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Showing posts from April, 2025

Tension Rises as Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney’s Camps Clash in Times Square

https://ift.tt/jmrDGcS There’s still clear animosity between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, and the tension extends beyond just the fighters themselves. Though they're each set to face different opponents during this visit to New York, that didn’t prevent their camps from trading verbal jabs at Tuesday’s public workout in Times Square. As Garcia was being gloved up by trainer Derrick James, he and Bill Haney — Devin Haney’s father and trainer — engaged in a heated exchange, drawing a reaction from the crowd on hand. The rivalry between Garcia and Haney traces back to their amateur days, where they split six bouts evenly with three wins each. Their long-anticipated professional clash finally came on April 20, 2024, with Haney’s WBC junior welterweight title on the line. Garcia scored three knockdowns and was initially awarded a majority decision victory, but the result was later overturned after he failed multiple tests for performance-enhancing drugs. During the media workout, ...

How Well Does Kaleb Johnson Fit Steelers Offense?

https://ift.tt/jmrDGcS The Pittsburgh Steelers were linked to Day 2 running backs throughout the draft process due to the impending departure of first-round running back Najee Harris. Having run his course, the Steelers weren’t in a position to pay up for a running back. After his explosiveness seemed stunted and his effectiveness fell below expectations, the need to grow younger, cheaper, and faster in the backfield. In Round 3, Pittsburgh picked Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, offering the promise of checking each of those boxes. Needless to say, Johnson’s $1.6 million average annual value is cheaper than any first-round running back, Harris’ current $5.25 million deal, and the $5.35 million tender teammate Jaylen Warren signed ( Over the Cap ). He isn’t the fastest back, running just a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, but he accesses his top speed more frequently than Harris without sacrificing the physicality of his 224-pound frame. Johnson will compete for the starting job along...

Texas 5-Star QB Commit Dia Bell Makes Big NIL Announcement

https://ift.tt/gDwiPeX There once was a time after the days of Vince Young and Colt McCoy, when the Texas Longhorns struggled to find elite quarterbacks. With head coach Steve Sarkisian at the helm, it appears that will never be a concern again. While former No. 1 overall recruit Quinn Ewers is now a part of the Miami Dolphins, his well-known backup and fellow former No. 1 overall recruit Arch Manning is more than ready for the moment. While fans don't want to rush Manning out of Austin by any means, Sarkisian already has another five-star quarterback lined up in 2026 recruit Dia Bell. The son of former NBA star Raja Bell ranks as the No. 12 player in the country, and is expected to take over for Manning once he departs for the NFL. In addition to being one of the best high school players in the country, the American Heritage (FL) product also has a significant brand, which likely grew following his latest NIL deal. As revealed on social media, Bell has inked an NIL deal with G...

Jalen Green's Poor Playoff Performance Against Warriors Will Lead to Massive Rockets Decision, Stephen A. Smith Says

https://ift.tt/tL65NUy The Golden State Warriors are in a prime position to close out their Round 1 playoff series against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Despite being the No. 7 seed, the Warriors possess a 3-1 lead after winning both games at home inside Chase Arena. At one point, however, it didn't seem like the Warriors would even get to this stage. They had a chance to clinch an outright berth in the postseason, but lost two of their last three games, relegating them to the NBA Play-In Tournament. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry reacts during a game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Jalen Green's poor performance could have ripple effect One player who has seemingly gone missing at times for the Rockets has been their star guard, Jalen Green. Green averaged 21 points per game in the regular season but is averaging just 15.5. If you take out Game 2, in which he scored 38 points, it drops to an abysmal eight p...

NFL Fans Owe Daughter of Giants GM an Apology

https://ift.tt/bEW48Ux The New York Giants made their decision under center. After trading up with the Houston Texans, the Giants made Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart the second passer taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. As such, they made it official that Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders wouldn’t take that spot, despite months of work on the prospect, further continuing his slide. Sanders slid out of Round 1, then through Day 2, eventually being taken by the Cleveland Browns in Round 5. It was the biggest draft weekend surprise in recent memory, and, unlike reaching for Daniel Jones in 2019, New York wasn’t a part of it. The Giants still managed to get involved, albeit without blame. During Sanders’ fall, he was prank called by a group of students at Dart’s stomping grounds in Mississippi. Given the private phone Sanders was afforded by the league, only NFL employees had the number, making its leak something to chase down. Before it was revealed that Jax Ulbrich – the son of...

