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Friday, May 16, 2025

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Mia Williams shines and other takeaways from Florida softball Gainesville Regional win over Mercer  

Florida softball began the NCAA Gainesville Regional with a solid all-around effort, beating Mercer 8-0 at Katie Seashole Presley Stadium.

Junior catcher Jocelyn Erickson delivered the walk off RBI single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth, clinching the run-rule win.

The Florida Gators (44-14) advanced to play Florida Atlantic on Saturday (noon, TV TBD) in the winner's bracket, The Owls beat Georgia Tech 5-4 in eight innings on a walk-off RBI single by Kiley Shelton.

The No. 3 national seed Gators are seeking their 13th CWS appearance in 19 seasons under head coach Tim Walton.

Here are three takeaways from UF's win over Mercer:

Mia Williams sparks Florida softball with big day at the plate

Williams went 2-fo-2 with two doubles and 3 RBIs to help spark the offense as she's continued her slugging sophomore season. Williams, the daughter of former Gator and NBA great Jason Williams, has 19 home runs and 10 doubles on the season.

Taylor Shumaker launches another homer for Florida softball

After Kenda Falby walked to lead off the third inning, Shumaker followed with her 18th homer of the season, launching a 2-1 pitch from Mercer starter Hannah Pitts over the wall in right field. It started a five-run rally in the third inning that gave the Gators an early 5-0 lead.

Ava Brown shuts the door in relief for Florida softball

After Florida starter Kara Hammock lasted 2 2/3 innings, walking three batters and hitting another, Florida softball coach Tim Walton turned to Ava Brown with the bases loaded and two outs. Brown got a fly out to end the third inning and pitched the rest of the game, retiring six of the eight batters she faced.

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida softball opens Gainesville Regional play with win over Mercer

 

SEE IT: Juan Soto greets combative Yankees fans with hat tip in first at-bat with Mets  

The highly anticipated matchup between the Mets and Yankees this weekend had a major storyline in place: how Juan Soto will be welcomed at Yankee Stadium.

After helping the Yankees make it to their first World Series since 2009, Soto spurned the team from the Bronx to sign with the Mets in the offseason. Now, in his first game back at Yankee Stadium since Game 5 of last year's World Series, the Yankee faithful gave him a reaction, rather befitting of the circumstances.

Batting second with one out in the top of the first, Soto came up to the plate.

Soto tipped his helmet to the crowd and mouthed "thank you."

"I haven't heard anything like this," SNY play-by-play Gary Cohen said on the broadcast.

Soto took a five-pitch walk and never swung the bat once. The Mets fans in attendance cheered as Soto took his base.

The reception for Juan Soto as he comes to the plate for his first at-bat at Yankee Stadium pic.twitter.com/xcFK5lp33Z

— SNY (@SNYtv) May 16, 2025

“It’s going to be 50,000 against one,” Soto told the Post, earlier this week. “They’re going to try to get on me, you know,” he said. “It’s part of it.”

If you listen closely to the broadcast, "F--- you Soto" chants could be heard from the Yankees faithful and when he took the field for the first time, he received the Bronx jeers from the crowd in the right field bleachers, and they all turned their backs to him.

Juan Soto goes out to right field for the first time tonight.

Some of the bleacher creatures turned their backs to him as he took the field. pic.twitter.com/1NxxofO1na

— SNY (@SNYtv) May 16, 2025

 

Juan Soto return: Mets star booed by Yankees fans in Subway Series opener; Soto tips cap  

He was the Juan that got away, and New York Yankees fans want him to know it.

Juan Soto was supposed to be the Bronx Bombers' next big star to play alongside Aaron Judge. Instead, he bolted for Queens to join the New York Mets in free agency – one year after being dealt to the pinstripes.

On Friday night, Soto made his return to Yankee Stadium, playing in front of the fans that were chanting his name in support a year ago. Needless to say, they didn't take too kindly to his presence this time around, showering the right fielder with boos.

The reception for Juan Soto as he comes to the plate for his first at-bat at Yankee Stadium pic.twitter.com/xcFK5lp33Z

— SNY (@SNYtv) May 16, 2025

The booing continued when he made his way out to the outfield in the bottom of the first.

Juan Soto returns to right field at Yankee Stadium #RivalryWeekendpic.twitter.com/7t50ejkAzm

— MLB (@MLB) May 16, 2025

It's something that began before the game even started, with boos raining down when the Mets' lineup was introduced.

Juan Soto is introduced to the Yankee Stadium crowd pic.twitter.com/DYeeTo68Ki

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 16, 2025

The boos figure to be a theme all weekend, since it's not often players play for both New York rivals in back-to-back years, especially players of Soto's caliber.

The Mets inked Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal, the biggest contract in sports history. Soto hasn't played like an MVP candidate to this point, hitting eight home runs and totaling 20 RBI. He's slashing .255/.380/.465 in the early part of the season, numbers that are all down from the last two seasons.

Regardless, Soto has still managed to make an impact on a Mets team that entered the day at 28-16, the second-most wins in baseball.

With Steve Cohen's deep pockets, the Mets' owners built a team that figures to be a World Series contender in 2025.

The Yankees also find themselves in a good spot post-Soto. They entered the day with a 25-18 record, sitting atop the AL East with the second-best record in the American League.

Losing out on Soto allowed the Yankees to spend on pieces that have added length to their lineup and bolstered their depth. Former Yankees pitcher Luis Severino, who played for the Mets last year, famously said that the 2024 version of the team was just Soto and Judge.

In 2025, the team from the Bronx can beat opponents in a variety of ways. They hope to make another World Series run of their own in what is a weak American League.

While it always hurts to lose players of Soto's caliber, it might've been the best thing for both sides. Time will tell who wins in the end.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yankees fans boo Juan Soto in Mets star's return to the Bronx

 

Big Jason Kelce Announcement Made on Friday  

There is no doubt that Jason Kelce is one of the greatest centers to ever pick up a football. The Philadelphia Eagles icon's contributions to the sport have been immense, and the fact that he's fully expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible is a testament to this fact. 

Now that he's retired from football, the 37-year-old has turned his attention to a new sport. By his own admission, Kelce's love affair with golf has become more and more serious of late, which has ultimately led to a major personal decision on his end. 

It was announced on Friday that Kelce has officially joined the Sullivan Country Golf Club as an owner. The golf club, which is located in Liberty, New York, revealed the big news via Instagram.  

"We’re excited to formally announce the addition of @jason.kelce to the Sullivan County Golf Club ownership group!" an excerpt from the post read. 

The post, which shared a couple of photos of Kelce on the Sullivan County course, also included a quote from Kelce about his big move. 

“I’ve been dating golf for a long time, and the relationship was starting to get more serious,” said the seven-time Pro Bowler. “Now we’re making a long-term commitment.”

Kelce joins renowned actor and golf enthusiast Bill Murray in the club's ownership group, along with entrepreneur Mike Madden, who is the son of NFL legend John Madden.  

According to the website, Sullivan County Golf Club first opened in 1925. The course underwent an "extensive renovation" last year. The club also announced the addition of a handful of new facilities in time for the start of the 2025 season this month. This includes a new driving range, putting course and restaurant/bar, to name a few. 

The club has big plans lined up for the course's 100th anniversary this year--and beyond--and Kelce will now figure significantly in the same.    

Related: Fans React to NFL's Mothers Day Message About Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce

Related: Jason Kelce's Family's Behavior Around Taylor Swift Revealed

 

UDFA standout knew he was joining Patriots before the NFL draft ended  

Rookie undrafted free agent running back Lan Larison knew he was going to sign with the New England Patriots before the 2025 NFL draft ended.

UC Davis coach Tim Plough, who coached Larison in college, said he received a phone call from his star running back during the draft. Initially, Plough thought Larison was calling to tell him that he had been drafted, but he was actually calling to say he had already decided he was going to sign with the Patriots.

“He was calling me to say he already decided he was going to be a Patriot,” Plough said, via NESN's Sean T. McGuire. “And I’m like, ‘Well, you might still get drafted, Lan.’ And he’s like, ‘Well, yeah, that’s if I don’t get drafted. ...It was just pretty funny to hear him say he already knows it’s the Patriots when the draft isn’t even over yet."

One of the big selling points for Larison on New England was the personal phone call he received from Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. The FCS All-American clearly had multiple options considering the Patriots offered him $175,000 in guaranteed money, which is a strong contract for an undrafted rookie.

He's a versatile running back with the ability to make plays as a rusher, pass protect and catch passes. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has a long history of making stars out of dual threat running backs, such as James White, Danny Woodhead, and Rex Burkhead.

Now, Larison will have an opportunity to be the next underdog success story in New England.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: UDFA standout knew he was joining Patriots before the NFL draft ended

 

Brittney Griner looking toward 2028 Olympics in L.A. with move to Dream revitalizing her  

After 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner begins her 12th WNBA campaign with the Atlanta Dream on Friday night. 

Though she was initially surprised and disappointed that the Mercury told her that the team would be moving in a different direction, Griner feels reenergized by playing for a new club. That renewed energy also has her looking at playing in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

"It's a goal of mine," Griner told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. "It hasn't been in the U.S. for a while now, so I think to be able to play at the Olympics in your home country would be amazing. 

"My parents have never been to the Olympics," she added. "So I'm going to strive for it and try to do what I need to do so I can get that call-up or at least be at the camp and help out the ones that will go, whatever it's going to be."

Griner will be 37 when the L.A. Summer Games are played in July 2028 and it's possible she won't be playing in the WNBA by then. She signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Dream. 

Yet based on her performance last season, Griner could easily be productive for another four years. She averaged 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 blocks in 2024 and showed off a long-range game as well, shooting 50% on 18 3-point attempts. That figures to continue in Dream coach Karl Smesko's offense.

"We're playing five-out. I'm learning how to move better out on the perimeter, where my spots are on the perimeter, instead of just being down low," Griner said to Shelburne.

The 2028 Summer Games would be Griner's fourth Olympics and provide an opportunity for her fourth gold medal. She didn't play big minutes for Team USA in 2024 and her numbers reflected that. She averaged 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds while playing 14.2 minutes per game. 

The career reset has her feeling rejuvenated. But she'll call it a career if she feels her skills declining.

"As long as I can put up numbers and I can help my team out, I want to play," Griner told ESPN. "When I can't do that, or we have to hide me in the corner or put me on the easiest matchup, I will walk away. I

"I don't want to be a liability on the court and there's too many good players coming along too," she added. "I'm not going to sit there and just hold on to a spot because I just can't let go."

That surely applies to her Olympic ambitions, as well. 

 

DeChambeau's Close, but Needs a Better Wedge Game  

Two days in a row, Bryson DeChambeau has walked off the last green after his round, shaking his head, seemingly in disbelief.

The skepticism stems from another round of ‘not good enough.’

In both rounds, when he finished with a bogey on the 18^th hole in the first round and then a bogey on the ninth on his final hole of the second round, the errors cost him a shot each day, but each misstep would add salt to the wound of knowing his game is better than that.

Yet, DeChambeau finds himself on the cusp of a leaderboard in a major, sitting at 3-under and five shots off the lead of Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas at 8-under.

“It was a weird day today, much like yesterday,” DeChambeau said of his five birdies and two bogeys performance. “I felt like I was playing good, just didn't get anything out of it. Today was a little bit better on some of the holes.”

The 31-year-old Californian has been a permanent fixture in majors, except for a missed cut in the 2024 Open Championship. DeChambeau has been on the leaderboard in all four rounds of the 2024 Masters, the 2024 PGA Championship, the 2024 U.S. Open, and the 2025 Masters.

