One year after selecting Paige Bueckers with the first overall pick, the Dallas Wings had the No. 1 pick again in this week’s WNBA Draft, and they selected fellow UConn alum Azzi Fudd.

The selection is much more than just an on-court improvement, however — last summer, Bueckers confirmed that she and Fudd were a couple.

The two have been relatively quiet about their relationship, prompting Kevin Sherrington, a Dallas Morning News columnist, to ask Fudd in her introductory press conference if they were still an item.

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Paige Bueckers #5 and Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies and teammates react on the bench against the UCLA Bruins during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at Amalie Arena on April 4, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

On the precipice of that question, Sherrington also asked Fudd if she and Bueckers would talk to “other couples in the league about how they negotiate that dynamic as pro teammates.”

Fudd was not given a chance to answer, as a staffer for the Wings public relations team butted in.

“I understand why you have to ask that question, but we’re going to respectfully decline from commenting on players’ personal lives,” the staffer said.

Sherrington placed blame on the Wings in a column.

UConn student-athlete Paige Bueckers and UConn student-athlete Azzi Fudd walk onto the stage during the Final Four Champions victory parade and rally outside the XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Scott Rausenberger/Imagn Images)

SPARKS STAR CAMERON BRINK SHOWS OFF TONED ABS AT COACHELLA AHEAD OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED WNBA SEASON

“Refusing to acknowledge whether players are still in a relationship after one of them went public about it a year ago suggests they’ve done something wrong, feeding an ugly narrative. What are we afraid of here? What are we saying when we try to hide something already out in the open?” he wrote.

“If anyone’s at fault here, it’s the Wings, who invited the obvious question by drafting Fudd when they had other options, then acted as if they were covering for something that didn’t need hiding. Bueckers and Fudd didn’t deserve this. No matter what their status from here on out, I wish them better luck.”

Players in the WNBA have dated each other as both teammates and opponents. Notably, Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley got married while playing with the Chicago Sky.

It’s unknown how long Fudd and Bueckers have, or had, been dating, but at the very least, they were teammates from 2021 up until last April, when Bueckers was drafted. But they have now reunited.

UConn guards Azzi Fudd (35) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) smile at each other on the bench in the second half against Arkansas State in a first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Storrs, Conn. (Jessica Hil/AP)

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The duo played in two national championship games together, winning last year’s — Bueckers joined the school one year prior to Fudd.

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Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today for BOLD PREDICTIONS about the Big Ten during the 2026 football season. But before we get to those BOLD PREDICTIONS, I want to start with a timid prediction. One that’s almost certain to come true.

People will read this and think: “There’s no way that’s going to happen.” They will then turn to a friend, or even a stranger next to them, and ask: “Can you believe what this idiot says is going to happen next year? What an idiot!”

These people have no idea what the words BOLD PREDICTION mean, or what they stand for. We did not come here today to say “Ohio State will win 11 games,” we came here to say “Purdue will win 11 games!”

OK, so maybe that’s a little too bold. Forgive me, I’m still fine-tuning the level of BOLD I’m looking for.

Illinois: Transfer QB Katin Houser will break a school record 

Houser’s return to the Big Ten didn’t make a lot of headlines, but after throwing for 37 touchdowns with East Carolina the last two seasons, Houser replaces Luke Altmyer and does something neither Altmyer nor any other Illini QB has ever done. He throws at least 24 touchdowns. In fact, I’ll say he cruises past the school record (Kurt Kittner, 23, 2001) and finishes with 28.

Indiana Hoosiers lose three times, miss CFP

I told you they’d be bold, didn’t I? This isn’t a prediction based on not believing in Indiana or being daunted. It’s based on the idea that Indiana loses a lot from last year (including the best QB in the country) and has a schedule that includes games against Ohio State, Michigan, USC, and tough road trips to Nebraska and Washington. If Indiana loses to OSU, Michigan and USC (which are all played within a month of each other), it’d be 9-3 without an obvious marquee win to hang its hat on. Ask Notre Dame and Texas how that works out.

Iowa: A Hawkeye finishes with 750 yards receiving for first time since 2018

Yes, it’s been that long since a Hawkeye has covered that much ground through the air. You won’t be surprised to learn it was a tight end who did it. TJ Hockenson finished with 760 receiving yards during the 2018 season. Maybe it’ll be DJ Vonnahme this year. He led the team with 434 yards as a freshman tight end.

