Sports

This tour is exposing its slowest (and fastest) pros. Here’s what it’s learning

Published

2 hours ago

4 June 2026

NewsAdmin

The speed at which Dylan Menante plays golf seems fitting for a pace-of-play discussion.

“I’ve always been the fastest,” he said the other day.

Fastest as a junior in Nevada, playing so quickly his father had to step in and slow him down. Fastest in college, when opponents purposefully grouped him with one of their slowest players as a means of psychological warfare. Fastest on the Korn Ferry Tour, and now with hard data to prove it. Last month, the PGA Tour’s feeder circuit became the first major tour to publish “speed of play” times.

Ask around the KFT and everyone mentions Menante’s pace. (Do the same on the PGA Tour, and they talk about Ludvig Aberg.) Off the tee, Menante hits shots 16 seconds faster than the KFT average. On approach shots and around the greens, he’s 14 seconds faster. Putting is where he slows down, grinding to a glacial pace of 9.62 seconds faster than KFT average. The man absolutely cooks his way around a golf course.

The only problem is that for every Dylan Menante — a true outlier on a distribution curve as you can see below — there is a grinder on the other side. And for every player even moderately faster than average, there are others moderately, or significantly, slower. Not many, but enough that the PGA Tour wants to do something about it.

“It’s only a very small percentage that each week seemingly could improve their pace of play,” says Jordan Harris, the KFT’s chief referee. “And that’ll be the interesting telltale sign, in my opinion, on how this all works. After it’s been posted for a bit, how those guys — do they change the behavior?”

Producing the dataset is simple in theory but reliant on tournament volunteers walking with groups and handling the scoring. Volunteers carry a phone on them, using an app that prompts them with a trigger. When players stand in over a shot, volunteers place their thumb on the screen, holding it in place until contact is made, at which point they release their thumb. The clock is perpetually ticking … for everyone. Once Player 1 plays a shot, that shot is time-stamped down to the second. Once Player 2 makes contact, that shot also is time-stamped. While the time between these stamps includes innocent gray areas — like, say, waiting for Player 1’s ball to land, or waiting for a caddie to quiet fans — in general these timestamps inform everything. If you’re a slow player, you’re going to be exposed.

KFT rules officials can use the same app to track timestamps all over the course in real time. But every player’s stamps are aggregated to see how quickly (on average) they’re ready to play following the player ahead of them. They’re also broken down by shot-type: off the tee, approach, around the greens and putting. The system isn’t perfect — the first player to play is never timed, an issue for which the Tour is trying to solve — but it has produced a dataset that matches what officials (and even players) believe they’re experiencing from week to week.

“Every week, we look at the list and it confirms what we’re seeing with our own eyeballs,” Harris said. “We don’t see anomalies.”

Harris jokes that he’s become the “Pace of Play Guy” for the KFT, and he explains the system well. He has to, because he’s tasked with telling players when they’re dragging. He knows how finicky this outdoor sport played on hundreds of acres can be. For example, what happens if there’s a ruling that requires a drop? Those times are thrown out. The slowest 10 percent of times are also discarded for each player each week. Players in contention always play slower, Harris explained, adding that most KFT winners in recent years finished with an “average stroke time” infraction — playing their shots more than seven seconds slower than the field. The only recent winner who didn’t? Yep, Dylan Menante.

Menante is, in some ways, the crown jewel of the data. The KFT wants to create positive storylines about the pace of its players, and he’s a great example. But the three other objectives surround helping (or fixing) the slower pros. The KFT wants to (1) Provide better context to fans, (2) Support members who have been incorrectly labeled as slow, and (3) Inform the tortoises that it’s time to pick it up. That’s where things can get tricky.

“If you ask the Korn Ferry guys, ‘Is pace of play a problem?’, I bet 80% of them say, ‘Yes,’” KFT pro Cole Sherwood said. “But then if you asked them, ‘How do we fix it?’, I think people just draw a blank because it’s not one thing in particular.”

Sherwood is on the slower side of the ranking, 113th out of 137, 3.45 seconds slower than average, or about 20 seconds slower than Menante. Sherwood’s not outrageously slow in any one category; just a bit sluggish across the board. But never to the point of it being a problem. When he views the data, one major theme sticks out.

“If you look at the middle 50%, take away the outliers, ” he said, “it’s maybe a seven-second difference.”

