2 hours ago
OTTAWA, ON - JULY 15: Ottawa Redblacks wide receiver Justin Hardy (2) runs with the ball during Canadian Football League action between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Ottawa Redblacks on July 15, 2023, at TD Place at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Canadian Football League has been providing die-hard pigskin enthusiasts with an early fix for their football yearnings each summer for decades.
Accordingly, the “three-down league” will kick off its 68th season on Thursday night with a Montreal Alouettes-Hamilton Tiger-Cats clash at Hamilton Stadium.
Week 1 consists of a three-game slate since the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Argonauts and B.C. Lions will open the season on a bye, and we’re honing in on a player prop bet apiece for each of the season-opening contests.
Theis put together an impressive rookie season in 2025 following a successful four-year run at South Dakota, rushing for 365 yards at 5.2 yards per carry and adding 162 receiving yards on 19 catches.
The Canadian Football League has been providing die-hard pigskin enthusiasts with an early fix for their football yearnings each summer for decades.
Accordingly, the “three-down league” will kick off its 68th season on Thursday night with a Montreal Alouettes-Hamilton Tiger-Cats clash at Hamilton Stadium.
Week 1 consists of a three-game slate since the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Argonauts and B.C. Lions will open the season on a bye, and we’re honing in on a player prop bet apiece for each of the season-opening contests.
Theis put together an impressive rookie season in 2025 following a successful four-year run at South Dakota, rushing for 365 yards at 5.2 yards per carry and adding 162 receiving yards on 19 catches.
5 hours ago
The Dallas Cowboys aren't as lopsided as they once were. Last season, the team ranked seventh in overall spending on the offensive side of the ball and just 27th on defense. It was their lowest ranking since the 2020 season, coincidentally also the first season under a new, offensive-minded coach. Dallas' offense has always outranked their spending on defense over the last decade, the closest season being in 2018 when the offense cost $72 million and the defense cost $64 million.
In 2015, the defense outspent the offense, barely, and in 2013 they were dead even. It's safe to say that since the club uncovered the hidden gem of fourth-round compensatory pick Dak Prescott, the front office has skewed towards spending on offense.
That philosophy clearly jumped up to bite them in 2025, as they sported a historically bad defense under one-and-done DC Matt Eberflus. The organization is highly enamored with new DC Christian Parker, and they went out and spent a little to get players in place to run his new defensive scheme.
Heading into the summer, the club is still offense heavy. While they rank fourth in the NFL there in spending, shelling out $181.3 million, the defensive ranking did move up to $127.9 million, good for 18th at the time of this article being published.
Here's a look at how much they are set to spend at each position, according to Over The Cap (where all of this annual data is sourced), and their rank across the NFL.
In 2015, the defense outspent the offense, barely, and in 2013 they were dead even. It's safe to say that since the club uncovered the hidden gem of fourth-round compensatory pick Dak Prescott, the front office has skewed towards spending on offense.
That philosophy clearly jumped up to bite them in 2025, as they sported a historically bad defense under one-and-done DC Matt Eberflus. The organization is highly enamored with new DC Christian Parker, and they went out and spent a little to get players in place to run his new defensive scheme.
Heading into the summer, the club is still offense heavy. While they rank fourth in the NFL there in spending, shelling out $181.3 million, the defensive ranking did move up to $127.9 million, good for 18th at the time of this article being published.
Here's a look at how much they are set to spend at each position, according to Over The Cap (where all of this annual data is sourced), and their rank across the NFL.
14 hours ago
In a letter to member schools Wednesday, NCAA president Charlie Baker shared his reaction to the Protect College Sports Act. But he also cited “several” provisions he said need to be revised.
Baker pointed out the importance of the bipartisan Senate bill, filed last week by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in a key moment for the NCAA’s quest for federal legislation. The ****** ociation has been seeking help to settle the current landscape in the NIL and transfer portal era, and the Senate bill’s filing came after the SCORE Act publicly collapsed in the House.
