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  • Tennis star Kyrgios to fight charge on mental health grounds

    Tennis star Kyrgios to fight charge on mental health grounds

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    CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios will apply to have an assault charge dismissed on mental health grounds, his lawyer told an Australian court on Tuesday.

    Lawyer Michael Kukulies-Smith appeared on behalf of Kyrgios in a court in the tennis star’s hometown of Canberra and asked for an adjournment so forensic mental health reports could be prepared.

    Magistrate Glenn Theakston adjourned the case until Feb. 3, when Kyrgios’ lawyers are expected to apply to have the charge dismissed under a section of the local crimes law.

    The 27-year-old Australian tennis star will appear in court in person on that date for the first time since he was charged by police by summons in July.

    The law gives magistrates the power to dismiss a charge if they are satisfied an accused person is mentally impaired, and dealing with an allegation in that way would benefit the community and the defendant.

    The common assault charge, which has a potential maximum sentence of two years in prison, relates to an incident in January 2021 that was reported to local police last December.

    The charge reportedly relates to an incident involving his former girlfriend.

    Kukulies-Smith told the court his client’s mental health history since 2015 made the application appropriate, citing a number of public statements made by Kyrgios.

    In February, Kyrgios opened up about his performance at the 2019 Australian Open, saying what appeared to be a positive time in his life had been “one of my darkest periods.”

    “I was lonely, depressed, negative, abusing alcohol, drugs, pushed away family and friends,” he wrote on Instagram. “I felt as if I couldn’t talk or trust anyone. This was a result of not opening up and refusing to lean on my loved ones and simply just push myself little by little to be positive.”

    Kyrgios made further references to his mental health struggles during his runs to the final at Wimbledon and the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.

    After ending Daniil Medvedev’s U.S. Open title defense last month to reach the quarterfinals, Kyrgios expressed pride at lifting himself out of “some really tough situations, mentally” and “some really scary places” off the court.

    Theakston questioned whether Kyrgios would need to appear in court for the February hearing, but Kukulies-Smith said his client wanted to attend.

    Kyrgios was scheduled to play at the Japan Open later Tuesday against Tseng Chun-hsin of Taiwan.

    Speaking in Tokyo before his matter returned to court, Kyrgios said it was “not difficult at all” to focus on tennis despite the pending charge.

    “There’s only so much I can control and I’m taking all the steps and dealing with that off the court,” he told reporters. “I can only do what I can and I’m here in Tokyo and just trying to play some good tennis, continue that momentum and just try to do my job.”

    ___

    More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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  • Third wild card creates opportunity for another playoff team

    Third wild card creates opportunity for another playoff team

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    The Philadelphia Phillies grabbed baseball’s last playoff ticket on Monday, and Bryce Harper and company partied into the night. “ We’re in! We did it! We did it! ” slugger Rhys Hoskins yelled as the celebration kicked into high gear.

    It’s the first playoff appearance for Philly since 2011, and no one seemed to care that it arrived via one of three NL wild cards.

    It’s the first year for the majors’ new playoff format — part of the negotiations that resulted in the March labor deal that ended a 99-day lockout. Each league has three wild cards, taking the postseason field from 10 to 12 teams.

    Philadelphia clinched its spot after Seattle secured an AL wild card on Friday night for its first playoff berth in 21 years. The other wild-card teams are Toronto and Tampa Bay in the AL, and San Diego and the New York Mets in the NL.

    “For us it was to end the drought so it gave us an extra opportunity,” Mariners infielder Ty France said. “But I think it’s a cool, cool structure they have and setup they have.”

    The new-look October has erased some of the usual tension from the final few days of the regular season. But there is still valuable positioning at stake for the playoff teams.

    The top two division winners in each league get first-round byes, and the remaining four qualifiers play best-of-three series in the wild-card round on three consecutive days. The third division winner is the highest seed in that group, with other clubs sorted by their records. The top seeds in each matchup host the entire series.

    Gone are the days of the win-or-go-home wild-card games in each league.

    “It has felt as a wild-card team, just to play one game and have an entire season come down to one game, never felt right,” said Chris Antonetti, the president of baseball operations for the Cleveland Guardians. “So having some additional games in the wild-card round makes sense.”

    The playoffs expanded to 16 teams for the pandemic-delayed 2020 season as part of an agreement between Major League Baseball and the players’ union. But the field went back down to 10 when the majors played a full season last year.

    Looking for more TV revenue, Major League Baseball proposed 14 playoff teams during the recent labor talks. But it settled on 12 after the players resisted.

    “It’s not worth it, understanding the reasoning is TV money, and that doesn’t make sense for the guys that are playing,” said New York Yankees reliever Zack Britton, who serves on the union’s executive subcommittee. “We know exactly what teams would do if you continue to add more and more teams to the playoffs. There’s no incentive to win.”

    It is hard to tell if the 12-team format had any effect on the postseason race. The Guardians, champions of the mediocre AL Central, are the only playoff team that didn’t make multiple deals in the runup to the trade deadline.

    “I think that it’s kept more teams in it,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. “And you talk about rebuilds or teams getting aggressive with getting young players up, too. I feel like it stayed very competitive. If it has changed, it’s been a positive.”

    Going for its first playoff appearance since 2016, Baltimore brought up touted prospect Gunnar Henderson on Aug. 31. The New York Mets promoted catcher Francisco Álvarez from the minors on Sept. 30, giving their top prospect a chance during a pennant race.

    The Orioles would have made a 14-team playoff field, along with the Brewers in the NL. Depending on the results in the final days of the season, a 14-team field might have included every big league team that finished above .500.

    “I think that would have been too many teams,” Mariners pitcher Robbie Ray said. “You don’t want teams that are limping in with close to a .500 record. I think still you should still be close to 90 wins to be able to get in.”

    ___

    AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum, and AP Sports Writers Tim Booth, Kristie Rieken and Tom Withers contributed to this report.

    ___

    Jay Cohen can be reached at https://twitter.com/jcohenap

    ___

    More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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  • MATCHDAY: Madrid, Man City seek 3rd wins in Champions League

    MATCHDAY: Madrid, Man City seek 3rd wins in Champions League

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    A look at what’s happening in the Champions League on Wednesday:

    GROUP E

    Chelsea is one of the top teams in early trouble in the group stage heading into a double-header against AC Milan, with the first match taking place at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea has just one point from its first two games and has a recently hired manager, Graham Potter, who is still working out his best team and best formation just two matches into his tenure. In the 1-1 draw with Salzburg in the second round of group games, Potter went with a 3-5-2 but reverted to a 4-3-3 for the win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday. He has some tough choices in defense, with Kalidou Koulibaly — one of Chelsea’s many expensive offseason signings — yet to play a minute under Potter and the likes of forwards Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech pushing for starts. Marc Cucurella could return from illness. Milan leads after collecting four points from games against Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb, who meet in Austria in the other game.

    GROUP F

    Real Madrid can take full control of the group with a home win against Shakhtar Donetsk, which would give the defending champions a five-point lead after only three matches. Madrid got off to a perfect start to the season in all competitions but was held 1-1 at home against Osasuna in the Spanish league on Sunday for its first setback. Leipzig hosts Celtic for a clash between the two bottom teams in Group F. Leipzig is bottom after losing both of its games so far, but new coach Marco Rose has restored some confidence and overseen a marked improvement since taking over. Leipzig warmed up for Celtic with a 4-0 win over Bochum at the weekend.