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Maryland: Terps win a game in November

Did you know the Terrapins are 0-9 after October the last two seasons? Maryland fans certainly know it. Since joining the Big Ten in 2014 (and ignoring the COVID season of 2020 because nothing that happened then was real), Maryland is 11-39 from Nov. 1 on. The only team in the country with a lower win percentage in November and December is UMass at 7-33. Now, we’re only asking for one win, but here’s the problem: Maryland’s November slate is at Purdue, vs. Wisconsin, at USC and vs. Penn State. It probably needs to be one of those first two!

Michigan: Wolverines average more than 35 points per game

This isn’t that bold in the greater context of time. From the 2021 season to 2023, the Wolverines averaged 37.3 points per game, but that number dipped to a meager 24.8 in the last two seasons under Sherrone Moore. With a new staff in place and Bryce Underwood taking a step forward, this unit gets back to lighting up the scoreboard and puts the team right back into Big Ten and CFP contention.

Michigan State: Spartans make a bowl game

Former Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker signed a big deal with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason after winning Super Bowl MVP. He has played four full seasons in the NFL. I bring this up because Walker might not have played in the 2021 Peach Bowl, but Michigan State wouldn’t have been there without him. That Peach Bowl was the last bowl game the Spartans played in. It’s been a miserable four years since, but Pat Fitzgerald gets Sparty back to the postseason in his first year in charge.

Minnesota: Gophers pull off a big upset 

I suspect Minnesota’s final record will look like a typical Minnesota record, but how they get there will be more interesting. The Gophers have road games at Washington, Indiana and Penn State. They also welcome Michigan to Minneapolis. They will be underdogs in all four games, but they’ll win at least one of them.

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Nebraska: Cornhuskers miss out on a bowl game

This prediction is not based on Dylan Raiola leaving. I’m of the opinion that Anthony Colandrea might not be the NFL prospect Raiola is, but he’s a better fit for what Dana Holgorsen likes to do. No, this prediction is based on the fact that just because he’s a fit doesn’t mean Colandrea is a star, and Nebraska’s schedule is not easy. The Huskers will be on the road for Michigan State, Oregon, Illinois and Iowa. They could also be underdogs at home to Indiana and Ohio State, and maybe even Washington, too. If this bold prediction comes true, odds are there will be a coaching search in Lincoln this winter.

Northwestern: Aidan Chiles will lose the starting job at some point

Chiles was the big transfer addition, coming over from Michigan State to replace Preston Stone. He’ll now get a chance to work in a Chip Kelly offense. And I don’t think it’ll work. Jonathan Smith had plenty of success with QBs at Oregon State, but couldn’t get Chiles to tap into his potential and play consistent football. Even with a stud WR in Nick Marsh (now at Indiana) making him look better, Chiles lost his starting job at Michigan State. He has tremendous arm strength, but the decision-making and accuracy are far too lacking, and Northwestern isn’t built to survive his turnovers.

Ohio State: Buckeyes break Big Ten title drought

Did you know Ohio State hasn’t won the Big Ten since 2020? Remember, nothing that happened in 2020 counts, so really, Ohio State hasn’t won the Big Ten since 2019. That’s a long drought for a program that’s won a national title and had multiple playoff appearances in that time! Well, Ryan Day finally gets over the hump this year!

Oregon: Ducks lead the league in rushing

Listen, Dante Moore has returned, and the Ducks have Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart at receiver. They also added another stud freshman WR in Gatlin Bair, but I think this team’s identity will be its rushing offense. Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill will combine to be an unstoppable force that, combined with an elite Oregon defense, makes this team one of the toughest to beat in the country.

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Penn State: Nittany Lions won’t beat a team with a winning record

Don’t worry, Penn State fans! You might still finish 9-3 even if this comes true! Have you seen Penn State’s schedule this year? There are road games against Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as a home game against USC (White Out plz). Outside of that, there’s nothing that should scare anybody. Minnesota might be the most difficult game left. Also, I think Minnesota will get to a bowl, and earlier I said Minnesota would pull off an upset this season. *whistles to self*

Purdue: Boilermakers win a conference game

The Boilermakers are 0-18 in Big Ten play the last two seasons. Their last Big Ten win came in the final game of the 2023 campaign when the Boilermakers beat Indiana. The Hoosiers were so embarrassed by that loss that they began investing money into their football program. Anyway, back to Purdue. It’s not just that they’re losing conference games, it’s that they’re losing them by an average of 24.6 points per game. It’s not like they’re losing coin flips here.