In the first two rounds at Quail Hollow, DeChambeau has been outside the top 10 with rounds of 71-68, yet sitting at T17, the two-time U.S. Open winner is in touch with the leader as he looks to rectify what has failed him in Charlotte and dating back to 1990, each of the last 35 PGA Championship winners were either leading or within six strokes of the lead through 36 holes.

“Not my best driving although I'm hitting it really far right now, which is great,” DeChambeau said. “Wedge play needs to be cleaned up a little bit. Yeah, take more advantage of the par-5s and short par-4s for me.”

The wedge play has been the Achilles heel for DeChambeau, not allowing him to take advantage of his prodigious length and struggling to get the ball in a reasonable position near the hole from 100 yards.

DeChambeau is ranked first in Strokes Gained Off-the-Tee, but 79^th on Approach-the-Green and 111^th Around-the-Green.

“I've just got to have my putting a little more on and keep playing the way I am,” DeChambeau said. “It easily could be 7-, 8-under right now, or I could be even par. So just keep moving along, and I think a 65, 64 is out there. I almost shot it out there today, and I definitely saw it out there, I just didn't accomplish it.”

Related: PGA Tour Venues Should Not Host Majors

Related: Matt Fitzpatrick Finding Some Redemption at PGA Championship

 

Buccaneers Earn Monster Grade After Offseason Deals  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to divide opinion on what their 2025 outlook could be, but one thing that can't be disputed is the offseason work done by general manager Jason Licht.

First, he managed to re-sign Pro Bowl receiver Chris Godwin, who was close to leaving the franchise, and then he signed edge rusher Haason Reddick to fill one glaring roster hole.

Those two moves alone are enough to give the Buccaneers a good offseason grade, but then we add in their draft haul which includes Emeka Egbuka, and a group of solid defensive prospects that each fill crucial needs for Todd Bowles' unit.

That is a solid offseason, and for Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema, he's given the Buccaneers an A- for their work.

"The Buccaneers lost offensive coordinator Liam Coen to the Jaguars, but that was their only significant departure," Sikkema writes. "They brought back both Lavonte David and Chris Godwin and even made a splash in free agency with Haason Reddick.

"Tampa Bay then drafted five players who could be starters or key rotational players in Emeka Egbuka, Benjamin Morrison, Jacob Parrish, David Walker and Elijah Roberts."

So the offense is loaded with perhaps the best collection of weapons in football.

Baker Mayfield now has Mike Evans, Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Egbuka, and Cade Otton, not to mention the run game with Bucky Irving. 

Defensively, if the improvement happens with Reddick and the draft picks hitting the ground running, the Buccaneers will be in business in the NFC.

Some are skeptical of what Bowles' team can do in 2025 after back-to-back division titles under Baker, but the offseason additions make Tampa Bay a very difficult proposition.

And that, rightly so, earns them a hugely positive offseason grade.

Related: Shilo Sanders Boasts ‘I Always Do Something Great’ in Bucs Roster Bid

Related: Buccaneers 'Search For Tests' Starts Early on New NFL Schedule

 

Record lows for Man Utd & Spurs - but who's in best shape for Bilbao?  

All eyes will be on Bilbao now as Manchester United and Tottenham switch focus from their disappointing domestic campaigns and try to win the Europa League.

With both sides languishing in the bottom half of the table, securing a European trophy - and a place in next season's Champions League - would ensure they finish the campaign on a high.

Having lost their penultimate Premier League fixtures on Friday, there was no winning send-off before their meeting in Spain.

Manchester United suffered an 18th loss of the campaign with a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea, while it was 21 for Tottenham after they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa.

But with everything now riding on Europa League success, just how are both sides shaping up ahead of the final?

Poor domestic runs - but turning things around in Europe

Friday night's defeats for United and Spurs continued their dismal run domestically.

Tottenham have now lost 25 games in all competitions this season, the most in a single campaign in their history, while 18 league defeats for Manchester United is their most since losing 20 in 1973-74 - the last season in which they were relegated from the top flight.

United have also gone eight league games without a win (D2 L6) for the first time since an 11-game stretch between December 1989 and February 1990.

Spurs, meanwhile, have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games (D2 L8) since beating bottom side Southampton 3-1 in April.

They've also conceded in each of their last 12 league games, their longest run without a clean sheet since 17 between August and December 2010.

Both sides, though, will look to their form in Europe before Wednesday's showpiece - which has been in contrast to their domestic struggles.

They are unbeaten in their last five Europa League outings, winning four of those fixtures on their way to reaching the final.

• Chelsea go fourth as Cucurella sinks Man Utd
• Villa swat aside Spurs to move into top five

Contrasting approaches to preparations

The team selections made by both United boss Ruben Amorim and Spurs counterpart Ange Postecoglou for Friday's games provided some insight into their thinking for the Europa League final.

Postecoglou opted to rest several of his key players as Antonín Kinsky started in goal, with Guglielmo Vicario on the bench alongside Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison and Pedro Porro.

Amorim, meanwhile, opted to bring back his regular starters, having rested some of them for the 2-0 home loss to West Ham on Sunday, 11 May.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana was not in the squad that day as Altay Bayindir started, but returned to face Chelsea.

Amorim suggested after the game he was prioritising his key players feeling competitive before the final rather than feeling rested.

"We have to prepare for each competition, with five days we can rest," he told BBC Sport.

"We have five days to prepare [for the Europa League final], two days to fully recover and then two days to prepare.

"Of course, we are excited to be in the final. Since day one the pressure has been there, but I live quite well with the pressure. When you have the final of any cup, we show up, so we are prepared for that."

Free-scoring Spurs against shot-shy Man Utd?

Tottenham have had the measure of Manchester United this season, beating them home and away in the Premier League and also in the Carabao Cup.

They will also likely back themselves to score against the Red Devils, having hit 21 more league goals than them, despite sitting fourth from bottom with United a place above.

In fact, no team outside the top six has scored more than Tottenham's 63 goals.

Keeping them out, however, has been an issue with 61 league goals conceded, while United have fared marginally better with 54.

Encouragement for Postecoglou will also come from a lively first-half display by Son Heung-min against Villa.

The forward is looking to return to peak fitness after being sidelined with a foot injury and went close to scoring before the break.

Son, 32, has lost his last two finals with Spurs and will no doubt be determined to end his trophy drought with the club after a decade.

"He is ready and available," Postecoglou said of Son. "He feels like he is getting back to some rhythm."

United, meanwhile, could only muster one shot on target against Chelsea with Rasmus Hojlund again struggling to make an impact in attack.

The forward has scored just three goals in his last 15 appearances in all competitions.

"They have a problem, they have no striker," former Manchester United captain Roy Keane told Sky Sports.

"Hojlund looked like a young boy from the academy. He is not good enough to be the main man. United are up against it all the time."

Injury issues have hampered both sides

Playing your strongest side brings with it the risk of an important player picking up an injury that would rule them out of the final.

Fortunately for Amorim i twas a risk that paid off as his team appeared to come through the Chelsea test unscathed.

Instead, it was Tottenham who have more concerns after Pape Sarr went off in the first half against Villa with a back issue, although Postecoglou said he was taken off as a precaution.

Spurs certainly don't need their injury issues compounding, with key players like Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison already ruled out of the Europa League final.

While not solely to blame for their dreadfully poor domestic campaigns, injuries have certainly hampered both clubs.

According to data from PremierInjuries.com, Tottenham have had the third worst injury crisis in the Premier League, with United the fifth.

In total, Spurs had lost 1,414 days to injuries and suffered 38 separate injuries this season – both the third highest tallies in the league.

United, meanwhile, had lost 1,229 days to injury – the fifth most – with 30 separate injuries, which was the seventh highest figure.

However, Brighton are sat in the top 10 of the Premier League, despite having the worst injury issues so far this season.

According to the data the Seagulls are top with 1,862 days lost to 44 separate injuries - as of 15 May.

Having the edge - big-game experience or chance to make history?

But despite their poor domestic form and injury concerns, everything can go out of the window for a one-off cup final.

United are looking to win the Europa League for the second time in the last decade and their fifth major European trophy overall.

And Keane said: "You still have to fancy United.

"I think history carries a bit of weight. League form, there's not much between them, both have been desperate, but United's history in finals and more knowledge around the big games, that might edge it."

For ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp there's nothing between the two sides.

"This feels like a 50/50 game," he added. "This is a chance for Tottenham to change history and narrative.

"Ange will become the biggest decision of Daniel Levy's life. The league form has been diabolical but a first trophy would make it really difficult to sack him.

"If they win a cup, it is hero status."

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2025 NBA draft: 5 players who make sense for the Sixers in Round 2  

The key pick for the Philadelphia 76ers will be the No. 3 pick they were able to earn in the lottery, but they do have another pick in the 2025 NBA draft and it is the No. 35 overall pick in the second round.

Second round draft picks are not the most glamorous. They are not going to wow anybody when they are selected, but second round picks are important nonetheless. For example, the Sixers were able to hit on Adem Bona with the No. 41 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

Assuming the Sixers don't trade this pick, there are options for them at No. 35. Here are five players who make sense in Round 2 of the draft:

Cedric Coward, Washington State

2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.7 bpg, 55.7% FG, 40% 3FG

After two seasons at Eastern Washington, Coward transferred over to Washington State and gave some good production during his one season with the Cougars. He's a high IQ player who can move well without the basketball and knock down shots coming off pindowns and off movement while also being able to put the ball on the floor and create for others as well. He is also an underrated defender and the Sixers could always use another 3-and-D option.

Johni Broome, Auburn

2024-25 stats: 18.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 bpg, 51% FG, 27.8% 3FG

The 2025 SEC Player of the Year, Broome will turn a lot of teams off with his age--he'll turn 23 in July. That limits his upside at the next level, but he is a bruiser who has a soft touch around the basket while being a ferocious rebounder. He's also an underrated passer and somebody who can protect the rim as well. If Philadelphia is looking to add more depth at the big man spot, Broome does make sense. It will be interesting to see how he projects at the next level when considering he is 6-foot-10 and not much of a shooter.

Chaz Lanier, Tennessee

2024-25 stats: 18.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.9 spg, 43.1% FG, 39.5% 3FG

Speaking of shooting, Lanier brings that at a high level. After four seasons at North Florida, Lanier transferred to Tennessee for a fifth season of college and shot the lights out. He took 8.2 triples per game and knocked then down at a nearly 40% clip in the toughest conference in college basketball. Like Broome, his age will turn a lot of teams off. He will turn 24 in December, but he might be worth a look as a specialist with a second-round pick.

Labaron Philon, Alabama

2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 1.4 spg, 45.2% FG, 31.5% 3FG

Philon is a pure playmaker. His freshman season with the Crimson Tide highlighted his ability to be unselfish and make the right plays with his passing ability and he also showed off an ability to drive and put the ball on the floor when the time called for it. He is going to be a solid and productive player at the next level whenever his name is called and if it's the Sixers, they'd be getting an NBA ready ball-handler.

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.7 bpg, 65.3% FG, 34.4% 3FG

A 5-year player in college, Kalkbrenner stands at 7-feet tall so if the Sixers are thinking size, then he's their man. He is skilled around the basket, can step out and knock down a shot--which helps when he can just shoot over anybody--and has some good passing skills. There is a chance he sneaks into the first round as a late pick, but there is also a good chance he is there at No. 35 for Philadelphia.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2025 NBA draft: 5 players who make sense for the Sixers in Round 2

 

Tom Thibodeau: Shoring Knicks transition 3-point defense ‘a priority’ in playoffs  

The Boston Celtics are taking advantage of one of the Knicks‘ biggest weak spots — spotty transition defense with gaps behind the three-point line — and it’s an area Tom Thibodeau and his crew know they need to shore should they advance to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the Indiana Pacers.

