TNT Tropang 5G’s Chris McCullough during Game 7 vs Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Chris McCullough may have fallen short of a championship, but the TNT import believes this PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals will be remembered for a long time.

While he would’ve loved to see his Tropang 5G win the whole thing, McCullough still took pride in how he performed against grizzled Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra in seven games.

“Like I said before the start of this, everything, it was going to be one of those series,” he said after TNT’s 88-76 Game 7  loss at the hands of the Gin Kings at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

“Even if I lost, this series will forever be talked about.”

McCullough did everything he could to help TNT defend its Commissioner’s Cup crown with 28 points and 22 rebounds in the do-or-die.

Brownlee, meanwhile, gave him a run for his money with 30 points, 14 rebounds and five assists to lead Ginebra back on top.

McCullough, a former San Miguel Beer import, was proven right when he said it would be a special series.

After all, it produced one of the most memorable import duels in league history, with two imports scoring at least 50 points against each other for the first time in 37 years.

That came in Game 6, when McCullough scored 53 points while Brownlee poured in with 52 in TNT’s 98-90 victory that forced the deciding Game 7.

Rico Verhoeven has shared his reaction after the decision of his appeal over his controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk was revealed.

Kickboxing legend Verhoeven challenged Usyk for his heavyweight crown at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt last month, in a bout that most people expected to be a big mismatch.

It certainly didn’t transpire that way though, as the Dutchman went toe-to-toe with Usyk for 11 rounds, with it appearing the challenger could be on the verge of one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

During the closing stages of round 11, Usyk finally found a shot that dropped Verhoeven, and while the kickboxing star was able to get back to his feet, a further flurry in the corner led to referee Mark Lyson stopping the contest, many fans believing prematurely.

Further controversy arose when it transpired that the bell to signal the end of the round had already rung before the stoppage took place, leading to Verhoeven filing a formal appeal against the defeat.

The Dutchman has now announced the outcome of the appeal in a statement on social media, revealing that he was unsuccessful with his challenge as the commission found that the factors at play didn’t change the outcome of the contest.

“On 24 May, we filed a formal protest because we genuinely believed there was a serious question around the way the fight was stopped. On 16 June, we received the Commission’s decision.

“The ruling confirmed that the bell ending Round 11 had already sounded before the referee physically waved off the fight. The official timekeeper said exactly that. The ringside doctor also confirmed that I showed no signs of confusion or disorientation after the bout. The Commission’s view was that none of those findings changed the outcome.”

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Despite failing with his appeal, Verhoeven once again made it clear that he thinks Usyk should do the right thing and grant a rematch.

“Look, this has never been about taking anything away from Oleksandr. He’s one of the greatest fighters of this generation and I have nothing but respect for what he’s achieved. What stays with me is the feeling that, after eleven unforgettable rounds on one of the biggest and most epic stages in the world, the story simply stopped before it reached its ending.

“I truly believe everyone deserved the chance to see how this fight was meant to end. The fans were denied a 12th round. After everything we’d both put into that fight, they deserved to see how it ended.

“So for me, the conclusion is actually very simple. Let’s finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch!”

For now it appears that Usyk has one of two options for his next bout, with it either being the rematch with Verhoeven, or a clash against WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.

Argentina began their 2026 FIFA World Cup title defence in impressive fashion with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi.

The 38-year-old showed once again why he remains one of football’s greatest players. On his 200th appearance for Argentina, Messi scored all three goals to help the reigning champions secure an important opening win in Group J.

His hat-trick took his World Cup goals tally to 16, drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the competition’s highest scorer in history.

Here are three major lessons from Argentina’s victory.

1. Lionel Messi Is Not Done Yet

Many wondered why Messi decided to continue playing for Argentina after winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

The veteran forward answered those questions with a brilliant performance against Algeria.

Just days before his 39th birthday, Messi produced moments of magic, scoring a beautiful curling opener before adding two more goals in the second half.