[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]
While the bill addresses key issues such as the transfer portal and coach movement, Baker said “essential” revisions must happen. He added the NCAA will work with the senators to make improvements, as well.
“At the same time, it is essential that several key provisions be refined to best safeguard the stability of college athletic opportunities. … Addressing these areas for improvement will ensure the priorities student-athlete leaders and the NCAA have been championing are comprehensively met,” Baker wrote, in part. “To do that, the NCAA will provide detailed ****** ysis for our member schools to guide the advocacy work that will now be required.”
Baker pointed out the importance of the bipartisan Senate bill, filed last week by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in a key moment for the NCAA’s quest for federal legislation. The ****** ociation has been seeking help to settle the current landscape in the NIL and transfer portal era, and the Senate bill’s filing came after the SCORE Act publicly collapsed in the House.
[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]
While the bill addresses key issues such as the transfer portal and coach movement, Baker said “essential” revisions must happen. He added the NCAA will work with the senators to make improvements, as well.
“At the same time, it is essential that several key provisions be refined to best safeguard the stability of college athletic opportunities. … Addressing these areas for improvement will ensure the priorities student-athlete leaders and the NCAA have been championing are comprehensively met,” Baker wrote, in part. “To do that, the NCAA will provide detailed ****** ysis for our member schools to guide the advocacy work that will now be required.”
17 hours ago
Victor Wembanyama’s arrival for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday garnered a lot of attention online. Fans talked about his outfit, as well as his demeanor as he made his way to the San Antonio Spurs’ locker room.
The superstar center went with a tailored, sleek, and high-fashion business aesthetic. He layered a crisp, formal dress shirt paired with a knotted tie along with tailored dress slacks that accentuated his 7-foot-4 frame. Wembanyama completed his look with black shoes.
MORE: Victor Wembanyama performs hilarious good luck gesture before NBA Finals
The NBA posted a clip of his tunnel walk on X.
Fans shared their reactions and what they expect from him in the series opener in the comments section.
The superstar center went with a tailored, sleek, and high-fashion business aesthetic. He layered a crisp, formal dress shirt paired with a knotted tie along with tailored dress slacks that accentuated his 7-foot-4 frame. Wembanyama completed his look with black shoes.
MORE: Victor Wembanyama performs hilarious good luck gesture before NBA Finals
The NBA posted a clip of his tunnel walk on X.
Fans shared their reactions and what they expect from him in the series opener in the comments section.
2 days ago
Andreas Christensen’s future at Barcelona has been the subject of significant uncertainty over the past few months, with clubs from across Europe making attempts to lure the Danish centre-back away from the Camp Nou.
Despite his contract expiring on June 30th and a lengthy injury record casting doubt over his long-term role at the club, Christensen has been a wanted man this summer.
The former Chelsea defender has been attracting interest from clubs in Greece, Italy and England.
Christensen is not going anywhere. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo, none of those approaches appear have swayed the 30-year-old as it seems Christensen has made his decision.
Despite his contract expiring on June 30th and a lengthy injury record casting doubt over his long-term role at the club, Christensen has been a wanted man this summer.
The former Chelsea defender has been attracting interest from clubs in Greece, Italy and England.
Christensen is not going anywhere. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo, none of those approaches appear have swayed the 30-year-old as it seems Christensen has made his decision.
2 days ago
The Brooklyn Nets have the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and as a result, they will have to decide who within that 5-10 range they will take. With Brooklyn in the early stages of its rebuild, most of the attention will be paid to who they select in the first round, but it seems that the Nets are still doing their due diligence throughout the draft.
It was reported earlier this week by college basketball reporter Vince Wolfram that the Nets were bringing in Louisville guard Isaac McKneely for a workout prior to the draft. Given that McKneely appears to be trending towards going undrafted, Brooklyn could be doing the work to see who they will potentially bring in for the summer leagues if not training camp altogether.
The pre-draft process is interesting because each team gets their chance to see players in different scenarios and environments to gauge if the players meets what they're looking for. However, the amount of players that are working out for teams is extensive so the Nets fans that want to stay on top of every prospect that worked out for the team, check out Rookie Wire's workout tracker compiled by Cody Taylor.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Which players have the Nets worked out ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft?