Not even! The middle 50% — players 34 through 103 — are separated by about a five-second difference across all shots. KFT officials feel mostly fine about that group. They’re more concerned about the 10 to 15 slowest players. Each week, the data is shared, and any players who take seven seconds or longer to play than the field average receive an “Average Stroke Time violation.” When a given player receives five of those violations, the KFT steps in with a simple message.

“Hey, we don’t want you to have to pay to play golf, right?,” Harris said. Translation: Upon the 10th violation, players incur a $50,000 fine. For their 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th violations, it’s $5,000 each week. And beyond that, $10,000 more for each violation. It’s a system that penalizes players only when they’ve consistently played at a woefully slow pace and not changed much about their processes to play more quickly.

As ever, it’s an easy topic to misperceive. There’s no shot clocks in the fairway. Or buzzers like you’ll find at TGL. Sherwood played with Ian Gilligan recently, who ranks as the second-slowest player on the KFT this year and no doubt is working his way toward a season-long fine. But…

“There was never one time that I thought he was slow,” Sherwood said. “Never even crossed my mind.”

Sherwood is a bit more accepting of golf’s fate as a bit of a slog; he doesn’t see a solution like baseball enjoyed with the introduction of a pitch clock. But like baseball did with its minor leagues, the PGA Tour is trying to use the KFT to create change. Harris is quick to cite how it took more than a decade for pitch clocks to graduate from baseball’s feeder leagues to the bigs. He’s seen enough from the data that he thinks it would be a good thing for the PGA Tour also to implement. (The PGA Tour has said it wants to, but it hasn’t yet.)

And how about our speed demon?

“It seems like on the bigger tour it’s a bigger issue,” Menante said. “And I think it’s coming out more and more where guys are getting recorded by fans of Oh you took a minute and 20 seconds to hit a six-footer. Like, come on.

“It should just be faster. I think on our tour, they’re really doing a good job. I hope it gets moved up to the PGA Tour just for the fact that accountability is key. Everyone should get a level playing field. It shouldn’t be unfair.”

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Man United ‘agree deal’ for player Casemiro called ‘very important’

Published

8 minutes ago

4 June 2026

NewsAdmin

Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a new contract to keep a player whose contract was set to expire this summer

Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal that will see Tom Heaton remain at the club for another season. United will be busy preparing for the start of next season, which will see them build their squad for their return to the Champions League.

Heaton was signed by United in the summer of 2021, and while he has only made three appearances for the club he has been a key figure in the dressing room with his experience.

The goalkeeper’s contract at United was set to expire this summer, it seemed a genuine possibility that the 40-year-old would be leaving Old Trafford when the deal comes to an end.

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However, The Sun have reported that Heaton is expected to sign a new contract to remain at United, with the deal said to last for another 12 months.

Heaton signed a one-year extension to remain a United player last summer, too, and it seems that the shot-stopper could be doing the same again this time around.

One player who will be leaving United this summer is Casemiro, whose deal at Old Trafford is also set to come to an end, but is not expected to sign an extension.

The Brazilian has previously emphasised the importance that Heaton has in the squad, and why his presence is so valuable.

“He [Heaton] is very important. Very important for us,” Casemiro said on Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.

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“He pushes the training, he pushes in the game, of course, he doesn’t play, but he pushes every time. For me, everyone needs this guy; he helps the room so much.”

United are expected to have a busy summer transfer window with plans already in place to add new players to their squad.

A deal has already been agreed to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with a £38.8million package that includes a £35million initial fee plus £3.8million in add-ons.

United are also continuing to be linked with signing another midfielder this summer, with West Ham star Mateus Fernandes a target.

It remains to be seen what other business United will look to conduct this summer, with Michael Carrick preparing for his first season as the club’s permanent manager.

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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.

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Two goals in 41 games – what next for Delap at Chelsea?

Published

22 minutes ago

4 June 2026

NewsAdmin

In his first season at Chelsea, Liam Delap scored just one Premier League goal – two in 41 appearances in all competitions – and ended the campaign on a 26-game goal drought.

A year ago, when the striker arrived at Stamford Bridge, he spoke about his ambition to make England’s World Cup squad this summer. Clearly, it’s not gone to plan.

There are mitigating circumstances for the England Under-21 international, who had injuries and spent a lot of time on the bench, but his goal tally remains surprising given he scored 12 for an Ipswich Town side that was relegated the season before.

Chelsea won the race and triggered Delap’s £30m release clause, despite strong interest from Manchester United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton last May.

