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Electric March Madness opening weekend; Phillies extend ace Cristopher Sánchez; new CBA for WNBA

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This is an article version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, the ultimate guide to every day in sports. You can sign up to get it in your inbox every weekday morning here.


🏀 Five things to know Monday

  1. The men’s and women’s Sweet 16 fields are almost set. Today’s slate of second-round games in the women’s NCAA Tournament will put a bow on the first weekend of March Madness. From the downfall of No. 1 seed Florida to numerous buzzer-beaters in the men’s bracket, and from the dominance of the top seeds in the women’s field to the potential end of the Audi Crooks era, March has been plenty mad. We have all of the scores and upcoming tip times in one place on the men’s side, and here’s the rundown on every women’s game.
  2. The Phillies extended Cristopher Sánchez through 2032. A new six-year contract will keep the ace in Philadelphia, where he posted a 3.00 ERA across the past three seasons and developed into one of the best lefties in baseball. Sánchez will make $107 million over the life of the deal, which also includes a club option for 2033. The 29-year-old has the third-best odds to win the NL Cy Young Award this season, per Caesars.
  3. Team USA made a statement in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. While numerous NFL players including Joe Burrow have made it clear that they want to chase a gold medal when flag football makes its Olympic debut in 2028, Saturday’s event suggested the current United States National Team is equipped to dominate without them. Led by Velton Brown Jr. and Housh Doucette, Team USA made light work of its opposition with three blowout victories en route to the championship. Burrow, Tom Brady, Odell Beckham Jr., Stefon Diggs and other current and former NFL stars were among those on the two losing rosters.
  4. We have the details of the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement. The league and players union announced the terms of their historic CBA, which delivers unprecedented benefits to players beginning this season. Among the highlights are significant pay raises (thanks to a salary cap that will grow by nearly 200% by 2032), the continuation of league-provided housing, chartered flights, new facility standards and more.
  5. Manchester City are EFL Cup champions. Behind a brace from Nico O’Reilly, Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0 to claim their ninth cup. Only Liverpool (10) have more wins in the 65-year history of the tournament. This is City’s first cup win since 2021 when they rattled off four straight, and it is the product of an aggressive second half that saw O’Reilly, a defender, net two goals in five minutes.

🎠 Do not miss this: College basketball coaching carousel moves, rumors


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The first big wave of high-major college basketball coach hirings hit over the weekend. Three power conference jobs are filled, including one of the biggest in the sport. Here are the latest hires:

  • Gerry McNamara, Syracuse
  • Bryan Hodgson, Providence
  • Scott Cross, Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech made the Cross hiring official on Friday after Troy’s season came to an end in the NCAA Tournament. Once South Florida fell out of the bracket, Providence announced that Hodgson will make the jump to the Big East on a five-year contract. The highest-profile move of the bunch is nearly official. McNamara, a program great at Syracuse, is set to take his alma mater’s job on the heels of a terrific run at Siena (which nearly included a first-round upset of Duke on Thursday).

With these three positions off the board, all eyes are on North Carolina and whether one of the biggest brands in all of college athletics will make a move. Hubert Davis’ future with the Tar Heels is in doubt, according to Matt Norlander, following a first-round loss to VCU in which UNC squandered a 19-point lead and fell in overtime. If the Tar Heels do, in fact, part ways with Davis, it would come with a hefty price tag in the form of a $5.3 million buyout.

🏀 Men’s NCAA Tournament delivers all the drama


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Even though the first two rounds of the men’s NCAA Tournament were fairly light on upsets and Cinderellas, the pageantry was absolutely off the charts. It’s been three days since our last morning newsletter, so let’s cover everything that unfolded from Friday through Sunday.

  • Friday (first round): A loss to No. 6 Tennessee ended No. 11 Miami (Ohio)’s remarkable season, Iowa State lost Joshua Jefferson to an ankle injury, No. 7 UCLA fended off No. 10 UCF even without Tyler Bilodeau and double-digit seeds went 0-14.

No. 5 St. John’s was among the biggest winners of the day as the underseeded Big East champion fended off a tough draw and dispatched No. 12 Northern Iowa 79-53. College basketball fans at large came away victorious from the thrilling No. 7 Kentucky vs. No. 10 Santa Clara battle when Otega Oweh delivered the most electric shot of the tournament. His buzzer-beater to send the game to overtime helped the Wildcats avoid disaster.