Boston Celtics look for key starter to step up in Game 4 against Magic

https://ift.tt/VKrCeaq ORLANDO — As each missed shot piled up for Kristaps Porzingis , the frustration was clear for the Celtics big man. He clapped his hands after missing looks he normally made in the regular season as he admitted after the Game 3 loss to the Magic that was part of his irritation as he’s struggled these playoffs. As the Celtics head into Game 4 against the Magic, they will need Porzingis at his best going forward. The C’s will be without Jrue Holiday as he nurses a right hamstring strain. Jayson Tatum (wrist) and Jaylen Brown (knee) are also dealing with their respective bone bruises, so they need Porzingis to step up for the 7 p.m. Sunday game at the Kia Center. “It’s huge,” Payton Pritchard said of getting Porzingis going. “If he can dominate the paint, if we get him, get him some easy looks, that changes the flow of the game. If we get him to bring two onto the ball that will also allow some of our shooters and stuff to get easier looks. ... He’s alway...

Former Bruins forward chugs beer, hypes up crowd for Blues-Jets game

https://ift.tt/VKrCeaq It didn’t take Pat Maroon long to return to the rink. The former Boston Bruins forward, who retired earlier this month, returned to Enterprise Center on Sunday to hype up the crowd ahead of Game 4 between the St. Louis Blues and the Winnipeg Jets. The Blues trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Maroon, who hails from St. Louis, was shown on the jumbotron and drew large cheers from those in attendance when he chugged his Bud Light. The 37-year-old spent the second half of the 2023-24 season with now-Blues coach Jim Montgomery on the Bruins. He appeared in two regular season games after he was traded to the Bruins from the Minnesota Wild. He underwent back surgery prior to the trade and was sidelined for most of the remainder of the regular season. Maroon played in 13 playoff games before Boston was eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Florida Panthers. While he was in Boston for only a brief time, the forward q...

Notre Dame DL Rylie Mills get taken by the Seattle Seahawks and social media reacts

https://ift.tt/DK95Wgx Even coming off an injury, the Seattle Seahawks thought enough of Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills to take him in the NFL draft with the No. 142 overall pick of the fifth round . The senior had a huge final year in South Bend, registering 7.5 sacks and playing with great fundamentals at his position. It was a huge loss for the Irish when he was lost during the College Football Playoff run, but Mills did enough to get drafted. It was a great moment for him, as he accomplished one of his biggest dreams. Social media was sure happy for Mills to get selected, all seemingly shared the same thoughts, and here are some of the best reactions. Rylie Mills announcement coming from Germany Live from Germany, we've selected DT Rylie Mills! 🤝 @Rhein_Fire pic.twitter.com/LLok9v5nIb — Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 26, 2025 Another member of the 2024 Notre Dame team gets picked, making Mills the fourth of this draft. More will come, but this moment h...

Auburn Sends Miles Kelly Message After Historic Season

https://ift.tt/IzFh9fy Auburn finished 32-6 (15-3 SEC), won the SEC regular-season crown and was ranked fourth in the final AP Poll under head coach Bruce Pearl. The Tigers finished 13th in the nation in scoring, averaging 83 points per game, with a plus-13.5 scoring margin (eighth best).  The program secured the No. 1 overall NCAA seed, knocked out Alabama State, Creighton, Michigan and Michigan State to get into the Final Four, then fell 79-73 to Florida in the semifinals.  Much of their success last season can be attributed to the play of senior guard Miles Kelly.  On Saturday, Auburn took to X to salute Kelly, posting a montage video with the caption, “Gonna miss this sharp shoota 👌🔥”. Gonna miss this sharp shoota 👌🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZqVXOKGJRK — Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) April 26, 2025 Kelly starred at Parkview High School (Lilburn, Georgia) and Hargrave Military Academy before committing to Georgia Tech as a four-star recruit, per 247Sports . Over...