    GROUP G

    Manchester City can move to the brink of qualification for the last 16 with a home win over FC Copenhagen and might not need Erling Haaland to do so. The Norway striker, who has taken the Premier League by storm with 15 goals in eight games, played the entire match in the 6-3 win over Manchester United on Sunday while a number of key players were brought off midway through the second half. Haaland may be kept fresh for bigger matches ahead, while City manager Pep Guardiola has injury concerns over right back Kyle Walker and holding midfielder Rodri. City has already beaten Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund in the group stage and would advance with back-to-back wins over Copenhagen. Dortmund is in second place on three points and travels to Sevilla in the other match.

    GROUP H

    With Presnel Kimpembe out injured for several weeks, Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier doesn’t have many options at center back for the trip to Benfica for a match between two teams on a maximum six points. After missing out on signing Milan Skriniar this summer, PSG has to deal with makeshift solutions until the next transfer window opens, with midfielder Danilo Pereira or right back Nordi Mukiele available to play alongside Sergio Ramos and Marquinhos. In contrast, Juventus has zero points after losing its opening two Champions League matches for the first time. Massimiliano Allegri’s side travels to Maccabi Haifa, which is also pointless. Juventus is also struggling in Serie A but appears reinvigorated after the international break and beat Bologna 3-0 this past weekend.

    ___

    More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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  • International prospects flock to London for NFL tryout

    International prospects flock to London for NFL tryout

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    LONDON (AP) — Jason Godrick plans to “dominate” as an NFL offensive lineman. The first hurdle seems like a big one, though.

    “I’ve never played an organized game of football before,” the 6-foot-5, 293-pound Nigerian said. “I’ve been blessed to be a quick learner, a very good student.”

    The 21-year-old Lagos native, who goes by “Chu,” was one of the more than 40 prospects — representing 13 countries — who competed in the NFL’s international combine Tuesday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    They’re hoping to join the league’s International Player Pathway program.

    Godrick switched from basketball to football in January — coaches were impressed by his hoops “mixtape” — and a few months later he saw countryman Roy Mbaeteka sign with the New York Giants despite having not played in high school or college.

    “Roy is a big inspiration for us back home,” Godrick said of the 6-9, 320-pound offensive tackle. “It was very big in Nigeria when he got signed.”

    Mbaeteka, who was released from the Giants practice squad last week, had participated in last year’s combine in London and earned an invitation to the Pathway program, whose most notable alum is Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata of Australia.

    Godrick, like several other Nigerian prospects on Tuesday, came through a program run by former Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

    The two-time Super Bowl winner was on hand at Tottenham’s stadium, where his former team plays the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

    “They have the athletic ability, they have the size, a lot of them have the speed. All they need is just the technique refinement,” said the British-born Umenyiora, who spent part of his childhood in Nigeria.

    A handful of the prospects at the combine have some U.S. college exposure, but many have played only in European leagues or universities — or not at all. Some are in their mid-20s. Many work regular jobs.

    Emmanuel Falola, an inside linebacker with the Bristol Aztecs, is an accountant. The East London native took the day off for the combine.

    “I haven’t been taking time off to prepare though — I’ve been working and preparing,” said the 24-year-old Falola, who also tried out last year.

    Those selected for the Pathway program will begin training in the U.S. in January and could join rookies in minicamps in May.

    “We don’t have that much time, especially the guys that come from other sports,” said Will Bryce, head of football development for NFL International. “Their bodies have to change. They’re used to playing rugby or soccer — you’re running a lot more, whereas in football it’s repeated sprints, different positions.”

    Like last year, there were no quarterbacks, punters or kickers at the combine. The NFL listed eight Nigerian participants — the largest contingent among the countries, which included Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Panama, Mexico and several in Europe.

    NFL coaches, scouts and general managers flock to Indianapolis each winter for the league’s annual scouting combine. There, pro prospects test their skills in various elements such as the bench press, 40-yard dash and vertical jump.

    In London on Tuesday, it was the NFL conducting the evaluations as prospects were put through tests such as the broad jump, various sprints and the shuttle drill, which records lateral quickness.

    “Let’s go Chu!” fellow prospects yelled as Godrick ran around small cones placed near the 20-yard line.

    Godrick has been applying some tips he picked up from Cameroon-born Roman Oben, a former offensive tackle who is now NFL vice president of football development.

    “I’ve been watching film and with his guidance, I can say my growth has been good,” said Godrick, who plans to continue training back home in Nigeria, where he recently earned a college degree in human anatomy.

    “Ultimate goal? Get to the NFL, dominate, show the world that it doesn’t matter how late you start, it doesn’t matter where you are coming from, as long as you believe, you work hard, anything is possible.”

    ___

    More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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  • Women to get more rest between hoop games at next World Cup

    Women to get more rest between hoop games at next World Cup

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    SYDNEY (AP) — Players at this year’s World Cup had a few concerns about the competition, including the compact schedule and the timing of the tournament, and the women took their complaints right to the top.

    FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis talked with many of the players during the course of the recently competed tournament. He offered a quick solution for the rest concerns, but changing the date will take more work.

    The next World Cup in 2026 will once again feature 16 teams instead of the 12 at this year’s tournament — and players will have more time to recuperate between the final rounds.

    “We will not play three days in a row, that will not happen again,” Zagklis said. “This is not something we want to see repeated. It’s too heavy on the players.”

    At this year’s tournament, the quarterfinals, semifinals and medal games were played over three straight days. Overall, teams that reached the gold-medal game would have played eight games in 10 days. The 2018 World Cup had a break between the quarters and the medal round.

    While the scheduling change is a welcomed positive step for the players, there’s still the issue of timing. The WNBA tried to work with FIBA by shortening its season. Still, the league’s playoffs continued until the start of the World Cup, forcing about a dozen players to basically travel a few thousand miles, get off a plane and start playing for their national teams.

    Many European leagues tip off soon after the World Cup ends, so it’s difficult to move it to a later start date.

    Zagklis said FIBA will be working with the stakeholders to provide the best possible solution for the players — though indicating the change will likely have to come from the WNBA or the other pro leagues.

    “The World Cup is turning next year 70 years old, the women’s world has been there much before virtually every women’s league in the world and it is the top female competition,” Zagklis. “So the calendar starts again with the World Cup.”

    USA Basketball chairman Martin Dempsey said there is a sense of urgency for FIBA to address the scheduling problem, especially with the WNBA set to expand over the next few years.

    “The time to have that conversation is before it happens, not after,” Dempsey said. “So we really do need to figure out with the ‘W,’ the NBA and FIBA how to keep all of these enterprises viable because we don’t want to run the risk of creating a very diluted World Cup.

    “We’ve got to have a really serious ongoing conversation about how to keep things in sync so that they don’t clash.”

    Five of the U.S. players competed in the WNBA Finals that ended three days before the World Cup started. Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and tournament MVP A’ja Wilson missed the first two games for the U.S.

    Before the scheduling change was announced, players made their positions clear.

    “I don’t know if FIBA gave a damn about anyone,” Plum said.

