Shakur Stevenson has pumped the brakes following a report that he is in preliminary talks to face Devin Haney.
The two elite Americans each have a claim for pound-for-pound status, both boast undefeated records and are considered amongst the most defensively skilled operators of the modern era.
A weight class or two has always separated them, however, and Haney’s recent move to welterweight – a division which Stevenson says he may arrive at but is in no rush – seemed to make the match-up less likely.
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For it to happen, Stevenson said he would want Haney to agree to a catchweight of 144lbs, the same limit he met when beating Jose Ramirez in 2025.
However, Stevenson has now responded to Coppinger’s claim, saying on X that there has been no contact between the teams.
“I know fans like to get excited and they could play with y’all heads and manipulate y’all easily, but that rumour is cap for the 2nd time. I haven’t heard one word about that, [I don’t know] what they [trying to] cover up or disguise, but for me and my team we haven’t heard s**t.”
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had an altercation with Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels at the end of Saturday’s Game 4 at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton (13) fields the ball and turns upfield during first-quarter action against the Green Bay Packers, Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Felton accelerates into space as Minnesota looks to generate early momentum in a key division matchup at home. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
On Sunday, we posted the “losers” from the Minnesota Vikings’ draft, a list of 10 players and coaches deep because Minnesota had so many selections this go-round. Now, it’s time for the winners.
Minnesota’s latest draft class reshaped the depth chart and opened new doors for several returning players.
These players and coaches clearly had to be all smiles during and after the event.
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Turner Gets the Biggest Post-Draft Green Light
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = main winner), here’s who won the draft for the Vikings.
Jordan Mason bursts through the line with the football secured, pushing into open space as the Minnesota Vikings face the Houston Texans during first-quarter action on Aug 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The running back, wearing No. 27, shows power and vision while gaining yardage early in preseason play. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
5. Jordan Mason (RB)
In theory, the Vikings could’ve found a way to draft Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price (Seahawks), Arkansas’s Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders), or Washington’s Jonah Coleman (Broncos) at running back, which would’ve put Mason’s trajectory as the long-term RB1 in jeopardy.
Instead, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski waited until Round 6 to pick Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne. When a player is chosen that late, he is truly a lottery ticket. A scratch-off.
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While Claiborne could become “the next De’Von Achane” with the tutelage of Frank Smith and Kevin O’Connell, Mason remains the somewhat youthful main option at tailback for the Vikings in 2026, with a splash of Aaron Jones, who could split the RB1 workload if he stays healthy.
4. Blake Brandel (C)
One month ago, O’Connell essentially nominated Brandel as his starting center in 2026 — and he wasn’t kidding.
He said to media members who asked about the center spot, “It is great that we feel that good about Blake’s versatility, but ultimately we want to do what’s best for Blake to ascend and reach his highest potential at one position or have the flexibility still to play multiple. What his offseason looks like, what his training camp looks like and what his work flow looks like leading into the season, we want to have him more than likely at that center spot and build on some things that he did last year.”
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“It’s a position that’s got some really unique names in the draft, depending on where you may be looking to take one. There’s some guys with experience, there’s some guys with tremendous upside and then some guys that have that flex above the neck of really the smarts and the command that it takes to play center at the National Football League level. We’ll continue to work through it.”
The “tremendous upside” guys turned out to be a single human, named Gavin Gerhardt from the University of Cincinnati, a man extracted from Round 7. While Gerhardt could emerge in time, it’s probably Brandel’s job to lose at center this season.
3. Brian Flores (DC)
After the Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at the end of January, fans assumed that Flores would have more say in the organization and the draft process.
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Fans were right.
Zone Coverage‘sTom Schreier wrote over the weekend, “Ultimately, the issue with Adofo-Mensah is that he didn’t have a scouting background. The idea behind hiring him was that he would collaborate with the coaches and scouts to identify the best players, then use analytics to maximize draft picks and free-agent spending.”
“By replacing Rick Spielman with Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings were moving from a super scout as their general manager to a CEO.”
