6 hours ago
PHOENIX – Every generation believes it watched basketball at its highest level. Devin Booker's all-time starting five proves that even NBA superstars are no exception. When Booker selected Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Shaquille O'Neal as his greatest starting five ever, the conversation after a while shifted from who made the list to who didn't. Fans quickly noticed he left off some pretty big names: Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.
Jan 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
For many fans, those omissions are impossible to justify. But Booker's list isn't necessarily about disrespecting history. It's about perspective. Booker grew up watching Kobe redefine scoring artistry, LeBron dominate every phase of the game, Curry revolutionize shooting, and Durant become one of basketball's most unstoppable offensive weapons. Those players shaped the game Booker plays today. They weren't legends from documentaries; they were the standard he chased while playing alongside them in the NBA and Team USA.
Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; United States guard Devin Booker (15) and shooting guard Stephen Curry (4) and **** istant coach Tyronn Lue look on in the second half against Brazil in a men's basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan's six championships, Kareem's six MVP awards, and decades of historical dominance remain impossible to ignore. Resume still matters when discussing all-time greatness. But Booker wasn't building the most decorated roster. He was revealing the players he believes represent basketball at its absolute peak. That's why his list sparked such passionate debate.
#list #phoenix
Jan 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
For many fans, those omissions are impossible to justify. But Booker's list isn't necessarily about disrespecting history. It's about perspective. Booker grew up watching Kobe redefine scoring artistry, LeBron dominate every phase of the game, Curry revolutionize shooting, and Durant become one of basketball's most unstoppable offensive weapons. Those players shaped the game Booker plays today. They weren't legends from documentaries; they were the standard he chased while playing alongside them in the NBA and Team USA.
Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; United States guard Devin Booker (15) and shooting guard Stephen Curry (4) and **** istant coach Tyronn Lue look on in the second half against Brazil in a men's basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan's six championships, Kareem's six MVP awards, and decades of historical dominance remain impossible to ignore. Resume still matters when discussing all-time greatness. But Booker wasn't building the most decorated roster. He was revealing the players he believes represent basketball at its absolute peak. That's why his list sparked such passionate debate.
#list #phoenix
11 hours ago
Carolina Panthers 2024 first-round draft pick Xavier Legette was carted off the field on Tuesday with an upper-body injury.
Panthers coach Dave Canales is expected to address the exact nature of the wide receiver's injury after practice.
ALSO READ: Panthers scout recalls recognizing Luke Kuechly's greatness before upcoming NFL Hall of Fame honor
Legette was trying to make a catch in the corner of the end zone when he came down hard on the back of his head. Trainers rushed to his side and Legette was later seen wiggling his fingers in the air in front of trainers before boarding a cart.
Players shook Legette's right hand before he was taken into the locker room.
#panthers #tuesday #dave #LUKE
Panthers coach Dave Canales is expected to address the exact nature of the wide receiver's injury after practice.
ALSO READ: Panthers scout recalls recognizing Luke Kuechly's greatness before upcoming NFL Hall of Fame honor
Legette was trying to make a catch in the corner of the end zone when he came down hard on the back of his head. Trainers rushed to his side and Legette was later seen wiggling his fingers in the air in front of trainers before boarding a cart.
Players shook Legette's right hand before he was taken into the locker room.
#panthers #tuesday #dave #LUKE
1 day ago
He's eating barbecue. He's winning over Joe Rogan. He's challenging his opponent to mano-a-mano televised faceoffs.
James Talarico is determined not to let his GOP challenger Ken Paxton's and Republicans' attacks on his masculinity define him in what has emerged as one of the party's loudest tactics in the crucial Senate race.
The Texas Democrat is working to position himself as a candidate focused on issues he says men actually care about instead of speculation about his diet, **** uality and religious beliefs.
"They've even called me a vegan, and those are fighting words in the state of Texas," Talarico said at a San Antonio rally this summer.
"Nowadays our culture tells young men that greatness is tearing other people down, is trolling and owning and dominating. But my dad showed me what real greatness looks like. He inspired me to serve," Talarico said at another rally in Houston, referencing how his dad often mowed the lawn of his elderly widowed neighbor without asking.
#texas #mano #greatness #james
James Talarico is determined not to let his GOP challenger Ken Paxton's and Republicans' attacks on his masculinity define him in what has emerged as one of the party's loudest tactics in the crucial Senate race.
The Texas Democrat is working to position himself as a candidate focused on issues he says men actually care about instead of speculation about his diet, **** uality and religious beliefs.
"They've even called me a vegan, and those are fighting words in the state of Texas," Talarico said at a San Antonio rally this summer.
"Nowadays our culture tells young men that greatness is tearing other people down, is trolling and owning and dominating. But my dad showed me what real greatness looks like. He inspired me to serve," Talarico said at another rally in Houston, referencing how his dad often mowed the lawn of his elderly widowed neighbor without asking.
#texas #mano #greatness #james
2 days ago
June's NBA Finals should remind us of excellence, discipline and the way sports can lift the human spirit. Instead, Stephen Curry's partnership with apparel company Li-Ning points in the other direction. It binds one of America's most admired athletes to a Chinese company already under serious scrutiny for forced labor. **** ody can pretend the moral cost of doing business with Communist China is a mystery anymore.
What makes this so disappointing is that Curry is not simply a gifted player: He is a global figure whose public standing rests on more than championships. It rests on judgment, character and the sense that he takes serious things seriously. When a man like that signs a reported 10-year, $400 million deal with Li-Ning, he is not just changing brands. He is lending his good name to a company shadowed by one of the great human rights scandals of our time.
Sports at their best can do something rare. They can take fame, which is often fleeting and shallow, and turn it toward service. They can show that athletic greatness and moral witness do not have to live in separate worlds. That is why decisions like this matter. The larger the platform, the larger the responsibility.
Curry's decision is so troubling because it places the honor attached to athletic excellence beside a system of coercion. The U.S. Department of Labor states that since 2016 the Chinese Communist Party has subjected Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang "to genocide, state-imposed forced labor, and crimes against humanity." It describes labor transfers, surveillance, indoctrination and coercive factory work as part of a broad machinery of control.
These are not careless accusations. They are specific charges documented by the U.S. government and corroborated by international investigators.
#ning #communist #excellence #human
What makes this so disappointing is that Curry is not simply a gifted player: He is a global figure whose public standing rests on more than championships. It rests on judgment, character and the sense that he takes serious things seriously. When a man like that signs a reported 10-year, $400 million deal with Li-Ning, he is not just changing brands. He is lending his good name to a company shadowed by one of the great human rights scandals of our time.
Sports at their best can do something rare. They can take fame, which is often fleeting and shallow, and turn it toward service. They can show that athletic greatness and moral witness do not have to live in separate worlds. That is why decisions like this matter. The larger the platform, the larger the responsibility.
Curry's decision is so troubling because it places the honor attached to athletic excellence beside a system of coercion. The U.S. Department of Labor states that since 2016 the Chinese Communist Party has subjected Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang "to genocide, state-imposed forced labor, and crimes against humanity." It describes labor transfers, surveillance, indoctrination and coercive factory work as part of a broad machinery of control.
These are not careless accusations. They are specific charges documented by the U.S. government and corroborated by international investigators.
#ning #communist #excellence #human
3 days ago
In the end, he left the way we all knew he would, to play with the rich kids, to star in the land of movie stars. Didn't matter that he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers, developed by the Tigers or elevated to greatness with the Tigers.
Once Tarik Skubal became the best pitcher in baseball, he was no longer ours. The gods of money, greedy agents and big markets took over, pushing mere mortals in smaller markets aside.
Skubal became the pretty girl you knew was going to leave you for the football star, the startup genius you knew was going to get lured away by Google. Now he's the object of that Drifters song, "There Goes My Baby," moving on down the line.