The Celtics shot 22-of-49 from three-point range in their 25-point blowout of the Knicks in Game 5. Many of those threes were generated off missed Knicks field goals that turned into fast break opportunities for Boston.

Thibodeau said ahead of tipoff of Game 6 against the Celtics at Madison Square Garden on Friday that transition three-point defense is “a priority” for the Knicks, who entered the night owning a 3-2 series lead, but faced a win-or-go-back-on-the-road for a sudden death Game 7 at the TD Garden in the event of a loss.

“To me [taking away transition threes] a priority because that’s one of the big ways they generate their threes. So we have to understand that,” Thibodeau said on Friday. “We have to be disciplined. We have to make defensive transition on every play. And then your communication also has to be great.”

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said getting out in transition creates “an advantageous” situation for the team with the ball. The Knicks, who have chalked their transition struggles to poor communication, have oftentimes left opposing shooters wide-open off of their own misses and turnovers.

Derrick White made a number of his seven Game 5 threes in transition, and Payton Pritchard made five 3s on 14 attempts by pushing the pace off of a missed shot.

“There’s a five-on-four or a four-on-three. You just have to make the right reads,” Mazzulla said ahead of tipoff on Friday. “So to me, we’ve gotta get out in transition, get out to our spacing, and then make the right play. Most times, the thing in transition is there’s usually a two on one somewhere. You just have to find it.”

The Celtics made 60 threes in Games 3, 4 and 5, and have continued to generate clean looks despite Kristaps Porzingis battling an illness that has kept him on the sidelines more often than not. Shoring transition has to be a top priority — because in the event they advance to the conference finals, the run-and-gun Indiana Pacers, led by play-making point guard Tyrese Haliburton, will pelt them from three-point range on the break.

STARTERS NOT PLAYING WELL

The Knicks’ starters have not played well against the Celtics, and they can’t explain why.

“That’s a question yall have asked me several times, and I don’t know — I wish I could give you all an answer, and address it,” said Josh Hart. “But I don’t know. And at the end of the day, we’ve got to figure it out and execute. But that’s not what we’re doing.”

The lineup of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Hart, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby was outscored by an average of 16.7 points per 100 possessions through the first five games of their second-round series.

“As a group, you said we’re a minus-22? In this series? … Well, first, talk about who we’re playing. Let’s talk about the Celtics: the defending champs, a team with a lot of experience, a team that — obviously, we’ve seen what they’ve been able to do the past couple years,” said Brunson. “So, we’re playing a really good team. Obviously we don’t wanna be minus-22 coming into tonight, but you gotta understand who we’re facing. And we need to be better, flat out. That’s what that means.”

MITCH’S FREE THROWS

Mitchell Robinson shot a perfect six-of-six from the free throw line in the Knicks’ Game 5 loss to the Boston Celtics. Mazzulla said Robinson’s streak wouldn’t deter him from intentionally fouling to put a historically poor free throw shooter on the foul line,

“I think you’ve gotta take a bunch of things into consideration: home vs. away, first quarter or second quarter, time and score, what the score is when you want to do that,” he said. “So it depends. So that’ll be a constant read as you go throughout the game.”

 

It's Now or Never For Eagles $51 Million Defender  

The Philadelphia Eagles may have lost three key pieces along their defensive line, but the organization isn't too worried. Not only do they have quality backup players ready for bigger roles, but the team is also waiting to see the fruit of their labors with some of their high-priced talent as well.

Look no further than former Jets edge rusher Bryce Huff. The former undrafted free agent signed a three-year deal in free agency last offseason worth over $51 million. 

The idea at hand was that the Eagles could replace an All-Pro in Haason Reddick with Huff and not miss a beat. 

That didn't happen. 

Huff struggled to get on the field due to injuries and ineffective play against the run. It was his rush defense that was such an issue for Philadelphia last year, and was an extension of his struggles with the Jets as well. 

Philadelphia has continuously said all of the right things as it has backed Huff throughout the offseason. 

But at the same time ...

They also signed free agents like Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari to help with Huff's deficiencies. 

Even so, it's now or never for Huff. 

The clock is ticking. He has to go out and show that he can not only improve in run defense, but be an every-down edge rusher that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can trust. 

He didn't show that last season. If he wants to play at all this year and not be a healthy scratch during the Super Bowl like he was, he'll need to show out early and often. 

Related: Cowboys CeeDee Lamb Rips Eagles Claim As '(Expletive) Dead'

Related: Eagles Fans Worried About Ghosts Of Failure?

 

NBA Fans in Disbelief Over Cooper Flagg, Celtics News  

Cooper Flagg is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This has been common knowledge before he even played for his alma mater, Duke University.

After the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, they are expected to pick him with the No. 1 pick. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he will spend his entire NBA career with the Mavericks.

In fact, because Flagg grew up in Maine, he grew up rooting for the Boston Celtics. Even though the Celtics have no direct ties to Flagg at the moment, that hasn't stopped them from reaching out to the Maine native.

Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor shared a rather surprising twist on "The Kevin O'Connor Show," where he revealed the Celtics have been in contact with Flagg.

"I have multiple sources also telling me the Celtics interviewed also Cooper Flagg," O'Connor said. "This does not mean they're gonna trade up into the top-10, but I do think it's interesting, at least."

He later added every NBA team is allowed to speak to 13 players who will enter the draft.

"I have multiple sources telling me the Celtics interviewed Cooper Flagg."

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh break down the latest on Flagg and other combine prospects ⬇️

(via The Kevin O'Connor Show)

🍎 https://t.co/UvCoze0ii9
✳️ https://t.co/MwmD9wB7L8
📺… pic.twitter.com/kDHJaBKIcn

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 16, 2025

Fans were in awe that the Celtics actually did this, seeing as they currently won't be anywhere close to picking Flagg in the draft.

"??? Are we trying to move up or," one asked.

One fan put it bluntly, writing, "This makes zero sense."

"Say What?" a fan asked. "Does that mean Boston will have to give the Dallas Mavericks every Boston asset just for 1 guy, including the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge too? Doesnt sound credible for a team that just won a title last year."

"This should genuinely be considered tampering," said another.

The Celtics have the No. 28 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Pending any surprises, Flagg won't be available when they pick.

Related: Calls Mount for Danny Ainge’s Firing After Cooper Flagg News

Related: Celtics Star Sends Heartfelt Jayson Tatum Message Before Game 6 Against Knicks

 

Carlos Correa placed on 7-day injured list following collision  

MILWAUKEE – A manager can appreciate two highly competitive athletes trying to make a play, even if the result of their efforts was painful – literally – for the Minnesota Twins.

When infielder Carlos Correa and outfielder Byron Buxton both made a play on a pop fly in Thursday’s game in Baltimore, it showed their competitiveness and some of the grit that has led the team to double digits in consecutive wins. It also landed Correa on the shelf.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli announced prior to Friday’s visit to the closed-roof home of the Brewers that Correa was headed to the seven-day concussion injured list as a result of his collision with Buxton.

“Ultimately, some of the tests that he went through today went fine, and some didn’t. And as soon as something doesn’t, that’s it,” Baldelli said of Correa, whose season batting average dropped to .236 before he left the game on Thursday. “We get him, basically, into the recovery phase as opposed to us testing him and trying to see if he can play. We put the playing aside and we just get him back to full strength.”

The bad news, which came in the midst of one of the longest winning streaks in Twins franchise history, came as a result of two players drifting into a kind of no man’s land between the infield and shallow outfield to make a play on a fly ball, which Buxton ultimately caught. Buxton, who also went into the concussion protocol after later leaving the game, did not go on the injured list, but he was not in Friday’s starting lineup.

“The play looked innocent, because I’m sure both of them would say, ‘Oh yeah, I could’ve made the play, no problem,’” Baldelli said. “It was just in that one small area on the field where both guys not only thought the other one was going to make the play but they were just going a little too far into the other guy’s space.”

The head injury comes after a 2024 season when Correa was limited to 86 games due to a nagging left foot ailment.

Big league debut for Fitzgerald

Utility infielder Ryan Fitzgerald had a tough first game of a doubleheader this week for the St. Paul Saints, then he found out he was headed to the Twins for his major league debut. Then his flight from Des Moines, Iowa to Milwaukee was cancelled, meaning he had to make the five-hour drive to the Brewers’ ballpark.

After a career spent playing minor league ball in the U.S. and Dominican Republic, the Chicagoland native who turns 31 next month would likely have walked the 350-plus miles for this opportunity. Primarily a shortstop who began his pro career with the Gary (Indiana) Railcats, Fitzgerald joked that he’d be willing to don catchers’ gear if it meant getting his first chance in the majors.

“Playing (independent) ball back in 2017, making 800 bucks a month, driving more than an hour to the ballpark, living at home, having this opportunity, I’m just super grateful,” he said. Fitzgerald added, with his debut happening so close to his hometown of Burr Ridge, Illinois, he had his parents, two brothers and assorted others headed to Milwaukee for the game.

Baldelli said the addition of Fitzgerald, who had hit .328 for the Saints with four home runs, gives the Twins some important options with Correa temporarily unavailable.

“We brought a guy that’s versatile and we brought a guy that can play in the middle of the infield, which means Willi Castro can go anywhere at that point,” the manager said.

Asked for a self-scouting report regarding what Twins fans can expect from him, Fitzgerald flashed a grin and flipped his impressive black, curly mullet.

“Good hair. That’s number one,” he said.

Related Articles

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• Twins stars Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton collide, in concussion protocol
• Twins sweep Baltimore, running winning streak to 10
• Pete Rose, ‘Shoeless’ Joe suddenly eligible for Baseball Hall of Fame
• Twins postponed in Baltimore, to play two on Wednesday

 

The house that Booth built: Hartselle continues legacy with state championship win  

May 16—JACKSONVILLE — The message was clear Thursday afternoon: Hartselle baseball isn't going anywhere.

With a 2-1 series win over Chelsea, Hartselle won it's 10th state championship in school history on Thursday, led by it's first-year head coach Brad Phillips.

It was a change for the Hartselle faithful. The previous nine state championships were all won by former head coach William Booth, who took over in 1988 and turned Hartselle into one of the premier baseball schools in Alabama.

After a long battle with cancer, Booth died last May. But while he may be gone, Phillips said it was because of him that Hartselle will be adding a new trophy to the trophy case.

"We've talked about it all year; the foundation of this program is him," Phillips said. "He's on the Mount Rushmore of not just baseball, but all of coaching in Alabama. We just carried on what he's done."

Asher Doepel, the MVP of the state finals, said the culture instilled by Booth will continue to live.

"The culture at Hartselle is about hard work, it's blue collar. That's not going to change," Doepel said. "I think a lot of people didn't even think we'd be back here so we proved them all wrong."

Not only was there a new coach for the first time in 27 years, but the Tigers this year replaced 11 players from last year's team, several of whom had started for multiple seasons.

"There was a lot of change and things looked different for a lot of people that have been around Hartselle baseball a long time," Phillips said. "At the end of the day, though, the common denominator is still the same. Good kids, hard work and guys that do things the right way. That aspect of the program will never change and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Even with Booth gone, the allure of Hartselle baseball remained. Guys like Ty Marsh, Easton Nelms, Cruise Baker and Connor Stiles transferred to Hartselle this year with the goal of winning a championship and each played a major role in helping that goal become a reality.

"This was the reason I came here," Marsh said. "I wanted to be around a group of guys that wanted to work and wanted to win. That move paid off."

So while the Tigers wish Coach Booth could've been there Thursday to celebrate with them, they were happy to win one in his honor.

