BLUE JAYS 1 BOSTON (AP) — Wilyer Abreu hit a three-run homer in the first inning to jump start Boston's offense, Ceddanne Rafaela added a two-run shot in the sixth, and the Red Sox snapped a season-high six-game losing streak with a victory over Toronto. Romy Gonzalez also had a two-run homer for the Red Sox, who halted their worst skid since September 2022. Wearing their yellow alternate jerseys a day after gettingshut out 9-0 on four hitsin the series opener, the Red Sox scored three runs in each of the initial three innings against Chris Bassitt (7-4). They scored three in the sixth when Rafaela hit his drive over the Green Monster. Lucas Giolito (4-1) gave up an unearned run and six hits over seven innings to win for the third time in four starts. Bassitt lasted two-plus innings, getting tagged for nine runs, eight earned, with eight hits and four walks. Abreu drove in four runs, while Trevor Story, Abraham Toro, Rafaela and Gonzalez each had two RBIs. CARDINALS 9, GUARDIANS 6 CLEVELAND (AP) — Victor Scott II had two hits and two RBIs as St. Louis rallied for a 9-6 victory over Cleveland. Masyn Winn added three hits for St. Louis, and Brendan Donovan and Willson Contreras both homered. Donovan and Alec Burleson each drove in two runs. Kyle Manzardo and Gabriel Arias went deep for the Guardians (40-41), who have lost three straight and dropped under .500 for the first time since April 9. Cleveland snapped a 21-inning scoreless drought with six runs in the third to take a 6-1 lead before St. Louis came back. Burleson had a two-run single in the fifth, and Scott tied it with a two-run double during a five-run sixth. Yohel Pozo scored the go-ahead run on Donovan's sacrifice fly, and Scott came home on an RBI groundout by Winn. Contreras added a solo homer in the ninth. Matt Svanson (1-0) got the win and Ryan Helsley earned his 16th save. Matt Festa (1-2) took the loss. PADRES 6, REDS 4 CINCINNATI (AP) — Gavin Sheets hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning, and San Diego rallied past Cincinnati. After the Padres were no-hit for eight innings inFriday night's 8-1 loss, their bats woke up against the Cincinnati bullpen. Jake Cronenworth took Scott Barlow deep in the sixth for a two-run shot that got San Diego within 4-3. Sheets then made it 6-4 with a422-foot blastto right-center against Lyon Richardson (0-2). Bryan Hoeing (1-0) got five outs in relief of Padres starter Randy Vasquez, and Robert Suarez worked the ninth, striking out Spencer Steer — who hit three homers on Friday — with two men on to secure his 23rd save. Andrew Abbott had another strong start for the Reds, departing with a 4-1 lead after five innings. He allowed Luis Arraez's homer in the fifth. Sheets finished 3-for-5 with two doubles and saved a run with adiving catchof Rece Hinds' liner to left in the fifth. RANGERS 3, MARINERS 2, 10 INNINGS ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Marcus Semien had an RBI single with the bases loaded in the 10th inning and Texas beat Seattle. Mariners reliever Andrés Muñoz (3-1) hit Josh Smith with his first pitch after striking out Sam Haggerty to begin the 10th. Corey Seager — who homered in the third to give Texas a 2-1 lead — fell behind in the count 1-2 before working a walk to load the bases with one out for Semien. Semien fouled off fastballs Muñoz reaching from 100.2 mph and 99.7 mph beforehitting the game-winnerto right field on a 100.1 mph pitch with a full count. Shawn Armstrong (3-3) struck out two in a scoreless 10th for the win. DominicCanzone led off the thirdwith his fifth home run — a 425-foot shot to right field on a 0-2 pitch from Rangers rookie Kumar Rocker to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead. J.P. Crawford had a two-out throwing error and Seager followed with his ninth home run to give Texas the lead against Mariners starter Bryan Woo in the bottom of the inning. Randy Arozarena's RBI single in the sixth tied it 2-all. Woo pitched six innings and matched his career high with nine strikeouts for the second straight start. He gave up five hits and has pitched at least six innings in all 16 starts. Félix Hernández set the Mariners' single-season record with 18 in 2014. Rocker allowed two runs and five hits in six innings with six strikeouts. He has allowed just four runs in his last three starts covering 16 1/3 innings. PIRATES 9, METS 2 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds hit consecutive two-run doubles during a six-run eighth inning as Pittsburgh pulled away for a victory over New York. The Pirates led 3-2 when Ke'Bryan Hayes singled in a run before McCutchen and Reynols broke open the game. Hayes also had an RBI single in a three-run second that put Pittsburgh ahead 3-1. The game was delayed for 89 minutes during the top of the second with the Mets leading 1-0. The Pirates lifted starter Bailey Falter after the wait. However, the Mets stuck with Paul Blackburn when play resumed and he gave up five straight singles to start the bottom of the second. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza removed Blackburn (0-3) after the fifth hit. Mendoza didn't stick around much longer, as he was ejected in the fourth by plate umpire Roberto Ortiz for arguing balls and strikes. Braxton Ashcraft (2-0) relieved Falter and allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings.

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June 28, 2025

Pasquantino drives in five as Royals beat Dodgers 9-5, ending 11-game home skid

Pasquantino drives in five as Royals beat Dodgers 9-5, ending 11-game home skid KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered, doubled ...
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Chelsea coach Maresca says US 'is not the right place' for Club World Cup after lightning delayNew Foto - Chelsea coach Maresca says US 'is not the right place' for Club World Cup after lightning delay

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca criticized FIFA for holding the Club World Cup in the United States after his club's match against Benfica on Saturday was delayed for two hours due to lightning and took nearly five hours to complete. Fans were told to vacate the seating bowl of Bank of America Stadium with four minutes left in regulation, although it never rained at the venue. Chelseawent on to beat Benfica 4-1in extra time. If "they are already suspending six, seven eight games, probably there is something that is not working well," Maresca said, adding that the United States "is not the right place to do this competition." Extreme heat has been an issue throughout the tournament, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) at some venues during daytime matches scheduled to accommodate European television audiences. Several matches have been delayed by rain. After the lengthy delay on Saturday, Benfica made a late push and scored the equalizer on a stoppage-time penalty. Chelsea captain Reece James said players "had to sit and wait for a long period, and it's quite disruptive." With the expanded Club World Cup serving as a dry run for next year's 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA has been criticized over pitch conditions and match scheduling as well as its handling of the weather. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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June 28, 2025

Chelsea coach Maresca says US 'is not the right place' for Club World Cup after lightning delay

Chelsea coach Maresca says US 'is not the right place' for Club World Cup after lightning delay CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Chelsea coach...
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Deion Sanders rehabilitating in weighted vest, promises to return to job soonNew Foto - Deion Sanders rehabilitating in weighted vest, promises to return to job soon