Brian Flores observes players moving through drills, tracking positioning and effort as the Minnesota Vikings conduct organized team activities on June 10, 2025, at the team’s training facility in Minneapolis. The defensive coordinator studies each rep closely, continuing to shape a unit that gained momentum during the previous season and enters a pivotal offseason stretch. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Minnesota scouted oodles of wide receivers in February, March, and April. How many did they draft? Zilch.
Brzezinski and O’Connell said “no thanks” to dozens of promising wideouts, basically allowing Flores to cook from the section above. And — that turned out to be good news for Felton, who remains the Vikings’ WR3 right after the draft.
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In theory, Minnesota could sign Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Tyreek Hill, DeAndre Hopkins, Stefon Diggs, or Keenan Allen — or even trade for Brandon Aiyuk — but for now, Felton is the WR3 on paper. Most fans didn’t expect that outcome in the fallout from the draft.
1. Dallas Turner (OLB)
For two seasons, Flores struggled to find full-time playing time for Turner, the team’s 1st-Round draft pick in 2024. Those days are over.
Dallas Turner lines up on defense during postseason action, focused on the snap as the Minnesota Vikings face the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC wild card game on Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Wearing No. 15, the linebacker prepares to engage, bringing energy to a high-stakes playoff matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard was shipped to the Philadelphia Eagles for two 3rd-Round draft picks, completely paving the way for Turner to start in 2026. He received ample playing time down the stretch of 2025 when Greenard was hurt, but now Turner doesn’t have to sit around and wait for injuries to hear his name called.
In September and beyond, you will soon find out if the [very] expensive Turner trade, conducted by the aforementioned Adofo-Mensah, was worth it.
Golf instruction is ever-evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s series, Timeless Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look at 6 things you can copy from Rory McIlroy’s swing from our December 2012 issue.
Rory McIlroy‘s 2026 major season started about as well as he could’ve hoped. After racing out to the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history, he did just enough over the weekend to slip on the green jacket for the second straight year. In doing so, McIlroy became just the fourth man to win at Augusta National in back-to-back years and pushed his major total to six.
The Northern Irishman has evolved over the years from a straight bomber to a more complete and nuanced player. But while he may wedge and putt it better than ever before, his long game is still among the game’s best.
Back in 2012, the team at GOLF Magazine, with the help of Peter Kostis, highlighted some of the attributes that made McIlroy’s swing so elite at an early age; yes, that was a while ago but the takeaways still hold up! Read below for a breakdown on 6 things you should steal for your own swing.
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Steal Rory’s key moves
Rory McIlroy’s swing is one of the most impressive the PGA Tour has ever seen, and to emulate his motion perfectly you’d need an incredible amount of flexibility, athleticism and balance. However, as unlikely as it seems, there are a number of things Rory does that you can use to improve your own technique.
If you crave more power and distance, copy the way he stores energy and “cracks the whip” as he delivers the clubhead through the impact zone. If you’re in need of better balance, then swinging in the proper sequence like he does will make a positive difference almost immediately. And if you’re a slicer, mimicking Rory’s closed shoulders/open hips position in the downswing, as well as his full release, will work wonders.
Take a close look at McIlroy’s various positions and techniques with an eye toward improving your weaknesses, and be sure to try the drills I’ve provided. With just a little bit of work, you can get your game an inch closer to that of the best player in the world.
1. Relaxed setup and strong grip
Rory’s setup position has several noteworthy characteristics, but the number-one thing to copy is his relaxed and tension-free stance. Tightening your arms, shoulders and hands at address makes it very difficult to swing in sequence and generate maximum clubhead speed. Feel relaxed-not tight-before and during your swing.
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The second thing to take from Rory’s address is his relatively strong left-hand grip position. From a face-on view of his setup, the logo on his glove is clearly visible, meaning his left hand is rotated clockwise on the handle. This is critical for players like Rory who prefer to draw the ball from right to left with the driver. It’s also a good technique for those who struggle with slicing. If this is you, I suggest erring on the side of too strong with your left hand, rather than too weak.
2. Don’t fear the ‘cup’
Although modern teaching standards call for a flat left wrist at the top, Rory actually cups his wrist a bit, which allows him to maintain a square clubface despite his strong left-hand grip. He also exhibits a full wrist hinge, evidenced by the fact that the shaft is near parallel to the ground. This is impossible to do if you tense up at address. The secret is to make as full an upper body turn as possible while keeping your arms, wrists and hands loose and free to hinge the club up.