There goes our baby. A little before midnight on the first day of August, Scott Harris, the Tigers' president of baseball operatons, traded Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for three prospects: two pitchers and an outfielder, none of whom rank higher than fifth in LA's farm system.
FANS REACT: MLB lockout omen? Reaction to Tarik Skubal trade has fans feeling dark
#goes
Once Tarik Skubal became the best pitcher in baseball, he was no longer ours. The gods of money, greedy agents and big markets took over, pushing mere mortals in smaller markets aside.
Skubal became the pretty girl you knew was going to leave you for the football star, the startup genius you knew was going to get lured away by Google. Now he's the object of that Drifters song, "There Goes My Baby," moving on down the line.
There goes our baby. A little before midnight on the first day of August, Scott Harris, the Tigers' president of baseball operatons, traded Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for three prospects: two pitchers and an outfielder, none of whom rank higher than fifth in LA's farm system.
FANS REACT: MLB lockout omen? Reaction to Tarik Skubal trade has fans feeling dark
#goes
3 days ago
Despite their troubled relationship, Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have both established a lasting bond with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo over their years in the spotlight.
Ronaldo is second to none among the world's most famous people, capitalizing on his notoriety beyond the sport to amass a staggering 1+ billion followers across all social media accounts. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has shown an interest in mixed martial arts in his time away from the field, often finding himself at UFC showcases when his busy schedules allow. Because of this, he has been able to connect with many notable figures in the combat sports world, most significantly McGregor and Khabib.
The Portuguese phenom has not slowed down at the grand age of 41, pushing to further his record as soccer's all-time leading goalscorer. Less than 30 goals away from hitting 1000, Ronaldo is on the verge of unrivaled greatness, though he is also closing in on a personal milestone arguably more important than his career achievements.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-term girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, have decided on a wedding date after eight years of dating. The wedding is set to be trending among the biggest in history, and the guest list is full of familiar faces around the globe.
For MMA fans, Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov will be front and center should they accept the reported invitation. If the UFC stars put their feud behind them, they will be in attendance alongside famous musicians Drake, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as personalities like IShowSpeed and Piers Morgan, who are all rumored to be present.
#khabib
Ronaldo is second to none among the world's most famous people, capitalizing on his notoriety beyond the sport to amass a staggering 1+ billion followers across all social media accounts. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has shown an interest in mixed martial arts in his time away from the field, often finding himself at UFC showcases when his busy schedules allow. Because of this, he has been able to connect with many notable figures in the combat sports world, most significantly McGregor and Khabib.
The Portuguese phenom has not slowed down at the grand age of 41, pushing to further his record as soccer's all-time leading goalscorer. Less than 30 goals away from hitting 1000, Ronaldo is on the verge of unrivaled greatness, though he is also closing in on a personal milestone arguably more important than his career achievements.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-term girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, have decided on a wedding date after eight years of dating. The wedding is set to be trending among the biggest in history, and the guest list is full of familiar faces around the globe.
For MMA fans, Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov will be front and center should they accept the reported invitation. If the UFC stars put their feud behind them, they will be in attendance alongside famous musicians Drake, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as personalities like IShowSpeed and Piers Morgan, who are all rumored to be present.
#khabib
3 days ago
Draymond Green had a special guest on "The Draymond Green Show" this week, as he was joined by Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, a one-time NBA champion as a player with the Boston Celtics (1985-86) and a one-time championship as a coach with the Dallas Mavericks (2010-11).
During the appearance, Carlisle spoke about how all-time NBA players would dominate regardless of the era that they played in. In doing so, Carlisle gave Green a lofty comparison, saying, "Greatness is going to be great regardless of the era. You are going to try to tell me that (Bill) Russell wouldn't be great in this era? Russell, the guy who threw up before every game because he couldn't stomach the idea of losing? And he had such an impact on winning; can you imagine having that guy leading your team? That was the early version of Draymond Green."
Although Green is known as a four-time NBA champion and one of the stronger defensive players of his generation, the comparison from Carlisle seemed to wreak a false equivalence.
While it was a different era, Russell won 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons to go along with 11 All-NBA selections, five MVP awards and five rebounding ******* les. Throughout his career, Russell averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.9 ******* ists. Blocks and steals weren't recorded while Russell played in the NBA.
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Pacers coach compares Draymond Green to former five-time NBA MVP
#russell #time #five #champion
During the appearance, Carlisle spoke about how all-time NBA players would dominate regardless of the era that they played in. In doing so, Carlisle gave Green a lofty comparison, saying, "Greatness is going to be great regardless of the era. You are going to try to tell me that (Bill) Russell wouldn't be great in this era? Russell, the guy who threw up before every game because he couldn't stomach the idea of losing? And he had such an impact on winning; can you imagine having that guy leading your team? That was the early version of Draymond Green."
Although Green is known as a four-time NBA champion and one of the stronger defensive players of his generation, the comparison from Carlisle seemed to wreak a false equivalence.
While it was a different era, Russell won 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons to go along with 11 All-NBA selections, five MVP awards and five rebounding ******* les. Throughout his career, Russell averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.9 ******* ists. Blocks and steals weren't recorded while Russell played in the NBA.
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Pacers coach compares Draymond Green to former five-time NBA MVP
#russell #time #five #champion
5 days ago
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has made a big claim about teenage sensation Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.
The Blues are preparing to take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Sydney Super Cup, and the England international has tipped the 16-year-old for greatness.
Palmer spoke alongside manager Xabi Alonso at the press conference ahead of Saturday's game, and was asked about Nicoll-Jazuli.
According to Palmer, the young midfielder has all the qualities required to make it as a first-team player at the club.
"He's funny," Palmer said. "He's confident. He's only 16. But he's got all the attributes to play at this club. Even next season he could possibly be ready.
#palmer
The Blues are preparing to take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Sydney Super Cup, and the England international has tipped the 16-year-old for greatness.
Palmer spoke alongside manager Xabi Alonso at the press conference ahead of Saturday's game, and was asked about Nicoll-Jazuli.
According to Palmer, the young midfielder has all the qualities required to make it as a first-team player at the club.
"He's funny," Palmer said. "He's confident. He's only 16. But he's got all the attributes to play at this club. Even next season he could possibly be ready.
#palmer
7 days ago
Counting Stars has been shining bright during her three-year-old season
During the Spring and Summer, most of the Thoroughbred racing focus is on events like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes. All these races are restricted to three-year-olds and mostly males run in them. For every race that has colts contending for greatness and notoriety, there is a sister race for those wonderful three-year-old fillies. During the 2026 racing season, a fantastic filly named Counting Stars has been quite celestial and is shining as bright as any three-year-old currently, regardless of gender.
The grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks has long been a summer showcase for the three-year-old girls. Inaugurated in 1917, this mile and an eighth dance over the New York dirt has seen its fair share of fantastic fillies. The 2026 edition was a showdown between Kentucky Oaks (opening leg of the Triple Tiarra) winner Always A Runner and Acorn Stakes (third leg and sister to the Belmont Stakes) champ Counting Stars. As the race unfolded, it became more of a showcase for a fabulous female.
Breaking alertly under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Counting Stars immediately ******* umed the lead and rolled through some solid early fractions (23.86 opening quarter mile, 47.60 half mile). Sashaying to the top of the stretch in an almost effortless fashion, this daughter of Honor A.P. was suddenly challenged by her rival and Oaks winner Always A Runner. With an eighth of a mile to go, the two were running side by side and separated by a whisker. Suddenly, the Stars aligned and with an amazing comet-like burst of speed, this mercurial filly trained by Mark Casse left her rival eating kickback as she whisked towards the wire. At the sixteenth pole the race was over and Counting Stars cruised past the finish an emphatic 4 ¼ lengths ahead in Stakes record time (1:48.98).