  • Saturday (second round): No. 11 Texas pulled off a sizable upset over No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 1 Duke looked much more impressive when it pulled away from No. 9 TCU, Mikel Brown Jr. missed another game as No. 6 Louisville fell out of the bracket and No. 4 Nebraska reigned supreme in an unforgettable showdown against No. 5 Vanderbilt.

You have to feel for the Commodores, who came away on the losing end of that instant classic. Tyler Tanner watched as a last-second heave from well beyond midcourt hit the backboard and danced around the rim in a moment where time stood still. The narrow miss made the loss even tougher to stomach.

  • Sunday (second round): No. 9 Iowa delivered the upset of the tournament with a go-ahead 3 in the closing seconds against No. 1 Florida, the second year of the Mark Pope era ended in a 19-point loss for No. 7 Kentucky and No. 5 St. John’s shut the door on a late surge from No. 4 Kansas with a buzzer-beater.

The last-second layup from Dylan Darling will give the Red Storm a high-profile spot in “One Shining Moment” as one of the biggest shots of the tournament. The funny thing? Rick Pitino said Darling called his own number despite being scoreless over the game’s first 39 minutes. Sadly, the dramatic finish all but certainly means the college basketball world has seen the last of Kansas star Darryn Peterson, who is NBA-bound as the projected No. 1 overall pick.

🏀 Favorites reign supreme in Women’s NCAA Tournament


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The women’s bracket was even chalkier than the men’s through the first round. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the action.

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  • Friday (first round): There was not a single upset across the first 16 games, which is not entirely uncommon. No. 4 Minnesota had to erase a fourth-quarter deficit against No. 13 Green Bay, though, and No. 12 Colorado State gave No. 5 Michigan State a scare down to the final shot.

The absence of upsets means No. 10 Tennessee is one-and-done in the dance. An eight-game losing streak brought an end to what Kim Caldwell called the “worst year of my professional career.” Caldwell said her players deserve better than what she gave them in the 76-61 loss to No. 7 NC State.

  • Saturday (first round): No. 10 Virginia became the only double-digit seed to advance, while No. 1 seeds UConn, South Carolina and UCLA won by a combined 164 points.

Officials overturned what appeared to be a game-winner at the buzzer for No. 8 Clemson, which precipitated a heartbreaking overtime loss for a “sleeping giant” of a Tigers program that looks very much awake. Meanwhile, four teams battled 80-degree indoor temperatures at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. And Audi Crooks was noncommittal about her future at Iowa State following the Cyclones’ first-round exit.

  • Sunday (second round): The same teams that avoided upsets on Day 1 delivered another dose of chalk in the second round. Two teams even hit 100 points with No. 1 Texas obliterating No. 8 Oregon and No. 2 LSU pulverizing No. 7 Texas Tech.

Some of the biggest drama of the day occurred on the Maryland sideline, where coach Brenda Frese had an intense moment with Terrapins star Oluchi Okananwa. It was all in the spirit of competition, though, according to Okananwa.

👍👎 The best (and not-so-best) of the rest


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📺 What we’re watching Monday

🏀 March Madness continues today with the women’s second round. Here’s how to watch all eight games.

⚾ Spring training: Orioles at Nationals, 1:05 p.m. on MLB Network

🏀 Spurs at Heat, 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network

🏒 Senators at Rangers, 7:30 p.m. on NHL Network

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⚾ Spring training: Royals at Rangers, 8:05 p.m. on MLB Network

⛳ TGL finals, Game 1: Jupiter Links Golf Club vs. Los Angeles Golf Club, 9 p.m. on ESPN2

🏀 Warriors at Mavericks, 9:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network

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Senegal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 kit to carry one AFCON star instead of two | Football News

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Senegal's FIFA World Cup 2026 kit

Senegal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 kit


Senegal’s team jersey will display only one star instead of two at the World Cup this summer, but it has nothing to do with the country being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title.


