Sports

Thunder top Spurs to tie series at 1-1

Published

55 minutes ago

21 May 2026

NBA scores today (May 21): Western Conference Finals - San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder. Victor Wembanyama Dylan Harper Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Alex Caruso

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) celebrates with guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) after a 3-pointer during the first half of Game 2 in the Western Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

OKLAHOMA CITY — The MVP looked like the MVP again, and the NBA Western Conference finals are knotted up.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back from a subpar series opener to score 30 points, Alex Caruso added 17 off the bench and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 on Wednesday night in Game 2.

Chet Holmgren scored 13 points and reserves Jared McCain and Cason Wallace each had 12 for Oklahoma City. The Thunder finished with a 57-25 edge in bench scoring, plus a 27-10 edge in points off turnovers.

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Stephon Castle scored 25 points for the Spurs, who got 22 points from Devin Vassell and a 21-point, 17-rebound, six-assist, four-block night from Victor Wembanyama.

Game 3 is Friday in San Antonio.

“The guys brought it tonight. Knowing what it would have meant if we lost this one, we brought the energy from the jump,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, right, and guard Dylan Harper (2) defend against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first half of Game 2 in the Western Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Isaiah Hartenstein — who barely played in Game 1 — had 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder, who improved to 14-5 after a loss this season — and beat the Spurs for just the second time in seven meetings.

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The win was not without cost for the Thunder, who lost guard Jalen Williams — who had already missed six games in these playoffs with a left hamstring strain — in the first half with a recurrence of the hamstring issue. The Thunder said it was tightness, but even that would figure to put his availability for Friday into doubt.

And the Spurs got banged up as well. Already without All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox because of ankle soreness, San Antonio lost his replacement in the starting lineup — Dylan Harper — to a right leg injury after he took a couple of awkward falls in the third quarter.

San Antonio was down by 11 at the half and trailed by eight going into the fourth quarter, then got within 99-97 off a corner 3-pointer by Harrison Barnes with 9:06 left.

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The next 2 1/2 minutes saved the Thunder. An 11-0 run by the defending champions — including a banked-in 3-pointer by Jared McCain midway through the burst — pushed OKC’s lead to 13.

But the Spurs were far from done. Wembanyama scored down low to make it 118-113 with 1:25 remaining, but Gilgeous-Alexander got one last basket to settle things down and send the series to San Antonio tied.

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295-over par at a college event? Here’s the uplifting story behind it

Published

3 minutes ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

The new golfer brings the bottom of the new-to-her object close to her face and tilts it at a 2 o’clock angle, examining it curiously, before extending it toward a nearby onlooker.

“Is this one right?”

It’s a 4-hybrid club, which the new golfer discovers after being shown its marking. That’s good to know, and it seems correct, but that also depends, especially when you’re a new golfer.

I’d hit whatever feels best.

“OK, thanks,” says Jenna Smith, who goes with the club, and her ball wanders off to the right, dodging a few trees along the way.

The college golfer then does it all over again.

And again.

Her scores are out there, but keep scrolling down the leaderboard. Two weeks after the hybrid session, at her school’s most important meet of the year, the NAIA-level Appalachian Athletic Conference conference tournament, there were 12s, a 13, some 14s and a 21. After three rounds, Smith finished with a 511, 295-over-par at Governors Towne Club in northern Georgia, and 289 strokes behind the winner. How she got there isn’t complicated. Her school, Reinhardt University, also in northern Georgia, had been down to three women’s golfers, four are needed to field a team, a note went out to Reinhardt’s other teams, and Smith and a few of her volleyball teammates were in. What’s the worst that could happen?

How about finishing worst?

Was she ready to put herself out there like that? Was she prepared to be embarrassed? She’s really, really good at volleyball, and really, really competitive in just about everything she does, so could she handle being really, really bad at golf?

What if a golf website heard about her story and chose to put her score in the big, bold words that everyone can see? 295-over par at a college event?

But look at the second part of that headline above.

Here’s the uplifting story behind it.

But maybe not initially. Samantha Roper, Isabella Mobley and Addy Anderson would’ve concurred to that, after their women’s golf coach, Evans Nichols, first told them they’d be joined by volleyballers. He could’ve entered the trio as individuals in events, foregoing a team score, but Nichols said the NAIA sours on that, though his solution wasn’t welcomed, either. His players seemed, well …

“To be frank,” Nichols said, “they seemed pissed.”