"Coming into the race I was about as confident as you can be in this filly", says trainer Mark Casse. "At the eighth pole, I wondered if perhaps I was wrong and she's not as good as I think. Always a Runner is a very good horse so naturally I was a little concerned, but then she responded to the challenge with a huge effort down the lane".
#stakes #year #always #runner
During the Spring and Summer, most of the Thoroughbred racing focus is on events like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes. All these races are restricted to three-year-olds and mostly males run in them. For every race that has colts contending for greatness and notoriety, there is a sister race for those wonderful three-year-old fillies. During the 2026 racing season, a fantastic filly named Counting Stars has been quite celestial and is shining as bright as any three-year-old currently, regardless of gender.
The grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks has long been a summer showcase for the three-year-old girls. Inaugurated in 1917, this mile and an eighth dance over the New York dirt has seen its fair share of fantastic fillies. The 2026 edition was a showdown between Kentucky Oaks (opening leg of the Triple Tiarra) winner Always A Runner and Acorn Stakes (third leg and sister to the Belmont Stakes) champ Counting Stars. As the race unfolded, it became more of a showcase for a fabulous female.
Breaking alertly under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Counting Stars immediately ******* umed the lead and rolled through some solid early fractions (23.86 opening quarter mile, 47.60 half mile). Sashaying to the top of the stretch in an almost effortless fashion, this daughter of Honor A.P. was suddenly challenged by her rival and Oaks winner Always A Runner. With an eighth of a mile to go, the two were running side by side and separated by a whisker. Suddenly, the Stars aligned and with an amazing comet-like burst of speed, this mercurial filly trained by Mark Casse left her rival eating kickback as she whisked towards the wire. At the sixteenth pole the race was over and Counting Stars cruised past the finish an emphatic 4 ¼ lengths ahead in Stakes record time (1:48.98).
"Coming into the race I was about as confident as you can be in this filly", says trainer Mark Casse. "At the eighth pole, I wondered if perhaps I was wrong and she's not as good as I think. Always a Runner is a very good horse so naturally I was a little concerned, but then she responded to the challenge with a huge effort down the lane".
#stakes #year #always #runner
8 days ago
Stephen A. Smith had Shaquille O'Neal on his show to talk about Dunkman, the alternative league to bring back a spectacle that the All-Star Game has lost touch with. So he took the chance to take aim at LeBron James for causing it. While acknowledging James' legendary status as he enters his 24th NBA season, Smith firmly laid the blame on the superstar forward for single-handedly destroying the prestige of the NBA All-Star Weekend's Slam Dunk Contest.
Smith argued that prior generations of icons set an expectation to entertain the fans on Saturday night, a culture he believes James dismantled by refusing to participate.
"Listen, I gave a lot of respect. And I've said this on many occasions, LeBron, when it's all said and done, we pay tribute to him and his greatness that spans more than 23 years, 24 years coming up, etc., etc.," Smith declared. "But the one thing I've religiously held against him is his unwillingness to compete in All-Star weekend because, to me, all the stars always did it.
"Kobe [Bryant] included, Vince Carter included, everybody. They all did it until he refused to enter the dunk contest. And then after that, every other stars followed and they wouldn't compete. Am I wrong about that?"
He probably expected Shaquille O'Neal, who never participated in the Dunk Contest himself, to agree. But Shaq offered a minor defense for James.
#james #shaquille #lebron
Smith argued that prior generations of icons set an expectation to entertain the fans on Saturday night, a culture he believes James dismantled by refusing to participate.
"Listen, I gave a lot of respect. And I've said this on many occasions, LeBron, when it's all said and done, we pay tribute to him and his greatness that spans more than 23 years, 24 years coming up, etc., etc.," Smith declared. "But the one thing I've religiously held against him is his unwillingness to compete in All-Star weekend because, to me, all the stars always did it.
"Kobe [Bryant] included, Vince Carter included, everybody. They all did it until he refused to enter the dunk contest. And then after that, every other stars followed and they wouldn't compete. Am I wrong about that?"
He probably expected Shaquille O'Neal, who never participated in the Dunk Contest himself, to agree. But Shaq offered a minor defense for James.
#james #shaquille #lebron
11 days ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion during India's first T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday, becoming the youngest player ever to score a maiden T20I half-century.
The 15-year-old became the youngest player to score a maiden T20I half-century after racing to an 18-ball fifty in Harare. It was a timely response from the teenage batter, who had managed scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three appearances for India during the T20I series against England.
Following those outings, Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I. His exclusion came amid intense scrutiny over India's selection decisions. Earlier in the England series, Sanju Samson, who had been India's Player of the Tournament during their T20 World Cup-winning campaign, was dropped from the side, with Sooryavanshi brought into the XI. However, for the fifth match, the management reversed course, restoring Samson and leaving out the youngster. Samson was subsequently omitted from India's squad for the Zimbabwe tour.
Former India captain and ex-BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth admitted he was baffled by the decision to drop Sooryavanshi after only three failures and took aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir over the move.
"He (Sooryavanshi) has an effortless range of shots, yet, not one shot was cross-batted. This boy is really something special. How did Gautam Gambhir foolishly drop him, of all people, after three failures to crush his confidence?" said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
With Gambhir not accompanying the team on the Zimbabwe tour, former India batter VVS Laxman is serving as the side's interim head coach.
Srikkanth also highlighted the youngster's commitment to improvement, revealing that Sooryavanshi immediately returned to work after the England series rather than taking a break.
"I salute Vaibhav for his dedication. After the England series, he didn't go home and instead went straight to the Rajasthan Royals camp. He has been working on his batting against the short ball because he wants to prove to the whole world that he is special," Srikkanth added.
The 1983 World Cup winner was equally impressed by the fearless approach shown by Sooryavanshi despite the pressure of retaining his place in the national side. According to Srikkanth, many young players would have opted for a safer route after a string of low scores, but the teenager remained committed to his attacking game.
"The ease at which he scores at a 250 strike rate is extraordinary. Normally, after three failures, other players would have tried to safeguard their place in the Indian team by taking singles and twos. But he played fearlessly without worrying about the consequences. Scoring a 50 off 18 **** has become child's play for him. That's his greatness," Srikkanth elaborated.
Sooryavanshi's explosive innings not only earned him a place in the record books bu
The 15-year-old became the youngest player to score a maiden T20I half-century after racing to an 18-ball fifty in Harare. It was a timely response from the teenage batter, who had managed scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three appearances for India during the T20I series against England.
Following those outings, Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I. His exclusion came amid intense scrutiny over India's selection decisions. Earlier in the England series, Sanju Samson, who had been India's Player of the Tournament during their T20 World Cup-winning campaign, was dropped from the side, with Sooryavanshi brought into the XI. However, for the fifth match, the management reversed course, restoring Samson and leaving out the youngster. Samson was subsequently omitted from India's squad for the Zimbabwe tour.
Former India captain and ex-BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth admitted he was baffled by the decision to drop Sooryavanshi after only three failures and took aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir over the move.
"He (Sooryavanshi) has an effortless range of shots, yet, not one shot was cross-batted. This boy is really something special. How did Gautam Gambhir foolishly drop him, of all people, after three failures to crush his confidence?" said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
With Gambhir not accompanying the team on the Zimbabwe tour, former India batter VVS Laxman is serving as the side's interim head coach.
Srikkanth also highlighted the youngster's commitment to improvement, revealing that Sooryavanshi immediately returned to work after the England series rather than taking a break.
"I salute Vaibhav for his dedication. After the England series, he didn't go home and instead went straight to the Rajasthan Royals camp. He has been working on his batting against the short ball because he wants to prove to the whole world that he is special," Srikkanth added.