Rory McIlroy at the top of the backswing.
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Moreover, allowing your left wrist to cup instead of forcing it perfectly flat makes it easier to keep your left arm relaxed and to hinge your wrists to their maximum capacity. A flat left wrist sounds nice, but it can potentially lead to undue tension in your lead arm.
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3. Crack the whip
Did you know that the first man-made object to break the sound barrier was a bullwhip? Yes, that sound you hear when a whip is cracked is caused by the incredible speed of the whip’s end as it unleashes all of its built-up energy. This phenomenon is very similar to the way an extremely powerful player like McIlroy unleashes the power of his swing into the ball.
If you’ve noticed, Rory isn’t a huge guy, but he winds up his body on the way back and then swings in sequence on the way down with his hips rotating at full blast, and then — just like the handle of a bullwhip — stopping for a split second just before impact. This move unloads all of the power he has built up in his arms and hands to the clubhead and, ultimately, the ball.
4. Maintain balance
One of Rory’s hallmarks is an incredibly balanced swing and finish position. Unlike a lot of amateurs, you never see him fall over or to the side after he hits a shot, even when it’s a 350-yard smash to a tight fairway. The reason he can do this, in addition to his incredible flexibility and athleticism, is that he swings in the proper sequence and uses his body to properly support his dynamic movement.
If you try to create power by swinging the club from the top with nothing but your arms, or thrust excessively with your legs with the club trailing too far behind, you’ll always be off balance, and your delivery of power will be inefficient and weak.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “swing within yourself,” and this is what I’m referring to. Rory may swing incredibly fast, but his near-perfect balance shows that he’s swinging comfortably within his capabilities and from the “ground up.” Regardless of how far you hit it now, if you improve your balance you’ll swing with much more power and control.
5. Swing the clubhead
Another thing that Rory does incredibly well that most amateurs don’t is control the clubhead. When he swings, you can clearly see how much awareness he has of the clubhead and the clubface, and because of this, he’s able to sling both of them past his body with natural speed and power. This is impossible to do if you grip the club so tightly that you can’t feel the clubhead when you swing. When he gets post-impact, he has completely let the clubhead go — there’s absolutely no steering or holding on. That’s a mistake that most amateurs make.
6. Keep the shoulders closed
Another signature Rory move is the way he keeps his shoulders closed for so long on his downswing. Although he starts rapidly turning his hips counterclockwise as soon as he reaches the top, he keeps his shoulders point- ing right of the target until he just about reaches impact. This is his key for getting the club swinging on the perfect plane and the clubhead moving on the desired inside path to the ball.
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Important: The shoulders control the path of the club to impact while the hips control the path of the club past impact. If you want to hit the ball longer, straighter and with a slight draw, mimic Rory’s open hips and closed shoulders as you swing down and through the hitting zone. If you move your shoulders too early, you’ll hit the ball on an outside path.
The Kansas City Chiefs had two first-round selections thanks to a poor 2025 season and the trading of star corner Trent McDuffie.
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Chiefs general manager Brett Veach knew he had an opportunity to turbo-charge the roster reset, and it was a huge chance to put Kansas City back on the map.
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And he did just that with corner Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods being selected in the first round. Plus, R Mason Thomas in the later round, the Chiefs hit on their early picks.
So much so that CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco thinks Kansas City nailed the draft.
“The Chiefs killed this draft,” Prisco wrote. “They traded up to land the top corner in Mansoor Delane, then landed defensive tackle Peter Woods later in the first, and followed up with Thomas. It was a great first two rounds.”
The Chiefs addressed their needs superbly. They got a starting corner, a starting-caliber defensive tackle, plus an edge rusher to help Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
Now, all that is needed is for the Chiefs to welcome back Patrick Mahomes for Week 1, and all will be right in the world.
Granted, it won’t be as easy as they, but the Chiefs have had the sort of offseason they needed after the 2025 debacle.