Rutgers: The Greg Schiano Era comes to an end

If you understand how important Schiano is to the program, you understand how BOLD this prediction is. The problem Schiano faces is that the Knights are only 31-41 in this second stint and have made a bowl game three times in six seasons (and one of those was with a 5-7 record). That includes a mark of 15-39 in the Big Ten. This year’s schedule does Rutgers few favors. They’ll play Indiana, USC, Michigan, and Penn State. Sportsbooks have their win total posted at 4.5, which seems reasonable. If they play to expectations, I can see Rutgers deciding it’s time to move on after the season ends.

UCLA: Sahir West leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss

You probably don’t know who Sahir West is, and that’s OK. Last season, as a freshman, he finished with 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He also played in a playoff game. You see, he was playing for James Madison, and he’s one of a few Dukes who made the move out west with new coach Bob Chesney. Yes, it was the Sun Belt, but 7.5 sacks and 14 TFL as a true freshman doesn’t happen by accident anywhere.

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USC: Jayden Maiava wins the Heisman Trophy

That’s right. I am predicting that a Lincoln Riley QB and a USC QB will win the Heisman Trophy. Those things never happen! There is simply nothing bolder than this prediction! OK, listen, maybe you think this isn’t going too far out on a ledge, but Maiava’s current Heisman odds have him behind 10 to 15 other players, depending on where you look. Also, he’s lost his leading receivers from last year’s Trojans offense. But I believe a second year as the starter will see Maiava take a leap forward (and he was already good last year), which will keep USC in the playoff hunt all season, helping Maiava’s campaign even more.

Washington: Huskies will be ranked in the top 10 at some point

Will they stay there? I don’t know, but based on their early-season schedule, I can see the Huskies getting off to a hot start. Only one of their first six games is on the road (USC), and while no road trip is easy for West Coast teams, there are tougher games than Purdue and Nebraska. It’s not out of line to think this team could start 7-1 and maybe climb to 9-1 before finishing the regular season with Indiana and Oregon.

Wisconsin: Badgers miss a bowl game, start over

There was plenty of speculation about Luke Fickell’s future at Wisconsin last season, but the program ultimately decided to keep him and make a stronger financial commitment to the football program. The problem is that while the schedule in 2026 is much easier than 2025, it’s not so much easier that we should expect the Badgers to run through it with ease. They won’t. The transfer additions won’t prove to be enough and the Badgers will finish 5-7, causing the new athletic director to clean house with a new coach of their own choosing.

Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been charged with refusing a doping control test and revealed she suffered an Acute Stress Reaction during the incident.

Vondrousova, who won the Wimbledon title in 2023, said the December incident occurred because she had “reached a ⁠breaking point after months of physical and mental stress.”

In December, Vondrousova described a “serious intrusion into my privacy” from a doping control officer who arrived at 8:15 pm demanding an immediate test.

Tennis players are required to log their whereabouts for an allotted hour each day with anti-doping authorities so they can be tested outside of competition, although tests can also occur outside these set windows.

“It is very tough for me to talk about this, ⁠but I want to be transparent with ​you ⁠about my mental health,” 26-year-old Vondrousova wrote on Instagram. “The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress.”

“For a long time, I’ve been dealing with injury, constant pressure and ongoing ⁠sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile. It slowly wore ​me ⁠down more than I probably ‌realised at the time.

“Years of hateful messages and threats have affected how safe I feel in my own space. When someone rang my door ‌late at night without properly identifying themselves or ‌following protocol — I reacted as a person who felt scared.

“In that moment, it was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything.”

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said it was aware of Vondrousova’s post and confirmed that she had been charged with refusing a doping test, but was was not serving a mandatory ⁠provisional suspension.

It said: “We can confirm that an investigation is underway and the player has been charged with refusing a test. At this stage, we are not able to comment any further on the specifics.”

Vondrousova has not played a tournament since the Adelaide ⁠International in January and withdrew from the Australian Open citing a shoulder injury. However, she is on the entry list for the Madrid Open, which runs from 21 April to 3 May.

She revealed that experts confirmed she suffered an Acute Stress Reaction and Generalised Anxiety Disorder, adding: “In that moment, fear clouded my judgment and I just couldn’t process the situation rationally.”