    “Rest would be a good thing,” Wilson said. “Having some time between would definitely help.”

    The site for the 2026 World Cup hasn’t been announced yet and getting to Australia might have been the most difficult place for everyone because of its location.

    Serbia coach Marina Maljković noticed how tired many players were. She coaches in Turkey in the winter and said players across the leagues need a break.

    “You see a lot of players that lacked freshness. You can see it, any single team going from club season to WNBA, WNBA to national team,” Maljković said. “This year it’s very, very complicated. … Talking to players, they really suffered this season because of the tight schedule everywhere. I guess there will be smart people who will sit around the table and see what we can do about that.”

    Aside from the logistical issues, the World Cup was a huge success in Australia. The total attendance of 145,519 was the highest in the history of the competition. There were nearly 16,000 fans at the gold-medal game between the U.S. and China, which was the largest since the 1953 championship game played in Chile in a stadium that had 35,000 fans.

    “By all metrics, we have seen a tremendous effort by the hosts,” Zagklis said. “Record sales in merchandise, record attendances, fantastic atmosphere in the games, so it’s hard to challenge the conclusion that we’ve been able to experience the best World Cup ever.”

    ___

    More AP women’s basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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  • Yankees star Judge hits 62nd homer to break Maris’ AL record

    Yankees star Judge hits 62nd homer to break Maris’ AL record

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    ARLINGTON, Texas — Aaron Judge hit his 62nd home run of the season Tuesday night, breaking Roger Maris’ American League record and setting what some fans consider baseball’s “clean” standard.

    The long chase to top a mark set in 1961 ended when the 30-year-old Yankees slugger drove a 1-1 slider from Texas right-hander Jesús Tinoco into the first row of seats in left field leading off the second game of New York’s day-night doubleheader.

    After No. 99 took a smooth, mighty swing, he had a wide smile on his face as he rounded the bases and his Yankees teammates streamed out of the dugout to celebrate with him. They stayed away from home plate, letting Judge step on it before sharing hugs and high-fives.

    Barry Bonds holds the major league record of 73 home runs, set with the San Francisco Giants in 2001.

    Judge’s mother and father were in the stands to see him end a five-game homerless streak, including Game 1 of the doubleheader when he was 1 for 5 with a single.

    The ball was caught by Cory Youmans of Dallas, who was sitting in Section 31. When asked what he was going to do with the ball while being taken away with security to have the ball authenticated, Youmans responded, “Good question. I haven’t thought about it.”

    Another fan was escorted away after leaping over the rail into a gap between the seats and the left-field wall.

    Judge, eligible to become a free agent after this season, struck out on a full-count pitch when batting again in the second.

    He took right field in the bottom of the inning before manager Aaron Boone pulled him from the game. Oswaldo Cabrera, who had been at second base, moved to right field and the slugger got another loud ovation as he jogged back to the Yankees dugout on the third base side.

    Reaction quickly came from far beyond the ballpark.

    “History made, more history to make,” President Joe Biden posted on Twitter.

    Tweeted former Yankees star Derek Jeter: “Congrats @TheJudge44 on 62! Postseason next!!!”

    Maris’ 61 for the Yankees had been exceeded six times previously, but all were tainted by the stench of steroids. Along with Bonds’ record, Mark McGwire hit 70 for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1998 and 65 the following year. The Chicago Cubs’ Sammy Sosa had 66, 65 and 63 during a four-season span starting in 1998.

    McGwire admitted using banned steroids, while Bonds and Sosa denied knowingly using performing-enhancing drugs. Major League Baseball started testing with penalties for PEDs in 2004, and some fans — perhaps many — until now have considered Maris as holder of the legitimate record.

    A Ruthian figure with a smile as outsized as his body, the 6-foot-7 Judge has rocked the major leagues with a series of deep drives that hearken to the sepia tone movie reels of his legendary pinstriped predecessors.

    “He should be revered for being the actual single-season home run champ,” Roger Maris Jr. said Wednesday night after his father’s mark was matched by Judge. “I think baseball needs to look at the records and I think baseball should do something.”

    Judge had homered only once in the past 13 games, and that was when he hit No. 61 last Wednesday in Toronto. The doubleheader nightcap in Texas was his 55th game in row played since Aug. 5.

    Judge was 3 for 17 with five walks and a hit by pitch since moving past the 60 home runs Babe Ruth hit in 1927, which had stood as the major league record for 34 years. Maris hit his 61st off Boston’s Tracy Stallard at old Yankee Stadium on Oct. 1, 1961.

    Judge has a chance to become the first AL Triple Crown winner since Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera in 2012. He leads the AL with 131 RBIs and began the day trailing Minnesota’s Luis Arraez, who was hitting .315.

    The home run in his first at-bat put him back to .311, where he had started the day before dropping a point in the opener.

    Judge’s accomplishment will cause endless debate.

    “To me, the holder of the record for home runs in a season is Roger Maris,” author George Will said earlier this month. “There’s no hint of suspicion that we’re seeing better baseball than better chemistry in the case of Judge. He’s clean. He’s not doing something that forces other players to jeopardize their health.”

    ———

    AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.

    ———

    More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports

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  • Deebo Samuel trolls Jalen Ramsey and Los Angeles Rams

    Deebo Samuel trolls Jalen Ramsey and Los Angeles Rams

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    Deebo Samuel went off against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football — and he isn’t letting Jalen Ramsey forget about it.

    In the second quarter in San Francisco, the 49ers wideout scored on a 57-yard touchdown pass from Jimmy Garoppolo that ended up being one of the most memorable plays of the game, which the 49ers won 24-9.

    Samuel recorded 51 yards after the catch on the touchdown and actually ran 79.7 total yards, per NFL Next Gen Stats. It was also the longest passing touchdown the Rams have allowed since Week 7 of last season (D’Andre Swift, 63 yards).

    He evaded nearly the entire Rams secondary — Ramsey included — during his scamper to the end zone, and had a fairly level-headed answer when asked about the play after the game.

    “It was just me and the ball out there,” Samuel said. “I just go out and break some tackles like I do all the time.”

    Read more: Week 4’s top NFL Twitter trolls

    He made a celebratory post about it Tuesday that seemingly singled out Ramsey in particular.

    Including the playoffs, Samuel has scored five touchdowns against the Rams since 2021 — tied for the most by any player against any team since the start of last season.

    “I always feel that Deebo [can step up and make big plays],” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Regardless of the practice, he had a good week, but he tends to do that especially versus them.”

    Ramsey caught wind of Samuel’s post and didn’t seem too thrilled, but his displeasure didn’t affect Samuel’s jovial mood.

    The 49ers and Rams will meet again Oct. 30 in Inglewood, California.

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  • Rivals.com – Nick at Nite: FutureCast Predictions in favor of Houston, TCU and Texas A&M

    Rivals.com – Nick at Nite: FutureCast Predictions in favor of Houston, TCU and Texas A&M

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    Rivals.com – Nick at Nite: FutureCast Predictions in favor of Houston, TCU and Texas A&M

























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    Nick Harris
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    National Recruiting Analyst

    The midseason recruiting swing has fully arrived as top uncommitted prospects wrap up official visit swings and recruiting classes round out. Here is the latest buzz out of the Mid-South region.