So what next? Delap remains committed and wants at least another season to prove his doubters wrong.

The 23-year-old’s commitment is reflected in his decision to buy a house locally, while his coaches – Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and most recently Calum McFarlane – have all highlighted his work-rate behind the scenes.

Delap’s biggest issue has been Joao Pedro, who also arrived last summer in a £55m move from Brighton and was arguably the standout forward among those signed by major English clubs, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle also strengthening in that area.

Unlike Delap, Pedro is currently part of a group of ‘untouchable’ players at Stamford Bridge, alongside Cole Palmer, Reece James and Moises Caicedo.

This does not mean Chelsea are actively looking to sell Delap but his relatively low transfer fee would make him easier to move on. The club’s failure to qualify for European competition also means fewer matches, making it harder to carry a large squad.

Nicolas Jackson is also due to finish his loan spell at Bayern Munich and, with his previously frosty relationship with former manager Maresca no longer an issue, could return to the Blues despite interest from Premier League and overseas clubs.

Similarly, striker Emmanuel Emegha agreed to join Chelsea on a permanent basis from partner club Strasbourg last summer, with the expectation he will integrate into the squad in 2026.

It is likely to be a complex situation, with the input of new manager Xabi Alonso set to be key when he takes charge on 1 July.

Where has it gone wrong for Delap?

Those close to Delap accept he has not met expectations albeit under difficult circumstances.

Delap scored for Chelsea in the Club World Cup, which technically counted as a goal last season, and he later highlighted his intention to push for England’s World Cup squad over the course of his next season.

Back then, it seemed a challenging but realistic target.

Coming into this season, Delap played well in his first start during a 5-1 win away at West Ham but then tore his hamstring while sprinting for a ball in his third league appearance against Fulham.

Delap was out for more than two months and the severity of the injury forced Chelsea to initially consider recalling Jackson from Bayern before opting to bring Marc Guiu back from Sunderland instead on deadline day.

Either side of goals against Barcelona and Fulham, Delap suffered a dislocated shoulder in a match against Bournemouth, just a month after returning from his hamstring injury.

It is understood the injury limited his ability to play in his usual style, which in turn affected his form.

Maresca, his former youth coach at Manchester City, had been keen to use him in rotation with and also alongside Pedro, who can play in multiple positions.

However, the Italian’s decision to leave the club on New Year’s Day was disruptive in several ways, including to Delap’s form, as new manager Liam Rosenior made Pedro his first-choice number nine with some success.

Pedro went on to score 20 goals in all competitions while Delap made just three league starts in the final four months of the season and completed 90 minutes only three times.

Delap will hope for a chance to prove his critics wrong, with many also pointing out his seven yellow cards far exceeded his goal tally.

Delap not the only one struggling

Liam Delap ended the Premier League season with one goal from an expected goals of 4.86 which means it is the second biggest underperformance in scoring goals in relation to the quality of chances received.

Winger Alejandro Garnacho also scored just once in the Premier League after joining from Manchester United for £40m.

Star forward Cole Palmer ended a 14-game goal drought for club and country on the final day of the season, while Pedro Neto contributed with assists but failed to score in his final 20 Premier League appearances of the campaign.

Meanwhile, £48.5m signing Jamie Gittens, who joined from Borussia Dortmund, also scored only once in all competitions in an injury-hit season.

There is uncertainty surrounding the future of large swathes of the squad.

In addition, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have both publicly criticised the club, which will not play European football next season, and been linked with moves away from west London.

Fernandez is valued at £120m and is exploring his options to leave, while Atletico Madrid have shown interest in Cucurella, who has two years left on his deal, but Chelsea’s stance remains unclear.

Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen wants to leave to become a starting goalkeeper. Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo also face uncertain futures, with only two years remaining on their contracts, while Benoit Badiashile struggled to make matchday squads towards the end of the season and could depart.

There is a desire to add experience to what was again the youngest squad in the Premier League after a disappointing campaign in which Chelsea finished 10th and without a trophy.

There is also pressure to sell well to help Chelsea buy, with Uefa’s settlement agreement still in place and limiting acceptable losses.

The picture is uncertain for several individual players – and much will depend on newly-appointed manager Alonso and whether suitable offers arrive.

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Lams Lamina brings winning pedigree to rebuilding Galeries

Published

38 minutes ago

4 June 2026

NewsAdmin

Galeries Tower Highrisers’ top overall pick Lams Lamina during the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Top overall pick Lams Lamina is eager to bring her championship experience to help Galeries Tower in its bid for success in the new Premier Volleyball League season.

