The new Purdue staff put their evaluation and recruiting chops on full display by offering and ultimately landing a commitment from late rising receiver Arhmad Branch today. The Festus, Mo. standout has long been an impressive but extremely undervalued recruit. That was until coach Ryan Walters and staff uncovered a true gem and extended Branch his first Power Five offer earlier this month. Branch visited Purdue this weekend and the talented receiver became the latest addition to the Boilermaker’s 2023 class prior to leaving West Lafayette.
Following his commitment, Branch caught up with Rivals for a question and answer session about becoming the Purdue’s newest commit.
What ultimately made you choose Purdue in the end?
“The love that Purdue showed and the way that Purdue goes about their business. They make sure you work hard in the classroom and on the field. The entire coaching staff wants you to be excellent in everything you do.”
What stood out about your weekend visit to Purdue?
“What stood out to me is how much the coaching staff loves the program and how much the players love the new coaching staff. Even the trainers and nutritionists are bought into what Purdue is building.”
What coaches and players did you connected with throughout your recruiting process with Purdue?
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams have hired former New York Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, the team announced on Friday night.
The move comes after LaFleur and the Jets parted ways and Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen left Sean McVay’s staff to return to the Kentucky Wildcats to hold the same position.
During the 2022 season, the Rams’ offense struggled to consistently move the ball down the field, finishing last in the NFL in yards per game (280.5) and 27th in points per game (18.1). The unit was hit hard by injuries last season, losing quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson to season-ending injuries.
The Rams also had so many injuries on the offensive line that they started 12 different offensive line combinations in their first 12 games.
LaFleur spent the past two seasons with the Jets, leading an offense that finished 29th in scoring and 25th in total yards in 2022 and 28th and 26th the previous season.
The Super Bowl LVI champions, who finished last season 5-12, expect to have a healthy Stafford and Kupp to start OTAs in April.
Before his time with the Jets, LaFleur was the San Francisco 49ers‘ passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach from 2017 to 2020 under coach Kyle Shanahan.
LaFleur’s brother, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur, was the Rams offensive coordinator under McVay in 2017.
Arsenal have had their fresh £70m bid for midfielder Moises Caicedo rejected by Brighton.
Brighton’s stance remains unchanged and the midfielder is not for sale in January, with the window set to shut on Tuesday at 11pm. Sky Sports News has been told their position will not change.
Had the Seagulls accepted Arsenal’s latest offer for the 21-year-old it would have been a club-record transfer, surpassing the £60m sale of Marc Cucurella to Chelsea in the summer.
The Gunners also had their initial £60m offer for Caicedo rejected, which prompted the Colombia international to plead with Brighton to let him leave and join the Premier League leaders in a statement on social media.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Soccer Saturday team have their say on Moises Caicedo’s potential transfer to Arsenal and analyse his best moments in a Brighton shirt.
Caicedo, who said to Brighton’s official website that he was focused solely on his current club just last week, was told to stay away from training with the Seagulls until after Tuesday’s transfer deadline following his Instagram post.
Leandro Trossard has already swapped Brighton for Arsenal in the current window in a deal worth £27m.
De Zerbi: Brighton ready to go forward without Caicedo
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi insists that Moises Caicedo is a ‘very good guy’, but says it was a ‘mistake’ for the midfielder to publically state his desire to leave the club.
Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi wants Caicedo to stay at Brighton until the end of the season but says the club are “ready to go forward without him”.
“Caicedo is a very good guy and I can understand him,” said De Zerbi after Sunday’s last-gasp FA Cup fourth-round win over Liverpool.
“When you are 21 and you receive the request of a big team, they are playing in European competition, I can understand.”
Asked if he was surprised by Caicedo’s social media post, De Zerbi added: Yes, yes I was. I’m not sure if it was him if you know what I mean…”
Pressed on if he thought Caicedo had been influenced by others, De Zerbi said: “Yes, I think so.”
What did Caicedo’s Instagram post say?
Caicedo’s Instagram post read: “I am grateful to Mr Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
“I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
“I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
Caicedo said on Brighton’s official website earlier this week that he was focused solely on his current club.
Trossard has already swapped Brighton for Arsenal in the current window in a deal worth a £27m, but Brighton are determined to keep hold of Caicedo.
Who will be on the move this winter? The January transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday January 31, 2023.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
Madrid dominated the first half but were unable to convert that superiority into goals. Vinicius Junior shot wide early on, and was denied by keeper Alex Remiro when through on goal before half-time. After the break, Vinicius and Rodrygo both went close — Remiro saving from Vinicius once again — as Madrid had to settle for a point.
1. Madrid’s Brazilians unable to find finishing touch
With Karim Benzema not quite at his best, Vinicius and Rodrygo share the goal-scoring responsibility for Real Madrid. The Brazilians were a constant menace to the La Real defence on Sunday, with all of Madrid’s best attacking moments coming from one or the other.
Rodrygo’s confidence is sky high after his goal-of-the-season contender in Thursday’s Madrid derbi, and he carried that form into this game. He was the best player on the pitch in the first half and continued to pose a threat in the second, only denied a goal by a flying block from defender Igor Zubeldia.