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  • Jerry doesn’t rule out Dak, but grip still an issue

    Jerry doesn’t rule out Dak, but grip still an issue

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    FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones would not rule out Dak Prescott from playing Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, but he acknowledged the quarterback’s grip on a football is “not well enough to play” at the moment.

    Speaking on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Jones said Prescott’s surgically repaired right thumb is improving.

    “I don’t know that you could ask for better news technically, physically in how it’s responding, how it’s healing so to speak,” Jones said. “So all of those things are on go and I don’t know that as we bid bye to each day if considering the injury, considering the location of the injury, I don’t know that you could make any more progress. There’s some things here about healing that again I often say only the man upstairs knows how that works, but he’ll have a big week and he’ll be hard on himself getting it ready to go.”

    Prescott is scheduled to meet with the doctors Tuesday. He had surgery Sept. 12 and had the stitch removed from his right thumb Sept. 26. Last week, Mike McCarthy said Prescott was still dealing with swelling in the joint, and Jones said after the win against the Washington Commanders that Prescott has yet to really throw the ball.

    On Monday, McCarthy said he wants Prescott to go through a full week of practice before returning.

    “I mean we’re not talking about being out one week here, you know?” McCarthy said.

    Jones said on the radio, “We need to have that process before we [go] in a ballgame. Can’t eliminate the week’s work and be ready to go, especially not at quarterback.”

    If Prescott is not ready, Cooper Rush will make his fourth straight start. Rush became the first Cowboys quarterback to win the first four starts of a career (he was 1-0 last season). In his three starts this season, he has four touchdowns and no interceptions, and he has been sacked just twice.

    Asked if there was a number of games or wins that would make the Cowboys stick with Rush the way they did Prescott in 2016 when Tony Romo was healthy, Jones said, “No, as I see it right today.”

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  • World Grand Prix: Gerwyn Price and Joe Cullen progress as James Wade and Michael Smith suffer shock exits

    World Grand Prix: Gerwyn Price and Joe Cullen progress as James Wade and Michael Smith suffer shock exits

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    Nathan Aspinall secured a shock win over Michael Smith; Martin Lukeman came through with a surprise upset against James Wade; Gerwyn Price secured a dominant victory as Joe Cullen overcame Damon Heta in a tight contest

    Last Updated: 05/10/22 12:47am

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    Check out the best action from Day 2 of the World Grand Prix in Leicester

    Check out the best action from Day 2 of the World Grand Prix in Leicester

    Michael Smith suffered a shock first-round exit at the hands of Nathan Aspinall in a night full of upsets at the World Grand Prix in Leicester.

    The Stockport man came away with a 2-1 win over Smith as the world No 4 struggled to find his rhythm on the doubles.

    Martin Lukeman provided the performance of the night in a shock victory over James Wade, while Gerwyn Price put in a professional performance against Martin Schindler and Joe Cullen overcame Damon Heta.

    The final match of the evening was touted as a big encounter and it did not disappoint as Smith and Aspinall faced off in a fast-paced clash.

    Aspinall started the encounter with much more promise, breaking Smith early with a 116 finish to go two legs ahead.

    Nathan Aspinall started his match against Michael Smith with a 116 checkout in the first round of the World Grand Prix

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    Nathan Aspinall started his match against Michael Smith with a 116 checkout in the first round of the World Grand Prix

    Nathan Aspinall started his match against Michael Smith with a 116 checkout in the first round of the World Grand Prix

    ‘Bully Boy’ fought back to claim a leg of his own but it was not enough as the world No 16 took advantage of some inaccuracy on the doubles to claim the first set.

    The second set continued in the same vein as the first as Aspinall raced into a two-leg lead but Smith was not ready to go down without a fight and checked out on 95 to keep himself in the tie before backing it up with a 101 finish to bring the set level.

    Smith took out this finish to level the second set against Aspinall

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    Smith took out this finish to level the second set against Aspinall

    Smith took out this finish to level the second set against Aspinall

    A crucial leg followed and a lovely 171 put Aspinall close to victory with three match darts, but he failed to take his chance and Smith checked out on D10 to bring it to a set apiece.

    A nervous third set ensued but Aspinall managed to find his form to secure a 3-0 whitewash, checking out on D16 to take the match.

    Tuesday, October 4 – Results

    First Round Madars Razma 2-1 Ryan Searle
    Ross Smith 2-1 Andrew Gilding
    Danny Noppert 2-0 Gabriel Clemens
    Joe Cullen 2-1 Damon Heta
    (8) Rob Cross 1-2 Daryl Gurney
    (5) James Wade 1-2 Martin Lukeman
    (1) Gerwyn Price 2-0 Martin Schindler
    (4) Michael Smith 1-2 Nathan Aspinall

    Price cut an ultra-confident figure as he stepped out for his clash with Schindler and he got off to a flying start, breaking the throw in the first leg and holding his own to power ahead.

    With both players unable to find the doubles to checkout, Schindler battled his way back with a D5 in the third leg of the set but it was to no avail as ‘The Iceman’ discovered his accuracy once again to take out D2 for the first set.

    Gerwyn Price enjoyed this 101 finish on his way to victory over Martin Schindler

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    Gerwyn Price enjoyed this 101 finish on his way to victory over Martin Schindler

    Gerwyn Price enjoyed this 101 finish on his way to victory over Martin Schindler

    The Welshman’s dominance continued into the second set as Schindler was unable to get comfortable, a sublime 101 finish to break the throw spurring him on to victory and into the second round.

    Lukeman came through with the biggest upset of the night against Wade, taking the first set in three straight legs and stunning the world No 5 to secure his first televised victory.

    Lukeman, who sits outside the world top 50, was easily finding some big maximums while Wade struggled to get going on the doubles, Wade at one point needing seven darts to get his leg going on the doubles.

    Martin Lukeman caused a huge upset, beating James Wade in the first round

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    Martin Lukeman caused a huge upset, beating James Wade in the first round

    Martin Lukeman caused a huge upset, beating James Wade in the first round

    The second set produced a partial fightback from Wade as he brought his average back up, a crucial D2 keeping him in the tie but the third leg saw Lukeman battle well and hold his throw with a D10 to take the lead.

    Out of nowhere, Wade found a vital 121 finish to bring it to a deciding leg but it was Lukeman who ended with three match darts and used them well, hitting the D8 to secure the biggest win of his career so far.

    It was touted to be a tight and exciting match-up and Cullen and Heta did not disappoint in their opening set, trading breaks of throw and ton-plus finishes before a D16 saw Cullen take the opener.

    Heta take complete control in the second set, breaking Cullen twice, including a brilliant 115 finish, to take a 3-0 whitewash and bring the tie all square but Cullen took the final set and the match on D8 to conclude a gritty and enthralling match.

    Joe Cullen struck an early break in his first-round match against Damon Heta

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    Joe Cullen struck an early break in his first-round match against Damon Heta

    Joe Cullen struck an early break in his first-round match against Damon Heta

    The tight contests continued as former world champion Rob Cross and former World Grand Prix champion Daryl Gurney faced off, both players holding their throw before Cross’ inability to find the crucial double to start, missing nine times, gifted Gurney a chance to break and take the first set.