"I would hope he would be proud, not only from the results, but how everyone represented the H on their chests," Phillips said.

— caleb.suggs@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2

 

UFC Fans Slam Lackluster Pay-Per-View Card, Exposing a Growing Issue in Promotion's Overall Quality  

It’s tough being a UFC fan in 2025. The promotion is failing to build new stars and book fresh, must-see matchups. Instead, it seems the promotion is content booking fights that cause no excitement or divisional shakeup, while failing to elevate fresh contenders. This is somewhat understandable for Fight Nights and Apex events, which are free of additional charge with an ESPN+ account. But when pay-per-view cards (which the organization expects fans to purchase with their own hard-earned money) severely lack must-see fights outside of the main event, the question of the UFC’s overall quality emerges.

The most recent example of this is the announcement of UFC 318’s fight card taking place in New Orleans, which sparked widespread disappointment among MMA fans on social media, who argue that the lineup lacks star power and meaningful stakes.

While the main event trilogy bout between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway for the BMF title has its appeal, the rest of the card is being criticized as underwhelming.

The UFC’s official X account posted a Tweet that reads, “NOLA, we're working on a STACKED card just for you!”

Attached to the post were three images of bouts that were booked for the main card at UFC 318: Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen, Neil Magny vs. Gunnar Nelson, and Adam Fuggit vs. Islam Dulatov.

The overwhelming fan response to this post was that of disappointment, criticism, and ridicule:

“Not exactly what I’d call stacked.”

“Is the stacked card in the room with us?”

“The UFC product has been getting worse and worse with these sh— cards recently.”

“You got me f— up if you think this is stacked.”

"All of those better be in the prelims.”

These comments reflect a growing concern among the general fanbase that the UFC is relying too heavily on a few big names to carry pay-per-views while underdelivering on depth.

A big part of the issue is the promotion’s struggle to book fights with high stakes outside a main event. UFC 318 has exemplified this trend, as co-main and undercard bouts feature few ranked contenders or title eliminators.

The criticism should serve as a wake-up call for Dana White and the promotion. To regain fan confidence, the UFC should prioritize building new stars, book meaningful fights across divisions, and address the growing disconnect between matchmaking and fan expectations.

In all likelihood, however, this will not change. Unless Dana White redirects his energy from promoting Power Slap to creating pay-per-view cards with actual depth, the UFC will continue on this road and will maintain its position as the premier MMA organization by coasting on the star power of a few fighters. 

Related: Fans Sound Off Jon Jones 'Undisputed' Heavyweight Reign As He Approaches UFC Record

Related: Veteran UFC Star in Do-or-Die Fight For His Roster Spot 'My Back is Against the Wall'

 

Introducing Running Back Caden Waye  

UAA COMMUNICATIONS

 

Travis Hunter Makes Big Personal Announcement on Friday  

It’s been a hectic and remarkable month for former Colorado Buffaloes two-way superstar Travis Hunter.

It began with Hunter being selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by graduating with a degree from the University of Colorado. Now, before officially beginning his NFL career in a few months, he’s diving into major business ventures.

On Friday evening, Hunter announced via a joint Instagram post with Panini America that he has partnered with the sports trading card company. He also unveiled the first episode of "Rated Rookie," a behind-the-scenes look at his NFL draft journey and the story leading up to his lifelong dream of being selected. 

In addition, his highly anticipated rookie card will be released soon by Panini—expected to generate significant buzz in what is shaping up to be a very competitive rookie card market. As one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 class, Hunter’s cards will likely be in high demand.

"Excited to share my first episode of Rated Rookie," Hunter wrote. "During this process Panini has worked with me following along through my journey at Combine to NFL Draft Night. Thank you @paniniamerica for helping me tell my story! I can’t wait to see my first NFL trading cards! #RatedRookie." 

Check it out: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Travis Hunter (@db3_tip)

The Jaguars traded up from No. 5 to No. 2 to select Hunter, believing he’s a generational talent who can be the cornerstone of their franchise under first-year head coach Liam Coen this season.

Throughout the pre-draft process, Hunter made it clear that he wants to play both wide receiver and cornerback. While some scouts and coaches had concerns about this dual-role request, it seems Jacksonville is fully committed to utilizing Hunter's versatility and allowing him to play both positions.

Rumor has it that Hunter will primarily start as a wide receiver this offseason but will gradually transition to defensive back over the summer. He will be in meetings for both positional groups.

Related: Deion Sanders Sends Clear Message to Mel Kiper Jr. After NFL Draft Controversy

 

3 Teams Emerge As Potential Jonathan Kuminga Suitors  

The Golden State Warriors were recently eliminated from the Western Conference semifinals at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Warriors faced some tough luck along the way this season. After defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament, they made the NBA Playoffs as the No. 7 seed.

But once faced against the Houston Rockets, Jimmy Butler suffered a tailbone injury that forced him to miss time.

3 teams emerge as Jonathan Kuminga suitors

Once head coach Steve Kerr was forced to go to his bench, he re-inserted Jonathan Kuminga into the rotation to make up for Butler.

Once Butler returned however, Kuminga saw the court sparingly. But when Stephen Curry went down in Game 1 against the Timberwolves, Kuminga was once again called upon.

After averaging 15.3 points per game in the regular season, Kuminga averaged 26.3 in the Western Conference Semifinals.

As a result, Kuminga likely boosted his value, reminding teams how tough he is to handle off the dribble and attacking the rim.

According to insider Brett Siegel, the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat are the teams that could be interested in Kuminga this summer.

REPORT: The Nets, Bulls, and Heat are among the teams with preliminary interest in Jonathan Kuminga ahead of free agency, per @BrettSiegelNBA 👀 pic.twitter.com/sd5OWjd7XH

— GSW Ball Report (@GSWBallReport) May 16, 2025

Kuminga's late resurgence was good for the Warriors off the court. While he'll likely drive more interest, he's a restricted free agent this summer. 

That would give the Warriors the chance to match any offer sheet for Kuminga and could induce a team to sign-and-trade for his services.

Kuminga would likely be the Warriors' best chance at bolstering their existing roster around the core they have in place.

 

Have the Cowboys had any player good enough to be on the All-2000s team? PFF says no  

It’s the question that’s haunted Cowboys fans for a generation: Why hasn’t America’s Team been back to the Super Bowl in nearly three decades? For a franchise that dominated the 1990s and became synonymous with star power, the drought has stretched on painfully, and the latest reminder came from Pro Football Focus, of all places.

PFF's Jonathon Macri recently released an All-25 Team, highlighting the best players of the past quarter-century as the 2025 season approaches. For Dallas, the only representation was recently retired right guard Zack Martin, and even he didn’t make the starting lineup. Martin earned an honorable mention behind Marshal Yanda, the former Ravens All-Pro lineman. That’s right. No DeMarcus Ware. No Tyron Smith. No Jason Witten.

It’s not that the Cowboys haven’t had stars. Since the beginning of PFF’s grading era in 2006, Dallas has consistently fielded elite talent. Ware was a sack machine and the face of the defense for years. Witten was as steady as they come at tight end. Tyron Smith, when healthy, was among the most dominant left tackles of his time. And Martin was nothing short of a technician in the trenches. But that’s the thing, the Cowboys have been built on individual brilliance, while the teams winning titles have been built on balance, timing, and adaptability.

Front office inconsistency. Untimely coaching changes. Injuries. Quarterback injuries. And let’s be honest, a fair share of bad luck. It’s all added up to a generation of "what ifs" in Dallas. Players come and go, accolades pile up, and still the ultimate prize stays out of reach.

Martin’s quiet placement on the PFF list doesn’t just reflect his own greatness, it underlines a pattern. The Cowboys have had top-tier players. What they haven’t had is a top-tier team at the right time.

Thirty years in the making, the drought continues and until the Cowboys figure out how to turn elite names into elite results when it matters most, lists like this will keep serving as a mirror, and a reminder.

Follow Rams Wire on X and Facebook for more coverage!

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: PFF’s team of last 25 years sums up 30 years of Cowboys disappointment

 

US PGA tee-times - round three  

US PGA Championship

Date: 15-18 May Venue: Quail Hollow, North Carolina

Coverage: Thursday, 15 May - live text from 13:00 BST on BBC Sport website and app. Live radio commentary on 5 Sports Extra from 13:00-19:00.

Friday, 16 May - live text from 13:00 on BBC Sport website and app. Live radio commentary on 5 Sports Extra from 18:30 to close of play.

Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 May - live text from 18:30 and radio commentary from 20:00

Round three tee-times will appear here

• Will in-form Spieth join Grand Slam club at US PGA?
• Why McIlroy is favourite to win US PGA at Quail Hollow
• US PGA Championship - dates, tee times, favourites & how to follow on the BBC

 

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What is a Valkyrie? Everything to know about Golden State Valkyries WNBA expansion team  

The Golden State Warriors aren't the only basketball team in town. Meet the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's newest franchise, who are set to tip off their inaugural season on Friday.

The Valkyries will host the Los Angeles Sparks Friday evening at the Chase Center in San Francisco, marking the second matchup between the two teams in as many weeks. The Sparks narrowly defeated the Valkyries 83-82 in a preseason matchup last week.

The Valkyries are the league's first expansion team since the Atlanta Dream joined the WNBA in 2008. Here's everything you need to know about the newest team, from the Valkyries' logo, roster and origin:

GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES: Coach Natalie Nakase building franchise with 'never satisfied' mindset

What is a Valkyrie?

Golden State selected a name that embodies its “fierce, bold and strong” identity. The WNBA’s 13th franchise is known as the Valkyries, which is derived from Norse mythology. According to Golden State, "Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike."

The Valkyries drew inspiration from the franchise's NBA counterpart, the Golden State Warriors. Both clubs are owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who wanted to create synergy between both teams.

"We looked at a variety of team names, and we sort of landed in the Warriors-inspired space," said Amanda Chin, the Warriors' Senior Vice President of Marketing. "For anybody who doesn't know, a Valkyrie is a woman warrior. This is a host of women warriors who are responsible for granting an honorable afterlife for the bravest warriors."

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr approved: "Fantastic name, beautiful colors, great logo. ... You guys own this look. It's beautiful and distinctive. I think our fans are going to love it."

What is the Valkyries' official colors, logo?

The team's official colors are Valkyrie Violet — which "symbolizes power, ambition, nobility, and women’s empowerment, much like purple has been used symbolically in modern history" — black, white and gold.

The Valkyries’ logo is a nod to the team's Bay Area roots. It features the Bay Bridge uniquely shaped like wings with 13 suspension cables to represent becoming the 13th WNBA franchise. The bridge also doubles as a sword, which not only symbolizes "courage, power and authority," but showcases the weapon frequently depicted with Valkyries. There are more hidden gems featured in the logo, which Golden State breaks down below:

• The outer shape of the logo is a V, reinforcing the V in Valkyries, which symbolizes the unity of a group of Valkyries in flight, and standing for victory.
• The Bay Bridge is depicted to reinforce the team’s presence across the Bay, but specifically the tie between the team’s homes in both Oakland, where the team’s practice facility and front office is located, and San Francisco’s Chase Center, where the team will play all home games.
• The bridge cables double as wings, a strong telegraphic symbol of Valkyries. The five triangles formed within the wings represent the five players facing each other on each side of the court.
• The 13 lines coming from the top of the sword represent the Valkyries becoming the 13th active team in the WNBA.

Join our ascent. pic.twitter.com/39npVRfDPm

— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) May 14, 2024

The Valkyries unveiled a secondary logo in December, which features a golden Valkyrie figure.

Who is the Valkyries' head coach?