Lamina expressed gratitude after being selected first overall by Galeries in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel.

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Entrusted with helping the three-year-old franchise move forward, Lamina is determined to make an immediate impact on a team that reached the second phase of the Play-In in the All-Filipino Conference but has yet to break through to the semifinals.

LIST: Who each team picked in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft

“I’m very excited. First of all, Galeries is in a rebuilding phase, and as a rookie, I’m entering a new system and environment. I accept the challenge, and I’ll do everything I can to help the team. I’ll give my best and put in 100 percent effort,” said Lamina in Filipino.

“I’m entering a new system and a new culture with Galeries. There’s still so much for me to learn as a rookie in the PVL,” she added.

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The two-time UAAP Best Setter will be bringing the winning tradition she built with National University from high school to college. In her five seasons, she was part of the Lady Bulldogs’ five straight finals appearances and won three titles.

Lams Lamina is the first overall pick by Galeries Tower in 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.–PVL PHOTO

“I’ll bring my attitude, the way I play, my fighting spirit, my discipline as a person and as a player, and most especially my competitive mindset,” Lamina said.

“I know it won’t be easy for us. But as a rookie, I’m willing to put in the work together with my teammates. We don’t know what the future holds, so for now, we’ll focus on the present and keep working.”

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Lamina will be working with Galeries setters Julia Coronel, a third overall pick in the 2024 draft, and Maji Mangulabnan in running the offense for Jean Asis, Roselle Baliton, Erika Deloria, Gayle Pascual, and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.

“I think it will be a healthy competition with my older teammates. As a rookie, I just want to show what I can contribute to the team. At the same time, I hope I can share whatever I’ve learned and continue learning from them as well,” she said.

Lamina is set to make her professional debut in the PVL on Tour and is looking forward to playing in different provinces while testing herself against the league’s top setters.

“I’m excited because it gives me a chance to showcase my talent in different places. I’ll also get to meet new people and experience different environments, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Lamina said.

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“I’m always ready. But it all starts with how I prepare and manage myself. The PVL is a different level because you’re going up against veterans. I feel like I’ll learn a lot, and I’m really ready to embrace that challenge,” she added.

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England ‘glory days’ 1988 World Cup shirt slashed from £50 to £23 in clever Sports Direct deal

Published

50 minutes ago

4 June 2026

NewsAdmin

The retro shirt harks back ‘to the glory days’ of the England football squad

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With just over a week left until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, If you’re an England supporter you may be thinking about the best way to support the team ahead of its first match against Croatia. One easy way to honour England FC’s history and its iconic World Cup performances is with a retro football shirt.

Better yet, you could save as much as £27 on a brand new shirt by taking advantage of a double deal. While Sports Direct usually sells the Score Draw England Third Shirt 1988/89 on its site for £49.99, it is currently discounted to £35.

Despite this, England fans could save even more due to a cashback deal from TopCashback. The brand is allowing shoppers who are new to signing up, whether they’re new Sports Direct customers or not, to grab the shirt for just £23.24.

Meanwhile, customers who are already signed up to TopCashback can still grab the shirt for less than its original price at £38.24 once cashback has been calculated. The shirt features the iconic classic England FC crest on the front, which is paired by a geometric design in a light blue colour.

Sports Direct claims the shirt “captures the essence of the game and embodies the spirit of a true sports enthusiast” by harking back to the glory days of England FC. Made with ‘high-quality’ polyester, the shirt is both durable and breathable, allowing you to wear it for a full day while remaining comfy.

If you consider yourself a serious football shirt collector, you could instead opt for the 2004-06 England Away Shirt Beckham, which is available at Classic Football Shirts for £69.99. This shirt features the iconic red shirt worn by England during his tenure as the captain of England’s Golden Generation’, coming complete with authentic branding and club crest.

Otherwise, if you want to support a more local team, you could opt for the 2023-24 Manchester City Puma Away Shirt, which is available at Vintage Football Shirts for £40. This Manchester City shirt features the widely popular away colourway from the 2024/24 Premier League season and comes with authentic sponsorship branding.

No reviews are currently available at Sports Direct for the Score Draw England Third Shirt 1988/89, however, some England fans may find that the elastic collar is a bit too unorthodox for them, especially when compared to more modern shirts. Furthermore, the polyester material might be uncomfortable for some shoppers who prefer to go for a cotton blend, allowing for extra breathability in many cases.