    After Cross fought back in the second set, hitting two maximums and breaking Gurney to make things even, ‘Superchin’ held it together and broke Cross early in the final leg to take the big win.

    Last year’s semi-finalist Danny Noppert was back to show his form on the doubles again as he took on Gabriel Clemens. An astonishing second leg saw the Dutchman take 13 darts to get going on the double but he rallied to leave himself on a ton-plus finish of 101 to seal the leg before going on to take the set.

    Danny Noppert missed 12 darts at double to get started in the second leg of his game against Gabriel Clemens but still managed to win the leg after a remarkable turnaround

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    Danny Noppert missed 12 darts at double to get started in the second leg of his game against Gabriel Clemens but still managed to win the leg after a remarkable turnaround

    Danny Noppert missed 12 darts at double to get started in the second leg of his game against Gabriel Clemens but still managed to win the leg after a remarkable turnaround

    Clemens fought back for a couple of legs but Noppert raised his game and grinded out a 2-0 win as he looks to go one step further than 2021.

    With three debutants on show as the opening round came to a close, there were some upsets to be had and Madars Razma had a strong showing as he won 2-1 against Ryan Searle, taking the first set after breaking the throw twice before taking out a lovely 108 finish to win the match and progress to the second round.

    Andrew Gilding hit this 102 checkout on his way to winning the first set of his first-round match against Ross Smith

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    Andrew Gilding hit this 102 checkout on his way to winning the first set of his first-round match against Ross Smith

    Andrew Gilding hit this 102 checkout on his way to winning the first set of his first-round match against Ross Smith

    An all-British tie between Ross Smith and Andrew Gilding saw Smith come away with the spoils in a closely-fought 2-1 victory.

    Wednesday, October 5- Fixtures (1900 BST)

    Second Round Adrian Lewis vs Chris Dobey
    Peter Wright vs Krzyztof Ratajski
    Michael van Gerwen vs Stephen Bunting
    Jonny Clayton vs Dimitri Van den Burgh

    Wednesday sees the players from night one back in action as Adrian Lewis faces Chris Dobey, Peter Wright is up against Krzysztof Ratajski, Michael van Gerwen plays Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton faces off against Dimitri Van den Bergh as the second round gets under way.

    Live World Grand Prix Darts

    October 5, 2022, 7:00pm

    Live on

    Check out daily Darts news on skysports.com/darts, our app for mobile devices and our Twitter account @skysportsdarts. You can watch the 25th staging of the World Grand Prix ‘Double in, Double out’ set format on Sky Sports all the way through to the final on October 9 in Leicester.

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  • Colts RB Taylor hopes to play despite ankle injury

    Colts RB Taylor hopes to play despite ankle injury

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    2:18 PM ET

    • Stephen HolderESPN

    INDIANAPOLIS — Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is hopeful he’ll be able to play Thursday night against the Denver Broncos despite a badly twisted right ankle suffered in Sunday’s loss to the Tennessee Titans.

    The All-Pro running back said Tuesday he is rehabbing furiously and has seen definite improvement since Sunday.

    “I definitely do plan to play, but if you can’t go you can’t go,” Taylor said. “That’s why you have to get as much treatment as you can.”

    Taylor was wearing a boot on his right lower leg during Tuesday’s light practice, during which he was a spectator. Taylor is not at risk for further injury based on what team doctors have told coach Frank Reich.

    “From what I understand, the discussions that I’ve had, that’s not a concern at this point,” Reich said. “It’s an injury where he’s not ready to go right now, but we’ll see if he’ll be ready to go Thursday night.”

    Taylor added that a turf toe injury that limited him during practice last week has improved.

    “Definitely still dealing with that, but it’s in a good spot now,” Taylor said. “The main thing right now is getting that ankle back to 100 percent.”

    Elsewhere, Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard suffered a broken nose in addition to the concussion he was diagnosed with after Sunday’s game. Reich said that aspect of Leonard’s injury could impact his return to the lineup separately from the concussion, but the team can’t determine that until the significant swelling subsides and doctors can see the extent of the damage.

    The latest setback for Leonard comes just as he was making his season debut after offseason back surgery and figures to further test his patience.

    “He’s the heart and soul of who we are,” Reich said. “I feel terrible for him. He worked so hard to get back. It means so much to him. The team success means so much to him. That’s what I’ve come to appreciate.”

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  • Transfer Talk: Manchester City to give Haaland new deal to thwart Real Madrid

    Transfer Talk: Manchester City to give Haaland new deal to thwart Real Madrid

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    The summer transfer window is closed for the major leagues in Europe. However, with an eye on January, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

    TOP STORY: Man City to stop Madrid swoop for Haaland

    Real Madrid want to sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City by utilising a release clause that will become active in 2024 but the Premier League champions will aim to thwart the plan.

    According to El Chiringuito TV, the 22-year-old striker can be signed for €200 million in 2024 due to a clause that was negotiated in his contract when he joined City from Borussia Dortmund.

    However, Mundo Deportivo reveals that Pep Guardiola’s side are already working on a move to hand Haaland a new deal that would void the future clause. Given that he earns in the region of £375,000-per-week, the Citizens may have to make the Norwegian star their highest earner if they are to persuade him to stay.

    Haaland scored a hat-trick against Manchester United on Sunday for a total of 14 goals in just eight games so far, just six shy of equalling last year’s Golden Boot-winning tally.

    – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

    PAPER GOSSIP

    – Discussions regarding a potential swap deal between AC Milan and Chelsea for Rafael Leao could take place, according to Calciomercato. The Rossoneri are interested in both Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi, but it is reported that they would also want an €90m fee included as part of a deal to send Leao to Stamford Bridge. Leao, 23, has contributed to eight goals in seven Serie A appearances this season, and was on the radar of the Premier League side towards the end of the summer transfer window.

    – AS Roma are confident of signing Nicolo Zaniolo to a new long-term deal, reveals Gazzetta dello Sport. Interest in the 23-year-old attacking midfielder has seen Jose Mourinho’s move quickly to secure his future, and it is understood that they are now close to reaching full agreement over a new five-year deal that will see Zaniolo earn €4m-per-season until 2027.

    – The race is heating up for Ajax Amsterdam star Mohammed Kudus, according to Bild. Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton are all linked with interest in the 22-year-old forward, who has been in impressive form this season. Kudus has scored seven goals in five starts in the Eredivisie and Champions League, and he could be available for a transfer fee of around €10m.

    – Gael Kakuta is set to make a switch to Amiens, understands Radio France. The 31-year-old Lens winger has found it difficult to garner regular first team minutes this season, having made just three appearances across all competitions. Kakuta is understood to have already reached an agreement with the Ligue 2 club, where he previously enjoyed a successful spell in the 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign.

    – Victor Wanyama will leave Major League Soccer side CF Montreal at the end of the season, reports MLSoccer.com’s Tom Bogert. The former Tottenham midfielder has been a key contributor for the Canadian side since joining in 2019.

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  • Thorns owner Paulson steps away after damning abuse report

    Thorns owner Paulson steps away after damning abuse report

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    PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson has removed himself from a decision-making role with the National Women’s Soccer League club until the findings are released from an ongoing investigation into numerous scandals around the league.