The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) issued a statement to clarify that production of the jerseys by kit manufacturer Puma began in August last year and “manufacturing deadlines and industrial constraints did not allow for the interruption of this ongoing process.” 
Senegal went on to win the Africa Cup in January for its second continental crown after winning the 2021 edition, to which its first star refers.

 

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But the Teranga Lions were surprisingly stripped of the second title on Tuesday when the Confederation of African Football’s appeals board ruled that Senegal forfeited the Jan. 18 final by leaving the field of play without the referee’s authorization, awarding Morocco a default 3-0 win.


The FSF made no mention of that decision in its statement, where it continued to refer to “our victory” and said it be reflected on the team jersey – after the World Cup.


“Aware of the Senegalese people’s legitimate attachment to their symbols, the FSF wishes to reassure all supporters: the new jerseys incorporating the second star are currently in production. They are scheduled to be available starting next September,” the federation said.


“The FSF apologizes for any misunderstanding this situation may have caused and thanks the supporters for their constant commitment, vigilance, and unwavering attachment to the national team.” 
The FSF previously said it will appeal CAF’s unprecedented decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, a process that typically takes a year to deliver a verdict, while the Senegalese government slammed the “grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision” and called for an international investigation “into suspected corruption” within African soccer’s governing body.

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CAF president Patrice Motsepe on Wednesday defended the body against perceptions of favoritism toward Morocco, which is a 2030 World Cup co-host and has invested heavily to become a soccer superpower.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Mar 22 2026 | 9:52 AM IST

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This epic 54-hole march channels Walter Hagen. Here’s how to be part of it

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“Let’s play two.”

That was Ernie Banks, greeting the prospect of a doubleheader with the kind of boyish joy he was known to embody. Banks was a ballplayer, of course. But you can imagine how the sentiment might have translated to golf, especially in the company of Walter Hagen.

Hagen, the game’s original showman, approached life with a mix of competitive fire and carefree indulgence. He chased titles, bagging quite a few, including 11 majors, but he also chased experiences, often blurring the line between the two. One afternoon in 1920, having traveled to England’s Kent coast for the Open Championship, he and fellow pro Jim Barnes went all in on Hagen’s carpe diem ethos. They went out for a casual round, then decided that one round wasn’t enough.

Their solution was a rambling, fence-hopping odyssey across three storied links — Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, Royal St. George’s Golf Club and Prince’s Golf Club — stringing together 54 holes in a single, freewheeling day that was perfectly on point for the Hagen brand.

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More than a century later, that escapade lives on as the Hagen 54, an annual pilgrimage that is both a festive outing and an endurance test. Since its inaugural playing in 2025, the event has found a robust audience. The 2026 iteration is already sold out.

But entries are now open for the 2027 edition. The core golf format remains unchanged since Hagen and Barnes blazed their exuberant trail — 54 holes in one continuous push across the three courses — but modern comforts have been added, with caddies, sustenance and camaraderie carrying players from one property to the next. It’s golf on world-class venues, with on-course catering and someone to carry your bag if you’d like.

The 2027 event will take place July 21–22 on the Kent coast. Participants arrive on the evening of July 21 for a welcome reception and BBQ at Royal Cinque Ports, with optional golf that day at Prince’s or Royal Cinque Ports for those who want to warm up. The main event begins the following morning with a 5:40 a.m. shotgun start, playing in fourballs across the Hagen Route. It makes for an exhausting but exhilarating day. The entry fee is £1,125 per person (about $1,500) or £4,500 (about $6,000) for a foursome.

Additional details are available here.

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Ben White given shock England recall as Thomas Tuchel replaces injured duo

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Ben White has been handed a shock England recall after over three years out of the squad as Thomas Tuchel was called into making two changes due to his March internationals roster.

The Arsenal defender has not featured in a Three Lions camp since leaving the squad under dramatic circumstances during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with White subsequently asking not to be considered for selection by then-manager Gareth Southgate.

The rift stemmed from a reported falling out with former England assistant Steve Holland, who allegedly claimed that White was not sufficiently interested in football.

White has since been on a self-imposed England exile, one that was not resolved during the interim reign of Lee Carsley following Southgate’s departure in the summer of 2024, but has now been lured back into the fold by Tuchel.