Vinicius didn’t make the most of the situations he created for himself. He shot wide after nutmegging Zubeldia in the first half and was unable to find a clinical finish when one-on-one with Remiro. More chances came his way later, with Remiro standing tall to claw away Vini’s attempted scoop over the keeper.
In the end, neither player was able to find a way past Remiro, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
Camavinga was picked here at left-back after impressing in the position when Mendy went off hurt against Atletico Madrid. It’s unlikely to be his long-term role — his qualities as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder are all too evident — but on this limited evidence, the France international looks like a useful emergency option, especially when able to get forward.
Meanwhile Ceballos has never felt this much like a Real Madrid player. Five and a half years since he joined from Real Betis, he is finally getting a run of games in midfield and looks to be relishing every minute. After coming off the bench to win Madrid’s Copa del Rey tie at Villarreal on Jan. 19, he started against Athletic Club a week ago, shone off the bench against Atletico, and was a constant, busy midfield presence here.
You still wonder if Ceballos has what it takes to start for Madrid every week, but he couldn’t have made a better case for a contract renewal, with his current deal due to expire this summer.
3. La Real show third place in LaLiga is no fluke
Real Sociedad have been one of the stories of the season in LaLiga — unquestionably the third-best side in the division behind Barcelona and Madrid — and here they showed they are more than capable of competing with the big two.
In fact, La Real could have come away with all three points if centre-forward Alexander Sorloth had taken two presentable chances that fell his way, one in each half. His is a position that ought to be strengthened if the Basque team are to step up another level and make a habit of challenging Barca and Madrid.
Such is the strength of this squad elsewhere — packed full of homegrown players — that the team could cope with subpar performances from two of their best, Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Mendez. This was an evening where none of La Real‘s forward players really shone — perhaps their best was Takefusa Kubo, formerly of Madrid — and it was their resolute defence that impressed.
Zubeldia and Robin Le Normand were outstanding at centre-back, and the often-inconsistent Remiro kept them in the game with some crucial saves. La Real are known for an attack-minded brand of football, but here they showed a different side to their game and deservedly left the Bernabeu with a point.
Best and worst performers
BEST: Dani Ceballos, Real Madrid. Impressed again. On this form, you couldn’t argue with the club deciding to offer him a new contract.
BEST: Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid. Looked dangerous time and time again, but lacked the finishing touch.
BEST: Alex Remiro, Real Sociedad. Made two big saves from Vinicius, one in each half.
WORST: Mikel Oyarzabal, Real Sociedad. Still feeling his way back from a long-term injury, he had a very quiet night.
WORST: Brais Mendez, Real Sociedad. The biggest impression he made was a bad challenge on Ceballos.
WORST: Aihen Munoz, Real Sociedad. Had a hard time up against Madrid’s forward line and was substituted at half-time.
Highlights and notable moments
Vinicius had the magic, but the finish wasn’t quite there on this night.
Nacho: “It was a good game, very intense. We had the better chances and we didn’t take them, the draw is a shame. … Remiro and La Real are having a great season. We did a good job but [the draw] leaves us with a bad taste. … When you have clear chances and you miss them … It’s a long season, we have to keep going.”
Remiro: “[Manager] Imanol [Alguacil] gets the best out of us. It isn’t coincidence. … He knows how to get it right.”
Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information research)
– Real Madrid were the last team in Europe’s Big Five leagues to have scored in all of their matches this season in all competitions.
– Real Sociedad now have 15 clean sheets in all competitions, only Barcelona (16) have more among LaLiga teams.
Up next
Real Madrid: Madrid welcome Valencia to the Bernabeu on Thursday in LaLiga play (3 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+).
Real Sociedad:La Real will get an extra few days’ rest, hosting Real Valladolid on Sunday in league play (12:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+)
DeMeco Ryans, the San Francisco defensive coordinator, has garnered interest from other teams hiring for the head coach position.Credit…Tony Avelar/Associated Press
DeMeco Ryans, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, is in a position most N.F.L. assistant coaches would covet. He leads the top-ranked unit in the league, his team is one win away from the Super Bowl, and he has been sought after by other teams looking for a head coach since the regular season ended.
Four teams with vacancies — the Arizona Cardinals, the Indianapolis Colts, the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos — have requested to interview Ryans, who is Black. All N.F.L. clubs are required to interview a minority or female candidate for head coaching positions because of the Rooney Rule, and in previous hiring cycles Black coordinators like Eric Bieniemy, who runs Kansas City’s offense, and Leslie Frazier, who commanded the Bills defense, were brought in by multiple teams but not hired by any.
It won’t be the first time Ryans is offered a top role. He was a candidate last year for the Minnesota Vikings’ opening, but turned down a second interview with the team’s front office, saying he wanted another year of experience coaching in San Francisco.
A former Pro Bowl linebacker, Ryans retired from playing after 10 seasons in the N.F.L. with the Texans and Eagles. Beginning in 2017, he spent four seasons as an assistant in San Francisco before taking over for Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator in 2021.