Emery engineering has Rashford and Aston Villa on the rise for FA Cup

https://ift.tt/FPuGwB0 Marcus Rashford started as the central striker for Aston Villa in their most recent match against Manchester City and scored the opening goal. Composite: Getty Images Unai Emery keeps his Aston Villa players on their toes. Sometimes he tells his squad the lineup the day before a game, on other occasions half an hour before they depart the team hotel for the stadium on a match day. Training tends to offer some clues but of late there have been surprises. Emery, a hugely emotional character, has been known to make impulsive, snap calls. Morgan Rogers, a rare mainstay and one of Villa’s trio of undroppables, recently described how his manager’s decision‑making can feel like flip‑of-the-coin stuff. When the teamsheets are released an hour before kick-off at Wembley on Saturday, the eyeballs will jump towards the most intriguing selection dilemma: will Emery favour Marcus Rashford or Ollie Watkins? Related: Premier League and FA Cup semis: 10 things to...

Sean Payton claims Broncos did not attempt to trade up in 1st round of NFL draft

https://ift.tt/0XRZnrx Leading up to the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, there were several reports (and plenty of rumors) that the Denver Broncos could make a big splash by trading up. Hours before the draft, reports emerged that Denver was attempting to move up . The Athletic's Dianna Russini went to the extent of reporting the Broncos were " making an aggressive push to get into the top 10." That led to speculation that Denver might have been aiming to trade up to select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, but he went to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 and the Broncos ended up staying put at No. 20. It's unclear if Denver changed course after Jeanty (or someone else) went off the board, or if they merely had exploratory trade-up talks or perhaps the reports were simply inaccurate. Following the first round, coach Sean Payton claimed the team did not look into trading up. “We felt like this was a pick-at-our-number or possibly move back year based on...

Norrie overcomes illness to beat Landaluce

https://ift.tt/mfCUK2d Cameron Norrie claimed his first ATP main-draw win since Indian Wells in early March [Getty Images] Britain's Cameron Norrie described his first-round victory at the Madrid Open as one of his favourite wins in his career after he overcame illness to defeat Martin Landaluce. Former British number one Norrie beat the 19-year-old Spaniard 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-4 to earn a first ATP main-draw victory since the start of March. Poor form has seen Norrie, 29, drop to 91st in the world, and for a while on Thursday his struggles looked set to continue. After losing five games in a row from 3-0 up in the opening set, Norrie fought back from 3-0 down before saving a match point and winning the second. The British number three used his experience to see out victory after Landaluce produced a wild game at 4-4 in the deciding set. Norrie later explained he has been struggling with sickness, saying on Sky Sports: "It's terrible timing but at least I have another...

Five matches that made Ben Youngs

https://ift.tt/cKQx6zI Youngs is in his 19th season with Leicester [Getty Images] Ben Youngs is keen to add to this list. When the 35-year-old announced his impending retirement on Tuesday, he urged everyone to hold off the career retrospectives until the end of the season. "It's about finishing this chapter of my life with some more success," he said. "I'm not done just yet." There is already plenty of material to go at though. Youngs has appeared in 127 Tests for England – a record for a men's player – turned out 332 times for Leicester, made two Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions and marked his Barbarians debut last June in a win over Fiji. Here are five memorable matches from a back catalogue that stretches over more than 18 years. Youngs wants sixth Premiership title before retirement England's most-capped men's player Youngs to retire Leicester Tigers Rugby Show 29 May 2010 - Leicester 33-27 Saracens Youngs ...