Ben White is back in the England squad
Ben White is back in the England squad (Getty Images)

He replaces Jarell Quansah in the squad for March’s internationals against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender dealing with a thigh injury, while Gunners teammate Eberechi Eze has also been ruled out due to a calf problem.

Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes has been chosen to fill the void left by Eze, whose only appearance for the senior team came in October 2020.

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Tuchel had spoken positively about a return for White, saying in August of last year that he was “delighted” to see him back in training after recurring knee problems.

“We were monitoring the process and huge compliments to the medical and performance department of the FA. And thanks to everyone at Arsenal to let us monitor closely so we are on it, speaking to Ben that we are delighted that he is back on the bench,” Tuchel said. “He wants to be back, he’s glad to be back.”

Thomas Tuchel has lured White back into the England fold
Thomas Tuchel has lured White back into the England fold (PA Wire)

White only has four England caps to his name and has not played for the Three Lions since a 3-0 friendly win against the Ivory Coast in March 2022.

He did not feature at the Qatar World Cup that year and ruled himself out of contention for Euro 2024.

But speaking on his selection for the March internationals, Tuchel insisted a player’s absence from a previous tournament will not be a factor in deciding who goes to this summer’s World Cup.

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“No, it’s not interesting to me if someone was at a tournament, or is now at their first tournament,” Tuchel said.

“It’s interesting how we’re trying to build the group, and I want to arrive with a strong group, and I want to be absolutely certain that we have a group that can enjoy weeks and weeks and weeks together. That we have the energy right, and we have the chemistry right.”

White has made just seven Premier League appearances this season for leaders Arsenal but has played in eight of their 10 Champions League games, with the club staring down the barrel of a quarter-final tie against Sporting CP.

He started Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, which saw Arsenal lose 2-0 as their hopes of an unprecedented quadruple went up in smoke.

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NFL news: Seahawks pay Jaxon Smith-Njigba record money

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba played a pivotal role in the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning run during the 2025 season, and on Monday, he got paid for his efforts.

Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension with $120 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports. He will now become the highest-paid receiver in NFL history with a $42.15 million annual average value of the contract.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays in Super Bowl LX

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs the ball during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026. (Cary Edmondson/Imagn Images)

The Seahawks selected Smith-Njigba in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He didn’t turn into a full-time starting receiver until the 2024 season, which he earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

Smith-Njigba’s value to the team grew exponentially in 2025. He had 119 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns with Sam Darnold slinging him the pill. The receiving yardage total led the NFL.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba celebrates a Super Bowl title

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) looks on during the Super Bowl LX parade on Feb. 11, 2026. (Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)

The 2025 season was the first year he was able to compete in the playoffs. In three games, he had 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He had four catches for 27 yards in Super Bowl LV against the New England Patriots, but he didn’t really need to do much for the team to win.

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Smith-Njigba will enter his fourth NFL season with a different offensive coordinator but a similar roster on offense.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes a catch

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field on Dec. 18, 2025. (Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)

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Though Klint Kubiak took the Las Vegas Raiders’ head-coaching job, the team brought back Rashid Shaheed, Josh Jones and Charles Cross.

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EFL Cup final: Arsenal vs Manchester City preview and streaming details | Football News

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The EFL Cup final sets the stage for a blockbuster showdown at Wembley Stadium, where Arsenal and Manchester City will battle for silverware. By the end of the night, the famous trophy will be adorned in either red and white or sky blue as one side makes the iconic walk up the Wembley steps.

 


For Arsenal, this final represents a chance to end a decades-long drought in the competition, having last lifted the trophy back in 1993. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have been in exceptional form and could turn their season into a trophy-winning campaign with victory here.

 
 

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Manchester City, meanwhile, arrive with their own motivations. Pep Guardiola’s side are aiming to secure their first major honour since their Champions League triumph in 2022–23, despite a season that has seen inconsistency and European disappointment.

 


With both teams occupying the top two spots in the Premier League, this final promises to be a high-quality, fiercely contested encounter between two of England’s best sides, each eager to make a statement on one of football’s biggest domestic stages.

 

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Arsenal team news

 


Mikel Arteta remained characteristically tight-lipped when addressing team news ahead of the EFL Cup final, offering little clarity on the fitness of Jurrien Timber (ankle) and captain Martin Odegaard (knee), suggesting a late decision will be made.