Addy?

Maja Brodzinska is a member of the Reinhardt University volleyball team. And the golf team.
Nick Piastowski

“My first thought was: This isn’t good,” she said.

“This is not embarrassing for our program that we’re bringing in somebody that doesn’t know how to play golf and we’re playing the college sport, but just like, could we not find somebody else?”

Smith had played once before, just nine holes, and she thinks she shot 200. Maja Brodzinska, a volleyball teammate, had previously played for an hour, then played two days for Reinhardt in early March. The weeks leading up to that felt like a midterm cram session, only in this case, you never went to class all semester and the material was written in something akin to Martian. The instruction? Buffet style, as in here’s everything, but eventually you may get stuffed. During one practice round, Brodzinska worked on basics on the practice green with assistant Debbie Blount — in between nines. No one believes in Reinhardt and its women’s golf team like Blount, who, five years ago, joined the team — as a 62-year-old freshman. “She asked me the first time, she said, ‘What is the thing that you put the ball on?’” Blount said. “I said, ‘The tee?’ She said, ‘Oh, tee, tee.’ She said, ‘I don’t have any of those.’” Or anything. Blount gave Brodzinska her clubs; Smith was given a set that had been donated to the school a couple of years ago.

Brodzinska’s tournament came.

She shot a 204, 132-over par.

The next day, she shot a 172, 100-over. Progress. She took photos.

But a few weeks later, she needed to go back home, to Poland. Smith was called on, for conference of all places. On the first tee, she said a prayer. Smith does that. Back in late December, she did, and it had to have been heard. How else can you explain her asking to feel a little more unpredictability, and the golfer upstairs gives her tee times? “I want to be in uncomfortable situations as I’m getting older,” Smith said. “I crave uncomfortable situations because I know that’s going to push me to think about things, talk to different people. Think about how I’m going to get through it. And so it is very nerve-wracking, and it is uncomfortable, but it’s very exciting, and it’s something that every day I’m like, ‘Ooh, I don’t know how the next day is going to go.’”

Or her tee shots. Why the prayer on the first hole?

On the range at conference, her driver had been going right.

“No one knew why,” Smith said. “Coach was like, ‘I don’t know why. The swing looks great. The head face is turning the right way. I don’t know what’s going on.’ And so I was like, ‘Dear Lord, please don’t let this ball go to the right.’ I was literally sitting there thinking that the whole time.

“And I swung and it went to the right. And that just made me so angry.”

On the first hole, she made an 8. Then a 12. Then a five; hey, that’s a double bogey. Then a 21; that’s a septendecuple bogey. Or a lot. Whatever, she thought. She finished. It became a game. Finish holes, then better them in the next round and the round after that, especially that fourth hole. “I knew that I was going to have to do the same thing tomorrow,” Smith said. “And if I wanted to get better at tomorrow, then I had to finish it today at least.

“And then I ended up — I remember I counted specifically because this hole was so annoying. I got it in 11 strokes the next day. And then the last day, I got it in seven. So I was so happy about that.”

Reinhardt University women's golf team — From left, Jenna Smith, Isabella Mobley, coach Evans Nichols, Addy Anderson and Samantha Roper.
Debbie Blount

This, too.

Afterward, she learned her teammates tried to guess what she’d shoot. The number was 185.

Smith shot 184.

Then 167 in round two.

Then 160 in round three.

“And so I was like, ‘Hmph.’ So we got the scores in,” Smith said.

“And I got 184. Boom, boom. I beat everyone’s bets.”

She laughed. The question is, could her teammates have done what she did?

Thought of another way, could the golfers have, say, played volleyball, if the Reinhardt volleyball team had been in a similar bind?

Maybe now, following Smith and following Brodzinska. Maybe there’s beauty in 295-over par. It’s better than a zero. You started, you finished and then you returned wanting to shoot 294-over, which is what golf is all about, ain’t it?

If not more than golf.

295-over par at a college event?

Here’s the uplifting story behind it.

“One of the things that I’ve tried to take out of this whole experience for volleyball is the sport is not you. You are so much more than the sport,” Smith said. “And after this is all over, it’s not going to matter.

“I’ve talked to one of the girls on the team about that. She was beating herself up and I was like, you know, your score is not who you are. You’re more than that. You have so many qualities that just aren’t bound by golf. And I have to tell a lot of the girls on the volleyball team that as well, because it’s the same thing. It’s the same mindset.