Colorado football coachDeion Sandershas been rehabilitating in a weighted vest with the help of his son Deion Jr. as he tries to come back froman unspecified health issueand return to his job in Boulder. Sanders, 57, provided two recent updates on Instagram, including one on Saturday that showed him wearing a weighted vest next toDeion Jr. "Every little step I take My son @deionsandersjr has been there so we've decided to keep on stepping!" Sanders wrote inthe post Saturday. "#CoachPrime coming to a stadium sold out soon." In another post from June 26, he used his situation to promote an energy drink sponsor in the same vest. "1 step closer Everyday," he wrote. "I'm Walking it out! Our Team is working their butts off therefore I've got to match that (fire) they have!" Sanders Sr. has been away from his coaching job since April as he dealt with his health issue at his estate in Texas. He did not attend Colorado's annual youth and high school camps in June even though operating such camps is listed in his Colorado contract as one of his official duties. In May, he was unable to attendthe wedding of former Colorado two-way star Travis Hunterin Tennessee. "He know why we couldn't be there," Sanders Jr. said on his YouTube channel after Hunter's wedding. Sanders Sr. also canceled a speaking engagement in Florida scheduled for June 8. The timing of his return to campus remains unclear, but he is scheduled to appear at a Big 12 Conference media event in Frisco, Texas on July 9. Wearing weighted vests helps build strength and endurance. They also help stimulate the growth of new bone cells, according to Harvard Medical School. Deion Jr. said in a video posted on YouTube June 21 that his father was "back active, moving around" and has made progress. Sanders Sr. previously said on social media on June 11 that "everything is OKAY" and that he wouldprovide a full update upon his return to Colorado. In late May, Sanders Sr. appeared on a podcast with former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel and said that "what I'm dealing with right now is at a whole 'nother level" but said he's coming back after losing about 14 pounds. Sanders previously battled issues with blood clots in his legs and had tomiss a Pac-12 Conference media eventin Las Vegas because of it in July 2023. Colorado opens the 2025 football at home against Georgia Tech Aug. 29. Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer@Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Deion Sanders health update: Colorado coach 'walking it out'

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June 28, 2025

Deion Sanders rehabilitating in weighted vest, promises to return to job soon

Deion Sanders rehabilitating in weighted vest, promises to return to job soon Colorado football coachDeion Sandershas been rehabilitating in...
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Shohei Ohtani throws fastest pitch of career at 101.7 mph in 3rd mound start for DodgersNew Foto - Shohei Ohtani throws fastest pitch of career at 101.7 mph in 3rd mound start for Dodgers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Sbohei Ohtani threwthe fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 mphand worked two efficient innings in his third mound start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing one hit and one walk against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. It was the first start of more than one inning this season for the two-way superstar, who is working as an opener as he eases his way back into pitching. "Getting Shohei through two innings throwing the ball the way he did is certainly a positive," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I didn't know it was 102 (mph). I just saw 100, so, no, I didn't expect that. Now I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that he feels good coming out of today." Ohtani went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as the leadoff batter inthe Dodgers' 9-5 loss. The three-time MVP did not pitch last season, his first with the Dodgers, while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made 86 mound starts over five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, going 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA. On Saturday, Ohtani threw first-pitch strikes to all seven batters he faced and finished with 27 pitches, 20 for strikes. "I'm happy that I was able to attack the zone," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "There's some little things that I still need to work on, but overall I'm pretty happy." He allowed a one-out single to Bobby Witt Jr. in the first and walked Maikel Garcia before throwing the 101.7 mph fastball on an 0-2 count to Vinnie Pasquantino,who grounded into a double play. "It's something I don't think I would be able to do in a live BP setting," Ohtani said. "It's nice to be able to hit this velo and see how my body reacts." Ohtani retired the side in order in the second, fanning rookie Jac Caglianone on an 89 mph slider. "I think you can't take the competitor out of the player," Roberts said. "There's a little bit of stress and that's when you start to see 100s and trying to bully guys. No one knows himself better than he does and I thought he was in control. Still good to see triple digits." The 30-year-old has 29 homers this season as Los Angeles' primary designated hitter. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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June 28, 2025

Shohei Ohtani throws fastest pitch of career at 101.7 mph in 3rd mound start for Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani throws fastest pitch of career at 101.7 mph in 3rd mound start for Dodgers KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Sbohei Ohtani threwthe fast...
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Dave Parker, two-time World Series champ, dies one month before Hall of Fame inductionNew Foto - Dave Parker, two-time World Series champ, dies one month before Hall of Fame induction

Dave Parker, the two-time World Series winner and two-time batting champion whose dangerous exploits at the plate earned him the nickname Cobra, died Saturday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, just one month before he was to be inducted intobaseball's Hall of Fame. Parker, 74, was an imposing left-handed hitting threat on two power-packed championship teams, the 1979 "We Are Family" Pirates and the 1989 "Bash Brothers" OaklandAthletics. He hit 339 home runs and won National League batting titles in 1977 (.338) and 1978 (.334) for the Pirates. Parker never earned more than 24.5% support in 15 years of Hall of Fame voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, well short of the 75% required. But he was named on 14 of 16 ballots in December voting by the Classic Baseball Era Committee and will be elected alongside fellow Pennsylvania legend Dick Allen next month. We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker.A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award and a World Series Championship in 1979.The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame…pic.twitter.com/UuikGxw6dI — Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates)June 28, 2025 But neither will be around to see it. Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013 and his prominence in the public eye diminished in the decade-plus since. "I'm a battler,"Parker saidin 2018. That was evidenced in his climb to the Hall of Fame, and while he won't be there for the induction, he was able to celebrate last December, when his election was announced. "I've been holding this speech in for 15 years," Parker told MLB Network that night. DAVE PARKER:Social media reacts to MLB legend's death at 74 Parker left such an impact that he's a member of both the Pirates' and Cincinnati Reds' halls of fame. He was the 1978 NL MVP, when he led the majors in both batting average (.334) and OPS (.979), slammed 30 homers and earned an NL-best 7.0 WAR. One year later, Parker banged out 193 hits and 20 home runs and, alongside Willie "Pops" Stargell, helped lead the Pirates to their first World Series title since 1960. Parker had a dominant postseason performance, getting four hits in 12 at-bats in an NL Championship Series sweep of the Reds, and was 10-for-29 (.345) and drove in four runs in the Pirates epic seven-game triumph over the Baltimore Orioles. Parker left Pittsburgh for Cincinnati after the 1983 season but was still in his prime. He led the NL with 42 doubles and 125 RBIs in 1985 and earned All-Star nods in two of his four seasonswith Cincinnati. The Reds are heartbroken to learn of the passing of baseball legend Dave Parker.pic.twitter.com/eh6OeJc6VZ — Cincinnati Reds (@Reds)June 28, 2025 In 1989, he was the oldest player on a brash, power-hitting Oakland A's team that featured beefed-up sluggers Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire and Hall of Fame leadoff man Rickey Henderson. Parker hit 22 homers as the A's primary DH as he added a second championship to his portfolio. He made his seventh and final All-Star team one year later with Milwaukee. "Dave Parker was a gifted all-around player whose numerous accomplishments led to his upcoming induction in Cooperstown this summer," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "He was a World Series Champion with the 1979 Pirates and the 1989 Athletics, a beloved All-Star Red in his hometown of Cincinnati, and an All-Star in Milwaukee. Dave was also a three-time Gold Glover on the strength of his famous arm, a two-time batting champion, and the winner of the inaugural Home Run Derby in 1985."All of us throughout the game are deeply saddened by this loss. We will remember the Cobra forever, especially as his name soon officially joins the legends of our national pastime." In 2019, Parker was the subject of a 90-minute documentary produced by MLB Network, "The Cobra at Twilight," which did not glaze over any of his career. In 1985, Parker was called to testify before a grand jury in a trial that resulted in the conviction of six Pittsburgh men and a Philadelphia Phillies clubhouse worker on 11 counts of distributing cocaine. Parker acknowledged he battled addiction from 1979 to 1982 and used that experience to mentor young players to avoid mistakes he made earlier in his career. "The thing that resonated with me more than anything was that he did not want me to drift into some of the things off the field that he did," Eric Davis, the Reds' All-Star outfielder and Parker teammate, recalled in the documentary. Yet Parker was a trailblazer in so many other ways. He was just the second ballplayer to earn at least $1 million a season when he signed a five-year, $5 million contract with the Pirates, with a sartorial style that arguably captured the late '70s ethos better than anyone. R.I.P. Dave Parkerpic.twitter.com/uHqUP1RxBj — Mike Oz (@mikeoz)June 28, 2025 He returned to his native Cincinnati after that contract expired and became a beloved Red, even as the franchise failed to recapture the glory of the Big Red Machine years featuring another native son, Pete Rose. Eventually, Parker's body of work was recognized by the Hall of Fame, setting the stage for an emotional celebration of life and career next month in Cooperstown. "We join the baseball family in remembering Dave Parker. His legacy will be one of courage and leadership, matched only by his outstanding accomplishments on the field," says Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Baseball Hall of Fame. "His election to the Hall of Fame in December brought great joy to him, his family and all the fans who marveled at his remarkable abilities. "We will honor his incredible life and career at next month's induction ceremony in Cooperstown, where his legacy will be remembered forever." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Dave Parker, former batting champ and World Series winner, dies at 74