Ruthless O'Sullivan cruises into Crucible last 16

https://ift.tt/HkBXn4m Halo World Championship Venue: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Dates: 19 April to 5 May Coverage: Watch live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app; live text coverage of selected matches; updates on BBC Radio 5 Live Ronnie O'Sullivan produced a ruthless display on Wednesday to thrash Ali Carter and move into the last 16 of the 2025 World Championship. Seven-time Crucible winner O'Sullivan, 49, was playing in his first match since January, when he snapped his cue and threw it in the bin following four losses in five matches at the Championship League event. After Tuesday's opening session he held a 5-4 lead over two-time finalist Carter, but O'Sullivan was on top form as he won the first five frames on Wednesday to seal a 10-4 success. It set up a last-16 tie against Chinese qualifier Pang Junxu, who defeated 12th seed Zhang Anda earlier on Wednesday. Neither O'Sullivan nor Carter had been in the best form in the opening sess...

Domenic DiVincentiis Rejoins Admirals Prior To Game 3 Of North Division Semifinals

https://ift.tt/oC9Mv1H The Norfolk Admirals have gotten perfect goaltending from Thomas Milic in the first two games of their North Division Semifinal series with the Wheeling Nailers. Nevertheless, the club is getting more reinforcements in net. The Winnipeg Jets announced Tuesday they have reassigned goaltender Domenic DiVincentiis from the AHL’s Manitoba Moose to the Admirals . DiVincentiis, 21, has rejoined the Admirals in Wheeling ahead of their Game 3 matchup on Wednesday against the Nailers . The Bolton, Ont. native has been with the Moose since the end of January. He has played in 28 games with Manitoba, posting a 13-12-3 record, .906 save percentage and 2.84 goals-against average this season. He recently pitched his first professional shutout on Saturday against the Texas Stars. In 20 games with the Admirals this season, DiVincentiis went 15-5 with a 2.97 GAA. He won his first eight starts in goal for Norfolk. So far this post-season, Milic has engineered back-to-back...

QB coach Quincy Avery says Cam Ward has 'leg up' on draft class, reveals underrated player

https://ift.tt/VPStDEx Quarterback coach Quincy Avery has witnessed the evolution of the quarterback position over the years. He has gained extensive knowledge about the position and its history through his studies and experience as a quarterbacks coach. Avery has a new documentary set to release on Hulu called "The Quincy Avery Effect," on Wednesday, April 23. The film showcases Avery's achievements in training quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts , and highlights the rise of Black quarterbacks in the NFL. USA TODAY Sports chatted with Avery about his upcoming documentary, some quarterbacks he’s trained, the NFL draft and more. Here are the highlights of the conversation. Editor’s note: Answers were slightly edited for clarity. Question: Tell us about your new documentary, "The Quincy Avery Effect." What inspired you to make the film? Answer: The documentary is really a story about perseverance and dedication. You get to see the work that I do with some of th...

Months after undergoing successful brain surgery, Abington High's Perakslis makes history

https://ift.tt/MDBmQKN Steve Perakslis is Abington High baseball . Now, no coach at the school, past or present, has more wins. On Monday, the Green Wave's longtime baseball coach earned his 339th career win – a 7-0 victory over Cardinal Spellman – to became Abington's all-time wins leader for any sport, surpassing predescesor Tom Graham. Perakslis has a 339-165 career record in 22 seasons. "The on-the-field success of Coach Perakslis is obvious to anyone who follows Massachusetts high school baseball," athletic director Peter Serino said in a press release. "He has built one of the most well-respected athletic programs around." Since Perakslis took over the varsity team from Graham in 2002, Abington has qualified for the state tournament 19 times. The Green Wave won a Division 3 state championship in 2009 , and claimed two South Sectional titles, appeared in four Final Fours and reached two state championship games under Perakslis' watch. He is ...

Manchester United need to reclaim their title edge over Liverpool as quickly as possible – view

https://ift.tt/jesxYgP Manchester United need to reclaim their title edge over Liverpool as quickly as possible – view Liverpool are about to claim their 20th league title, matching the Manchester United mark. While 1992/1993 was the first Premier League triumph, numerous English First Division victories fill the silverware cabinets of both clubs. This current season, however, showed a stark contrast between the two clubs. While United are only seemingly now with the right manager (although there is debate among the fanbase there), Liverpool managed a seamless transition from Jürgen Klopp to Arne Slot. Completely different changeovers Now, at even levels with 20 league wins each, the 21st trophy would give the edge to either club in that regard. If needing to pick now between LFC or MUFC, it would be difficult to back Man Utd to retake the lead that they had held on to for so long. Granted, there are questions surrounding the sustainability of Slot’s side to be able to repeat ...