“Even I have to remind myself at the end of the day, if I have a bad game. I am so much more than this sport. And this sport doesn’t last forever.”

Neither did Smith’s driver, the club she kept hitting right. She ditched it after the first hole. A few other clubs, too. She finished with a putter, a wedge, a 7-iron.

And that 4-hybrid.

They felt best.

They’re also getting new grips soon. Smith’s just a junior, after all.

Spring golf is only a year away.

“>

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McLaughlin: Ducks-Dawgs Recruiting Rivalry Heating Up

Published

16 minutes ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Big Ten logo Oregon and Washington’s rivalry on the field goes back several generations.

The battles those programs are having on the recruiting trail have ratcheted up in recent years, and that will continue.

Today’s episode of Locked On Ducks is a crossover with ‘Locked On Huskies’ host Roman Tomashoff.

He and Spencer McLaughlin discuss some of the players both schoodls are going to go after in the coming weeks.

Oregon Ducks Logo Washington football logo The 2026 meeting will be a third chance for Jedd Fisch to beat Dan Lanning head-to-head.

Spencer and Roman take an early glance at the matchup.

00:00 Oregon football recruiting success
03:39 Jedd Fisch’s recruiting efforts
06:46 Upcoming recruiting battles
10:29 Washington’s recent recruiting success
13:32 Expanding Oregon’s football reach
19:23 Discussing transfer quarterbacks
23:28 Discussing Washington’s offensive line
26:40 Oregon football defensive lineup analysis
29:45 Evaluating Washington’s defensive line

/ @lockedoncollegefootball

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Man Utd news: Rashford transfer ramps up with new development as bidding war breaks out

Published

29 minutes ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

MEN Sport unpacks the latest rumblings around Manchester United’s summer transfer window, including the latest on Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona move

Michael Carrick’s maiden summer transfer window at the Manchester United helm promises to be a hectic one. The Old Trafford legend has already steered his former side back into the Champions League and is now poised to take charge in the transfer market.

Among the priority tasks for United will be settling Marcus Rashford‘s future. The England international has now received a significant update on his prospects of securing a permanent switch to Barcelona as a successful loan spell at the Camp Nou comes to a close.

There has also been a dramatic development in the pursuit of one Premier League star who could take his countryman’s place. MEN Sport brings you the latest developments concerning United in today’s key stories.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Bowen at centre of £100m war

Should Rashford leave this summer, one name being considered as his replacement is West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen. However, United are hardly the only Premier League giants vying for his services.

The Guardian reported West Ham will need to generate £100million through player sales this summer if they suffer relegation. England international Bowen will be among the prime candidates to be offloaded should the east London outfit drop down.

Liverpool and Chelsea are also understood to be monitoring Bowen’s circumstances closely. Liverpool in particular could emerge as formidable rivals having previously been linked with the attacker, while Mohamed Salah’s departure will demand fresh additions.

Bowen, 29, has registered eight goals and 10 assists so far this season ahead of Sunday’s relegation showdown at home to Leeds. In reality, the Hammers must defeat Leeds and hope Spurs, who sit two points clear, lose at home to Everton to have a realistic chance of staying up.

United may pursue Bowen even should West Ham preserve their top-flight status given Nuno Espirito Santo’s outfit will likely need to offload assets regardless. Carrick’s side are thought to admire Bowen’s adaptability across the forward line, though the intense competition for his services could prove problematic.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Flick wants Rashford deal

Rashford’s chances of making a permanent move to Barca appear to have strengthened after Hansi Flick gave his backing to the transfer. Reports from Spain indicate the German has told Rashford he expects him back in Catalonia next term.

It recently emerged Barcelona would favour another loan arrangement, with an option to complete a permanent transfer in 2027. United, however, are reluctant to agree to such terms as they look to finalise an outright sale this summer.

Flick’s reassurance marks a significant development in the saga, as it suggests he may now push Barcelona’s hierarchy to finalise a deal. It’s widely understood La Liga’s back-to-back titleholders are far from financially stable, though United will be hoping Robert Lewandowski’s departure will free the necessary funds to retain Rashford’s services.

It’s been well documented that Barcelona can make Rashford’s loan switch permanent for a sum in the region of £26million. The Spanish giants have tried to drive that price down, but United remain resolute on the valuation for a player who has registered 14 goals and 14 assists this season.