“I’m not just in it just to be a head coach and say, ‘Oh, I’m a head coach,’” Ryans said in a news conference in June. “If I do it, I want to be very successful at it and I want to do it for a long time. So it’s not about just jumping at the first opportunity, but for all of us, whatever opportunities we get presented in life, you want it to be the best for you where you can see longevity in it and make a lasting impression and be able to impact lives beyond just me.”
ARLINGTON, Texas – Rivals250 wide receiver Micah Gilbert represented the Carolina Stars at the Shock Doctor Legends Showcase tournament in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex over the weekend. He helped lead his team to an undefeated day on Saturday ahead of Championship Sunday.
Gilbert passes the eye test and is a physically impressive athlete at 6-3 and 190 pounds that also shines on the basketball court. However, it was his ability to create separation against defensive backs that stood out in the 7-on-7 action.
“I have definitely showcased my route running. Many people don’t expect that,” Gilbert told Rivals. “But I’ve definitely been showing my route running and speed out here.”
The four-star receiver holds double digit offers and is a coveted recruit in the Southeastern region of the country. Several programs in that area have his attention as he gears up to take more visits this spring.
“I’m looking to visit Tennessee, Florida, Clemson, Duke, Virginia Tech, and some big SEC schools,” Gilbert said about what his plans are following the dead period.
“(The Southeast) is big-time football,” he added.
Virginia Tech was the latest school to get Gilbert on campus, and the Hokies are making it known that he is wanted in their class. Gilbert visited Blacksburg last weekend and continues to develop relationships with many coaches on staff.
“It was a good visit. It was their junior day, so it was good,” said Gilbert. “They’re just telling me that they can put me in positions to make a difference. They don’t have anybody my size that can do what I can do, so they can get me the ball in different places and move me around.”
There is one notable program outside of the South that does have Gilbert’s interest: Penn State. Gilbert was born in Pittsburgh, and the Nittany Lions have pitched the receiver on returning to his home state for the next level.
“Penn State talks to me a lot,” Gilbert said. “They want me to get to (Happy Valley), get on campus, and get a feel (for the program). They’re telling me that I’ll like what I see.”
The opportunity to play early in his collegiate career, as well as academics, is important to Gilbert as he weighs each school that is recruiting him. He is planning to be an early-enrollee at the school of his choice. With that said, he’s in no real rush to make a commitment.
“I’m still keeping (my recruitment) open,” said Gilbert.
Micah Gilbert is currently ranked as the No. 217 overall prospect in the nation for the 2024 cycle by Rivals. The Charlotte (N.C.) Christian standout is the No. 31 wide receiver and the No. 6 player in North Carolina in his class.
He also suffered a high ankle sprain in the Chiefs’ 2019 regular-season opener. That experience could serve him well in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium.
“It’s very similar, just a different ankle,’’ Mahomes said. “I’ll have to find ways to be able to push off and be able to still make the throws the right way.
“I think it’s just about being a competitor. All you can do is just mentally prepare yourself and your body throughout the week, and then you get to game day and you just have to focus on the game. That’s what I’ll try to do is prepare my body the best I can and get to the game and just go out there and play and try to find a way to win.’’
Mahomes injured his right ankle while being hit after throwing a pass in the first quarter on Saturday. He left the game for a series, giving way to backup Chad Henne, who took the Chiefs on a 98-yard touchdown drive.
Mahomes came back in the game for the second half. In 2019, he didn’t come out of the game and played in the next week’s game against the Raiders, throwing four touchdown passes.
His signature mobility and style of play was affected against Jacksonville. After leading the NFL during the regular season with 113 throws from outside the pocket, he threw exclusively from the pocket in the second half.
If he’s mostly a pocket passer on Sunday, Mahomes and the Chiefs have thrived that way before. Including the playoffs, Mahomes is 12-0 in his career and 2-0 this season when he throws at least 90% of his passes from inside the pocket.
He had the NFL’s best QBR (73) this season on passes from the pocket, also leading the league in pocket passes resulting in touchdowns (6%) and first downs (42%).
In any case, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the Chiefs’ game plan is expansive enough that they can call plays to avoid any limitations Mahomes may have.
“We have enough in the game plan where you can kind of pick and choose where you want to go with it,’’ he said. “You have a variety of things that you can go to. Obviously you don’t use all the plays in the game plan, but they’re available, so if you have to go a certain direction, you can go that direction with the calls.’’
Reid said he was expecting the Bengals to put pressure on Mahomes beyond what they normally might if his ankle were at full strength.
“I’m sure they’ll do something, yeah,’’ Reid said. “But I’m not going to chase a bunch of different things. We should have things covered in our protections no matter what.’’
An offseason trade of Aaron Rodgers remains an option for the Green Bay Packers for a variety of reasons, league sources told ESPN.
A scenario that once seemed unthinkable, a Rodgers trade could be driven by financial reasons, the state of the Packers franchise and ultimately the feelings of the team and the star quarterback.
League sources believe the franchise prefers to move on from Rodgers, just as it once did with Brett Favre. Those sources also believe that Rodgers is well aware of the Packers’ feelings on the situation.