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Now, there’s a real chance that the NFL only got a one-season reprieve from the AFC’s apex predator.
Dallas Wings guards Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have been among the biggest focuses on the team. The media have been curious about their relationship and how the couple’s dynamic will be on the team. This happened during Fudd’s press conference, when the Dallas Morning News’ Kevin Sherrington asked the rookie about her relationship.
On Monday, Bueckers decided to take matters into her own hands. During a press conference, she addressed the buzz around her and Fudd. She said that she will address it only once, and the Wings star will refer to her remarks if it resurfaces during the regular season.
“Quite frankly, me and Azzi’s personal relationship, is nobody’s business but our own,” Bueckers said. “And what we choose to share is completely up to us. But as media members, I understand you have a job to do, and you guys have to ask questions about the basketball aspect of it.
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“Me and Azzi have always been the utmost professional. We’ve always conducted ourselves as such, and we’d never let anything that happens off the court carry onto the court.”
Bueckers added that Fudd was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft because she deserved it and that her relationship did not affect the Wings’ decision.
Their relationship was brought up when Sherrington asked Fudd if they had reached out to other couples who are teammates in the WNBA. He was curious to know if they had contacted them to ask how they could make things work as teammates while being in a relationship.
However, the reporter was shut down by a Wings staff member. According to the organization, questions should only be about Fudd’s WNBA career.
Paige Bueckers Wants to Improve This Season
After a strong rookie season, Paige Bueckers is excited for her sophomore year. The former UConn standout said on Friday that she wants to work on a few aspects of her game.
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“Just the little things, taking no possessions off,” she said. “Being in better shape so I can do that. I think obviously coming off the college season, going straight to the W season was tough.”
Bueckers wants to make sure she covers a lot this season to set a standard for the team. She said that she views herself as a leader, and she wants her teammates to trust her to do the little things on the floor.
Last year, Paige Bueckers was named the Rookie of the Year, made the All-WNBA second team and played in the All-Star Game. She averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 36 games.
Terence Crawford and Floyd Mayweather both retired undefeated and both are considered to be amongst the standout pound-for-pound greats of the modern era. Now, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr has predicted how a fight between the American duo would play out.
Mayweather went through his whole career without getting hurt more than once or twice, hanging up the gloves with an iconic record of 50-0 – that could soon be put in jeopardy – as one of six five-division world champions in boxing history.
Crawford became the latest man to join that elite unbeaten club, while simultaneously becoming the second fighter to become the undisputed champion in three separate weight-classes, 87 years after Henry Armstrong became the first man to accomplish that feat.
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With no opponent being able to crack their codes and hand them a defeat during their phenomenal careers, it’s tough to envisage how either man could be beaten and which could figure out the puzzle to come out on top if they were to collide in their primes.
However, in an interview with Luis Parra, Chavez Sr revealed that he would fancy Mayweather to win that battle due to the styles of both men, as well as the superior résumé of ‘TBE’.
“I think so, [that Mayweather would have beaten Crawford]. I think that styles make fights, you know. Crawford is a great fighter, but if you look at who he has beaten, he has only beaten Canelo.”
Mayweather could potentially lose his fabled 50-fight unbeaten streak, if a professional rematch between he and Manny Pacquiao goes ahead and the latter is able to avenge his 2015 defeat.
The fastest two minutes in sports is set for May 2, when the 2026 Kentucky Derby goes to post at Churchill Downs at 6:57 p.m. ET. A full lineup of 20 horses will compete for the most-prestigious race in the industry. The 2026 Kentucky Derby odds are set, with Renegade currently atop the board at 4-1.
A fixture in the horse racing world who has been writing about, talking about and betting on races for years, Demling has nailed the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 12 times in the last 17 years. He also predicted the top three 2025 Kentucky Derby finishers in the correct order and called the exacta in last year’s Preakness. Anyone who has followed him on horse racing betting sites could be way up.
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Now, with the 2026 Kentucky Derby approaching and horse racing futures odds on the board, Demling is sharing his 2026 Kentucky Derby betting picks and 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions over at SportsLine. Go here to see them.