Golden State named Natalie Nakase as the team's first head coach in October. Nakase has worked alongside many brilliant basketball minds throughout her coaching career. Nakase served as an assistant coach under Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon the past two seasons and was a key piece in the Aces' back-to-back WNBA championships (2022, 2023). Before that, Nakase spent 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, working her way up from a video coordinator role to be an assistant coach and player development coach for both the Clippers and their G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers.

Golden State Valkyries roster

• G Carla Leite, 5' 9"
• F Kayla Thornton, 6' 1"
• F Stephanie Talbot, 6' 2"
• F Janelle Salaun, 6' 2"
• C Temi Fagbenle, 6' 4"
• C Kyara Linskens, 6' 4"
• G Tiffany Hayes, 5' 10"
• G Kate Martin, 6' 0"
• G Veronica Burton, 5' 9"
• F Cecilia Zandalasini, 6' 2"
• F Monique Billings, 6' 4"
• G Julie Vanloo, 5' 8"

Valkyries unveil jerseys, get nod from Draymond Green

Golden State offered fans a first look at its inaugural jersey in December. The jersey, which comes in a white and black colorway for home and away games, features the team’s logo front and center in Valkyrie Violet. The white jersey is called the WNBA Nike Heroine Edition, while the black jersey is called the WNBA Nike Explorer Edition.

Warriors star Draymond Green was spotted wearing the Valkyries’ Nike Explorer Edition jersey on the sideline during the Warriors' 99-93 win over the Houston Rockets in December.

Fire fit @Money23Green 🔥🪽💜 pic.twitter.com/NIMMVF96ZB

— Golden State Valkyries News (@GSValkyriesWNBA) December 6, 2024

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: What is a Valkyrie? Everything to know about WNBA's new team

 

Eagles Ex Standout Linked As Right Fit For Rival  

Rasul Douglas was never able to be the kind of consistent starter when he was originally a third round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. 

He certainly turned himself into one at this point of his journey.

The 30-year-old corner from New Jersey is entering his 10th season in the league, but is looking for a new team to play for after a successful run with both the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills. 

Top cornerback play is hard to come by in the league. And while Douglas certainly isn't a top player at his position, he has plenty of experience to be a commodity to teams around the league. 

Pro Football Focus' Ryan Smith believes Douglas could be a good fit for one specific NFC contender for that very reason. 

The Minnesota Vikings. 

"Douglas is coming off a disappointing season in which he ranked 102nd out of 116 qualifying cornerbacks with a 53.9 PFF overall grade," Smith said. "He was strong the previous three years, earning a career-best 81.0 PFF overall grade in 2023. The eight-year veteran has been a ballhawk in the NFL, recording at least seven pass breakups in six different seasons and picking off 14 passes from 2021-2023."

Douglas has picked off 19 passes in nine seasons around the league including a surprising four for the Bills after being shipped away by the Packers. Philadelphia was never going to be in on the former player in their system. They have too many corners as is. 

Minnesota does not. And that's why the Vikings may be interested in bringing a former opponent into the mix. 

Related: Cowboys CeeDee Lamb Rips Eagles Claim As '(Expletive) Dead'

Related: Eagles Fans Worried About Ghosts Of Failure?

 

Chelsea fate in own hands & Villa hope - six teams in top-five hunt  

Chelsea have Champions League qualification in their own hands and Aston Villa moved into the top five as both teams won in the Premier League on Friday.

The Blues looked as if they were going to drop to sixth before Marc Cucurella's 71st-minute header earned a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Aston Villa, who would have had their fate in their hands had Cucurella not scored, beat Tottenham 2-0.

Unai Emery's side are up to fifth, but sixth-placed Manchester City, one point below them, play Bournemouth on Tuesday (20:00 BST) in their game in hand.

Chelsea know a win at Nottingham Forest on the final day would seal a Champions League spot, but seventh-placed Forest are still in the hunt themselves.

Cucurella said: "Step by step we are creating something special and now only two games left to achieve something special.

"The most important thing is it depends on us, so we have to play the game on Sunday [25 May] and then we are thinking about the [Conference League] final [against Real Betis]."

Aston Villa will probably have to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford and hope rivals drop points.

"We can get Champions League, fantastic," said Villa boss Emery.

"We are wishing to continue in the season we are doing. We are now in a good moment."

England will have six teams in next season's Champions League - the top five in the Premier League and the winners of the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.

The bonus fifth spot through the league came as a result of English teams' good performances in Europe this season - with Spain also gaining one.

Arsenal host Newcastle on Sunday (16:30 BST) in a game that could go a long way to deciding another place or two.

The Gunners would seal their spot with a win, while a draw would practically make it safe because of their superior goal difference.

Newcastle would go up to second with a win and take them close to sealing a Champions League place.

If Arsenal lose that game, they could yet finish outside the Champions League places, despite having seemingly had second place sewn up for months.

However, they do play rock bottom Southampton on the final day.

FA Cup finalists Manchester City have to get at least a point on Tuesday against Bournemouth to go back into the top five.

While six sides wrestle over the remaining up-for-grab spots, Liverpool have long been guaranteed Champions League football and have already won the Premier League.

Forest's chances are now quite slim and they visit West Ham this Sunday (14:15) knowing a defeat would end their hopes. They sit four points off the top five.

The prize of a place in the Champions League has added spice to Wednesday's Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham in Bilbao.

Both have endured wretched Premier League seasons and sit 16th and 17th respectively in the competition, but a highly lucrative crack at Europe's elite is nonetheless within touching distance.

What do pundits say about top-five race?

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports: "It's beautiful. The pressure is on Manchester City.

"It could be a big play-off between Chelsea and Forest. You could take it on another level and look at Arsenal."

Ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane added: "Man City should be able to deal with the scenario. Wouldn't it be amazing if Newcastle win at Arsenal? It is really exciting."

Who do Champions League contenders still have to play?

Arsenal: Newcastle (H); Southampton (A)

Newcastle: Arsenal (A); Everton (H)

Chelsea: Nottingham Forest (A)

Aston Villa: Manchester United (A)

Manchester City: Bournemouth (H); Fulham (A)

Nottingham Forest: West Ham (A); Chelsea (H)

What are the chances?

Chances of Champions League qualification, according to statisticians Opta:

• Arsenal: 99.8%
• Newcastle: 92.5%
• Manchester City: 87.2%
• Chelsea: 60%
• Aston Villa: 49.2%
• Nottingham Forest: 11.3%

How much is Champions League qualification worth?

A good season in the Champions League can earn teams about £100m. Teams would get £16m without even needing to pick up a point.

Each point they earn in the league phase pockets them an extra £600,000 and each place in the 36-team table is worth over £200,000.

Each knockout round that teams reach, excluding the play-offs, means an extra £10m at least.

What other positions will qualify for Europe?

Sixth place, at the moment, is the only guaranteed Europa League spot through the league - but more places are likely to become available.

The winners of Saturday's FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace (16:30) will qualify for the Europa League.

However, if that is City - and they finish in a European place as seems likely - then seventh in the Premier League would become a Europa spot.

Newcastle have a minimum guarantee of a Conference League place after winning the Carabao Cup - but they will hope not to need it.

If the Magpies finish in a European qualifying position in the league - reaching the Champions League or Europa League - then their Conference League spot goes to the league.

That will be either seventh place, or eighth place, depending on the identity of the FA Cup winners.

There is a scenario where that spot becomes a Europa League place instead - if Chelsea win the Conference League final in Wroclaw and finish outside the top five.

If that happened, England would not have a team in the Conference League. The Blues would be guaranteed a Europa League place at least, if they beat Betis on Wednesday, 28 May - a game which comes after the final day of the Premier League campaign.

And who is battling for these places?

Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are already guaranteed a European place - but it remains to be seen which competition they go into.

Brentford currently occupy eighth place in the Premier League, which is more than likely to be a European place unless Palace win the FA Cup.

But the Bees are only above Brighton on goal difference, with Bournemouth two points behind and Fulham four points off.

Brentford host Fulham on Sunday (15:00) with the Cottagers needing to win that to have any hope of Europe.

Who do Europa/Conference League hopefuls have to play?

Brentford: Fulham (H); Wolves (A)

Brighton: Liverpool (H); Tottenham (A)

Bournemouth: Manchester City (A); Leicester (H)

Fulham: Brentford (A); Manchester City (H)

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Celtics' Joe Mazzulla Makes Kristaps Porzingis Announcement Before Knicks Game  

The New York Knicks have a great opportunity on Friday night. With a win over the Boston Celtics, the Knicks would advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

The Knicks had the chance on Thursday night when they faced the Celtics in Boston, but Luke Kornet's otherworldly game prevented that.

But now, they'll have the opportunity to clinch the series in front of their home crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Celtics' Joe Mazzulla makes Kristaps Porzingis announcement

The Celtics will look to keep their season alive without superstar forward Jayson Tatum after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 4.

Jaylen Brown and Derrick White stepped up admirably in Game 5, but there are questions about whether they can keep up that level of play.

Former Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis has been battling an illness that has kept him out of action at various points in the season. Even now, Porzingis was forced to miss the second half of Game 5, as Mazzulla said Porzingis couldn't breathe at points.

But ahead of Game 5, he announced that Porzingis is available.

"He's playing tonight," Mazzulla said. 

Joe Mazzulla on Kristaps Porzingis:

“He’s playing tonight.” pic.twitter.com/s8DoSrpzCD

— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) May 16, 2025

The Knicks are favored by 2.5 points ahead of Game 6, which suggests they'll take care of business tonight.

But if there's anything we know about Boston, it's that they won't go down easy.

The Knicks have history they'll have to beat as well. The Knicks have lost the last five playoff series-clinching games at home, while the Celtics have won their last five road games when facing elimination.

If the Knicks come out on top, they'll have a familiar foe waiting for them in the Conference Finals in the Indiana Pacers.

 

Everything you need to know about Jackson Vaughn  

Nate Vaughn

 

What is the fan reaction as Juan Soto returns to Yankee Stadium as member of the Mets?  

NEW YORK — Fans attending the first installment of the Subway Series in the Bronx could sense the disdain for Juan Soto before even entering the ballpark.

On the walkway near Macombs Dam Park, a white T-shirt was being sold with a certain expletive and Soto's name on it. On the field during batting practice, Soto seemed unbothered as he made a rare appearance shagging fly balls in right field and began to hear it from the fans in the seats.

The fans' raw emotions stem from Soto's departure after one season with the Yankees as he helped the club reach the World Series. But a 16-year, $760 deal wasn't enough to keep him and he ventured south to play for the rival Mets.

For Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, coming into the series, he was hoping that Soto used the fan response as fuel to perform, much in the way that the Astros' players involved in a sign-stealing scandal harnessed that energy on their way to a World Series in 2022.

"I feel like with Juan, not that he needs it but watching him last year and what he did with (the Yankees) and being around him for two and a half months now, if somebody's able to handle it, it's Juan Soto," Mendoza said. "I talked to him a couple of days ago and he's ready. He knows what's coming. He's just got to enjoy it, embrace it and be himself."

Check back for more updates on Juan Soto's return to Yankee Stadium as a member of the Mets.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Juan Soto return vs Yankees: Fan reaction at Yankee Stadium

 

White Sox to unveil a graphic installation honoring Pope Leo XIV  

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox plan to unveil a graphic installation on Monday that honors Pope Leo XIV.

Robert Prevost became the first pope from the U.S. in the history of the Catholic Church when he was elected on May 8. The Chicago-born missionary, who took the name Leo XIV, is a White Sox fan, according to his brother, John.

The graphic installation at Rate Field marks the location where the future pope cheered for Chicago in Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. The White Sox beat the Astros 5-3 on their way to a four-game sweep for the title.