Rodgers said during an interview this past week with “The Pat McAfee Show” that he is “open to all honest and direct conversations” with the Packers and that a trade “wouldn’t offend me, and it wouldn’t make me feel like a victim.”
Rodgers also noted in the interview that a possible trade, at this point, is “conjecture” until he decides what he wants to do “moving forward for myself.”
But regardless of Rodgers’ decision, changes are coming to Green Bay — it’s just a matter of how extensive they will be. Rodgers himself quipped during the interview: “Is it a reload or a rebuild?”
The Packers currently are projected to be more than $16 million over next season’s salary cap and have a list of impending free agents that includes some of Rodgers’ closest friends on the team: Randall Cobb, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan, Allen Lazard and Mason Crosby.
Aaron Jones also is slated to have a cap number of $20 million, and the Packers could save $10.4 million against the cap if they were to cut or trade the star running back. Green Bay also could save $16 million if it designated Jones as a post-June 1 cut.
So this is a Packers franchise at a crossroads — no more so than at quarterback, where Rodgers is due $59.5 million in guaranteed money this year and another $49.25 million in 2024.
The Packers used a very complex contract structure with Rodgers when the sides agreed on an extension last offseason. Of the guaranteed money owed to Rodgers in 2023, $58.3 million of it is structured as an option bonus. The window to exercise that option is from the first day of the new league year (March 15) until one day before Green Bay’s regular-season opener in September.
By including that option bonus in Rodgers’ contract, both sides have more than enough time to find a trade partner. Once the option is exercised, Rodgers’ cap number for 2023 would be $31,623,570.
While Rodgers is due close to $110 million in guaranteed money over the next two years — money he is not expected to walk away from — the Packers also have to decide on quarterback Jordan Love‘s fifth-year option that would be worth roughly $20 million fully guaranteed by May 1.
Love flashed in mop-up action in a game against Philadelphia this past season, completing 6 of 9 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
“They drafted my replacement, and if I didn’t win two COVID MVPs, this conversation probably would’ve happened earlier,” Rodgers said during the interview Tuesday. “But in a year where I’m not going to win MVP, it allows for all the different conjectures of if Jordan is ready and if it’s time to move on.”
Rodgers, 39, ultimately has a major voice in what he wants to do in 2023 — whether that’s playing Green Bay or another team, or retirement. At no time during his comments on “The Pat McAfee Show” or to reporters at the end of the season did Rodgers declare he would be back in Green Bay. In fact, his words and actions have demonstrated otherwise.
Rodgers, who has spent his entire 18-year career with the Packers, was said to be emotional on the field during pregame warmups before Green Bay’s season-ending loss at Lambeau Field to the Detroit Lions.
After the game, Rodgers declined Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams‘ request for his No. 12 jersey, saying “I’m gonna hold on to this one,” before walking off the field, looking up at the Lambeau crowd and entering the tunnel with his arm wrapped around Cobb’s shoulder.
If this situation feels familiar for Green Bay, it should. Favre was 38 years old at the time Green Bay traded him to the New York Jets and was 39 while playing his first season away from the Packers.
There would be substantial interest in Rodgers’ services across the league should the Packers decide to trade him.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – For a second consecutive weekend, the state of Florida was the place to be to see top high school football skill talent from across the country. Teams were stocked with future FBS talents participated in Pylon 7on7’s Orlando tournament and the big spotlight brought out the players’ best.
Smith’s stock can’t get much higher but the show he put on for South Florida Express warrants attention. From the regular season to the offseason, the five-star receiver appears to have gotten bigger and perhaps taller. Already a big target for quarterbacks, Smith seemingly towers over defensive backs and soars to high point the ball on 50-50 tosses in the corner of the end zone. He was great off the line and made highly contested receptions with ease making the game look easy.
Bates did his part on offense but also flashed his overall athletic skills playing cornerback, where he looked like a natural. Bates is an intimidating presence on defense, able to jam and run with any receiver. His stock rose displaying the athletic abilities, and he may give college coaches even more to think about as a next level fit.
*****
Kulp’s hips are fast and smooth with make up speed if there is any hesitation on the route a receiver is running. On Saturday, his long arms helped break up passes thrown in his direction and served as a deterrent for quarterbacks looking for a window. As Kulp continues to work on his craft, there are some going for great moments trying to get the pick that will have to turn for settling for the PBU. Regardless, Kulp did not hurt his status on Saturday.
*****
Inside linebackers are kind of limited in 7-on-7 action but Bell still showed his cover skills, hips and speed on Saturday. On the rare occasion a team handed off to the tailback, the Top Shelf talent quickly ran down the ball. Along the recruiting trail, Logan is one of the hottest recruits on the East Coast picking up nine offers in a three-day span to surpass the 20-scholarship milestone.
*****
Tossing the pigskin for FIE on Saturday, Alexander showed off a Saturday arm, footwork and did well anticipating openings. There’s a high ceiling in Alexander’s game, and he has all the pieces to see his stock continue to rise.
Novak Djokovic says he is still “motivated” to win more Grand Slams after claiming a 22nd of his career at the Australian Open to draw level with his great rival Rafael Nadal.