Top 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions
One of Demling’s surprising 2026 Kentucky Derby picks: He is fading Chief Wallabee (8-1) even though he’s one of the favorites. Chief Wallabee burst onto the scene by winning his first race, a maiden event in which he defeated The Puma, another top contender at Churchill Downs.
Since that January race at Gulfstream Park, Chief Wallabee has taken second and third, and his Speed Rating has dipped in each instance. He also has never raced on any track aside from Gulfstream. Those are enough flags to choose other horses in his Kentucky Derby picks over the entrant by legendary trainer Bill Mott. See who to back at SportsLine.
Another stunner: Demling is high on Fulleffort, even though he’s a longshot at 20-1 and will start from out wide at post No. 20. Sired by Liam’s Map, Fulleffort’s father won multiple G1 races in his thoroughbred career. Fulleffort also has impressive genes on his mom’s side as his damsire, Awesome Again, also won multiple G1 races. Fulleffort has participated in just one graded stakes race, but he won that in his last start at the Jeff Ruby Steaks.
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The horse appears to be following the route that 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike took. Both horses only competed on a synthetic surface in their 3-year-old seasons prior to the Derby, and the two even raced the same three races in the Ruby Steaks, Battaglia Memorial and Leonatus. But while Rich Strike never finished in the top two in any of those, Fulleffort has one victory and two runners-up across them. So, the latter is already ahead of the 2022 Derby champion and shouldn’t be overlooked with your horse racing bets. See which other horses to back at SportsLine, and you can make 2026 Kentucky Derby picks at TwinSpires here with the offer code CBSSPORTS:
The perfect Mother’s Day gift doesn’t have to be big, flashy or outrageously expensive. Ask any mom, and she’ll tell you the same enduring truth: It’s the thought that counts! But any gift is much appreciated.
So if you’re looking for a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift that won’t break the bank this year, consider the delightful items below.
There’s even a selection of affordable apparel like Skechers golf shoes, sun-protective quarter-zips and Birkenstock sandals — perfect for post-round relaxing.
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So don’t let Mother’s Day take you by surprise this year (reminder: it’s May 10!). Instead, prepare for Mom’s special day with a thoughtful gift that honors the joy she takes in the game we all love — and at a price point that is most welcome.
Shop our 10 favorite gifts under $50 below!
Shop Mother’s Day gifts under $50
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Ame & Lulu Apres Golf Cosmetic Case Bag
Cosemetic bag Canvas. Zip closure. Nylon liner. 8.5”L x 2″W x 6”H. Color: Natural & Green
Brighten up any day with our new Meet Your Match Socks. Add a touch of pattern to your tennis match, golf game or gym class! Cotton blend. One size fits all. Color: White
America & Beyond Tee In Stripes Beaded Golf Cart Crossbody Bag
This compact vertical crossbody bag is your new go-to for sporty days and fun statement looks.
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Chelsea Charles Golf Goddess Rose Gold Golf Ball Charm Necklace
Golf Goddess Rose Gold Golf Ball Charm Necklace Wear this dainty necklace by Chelsea Charles on and off the green as a reminder of your love for the game of golf. 18k rose gold filled chain featuring an 18k gold dipped golf ball charm. Also available in 925 sterling silver. 8mm golf ball charm 18″ 18k rose gold-filled chain Spring ring closure with Chelsea Charles logo Comes ready to gift on necklace card
Go GOLF Max Fairway 4 Women’s Golf Shoe, Black/Pink, 8 M – Skechers Spikeless
Dominate the course in all-day supportive comfort with GO GOLF Max Fairway 4™. This water-repellent design features a lace-up mesh upper with synthetic overlays, Goga Max technology insole, lightweight ULTRA FLIGHT® cushioning and spikeless outsole. Key Features Skechers Goga Max technology insole delivers high-rebound cushioning Ultra-lightweight, responsive ULTRA FLIGHT® cushioning Ortholite® comfort foam insole layer adds long-term cushioning and high-level breathability with 5% recycled rubber content Water-repellent Design Details Lace-up mesh upper with synthetic overlays Spikeless, durable grip TPU outsole Skechers GO GOLF® logo detail
Modeled on the cork original, this sandal is made from ultra-lightweight and highly flexible EVA.