The 1983 World Cup winner was equally impressed by the fearless approach shown by Sooryavanshi despite the pressure of retaining his place in the national side. According to Srikkanth, many young players would have opted for a safer route after a string of low scores, but the teenager remained committed to his attacking game.
"The ease at which he scores at a 250 strike rate is extraordinary. Normally, after three failures, other players would have tried to safeguard their place in the Indian team by taking singles and twos. But he played fearlessly without worrying about the consequences. Scoring a 50 off 18 **** has become child's play for him. That's his greatness," Srikkanth elaborated.
Sooryavanshi's explosive innings not only earned him a place in the record books bu
13 days ago
At this point, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have become synonymous with each other. The NBA superstar and NBA franchise have been tied to the hip over the last seven years. His improbable ascension into all-time greatness helped bring home their first Larry O'Brien trophy.
Like Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors, the NBA's best guards ever usually stick with one team. That's part of their basketball lore. Gilgeous-Alexander is next up in line to join that lineage as one of the faces of the NBA in the 2020s.
After the Thunder acquired Gilgeous-Alexander in the 2019 Paul George blockbuster deal, he slowly worked his way up the basketball hierarchy. It didn't take long for him to go from an intriguing lottery prospect to a walking 30-point machine. The two-time MVP winner and one-time NBA champion already has a Hall-of-Fame career.
If Gilgeous-Alexander wins more rings and trophies, he'll further strengthen his case as an all-time great. The best spot to do that in? OKC. There's a reason why he took little time to re-up with them after their NBA championship celebration last summer. He's set to soon start a four-year, $285 million supermax extension that keeps him on the Thunder through the 2030-31 season — when he'll be 32 years old.
According to Gilgeous-Alexander's father — Vaughn Alexander — expect him to remain in OKC for the rest of his playing days. Further cementing his spot as the best and greatest player in Thunder history. Sorry, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
#alexander #best #last #Basketball
Like Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors, the NBA's best guards ever usually stick with one team. That's part of their basketball lore. Gilgeous-Alexander is next up in line to join that lineage as one of the faces of the NBA in the 2020s.
After the Thunder acquired Gilgeous-Alexander in the 2019 Paul George blockbuster deal, he slowly worked his way up the basketball hierarchy. It didn't take long for him to go from an intriguing lottery prospect to a walking 30-point machine. The two-time MVP winner and one-time NBA champion already has a Hall-of-Fame career.
If Gilgeous-Alexander wins more rings and trophies, he'll further strengthen his case as an all-time great. The best spot to do that in? OKC. There's a reason why he took little time to re-up with them after their NBA championship celebration last summer. He's set to soon start a four-year, $285 million supermax extension that keeps him on the Thunder through the 2030-31 season — when he'll be 32 years old.
According to Gilgeous-Alexander's father — Vaughn Alexander — expect him to remain in OKC for the rest of his playing days. Further cementing his spot as the best and greatest player in Thunder history. Sorry, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
#alexander #best #last #Basketball
18 days ago
Markwayne Mullin, the US homeland security secretary, doubled down on Donald Trump's unsubstantiated election claims on Friday amid his agency's efforts to support the president's agenda.
Trump used a review compiled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the basis of many of his unsubstantiated claims on Thursday during his televised primetime address to the nation.
"This isn't about rehashing the 2020 election. This is just exposing what took place, and to make sure it never happens again," Mullin said, after the president's speech was widely criticized for revealing no new information about the safety and security of the US elections, despite claiming that system falls "catastrophically short" of "greatness".
Mullin claimed that the DHS identified "250,000 noncitizens registered to vote in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada". However, election experts, including David Becker, the executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research, said the administration has not been "transparent about the methodology" in reaching that number.
Related: Five claims Trump made in primetime address not backed up by evidence
Trump used a review compiled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the basis of many of his unsubstantiated claims on Thursday during his televised primetime address to the nation.
"This isn't about rehashing the 2020 election. This is just exposing what took place, and to make sure it never happens again," Mullin said, after the president's speech was widely criticized for revealing no new information about the safety and security of the US elections, despite claiming that system falls "catastrophically short" of "greatness".
Mullin claimed that the DHS identified "250,000 noncitizens registered to vote in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada". However, election experts, including David Becker, the executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research, said the administration has not been "transparent about the methodology" in reaching that number.
Related: Five claims Trump made in primetime address not backed up by evidence
20 days ago
A Houston native is being recognized for creating opportunities for young athletes.
Franceska Colocado, 19, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, has been named a regional honoree for the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award. The award recognizes young leaders who are making a lasting impact in their communities through service and advocacy.
"Billie Jean King's legacy is super big. She fought a lot for women's sports, and that's something I heavily align with," Colocado said. "In addition to that, I am passionate about championing change through sports."
Colocado is the founder of Gear for Greatness Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to removing financial and accessibility barriers that prevent young people from participating in sports. It's a program she was inspired to start three years ago while playing competitive volleyball in Webster.
Since its founding, Gear for Greatness has served more than 1,500 athletes, awarded more than $5,000 in financial **** istance, and distributed more than 500 pieces of sports equipment to athletes locally and internationally.
Franceska Colocado, 19, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, has been named a regional honoree for the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award. The award recognizes young leaders who are making a lasting impact in their communities through service and advocacy.
"Billie Jean King's legacy is super big. She fought a lot for women's sports, and that's something I heavily align with," Colocado said. "In addition to that, I am passionate about championing change through sports."
Colocado is the founder of Gear for Greatness Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to removing financial and accessibility barriers that prevent young people from participating in sports. It's a program she was inspired to start three years ago while playing competitive volleyball in Webster.
Since its founding, Gear for Greatness has served more than 1,500 athletes, awarded more than $5,000 in financial **** istance, and distributed more than 500 pieces of sports equipment to athletes locally and internationally.
21 days ago
So, in a state with a history of Spanish conquest, history could be repeating itself for Spain. As in Euro 2024, they beat France in a semi-final. As in 2010, they could follow victory in the European Championships by doing the double, by adding a World Cup. Deep in the heart of Texas, Luis de la Fuente's side took a sizeable step towards greatness.
Didier Deschamps had ****** ounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology. As the France manager's epic reign came in effect to an end, it was without a second World Cup or a third consecutive final. Kylian Mbappe may yet go on to become the greatest World Cup goalscorer and player; but not yet, not in Dallas, not now.
Instead, he was outscored on the day by Mikel Oyarzabal, the unheralded striker whose goal decided Euro 2024 and who set Spain towards a still greater triumph. The Real Sociedad captain had an unlikely ally. Pedro Porro, fresh from a Premier League relegation battle with Tottenham, scored a goal to take his side into a World Cup final. But Spain need no reminding that defenders can chip in: their previous World Cup semi-final victory, 16 years ago, came courtesy of Carles Puyol. Watching on, he must have remembered; so, surely, did Sergio Ramos and Xavi, alongside him.
De la Fuente's team are less defined by tiki-taka but they nevertheless prospered by exerting control. They are borrowing from the 2010 formula, global domination secured by reigning European champions who were immune to conceding.
An almost impenetrable defence has been breached only by Belgium's Charles de Ketelaere. France, with their previously fabulous front four, were supposed to provide the stiffest test. But they were not the unstoppable force: not when pitted against the immovable object of the Spanish rearguard. After 35 minutes, France had an xG of 0.01. By the interval, it had crept up to 0.04. The numbers showed how negligible their threat was.
Didier Deschamps had ****** ounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology. As the France manager's epic reign came in effect to an end, it was without a second World Cup or a third consecutive final. Kylian Mbappe may yet go on to become the greatest World Cup goalscorer and player; but not yet, not in Dallas, not now.