The 35-year-old’s triumph brought him level with Nadal’s all-time record of men’s singles Slam successes and the Serbian superstar already has his sights on adding to that tally.
“Of course, I’m motivated to win as many as possible,” Djokovic said. “These trophies are the biggest motivational factor.
“I never like to compare myself to others but of course it’s a privilege to be part of the discussion as one of the greatest players of all time.
“I still have a lot of motivation. Let’s see how far it takes me. I don’t want to stop here, I feel great about my tennis.
“I know that when I’m feeling good, I have a chance to win any Slam against anybody, so I like my chances going forward – but nothing is for granted.”
I still have a lot of motivation. Let’s see how far it takes me. I don’t want to stop here, I feel great about my tennis.
As far as the Grand Slams are concerned, Djokovic’s attention will now turn to securing a third French Open title – a tournament he last won two years ago when he also beat Tsitsipas in the final.
This year’s gathering at Roland Garros gets under way on May 28, while he will also be eager to retain the Wimbledon crown he claimed for the seventh time last year.
Were Djokovic to do that, it would make it a fourth title in five years at the All-England Club, and he is determined to keep playing for as long as he has the desire to stay at the highest level.
“I don’t know how many more years I’m going to play or how many more Slams I’m going to play,” Djokovic said. “It depends on various things – it doesn’t depend only on my body.
“I think it’s extremely important for me to be, of course, first to have the support and love from the close ones, and ability to go and play and keep the balance with the private life, but at the same time have the mental clarity or – how should I say – aspirations to really strive to chase these trophies.
“Physically I can keep myself fit. Of course, 35 is not 25, even though I want to believe it is, but I still feel there is time ahead of me. Let’s see how far I go.”
Djokovic: Missing final not easy for my father
Image: Djokovic celebrates with his team including his mother, Dijana, second left
One familiar face who was absent from Djokovic’s coaching box for the final was his father, Srdjan, who missed his semi-final too after being filmed with a group of people with Russian flags including one with an image of Vladimir Putin.
Australian Open organisers banned spectators from carrying flags of Russia or Belarus, saying they would cause disruption because of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Djokovic and his father stated it was a misunderstanding, with Srdjan thinking he was with Serbian fans.
Djokovic was able to catch up with his father following his straight-sets victory over Tsitsipas and while he was pleased to be able to share those moments with him, he conceded it had been difficult for both that he was unable to watch the match in person.
“We both agreed it would probably be better that he is not there,” Djokovic said. “That hurts me and him a lot because these are very special, unique moments – who knows if they repeat again? So, it was not easy for him.
“I saw him after the match, of course. He was not feeling his best, let’s say, even though he was very happy to hug me and of course with everything. I could see that he’s a bit sad.
“I think in the end also what he told me is that it’s important that I feel good on the court, I win the match, and he’s here for me. If it’s going to be better for me as the outcome of the match so that he’s not in the box, then so be it. That was the whole conversation.
“In a way I’m also sad that he was not there, present, in the stands, but he was throughout the entire tournament, so it’s fine. In the end we have a happy ending.”
Tsitsipas: I am born a champion
Image: Djokovic embraces Tsitsipas after beating the Greek
It was a second Grand Slam final defeat for Tsitsipas, who also lost to Djokovic from two sets up at the French Open in 2021.
The Greek, who would have become world No 1 himself had he won, is confident he is on the right path, though, saying: “Today was my opportunity to be a world number one. I had a better opponent on the other side of the net who did things much better than me. He deserves that spot currently.
“It’s my time to aim for something like this. I don’t see any reason to be lowering my expectations or my goals. I am born a champion. I can feel it in my blood.”
When Djokovic is on like he was in the second week of this tournament, his game is all about firsts. Line-scraping first serves that give him the first point of his service games. First breaks of his opponents’ serves that become a first dagger, and first-set wins for a player who rarely lets anyone creep back into a match.
He does not let opponents catch their breath, smacking returns at their shins, forcing them to hit yet another shot, and then another one after they think they have won a point. It’s tennis a form of suffocation. Tommy Paul, the American who was Djokovic’s victim in the semifinal, said when it was over that much of the first set was a blur. Paul had played tennis his whole life but this time, the seconds between points, between the moment he hit a ball and then was on the run chasing after the next one, had never passed so quickly.
Andrey Rublev, a Russian with a fearsome forehand and serve, paced in the hallway in the minutes before being called onto the court. He had played Djokovic three times before, and even beat him once, but had never faced him at Rod Laver Arena, where across the net he faced an even more invincible version of Djokovic than what he had seen in the past.
“He was playing much better,” a dazed Rublev said when it was over. “I don’t know what else to say.”
In the fourth round Alex de Minaur, playing in front of a hometown crowd ready to cheer him into battle, won just five games. After demolishing de Minaur, Djokovic said to the Serbian press that playing against an Australian in Australia motivated him because of what the country’s government had done to him the previous year, detaining and deporting him because of his notoriety and his stance against mandated vaccinations.