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Callaway Women’s Hightail Tropical Hat
High-performance in a low-profile hat designed specifically to accommodate a pony-tail, keeping your hair from obstructing your view of the pin. Large ponytail opening on the back Low-profile unstructured design Adjustable Velcro closure
Instant hydration is yours. Stanley combines the best of the best – the IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler and the AeroLight Transit Bottle, now with a Fast Flow Lid wide mouth design for quick and easy hydration. Perfect for studio or gym workouts – everything from cardio to HIIT and more. Work up a thirst and find quick refreshment with Fast Flow. The leakproof, angled Fast Flow Lid is designed for quick and easy pouring, drinking and cleaning. Snap the cap into the handle’s integrated holder for storage while you drink. Featuring the easy-carry handle of our IceFlow, AeroLight featherweight technology for on-the-go transport, and our double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your water refreshingly cold for hours. Details: Keeps drinks cold for 10 hours Drinks stay iced for 2 days Created with recycled 18/8 stainless-steel Double-wall vacuum insulation AeroLight™ featherweight technology uses spun steel that is 33% lighter than standard stainless-steel drinkware Leakproof Fast Flow Lid is designed for easy pouring, drinking, and cleaning Easy-carry handle with cap holder BPA-free Dishwasher safe Compatible with most cupholders Built for Life™ lifetime warranty Capacity: 24 oz. 18/8 Recycled stainless steel, naturally BPA-free Double-wall vacuum insulation AeroLight™ technology AeroLight™ technology Easy carry handle Car cupholder compatible Dishwasher safe Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.11 x 11.18 in. Weight: 0.88 lb.
DESIGNED FOR WOMEN TO UNLOCK YOUR DISTANCE Product Details: LONG & STRAIGHT: Designed for women to maximize distance and forgiveness. EASY TO HIT: Engineered to give you more confidence in every swing. CONFORMS TO THE RULES OF GOLF
As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Issue, which debuted in February 2018. Her original interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.
PITTSBURGH — A bounce house stood in the middle of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ clubhouse before Monday night’s game against St. Louis, courtesy of NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes.
Skenes rented the inflatable kids’ attraction as a part of a belated celebration for rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin, who turned 20 on Friday and celebrated by hitting his first major league home run in a win at Milwaukee.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get to get in it, but I love it,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said of the bounce house. “Teammates, it’s good camaraderie and I know that Konnor’s a great sport about it. There are not too many guys that get to celebrate their 20th birthday in the big leagues. Really cool.”
Griffin made his debut on April 3 after being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis. He signed a $140 million, nine-year contract five days later.
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The Minor League Player of the Year last season, Griffin is hitting .224 with one homer and six stolen bases in 22 games. He was the Pirates’ first-round pick in the 2024 amateur draft.
David Benavidez believes one of the sport’s flagship champions is actively avoiding him, claiming there have been “multiple opportunities” to make the fight happen.
The WBC light-heavyweight champion is widely considered to be a top 10 pound-for-pound operator, capable of significantly enhancing his legacy over the next few years.
Irrespective of the result this weekend, the 29-year-old has said he will move back down to 175lbs and pursue an undisputed showdown with Dmitry Bivol.
The unified light-heavyweight champion is gearing up to defend his titles against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, headlining a card at the UMMC Arena, Russia, on May 30.
Should he wish to become a two-time undisputed king, then the 35-year-old must ultimately face Benavidez, who insists he got the better of their sparring session around eight years ago.
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Back then, the pair had already shared numerous rounds, yet Benavidez has told Ariel Helwani that Bivol came away from their final spar with far less confidence.
“They can say whatever they want… He’s felt my power up close and personal. I felt his power up close and personal, too, but I got the better of that. I got the better of that last sparring session we had.
“I don’t let that get to my head because I know I have to come extremely prepared for him, but I feel like that [sparring session] kind of got stuck in his head.
“We’ve had multiple opportunities to make this fight happen, and it hasn’t happened, so I think that speaks volumes on its own.”
Benavidez was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion after Bivol vacated the belt last year, but this was largely because the Russian needed to undergo back surgery.
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