Vondrousova referred to twice Wimbledon ‌champion and compatriot Petra Kvitova, who suffered severe wounds to her ​playing left hand when she was attacked by an intruder at her home in 2016.

“After what happened to ⁠Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly,” Vondrousova added. “I’m ⁠trying to slowly find my way back — both on and off the court … I’m still ‌working to clear my ​name, but at the same time ‌I need to take care of ​myself.”

Several players including Vondrousova’s compatriot Linda Noskova and Ons Jabeur, who she defeated in the 2023 Wimbledon final, commented their support, with German player Eva Lys writing, “sending much love”.

The Instagram account for the Berlin Open, which Vondrousova won last year, wrote: “We’ll miss you on court but your mental health and healing always comes first! Take all the time you need and we wish you all the best!”

With Reuters

A football match in Ecuador turned tragic after a referee was shot dead in a shocking act of violence in front of players and spectators.

The victim, 48-year-old Javier Ortega, was officiating an amateur league fixture when unidentified gunmen reportedly stormed the pitch and opened fire. The incident happened in Pasaje, a town in El Oro Province, causing panic at the venue.

Eyewitnesses said Ortega collapsed on the field as the attackers fled. Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to save him, and he was confirmed dead at the scene. The match was immediately abandoned as players and fans ran for safety.

Police have started an investigation into the killing. Authorities are reviewing mobile phone footage and speaking to witnesses. A police spokesperson described the incident as “a cold-blooded crime committed in a space meant for community and sport.”

Refereeing bodies and football stakeholders have condemned the attack and called for better security at grassroots matches. One official described Ortega as a committed referee, adding that “to lose a life over a game of football is unacceptable.”

The incident has raised fresh concerns about rising violence in Ecuador, where criminal activities have increasingly spread into public and community spaces. In recent years, the country has seen a sharp increase in gang-related violence, often linked to international criminal networks.

Despite security efforts introduced by President Daniel Noboa, authorities are still struggling to control the situation. In 2025, Ecuador recorded its highest level of violent deaths, with a homicide rate of 51 per 100,000 residents, according to the Geneva-based Organised Crime Observatory.

Investigations into Ortega’s death are ongoing, and no arrests have been made so far.

Bournemouth are close to appointing Marco Rose as head coach to replace departing Andoni Iraola.

The German is expected to take over after the club confirmed on Tuesday that Iraola will leave the Vitality Stadium at the end of the season.

Although Iraola’s departure was a blow to the Cherries, it did not come as a complete surprise.

Bournemouth had succession plans in place and had sounded out Rose, along with Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez.

Rose, 49, has been without a club since he was sacked by RB Leipzig in March 2025 and has never previously managed in England.

He has substantial experience, having also worked at Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and Red Bull Salzburg.

Rose was also one of the candidates considered by Tottenham Hotspur following the sacking of Thomas Frank in February.

Asked about the club’s interest in Rose, current manager Iraola told BBC Sport: “I know him but I cannot speak about other managers.

“Because I speak with the club, I have some information. I’ve heard names but it’s a decision that they have to make.

“And, whoever they decide, whenever they decide to sign the new manager, you can ask me about whoever comes and I will try to give my opinion.”

Mets get ‘F’ grade with multiple failing experiments so far this season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets are coming out of the first few weeks of the 2026 MLB season with a terrible 7-12 record, which has them at the bottom of the NL East.

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It’s been a rough season already, and while the Juan Soto injury is playing a big role in the struggles so far, their multiple failing experiments to begin the season certainly haven’t helped.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report gave the Mets a brutal, but also appropriate “F” grade for the season so far, thanks in large part to the poor offense and the failing experiment with top prospect Carson Benge.

Mets given ‘F’ grade for brutal 7-12 start to 2026 season

“New York Mets (7-12): F,” Miller writes. “… Unfortunately, they are bottom five in runs scored, with seven of the nine team leaders in plate appearances posting a sub-.600 OPS. (Most notably, the ‘Carson Benge or Bust’ experiment has very much gone in the latter direction thus far).”

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While the Mets could turn things around still, this grade is based on the first 20 or so games of the 2026 MLB season. And for the Mets, the first portion of the season has been a disaster.

More: Mets didn’t want to trade Brett Baty while White Sox didn’t want Mark Vientos in Luis Robert Jr. trade

They own the worst recovery in the National League, have very little offensive production despite the lineup overhaul, with all but Luis Robert Jr being major disappointments among the new additions to the lineup.