But Djokovic’s reclamation mission in Australia was filled with hazards. Ahead of the tournament he aggravated his hamstring, forcing him to take the court wearing a thick strapping around the injured area until the final. He hobbled through the first week, playing without the magical movement that is the foundation of his game.
And then, as with so many of his previous injuries, a combination of rest, massages and painkillers made the pain and discomfort go away when it mattered most arrived. He heard the noise on social media questioning whether the leg had ever been hurt at all, and shot back that no one questions the validity of other players’ injuries — an unsubtle reference to the always banged-up Nadal — only his.
Injuries to the NFL’s likely MVP and runner-up have led to a conference championship weekend that is making sports betting history.
Never before have we seen this much parity in the futures market with four teams remaining. All have Super Bowl odds over +200, which has never previously happened, and the range is only between +245 and +330.
Additionally, for just the third time ever, the point spread in each title game is below three points. However, it is the AFC Championship that has created the most frenzy, due to the health of Kansas City Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes.
Throughout the week, the Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals have each been favored by as many as 2.5 points with the favorite flipping once. Wagers from respected bettors caused the market moves and both teams received support.
“I’ve never seen this much action on an NFL game this early in the week,” longtime Las Vegan and SuperBook head NFL oddsmaker Ed Salmons told ESPN. Typically the odds move in one direction throughout the week but sportsbooks have taken such high volume on both teams, which is rare.
Throughout the postseason, the 49ers were the NFC favorites, even though they did not have home-field advantage. However, after last weekend’s games, the Eagles opened as one-point favorites and respected bets on Philadelphia immediately moved the spread to 2.5. Jalen Hurts looked much sharper in the divisional round win, which was his second game back since missing two games with a shoulder injury.
San Francisco’s 12-game win streak (10-2 ATS) is as impressive as it seems. And to pull it off with a third-string rookie quarterback speaks volumes about their talented supporting cast and sophisticated coaching. However, I think this is where Brock Purdy‘s magical run ends.
He has looked pedestrian in his first two road starts (Seattle and Las Vegas) and this is an entirely different challenge with the Philly environment and high stakes. For all the attention San Francisco’s defense receives, Philadelphia’s does not. The Eagles rank second in defensive efficiency, just 0.2 behind the 49ers. They also have ballhawks in the secondary that will intercept Purdy, if he continues to throw dangerous passes. Frankly, he lacks the necessary accuracy and arm strength, which is why he lasted until the very last draft pick.
The 49ers front will pose problems for Hurts and the offense but the Eagles’ versatility with plenty of pass-catching talent will be the deciding factor. Head coach Nick Sirianni has been one of the most aggressive decision-makers all season, and I expect that moxie to prove beneficial.
Pick: Eagles -2.5
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5, 48)
Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
As much as anyone, I understand the desire to bet this game. I really do. However, given that the league’s best player is not 100%, in addition to the potential of re-injury, it seems hard to justify a large wager of any kind.
With that being said, I need action, so I am looking to the under. It starts with Mahomes, who despite everyone overreacting to random practice video of his performing half-speed handoffs, I believe the right ankle sprain will limit him. Did others expect to see crutches in the pocket? Of course he was going to look somewhat normal. The concern is what happens at full speed after he is tackled around his ankles.
I also believe Cincinnati’s patchwork offensive line benefited last week from the snowy conditions, which prevented Buffalo’s pass rush from pivoting. I think the Kansas City front, which is stronger than many realize, will pressure Joe Burrow and disrupt the offense.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic was simply too good at the most crucial moments and claimed his 10th Australian Open championship and 22nd Grand Slam title overall by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) in the final at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night.
The victory allows Djokovic to return to No. 1 in the ATP rankings.
The 35-year-old from Serbia did not compete in the Australian Open a year ago after being deported from the country because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Government restrictions have eased since, and he was able to get a visa this time despite still not having gotten the shots against the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Now Djokovic has run his winning streak at the hard-court tournament to 28 matches.
His 10th trophy in Australia adds to the record he already held. His 22 major championships — which include seven from Wimbledon, three from the U.S. Open and two from the French Open — are tied with Rafael Nadal for the most by a man in the history of tennis.
Tsitsipas fell to 0-2 in major finals. He also lost to Djokovic at the 2021 French Open.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is expected to play in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday.
Kelce is listed as questionable after experiencing back spasms during Friday’s practice.
The star tight end dominated the Chiefs’ win last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, hauling in 14 passes and scoring two touchdowns.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is dealing with a high ankle sprain he suffered against the Jaguars, but he practiced all three days, and he will start against the Bengals.
The Royal Rumble began with the men’s Royal Rumble and a big return and ended with one of the most dramatic moments we’ve ever witnessed in the history of professional wrestling.
Cody Rhodes was the first to punch his ticket to WrestleMania in the opening match. Rhodes, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, returned to the ring for the first time since June to win the 30-man Royal Rumble. Rhodes eliminated Intercontinental champion Gunther, who set a Royal Rumble record for time spent in the match after entering at No. 1, after a thrilling back-and-forth battle between the two that extended past 10 minutes.