 

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There is, however, a confirmed absence, as Mikel Merino has been ruled out due to injury. On a more positive note, Eberechi Eze is expected to be available despite a minor scare in the previous match against Bayer Leverkusen, which he quickly brushed off.

 

Arteta also kept his cards close regarding the goalkeeper selection, declining to reveal whether Kepa Arrizabalaga or David Raya will start. However, Kepa’s steady performances as the backup could see him get the nod at Wembley, especially considering his experience on the big stage. 

 


Manchester City team news

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On the other hand, Guardiola happily confirmed who would be given the gloves for Man City in his pre-game press conference; James Trafford will replace Gianluigi Donnarumma for the final.

 


Only Josko Gvardiol (calf) is out injured for the eight-time winners, but Guardiola will controversially have to make do without January signing Marc Guehi, ineligible for the showdown with Arsenal.

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The former Crystal Palace man was only a substitute in the second-leg loss to Real Madrid anyway, but Guardiola could still opt for a defensive alteration, with John Stones stepping in for Abdukodir Khusanov.

 


Bernardo Silva’s sending-off in midweek – the first of his career in the Champions League – means nothing for Wembley, where Erling Haaland will aim to score under the famous arch for the first time on the seventh attempt.

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Arsenal vs Manchester City EFL Cup final probable starting eleven:

 


Arsenal starting 11: Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres

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Manchester City starting 11: Trafford; Nunes, Dias, Stones, Ait-Nouri; Silva, Rodri, O’Reilly; Cherki, Haaland, Semenyo

 


EFL Cup final: Arsenal vs Manchester City  Live Telecast and Streaming Details

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When will the EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City be played?


The EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City will be played on March 22.

 

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What time will the EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City begin on March 22?


The EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City will start at 10 PM IST.

 


What will be the venue for the EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City?

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Wembley Stadium will host the EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City.

 


Where will the live telecast of the EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City be available in India?


The live telecast of the EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City will not be available in India.

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Where will the live streaming of the EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City be available in India?


The live streaming of the EFL Cup final match between Arsenal and Manchester City will be available on the FanCode app and website in India.

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Gary Neville will hate what Man United are doing after VAR controversy

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Manchester United were left frustrated after not being awarded a second penalty during their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday night

Amad’s face told the whole story on Friday night as Manchester United conceded immediately after a big penalty appeal was waved away by referee Stuart Attwell during the game with Bournemouth. The winger was seeminglt pulled to the ground by defender Adrien Truffert shortly before Ryan Christie equalised for the Cherries.

VAR official Craig Pawson checked the challenge on the Ivorian but decided Attwell could stick with his on-field decision. “The referee’s call of no penalty for a challenge by Truffert was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed the contact was not sufficient for a foul,” the Premier League’s Match Centre posted afterwards.

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The grievance might have ended there had it not been that 10 minutes later Harry Maguire was sent off and Bournemouth awarded a penalty for a similar challenge. On this occasion, the Premier League Match Centre explained: “The referee’s call of penalty and red card for Maguire for the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed to be a holding offence with no attempt to challenge for the ball.”

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Anyone who watched the game would rightly be scratching their heads at that verdict. After the match, captain Bruno Fernandes called for consistency and felt both the Truffert and Maguire challenges were fouls.

Michael Carrick suggested it was too late for apologies – the match was over and the points had been dropped. And yet, the Reds have taken their complaints further and have contacted the PGMOL for an explanation.

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This is where United are likely to lose the sympathy of one of their legends. Gary Neville was an ardent critic of this approach two years ago when Nottingham Forest sought a response from the referee’s governing body after Ivan Toney’s goal for Brentford.

He wrote on X at the time: “Clubs writing to the PGMOL is embarrassing. Liverpool and Arsenal started it and set the precedent of this nonsense.

“The refs should be doing better and are under enormous pressure at the moment. It’s in the clubs’ interests to work with them to make them improve. This public posturing is unnecessary.”

Little has changed in the Premier League since Neville’s comments. Officials remain under the same intense scrutiny and clubs are still seeking answers from the authorities when things go against them.