Meanwhile, Sports Direct itself has received a wave of positive reviews via Trustpilot, with one customer writing: “Great service and good product only ordered on Saturday afternoon and they arrived Monday morning, can’t beat that for service, makes a welcome change.”

Another added: “Everything arrived quicker than expected. Good quality clothes, well packed.”

A third said: “Quick and fast all the way knew what was going on all the way through, thumbs up.” While a fourth added: “Easily ordered my replacement trainers.I know the style and fit from previous buys. Quick delivery. All good.”

However, one other customer noted: “The shopping was easy. The delivery was speedy. However the package was completely mangled ! Thankfully the shoes inside have withstood the bashing. I’d have to think twice before using this site again.”

While another said: “Always a great time shopping with them. Great prices and great customer service. The only downside is that you always have to pay for transport and if you choose the cheapest option, it can take long to have it delivered.”

How to get the England Third Shirt 1988/89 for £23.24 via TopCashback

free via this link Sports Direct

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The J.J. McCarthy Rumor Mill Takes a Chill Pill

Published

1 hour ago

4 June 2026

NewsAdmin

J.J. McCarthy throws passes during warmups before a Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws passes during pregame warmups before a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, McCarthy went through his routine throwing session as fans and media closely monitored the young quarterback ahead of kickoff against one of the NFC’s top contenders. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Just because the Minnesota Vikings appear to be on track for a Kyler Murray season at QB1 does not mean that J.J. McCarthy will be on the trade block.

That’s the message from The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis this week, as McCarthy trade rumors have swirled in recent days after some thought McCarthy sounded disgruntled at Vikings organized team activities. Minnesota controls McCarthy’s contract through the end of 2027 — and 2028 if it exercises his fifth-year option.

Vikings Should Keep the Two QBs in the Picture

J.J. McCarthy warms up before a preseason game against the Houston Texans. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) goes through warmups before a preseason matchup against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, McCarthy prepared for another opportunity to lead Minnesota’s offense as anticipation continued to build around the young passer entering his first season as QB1. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

McCarthy Trade Theories Dialed Back

Plugged into the Vikings more than most, Lewis said this week, “My conversations with people internally have not been about trade. They have not been about those comments. They have been about wanting to maximize every single day in the field and making sure that happens. The chips will fall how the chips will fall.”

And truth be told, the comments make a lot more sense than Minnesota being in a big hurry to trade the quarterback they once viewed as their franchise guy.

How They Started in the First Place

The moment Murray signed in Minnesota three months ago, a McCarthy trade rumor mill grew legs, at least little ones. Because NFL media and fans lack patience for a quarterback’s development, they interpreted Murray’s signing as a cue that McCarthy could be on the way out.

Instead, the Vikings’ brass has said every step of the way that it still believes in McCarthy and is willing to be patient with his maturation.

J.J. McCarthy plays in his first NFL preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy participates in his first NFL preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. In August 2024, McCarthy made his highly anticipated debut before suffering a season-ending meniscus injury, delaying his development until returning to claim Minnesota’s starting quarterback role in 2025. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

The wildcard is McCarthy’s mindset. If he expressed discontent — telling the Vikings he wanted to be traded — their hands could be tied. Last week, McCarthy spoke to reporters and compared Murray’s arrival and his role on the team as “two guys in high school” on the other side of the room. Those comments only intensified the trade fodder, and here we are.

Just Keep the Murray + McCarthy Setup

In 2025, the Vikings faced a critical decision regarding their quarterback. They had several options: Sam Darnold, who had just led them to a 14-3 season before a late-season collapse; Daniel Jones, a potential challenger for the starting role; or the tempting veteran, Aaron Rodgers. Alternatively, they could have opted for a more gradual approach with McCarthy, allowing him a gentle transition into his first year as a starter.

The Vikings bypassed all these possibilities. They committed solely to McCarthy, hoping for the best. The gamble proved unsuccessful. Minnesota missed the playoffs, McCarthy failed to establish himself as the long-term solution, and by February 2026, the team was still without a solid answer at quarterback.

That’s when Murray’s arrival became a game-changer. He provides the Vikings with something they lacked last year: a genuine backup plan. While McCarthy can still earn the starting job, so can Murray. Minnesota no longer has to stake its entire season on the development of a single young quarterback.