After a victory from Bray Wyatt in the Mountain Dew Pitch Black match and a successful title defense for Bianca Belair over Alexa Bliss, it was Rhea Ripley’s turn to continue her ascent in WWE. Ripley won the women’s Royal Rumble, outlasting 29 other participants after she entered the ring first. Ripley became the fourth person in the 35-year history of the Rumble to win it all as the No. 1 entrant. Now, The Judgment Day’s Ripley will have her pick of either the Raw women’s championship held by Bianca Belair or the SmackDown championship around the waist of Charlotte Flair.
But then all focus turned to The Bloodline.
Roman Reigns did walk out of the Royal Rumble as the Undisputed WWE Universal champion, but he could be down two members from his formidable faction. After Reigns outlasted Kevin Owens in a barnburner, extending a title reign that’s at 881 days, he continued to beat down the challenger after he handcuffed him to the ropes.
The Usos took turns delivering superkicks — unleashing at least a dozen — before Reigns pulled out a chair. That’s when Sami Zayn stepped in and pleaded for Reigns to show mercy. Instead, Reigns insisted that Zayn the deliver chair shot.
Instead, Zayn hit Reigns with the chair, ending his incredible run with The Bloodline, as Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso and Reigns pummeled him. But not Jey Uso. He came to Zayn’s rescue at Monday’s tribunal and refused to join the beatdown. He turned his back on Reigns and walked out of the ring, perhaps setting him up to join Zayn in his newfound rivalry with WWE’s top star.
Here’s everything that happened on an exciting night in San Antonio, as our key takeaways are pinned to the top of our timeline.
The San Francisco 49ers (13-4) will make their third N.F.C. championship game appearance in four seasons when they face the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) on Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern time, broadcast on Fox.
Betting lines slightly lean toward the Eagles, playing at home, as a 2.5-point favorite, which is a testament to their consistency in the regular season. But the modest spread also shows that experts predict this game between two of the league’s best teams to be competitive.
The matchup highlights how the teams built a complete roster in the modern N.F.L., as both clubs fielded lineups that are deep in key positions because of shrewd draft choices and trades by Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman and 49ers General Manager John Lynch.
A thriving Jalen Hurts
The Eagles, the top seed in the N.F.C., share the best record in the N.F.L. with Kansas City and have ascended to the league’s elite because of the development of quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts, selected in the second round of the 2020 N.F.L. draft, has drastically improved in his second full season as a starter, throwing for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing over 66 percent of his passes. A.J. Brown, a receiver whom Roseman traded for in April, caught half of those touchdown passes, posting 1,496 yards and 11 scores.
Hurts also rushed for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection despite missing two games with a shoulder injury. Hurts’s rushing ability, coupled with his arm, has allowed the Eagles to thrive in Coach Nick Sirianni’s run-pass option offense, a scheme that allows the quarterback to hand the ball off or throw to a receiver depending on the reaction of the defense. The quarterback dispelled concerns about his shoulder by completing a 40-yard pass on his second play of the divisional-round win against the Giants.
The Eagles’ offensive line, led by center Jason Kelce and tackle Lane Johnson, is one of the best in the N.F.L., allowing the Eagles to rush for 147.6 yards per game, the fifth-most in the league. Defensively, the Eagles secured the most sacks (70) and allowed the fewest passing yards per game (179.8), largely because of players Roseman traded for or added in free agency in the last three years, such as cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry and linebacker Haason Reddick.
A surprising Brock Purdy
The Eagles will face a 49ers offense led by the rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, who began the season at the bottom of the depth chart. But he was inserted midway through the year after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.
He transitioned seamlessly.
The 49ers have won 12 consecutive games, including the seven games Purdy has started since Garoppolo’s foot injury against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 4. Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 N.F.L. draft, has played efficiently under Coach Kyle Shanahan, who also acts as the offense’s play caller. Purdy has thrown just four interceptions while adding 1,374 yards and 13 touchdowns in nine games. But his success is also tied to the offensive weapons around him.
Lynch in October traded for the star running back Christian McCaffrey, whose ambidextrous rushing and receiving skills align with Shanahan’s desire to capitalize on players’ ability to run after the catch and position them in different areas of the field. McCaffrey, who has posted 1,403 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns since joining San Francisco, complements the versatile receiver Deebo Samuel and adds to a crop of targets that also include tight end George Kittle and receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The 49ers ranked as the top overall defense in the league this season, allowing the fewest points (277) and the second fewest total yards (5,110). DeMeco Ryans, the defensive coordinator, has become a sought-after coaching candidate by other teams because of the unit’s success, and defensive end Nick Bosa, who leads the league in sacks (18.5), is a favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
How each team might win
The matchup is likely to be decided by whose offensive line performs better. Of the four remaining quarterbacks in the playoffs, Purdy has the lowest air yards per passing attempt (6.7), according to Next Gen Stats, meaning he normally throws to receivers on short routes. Purdy will need to continue to release the ball quickly to tame Reddick and the Eagles’ pass rush.
Philadelphia has succeeded this season by operating a balanced offense, but the San Francisco defense allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game (77.7). Stymieing the Eagles’ rushing attack could make them lean heavily on the pass, which would create sack opportunities for Bosa. The 49ers are the more injured team, but Shanahan said he expects McCaffrey (calf), Samuel (ankle) and running back Elijah Mitchell (groin) to play.