Should Flick fail to land his target, United would presumably be content to showcase Rashford elsewhere and potentially command an even higher sale price. Meanwhile, Carrick would be delighted to welcome the player back to Old Trafford in what could prove a major development in the months ahead.

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Yesavage outduels Schlittler as Blue Jays fend off Yankees

Published

42 minutes ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

NEW YORK – Trey Yesavage was never going to pitch in Game 4 of the American League Division Series last fall, but his job that fateful night was to sell the possibility that he might. So, after manager John Schneider floated the idea during his pre-game media availability, the rookie righty walked from the third-base dugout to the visitors’ bullpen in left-centre field, trying to make sure the New York Yankees noticed.

“I needed to make sure I kept a straight face and was, like, serious, because all I wanted to do is just laugh at what was going on,” he recalled this week. “I was definitely taking my time. It was a slower walk. I don’t know, it was so weird for me to be doing that.”

As things turned out, the Toronto Blue Jays didn’t need him anyway during a well-executed bullpen day that clinched the series, but they certainly did Wednesday night after a pair of dispiriting losses in the Bronx. Finally making his Yankee Stadium debut, no subterfuge this time, Yesavage did not disappoint, shaking off a two-hour 11-minute rain delay to outduel fellow phenom Cam Schlittler with six shutout innings in a 2-1 victory.

Just as he was in the post-season, Yesavage was simply dominant, pinning the game under his thumb from his first pitch to his last, allowing only two hits, one on a Trent Grisham blooper to left that dropped in between Kazuma Okamoto and Yohendrick Pinango after they both pulled up looking at one another.

No matter, Yesavage cleaned up that mess while striking out eight, including Aaron Judge three times. His fastball sat at 95.2, up 1.3 m.p.h. from his season average, he got five of his 13 whiffs with his slider and was never once in a hint of trouble.

Schlittler, dominating to this point with his three fastballs moving in different directions, had to dodge far more traffic and for the most part did, stranding runners in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings before the Blue Jays finally managed to eke out some offence in the seventh.

Ernie Clement singled and Jesus Sanchez walked to open the frame before Brandon Valenzuela dropped a perfect bunt that both Paul Goldschmidt and Austin Wells tried to pick up and dropped, leaving the bases loaded.

Andres Gimenez then fouled off five pitches between 97.3 and 99.3 m.p.h. before working an 11-pitch walk that opened the scoring and ended Schlittler’s night. Jake Bird came in and limited further damage to a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sacrifice fly to the wall in right but the Blue Jays made the lead hold, even if there was some adventure in getting there.

Mason Fluharty took over in the top of the seventh and watched a one-out Jazz Chisholm Jr. blooper fall in beyond a charging Gimenez as Daulton Varsho looked on, and then saw Goldschmidt’s flare to right drop in front of a diving Sanchez, who had to leave the game.

Jeff Hoffman came in to kill that rally, getting Amed Rosario to fly out and Ryan McMahon on a dribbler in front of the plate. After Tyler Rogers worked a clean eighth, Louis Varland had to work around a Cody Bellinger double and a Chisholm single, on a chopper that he bobbled, with one out, allowing Goldschmidt’s RBI groundout before striking out Rosario to end it.

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Ed Orgeron returns to LSU: Ex-Tigers coach joins Lane Kiffin’s staff as special assistant

Published

1 hour ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Ed Orgeron is back in Baton Rouge.

LSU announced Wednesday night that Orgeron, who won the 2019 national championship at the school, is returning as a special assistant to recruiting and defense.

Orgeron has been out of football since being fired from LSU in 2021 following a 51-20 record over six seasons. He’ll forever be remembered for that 15-0 LSU team, that has an argument as college football’s best, which featured quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase.

Beyond the obvious connection to LSU, Orgeron has deep ties to first-year LSU head coach Lane Kiffin.

Orgeron and Kiffin first worked together as part of Pete Carroll’s USC staff in 2001, winning two national championships together. When Ed Orgeron left after the 2004 season to become Ole Miss head coach, he even tried to hire Kiffin as his offensive coordinator. Kiffin would later arrive in Oxford as Ole Miss head coach for the 2020 season, spending six seasons as the Rebels’ coach before leaving for LSU last December.