With both players, the likelihood of securing a stable QB1 appears quite higher than it did during last year’s all-in bet on McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell celebrate on the sideline during a Vikings game. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) exchanges congratulations with head coach Kevin O’Connell after a made field goal against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. On Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, McCarthy and O’Connell shared a moment on the sideline as Minnesota battled for positioning during the season’s final stretch. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted last week from OTAs, “Murray made all of the best throws of the practice, demonstrating his downfield touch and accuracy. Nothing McCarthy did was objectionable, and one of his few incompletions — a pass to the flat that cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. nearly intercepted — occurred when two receivers drifted far too close to each other.”

“And while McCarthy’s post-practice comments about their relationship delivered headlines, it was Murray who might have said the most notable four words of the afternoon: ‘My confidence is unshakeable.’”

As an Endgame, Which Teams Might Want McCarthy

Pretend momentarily that McCarthy does fuss and demand a trade. If that happened this summer, he might be looking at a shortlist like this of suitors:

Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
Los Angeles Chargers
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers
Philadelphia Eagles
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ironically, the Cardinals — Murray’s former employer — might make the most sense if Arizona cannot resolve its current and befuddling holdout ordeal with Jacoby Brissett.

Sportsnaut‘s Andrew Buller-Russ noted on the Steelers as a McCarthy trade destination last week, “The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 42-year-old starting quarterback. Eventually, they need to plan for a future after Aaron Rodgers.”

“The Steelers do have a pair of developmental options in 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, plus third-round rookie Drew Allar. Between the two, there could be a future starter in there, but adding a former first-round pick with a winning pedigree can’t hurt either.”

On the whole, though, expect the Vikings to keep McCarthy. There is no real upside to trading him, especially since two of the last three Vikings seasons have been sullied by quarterback injuries. Minnesota needs the quarterback depth.

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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Detdet Pepito reunites with Bella Belen at Capital1

Published

1 hour ago

4 June 2026

NewsAdmin

Capital1 selects Detdet Pepito with the second pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Bella Belen wasted no time welcoming childhood friend Detdet Pepito to Capital1, even joking that the prized rookie libero would have to find a different jersey number.

Moments after the Solar Spikers selected Pepito with the second overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel, Belen playfully reminded her new teammate that No. 4 already belongs to her.

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LIST: Who each team picked in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft

“I’m not giving it up. I’m No. 4,” Belen said in Filipino with a laugh. “If she wants No. 4 too, she can wear 04 or 44. This is my number already. Det, bahala ka na sa buhay mo.”

The lighthearted exchange highlighted the excitement surrounding Capital1’s revamped roster as Belen teams up with former college rival Pepito for the first time since elementary school, aside from their stint in the national team pool during the pandemic.

Kidding aside, Belen knows exactly what the University of Santo Tomas captain brings to the table.

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Detdet Pepito 2026 PVL Rookie Draft Capital1

Capital1 selects Detdet Pepito with the second pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.–PVL PHOTO

“I’m happy because I know what Detdet is capable of, and I know she can help our team a lot. The last time we were teammates was back in elementary school — well, aside from the national team during the post-pandemic period. It’s nice that we’ve been given another opportunity to play together again,” said Belen, who was recently crowned as Rookie of the Year.

When her name was called, Pepito immediately thought of her reunion with Belen and UST teammate Pia Abbu.

“While I was walking on the red carpet, I kept looking at Bella. It brought back a lot of memories because we’ve been teammates since elementary school. Now that I’m in the PVL, I get to be teammates with her again, along with Pia Abbu. I’m really happy and excited because I know I’ll learn a lot from them,” Pepito said.

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“I’m super happy and grateful. During my final playing year at UST, this was one of the things I worked hard for and dedicated my performances toward. So it means a lot,” she added.

Detdet Pepito on joining Bella Belen and Capital1. #PVLDraft #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ
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— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 3, 2026

Pepito will join Roma Mae Doromal and Rachel Jorvina in defending the floor for the Solar Spikers, who are now led by Belen and MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.

The two-time UAAP Best Libero is putting a premium on teamwork as she looks to help Capital1 continue its rise in the PVL.

“I think the first step is to slowly build chemistry with my new teammates and adapt to the system they already have. Of course, we’ll dream big. Hopefully, a championship can eventually come our way as well,” said Pepito.

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For Belen, it’s simply another manifestation coming true after jokingly recruiting players during the All-Star Game and even after Pepito’s final UAAP appearance.

Now, she finally gets to play alongside one of the teammates she had long wished for.

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