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The trouble is that clubs and referees are sparring against each other instead of working collaboratively and that is why Neville will be against United’s course of action. In their most recent vote, Premier League clubs voted overwhelmingly to keep VAR despite fans being against the technology. United were one of the 19 clubs who voted to keep it in June 2024.

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

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5-Time Pro Bowler Wants to Join the Vikings

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Ravens WR DeAndre Hopkins in 2025 against Bears
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates after making a catch during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

When a team lands a big fish like Kyler Murray, sometimes his old friends want to join. That’s the case for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who publicly acknowledged over the weekend that he’d like to join the Minnesota Vikings.

Hopkins wants in, and the Vikings have room for a proven veteran.

Hopkins is a free agent, and Minnesota may need a WR3. The connection makes sense.

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The Vikings Make Sense for DeAndre Hopkins

Would you mind Hopkins as the third wide receiver in 2026?

Kyler Murray throwing to DeAndre Hopkins during a Cardinals game versus Washington. DeAndre Hopkins Vikings.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray connects with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during a game against Washington at State Farm Stadium, Sep 20, 2020, showcasing their early-season chemistry in Glendale. Hopkins quickly established himself as Murray’s top target in Arizona’s offense during his debut campaign. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Hopkins: I’m Here if Murray, Vikings Need Me

There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Hopkins would play for the Vikings this season if called upon.

Asked by TMZ this week about the Vikings as a landing spot, he replied, “Kyler — that’s my boy, man. Kyler is like family. I talked to Kyler throughout the year last year. I talked to Kyler after, you know, his situation in Arizona. Kyler’s like family, man.”

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“I would always, you know, embrace that journey with him. He’s on a one-year deal? Whatever I can do for what someone like that — if Kyler need me he know I’m there, if the Vikings need me they know I’ll be there.”

That doesn’t leave much to the imagination.

Hopkins’s Career Production

The Baltimore Ravens targeted Hopkins just 39 times in 2025 — or 14 fewer than Jalen Nailor in Minnesota, who filled the Vikings’ WR3 role last season. The year prior, in Kansas City and Tennessee, Hopkins posted WR3-adjacent numbers, perhaps suggesting he could return to that role in 2026 if fed targets from Kyler Murray.

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These are his numbers since turning pro in 2015:

2025 — BAL: 22 Rec | 330 Yds | 2 TDs
2024 — KC/TEN: 56 Rec | 610 Yds | 5 TDs
2023 — TEN: 75 Rec | 1,057 Yds | 7 TDs
2022 — ARI: 64 Rec | 717 Yds | 3 TDs
2021 — ARI: 42 Rec | 572 Yds | 8 TDs
2020 — ARI: 115 Rec | 1,407 Yds | 6 TDs
2019 — HOU: 104 Rec | 1,165 Yds | 7 TDs
2018 — HOU: 115 Rec | 1,572 Yds | 11 TDs
2017 — HOU: 96 Rec | 1,378 Yds | 13 TDs
2016 — HOU: 78 Rec | 954 Yds | 4 TDs
2015 — HOU: 111 Rec | 1,521 Yds | 11 TDs

Would-Be WR Group

Let’s suppose that the Vikings hear Hopkins interest and oblige. Before adding any WRs in the draft next month — Minnesota has nine picks on the menu, up from five in 2025 — the wide receiving gang could look like this:

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  • Justin Jefferson
  • Jordan Addison
  • DeAndre Hopkins
  • Tai Felton
  • Myles Price
  • Jeshaun Jones
  • Dontae Fleming
  • Joaquin Davis

It’s also worth noting that most of the other notable free-agent wide receivers have flown off the board to new teams, leaving Hopkins as a last man standing of sorts.

Hopkins warming up on the field before a Ravens game in Minneapolis. DeAndre Hopkins Vikings.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins goes through pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium before facing the Minnesota Vikings, Nov 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. The veteran receiver prepares for another matchup late in his career, bringing experience and route precision to Baltimore’s passing attack. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

NBC Sports Mike Florio on the prospect of Hopkins to Minnesota: “The more pressing question for Hopkins is whether the Vikings envision a spot for him in the lineup. The depth chart is led by Justin Jefferson, obviously. Jordan Addison is the No. 2, as he approaches the last year of his first-round rookie deal. (The question of whether they’ll exercise his fifth-year option may not be the no-brainer it once seemed to be).”