Instead, he was outscored on the day by Mikel Oyarzabal, the unheralded striker whose goal decided Euro 2024 and who set Spain towards a still greater triumph. The Real Sociedad captain had an unlikely ally. Pedro Porro, fresh from a Premier League relegation battle with Tottenham, scored a goal to take his side into a World Cup final. But Spain need no reminding that defenders can chip in: their previous World Cup semi-final victory, 16 years ago, came courtesy of Carles Puyol. Watching on, he must have remembered; so, surely, did Sergio Ramos and Xavi, alongside him.
De la Fuente's team are less defined by tiki-taka but they nevertheless prospered by exerting control. They are borrowing from the 2010 formula, global domination secured by reigning European champions who were immune to conceding.
An almost impenetrable defence has been breached only by Belgium's Charles de Ketelaere. France, with their previously fabulous front four, were supposed to provide the stiffest test. But they were not the unstoppable force: not when pitted against the immovable object of the Spanish rearguard. After 35 minutes, France had an xG of 0.01. By the interval, it had crept up to 0.04. The numbers showed how negligible their threat was.
21 days ago
So, in a state with a history of Spanish conquest, history could be repeating itself for Spain. As in Euro 2024, they beat France in a semi-final. As in 2010, they could follow victory in the European Championships by doing the double, by adding a World Cup. Deep in the heart of Texas, Luis de la Fuente’s side took a sizeable step towards greatness.
Didier Deschamps had ***** ounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology. As the France manager’s epic reign came in effect to an end, it was without a second World Cup or a third consecutive final. Kylian Mbappe may yet go on to become the greatest World Cup goalscorer and player; but not yet, not in Dallas, not now.
Instead, he was outscored on the day by Mikel Oyarzabal, the unheralded striker whose goal decided Euro 2024 and who set Spain towards a still greater triumph. The Real Sociedad captain had an unlikely ally. Pedro Porro, fresh from a Premier League relegation battle with Tottenham, scored a goal to take his side into a World Cup final. But Spain need no reminding that defenders can chip in: their previous World Cup semi-final victory, 16 years ago, came courtesy of Carles Puyol. Watching on, he must have remembered; so, surely, did Sergio Ramos and Xavi, alongside him.
De la Fuente’s team are less defined by tiki-taka but they nevertheless prospered by exerting control. They are borrowing from the 2010 formula, global domination secured by reigning European champions who were immune to conceding.
An almost impenetrable defence has been breached only by Belgium’s Charles de Ketelaere. France, with their previously fabulous front four, were supposed to provide the stiffest test. But they were not the unstoppable force: not when pitted against the immovable object of the Spanish rearguard. After 35 minutes, France had an xG of 0.01. By the interval, it had crept up to 0.04. The numbers showed how negligible their threat was.
Didier Deschamps had ***** ounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology. As the France manager’s epic reign came in effect to an end, it was without a second World Cup or a third consecutive final. Kylian Mbappe may yet go on to become the greatest World Cup goalscorer and player; but not yet, not in Dallas, not now.
Instead, he was outscored on the day by Mikel Oyarzabal, the unheralded striker whose goal decided Euro 2024 and who set Spain towards a still greater triumph. The Real Sociedad captain had an unlikely ally. Pedro Porro, fresh from a Premier League relegation battle with Tottenham, scored a goal to take his side into a World Cup final. But Spain need no reminding that defenders can chip in: their previous World Cup semi-final victory, 16 years ago, came courtesy of Carles Puyol. Watching on, he must have remembered; so, surely, did Sergio Ramos and Xavi, alongside him.
De la Fuente’s team are less defined by tiki-taka but they nevertheless prospered by exerting control. They are borrowing from the 2010 formula, global domination secured by reigning European champions who were immune to conceding.
An almost impenetrable defence has been breached only by Belgium’s Charles de Ketelaere. France, with their previously fabulous front four, were supposed to provide the stiffest test. But they were not the unstoppable force: not when pitted against the immovable object of the Spanish rearguard. After 35 minutes, France had an xG of 0.01. By the interval, it had crept up to 0.04. The numbers showed how negligible their threat was.
22 days ago
Recently, Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald was spotted working out at the team's facility in Woodland Hills. The Rams have let Donald use their facility in retirement, with his recent workout being nothing more than a continuation of his post-playing workout regimen. However, the image of Donald gracing the gridiron has many hoping that it reignites the fire to inspire a return to the NFL.
On "Good Morning Football", former NFL safety Donte Whitner spoke about the possibility of Donald coming back, pointing out that while Donald would be welcomed on the field, his presence in the facility could be the key to fixing a massive problem that prevented the team from winning a championship in 2025.
"Think about this: The greatest defender of this generation walks into the building. You know what instantly happens? Everybody's standard rises," Whitner said. "The front office members, the coaching staff, and especially the players, and even if Aaron Donald isn't playing every week – I've heard that he's probably going to play eight games minimum – his presence still matters. The young players can watch how he studies, prepares, communicates, goes about his business. The veterans are reminded what championship-level work looks like, and you know you have a coach. He can talk about greatness all he wants, but when Aaron Donald walks in that building, that's greatness in the flesh. So I think it elevates everybody around you, and it does give you extreme Super Bowl expectancy."
The Rams' defense had a self-reported maturity issue entering the NFC Championship Game, and when the team failed to stop the Seattle Seahawks' offense early, their problems balled up into a series of failures that would result in a loss.
The team did fix the issue with the additions of Super Bowl champions Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, along with superstar defender Myles Garrett, but if Donald is around, that's a player who finished the job for the Rams during their last championship run. Setting a standard that high among the characters in the Rams' locker room would build a flexible, formidable, and near-impenetrable defense – at least in theory.
On "Good Morning Football", former NFL safety Donte Whitner spoke about the possibility of Donald coming back, pointing out that while Donald would be welcomed on the field, his presence in the facility could be the key to fixing a massive problem that prevented the team from winning a championship in 2025.
"Think about this: The greatest defender of this generation walks into the building. You know what instantly happens? Everybody's standard rises," Whitner said. "The front office members, the coaching staff, and especially the players, and even if Aaron Donald isn't playing every week – I've heard that he's probably going to play eight games minimum – his presence still matters. The young players can watch how he studies, prepares, communicates, goes about his business. The veterans are reminded what championship-level work looks like, and you know you have a coach. He can talk about greatness all he wants, but when Aaron Donald walks in that building, that's greatness in the flesh. So I think it elevates everybody around you, and it does give you extreme Super Bowl expectancy."
The Rams' defense had a self-reported maturity issue entering the NFC Championship Game, and when the team failed to stop the Seattle Seahawks' offense early, their problems balled up into a series of failures that would result in a loss.
The team did fix the issue with the additions of Super Bowl champions Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, along with superstar defender Myles Garrett, but if Donald is around, that's a player who finished the job for the Rams during their last championship run. Setting a standard that high among the characters in the Rams' locker room would build a flexible, formidable, and near-impenetrable defense – at least in theory.
24 days ago
With apologies to World Cup 2026 co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, this is the perfect semifinal field. France and Spain on one side. England and Argentina on the other.
Is there anything better?
Not according to FIFA's world rankings. Yeah, they're a very imperfect metric. But this is the first World Cup ever with the semifinal spots occupied by the top four teams entering the World Cup. France is at No. 1, Argentina is at No. 2, Spain is third and England is fourth.
A semifinal field with the USMNT or Mexico wouldn't have been that farfetched given their home-field advantage. But it wouldn't have been nearly as strong.
And each of the four global powers has been buoyed by its superstars. Everybody knows about Lionel Messi's continued greatness. There are hardly any superlatives left to describe the 38-year-old's pursuit of the Golden Boot and a second straight World Cup **** le.
Is there anything better?
Not according to FIFA's world rankings. Yeah, they're a very imperfect metric. But this is the first World Cup ever with the semifinal spots occupied by the top four teams entering the World Cup. France is at No. 1, Argentina is at No. 2, Spain is third and England is fourth.