The team said the pillar artwork commemorates the pope's Chicago roots “and the unifying power of baseball on the world stage.”

According to the White Sox, the pope attended the game with the late Ed Schmit, a family friend and season ticket holder. They knew each other through their work at a Catholic high school on Chicago's South Side, and Schmit’s son, Nick, remains the account holder for the pope’s World Series seat.

The White Sox, who have struggled on the field in recent years, and their fans have embraced their connection to the new pope since he was elected. The team said it sent a jersey and a hat to the Vatican after the announcement.

A group of White Sox fans dressed as the pope and watched a 13-3 loss to the crosstown Cubs from the bleachers at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

 

Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd - James shines  

Just when Chelsea needed him to step up, Reece James produced.

The Blues knew they had to beat Manchester United on Friday to ensure securing Champions League football was in their own hands.

Their cause was not helped with a striker crisis brought on by injuries and suspension and instead it was their full-back who produced the most threat.

James struck the post in the first half with a swirling effort but the technique he produced for the cross for Marc Cucurella to score the winner was particularly special.

He turned on the edge of the box to work some space and, without seemingly looking, swung in the perfect ball for Cucurella to head in.

James has endured a difficult season with fitness but this could be a pivotal contribution as Chelsea look to secure top tier European football next term.

They head to Nottingham Forest on the final day knowing victory will secure a place in the Champions League.

 

Richard Childress seeks answers to Kansas engine failure for AJ Allmendinger  
 

Ivanka Trump left a note for Eli Ricks during a visit to the Eagles' facility  

There were many interesting storylines from Philadelphia's visit to the White House last month, but none more intriguing than Eli Ricks being mesmerized by Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump.

The Eagles' cornerback referred to Ivanka as beautiful during the visit.

Donald trump daughter is beautiful damn

— Eli (@eliasricks) April 28, 2025

Fast-forward 18 days, and Ivanka Trump was a guest of the Eagles, bringing her son Theo to the NovaCare Complex to see the Super Bowl trophies and tour the facility.

My apologies🤦‍♀️, I owe you a glass of wine now xx! 🍷 https://t.co/ZHQ33UAaW8

— Eli (@eliasricks) May 16, 2025

Thank you Howie Roseman, Big Dom and amazing team at the Philadelphia @Eagles for an epic tour of your incredible training facility today !

My son Theo and his flag football team had a day they will never forget !! 🏈🦅 pic.twitter.com/inn663gdfv

— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) May 16, 2025

🦅❤️ pic.twitter.com/9lnQcEhfPY

— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) May 16, 2025

It's unknown if the team had the day off or if Ricks was just absent because he missed another opportunity to be in Trump's presence, but all wasn't lost, as she left the former LSU and Alabama star a note in his locker.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Ivanka Trump visited Eagles facility looking for Eli Ricks

 

Spartans extend an offer to 3-star LB Ben Wenzel of Appleton, Wisc.  

Michigan State football has extended an offer to a linebacker prospect from Wisconsin that has the interest of the Badgers and Sooners.

Ben Wenzel of Appleton, Wisc. announced on Thursday that he's received an offer from the Spartans. Wenzel made the offer from the Spartans' known by posting on his social media X account.

Wenzel is listed as three-star linebacker in the 2026 class. He currently holds a rating of 86 on 247Sports.

Wenzel is ranked as the No. 98 linebacker in 247Sports' rankings for the 2026 class. He is also listed as the No. 7 player from Wisconsin in the class.

Michigan State is one of more than 10 schools to offer Wenzel, according to 247Sports. He also holds offers from Oklahoma (who he'll be visiting next month), Kansas, Army, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Kent State, Wyoming, Lindenwood, North Dakota and North Dakota State. Wenzel currently doesn't hold an offer from Wisconsin but is set to take an official visit there in a few weeks.

After a great workout for @JoeS_Rossi I am blessed to receive an offer from @MSU_Football!!🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/sPwcNrltmn

— 𝔹𝕖𝕟 𝕎𝕖𝕟𝕫𝕖𝕝 (@wenzel_ben7) May 16, 2025

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State football offers 3-star LB Ben Wenzel of Appleton, Wisc.

 

Tyrell Hatton faces fine for US PGA outburst as Vegas leads the pack  

Tyrrell Hatton’s love-hate relationship with his professional domain continues. The Englishman will inevitably be fined after a foul-mouthed tirade during his second round of the US PGA Championship was picked up on live television coverage.

Hatton was within a shot of the lead when reaching the tee at the 18th, his 9th. Hatton’s drive found a water hazard. What happened next was rather typical for a player prone to tempestuous moments on golf courses. The 33-year-old bawled out “piece of shit” before adding a c-word insult, apparently towards his driver. Hatton’s mood hardly improved as he slumped to a triple-bogey seven.

Related: US PGA Championship 2025: golf updates from second round – live

“It wasn’t my finest moment on the course,” said Hatton of his outburst. “I was running hot in that moment. I’m pretty good sometimes at saying the wrong thing.”

The strange thing is Hatton’s refusal to moderate his behaviour. Perhaps he thinks he does not need to. Maybe last year’s move to LIV Golf has loosened his inhibitions even further. Rebel tour, rebel antics.

At the Dubai Desert Classic in January, Hatton plunged a club right through a tee marker. By Sunday, Hatton was holding the trophy. Hatton was widely condemned for ranting, raving and club snapping at another Dubai event last November. He needs to tone it down a couple of notches, if simply on the basis of example-setting. He remains a fantastic player; there is no need for the histrionics.

Shane Lowry summoned his inner Hatton as he whacked the turf in anger on the 8th. Lowry had found a horrible lie on the fairway. “Fuck this place,” added the 2019 Open champion for good measure. What an intemperate scene.

Mud balls, a theme in this US PGA, have troubled Hatton, albeit to a lesser extent than that drive. “You do your job off the tee, you hit a good shot then all of a sudden you are missing a green by 10 yards with an eight iron because there is mud on the ball,” Hatton said. “It is a bit harsh and so inconsistent, it’s not like the ball always does the same thing. I don’t like the fact it is a bit of a wild guess.

“I was surprised it wasn’t pick-up-and-place with how wet it was here on Wednesday. But it is the same for everyone.”

Hatton’s 73 left him at one under, seven shy of Jhonattan Vegas. The Venezuelan added a 70 to Thursday’s 64. To portray this as strange would be huge understatement; Vegas has reached the age of 40 without posting a major top 10. He surely cannot keep up his form around Quail Hollow … can he?

The first meaningful sign of Vegas nerves arrived at the last, where he slumped to a double bogey, after three birdies on the back nine. Vegas enjoyed an outrageous piece of fortune on the 17th, where his wayward tee shot rebounded from a bunker rake and on to the green. Otherwise, it was 20 yards wide.

Matthieu Pavon carded a superb 65 to move to minus six. Matt Fitzpatrick’s welcome return to form continued, his 68 enough to equal Pavon’s total. The Yorkshireman has rediscovered his touch in a fiendishly tough environment. Scottie Scheffler is in close proximity, naturally.

Si Woo Kim blasted into contention with a hole in one at the 6th. Max Homa’s 64 means a five-under aggregate at halfway. Bryson DeChambeau lurks with intent. The reigning US Open champion’s 68 moved him to three under. DeChambeau’s position would be even better but for a messy bogey at the 9th, his final hole.

“It is a great test,” said DeChambeau of this Charlotte venue. “It was a weird day. I felt like I was playing good, just didn’t get anything out of it. I got some weird breaks out there. That’s what this golf course does to you. I’ve just got to have my putting a little more on and keep playing the way I am. I easily could be seven or eight under right now or I could be even par. I think a 65, 64 is out there. I almost shot it today and I definitely saw it out there, I just didn’t accomplish it.”

It would be a surprise if DeChambeau is not part of the round four equation. Quail Hollow typically rewards those with the Californian’s driving power. This is a major that has still to burst into song.

Dustin Johnson comfortably missed the cut after rounds of 78 and 76. Cameron Smith’s strange slide towards golfing oblivion continued with a third major early exit in a row. Justin Rose, who pushed Rory McIlroy so close at the Masters only last month, was a surprise departure at plus nine. Justin Thomas, who won the US PGA here in 2019, and Ludvig Åberg also found themselves on Friday evening planes out of Charlotte.

 

PGA Championship missed cuts: Hideki Matsuyama snaps streak; a Brooks Koepka first  
 

Phillies’ Aaron Nola Has Heartfelt Moment When He Hears Mick Abel Will Make Debut  

Almost 11 full years ago, Aaron Nola made his major league debut for the Philadelphia Phillies as a highly anticipated prospect. Since then, he's been a staple of the team, not missing any major time in the rotation since 2017.

Until now.

Nola was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right ankle sprain Friday, meaning he will miss at least two starts. Although Nola felt disappointed and frustrated by the recent turn of events, there is one positive he can take away from this.

Mick Abel, the 15th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft and Philly's No. 8 prospect, will make his major league debut on Sunday. Nola found out the news from local media before Friday's game.

"I did not know that, that's awesome," Nola told reporters. "I love debuts. I love them. I remember when I was in those shoes, and it is pretty cool. It's a special moment he won't ever forget. I'm happy for him; he's worked very hard."

Nola has a similar background to Abel, also being drafted in the first round. The difference is that he fast-tracked his way to the show after coming up from LSU, making it to Philly in barely one year.

Abel on the other hand was taken straight from high school and needed some more seasoning in the minors before being MLB ready. The 23-year-old has improved remarkably this year, turning a 6.46 ERA last season at Triple-A into a much more flattering 2.53 mark through eight starts.

Even while Nola has been experiencing the reverse fortune, struggling mightily to this point of the campaign, he still had some advice to offer Abel.

"Just enjoy it," Nola said. "Absolutely enjoy it. You only get one debut. Just come in as best prepared as possible and just enjoy everything about it. The stadium, the fans, who you're pitching against, the major leagues. It's a privilege to be up here and to pitch at the highest level."

Aaron Nola, who is heading to the IL for the first time since 2017, found out that Mick Abel would be making his MLB debut on Sunday from a question by @destiny_lugardo.

I thought it was really cool to see his face light up in excitement for Abel, even in a tough time for Nola. pic.twitter.com/MCVtK9KbpY

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) May 16, 2025

Abel is expected to just make the one start before returning to the minors, with Taijuan Walker then sliding back into the rotation. It could help take the pressure off someone who's had lofty expectations placed on him from the start.

Related: Rob Thomson Reveals Reason for Phillies' Aaron Nola Decision

 

Congrats, Sam Woods! Daughter of Tiger Woods, Elin Nordegren graduates from high school in Florida  

Congratulations, Sam Woods!

The daughter of golf legend Tiger Woods officially graduated from high school.

Next up? Stanford University for the class of 2025 grad.

Sam Alexis Woods, born June 18, 2007, is the daughter of Tiger Woods, the GOAT in golf, and former model Elin Nordegren. Sam Woods graduated Friday, May 16, 2025, from the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Other famous students there include her younger brother, rising junior Charlie Woods (class of 2027), and Kai Madison Trump (class of 2026), the oldest granddaughter of President Donald Trump and daughter of Vanessa Trump, whom Tiger Woods is currently dating.

In March 2025, Tiger Woods made headlines for being in the stands cheering for daughter Sam at her state championship soccer match. Photos and video clips of a certified "greatest of all time" athlete rooting for his kid made the rounds on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms.

The GOAT went viral for being a supportive dad.

In news interviews, Sam Woods has mentioned avoiding a professional career in golf because as a child, the tournaments meant long absences away from her father.