    Paulson, who is also the owner of Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers, announced his decision in a statement Tuesday, one day after the release of the findings of a disturbing independent investigation into the NWSL’s abuse scandals commissioned by U.S. Soccer. A concurrent investigation is still being conducted jointly by the league and the players’ union, and Paulson plans to step away until its completion.

    Gavin Wilkinson and Mike Golub, who have both served in executive roles with Paulson’s teams, are also stepping away from the Thorns, who are headed into the NWSL playoffs. Paulson’s statement didn’t indicate whether the trio will also step away from the Timbers, and Paulson gave no indication he plans to sell his teams.

    “Yesterday’s Yates report unveiling was the darkest day I have experienced, and I know the same is true for everyone else who loves our team and our league,” Paulson said. “I know it was even harder and darker for those whose stories were shared publicly. I cannot apologize enough for our role in a gross systemic failure to protect player safety and the missteps we made in 2015. I am truly sorry.”

    In the investigation report commissioned by U.S. Soccer, Paulson is accused of enabling and supporting former Thorns coach Paul Riley after Riley was accused of harassment and sexual coercion by players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim. The investigation also found that Paulson and Wilkinson made inappropriate workplace comments to women.

    Golub is accused of making inappropriate sexual remarks in 2013 to former Thorns coach Cindy Parlow Cone, now the president of U.S. Soccer. Golub has previously faced criticism for his workplace behavior and his tolerance for others’ misbehavior.

    In her investigative report, former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates also accused Thorns management of not being forthcoming with information around Riley’s departure from the team in 2015, writing that the club “interfered with our access to relevant witnesses and raised specious legal arguments in an attempt to impede our use of relevant documents.”

    The Thorns didn’t announce why they weren’t renewing Riley’s contract that year, and Paulson subsequently vouched for Riley as he landed a job with the Western New York Flash, which subsequently became the North Carolina Courage. Riley was with the Courage until being fired in September 2021 after allegations of his misconduct were made public.

    Heather Davis, the general counsel for the Thorns, will oversee the team’s decisions in Paulson’s absence.

    “I very much appreciate your patience and believe it’s critical that the process play out with the Joint Investigation,” Paulson wrote in his announcement of his decision. “I love the Portland Thorns and women’s soccer, and am taking these steps with those interests in mind.”

    ———

    More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports

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  • “… I’m the answer:” Justin Jefferson channels Iverson to take a shot at Marshon Lattimore

    “… I’m the answer:” Justin Jefferson channels Iverson to take a shot at Marshon Lattimore

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    Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson did work in London on Sunday.

    In the 28-25 win over the New Orleans Saints at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Jefferson caught 10 passes for 147 yards. He also ran for a touchdown. It was the first time since 2016 that a player had 120 yards receiving and a rushing score and Jefferson’s 16th career 100-yard receiving game. According to ESPN Stats and Information, only Randy Moss and Odell Beckham Jr. have had more 100-yard games (19) in their first three seasons.

    For much of the game, Jefferson was matched up against Saints Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Let’s just say Jefferson won the matchup. One of Jefferson’s biggest catches was a 39-yard reception that set up Minnesota kicker Greg Joseph’s 47-yard, game-winning field goal.

    “Lattimore pretty much followed me the whole game, pretty much was a one-on-one battle the majority of the game,” Jefferson said after the game. “I was telling [Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell] the whole game we should throw it up, give me a chance to go up and make a big play.”

    Monday night, Jefferson channeled Allen Iverson’s famous step over Tyron Lue in the NBA Finals to get another shot at Lattimore.

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  • ‘I’ve been told I’m boring!’ | Siri interrupts Jamie Mackie live on Soccer Special!

    ‘I’ve been told I’m boring!’ | Siri interrupts Jamie Mackie live on Soccer Special!

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    Siri made a surprise appearance on Soccer Special, interrupting Jamie Mackie mid-sentence!

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  • Baltimore blunders, bathroom breaks and more bad beats of the week

    Baltimore blunders, bathroom breaks and more bad beats of the week

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    Misery loves company. At least that’s what my fellow Las Vegas Raiders fans have been telling me since I was 5 years old. Conversely, celebrating is always more fun when you’ve got friends. That’s why starting this week, we are adding the fantasy football world to our weekly therapy session.

    There are two things I’m sure of: My weeks are better when my beloved Raiders win, and all of our weeks are better when we share the chaos together. Let’s start filling those buckets with tears of joy or sadness.

    Fantasy frustrations

    The football gods wasted NO time Sunday reminding us that they run things. Imagine being the guy who was offered Rashaad Penny in a fantasy trade this week, turned the trade down, and then faced him this week? Yeah, that was my buddy Dave. Fear not, Dave, the pain was felt everywhere.

    From the Raiders suddenly deciding to hand the ball off to Josh Jacobs to Penny throwing up Madden-like numbers to Miles Sanders absolutely making us all look stupid, it was what I like to call Pie Week for fantasy football players. Because by late Monday night, all of us were eating a slice of that humble pie.

    I feel you, Vann.

    Verdict: Five buckets. Five overflowing buckets.

    Ahhhhh, the joy of betting is that a game that most of these players’ families don’t even want to watch becomes must-see TV. The Browns were up by three at the half, and everyone who bet Cleveland in this game had to feel good. Not so fast! Two late fourth-quarter field goals gave the Falcons the win — and more importantly kept Atlanta undefeated!

    No, not in the standings, don’t be silly. But where most of you care most.

    Verdict: Three buckets of mostly happiness

    Look, I don’t know Brandon. But Brandon deserves a hug. In the world of bad beats we’ve all got that story. This one, though, might take the cake.

    It’s a game of inches, Brandon … or yards, in this case. Actually, a yard. Yikes. I’m not helping this situation.

    Verdict: Four buckets

    Don’t @ me, analytics nerds, about John Harbaugh’s decision to go for fourth-and-goal late in a tied game from the 2-yard line. Sometimes taking the points is like a plain bologna sandwich on generic bread. Is it exciting? No. Is it satisfying? Kind of. Do you wish it was better … had more flair … was more what you expected? Obviously. But you’ve got to eat, and food is food. You have to win, and points are points. Instead of taking those points, you give the Bills the ball back tied and Josh Allen has one of those MVP-type moments that MVP-type players have.

    Meanwhile …

    Verdict: Three buckets

    Saturday was also … well … interesting? I mean, most of us were done before the day had even started thanks to TCU’s shocking shellacking of Oklahoma. This was how we ALL felt by halftime of the early games!

    But just when you thought life couldn’t get any weirder, this happened.

    Imagine being the guy who went to Syracuse, knows his team incredibly well and advises all of his buddies to take the under against Wagner at 63.5. It’s 49-0 at halftime …

    Everyone can rejoice! Crisis averted! We’re all rich! Orrrrrrrrrr ……

    Dust if off. We will get ’em next week. And just remember no matter how much grief your friends are giving you this week for your performance last weekend, it won’t equal the amount of grief the world is giving DK.

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  • Rivals.com – Three-Point Stance: Coaches on the rise, Wisconsin targets, Illinois

    Rivals.com – Three-Point Stance: Coaches on the rise, Wisconsin targets, Illinois

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    National recruiting analyst Clint Cosgrove weighs in with a trio of Group of Five coaches who have bright futures and four Midwest 2023 recruits Wisconsin should be targeting. He also takes a look at how Illinois is rolling this season.