It was reported earlier this week by college basketball reporter Vince Wolfram that the Nets were bringing in Louisville guard Isaac McKneely for a workout prior to the draft. Given that McKneely appears to be trending towards going undrafted, Brooklyn could be doing the work to see who they will potentially bring in for the summer leagues if not training camp altogether.
The pre-draft process is interesting because each team gets their chance to see players in different scenarios and environments to gauge if the players meets what they're looking for. However, the amount of players that are working out for teams is extensive so the Nets fans that want to stay on top of every prospect that worked out for the team, check out Rookie Wire's workout tracker compiled by Cody Taylor.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Which players have the Nets worked out ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft?
2 days ago
Myles Garrett is already a Hall of Famer, but former NFL defensive end Chris Long thinks he will have the opportunity to become an all-time great at his position now that he's with the Los Angeles Rams.
Long, who is a former Rams star himself, recently said on his podcast that he thinks Garrett could play another eight seasons and break Bruce Smith's 23-year NFL sack record of 200. He also thinks Garrett will become the first player with 100 sacks for two different teams.
"I just looked at 125.5 sacks in his nine-year career. I think there's an interesting take here, and this is not a far-fetched scenario, but he plays another like eight years and accrues like 100 sacks—which for most people, that's laughable to project that onto a player," Long said. "But like, even into his 30s, I think this guy could average twelve and a half—12.5 sacks the rest of the way with the Rams. Especially if the Rams continue to play well and the Ty Simpson thing works out and all that stuff.
"But like, let's say he plays another eight years. The reason I picked eight years is because Julius Peppers played like 17 years. I think you're going to look up at the end of this thing and say, 'Myles Garrett breaks Bruce Smith's record, and Myles Garrett has 100-plus sacks on two different teams.'"
This would be a truly insane feat to accomplish in the modern NFL, but Garrett is built for it. He averages nearly 16 sacks per 17-game season and, if he stays healthy, could easily continue on that trajectory over the rest of his career.
Long, who is a former Rams star himself, recently said on his podcast that he thinks Garrett could play another eight seasons and break Bruce Smith's 23-year NFL sack record of 200. He also thinks Garrett will become the first player with 100 sacks for two different teams.
"I just looked at 125.5 sacks in his nine-year career. I think there's an interesting take here, and this is not a far-fetched scenario, but he plays another like eight years and accrues like 100 sacks—which for most people, that's laughable to project that onto a player," Long said. "But like, even into his 30s, I think this guy could average twelve and a half—12.5 sacks the rest of the way with the Rams. Especially if the Rams continue to play well and the Ty Simpson thing works out and all that stuff.
"But like, let's say he plays another eight years. The reason I picked eight years is because Julius Peppers played like 17 years. I think you're going to look up at the end of this thing and say, 'Myles Garrett breaks Bruce Smith's record, and Myles Garrett has 100-plus sacks on two different teams.'"
This would be a truly insane feat to accomplish in the modern NFL, but Garrett is built for it. He averages nearly 16 sacks per 17-game season and, if he stays healthy, could easily continue on that trajectory over the rest of his career.
2 days ago
Remaining one of New York’s more competitive baseball regions, Section 4 features several top athletes who have elevated their games. Specifically, players from Southern Tier teams Elmira, Horseheads, Waverly and Oneonta–four teams that stand out as this year’s sectional champions.
Everything from walk-offs to dominant pitching to elite in-game decision-making has allowed these four teams the opportunity to make the most of a state tournament bid, and having surpassed some of Section 4’s toughest teams this season, it’s worth noting which baseball players' skills have stood out–skills that have come in clutch in the postseason.
Here are a few of the sectional winners that boast top stats and clutch moments:
Aedan Palmer, Elmira: Pitched a 10-strikeout game against Corning, allowing only one hit to shut out the Hawks in a 10-0 victory in game one of the Section 4 Class AAA Championship.