Kiffin hired Orgeron as his recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach for the infamous one-season experience at Tennessee. Orgeron was a brilliant recruiter, enforcer and motivational speaker as Kiffin’s top lieutenant in Knoxville. For the quieter, more analytical Kiffin, the boisterous and aggressive Orgeron is a nice counterbalance, especially when it comes to getting a team fired up before a game. The stories of Orgeron ripping off his shirt and getting the team fired up have followed him every step of his coaching journey. It’s part of his charm, and his players love him for it.

Orgeron went with Lane back to USC for three-and-a-half seasons and succeeded him as the interim head coach after Kiffin was famously fired at a Los Angeles-area airport tarmac. He went 6-2 in 2013 as Kiffin’s replacement but was upset when he didn’t get the permanent job and left the program.

While Orgeron’s title is ambiguous, recent NCAA rule changes allow for him to get out on the road and recruit for the Tigers if Lane wants him to — which he obviously should. Coach O knows and loves LSU and can authentically sell its merits to both Louisiana natives and others around the South. Lane has mastered the art of transfer portal recruiting as the “Portal King” but could use someone like Coach O. Orgeron’s bread-and-butter was going into family homes and selling parents and grandparents, a critical skill in a state like Louisiana.

“I’m excited to bring Coach Orgeron back to LSU,” Kiffin said. “He brings us tremendous value with his ability to recruit elite players nationally, but especially the impact he can have for us recruiting the great state of Louisiana. Coach O understands my expectations and commitment to being a championship program. I look forward to seeing him with recruits and his intensity working with our defensive players.”

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GWS Giants vs Brisbane Lions Tips, Odds and Teams – AFL Round 11 2026

Published

1 hour ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

ENGIE Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 11 AFL game between GWS Giants and
Brisbane Lions. The game kicks off at 12:30 pm with Brisbane Lions heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the GWS Giants vs.
Brisbane Lions
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday May 24, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Where: ENGIE Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

GWS Giants vs Brisbane Lions Odds

GWS Giants vs Brisbane Lions Preview

GWS and Brisbane will both look to rebound from disappointing losses when they clash at ENGIE Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Giants’ defeat to West Coast highlighted their ongoing struggles away from home, although returning to Sydney should provide a timely boost given their strong record at ENGIE Stadium. Brisbane’s heavy loss to Geelong was only its second defeat in eight matches, but the Lions will be wary of a recent trend against the Giants after losing three of the last four meetings between the clubs. GWS prevailed in an entertaining clash at the Gabba last season, powered by a dominant combined haul from Jesse Hogan and Aaron Cadman. However, Hogan’s continued absence through injury leaves a significant hole in the Giants’ attack and could tilt the balance towards Brisbane in a match that shapes as crucial for both clubs’ top-eight ambitions.

First Goal Scorer

First Goal Scorer:

Logan Morris at $8.00.

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Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 may be back in jeopardy as Mayweather books another fight

Published

2 hours ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

A new development could once again put the Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch in doubt.

It was revealed back in February that Mayweather and Pacquiao were set to meet for the second time, over 10 years on from their initial fight and eight years from when Mayweather last competed professionally.

Several problems then emerged that raised concerns that the bout wouldn’t actually take place, with Mayweather claiming that the fight would be an exhibition rather than a fully sanctioned contest. The announced date and venue was then also disputed.

It appeared those issues had been resolved earlier this month when the pair reportedly agreed to new terms for their fight, but now Mayweather looks set for another outing in the same timeframe, leading to a potential clash.

His planned exhibition fight with Mike Tyson has now been officially pushed back, with CIS Sports revealing the legendary duo are set to meet this Autumn after ‘Iron Mike’ recovers from the injury that delayed their bout.

“Global superstars Mike Tyson and undefeated Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather (50-0), who signed to get in the ring in an exhibition this Spring, will have a short moment to wait while Tyson fully recovers from a broken hand he injured during training.
“Tyson, who was seen sporting a cast while he continues to work through a smooth recovery, is looking forward to the fight that will be rescheduled to a date in the Fall of 2026. The date, venue and FIGHT SPORTS® broadcast plans will be announced shortly.
“The Legend vs Legend exhibition, per agreements with CSI Sports™/FIGHT SPORTS®, was originally scheduled for May 30 and will only see a short postponement.
Advertisement

“CSI Sports™/FIGHT SPORTS® exclusive deals with Tyson and Mayweather positions the company at the forefront of major global sports events, reinforcing its commitment to delivering marquee events and historic matchups to fans worldwide.”