“Jalen Nailor, mainly a slot receiver, left in free agency. Hopkins has a specific and unique skill set. He displayed it during Saturday’s flag football event, boxing out an overmatched Team USA defender to make a one-handed catch of the undersized ball. Hopkins could be a potent weapon in the red zone, giving Murray an option for jump balls in the back corner if/when the defense focuses on Jefferson.”

Other WR Options from Free Agency + Draft

Speaking of free agency, these are the remaining options for WR3 as of March 23rd, in addition to Hopkins:

  • Curtis Samuel
  • Deebo Samuel
  • Jauan Jennings
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster
  • Keenan Allen
  • Noah Brown
  • Stefon Diggs
  • Tyreek Hill
DeAndre Hopkins playing for the Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX against the Eagles. DeAndre Hopkins Vikings.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins lines up during Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome, Feb 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Hopkins appears on football’s biggest stage, adding another milestone moment to a decorated NFL career. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Or — if the Vikings want a wideout in the first three rounds of the draft — again … after the Felton pick last year — these are the options, listed in Consensus Big Board order:

  • Carnell Tate (Ohio State)
  • Makai Lemon (USC)
  • Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)
  • Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)
  • Denzel Boston (Washington)
  • Kevin Concepcion (Texas A&M)
  • Chris Brazzell (Tennessee)
  • Chris Bell (Louisville)
  • Germie Bernard (Alabama)
  • Zachariah Branch (Georgia)
  • Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)
  • Antonio Williams (Clemson)
  • Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
  • Skyler Bell (UConn)
  • Ted Hurst (Georgia State)
  • Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)
  • Deion Burks (Oklahoma)
  • Ja’Kobi Lane (USC)

Too, Minnesota could have strategically planned for a Felton redshirt year in 2025, meaning there’s a small chance that he’s tapped on the shoulder for WR3 duty and that Hopkins isn’t needed.

Hopkins will turn 34 this summer and has a borderline Hall of Fame resume.

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Landon Donovan gets candid on mental health struggles

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Landon Donovan may be one of the most recognizable American men’s soccer players of all time.

Donovan was a part of the 2002 World Cup that made it to the quarterfinals and helped them get out of the group stage in 2010 following a disappointing outing in 2006. He scored one of the most memorable goals in 2010 when he scored in extra time to put the U.S. over Algeria and advance to the knockout stage.

With the highs that carried Donovan to newfound fame, there were also tremendous lows.

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Landon Donovan on the Galaxy in 2016

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (26) in action against Orlando City FC during the second half  at StubHub Center on Sept. 11, 2016. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)

Donovan details his bout with depression, reconfiguring what success meant to him and his incredible soccer career in his new book, “Landon: A Memoir,” which is set to be released Tuesday.

He opened up to Fox News Digital about his mental health struggles and what depression looked like for him.

“I had two different types of experiences with depression,” he said. “I realized through therapy and in retrospect that I’ve had an underlying depression, low-level depression my whole life that I deal with today. So, there are days where I wake up and and I just feel down and sad nad that is very manageable for me now. I’ve learned how to I’ve with that.

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“But then I’ve also had three episodes in my life of very serious depressive episodes that have lasted weeks that have been really, really hard to get out of. So, what hat look liked for me – not being able to get off the couch, not wanting to eat and just feeling like there’s a massive blanket on top of you that you can’t get off and that’s a horrible feeling.”

The former American soccer star said he’s found ways to pull himself out of those moods, along with the help of therapy.

WORLD CUP TEAMS FINALIZE US BASE CAMPS AS HOST CITIES PREPARE FOR GLOBAL CROWDS

Landon Donovan reacts after scoring

USA forward Landon Donovan (10) reacts after nearly scoring a goal against Antigua & Barbuda during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on June 8, 2012. (Matt Stamey/USA TODAY Sports)

“I say the three Ms for me,” he explained. “Medication has helped a lot it my life. Meditation helps a lot. And then, in some cases, my mom. Just my mom being there next to me has helped me. And so, I’ am at a point now where, knock on wood, it’s bee a long, long time since I’ve had a major depressive episode. But medication and meditation keep my calm and exercise really – these are the three things now that really keep me sane.”