Logan DeMember, Elmira: Overtook game two of the Section 4 Class AAA final against Corning, holding the team to two runs, pitching 11 strikeouts. At bat, recorded three RBIs, two hits and two runs in the dominant 12-2 victory to win the series 2-0.
Everything from walk-offs to dominant pitching to elite in-game decision-making has allowed these four teams the opportunity to make the most of a state tournament bid, and having surpassed some of Section 4’s toughest teams this season, it’s worth noting which baseball players' skills have stood out–skills that have come in clutch in the postseason.
Here are a few of the sectional winners that boast top stats and clutch moments:
Aedan Palmer, Elmira: Pitched a 10-strikeout game against Corning, allowing only one hit to shut out the Hawks in a 10-0 victory in game one of the Section 4 Class AAA Championship.
Logan DeMember, Elmira: Overtook game two of the Section 4 Class AAA final against Corning, holding the team to two runs, pitching 11 strikeouts. At bat, recorded three RBIs, two hits and two runs in the dominant 12-2 victory to win the series 2-0.
3 days ago
The Arizona Wildcats never had him, but perhaps feel they lost a big player on Monday, June 1, when Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic committed to coach Mark Pope and the University of Kentucky Wildcats, according to multiple reports.
Momcilovic, 6 feet 8, had Arizona and Louisville, along with Kentucky, on a very short list.
He was seen as the best 3-point shooter in the college game last season, and, with Arizona star freshman Koa Peat officially leaving for the NBA draft, was seen as an integral piece of coach Tommy Lloyd's reloading.
Arizona made a strong run that ended in the Final Four.
Momcilovic could play two more years if certain guidelines are met.
Momcilovic, 6 feet 8, had Arizona and Louisville, along with Kentucky, on a very short list.
He was seen as the best 3-point shooter in the college game last season, and, with Arizona star freshman Koa Peat officially leaving for the NBA draft, was seen as an integral piece of coach Tommy Lloyd's reloading.
Arizona made a strong run that ended in the Final Four.
Momcilovic could play two more years if certain guidelines are met.
3 days ago
For much of his rookie season, Emeka Egbuka looked exactly like the polished, NFL-ready receiver the Tampa Bay Buccaneers believed they were getting when they drafted him. His route running, reliability underneath, and versatility quickly made him an important piece of Tampa Bay’s passing attack.
So when his production slowed during the second half of the year, some fans naturally began wondering whether Egbuka hit the rookie wall. But there are several legitimate reasons why the statistical dip should not be viewed as a major concern.
For starters, Egbuka battled through hamstring and groin injuries late in the season, two issues that can significantly impact a receiver’s explosiveness, burst out of breaks, and overall movement. Lower body injuries often linger for skill position players, particularly receivers whose games rely heavily on sharp cuts and acceleration.
Context around the Buccaneers’ offense also matters. Tampa Bay’s offensive line situation became increasingly unstable due to injuries. At various points, the Buccaneers were forced to operate with multiple starters sidelined while shuffling linemen across different positions just to keep continuity up front. That instability naturally affected timing and protection, often preventing intermediate- and longer-developing plays from coming together. The constant reshuffling up front also impacted quarterback timing and overall offensive consistency, making it difficult for the passing attack to maintain the same rhythm it had earlier in the year.
Even with the statistical slowdown, Egbuka’s underlying traits never disappeared. His route running remained pro-ready.
So when his production slowed during the second half of the year, some fans naturally began wondering whether Egbuka hit the rookie wall. But there are several legitimate reasons why the statistical dip should not be viewed as a major concern.
For starters, Egbuka battled through hamstring and groin injuries late in the season, two issues that can significantly impact a receiver’s explosiveness, burst out of breaks, and overall movement. Lower body injuries often linger for skill position players, particularly receivers whose games rely heavily on sharp cuts and acceleration.