    MORE THREE-POINT STANCE: Texas A&M, Iowa, coaches with momentum

    *****

    CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

    CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

    CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals100

    TRANSFER PORTAL: Stories/coverage | Message board

    *****

    1. Group of Five coaches who are ready to rise.

    Jamey Chadwell, Coastal Carolina: With a 27-3 record over the past 30 games, Chadwell has the Chanticleers rolling and they don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. The thing I love most about Chadwell is that he has proven capable of building powerhouse programs regardless of the division he is in or the resources he has been dealt. His name is already popping up for Power Five vacancies and should the right opportunity come along Coastal Carolina will likely have its hands full trying to retain him.

    Sean Lewis, Kent State: Kent State had a murderers row for a schedule to start the year, and while the 2-3 record on paper may not blow anyone away Lewis has proven that he can flat-out coach during his tenure with the Golden Flashes. The former Wisconsin player is an offensive guru who had already proven his chops as a coordinator at the Power Five level prior to taking over at Kent State, where he has thrived. Along with Lewis’ FlashFAST offense setting numerous school records, he also led Kent State to its first-ever bowl victory in just his second season at the helm. Lewis is young, energetic and innovative. Should he not land a Power Five job this season, look for one of college football’s bluebloods to lure him in for a high paying offensive coordinator job.

    Kane Wommack, South Alabama: The 35-year-old Wommack has South Alabama rolling with a 4-1 record to start his second season in Alabama. The Jaguars’ lone loss came on the road to No. 18 UCLA, and they led heading into the fourth quarter, only to eventually lose 32-31. While the sample size is small, Wommack has been impressive as a defensive coordinator at previous stops and has shown his ability to build a dangerous program in a short amount of time.

    *****

    2. Four Midwest 2023 recruits Wisconsin should pursue – or attempt to flip. 

    Malachi Coleman (Greg Smith/Inside Nebraska)

    ATH Malachi Coleman: The Nebraska native is as freaky as they come, and although his commitment date is just around the corner it doesn’t hurt for the Badgers to give it their best shot. I do believe Coleman is focusing on his previously released top seven, but with new blood in Madison and Coleman’s potential fit as an edge in Jim Leonhard‘s defense I would make him tell me “no” before I abandoned this recruitment.

    S Kahlil Tate – Iowa commit: Tate chose the Hawkeyes over the Badgers when he announced his commitment to Iowa in July. While I believe Tate is solid with the Hawkeyes, I also know that he connected with Leonhard throughout the recruiting process and the programs were neck and neck until the very end. With the former defensive coordinator now taking over as the head coach at Wisconsin, it may be worth the Badgers’ time to circle back.

    DE Kendrick Gilbert – Purdue commit: Although Wisconsin did not make the top four for Gilbert prior to his commitment to Purdue, the Badgers did offer the Rivals200 recruit out of Indiana. The Badgers supposedly have a need at defensive end, and if that is truly the case the allure of playing under a defensive-minded head coach at a program that consistently churns out NFL defensive linemen may be enough to make Gilbert consider Wisconsin. This is another case of trying to capitalize on any momentum that comes with a coaching change and the worst Gilbert can say is no.

    QB Lincoln Keinholz – Washington commit: Wisconsin has struck out on 2023 QB recruits so far, and that will likely be a position of emphasis as the Badgers try to close out the 2023 class. Keinholz was seriously considering the Badgers prior to his commitment, and along with Washington, Wisconsin was the only other Power Five team to make his top four. The South Dakota product has major upside and this is a player Wisconsin would be wise to revisit as it establishes a recruiting plan moving forward.

    *****

    3. Illinois is rolling. 

    Bret Bielema

    Bret Bielema (AP Images)

    To say that Bret Bielema and staff were facing an uphill battle when taking over at Illinois would be an understatement, and the speed in which Bielama has turned the program around is to be applauded. While his job is far from finished, this is a program that was in dire need of an identity following a Lovie Smith era that lacked results on the field and pretty much alienated Illinois from recruiting its home state. Even though last year’s 5-7 record wasn’t something to write home about, his Illinois squad exceeded expectations and even had a couple of signature wins with victories over then-No. 7 Penn State and then-No. 20 Minnesota, both of which came on the road.

    Even though there were glimpses of hope in year one, the Illini entered year two under Bielema with tempered expectations from fans and media alike. Fast forward five weeks into the 2022 season and it is clear that the program has made strides that few, if any, outside of Champaign saw coming. Illinois currently sits at 4-1 overall with a signature win over Wisconsin this past weekend and its lone loss coming in the final seconds on the road to Indiana. The offense is firing on full cylinders, the defense is playing lights out and with a number of winnable games left on the schedule, the sky’s the limit for what Illinois can accomplish in year two under Bielema.

    The in-state recruiting is going to take some more time and there is still plenty of work to be done when it comes to building the program as a whole. But, for the first time in a while there is a buzz about Illinois football among high school coaches and recruits in the state. The product Bielema and staff have put on the field this year has proven that you can stay home and potentially compete for championships. Wins on the field will be followed by wins on the recruiting trail, and while I thought hiring Bielema was a great choice when Illinois announced him as its head football coach, the speed in which this turnaround appears to be happening has far exceeded my expectations.

    SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ILLINOIS FANS AT ORANGEANDBLUENEWS.COM

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    Clint Cosgrove, National Recruiting Analyst

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  • Paris joins big screen boycott of World Cup games from Qatar

    Paris joins big screen boycott of World Cup games from Qatar

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    PARIS — Paris will not broadcast World Cup matches on giant screens in public fan zones amid concerns over rights violations of migrant workers and the environmental impact of the tournament in Qatar.

    It follows similar moves by other French cities, despite France going in as the defending champion. Some other European teams or federations are also looking at ways to protest.

    Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of sports, told reporters in the French capital that the decision against public broadcasting of matches is due to “the conditions of the organization of this World Cup, both on the environmental and social level.”

    He said in an interview with France Blue Paris that “air-conditioned stadiums” and the “conditions in which these facilities have been built are to be questioned.”

    Rabadan stressed that Paris is not boycotting the soccer tournament, but explained that Qatar’s “model of staging big events goes against what (Paris, the host of the 2024 Olympics) wants to organize.”

    The move comes despite the city’s football club, Paris Saint-Germain, being owned by Qatar Sports Investments.

    “We have very constructive relations with the club and its entourage yet it doesn’t prevent us to say when we disagree,” Rabadan said.

    Denmark is staging its own protest: Its team jerseys at the World Cup will include a black option to honor migrant workers who died during construction work for the tournament. And several European soccer federations want their captains to wear an armband with a rainbow heart design during World Cup games to campaign against discrimination.

    A growing number of French cities are refusing to erect screens to broadcast World Cup matches to protest Qatar’s human rights record.

    The mayor of Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, cited allegations of human rights abuses and exploitation of migrant workers in Qatar as the reason for canceling public broadcasts of the World Cup.

    “It’s impossible for us to ignore the many warnings of abuse and exploitation of migrant workers by non-governmental organizations,” Jeanne Barseghian said in a statement. “We cannot condone these abuses, we cannot turn a blind eye when human rights are violated.”