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June 28, 2025

Dave Parker, two-time World Series champ, dies one month before Hall of Fame induction

Dave Parker, two-time World Series champ, dies one month before Hall of Fame induction Dave Parker, the two-time World Series winner and two...
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Jannik Sinner won't say why he fired two team members right before WimbledonNew Foto - Jannik Sinner won't say why he fired two team members right before Wimbledon

LONDON (AP) —Jannik Sinnerconfirmed that he recently fired two members of his team — fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio, who themselves were replacements forpeople involved in the player's doping case— but declined Saturday to explain the reason for the change ahead ofWimbledon. Sinner, who has been ranked No. 1 for more than a year, said that he decided shortly after losing in the second round of the grass-court tournament in Halle, Germany, this month to make the change. Sinner has not yet found substitutes for Panichi and Badio, who both used to work withNovak Djokovic. "Nothing seriously bad happened. They did great work for (the past) three months. Sometimes, things happen," Sinner said at his pre-tournament news conference. "The timing obviously isn't the best, but having done a lot of work (together) before, it won't affect this Grand Slam a lot. I feel well physically and mentally and ready to compete." Play begins Monday at the All England Club, where Sinner was a quarterfinalist in 2024. He will play Luca Nardi in an all-Italian matchup on Tuesday. Last year,Sinner tested positive twice for a trace amount of an anabolic steroidin March; the case wasn't made public until August, shortly before the U.S. Open, which he ended up winning for the second of his three Grand Slam titles. He initially was completely cleared, based on the defense that he accidentally was exposed to the banned substance, Clostebol, via a massage from his then-physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Sinner said his fitness trainer at the time, Umberto Ferrara, purchased a product in Italy and gave it to Naldi for a cut on Naldi's finger. Naldi then treated Sinner while not wearing gloves. The World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the exoneration, and Sinner agreed to serve a three-month ban thatended right before the Italian Openin May. On Saturday, Sinner was asked repeatedly in English and Italian what led him to part ways with Panichi and Badio. "There's not one specific thing," Sinner said. He was the runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open three weeks ago, wasting a two-set lead and three match points in a final that lasted 5 1/2 hours. As for adding new team members, Sinner said Saturday: "I haven't thought about replacements. It's not the time to think about my options. But there are a lot of options." ___ Howard Fendrich has been the AP's tennis writer since 2002. Find his stories here:https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich. More AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

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June 28, 2025

Jannik Sinner won't say why he fired two team members right before Wimbledon

Jannik Sinner won't say why he fired two team members right before Wimbledon LONDON (AP) —Jannik Sinnerconfirmed that he recently fired ...
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Report: Heat G Davion Mitchell to return on 2-year, $24M pactNew Foto - Report: Heat G Davion Mitchell to return on 2-year, $24M pact

Restricted free agent Davion Mitchell plans to sign a two-year, $24 million contract to remain with the Miami Heat, ESPN reported on Saturday. The Heat previously extended an $8.7 million qualifying offer to Mitchell for the upcoming season. Mitchell, who turns 27 on Sept. 5, averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 assists and shot a robust 50.4 percent from the floor in 30 games (15 starts) with the Heat after being acquired as part of the multi-team trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. Mitchell has contributed 7.6 points and 3.3 assists in 301 career games (69 starts) with the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and Heat. The guard was selected by the Kings with the ninth overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft. --Field Level Media

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June 28, 2025

Report: Heat G Davion Mitchell to return on 2-year, $24M pact

Report: Heat G Davion Mitchell to return on 2-year, $24M pact Restricted free agent Davion Mitchell plans to sign a two-year, $24 million co...
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Lonzo Ball trade grades: Did the Bulls actually do something kind of good?New Foto - Lonzo Ball trade grades: Did the Bulls actually do something kind of good?