A semifinal field with the USMNT or Mexico wouldn't have been that farfetched given their home-field advantage. But it wouldn't have been nearly as strong.
And each of the four global powers has been buoyed by its superstars. Everybody knows about Lionel Messi's continued greatness. There are hardly any superlatives left to describe the 38-year-old's pursuit of the Golden Boot and a second straight World Cup **** le.
25 days ago
Q: Ira, compare the starting fives as they stand now on the Philadelphia 76ers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Miami Heat and tell us which team you think LeBron James would fit the best on? – Barry, Deerfield Beach.
A: In terms of overall talent, Philadelphia would trump the field you mention, with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, V.J. Edgecombe and Dean Wade. The Cavaliers certainly would be close with Donovan Michell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and, say, Jaylon Tyson or Max Strus. But when it comes to fit, the best role that suits LeBron James' game at age 41 would be the Heat, where he could play as unquestioned ballhandler and playmaker, while being able to avoid overtaxing defensive ******* ignments, with teammates such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell in place to handle such dirty work. Now, if you're asking where he might have the best chance to win, that would be with the 76ers if Joel Embiid can stay healthy in the playoffs. But that's a big "if."
Submit your "Ask Ira" question here!
Q: The talent of LeBron James would be nice but the documentary baggage and everything that goes with it, not so much. I really enjoyed the Big Three era, but honestly as a Heat fan, I'd really like this to be the Giannis Antetokounmpo/Bam Adebayo era. – Douglas.
A: While the outside concern of a LeBron James "Last Dance" is appreciated, the NBA, and pro sports in general, are a world of potential distractions, between the type of documentary you mention and the non-stop influence of social media. But teams also are built better than ever to handle such supposed distractions. NBA teams have staffer after staffer after staffer ******* ignment to deal with such elements. You don't avoid greatness over concerns of distractions.
A: In terms of overall talent, Philadelphia would trump the field you mention, with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, V.J. Edgecombe and Dean Wade. The Cavaliers certainly would be close with Donovan Michell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and, say, Jaylon Tyson or Max Strus. But when it comes to fit, the best role that suits LeBron James' game at age 41 would be the Heat, where he could play as unquestioned ballhandler and playmaker, while being able to avoid overtaxing defensive ******* ignments, with teammates such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell in place to handle such dirty work. Now, if you're asking where he might have the best chance to win, that would be with the 76ers if Joel Embiid can stay healthy in the playoffs. But that's a big "if."
Submit your "Ask Ira" question here!
Q: The talent of LeBron James would be nice but the documentary baggage and everything that goes with it, not so much. I really enjoyed the Big Three era, but honestly as a Heat fan, I'd really like this to be the Giannis Antetokounmpo/Bam Adebayo era. – Douglas.
A: While the outside concern of a LeBron James "Last Dance" is appreciated, the NBA, and pro sports in general, are a world of potential distractions, between the type of documentary you mention and the non-stop influence of social media. But teams also are built better than ever to handle such supposed distractions. NBA teams have staffer after staffer after staffer ******* ignment to deal with such elements. You don't avoid greatness over concerns of distractions.
27 days ago
Coco Gauff battled for three sets against Karolína Muchová in the Wimbledon women's semifinals on Thursday.
But her Wimbledon run came up short of making her first women's singles championship match after a tiebreak loss to Muchová.
Gauff's loss means that no American women's or men's tennis player will walk away with the coveted salver or trophy.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Cori Coco Gauff was born and raised in Del Ray, Florida, but grew up briefly and trained in metro Atlanta. One of her first tennis coaches previously told Channel 2's Karyn Greer that she knew Gauff was destined for greatness.
But her Wimbledon run came up short of making her first women's singles championship match after a tiebreak loss to Muchová.
Gauff's loss means that no American women's or men's tennis player will walk away with the coveted salver or trophy.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Cori Coco Gauff was born and raised in Del Ray, Florida, but grew up briefly and trained in metro Atlanta. One of her first tennis coaches previously told Channel 2's Karyn Greer that she knew Gauff was destined for greatness.
28 days ago
From Shohei Ohtani, something special, something new.
The Dodgers' two-way dynamo cranked the 300th home run of his MLB career on Tuesday, the latest milestone in a career that has constantly redefined the limits of baseballing dominance. Leading off the game for the Dodgers, Ohtani deposited the third pitch he saw, a 93.3-mph sinker from Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen, into the center-field seats.
It was yet another addition to his already astonishing highlight reel.
That said, nearly all of Ohtani’s numerous achievements to this point have been measured and appreciated within the context of his sheer existence or his greatness over a single game or a full season. Ohtani is a fun fact machine in large part because ****** ody else in MLB hits and pitches. That he's doing both, at any level, is stunning. His mere existence has often felt improbable — a player whose skill set belongs more to folklore than modern baseball.
Ohtani's four MVP awards — more than anybody in MLB history except Barry Bonds, with more almost certainly to come — are a reminder of that greatness.
The Dodgers' two-way dynamo cranked the 300th home run of his MLB career on Tuesday, the latest milestone in a career that has constantly redefined the limits of baseballing dominance. Leading off the game for the Dodgers, Ohtani deposited the third pitch he saw, a 93.3-mph sinker from Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen, into the center-field seats.
It was yet another addition to his already astonishing highlight reel.
That said, nearly all of Ohtani’s numerous achievements to this point have been measured and appreciated within the context of his sheer existence or his greatness over a single game or a full season. Ohtani is a fun fact machine in large part because ****** ody else in MLB hits and pitches. That he's doing both, at any level, is stunning. His mere existence has often felt improbable — a player whose skill set belongs more to folklore than modern baseball.
Ohtani's four MVP awards — more than anybody in MLB history except Barry Bonds, with more almost certainly to come — are a reminder of that greatness.
28 days ago
Lionel Messi can’t stop breaking records at this 2026 World Cup, and his latest Argentina outing was another one for the books — but not the usual greatness.
The Argentine is now the World Cup’s top all-time scorer, has the most knockout starts, is the oldest to score a hat-trick… the list goes on.
But it’s an unwanted record he’s nabbed this time. For the second World Cup game on trot, Messi missed a penalty. Argentina had the chance to draw level midway through the first half after Nicolas Tagliafico went down in the box.
Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir read his mind and palmed away a rather tame effort from 12 yards.
That makes Messi the first player to ever miss two consecutive penalties (excluding shootouts) in World Cup history.
The Argentine is now the World Cup’s top all-time scorer, has the most knockout starts, is the oldest to score a hat-trick… the list goes on.
But it’s an unwanted record he’s nabbed this time. For the second World Cup game on trot, Messi missed a penalty. Argentina had the chance to draw level midway through the first half after Nicolas Tagliafico went down in the box.
Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir read his mind and palmed away a rather tame effort from 12 yards.
That makes Messi the first player to ever miss two consecutive penalties (excluding shootouts) in World Cup history.
30 days ago
Liverpool have brought to a close one of the most ambitious acts of self-examination in the club’s modern history, a vast attempt to order greatness across 134 years of football and memory. The exercise, built from supporter sentiment, historical record and internal ******* sment, has ended with Steven Gerrard placed at the summit of the club’s top 100 players.
It is a result that says much about Liverpool’s past, and perhaps a little about how football remembers. Around 1.4 million votes were cast, with fans, former players, journalists and a club panel all feeding into the final ranking. Those opinions were then set against more than a century of data, an effort to lend shape to a question that has long resisted certainty.
In the end, the top five formed a kind of shorthand for Liverpool’s identity across eras. Gerrard took first place, followed by Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Mohamed Salah and John Barnes.