    And then, there’s the impact on the environment, Barseghian said.

    “While climate change is a palpable reality, with fires and droughts and other disaster, organizing a soccer tournament in the desert defies common sense and amounts to an ecological disaster,” she said.

    Arnaud Deslandes, a deputy mayor of Lille, said that by canceling public viewing of matches, the northern city wanted to send a message to FIFA about the irreparable damage of the Qatar tournament to the environment.

    “We want to show FIFA that money is not everything,” Deslandes told The Associated Press in an interview.

    As for residents’ reactions to the city’s decision, he added: “I have yet to meet a person in Lille who was disappointed by our decision.”

    The gas-rich emirate has been fiercely criticized in the past decade for its treatment of migrant workers, mostly from south Asia, who were needed to build tens of billions of dollars’ worth of stadiums, metro lines, roads and hotels.

    Qatar has been equally fierce in denying accusations of human rights abuses, and has repeatedly rejected allegations that the safety and health of 30,000 workers who built the World Cup infrastructure have been jeopardized.

    Qatar has also said that it is mindful of environmental concerns and has committed to offsetting some of the carbon emissions from the World Cup events through creating new green spaces irrigated with recycled water and building alternative energy projects.

    Environmental activists across France have supported the cancellation of public broadcasting in fan zones because outdoor viewing of the Nov. 20-Dec. 19 tournament would use energy that the country has been storing for winter.

    In the southwestern city of Bordeaux, authorities cited concerns with the energy cost associated with outdoor public broadcasts in the winter cold. The French government is calling for a sharp 10% reduction in the country’s energy use to avoid the risk of rationing cuts this winter amid tensions with supplier Russia over the war in Ukraine.

    “We are trying hard to save energy,” Bordeaux mayor Pierre Hurmic told the AP.

    He added: “It doesn’t make sense to roll out the red carpet to such a costly event in terms of energy and the environmental impact.”

    ———

    Surk reported from Nice, France. Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed.

    ———

    More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports

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  • Emma Raducanu defeated by Daria Kasatkina in first round of Agel Open

    Emma Raducanu defeated by Daria Kasatkina in first round of Agel Open

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    Emma Raducanu has been knocked out of the Agel Open in the first round after a 7-5 6-4 defeat by fifth seed Daria Kasatkina.

    More to follow…

    This is a breaking news story that is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest updates.

    Sky Sports brings you live updates as they happen. Get breaking sports news, analysis, exclusive interviews, replays and highlights.

    Sky Sports is your trusted source for breaking sports news headlines and live updates. Watch live coverage of your favourite sports: Football, F1, Boxing, Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Rugby League, Rugby Union, NFL, Darts, Netball and get the latest transfers news, results, scores and more.

    Visit skysports.com or the Sky Sports App for all the breaking sports news headlines. You can receive push notifications from the Sky Sports app for the latest news from your favourite sports and you can also follow @SkySportsNews on Twitter to get the latest updates.

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  • Cowboys D reaching elite levels of legendary Doomsday Defense?

    Cowboys D reaching elite levels of legendary Doomsday Defense?

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    ARLINGTON, Texas — When the outcome was still in question early in the fourth quarter Sunday and their Pro Bowl punter hit a ball off the side of his foot and saw it travel just 22 yards, the Dallas Cowboys‘ defense did not flinch.

    The Washington Commanders took over at the Cowboys’ 30 with the ability to cut a deficit to one score, and they would get as deep as the 10. But then Dante Fowler Jr. recorded a third-down sack, and a fourth-down Carson Wentz throw to receiver Terry McLaurin was deflected by corner Trevon Diggs.

    “It wasn’t even, ‘Oh, my gosh, bad field position,’” linebacker Leighton Vander Esch said. “It was everybody out there saying, like, ‘Do your job. They don’t get anything.’ And that was it.”

    The Commanders got nothing. The Cowboys got everything, including a 25-10 victory.

    Dallas (3-1) has won three straight games without Dak Prescott under center for a number of reasons: Timely offense, solid special teams, efficient running game.

    But the biggest reason? The defense.

    Even quarterback Cooper Rush recognizes it.

    “They’re the reason we’re winning, it’s just plain and simple,” Rush said. “Those guys, I mean, 10 points in the NFL is pretty impressive.”

    The Cowboys have yet to allow 20 points in a game this season. It’s the first time since 1973 the Cowboys have held their first four opponents to 19 points or fewer. They have allowed just four touchdowns in the first four games. Only the 1970 and 1972 defenses have given up four or fewer touchdowns in the first four games of the season.

    That’s reminiscent of the Cowboys’ Doomsday Defense, when they had Hall of Famers Bob Lilly and Mel Renfro with Ring of Honor linebackers Chuck Howley and Lee Roy Jordan leading the defense in the 1970s.

    “I’ll repeat it again: I think we’ve really got a chance to be the best defensive team in this league,” linebacker Micah Parsons said. “The way we prepare and the way we calculate, the players we have … everyone’s hungry out here. And I think that’s just been the key. Everyone’s just been relentless. Everyone’s been trying to take their chances and their shots.”

    On Sunday, the Cowboys sacked Wentz twice, raising their season total to 15. It’s the eighth time in franchise history they have recorded that many sacks in the first four games of a season and just the second time since Jerry Jones took over as owner and general manager in 1989.

    “We all talk about 17 [points] or less as a goal, but we all know how the rules have changed in the last 10 to 12 years, particularly with more space and so forth,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “I think it’s a real credit to our coaches and our players. You can see this really building in the second half of the season last year. As we stated throughout the OTAs and the training camp, this is a group that has a complete understanding of how we want to play. We’ve got a lot of depth, love their competitive spirit.”

    Parsons is the most recognized defender, but he has gone two games without a sack.

    “I started off good, but right now I’ve got to finish,” Parsons said. “I let too many plays get away from me today where I could have finished on the quarterback. That type of stuff can’t happen; [not] what a best player would do. I do think that I’ve been able to help my teammates get better.”

    Against the Commanders, the sacks went to Neville Gallimore and Fowler. But it’s more than sacks.

    According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Cowboys generated 16 pressures, which helped lead to two Wentz intentional grounding penalties. On the season, the Cowboys have 65 pressures, third most through four games since ESPN began tracking pressures in 2009.

    “I mean, we know we real up front,” DeMarcus Lawrence said. “That’s a testament to the rush we put on the last couple of weeks. Yeah, if you was a quarterback, you’d be a little flustered too.”

    And those pressures helped lead to two takeaways, including Diggs’ second interception in as many games and rookie DaRon Bland‘s first career interception, as he had to play the nickel corner spot after corner Jourdan Lewis went down with a groin injury in pregame warm-ups.

    “I feel like there is no ceiling,” Gallimore said. “At the end of the day, we know what we’ve got in that room.”

    Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored 19 points. The defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals scored 17. The New York Giants scored 16. Washington, 10.

    “So next week: 7,” Parsons said. “You know what I’m saying? That’s the type of standard.”

    The challenges will get stronger, starting next week with the Los Angeles Rams, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions.

    “There’s another level we can get to,” Vander Esch said. “We ain’t there yet. We just got to keep chugging.”

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