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls swapped players Saturday, specificallyIsaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball. It's a deal that's actually fairly well-balanced, so let's get into it. With Ball coming in to Cleveland, you can probably rule out a return of free agent Ty Jerome this summer, as Ball is going to take over the backup point-guard role. The 27-year-old missed two full seasons due to left knee issues, going through three surgeries, making a stunning comeback this past season by playing 35 games for the Bulls and displaying better movement than most would have anticipated. Cleveland takes a certain level of risk here because Ball is no lock to play 50 or 60 games, but they're swinging on the upside of him being ready for a postseason run. Ball's on-court IQ is substantial, and his defensive know-how remains an asset for any team. Ball signed a two-year extension worth $20 million, which triggers this summer. The second year has a team option in case his injury pattern re-emerges. Basically, the Cavs have an easy out here if needed, so they're only on the hook for his salary this year, which accounts for just 6.47% of the projected salary cap. The fact they gave up Okoro, who has become a rarely used wing, won't hurt their depth, with De'Andre Hunter absorbing a lot of those minutes. Grade:A The Bulls were loaded with guards, and it was frankly time to do something about it. The Bulls extended Ball for this very reason — so they could ship him out in a future trade — showing surprising foresight for an organization that's historically had very little. The yield is Okoro, a 6-foot-5 wing who can hit the corner 3 and play rock-solid defense. He's not a high-volume guy and probably never will be, but he can integrate himself into the fabric of a team where he doesn't feature heavily, and that's not a bad ability to have. Okoro will play hard, he'll be an active and switchable defender, and he'll give Chicago needed depth at small forward, with Patrick Williams and Matas Buzelis better suited as natural fours. Okoro's contract is also fine. He signed a three-year deal in 2024 worth $33 million, so a little over $22.8 million is left over the next two seasons. That's a very manageable number, and the Bulls essentially lock in a rotation wing for a number that falls way short of the non-tax MLE, which is actually decent work. Of course, it's still unclear what Chicago's plan is, so in the context of potential follow-up moves, this becomes a tough grade. Are they planning to compete and view Okoro as someone who will significantly help get them into the playoffs? If so, that's probably a little too optimistic. Is he instead considered a solid contract who will help steady the secondary rotation? If so, then that's a bull's-eye. Grade:Incomplete, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

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June 28, 2025

Lonzo Ball trade grades: Did the Bulls actually do something kind of good?

Lonzo Ball trade grades: Did the Bulls actually do something kind of good? The Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls swapped players Saturda...
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Red Wings acquire goalie John Gibson from the Ducks in a trade at the NHL draftNew Foto - Red Wings acquire goalie John Gibson from the Ducks in a trade at the NHL draft

The Detroit Red Wings acquired John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, a trade of the veteran goaltender that could start the dominos falling around the NHL with several teams looking for help in net. Detroit sent backup goalie Petr Mrazek, a 2027 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder to Anaheim for Gibson, whose name has been in trade rumors for several years. No salary was retained. "I've been assured he's excited to come to Detroit, and we're excited to have him," Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said on NHL Network. "Our understanding was they have an excellent young goaltender in (Lukas) Dostal, and John was looking for a fresh start and saw an opportunity in Detroit to get in the net and play a lot of games." Gibson, 31, has spent his first 12 years in the league with Anaheim. He started 28 games, compared to 49 for Dostal, last season, and he's signed for two more at a salary cap hit of $6.4 million. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek worked under Yzerman for a decade, and the two began speaking about Gibson before the trade deadline in March. Injuries derailed a move then but set the table for the western Pennsylvania native to go to Hockeytown. "We want to thank John for his time with our organization and being an integral part of the Ducks for more than a decade," Verbeek said. "It became clear John wanted a new opportunity, and after many discussions with him we felt now was the right time to make this move." Back-to-back Western Conference champion Edmonton, rebuilding Philadelphia and others are expected to pursue a goaltender this offseason, and the list of unrestricted free agents with starting experience is not long. Jake Allen, Ilya Samsonov, Anton Forsberg and Ville Husso are among the top options available. A restricted free agent is off the market after St. Louis re-signed goaltender Joel Hofer to a two-year deal worth $6.8 million. A few minor trades materialized on Day 2 of the draft. Los Angeles sent 24-year-old D-man Jordan Spence to Ottawa for the 67th pick and Colorado's sixth-rounder in 2026; Buffalo dealt Connor Clifton and a second-round pick to the Penguins for Conor Timmins and Isaac Beliveau and Washington acquired Declan Chisolm from Minnesota for a swap of picks. The Capitals also signed 23-year-old forward Justin Sourdif for $1.65 million over two years after sending a second-round pick totwo-time Stanley Cup champion Floridafor the minor leaguer with four games of NHL experience. Sourdif scored a goal in his lone call-up this past season and had 10 points in 18 games on the Charlotte Checkers' run to the American Hockey League's Calder Cup Finals. They are are hoping Sourdif, making just over the league minimum at $825,000 annually, fills a hole on their second or third line. There was no room for upward mobility for Sourdif, especially after the Panthers signedplayoff MVPSam Bennett to aneight-year, $64 million contractand could bring back winger Brad Marchand. North of the border, the Calgary Flames extended 6-foot-6 Kevin Bahl to a six-year deal worth just over $32 million, while the Winnipeg Jets shored up their blue line depth by giving Haydn Fleury $1.9 million over the next two seasons. Bahl will count $5.35 million against the salary cap through 2030-31. ___ AP NHL:https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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June 28, 2025

Red Wings acquire goalie John Gibson from the Ducks in a trade at the NHL draft

Red Wings acquire goalie John Gibson from the Ducks in a trade at the NHL draft The Detroit Red Wings acquired John Gibson from the Anaheim ...
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Wings rookie Paige Bueckers out with knee issue day after loss to Fever without Caitlin ClarkNew Foto - Wings rookie Paige Bueckers out with knee issue day after loss to Fever without Caitlin Clark

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dallas Wings standout rookie Paige Bueckers has been ruled out of Saturday night's home game against Washington because of a right knee issue. Bueckers showed up on the team's game status report Saturday. There were no details about what the exact issue was a day after she scored 27 points and had six assists while playing nearly 36 1/2 minutes in theWings' 94-86 lossto the Indiana Fever. It will be the fifth game missed by the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. Bueckers was sidelined three games while in the WNBA's concussion protocol and then sat out because of illness the first game she was eligible to return. In her 13 games played, Bueckers has averaged 18.4 points, 5.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals. Caitlin Clark, last year's WNBA Rookie of the Year, didn't play for the Fever on Friday night, missing her second consecutive game because of a left groin injury. That spoiled what was supposed to be the first meeting of the past two No. 1 picks in the draft, though the 20,000-seat American Airlines Center was still nearly full for the game. The Wings hosted Washington at College Park Center on the UT-Arlington campus, their home arena that has a capacity of 6,251. That is about 20 miles from the AAC in downtown Dallas. ___ AP WNBA:https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

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June 28, 2025

Wings rookie Paige Bueckers out with knee issue day after loss to Fever without Caitlin Clark

Wings rookie Paige Bueckers out with knee issue day after loss to Fever without Caitlin Clark ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dallas Wings standout ...
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Simon Wang goes 33rd overall to Sharks, making history as highest-drafted player born in ChinaNew Foto - Simon Wang goes 33rd overall to Sharks, making history as highest-drafted player born in China