Lists of this sort are rarely about numbers alone. They are really arguments about influence, symbolism and endurance. Gerrard’s case has always rested on all three. He emerged from Liverpool’s academy, spent 17 years in the first team, made more than 700 appearances and scored 186 goals, enough to leave him sixth on the club’s all-time scoring list.
There was, too, the force of occasion. His defining contribution remains the 2005 Champions League final, a performance and a triumph that occupy a permanent place in both Liverpool folklore and the wider history of European football. For many supporters, Gerrard came to represent the club in its rawest form, carrying responsibility, expectation and emotional weight in equal measure.
It is a result that says much about Liverpool’s past, and perhaps a little about how football remembers. Around 1.4 million votes were cast, with fans, former players, journalists and a club panel all feeding into the final ranking. Those opinions were then set against more than a century of data, an effort to lend shape to a question that has long resisted certainty.
In the end, the top five formed a kind of shorthand for Liverpool’s identity across eras. Gerrard took first place, followed by Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Mohamed Salah and John Barnes.
Lists of this sort are rarely about numbers alone. They are really arguments about influence, symbolism and endurance. Gerrard’s case has always rested on all three. He emerged from Liverpool’s academy, spent 17 years in the first team, made more than 700 appearances and scored 186 goals, enough to leave him sixth on the club’s all-time scoring list.
There was, too, the force of occasion. His defining contribution remains the 2005 Champions League final, a performance and a triumph that occupy a permanent place in both Liverpool folklore and the wider history of European football. For many supporters, Gerrard came to represent the club in its rawest form, carrying responsibility, expectation and emotional weight in equal measure.
1 month ago
Few players are better qualified to evaluate England’s greatest strikers than Alan Shearer. Before Harry Kane broke his scoring record, Shearer stood alone as England’s most prolific modern goalscorer. Now, the Newcastle United legend believes there is no longer any debate over who sits atop the list.
Shearer declared that Kane has cemented himself as England’s greatest-ever striker following another outstanding World Cup performance.
“I would say Harry Kane is England’s best ever striker. You have to say that. I know the arguments will be Bobby Charlton and all of that, and I totally get it and understand that. But yeah, Harry’s goals record and the standard that he’s set, he’s a proper goal scorer, a proper centre forward and has produced for England in big moments,” Shearer told Betfair.
That praise carries extra weight coming from Shearer, whose 30 England goals once ranked among the nation’s best before Kane surpassed him to become the Three Lions’ all-time leading scorer.
For Shearer, Kane’s greatness is about far more than the numbers. It is about consistently delivering when England needs him most. The Bayern Munich striker once again demonstrated that quality with a match-winning brace in England’s Round of 32 victory over DR Congo, keeping Thomas Tuchel’s side alive in its pursuit of World Cup glory.
Shearer declared that Kane has cemented himself as England’s greatest-ever striker following another outstanding World Cup performance.
“I would say Harry Kane is England’s best ever striker. You have to say that. I know the arguments will be Bobby Charlton and all of that, and I totally get it and understand that. But yeah, Harry’s goals record and the standard that he’s set, he’s a proper goal scorer, a proper centre forward and has produced for England in big moments,” Shearer told Betfair.
That praise carries extra weight coming from Shearer, whose 30 England goals once ranked among the nation’s best before Kane surpassed him to become the Three Lions’ all-time leading scorer.
For Shearer, Kane’s greatness is about far more than the numbers. It is about consistently delivering when England needs him most. The Bayern Munich striker once again demonstrated that quality with a match-winning brace in England’s Round of 32 victory over DR Congo, keeping Thomas Tuchel’s side alive in its pursuit of World Cup glory.
1 month ago
The final rosters for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game were announced on Saturday evening, and finally the Detroit Tigers got some justice. Dillon Dingler, the best catcher in baseball this season, was named to the team as a reserve behind leading vote getter Shea Langeliers. Rookie phenon Kevin McGonigle, like Dingler a top ten position player in the major leagues this season, was also named as a reserve at the shortstop behind the Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr, while Riley Greene made the reserve squad for this third straight All-Star Game appearance.
The reserves are selected by a player ballot, with several Commissioner's Office selections rounding out the roster for the Mid-Summer Classic to ensure that every team has a representative.
Dingler is currently 3rd in all baseball in terms of fWAR for position players. The 27-year-old backstop has already been one of the best defensive catchers in the game for two seasons, but this year the bat caught up and its been nothing but fireworks at the plate. Dingler has 19 homers on the year already after hitting 13 in all of 2025. His 133 wRC+ mark is a career best as well. He grades out as the third best blocker, and the second best pitch framer in baseball, and he's adapted wonderfully to the ABS challenge system as well. The Tigers finally have the all-around monster catcher of their dreams. He's the first Tigers catcher in 15 years to make the All-Star Game.
Riley Greene will be making his third straight All-Star Game appearance this year. The left fielder has played in all but one game this season and after a sluggish start in power department, now has 12 homers after a big month of June. He holds a .375 on-base percentage and a 133 wRC+ on the year.
The 21-year-old McGonigle has been a revelation this season, even to those of who have predicted eventual greatness throughout his brief minor league career. He's improved defensively and is playing a solid shortstop while getting a bit of work at third base as well. He's also showing off the best speed of his career. Combine all that with his elite eye and contact ability, producing a .394 on-base percentage, more walks than strikeouts, and a 135 wRC+ and you have one heck of a player. McGonigle becomes the first Tigers player since Mark Fidyrich to make the Midsummer Classic as a 21-year-old, and the only other Tiger to do that was Mr. Al Kaline. Incredible stuff from the Kid this season.
The reserves are selected by a player ballot, with several Commissioner's Office selections rounding out the roster for the Mid-Summer Classic to ensure that every team has a representative.
Dingler is currently 3rd in all baseball in terms of fWAR for position players. The 27-year-old backstop has already been one of the best defensive catchers in the game for two seasons, but this year the bat caught up and its been nothing but fireworks at the plate. Dingler has 19 homers on the year already after hitting 13 in all of 2025. His 133 wRC+ mark is a career best as well. He grades out as the third best blocker, and the second best pitch framer in baseball, and he's adapted wonderfully to the ABS challenge system as well. The Tigers finally have the all-around monster catcher of their dreams. He's the first Tigers catcher in 15 years to make the All-Star Game.
Riley Greene will be making his third straight All-Star Game appearance this year. The left fielder has played in all but one game this season and after a sluggish start in power department, now has 12 homers after a big month of June. He holds a .375 on-base percentage and a 133 wRC+ on the year.
The 21-year-old McGonigle has been a revelation this season, even to those of who have predicted eventual greatness throughout his brief minor league career. He's improved defensively and is playing a solid shortstop while getting a bit of work at third base as well. He's also showing off the best speed of his career. Combine all that with his elite eye and contact ability, producing a .394 on-base percentage, more walks than strikeouts, and a 135 wRC+ and you have one heck of a player. McGonigle becomes the first Tigers player since Mark Fidyrich to make the Midsummer Classic as a 21-year-old, and the only other Tiger to do that was Mr. Al Kaline. Incredible stuff from the Kid this season.
1 month ago
The Oklahoma Sooners have made an addition to their recruiting and scouting teams, with a new hire to start July. OU has hired Manaia Brown as a scouting coordinator in their recruiting department.
Brown was most recently the ****** istant director of recruiting at Fresno State. The former Nebraska and BYU defensive tackle also spent a year as the defensive line coach at Northeastern State following a stint at Garden City Community College, the alma mater of head coach Brent Venables. He also has over ten years of coordinator experience. As a player, he was a two-time All-Mountain West selection, and even signed a free-agent contract with Washington in the NFL.
His hiring is far from the only support staff move the Sooners have made this offseason, and he'll help to replace the loss of scouting coordinator T.J. Lynn, who left for a job as a graduate ****** istant at UCLA coaching cornerbacks.