But as the daughter of a GOAT, Sam Woods made her own mark as an athlete: In addition to track and field, Sam Woods was a member of the Benjamin School Buccaneers soccer team.

Her younger brother, Charlie Woods, however, is starting to make a name for himself in golf.

As Sam Woods prepares for college classes in fall 2025, we take a look back at her life in photos and athletic career as a Benjamin Buccaneer before she heads to Stanford University. Her next major milestone − for Sam Woods and for her famous parents? Turning 18 next month.

Photos of Sam Woods, daughter of Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, class of 2025, from the Benjamin School in Florida

When did Sam Woods, daughter of Tiger Woods, graduate high school in Florida?

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A post shared by The Benjamin School (@benjaminbucs1960)

Sam Woods is part of the graduating class of 2025 at the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The private school spent the better part of May celebrating its seniors, with events such as a "senior send-off," "senior awards" and, of course, the commencement ceremony.

High school graduation for Sam Woods, daughter of golf legend Tiger Woods, and the class of 2025 was Friday, May 16, 2025.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tiger Woods, Elin Nordegren's daughter Sam Alexis Woods graduates

 

At a glance: Portland Hearts of Pine vs. FC Naples  

May 16—WHEN5:30 P.M. SATURDAY — 5:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Fitzpatrick Stadium

Television: NESN/ESPN+

Outlook: The Portland Hearts of Pine (0-1-4) are still looking for their first USL League One win, coming off its fourth tie in five games at defending champion Union Omaha last Saturday. Nathaniel James tied the game 2-2 in the 86th minute, just two minutes after making his league debut as a substitute, when he poked home a Nathan Messer cross. Azaad Liadi also scored against Omaha. After drawing 5,784 fans to Fitzpatrick for its home opener (1-1 tie vs. One Knoxville), Portland expects another large crowd and, probably, another rainy day. This is the second meeting between the two expansion teams. The Hearts' first league game was in Naples, Florida, ending in a 0-0 tie. Portland is 13th in the 14-team league. Naples (4-2-2) is second in the league standings but has lost two straight, including Wednesday's 3-1 setback on a muddy, water-logged pitch at the Chattanooga Red Wolves. In its seven previous USL League One games, Naples allowed three goals total. Naples will be without three key players because of red cards received at Chattanooga: Keeper Lalo Delgado, who had started every league game and has a league-best four shutouts; center back Jake Dengler, who had played every minute in league play; and forward Jayden Onen (seven starts, one goal, one assist). Karsen Henderlong has scored five of Naples' 10 league goals. ... For Portland, center back Sean Vinberg continues to be the ironman, having played every minute of the club's five league games; attacking midfielder Masashi Wada has impressed with his ability to create offense; and keeper Hunter Morse made some sterling saves to help forge the tie in Omaha.

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Hearts of Pine scoring most of their goals in crunch time  

May 16—In each of their last two games, the Portland Hearts of Pine have scored in added time at the end of the first half. Masashi Wada scored against One Knoxville and Azaad Liadi did so last Saturday in Omaha, Nebraska.

Then, with Portland trailing 2-1 late in against Omaha, Hearts reserve Nathaniel James scored in the 86th minute to forge a 2-2 tie against defending USL League One champion Union Omaha.

There was also a double overtime, 117th minute, man-down goal by Jake Keegan that set up a penalty-kick win against Hartford Athletic in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup at Lewiston.

Four of Portland's six goals in eight games against pro squads, including Open and Jaegermeister Cup games, have come in the waning moments.

"I would just say its persistence to continue to do the right things," said Keegan, 34, a pro since 2013. "Obviously we've struggled a bit at times to score goals, but I think it's not for a lack of effort and trying. I think that's a key, to have the fitness level to push to the end, and this group doesn't give up."

Portland will host its second game at Fitzpatrick Stadium at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, taking on fellow expansion franchise FC Naples (4-2-2), which is second in the league standings. The clubs played to a 0-0 tie in Florida on March 29. Portland is 0-1-4 in league play, 2-3-4 overall. A crowd of 5,784 filled Fitzy on May 4 for the club's inaugural home game.

Wada delighted the home opener crowd by one-timing a ball out of the air to tie the game, 1-1, and then nearly netted a second goal on a very similar play. In Omaha, it was a Wada pass that deflected to Liadi, who was on the move forward and potted the goal.

"They just play to the end. They keep going and they don't take anything for granted," said Portland coach Bobby Murphy. "It only takes a moment to score a goal and you never know when that moment is going to happen, so play to the whistle. That's what they've done."

Scoring does tend to pick up late halves or games. According to soccerSTATS.com, the last 15 minutes of each half (plus added time) have produced 45% (22.5% in each half) of the total goals scored thus far in USL League One. The fact that added time makes that time segment really 18-20 minutes is a factor. But it is also the nature of the game. Substitutes with fresh legs come on later in the game and tactics often change.

"Most goals are scored toward the end of the second half," Keegan said. "Because teams fatigue. Everybody's pushing numbers forward if you're losing, or vice versa, maybe you hit someone on the counterattack."

From a goalkeeper's perspective, the end of halves can produce a mental letdown.

"I don't want to say you zone out, but you just sometimes think, 'let's get through this half. Or, let's get through these last two minutes.' You kind of sit back a little bit more, so (the other) team could have a little bit more momentum going into it and that's how it happens," said Hearts keeper Hunter Morse. "I would say those are the times, especially, at the end of the game when everybody's tired and you have dead legs and subs are on fresh, you've got to really lock in to those extra minutes."

PLAYER AVAILABILITY UPDATE

FC Naples will be without three starters — keeper Lalo Delgago, center back Jake Dengler and forward Jayden Onen — because of red cards received in a 3-1 loss Wednesday at the Chattanooga Red Wolves.

Portland center back Kemali Green is expected to be out because of a hamstring injury. He did not play at Omaha and was not in training this week. Earlier this season, the Hearts lost right back Jayden Jones-Riley to a season-ending ACL tear. In the last two games, former MLS player Mikey Lopez has shifted from midfield to right back. Samuel Mahlmaki-Camacho got the start for Green in Omaha. ... Jay Tee Kamara of Sierra Leone, and formerly with Louisville in the USL Championship and the Columbus Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro, was announced as a Hearts player back in January. His arrival in Maine was slowed significantly by difficulties obtaining a visa. Kamara joined the team this week, was training on Thursday, and Murphy said is likely to be among the designated 18 eligible players for Saturday's match.

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DiJonai Carrington's Pregame Outfit Catches Attention on Friday  

DiJonai Carrington is set to embark on a new journey in her WNBA career, making her debut with the Dallas Wings on Friday night. 

The Wings were set to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Before they tipped off against Minnesota, Carrington showed off her pregame outfit, walking into the game with a Texas-themed outfit. 

Carrington was wearing a black leather tube top paired with printed micro shorts. The Wings star paired the look with two layered Western-style belts and knee-high, heeled leather boots, matching the Texas theme with a black cowboy hat. 

She accessorized the look with silver bangles and a blue printed mini tote. 

Dijonai I have no words!!!!!!🤤😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/6XVaoYOJyt

— dijonai carrington defender (@dijonaiupdate) May 16, 2025

Upon the release of the video, showcasing her outfit, some fans took to social media, sharing their thoughts on DiJonai Carrington's pregame look. 

"Dijonai I have no words," said one fan. 

"YEE HAW," said another fan. 

"Come on, Nai," mentioned one fan. 

"She left NO CRUMBS," commented one fan. 

"Smh. No words," said one fan. 

"Dijonai never disappoints," said another fan. 

Before signing with the Dallas Wings in the offseason, DiJonai Carrington played four seasons with the Connecticut Sun. 

Last season with the Sun, Carrington posted 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. During her four-year career in Connecticut, Carrington averaged 8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. 

As she prepared for her first season with the Wings, Carrington competed in the Unrivaled League. 

Carrington now starts a new chapter alongside Rookie of the Year frontrunner Paige Bueckers. 

Related: Former WNBA Player Involved in Caitlin Clark Incident Makes Exciting New Job Debut

Related: Indiana Fever Turn Heads with Roster Announcement on Thursday

 

Steph Curry Makes Unexpected Decision on Friday  

Golden State Warriors fans are still hurting from their team's season-ending loss at the hands of Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. 

The Warriors came crashing out of the NBA playoffs after suffering a 121-110 loss to Minnesota in Game 5, as the Wolves closed out their second-round series, 4-1. 

Steph Curry was unable to suit up in what turned out to be his team's final game of the season due to a hamstring issue. This was his fourth straight game on the sidelines because of the injury, and Golden State ended up losing all four contests without their best player on the floor.  

As it turns out, Curry was supposed to make his first major public appearance on Friday following the Warriors' playoff exit. On Thursday, during his exit interview, Curry revealed that he plans to support the Golden State Valkyries in its upcoming debut season in the WNBA by attending as many games as possible. 

According to a report by NBA insider Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN, Curry was supposed to attend the Valkyries' season-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night along with some of his Warriors teammates and head coach Steve Kerr. 

Unfortunately, this will no longer be the case after the former back-to-back MVP decided otherwise. 

"Several Warriors players and Steve Kerr are expected to attend the inaugural Valkyries game tonight at Chase Center. Steph Curry, unfortunately, had to cancel due to a last-minute personal matter," Youngmisuk reported on X. 

No further details have been revealed with regard to Curry's "personal matter," but it is clearly important enough for him to miss the Valkyries' historic night at Chase Center. 

The silver lining here is that Curry has already promised to attend games this season, and he should make an appearance at a Valkyries game sooner rather than later. 

The Valkyries, which is also owned by the same ownership group that owns the Warriors, will play their next home game on Wednesday against the Washington Mystics. Whether or not Curry will be at that game remains to be seen. 

Related: Warriors Had Two Words for Timberwolves After Game 5 Loss

Related: Calls Mount for Steve Kerr's Firing After Warriors' Playoff Exit

Related: Fans in Disbelief Over New Photos from Steph Curry's Wife Ayesha Curry

 

Lebanon County runners break 2 records before storms suspend District 3 meet  

District 3 track and field brings visions of blue skies and broken records. 

There was some of the latter at Shippensburg University for the first day of competition, but not nearly enough of the first to get in an entire day of competition. 

Palmyras’ Tyler Burgess and Cedar Crest's Kaddel Howard broke a pair of Class 3A district records in prelims. Burgess claimed the 110 hurdle mark in 13.55 and Howard broke the girls 400-meter mark in 53.97. 

Both will have a chance to lower their records if the weather cooperates more than it did on Friday. 

Electrical storms suspended action for about 90 minutes during prelims of the 400 meters and before the second round of field events could start. After a brief warm up and about 15 minutes of competition, action was suspended again. 

With a string of storms on the horizon, the decision was made to end competition for the day and add the remaining 12 events to Saturday’s schedule. 

The start time remains 9 a.m., but there are some changes. 

Here is a look at the new schedule (order of competition is Class 2A girls, 3A girls, 2A boys and 3A boys). 

Track events: 4x800 relay; 100/110 hurdle finals; 100 meter final; 1600 meters; 4x100 relay; Possible lunch break; 400 meter final; Class 2A girls 300 hurdles, one race; 300 hurdles (timed section finals) for 3A girls, 2A boys, 3A boys; 800 meters; 200 meters (timed section finals); 3200 meters (final) and 4x400 relay. 

Field events (9 a.m.): 2A boys triple jump, 2A girls shot put; 3A boys pole vault, javelin and long jump; and 3A girls discus and high jump. 

Field events (11 a.m.): 2A boys high jump and discus; 2A girls long jump and javelin; 3A boys shot put and 3A girls triple jump. 

Field event (noon): 3A girls pole vault. 