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Simon Wang became the highest-drafted player born in China when the San Jose Sharks selected him with the first pick of the second round ofthe NHL drafton Saturday. Wang's family moved from Beijing to Torontowhen he was 12. The 6-foot-5 defenseman surged forward in his development over the past year, showing more than enough potential to entice the Sharks with the 33rd overall selection. "It's an unreal moment for my family, for hockey in China," Wang said. "Just a really surreal moment, a dream-come-true moment. ... I hope I've inspired a lot of kids back home." His real name is Haoxi Wang, but he plans to go by Simon during his hockey career because "it's simpler for North Americans," he said. Wang is only the third Chinese-born player ever drafted by the NHL, but he knows he won't be the last. Kevin He was drafted 109th overall by the Winnipeg Jets last year, and Andong Song was chosen 172nd by the New York Islanders in 2015. "Hopefully one day my record will get broken again," Wang said. "Someone will go in the first round, even top 10. I think there will definitely be someone that's going to make a huge impact on the game." Wang aspires to be an imposing two-way defenseman in the mold of Victor Hedman or Colton Parayko, but he had little draft buzz until the start of last season, when teams began to take notice of his rapidly developing skills. He soon joined the OHL's Oshawa Generals and got even more exposure during their playoff run. "Seeing so many scouts in the Junior A barn, it just started hitting me," Wang said. "The summer before the season, I thought I was going undrafted, to be honest with you. But it happened for a reason, and I worked so hard for this. I deserve to be here." Wang got into hockey as a child, but he didn't truly embrace the game until his family took a trip to Los Angeles eight years ago. The 10-year-old attended a Kings game right across the street from where he was drafted — although he fell asleep during the game, he recalls with a laugh. Wang then attended a Bruins-Flames game played in Beijing in 2018, and he soon decided to move to Canada to further his development. Wang walked the red carpet in Los Angeles on Friday with his mother, who propelled his career — and even bought and moved his former junior team. He also got his first chance in nearly two years to see his brother, who studied at Boston University, where Wang might play college hockey starting in 2026 if next year in Oshawa goes well. The NHL is concluding its decentralized draft with the final six rounds at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. After minimal player movement Friday while Matthew Schaefer became the No. 1 overall pick, several significant trades were executed Saturday, with longtime Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson going to Detroit while defenseman Jordan Spence went from Los Angeles to Ottawa. ___ AP NHL:https://apnews.com/NHL

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June 28, 2025

Simon Wang goes 33rd overall to Sharks, making history as highest-drafted player born in China

Simon Wang goes 33rd overall to Sharks, making history as highest-drafted player born in China LOS ANGELES (AP) — Simon Wang became the high...
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Chicago Bulls trading Lonzo Ball to Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac OkoroNew Foto - Chicago Bulls trading Lonzo Ball to Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro

TheChicagoBullsare trading guardLonzo Ballto theCleveland Cavaliersfor forwardIsaac Okoro, a person with direct knowledge of the trade told USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the trade is official. ESPN was first to report the trade, which can't be official until July 6, when the league's moratorium period ends. Ball, 27, will be on his fourth team since he was drafted second overall by theLos Angeles Lakersin 2017. Ball previously played for theNew Orleans Pelicansand was part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers in 2019. He missed the entire 2022-2023 and 2023-24 seasons after experiencing pain in his troublesome left knee, after signing a four-year, $85 million deal with the Bulls as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Pelicans in 2021. Ball has played 35 games last season, averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists last season, and signed a two-year, $20 million contract extension in February. Okoro was also a lottery pick, the fifth overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft by theCavaliersafter spending one season at Auburn. After starting the majority of his first two seasons, the 24-year-old Okoro has primarily been a bench performer the last two seasons for Cleveland, which had the top seed in the Eastern Conference but was eliminated in the semifinals in five games by the Indiana Pacers. Okoro averaged 6.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 55 games, with 22 starts last season. He inked a three-year contract extension before the start of the 2024-25 season. (This story was updated with new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Lonzo Ball being traded from Bulls to Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro

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June 28, 2025

Chicago Bulls trading Lonzo Ball to Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro

Chicago Bulls trading Lonzo Ball to Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro TheChicagoBullsare trading guardLonzo Ballto theCleveland Cavaliersf...
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Pegula beats Swiatek on grass to win Bad Homburg title in Wimbledon tune-upNew Foto - Pegula beats Swiatek on grass to win Bad Homburg title in Wimbledon tune-up

BAD HOMBURG, Germany (AP) — World No. 3Jessica Pegulabeat five-time major championIga Swiatek6-4, 7-5 to win the grass-court Bad Homburg Open and extend Swiatek's year-long title drought on Saturday. Pegula clinched her third title of 2025 — with the others in Austin, Texas, and Charleston, South Carolina — and it was the ninth title of the American's career. World No. 8 Swiatek sought her first trophy since the2024 French Openand 23rd overall. In their11th career meetingbut first on grass, Pegula won for the fifth time overall.Pegulabeat Swiatek in the quarterfinals at last year's U.S. Open, where she finishedrunner-up. Although Swiatek hit nine aces in the final on Saturday, she also dropped her serve twice. Pegula saved the only break point she faced. Still, Swiatek took heart from her performance. "This tournament shows there is hope for me on grass," she said. "I'm happy we can play here and I'm happy I could prove that." The former No. 1 has won four French Opens and one U.S. Open but has never been beyond the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Pegula has also never been past the last eight atWimbledon, where plays starts on Monday in London. Elsewhere on Saturday, 19-year-old Australian Maya Joint saved four match points as she won the Eastbourne Open final against Filipino qualifier Alexandra Eala 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (10). ___ AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

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June 28, 2025

Pegula beats Swiatek on grass to win Bad Homburg title in Wimbledon tune-up

Pegula beats Swiatek on grass to win Bad Homburg title in Wimbledon tune-up BAD HOMBURG, Germany (AP) — World No. 3Jessica Pegulabeat five-t...
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Max Verstappen off the pace with 'undriveable' car in qualifying for Red Bull home raceNew Foto - Max Verstappen off the pace with 'undriveable' car in qualifying for Red Bull home race

SPIELBERG, Austria (AP) — Max Verstappen felt his Red Bull car was "undriveable" as he found himself off the pace at hisFormula 1team's home race. A lack of grip and an unfortunately timed yellow flag both played a role as Verstappen placed seventh in qualifying at the Red Bull Ring, where he's won five times, to further dent his hopes of defending the F1 title. A frustrating day for Verstappen and the wider Red Bull team came amid widespreadspeculation over his futureafter Mercedes driver George Russell indicated on Thursday he believed Verstappen was in talks about a move. "The car is completely undriveable. I have no grip," Verstappen told the team over the radio part way through Saturday qualifying. Things got worse later on as he had to back off his final lap of the session because of a yellow flag. Speaking to British broadcaster Sky Sports after the session, Verstappen indicated he believed his car was "miles off pole" set by McLaren's Lando Norris, even without the yellow flag. "Hopefully tomorrow we can at least be competitive with Ferrari or Mercedes," Verstappen said. "I don't know even, because with the balance we had in quali that's for sure not going to look great for tomorrow, but we will analyze everything." Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda was even less competitive as he qualified 18th and complained he, too, was lacking grip. Norris said he and McLaren expected Red Bull "to be quicker here this weekend" after both teams brought upgraded parts to Austria, but said he wouldn't write off Verstappen. Piastri leads Norris by 22 points in the standings with Verstappen third, 21 points further back. "Max has been our main contender for every race this season," Norris said. "Just because he's had a slightly worse qualifying today, definitely not going to count him out of of the race tomorrow and definitely not going to count him out for the rest of the season." ___ AP auto racing:https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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June 28, 2025