In Utah, the police said, Babudar stole spoon holders and snack bags from Target, and another time switched price tags on curtain rods and then attempted to return them for full price. There are still active warrants for his arrest in both cases. He also pleaded guilty to small offenses in Kansas and Missouri. In Champlin, Minn., he was fined $300 for driving without a license.
His license plates said “KCC4EVR.”
Babudar had more than a dozen interactions with police that did not result in arrest.
At least eight times in 2016 and 2017, the police in Overland Park, Kan., a suburb of Kansas City, had contact with Babudar. In most cases he was in a parked car with his mother and brother late at night, and a business owner found their presence suspicious. Other times they were using a hotel lobby or pool even though they were not staying at the hotel.
In police records obtained by The Times, Xaviar is described as a “jumper” who “floats from hotel to hotel.” The Babudars are “known homeless subjects” and “known to do auto burglaries at night,” though none of the Babudars has been convicted in Kansas of auto burglary.
In dozens of court documents and police reports over a decade, the Babudars listed just one address, a drop box in a Mail & Copy Plus office in Overland Park.
Many of Babudar’s encounters with the police happened when he said online that he was attending Kansas State University, a two-hour drive from Kansas City in Manhattan, Kan. The university said it had no record of Babudar’s ever attending.
Sometime in late 2017 and into 2018, Babudar’s fortunes seem to have changed. He worked for nine months at an Amazon warehouse, the company confirmed, and his contact with the police and arrests drastically diminished. Soon, his identity as Chiefsaholic emerged. He first appeared on Instagram in August 2018, posting a meme about the team involving SpongeBob SquarePants. The next month, for the first time, he posted a photograph in the wolf costume.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Bills safety Damar Hamlin shared his first public comments since suffering cardiac arrest on Jan. 2 by posting a nearly six-minute video to his Instagram account thanking everyone for the continued support and well wishes over the past month.
Hamlin, 24, said it was important for him to wait to speak publicly at the “right time,” as it was “just a lot to process within my own self, mentally, physically, even spiritually.” The video was shot at the team’s facility in Orchard Park, New York. He included in the video that he is continuing to make progress in his recovery.
“I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support and everything that’s just been coming in my way,” Hamlin said. “What happened to me on ‘Monday Night Football’ I feel is a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and my love directly from my heart with the entire world and I’m able to give it back to kids and communities all across the world who need it the most, and that’s always been my dream. That’s always been what I stood for and what I will continue to stand for.”
The video comes almost a week after Hamlin made his first public appearance at the Bills’ playoff loss to the Bengals. During the game, he was shown on the video board, holding up his hands in the shape of a heart in what has become his signature move while also pumping up the crowd.
Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation raised over $8 million in the days after he went to the hospital with the money going through a GoFundMe for a toy drive that had an initial goal of $2,500. He said that he was blown away from all the support.
“That was something that was started even way before I made it to the NFL, something that was started small just to be able to affect my small community back at home, McKees Rocks,” Hamlin said. “I just wanted to be able to play my role and do my part in my community as I ventured off and to chase my dreams of making the NFL and you guys have just took that and blown it away and I’m so excited for the things that I have planned in the future for these kids all across the country now.”
Hamlin thanked the Bills training, athletic and medical staff, first responders and medical personnel and health care providers at University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Buffalo General Hospital that all played a role in saving his life, pointing out many by name.
Hamlin stayed at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for almost a week after suffering cardiac arrest during the first quarter of the Bills’ game vs. the Bengals in Cincinnati. He then flew to Buffalo and spent about two days at Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute. He was discharged Jan. 11.
He went on to thank his parents, Mario and Nina, “who are literally my anchors in my everyday who never left my side the entire time,” and his seven-year-old brother, Damir, “who is my why, my reason why I strive to be my best self every day.”
In the video, Hamlin thanked family, friends, teammates and entire Bills organization for continuing to check in on him and offer him support in so many ways, but also acknowledged the Bengals and the NFL as a whole for “putting team allegiance aside to root for one kid’s life” with teams and the league showing their support for Hamlin in a variety of ways from donations to prayers to t-shirts before Week 18 games.
“I’m not surprised by it,” Hamlin said, “but I’m deeply grateful and I’ll be forever thankful and indebted to that.”
Hamlin also thanked fans, especially Bills Mafia, for the love and support, and that all the kids that sent him letters and gifts have inspired him.
“It’s always been important for me to be a role model, but just seeing the love and the support from the youth,” Hamlin said. “It just makes me want to give back and get out in the communities and touch the kids and just be that example that they can look to, touch, feel, talk to, and know that whatever they dream of, it’s real. It can happen if you stay focused, stay dedicated, stay committed to whatever you got going on, you know, because that’s pretty much what got me here.”
And of course, Hamlin ended the video with his hands forming a heart.
“I will continue to do wonderful and great things,” Hamlin said. “I couldn’t do this without any of the support and the love and I can’t wait to continue to take y’all on this journey with me.”
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5, 48)