Context around the Buccaneers’ offense also matters. Tampa Bay’s offensive line situation became increasingly unstable due to injuries. At various points, the Buccaneers were forced to operate with multiple starters sidelined while shuffling linemen across different positions just to keep continuity up front. That instability naturally affected timing and protection, often preventing intermediate- and longer-developing plays from coming together. The constant reshuffling up front also impacted quarterback timing and overall offensive consistency, making it difficult for the passing attack to maintain the same rhythm it had earlier in the year.
Even with the statistical slowdown, Egbuka’s underlying traits never disappeared. His route running remained pro-ready.
3 days ago
Women's College World Series bracket 2026: Full schedule, times, TV channels, scores for NCAA softball originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Women's College World Series is back, and the wide-open nature of the 2026 softball season will be front and center from the very beginning.
Let's start with who isn't in Oklahoma City for the WCWS: After reaching the final series seven of the last nine years and winning six national ******* les in the process, Oklahoma will not contend for the trophy this year. Mississippi State stunned the Sooners in the Norman super regional to reach its first WCWS as one of five SEC teams still alive.
While there is no clear pick for the ******* le, top seed Alabama and reigning champion Texas will be the favorites heading in. There are no guarantees, though, as we've seen in past World Series and throughout this year's tournament.
It's sure to be another thrilling week of twists and turns in OKC. Here's everything you need to know to follow all the action.
The Women's College World Series is back, and the wide-open nature of the 2026 softball season will be front and center from the very beginning.
Let's start with who isn't in Oklahoma City for the WCWS: After reaching the final series seven of the last nine years and winning six national ******* les in the process, Oklahoma will not contend for the trophy this year. Mississippi State stunned the Sooners in the Norman super regional to reach its first WCWS as one of five SEC teams still alive.
While there is no clear pick for the ******* le, top seed Alabama and reigning champion Texas will be the favorites heading in. There are no guarantees, though, as we've seen in past World Series and throughout this year's tournament.
It's sure to be another thrilling week of twists and turns in OKC. Here's everything you need to know to follow all the action.
3 days ago
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has reported a clean bill of health among his squad as they begin their preparations for Thursday's friendly international against Guinea in the Cadiz area of Spain (17:00 BST).
O'Neill's side will face World Cup-bound France in another friendly encounter on the outskirts of Lille on Monday 8 June (20:10 BST).
The NI boss confirmed on Monday that all 23 members of his panel had arrived in camp ahead of the two matches.
The first game against Guinea will be staged at Estadio Ciudad de La Linea, with the meeting with the French taking place at the Decathlon Arena - Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The squad selected for the double-header includes uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O'Neill.
O'Neill's side will face World Cup-bound France in another friendly encounter on the outskirts of Lille on Monday 8 June (20:10 BST).
The NI boss confirmed on Monday that all 23 members of his panel had arrived in camp ahead of the two matches.
The first game against Guinea will be staged at Estadio Ciudad de La Linea, with the meeting with the French taking place at the Decathlon Arena - Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The squad selected for the double-header includes uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O'Neill.
4 days ago
Get ready for UW-Milwaukee/Auburn, Part 2.
The late-night show.
The UWM baseball team had to wait longer than expected, but the Panthers are set for their first regional final of the NCAA Tournament. UWM-Auburn will start around 10:10 p.m. CT at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Alabama. The game will be televised on ESPN+.
The Panthers need just one victory to advance to a NCAA Super Regional for the first time. If Auburn wins, the teams will meet again on June 1 in a winner-take-all game.
More: UW-Milwaukee's Grant Ross gets homer thanks to 'Canseco' head bounce
The late-night show.
The UWM baseball team had to wait longer than expected, but the Panthers are set for their first regional final of the NCAA Tournament. UWM-Auburn will start around 10:10 p.m. CT at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Alabama. The game will be televised on ESPN+.
The Panthers need just one victory to advance to a NCAA Super Regional for the first time. If Auburn wins, the teams will meet again on June 1 in a winner-take-all game.
More: UW-Milwaukee's Grant Ross gets homer thanks to 'Canseco' head bounce
4 days ago
The NBA Finals are set to party like it’s 1999.