Max Verstappen off the pace with 'undriveable' car in qualifying for Red Bull home race

Max Verstappen off the pace with 'undriveable' car in qualifying for Red Bull home race SPIELBERG, Austria (AP) — Max Verstappen fel...
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Matthew Schaefer honors late mother after getting selected first overall by New York Islanders in NHL draftNew Foto - Matthew Schaefer honors late mother after getting selected first overall by New York Islanders in NHL draft

Just over a year ago, Matthew Schaefer lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer. Now, he's achieved the ultimate milestone – becoming an NHL player. The 17-year-old was selected by the New York Islanders with the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft on Friday in Los Angeles. An emotional Schaefer, a defenseman from the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters, was greeted by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on the stage at the Peacock Theater, and was presented with an Islanders sweater that included a breast cancer ribbon stitched onto the jersey. Schaefer kissed the ribbon before breaking into tears with his father and brother in the crowd. Schaefer said the ribbon was a "surprise" to him along with his mother's initals being embroidered into the collar of the jersey. "This is a high class organization," Schaefer told reporters. "To do that for me, it means a lot – it goes a long way. A lot of people can say it's just a ribbon but it means a lot for me. "My mom is a big part of my life. And this jersey, I will hang up for sure. That ribbon has a little extra meaning to it." Schaefer also dealt with the deaths of the mother of his billet family and Otters owner Jim Waters in the last year. Schaefer added that he misses "the person she was" the most when asked about his mother. "She was always so happy," Schaefer told the ESPN broadcast. "She's gone through so much but the personality she had – cancer sucks and it's not fun. She didn't always feel the best but she was always the happiest in the family and always made us laugh and do anything for us." The Canadian is the Islanders' fifth selection at first overall in franchise history, and the club's first since 2009 when they drafted John Tavares. Schaefer, a Stoney Creek, Ontario native, played 17 games with Erie last season, recording seven goals and 22 points before breaking his collarbone at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship with Team Canada in December. He won a gold medal and served as team captain of Team Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and also won gold with Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. Ahead of the draft, Schaefer showed off his draft day suit which featured a picture of his mother and her signature near his heart. "That was the biggest thing to put on my heart. I always know she is with me in spirit," Schaefer said. Islander fans at the draft watch party at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York gave Schaefer an rousing ovation after he told the crowd the team will "beat" their crosstown rivals the New York Rangers "every time we play them." Schaefer becomes the fifth defenseman to be selected No. 1 overall in the last 25 years, the first since Owen Power by the Buffalo Sabres in 2021. The Islanders made two other selections in Friday's first round following a trade with the Montreal Canadiens earlier in the day – forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson. The San Jose Sharks selected center Michael Misa with the second overall pick and the Chicago Blackhawks took Swedish forward Anton Frondell with the third pick. The Anaheim Ducks picked center Roger McQueen at No. 10 overall and the 18-year-old Canadian immediately hopped onto a helicopter to go to Disneyland. The wife of late NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau, Meredith, announced the Columbus Blue Jackets' first selection of defenseman Jackson Smith at pick 14. The NHL draft continues through Saturday. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

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June 28, 2025

Matthew Schaefer honors late mother after getting selected first overall by New York Islanders in NHL draft

Matthew Schaefer honors late mother after getting selected first overall by New York Islanders in NHL draft Just over a year ago, Matthew Sc...
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Rams' Jared Verse says Eagles have best opposing fan base after saying he hates themNew Foto - Rams' Jared Verse says Eagles have best opposing fan base after saying he hates them

Jared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams made his feelings about Philadelphia Eagles fans known in January,telling Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, "I hate Eagles fans. They're so annoying. I hate Eagles fans." The Eagles and their fans got the last laugh days later when Philadelphia beat the Rams with a28-22 victoryto advance to the NFC championship game. Verse would record four tackles, three for lossand two sacksin the defeat. Now after experiencing Eagles fans as an NFL rookie, Verse, who lived a few hours north of Philadelphia during his high school playing days, is showing respect to one of the league's most boisterous fan bases. In an interview withCasey Rieger of Whistle Sportsthis week, Verse said that the Eagles are the best opposing fan base and have the toughest crowd to play in front of at Lincoln Financial Field. "I've got to give them that," Verse said. "It's just because I like when you kind of get into it, you're aggressive, you're loud. They stand by that with no doubt." "Playing the Eagles is like playing your rival in college because you never know what they're going to say and they're going to try to say disrespectful stuff," Verse said. "Don't get me wrong, they're not going to say anything where it's like, 'Bro, you crossed the line.' But they're going to say something where you're like, 'Hey, who you talking to?'" Verse expressing respect won't change the minds of any Eagles fans when they see one another again. The two sides won't have to wait long to get reacquainted. The Week 3 schedule for the upcoming season will see the Rams visit Philadelphia for the first time since their playoff matchup. Despite his battles with Eagles fans, it was a fruitful rookie season for the 24-year-old Verse. After being selected 19th overall out of Florida State in the 2024 draft, the linebacker went on to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and earn his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

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June 28, 2025

Rams' Jared Verse says Eagles have best opposing fan base after saying he hates them

Rams' Jared Verse says Eagles have best opposing fan base after saying he hates them Jared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams made his feelin...
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Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka on good terms ahead of Wimbledon with TikTok danceNew Foto - Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka on good terms ahead of Wimbledon with TikTok dance

Women's singles French Open championCoco Gauffand runner-upAryna Sabalenkaappear to be on good terms after posting a pre-Wimbledon TikTok dance on Centre Court. After a practice session before the year's third Grand Slam, the No. 1 ranked Sabalenka shared a clip of her and the No. 2 ranked Gauff dancing on Instagram, captioning it, "TikTok dances always have a way of bringing people together." This followsSabalenka's apologyforher remarks after her loss to Gauff, in which she acknowledged that her comments were unprofessional and that she allowed her emotions to override her judgment. Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff dancing together ahead of Wimbledon 😂pic.twitter.com/18zLopw09E — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter)June 27, 2025 Wimbledon 2025 draw results:Bracket revealed for men's, women's singles tournament The 2025 Wimbledon tournament will begin on Monday, June 30, 2025 and be played over 14 days before concluding on Sunday, July 13, in London. The 2025 Wimbledon tournament will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and the Tennis Channel. Fans wanting to stream the action can watch all matches on ESPN+. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka together for Wimbledon TikTok dance

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June 28, 2025

Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka on good terms ahead of Wimbledon with TikTok dance

Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka on good terms ahead of Wimbledon with TikTok dance Women's singles French Open championCoco Gauffand runner-...
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France top scorer Eugénie Le Sommer joins Mexican club TolucaNew Foto - France top scorer Eugénie Le Sommer joins Mexican club Toluca