Along with the rescheduled fight with Tyson, Mayweather is also set for an exhibition against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in June, so it seems there could be even more hurdles to overcome if the rematch against Pacquiao is indeed set to happen.

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Freiburg 0-3 Aston Villa: Prince William celebrates Europa League final win

Published

2 hours ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

A regular visitor to Villa Park, Prince William was spotted in the crowd celebrating as Villa beat Nottingham Forest earlier this month to secure their place in the Europa League final.

So it was only right that the prince made the trip to Turkey to witness Villa history.

Television cameras picked up on the prince soaking it all in before kick-off, before celebrating with those close by as Villa got a grip on the trophy.

The prince also made sure to capture the historic moment when John McGinn hoisted the trophy high above his head.

Villa captain McGinn labelled Prince William as “just a normal guy” after the win.

McGinn told TNT Sports: “He’s a classy man, he was in the dressing room before the game.

“He’s a massive Villa fan, he was never going to miss it. He’s just a normal guy, it’s great to have his support.”

The prince started supporting Villa during his school days in Berkshire, choosing a team further afield as he did not want to follow the crowd.

“A long time ago at school, I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Manchester United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run-of-the-mill teams,” he told the BBC in 2015.

“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.”

William was born 26 days after Villa’s European Cup final win against Bayern Munich on 26 May 1982.

He has spoken previously about the joy he gets from following a club with the ups and downs that Villa have experienced.

“Aston Villa‘s always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea [in the final],” he added.

“It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.”

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Offbeat Trade Idea Connects New OLB to Vikings

Published

2 hours ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Giants OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2025 against the Eagles — New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) runs out of the tunnel during a Thursday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Oct. 9, 2025. © Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings might have a slight roster deficiency at outside linebacker after trading Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles last month, and Fansided says the best way to fix that is a trade for New York Giants defender Kayvon Thibodeaux.

The price may be manageable if New York ever shops the former No. 5 pick.

Several free-agent EDGE rushers are also on the open market, but Jake Beckman claims Thibodeaux is the way.

Brian Flores Could Use Another Young EDGE Piece

For the most part, Vikings fans would approve of this transaction.

Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux stands on the field before a game in East Rutherford. — New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux prepares before a game on Sep. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The former first-round defender emerged as a central piece of the Giants’ defensive front during his rookie campaign while showcasing explosiveness and pass-rushing upside early in his NFL career under the bright primetime lights. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports.

Fansided: Thibodeaux to Vikings via Trade Makes Sense

Beckman identified one trade candidate per team this week, and on Thibodeaux to Minnesota, he wrote, “The Vikings traded Johnathon Greenard to the Eagles during the draft, and now they’re going to be missing out on a whole lot of snaps and even more production. Luckily for them, the Giants are sitting there with a plethora of defensive ends and edge rushers.”

“New York might be saying that they’re not going to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux, but that’s what every team says, so they don’t lose leverage in any potential trades. If the Vikings wanted to go and get him, they’d definitely be able to… However, if you’re a Vikings fan, that’s probably not what you want.”

Four years ago, Thibodeaux was considered one of the next big things in the NFL.

Beckman continued, “Sure, Thibodeaux would end up being awesome, but I don’t necessarily want my team to make any trades when they don’t have a general manager. Especially after they just traded a player like Greenard for the low price of two third-round picks.”

Thibodeaux’s Production

Curious about Thibodeaux’s track record? We’ve got it. These are the numbers:

And his Pro Football Focus scorecard since 2022:

2022: 72.5
2023: 58.4
2024: 69.0
2025: 66.0

It’s worth noting that Thibodeaux’s tackling has waned over the last two seasons; he’ll need to improve it before too long.

Possible Trade Price

NFL trade packages notoriously vary, but for Thibodeaux, an interested team might have to pony up the equivalent of a 3rd- or 4th-Rounder. The man does pressure quarterbacks, and he’ll always have the fifth overall draft pick stock from 2022.

For example, if Minnesota wanted him, a deal might have to look like this:

Vikings Get —
Kayvon Thibodeaux
2027 5th-Rounder

Giants Get —
2027 3rd-Rounder

Minnesota notably doesn’t have a 4th-Round pick next year because of its ill-fated Adam Thielen trade in 2025. What’s more, the Vikings have an extra 3rd-Rounder in 2027 because of the aforementioned Greenard trade to the Eagles last month — perhaps more firepower to land a notable EDGE via trade.

Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux rushes against Bengals guard Hakeem Adeniji during a preseason game. — New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) battles Cincinnati Bengals guard Hakeem Adeniji (77) during a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford. Thibodeaux flashed his pass-rushing ability against CCincinnati’soffensive line as the Giants evaluated young defensive talent during preseason action ahead of the regular season opener. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK.

The Athletic‘s Dan Duggan noted on Thibodeaux’s trade price in April, “The Saints were the team most interested in trading for Thibodeaux, however, according to a league source. The problem was the sides weren’t close on potential compensation.”

“The Saints’ best offer is believed to have been a fourth-round pick (No. 132), while the Giants were seeking a second-round pick — the Saints had the 42nd selection. The Saints moved on, instead sending a fifth-round pick to the Raiders for defensive end Tyree Wilson and a seventh-round pick.”

In-House Options at OLB

If the Vikings do not consult a trade for a third pass rusher, they have a few options behind the starters, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. The first is rookie Jake Golday. Minnesota drafted him as an off-ball linebacker, but he played some EDGE in junior college before taking the plunge at ILB in Cincinnati. Flores could deploy Golday like Van Ginkel, a hybrid OLB-ILB.

Flores also has two undrafted free-agent outside linebackers: Bo Richter and Tyler Batty. One of those men could be ready for a breakout, at least in OLB3 terms, and if so, Minnesota would need no Thibodeauxs.

Vikings linebacker Bo Richter lines up during an NFC wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams. — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) lines up against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild-card matchup at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. Richter contributed on defense and special teams as Minnesota battled the Rams in postseason action during the opening round of the NFC playoff bracket. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Otherwise, the free-agent market has names like Denico Autry, Derek Barnett, Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, Marcus Davenport, A.J. Epenesa, Leonard Floyd, Cameron Jordan, Von Miller, Haason Reddick, and Kyle Van Noy.

Thibodeaux will turn 26 in December. He’s right in the middle of his prime. He’ll also need a new contract between now and next March.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Sports

Football gossip: Rodri, Stones, Silva, Cucurella, Casemiro, Alisson, Rashford, Toure

Published

2 hours ago

21 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Real Madrid are confident of signing Rodri from Manchester City amid Pep Guardiola’s departure, Bayern Munich plan a shock move for John Stones, while Atletico Madrid want Marc Cucurella.

Pep Guardiola’s impending exit from Manchester City opens the door for 29-year-old Spain midfielder Rodri to join Real Madrid this summer. (Marca – in Spanish), external

Bayern Munich are considering a shock move for England defender John Stones with the 31-year-old set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season. (Mail), external

Atletico Madrid are weighing up moves for Manchester City‘s 31-year-old Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva and Chelsea‘s 27-year-old Spain defender Marc Cucurella. (Sky Sports), external

Inter Miami are closing in on the signing of Manchester United‘s Brazil midfielder Casemiro with the 34-year-old set to leave the club at the end of the season. (Athletic) , external

Liverpool‘s 33-year-old Brazil goalkeeper Alisson wants to join Juventus this summer even if the Serie A side fail to qualify for the Champions League. (Gazzetta – in Italian), external

Barcelona have agreed personal terms with 28-year-old England forward Marcus Rashford as they look to make his loan deal permanent, but are yet to agree a transfer fee with Manchester United. (Sport – in Spanish), external

Liverpool have formally registered their interest in 20-year-old Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure but they face competition from Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle who also admire the Ivorian. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester United are monitoring Borussia Dortmund left-back Julian Ryerson, 28, with the Norway international being lined up as a possible replacement for Noussair Mazraoui. (Sky Sports Germany), external

Manchester United could take advantage of Southampton’s Spygate controversy by moving for 22-year-old Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles. (Mirror), external

Liverpool could make a move for 21-year-old Norway winger Antonio Nusa should a deal for his RB Leipzig team-mate Yan Diomande become too difficult. (Football Insider), external

Fenerbahce have emerged as a surprise contender to sign 33-year-old Egypt forward Mohamed Salah from Liverpool this summer. (Caught Offside), external

Chelsea are weighing up a move for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, 27, with the Burkina Faso international having previously worked under incoming boss Xabi Alonso. (Teamtalk), external

Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to bring Manchester United‘s 26-year-old England winger Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at Aston Villa, back to the club for a third spell. (Bild – in German), external

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