Why Real Madrid’s move for Franco Mastantuono fell through

https://ift.tt/Qgr5Vu2 Why Real Madrid’s move for Franco Mastantuono fell through An insight into the reasoning behind La Liga giants Real Madrid calling time on their pursuit of Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono has been forthcoming online. This comes amid confirmation of issues emerging during negotiations between the parties. The name of midfielder Mastantuono of course took its place front and centre in the media chatter across Spain at various points last year. This came as both Barcelona and Real Madrid , in particular the latter, were credited with a serious interest in the signature of the 17-year-old. Mastantuono, for his part, is widely regarded as one of the standout talents in all of South American football, considered a potential star in the making in his home country of Argentina. So, why exactly did Real Madrid’s efforts to land the River Plate prodigy come up short? As alluded to above, this weekend, an insight into as much has been provided. As per Real...

Beckford scores as Hartford Athletic down Birmingham, 1-0, for first win of season

https://ift.tt/CYZaMT1 As Hartford Athletic surged toward a playoff berth at the end of last season, winning or drawing in 13 of its final 16 games, fans were thrilled that, playoffs or not, better times seemed ahead. What a difference a few months makes. Athletic (1-0-4) stumbled out of the gate this season, losing each of its first four USL games and falling to lower-league Portland Hearts of Pine in the U.S. Open Cup. In the process, Hartford scored just one league goal. On Saturday, head coach Brendan Burke and Co. started to turn things around, blanking Birmingham Legion SC, 1-0, to earn their first victory of the season. Deshane Beckford scored the lone goal for Athletic, firing home an assist from Mamadou Dieng in the 71st minute for his first tally of the season. It was the best performance of the season for the club, as they surpassed season highs in shots, shots on target, and crosses. Hartford returns to action on Saturday against Portland in a USL Cup game at 4 p.m...

Can Indianapolis Colts fill tight end need through the trade market?

https://ift.tt/OVpXdBi Could the Indianapolis Colts fill their need at the tight end position through the trade market? There are options reportedly out there. Among the names that have been floated out there this offseason as potential trade candidates at the tight end position are Las Vegas' Michael Mayer , Philadelphia's Dallas Goedert , and Baltimore's Mark Andrews . We all know that tight end is a major need for the Colts . Last season, their entire tight end room combined for just 467 receiving yards the entire year. With a so-so free agency class, the draft was always going to be the coveted avenue for the Colts when it came to addressing this need. And even with these potential trade candidates, the draft is still going to be option A for GM Chris Ballard. For one, that player will have an inexpensive rookie deal. In addition to that, incoming rookies are young and presumably ascending players heading towards their prime years. You also don't have to trade...

McDonald’s All-American recruit decommits from UConn men’s basketball

https://ift.tt/OVpXdBi Darius Adams has decommitted from the UConn men’s basketball program, he announced on social media Saturday. Adams, a four-star recruit ranked 29th in the Class of 2025 by ESPN , was one of three UConn commits who played in the McDonald’s All American game on April 1. The 6-foot-5 guard from Manasquan, New Jersey, and La Lumiere (Indiana) originally chose UConn over Michigan State and Tennessee, but says his recruitment is now “wide open,” according to On3Sports . Head coach Dan Hurley and his staff added two experienced guards out of the transfer portal in Silas Demary Jr., from Georgia, and Malachi Smith, from Dayton, which likely affected what Adams’ role would’ve been as a freshman. The Huskies also return Solo Ball, Jaylin Stewart, Jayden Ross and Tarris Reed Jr., and are waiting on Alex Karaban’s decision between returning or declaring for the NBA Draft. “First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to play the game I ...