TOLUCA, Mexico (AP) — France all-time leading scorer Eugénie Le Sommer has signed a contract to play for Mexican club Toluca, where she will reunite with former Lyon coach Patrice Lair. The 36-year-old forward parted ways with Lyon in May after 15 seasons and wasn't chosen for the national team for theWomen's European Championship. Toluca, located near Mexico City, said late Friday that Le Sommer has joined for the upcoming Liga MX Apertura season. Le Sommer's former France and Lyon teammate Amandine Henry also plays for Toluca. The defensive midfielder joined last year. Le Sommer has scored 94 international goals in 200 appearances for France. She posted a broken heart emoji on her Instagram page when she wasn't selected for the Euro 2025 squad. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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June 28, 2025

France top scorer Eugénie Le Sommer joins Mexican club Toluca

France top scorer Eugénie Le Sommer joins Mexican club Toluca TOLUCA, Mexico (AP) — France all-time leading scorer Eugénie Le Sommer has sig...
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Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faces massive pressure in 2025New Foto - Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faces massive pressure in 2025

Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. In many ways,Miami DolphinsquarterbackTua Tagovailoais a dream player. He's talented and tough. He's a strong leader. He's a good person. There are no issues off the field. He's thrown 73 touchdowns total over the last three seasons. Tagovailoa has done a solid job of being the face of a proud franchise trying to regain greatness it hasn't seen in decades. Offensive lineman Terron Armstead, who before going to Miami played with quarterback Drew Brees in New Orleans, said Tagovailoa and Brees have similar games. Armstead was, of course, careful to say that Tagovailoa has a lot more to prove. He made his comments on the"Rich Eisen Show." "I see similarities. I'm not saying they're the same player or same person, no two people are," Armstead said. "The anticipation, the accuracy, timing of throws, the ability to knock a wing off a fly repeatedly. Those guys throw darts. They don't throw to areas, they are very precise. And that's an elite talent, it's an elite trait. Very few people possess (it). He's one of them and Drew Brees is another." That's all the good part. And it's all quite good. The problem is that Tagovailoa hasn't broken through as an elite player. Lots of players aren't elite but Tagovailoa was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 draft. He's been injury prone,missing key games with a variety of ailments,most notably some frightening head injuries. Tagovailoa just hasn't broken through as a great player. A solid one. At times a really good one. But not a consistently great one. He's not alone. Look at some other quarterbacks in the league like Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence and the Chargers' Justin Herbert. But I have an obsession with Tagovailoa (a healthy one, promise) because he perfectly embodies all of the complexities of both the NFL overall and the quarterback position. He's been good, but not outstanding. He's had, at best, OK head coaches. Good receivers but one of them, Tyreek Hill, is a massive problem away from the field. Running game has had its moments. Same for the defense. But there's little that would cause you to look at the Dolphins and say: that team is on its way. They are extremely average and Tagovailoa hasn't been able to lift them above that mediocrity. All of this leads to a crucial juncture for him and the Dolphins. What will Miami do if Tagovailoa struggles in 2025? "Yeah, he has narratives in front of him that have to be answered," Armstead said. "Not necessarily by me or in an interview form, it's from him, and his play, and getting the job done. Any quarterback or any team that (doesn't) hoist that trophy at the end of the year, you have questions, you have narratives, you have challenges, you have adversity, you have things to answer. Only team that don't really have that is Philly. Everybody else, they have their questions going into the season. Tua has his questions, and it's up to him to answer these questions — not me. "Do I believe he can? I do. Do I believe he will? I do." Coach Mike McDaniel spoke about the larger goals for Tagovailoa this coming season at one of the Dolphins' recent OTAs. "He's the franchise quarterback of a team,"said McDaniel."His job is to lead men on each and every play, and find different ways to continue the process of evolution for him. That's always been the name of the game for him, whether that's getting the offense to the line of scrimmage faster out of the huddle or whether that's adjusting protections, doing sight adjustments, growing his game, working on progressions, escaping the pocket and getting rid of (the ball)." He added: "All of the things a quarterback is asked to do, I think that's where he's at. He's dipped his toe in the water with everything, and now it's consistency and mastery. That's why it's a never-ending exercise." More:Tyreek Hill says he doesn't deserve to be Dolphins captain, has to prove himself again McDaniel is saying exactly what I am except in a fancier, more coach-speak way. It's time for Tagovailoa to show true captaincy of the position. Miami has paid Tagovailoa well (and he's earned it).He'll make almost $150 million through 2026.The contract is costly but far from impossible to walk away from. Which makes this coming season for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins an interesting one to watch. All the NFL news on and off the field.Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Tua Tagovailoa faces big pressure in 2025

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June 28, 2025

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faces massive pressure in 2025

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faces massive pressure in 2025 Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports c...
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Brutal heatwave hits players and fans at FIFA Club World Cup across AmericaNew Foto - Brutal heatwave hits players and fans at FIFA Club World Cup across America