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Donovan mentioned that he really began to struggle after the 2006 World Cup and failed to score or provide assists for the team. He took the brunt of the criticism from the media at the time. He was also left off the 2008 Olympics roster, though the team featured a U23 roster.

The silver lining to that is no one was going to Donovan’s MySpace page to unload furious comments or even death threats similar to what professional athletes hear now.

In that way, Donovan told Fox News Digital he feels “very fortunate.”

“We see so many people who are in the public eye who have to deal with social media hatred, criticism, critiquing all the time. And this would have all been exacerbated for me had that all been around,” he said. “I feel very, very fortunate for a number of reasons that social media didn’t exist at that time, but it is a very real thing.

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“People assume that because we’re in the public eye and we make money and we have fame and our lives should be easy. And by the way, compared to the person who’s struggling to put food on the table, it is easy, so I’m not minimizing that. But it is difficult at times to deal with that. We are, as humans, social creatures. And we want to be liked, we all want to be liked, that’s normal. And to open your screen every day, your phone or your computer, and read people disparaging you, is really hard for humans. And sadly, we’ve seen it take many, many lives.”

Donovan retired from professional soccer as one of the greatest Major League Soccer players the league had ever seen. He helped the U.S. to four Gold Cup titles and the LA Galaxy to four MLS Cups.

Success in 2026 compared to 2006 looks a little different to Donovan right now.

Landon Donovan greets Maya Yoshida

LA Galaxy defender Maya Yoshida (4) and former player Landon Donovan embrace after defeating the New York Red Bulls in the 2024 MLS Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park on Dec. 7, 2024. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)

“Success for me now is peace,” he told Fox News Digital. “I am at peace when I’m with my children. I’m at peace with my wife, when we get to travel, when I get to play golf. It’s sometimes crazy for me to think that a kid who grew up in a 900-square-foot home is flying to New York, staying in a Ritz Carlton overlooking Central Park and to think back at like, how did all this happen? But it wasn’t always easy along the way. And so, for me today, peace is all about doing the things that that I love.

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“Sadly, my dad is a big part of the book. He’s a big character throughout the book and he wasn’t around growing up. I was able to reconcile with him at 25 years old, so almost 20 years ago. He passed away in December, and it was very eye-opening for me to be next to someone as they’re dying. You start to realize that when I am there one day, what is really, really, gonna matter to me? So, when I think about it that way, and try to think about that every day, what today is really gonna matter. Most things aren’t gonna matter. And so, the things that bring me peace are the things I’m gonna put my energy and effort into.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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World champion calls out Terence Crawford for ‘biggest payday of his life’: “I’ll destroy him”

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Terence Crawford may have retired back in December but that hasn’t stopped a reigning world champion from challenging him to a fight.

Crawford competed for the last time back in September when he successfully stepped up to 168lbs and defeated Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed super-middleweight world champion.

The American hung up the gloves three months later, ending an illustrious career that saw ‘Bud’ also hold world titles at lightweight and super-welterweight, along with undisputed reigns at super-lightweight and welterweight.

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It it a titleholder at 147lbs who now wants to take on Crawford, after WBC champion Ryan Garcia revealed his intentions on social media.

“If Bud is listening, I would love to fight you. I feel like I would literally beat the sh*t out of you. You’re a good fighter but I don’t think you’ve ever fought somebody with talent and explosiveness and power.

“Have you fought anybody with one punch knockout power? No. I feel Bud Crawford is overrated. I’ll beat the sh*t out of him. I feel like that in my heart. I would actually fight him, if he doesn’t want it that’s not my fault.

“He’s not a draw, he doesn’t bring anything to the table, he’s boring as f*ck, but I would probably give him the biggest payday of his life if he takes the fight.”

Garcia won the WBC welterweight title in February with a dominant victory over Mario Barrios, securing ‘King Ry’ world honours for the first time.

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He famously defeated Devin Haney in 2024 before the result was changed to a no contest due to a failed drugs test, and while a clash against Crawford could be unlikely, a rematch between Haney and Garcia has been touted to potentially take place later this year.

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Nelly Korda’s short, ‘stupid’ 3-putt dooms comeback LPGA victory

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