The San Antonio Spurs will host the New York Knicks in a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, marking the Knicks’ first return to the championship round since that series 27 years ago. That matchup also served as the launching point for the Spurs’ dynasty.
The Finals begin Wednesday night, and San Antonio will look to capture another championship in its first NBA Finals appearance since Gregg Popovich stepped down as head coach.
MORE: 9 notable championship rematches in professional sports history
On the other side, the Knicks are finally back on the NBA’s biggest stage after decades of frustration. Their last Finals appearance ended against the Spurs at the beginning of San Antonio’s dynasty. This time, New York hopes to rewrite history and perhaps begin a championship run of its own.
The San Antonio Spurs will host the New York Knicks in a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, marking the Knicks’ first return to the championship round since that series 27 years ago. That matchup also served as the launching point for the Spurs’ dynasty.
The Finals begin Wednesday night, and San Antonio will look to capture another championship in its first NBA Finals appearance since Gregg Popovich stepped down as head coach.
MORE: 9 notable championship rematches in professional sports history
On the other side, the Knicks are finally back on the NBA’s biggest stage after decades of frustration. Their last Finals appearance ended against the Spurs at the beginning of San Antonio’s dynasty. This time, New York hopes to rewrite history and perhaps begin a championship run of its own.
4 days ago
With how this month of May went for the Nats, it was only fitting that they finished it off by taking a series against a team above .500. That is what this team has been doing all month, and it is why they had a 16-12 record in May. It is even more fitting that the battery of Zack Littell and Keibert Ruiz led them to this win.
Both Ruiz and Littell had tough starts to the season, but really turned things around in May. Ruiz hit .379 with a 1.107 OPS on the month, while playing great defense. Meanwhile, Littell posted a 2.35 ERA in 30.2 innings, after having an ERA over 8 in April. For Ruiz, he needed to find his confidence and Littell just needed to get back up to speed after signing late in the offseason.
It also appears that the two have developed a mutual respect for each other. After the game, Ruiz credited Littell for “attacking hitters and getting quick outs”. Littell seemed very impressed with Ruiz, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He admitted that prior to playing here, he knew that Ruiz was not exactly known as a defensive minded catcher. After working with him though, Littell said that Ruiz has been “Unbelievable” and says that he “loves working with him”.
Littell also credited Ruiz’s work ethic, which has been a common theme this year. In Spencer Nusbaum’s great piece about Ruiz, it talked about how the work ethic has always been there for him. The difference this year is that Ruiz is working smarter as well.
While the Nats catcher went 2 for 3 today, his biggest contributions were on the defensive end. He gunned down three runners today including two huge strike em out throw em out plays that ended stressful innings. Ruiz got the Nats out of a nervy 7th by gunning down a runner, and did the same to end the game in the 9th.
Both Ruiz and Littell had tough starts to the season, but really turned things around in May. Ruiz hit .379 with a 1.107 OPS on the month, while playing great defense. Meanwhile, Littell posted a 2.35 ERA in 30.2 innings, after having an ERA over 8 in April. For Ruiz, he needed to find his confidence and Littell just needed to get back up to speed after signing late in the offseason.
It also appears that the two have developed a mutual respect for each other. After the game, Ruiz credited Littell for “attacking hitters and getting quick outs”. Littell seemed very impressed with Ruiz, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He admitted that prior to playing here, he knew that Ruiz was not exactly known as a defensive minded catcher. After working with him though, Littell said that Ruiz has been “Unbelievable” and says that he “loves working with him”.
Littell also credited Ruiz’s work ethic, which has been a common theme this year. In Spencer Nusbaum’s great piece about Ruiz, it talked about how the work ethic has always been there for him. The difference this year is that Ruiz is working smarter as well.
While the Nats catcher went 2 for 3 today, his biggest contributions were on the defensive end. He gunned down three runners today including two huge strike em out throw em out plays that ended stressful innings. Ruiz got the Nats out of a nervy 7th by gunning down a runner, and did the same to end the game in the 9th.