The pitching additions haven’t been great either. Devin Williams has a 6.75 ERA, while Luke Weaver has an 8.10 ERA. Freddy Peralta has been fine with a 3.86 ERA, but overall additions haven’t panned out.

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What other grade could the Mets receive for this start to the year than an “F” grade? It’s gone about as bad as it could, and with Jorge Polanco down with an injury alongside Soto, there is plenty to be concerned about for the Mets this season.

More MLB news:

Shakur Stevenson has expressed an interest in moving back down to 135lbs, eager to collect two titles he never previously had the opportunity to claim.

The 28-year-old is lining up his next outing after comprehensively outpointing Teofimo Lopez, who he dethroned to become a four-division world champion in January.

Immediately after securing the WBO super-lightweight title, Stevenson called out Conor Benn, but has since set his sights on a potential move down in weight.

This is seemingly because the likes of Benn, and indeed WBC world champion Ryan Garcia, are unlikely to face him at a catchweight of 144lbs.

Instead, it appears as though the pair are set for a welterweight showdown in August, while Stevenson explores the possibility of facing Raymond Muratalla.

The IBF lightweight champion comes off a majority decision victory over Andy Cruz, successfully defending his world and Ring Magazine titles in January.

Since then, Stevenson has flirted with the idea of becoming a three-division Ring Magazine champion, to which Muratalla’s trainer and manager, Robert Garcia, has responded via social media.

Taking to X, Garcia confirmed that discussions regarding Muratalla’s next title defence are ongoing, but refused to rule out a potential encounter with Stevenson.

“If you listen to the full interview [with BoxingScene] I said Raymond will have one more fight at 135[lbs] and Top Rank is working on locking in a date and opponent. And we will be at 140[lbs] after.

“But if our next fight is [against] you we can do it [at] any weight. We don’t have anything set yet so let’s make it happen.”

If you listen to the full interview I said Raymond will have 1 more fight at 135 and Top Rank is working on locking in a date and opponent. And we will be at 140 after. But if our next fight is vs you we can do it any weight. We dont have anything set yet so lets make it happen https://t.co/H1BHVs33GW

— Robert Garcia Boxing (@GarciaBoxing) April 16, 2026

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In response, Stevenson said that such an outcome would be “perfect”, despite knowing he would need to adhere to the IBF’s 10lb rehydration policy.

This, therefore, represents unfamiliar territory for the American, whose previous campaign at 135lbs saw him reign supreme as the WBC champion.

The New York Mets travel to Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon to start a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. The Mets have lost eight straight games and were swept by the Dodgers and the Athletics in their previous series. The Cubs took two of three games in their most recent series against the Phillies. The Mets (7-12), who have lost three straight on the road, are 4-6 on the road this season. The Cubs (9-9), who have three of their last four, are 4-5 on their home field. Kodai Senga (0-2, 7.07 ERA) is on the hill for New York, while Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.62 ERA) is starting for Chicago.

First pitch from Wrigley Field in Chicago is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Chicago is a -157 favorite on the money line (risk $157 to win $100) in the latest Mets vs. Cubs odds, while the over/under, is 10.5. Before making any Cubs vs. Mets picks, be sure to see the Mets vs. Cubs predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model. 

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The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It was a profitable 35-29 on top-rated MLB money-line picks last season. It also excelled at making home run prop picks in 2025, returning nearly 30 units of profit. Anybody following its MLB betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.    

Now, the model has set its sights on Mets vs. Cubs and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Mets vs. Cubs:

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Top Mets vs. Cubs predictions 

After 10,000 simulations of Mets vs. Cubs, the model is going Under 10.5 combined runs. The total has gone Under in four of the Mets’ last six games. The total has gone Under in five of the Mets’ last five games against an opponent in the National League Central Division. Three of the last four games have been played to the Under for the Mets. 

SportsLine’s model projects more than 1.7 total bases for just two New York players, with Francisco Lindor leading the way at 1.88  total bases. Chicago, meanwhile, is also projected to have just two players with over 1.7 total bases, Alex Bregman leading the way at 1.78 total bases. The model projects 9.3 combined runs as the Under hits in 66% of simulations. Get the Mets vs. Cubs money-line pick at SportsLine.

How to make Mets vs. Cubs picks

After simulating every pitch of Mets vs. Cubs 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can get that pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Mets vs. Cubs, and which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.