Field events (2 p.m.): 2A boys long jump and javelin; 2A girls high jump and discus; 3A girls shot put and 3A boys triple jump. 

Lebanon County Day 1 medalists

Class 2A 

Boys shot put: Annville-Cleona's Jon Shay finished seventh with a best throw of 42-1.5, which came on his last throw. The winning distance was 53-1. 

Girls triple jump: Annville-Cleona's Madison Long jumped a combine 33-4.5 on her first attempt to finish sixth. The winning jump was 37-3.5. 

Boys pole vault: Annville-Cleona's Luke Tshudy cleared 11-0 to finish sixth. The winning jump was 14-0. 

Girls pole vault: Annville-Cleona's Caitlin Shay jumped 8-6 to finish seventh. The winning jump was 10-6. 

Class 3A 

Boys discus: Cedar Crest’s Alex Kissinger finished eighth with a throw of 153-11. The winning throw was 176-4. 

Boys high jump: Cedar Crest’s Cameron Tirado cleared 6-3 to finish fifth. The winning jump was 6-9. 

Girls long jump: Elco’s Makenna Haas jumped 17-4 to finish sixth. The winning jump covered 18-6. 

Girls javelin: Cedar Crest’s Eliana Schneider threw 131-10 to finish second behind the winning throw of 135-1. Palmyra’s Sofie Price was third at 128-4. 

Lebanon County runners in Saturday finals

Class 2A 

Girls 100 hurdles: Annville-Cleona's Kya Missimer ran 16.55 to qualify seventh. 

Girls 100 meters: Annville-Cleona's Kendall Cooper qualified second with 12.16 and Miracle Hershey ran 12.66 to qualify fifth. 

Boys pole vault: Delone Catholic’s John Paul Groves cleared 11-6 to finish fourth and teammate Liam Donnelly cleared 10-6 to finish eighth. The winning jump was 14-0. 

Class 3A 

Boys 110 hurdles: Palmyra senior Tyler Burgess broke the District 3 record of 13.70 with a 13.55 in his prelim. 

Boys 100 meters: Palmyra’s Jacob Burgess ran 10.66 to qualify fourth and Cedar Crest’s Landen Weaber ran 10.81 to qualify sixth. 

Girls 400 meters: Cedar Crest’s Kaddel Howard smoked the field in 53.97 to break the record of 54.68. 

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: District 3 track and field: 2 records fall before storms suspend meet

 

Jets Shift From Rodgers To Glenn Shown in 'Move In Silence' TV Schedule  

Do you hear that? No, me neither. The New York Jets, under head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, have moved in silence this offseason.

And that's by design.

After the circus that came to the Big Apple with Aaron Rodgers, the new-look Jets are taking a different approach to trying to turn things around. There's no drama, no shocking headlines, or players missing camp due to trips; it has all been smooth sailing.

Mostly because Glenn wants to keep everything in house and close to the vest.

And the NFL schedule makers want the Jets to do the same, as NFL.com's Judy Battista explains with how few prime-time games New York has in 2025.

"After the league spent the past two seasons jamming the Jets into every prominent viewing window, despite results that didn't match the hype, the departure of Aaron Rodgers and the arrival of all-business coach Aaron Glenn mean the volume is about to be lowered on Gang Green's profile," Battista writes. "This season, the Jets play just twice in prime time (Monday night and Thursday night) and have a game in London. Every other scheduled game is slated for the 1 p.m. Sunday window. 

"Glenn has said he wants to move in silence -- the schedule-makers gave him a hand."

So there won't be many eyeballs on the Jets in Glenn's first head coaching role, and we think that is just what he wants. Granted, being able to prove yourself in prime time is a good way to get your team exposed to big-time situations, but right now, the Jets aren't seen as prime-time worthy.

That's fine, given how we saw the team play last season, but now Glenn and his coaching staff get to work in the shadows and try to get this team back to playing the sort of football they can be proud of.

After being the main headline for the past two seasons, both for good and bad reasons, the 2025 season will see the Jets move in silence, both in how they go about their business and how many eyeballs are on their games each week.

And after the last two drama-filled seasons, that might not be a bad thing.

Related: Jets Continue Special Teams Purge By Cutting Kicker

Related: Jets Trouble Predicted for Justin Fields Due To 1 Brutal Reason

 

Buccaneers' Road Playoff Credentials Put To The Test In 2025  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are seen as one of the better teams in the NFC, and are favorites to claim the NFC South again.

Not many are sold on the Buccaneers making a deep playoff run due to the fact that they aren't an NFC top dog, which means road playoff games.

With Tampa Bay losing to the Detroit Lions in 2023 and then at home to the Washington Commanders last year, the franchise knows it has another chance to stake a claim in the postseason.

But in order to make a deep run, the Buccaneers will likely have to win on the road, something they will get a lot of practice with in 2025.

As CBS Sports points out, a majority of Tampa Bay's road games are against playoff-caliber teams.

"The Buccaneers only play five games against teams that made the playoffs last season, which isn't a huge number, but the problem is that four of those five games are on the road with games against the Texans, Lions, Bills and Rams," CBS Sports writes. "To add insult to injury, the Bucs have to play the Bills and Rams in back-to-back weeks."

So we will get a good indication of how well the Buccaneers can cope with a road playoff-like game against good quality teams this upcoming season.

Yes, Tampa Bay has an improved roster from last year, and if the injury bug can stay away, then Todd Bowles' team has the weaponry on both sides of the ball to make some noise.

But before the playoffs begin, being able to slay a host of playoff-caliber teams will do wonders for the narrative around the Buccaneers, and it might quieten a few skeptics as well.

If, and that is a big if, the Buccaneers are to get to the NFC Championship game, they will have to play a couple of games on the road, and what better way to show they're up for it, then to slay high-caliber teams en route to another postseason with Mayfield?

Related: Buccaneers Still Doubted By 'Haters' With Brutal 2025 Prediction

Related: Bucs Predicted To Fix Most Worrisome Flaw

 

49ers agree to terms with free agent K Greg Joseph  
 

Eagles New Podcast Duo Offers Hilarious Gorilla Fight Take  

The Philadelphia Eagles had plenty of characters on their Super Bowl-winning team last season. Two of the funniest, though, came from the secondary. 

Safety Reed Blankenship and slot cornerback Cooper DeJean were playfully dubbed the "Exciting Whites" in Philadelphia's secondary. Both were key cogs in the Eagles boasting the top-ranked defense in the sport last season. 

Now, the two are podcasting together, as many modern athletes are doing during the offseason. 

The topic of their first show 'Exciting Mics?"

Whether the recent trendy debate on "One Gorilla vs. 100 Men'' is worthy of a Philly twist ...

DeJean, a hero from Super Bowl LIX, had an intriguing alternative to the debate. Instead of 100 men, would a gorilla be able to win in a fight with the 2024 Eagles? 

"We're not talking about average human beings," DeJean said of the 2024 Eagles. "Obviously a gorilla is bigger than a human, but gorillas don't lift weights, though. I'd take our team. I'd take our team over anybody ..."

DeJean had a pick-six during the Super Bowl that helped the Eagles jump out to a 17-0 lead that effectively ended the game midway through the first half. Blankenship recorded multiple tackles, but was off the score sheet in key areas. 

That's perfectly fine for Philly, though. The former UDFA remains an underrated player on the Eagles, especially in the back end. 

So are the two of them right? Could the 2024 Eagles actually defeat a gorilla? In the end, these are the kind of mindless questions football fans get faced with during the offseason. 

And it just reminds us how badly we all miss the game.

Related: Cowboys CeeDee Lamb Rips Eagles Claim As '(Expletive) Dead'

Related: Eagles Fans Worried About Ghosts Of Failure?

 

Bill Belichick Opens Up About Jordon Hudson's Status With North Carolina  

Over the past several weeks, there has been a lot of talk about the relationship between legendary head coach Bill Belichick and his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson with one report even suggesting that she had been banned from the North Carolina football facilities, where Belichick coaches. This week, Belichick had a telling message on that subject.

Earlier this month, former ESPN reporter Pablo Torre reported on his podcast that Hudson had been banned from the North Carolina football facilities.

“Two sources at the University of North Carolina tell me that there has been a decision that was made last week by the higher-ups inside the athletic department that had hired Bill Belichick to be the highest paid public employee — not just coach in the state of North Carolina at $10 million a year — and that decision was that Jordon Hudson, she is no longer allowed in the football building,” Torre said via Awful Announcing. “She is not allowed on the football field. Quote: ‘Don’t think you’ll be hearing much from Jordon moving forward.'”

North Carolina seemed to refute this report with a statement on the matter, indicating that while Hudson is not employed by North Carolina, she is "welcome to the Carolina Football facilities.

“While Jordon Hudson is not an employee at the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities,” North Carolina said in a statement via Chris Vannini of The Athletic. “Jordon will continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick’s personal brand outside of his responsibilities for Carolina Football and the University.”

This comes after public records requests revealed that Hudson was involved with the team, though it's not clear if any formal employment contract existed.

Following this statement from North Carolina, Belichick addressed the matter directly during an interview on Good Morning America on Friday morning following a question from anchor and former New York Giants player Michael Strahan.

“A lot has been made also of your professional life, but also your personal life. Because it’s spilled over into your professional life in a lot of ways, and a lot has been made about your relationship with Jordon Hudson. It’s been getting a lot of attention. She isn’t here this morning. But what do you think about all the attention that your relationship has been getting?" Strahan asked Belichick.

Belichick had a pretty telling response to the question and Hudson's status with North Carolina as he made it clear that she is involved with "business things that don't relate to North Carolina."

“Yeah, well, she’s been terrific, you know, through the whole process, and she’s been very helpful to me,” Belichick said according to Pro Football Talk. “She does the business things that don’t relate to North Carolina that come up in my life, so I can concentrate on football and that’s really what I want to do. You know, I acknowledged her in the book, she was very helpful in that with the tribute pages and also given a perspective of the book from kind of a business side, you know, sometimes I get a little football technical and so, you know, she did a good job of keeping me on balance there.”

So, while Hudson was clearly involved in North Carolina in some capacity based on previously obtained documents, it's clear that she is no longer involved with the team or the university, even if she may not be technically "banned."

 

PSG Target Who Manchester City Seen as Bernardo Silva Successor Confirmed to Have €70M Price  

Maghnes Akliouche could be on the move this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City keeping a close eye on the AS Monaco midfielder. The 23-year-old has been one of Ligue 1’s breakout stars this season and may be ready for a new challenge.

Manchester United have also entered the race, according to a report from L’Équipe last month, setting up a potential battle with their city rivals for Akliouche’s signature.

A summer exit appears increasingly likely, with Monaco valuing him between €70 million and €80 million. Despite the steep asking price, interest from City, PSG, and United remains strong.

Fee confirmed for Manchester City, PSG target

RMC journalist Maxime Tillier shared on After Foot that PSG is closely monitoring the situation of the Monegasque attacking midfielder and confirmed the price it will take to sign him this summer.

“AS Monaco’s goal is to keep securing top-three finishes to build long-term stability, but some departures are expected this summer,” Tillier said (h/t Le10Sport).

“Maghnes Akliouche is likely to be one of them, with this being his first full breakout season at 23. Monaco are reportedly asking for €70 million. PSG are interested, and that interest appears to be mutual. Several other clubs are also in the mix.”

This month, 90min France reported that Manchester City and PSG have intensified their pursuit, making a summer move seem more probable.

Monaco are willing to sell and have set their asking price at approximately €70 million. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Akliouche. The Frenchman brings versatility, dribbling, and left-footed skill. Furthermore, he’s seen as a potential replacement for Bernardo Silva.

 

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