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. MIAMI GARDENS, FL — You can hear the music thumping inside the stadium, blaring outside of it. It's only natural to feel the anticipation build. "Let's get down, let's get down to business" is the catchy Tiësto hook that plays before every FIFA Club World Cup match. This was my sixth time hearing it at Hard Rock Stadium since the tournament began, but my first as a paying patron for a match between Brazil's Fluminense and South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, June 25. My excitement, however, was quickly hit with a snag before I got past the security gates to get my ticket scanned. FIFA says "fans are welcome to bring empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to one liter (33.8 oz) into the stadiums." A security attendant told me to finish mine before I could enter. Okay, understandable — I thought — since the policy is "empty." I was three-quarters of the way done with mine. I had bariatric surgery nine months ago, so it was a test to finish my superfood-infused water with a smaller stomach. But I was able to. Then, another attendant reached for my bottle and tossed it in a garbage can. "I thought FIFA allows a water bottle," I said. "Not here," she replied as the bottle fell on top of others in the can. A mistake on the attendant's part, and since the tournament began FIFA has been in communication with stadium staffs to address these misunderstandings and confusion on entry policies. FIFA also released a statement last week regarding the extreme heat across the United States, which adds to mounting concerns about player safety and fan welfare during the Club World Cup and next year's FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. "FIFA's top priority is the health of everyone involved in football," a spokesman said. "FIFA will continue to monitor the weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved." The noon and 3 p.m. start times to matches have also been an issue at the height of the heat, providing primetime viewing in other parts of the world. "I think it's part and parcel of football," English captain Harry Kane said after Bayern Munich's win over Boca Juniors. You have to be able to adapt. ... There's something special about these World Cup games, and next year will be the same. "When you come off that pitch and you're sweating and you're dripping and you're cramping and you've given everything on the pitch – there's a special feeling inside, especially when you win." Meanwhile, German giant Borussia Dortmund refused to have players sit on the bench directly in the sun in Cincinnati for their June 21 noon match. It was 87°F (30.5°C). "Our subs watched the first half from inside the locker room to avoid the blazing sun at TQL Stadium – never seen that before, but in this heat, it absolutely makes sense," the team said, sharing a photo of players in the locker roomon social media. Watch FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now. Here are a few things FIFA could consider before the World Cup next year to address the heat concerns: – Install mist systems and climate-controlled benches, like NFL teams use during late-summer and winter games, at hosting venues. It might not directly help the players on the field, outside of their cooling breaks in the 30thand 75thminutes, when they hydrate, eat an electrolyte chewable and/or apply a wet towel on themselves. But it's a good starting point. – Only four of the 11 American venues hosting World Cup games are indoors and should be prioritized for day games: Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, TX, Houston's NRG Stadium and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Teams should also get a proceeding night match if they play an early game in the sun. – FIFA should coordinate with stadium vendors to sell water at cheaper price points. MetLife Stadium sells water for $5, while Hard Rock Stadium for $6. Maybe, FIFA and Ticketmaster could consider a nominal water fee on ticket sales, and just give fans water for free at the concession stands. Hey, just thinking out loud. – Ticketmaster and other ticket-selling platforms should be transparent and communicate to consumers when and where seats are shaded at stadiums, so they can make informed purchases. I've attended events at Hard Rock Stadium, as a patron and journalist, for nearly 20 years. I bought a resell ticket on Ticketmaster in section 106, row 2 for $37, figuring I could help a seller offload their purchase. My seat was also covered by the stadium's canopy for the entire match. But not everyone was so comfortable. Fluminense fan Matt Benac sat with his back braced up against a concrete wall inside the stadium concourse, waving his black hat in front of his face flushed red, trying to relieve himself from the blazing sun at halftime. Benac was among five sections of Fluminense fans baking in the lower level where there's no escape from the sunlight unless intercepted by a cloud. There weren't any on this day. "It's too hot for me to handle," said Benac, who is from Rio de Janiero, where Fluminense plays. "I'm just out here sitting in the shade trying to have a good time. But it's hard with the sun out there. It's getting me exhausted." Despite the conditions, football loving fans will still show up for their favorite teams – and pay the price of bottled water multiple times. Fluminense fan Rafael Daceo held four empty cups under his arm while shirtless, standing next to his girlfriend Carolina Casaes inside the stadium corridor. They moved from Rio de Janiero seven months ago to be students at Madison College in Wisconsin, and were sunburnt from a trip to the beach a day earlier. More than welcoming the sun, they attended the Fluminense match because being a fan is in their blood. Daceo said his father is a Fluminense fan, and his grandfather before them. Casaes said her entire family was watching the match back home in Rio. "I'm feeling like I'm here with my dad, my brother and my step-father because they love Fluminense. I'm feeling like I'm with them. They are watching, too," Casaes said. "I'm so grateful to be here. I feel like I'm in Brazil. It's not the same, but the energy is the same. We really miss Brazil right now. Here, we feel a little bit of it." Just participating in Club World Cup has brought pride to the players and their fans. The Fluminense fans cheered until the very end, even raising their intensity in the final 10 minutes of the match as they finished a scoreless draw against the Sundowns but advanced to the Round of 16. Sundowns players even danced on the pitch in front of their supporters in the stands, after the final whistle concluded their participation in the tournament. Vuyani Makabe, a South African from Vancouver who flew across the continent for the Miami match, was filled with pride watching his team. "I never thought as a kid my Mamelodi Sundowns, who I grew up supporting, would actually be competing in a World Cup, and me watching them in Miami," Makabe said. "This is a dream come true." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:FIFA Club World Cup weather hitting players and fans hard in USA

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June 28, 2025

Brutal heatwave hits players and fans at FIFA Club World Cup across America

Brutal heatwave hits players and fans at FIFA Club World Cup across America USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this artic...
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New name, same thrills await drivers in return to AtlantaNew Foto - New name, same thrills await drivers in return to Atlanta

Fans looking at this week's race schedule might be confused and do a double-take: It's not called Atlanta Motor Speedway anymore. For the first time on the 2025 schedule, the NASCAR Cup Series makes a repeat appearance, stopping Saturday night for the second time at the newly renamed EchoPark Speedway for the Quaker State 400 in Hampton, Ga. While AMS is technically no more, the expectations are still as high as ever at the 1.54-mile oval south of Atlanta, where the best racing in the sport has taken place over the past few seasons with the Next Gen car -- somewhat surprising considering the car's struggles. Complaints about the car echo from race to race. Drivers bemoan the inability to make a pass in "dirty air" once they make a run on the car in front of them. The short tracks, previously a staple of anticipation and excitement in Virginia and Tennessee, have yielded some of the worst showings, almost unimaginable considering an action-packed ticket for Bristol or Richmond races used to be among the most in-demand purchases. Road courses with the current car have produced a wild card, as road courses are prone to do. However, Shane van Gisbergen's nearly 17-second annihilation of the field in his recent Mexico City triumph will not find its way into the season's highlights package. While the racing had its ups and downs at Pocono last weekend, it was odd that winner Chase Briscoe, desperately conserving fuel while leading in his No. 19 Toyota, was able to keep Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin at bay as his No. 11 ride hounded him. Hamlin said he felt the only chance he had to win his second straight start -- he missed Mexico -- and fourth this season was to run as hard as he could, force the Indiana driver to push hard and thus use up his fuel before getting to the checkers. "He was lifting early into (Turn) 1 ... balance wise, I just couldn't get my car to handle good enough in that dirty air to keep him honest," said Hamlin, owner of a Pocono-best seven wins. "The key moment was when (Briscoe) and like three or four others pitted and that caution came out. It leaped them in front of us. "At that point, we knew it was going to be really hard to pass those guys back on the racetrack." The phrase "really hard to pass" is all too frequent in postrace interviews, but the Next Gen car puts on its best showings at drafting tracks like Atlanta, Daytona and Talladega. That was evident in February when Christopher Bell grabbed the first of three consecutive wins with a thrilling, three-wide victory under caution over Carson Hocevar and Kyle Larson at the Georgia superspeedway. Four of the past seven races at the oval have ended under caution, a testimony to how tight the racing gets at the end as drivers push to the ragged edge. The track formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway may now go by another name, but luckily the racing remains the same. With lightning near the track Friday afternoon, the series shortened the qualifying session to just one round, and the Ford drivers, led by Joey Logano, took advantage of it. A two-time Atlanta winner, Logano won his 32nd career Busch Light Pole Award by blistering the track at 178.960 mph, tying him with Wood Brothers Racing driver Josh Berry, who will start on Row 1 beside him following a tiebreaker. Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric and Ryan Preece rounded out the top five as blue oval drivers earned the top eight qualifying positions, with Alex Bowman's No. 48 Chevrolet the first non-Ford in ninth. --Field Level Media

byVS personal
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June 27, 2025

New name, same thrills await drivers in return to Atlanta

New name, same thrills await drivers in return to Atlanta Fans looking at this week's race schedule might be confused and do a double-ta...
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