Built for the grind. Hungry for the challenge.
Proud to be part of Oklahoma Football. Time to go compete for championships, build relationships, and chase greatness every single day.
Let’s get to work.
Boomer Sooner. #OUDNA #HardToKill pic.twitter.com/R38OwSKtiJ
— Manaia_Brown (Coach_Brown5) July 2, 2026
Brown was most recently the ****** istant director of recruiting at Fresno State. The former Nebraska and BYU defensive tackle also spent a year as the defensive line coach at Northeastern State following a stint at Garden City Community College, the alma mater of head coach Brent Venables. He also has over ten years of coordinator experience. As a player, he was a two-time All-Mountain West selection, and even signed a free-agent contract with Washington in the NFL.
His hiring is far from the only support staff move the Sooners have made this offseason, and he'll help to replace the loss of scouting coordinator T.J. Lynn, who left for a job as a graduate ****** istant at UCLA coaching cornerbacks.
Built for the grind. Hungry for the challenge.
Proud to be part of Oklahoma Football. Time to go compete for championships, build relationships, and chase greatness every single day.
Let’s get to work.
Boomer Sooner. #OUDNA #HardToKill pic.twitter.com/R38OwSKtiJ
— Manaia_Brown (Coach_Brown5) July 2, 2026
1 month ago
Ansu Fati’s Barcelona exit has officially brought the curtain down on a journey that began more than a decade ago at the club.
After spending 14 years in the Blaugrana system, the forward has completed a permanent move to Monaco, ending a chapter that was once promised for greatness.
However, shortly after the Ansu Fati Monaco transfer was announced, comments made by his father, Bori Fati, shifted attention towards Hansi Flick and the role the German coach played in his son’s departure.
Speaking to Erem News (h/t SPORT) following the confirmation of the Ansu Fati Barcelona exit, Bori Fati disclosed that Flick never reached out to the player before his departure was finalised.
Ansu Fati has sealed a permanent move to Monano. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
After spending 14 years in the Blaugrana system, the forward has completed a permanent move to Monaco, ending a chapter that was once promised for greatness.
However, shortly after the Ansu Fati Monaco transfer was announced, comments made by his father, Bori Fati, shifted attention towards Hansi Flick and the role the German coach played in his son’s departure.
Speaking to Erem News (h/t SPORT) following the confirmation of the Ansu Fati Barcelona exit, Bori Fati disclosed that Flick never reached out to the player before his departure was finalised.
Ansu Fati has sealed a permanent move to Monano. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
1 month ago
Chris Brown was found liable by a Los Angeles jury on Tuesday for $13 million in the gruesome case of a dog that mauled and disfigured his housekeeper at his home in 2020.
At the end of a two-week trial, the verdict went strongly in favor of Maria Avila, who was viciously attacked by Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd owned by Brown, while emptying trash outside the singer's Tarzana, California house.
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At the end of a two-week trial, the verdict went strongly in favor of Maria Avila, who was viciously attacked by Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd owned by Brown, while emptying trash outside the singer's Tarzana, California house.
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1 month ago
Former India captain Ajay Jadeja has backed Ben Stokes' decision to retire from international cricket, saying the England all-rounder made the "right call" and suggesting the decision reflected his unwillingness to let people outside the dressing room dictate how he should live his life.
Stokes announced his retirement after one of the most decorated careers in English cricket, bringing the curtain down on a journey that included match-winning performances in the 2019 ODI World Cup final, the unforgettable Headingley Ashes Test later that year, and several other memorable moments across formats.
Reacting to the announcement on Sony Sports, Jadeja said he admired Stokes for standing by his principles.
"I think he made the right call, and I'll go one step further. Especially for a country's cricket team captain to be told what he can do in the evening and what he can't, there are some people who can take it, but geniuses like him are not going to be ruled by people who are not on the field."
Jadeja added that he would have understood if such instructions had come from within the team setup, but not from administrators.
"If there are people in the dressing room wanting you to do something, that is a different story. But when people running the game try and tell you how to live your life and what to do, I am very happy. Not happy that he's going to retire and we won't see him play, but here is a man who said, 'OK, this is it.' He has been a controversial man. He played controversially."
Stokes' retirement came less than three weeks after he was involved in an off-field controversy following England's victory in the first Test against New Zealand. Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached the team's midnight curfew and were reportedly present during an incident at a London nightclub involving an ECB security staff member and a Saracens rugby player.
The ECB subsequently made both players unavailable for the second Test while an investigation by the Cricket Regulator was conducted, with Joe Root stepping in as stand-in captain.
However, the Cricket Regulator later found insufficient evidence to establish any breach of ECB Cricket Regulations and cleared both players. The ECB also stated that no blame should be attached to either player for the violent incident, confirming that Stokes was not involved in or witness the altercation, while Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, meanwhile, admitted he was saddened by Stokes' retirement, describing it as the end of an era.
"It's depressing for me on the count that two retirements of two all-time greats, Kane Williamson and Ben Stokes, and the surprising timing of the retirements as well."
Manjrekar said Stokes' greatness could never be measured solely by numbers.
"Ben Stokes, I maintained that this is not the guy who will average 50 or get 600 wickets, but he had this unique ability to perform greatness on the big
Stokes announced his retirement after one of the most decorated careers in English cricket, bringing the curtain down on a journey that included match-winning performances in the 2019 ODI World Cup final, the unforgettable Headingley Ashes Test later that year, and several other memorable moments across formats.
Reacting to the announcement on Sony Sports, Jadeja said he admired Stokes for standing by his principles.
"I think he made the right call, and I'll go one step further. Especially for a country's cricket team captain to be told what he can do in the evening and what he can't, there are some people who can take it, but geniuses like him are not going to be ruled by people who are not on the field."
Jadeja added that he would have understood if such instructions had come from within the team setup, but not from administrators.
"If there are people in the dressing room wanting you to do something, that is a different story. But when people running the game try and tell you how to live your life and what to do, I am very happy. Not happy that he's going to retire and we won't see him play, but here is a man who said, 'OK, this is it.' He has been a controversial man. He played controversially."
Stokes' retirement came less than three weeks after he was involved in an off-field controversy following England's victory in the first Test against New Zealand. Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached the team's midnight curfew and were reportedly present during an incident at a London nightclub involving an ECB security staff member and a Saracens rugby player.
The ECB subsequently made both players unavailable for the second Test while an investigation by the Cricket Regulator was conducted, with Joe Root stepping in as stand-in captain.
However, the Cricket Regulator later found insufficient evidence to establish any breach of ECB Cricket Regulations and cleared both players. The ECB also stated that no blame should be attached to either player for the violent incident, confirming that Stokes was not involved in or witness the altercation, while Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, meanwhile, admitted he was saddened by Stokes' retirement, describing it as the end of an era.
"It's depressing for me on the count that two retirements of two all-time greats, Kane Williamson and Ben Stokes, and the surprising timing of the retirements as well."
Manjrekar said Stokes' greatness could never be measured solely by numbers.
"Ben Stokes, I maintained that this is not the guy who will average 50 or get 600 wickets, but he had this unique ability to perform greatness on the big
1 month ago
Warriors have a Draymond Green dilemma if they sign LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that LeBron James won't be returning to the Lakers next season.
He'll look at his options in free agency, which begins this evening, and it's reported that the Warriors are one of the favorites to land the all-time great.
If they do land James, they do have a dilemma on their hands that relates to Draymond Green .
Draymond Green has been vocal when it comes to the greatness of LeBron James.
On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that LeBron James won't be returning to the Lakers next season.
He'll look at his options in free agency, which begins this evening, and it's reported that the Warriors are one of the favorites to land the all-time great.
If they do land James, they do have a dilemma on their hands that relates to Draymond Green .
Draymond Green has been vocal when it comes to the greatness of LeBron James.