He also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick and proved he still has the quality to lead Argentina’s attack on the biggest stage.

If this display is anything to go by, Messi is far from finished and remains one of the key players in Argentina’s quest for another world title.

2. Argentina Look Ready to Defend Their Crown

Argentina’s previous World Cup title defences ended badly. They lost their opening matches in both 1982 and 1990 after entering those tournaments as champions.

This time, things were different.

Despite facing a determined Algerian side, Argentina stayed patient and controlled important periods of the match. The team looked organised, confident and experienced.

With players such as Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Gonzalez providing quality, Argentina showed signs that they have what it takes to challenge for another World Cup trophy.

3. Algeria Must Learn From Costly Mistakes

Algeria showed flashes of quality and even had a goal ruled out during an exciting first half.

However, costly errors proved expensive. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane’s mistake allowed Messi to score Argentina’s second goal, while defensive lapses gave the Argentine captain too much space.

The North Africans will need to improve defensively if they hope to progress from Group J.

Despite the defeat, Algeria showed enough attacking promise to believe they can bounce back in their remaining matches against Jordan and Austria.

Argentina will now turn their attention to their next group game against Austria, with Messi aiming to move ahead of Klose and become the outright leading scorer in World Cup history.

“I too would have been interested in it had it not worked out [for me],” Joshua Kimmich said. “It’s interesting to learn new things in a different culture and country. They all have a scholarship, which is a cool thing. I had the feeling they were happy with the path they had taken. I think it’s a really interesting option.”

The words of the Germany captain were in reference to three young German footballers playing just five minutes from the fields of Wake Forest University where the likes of Manuel Neuer, Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala are training to realize Germany’s World Cup ambitions.

Linus Musielak (22), Noah Vasilev and Fynn Mewes (both 23) changed their summer plans for the chance to be closer to their football heroes.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Vasilev told DW.

The trio came to the USA to play football for a university on a scholarship. A 2020 survey from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) revealed that 367 men and 126 women from Germany played college soccer in the country. That number is expected to have risen since the last survey and international recruitment is a trend that is now redefining the way college soccer is developing here.

Football dreams and reality

With the college leagues finished, the trio chose to play for Salem City FC in USL League Two (USL2). The league, which operates in the summer, has 158 clubs across 37 states and acts as a pre-professional platform, with the best players drafted into the MLS. All of this will change considerably from 2028 when American college soccer enters an existential revamp, but none of that was decisive for the German lads. The most important factor was it was right around the corner from the four-time World Cup winners.

Roots in Germany, blossoming in the USA

Musielak, who still has ambitions to play professionally, played for amateur club TSC Eintracht Dortmund before making the move across to the US, where he plays college soccer in Boston. Vasilev is from Würzburg and played for Würzburger Kickers youth teams before a lecture on the concept of college soccer helped him make his mind up and move to Chicago. Meves, from Münster, joined him there, after playing for Osnabrück’s youth teams and later fourth-tier Rödinghausen SV.

“Once I started training with the first team more often, I just realized that it probably wouldn’t be enough for the really big leap—like the Bundesliga,” Meves told DW. “I just noticed a lot of them [players] didn’t really have a backup plan. I decided I’d rather have a safety net, and because I realized that it’s hard to build that safety net in Germany, I decided to do this here and take a different path.”

The trio have carved out an education and a life in the US thanks to their footballing ability. Their hopes of meeting their heroes were rewarded when the trio briefly met Nico Schlotterbeck. They talked about the facilities at Wake Forest, and how the pitch is a bit drier than they are used to back home. Vasilev and Meves got even luckier, bumping into Germany captain Joshua Kimmich and goalkeeper Oliver Baumann by chance at a cafe near the campus and ended up talking for about 15 minutes.

A summer of soccer in the USA ― and beyond?

With the New York Knicks sealing the NBA title and the Carolina Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup, there is hope that America’s sporting radar has a bit more space for the World Cup after a slow start. The three young Germans believe the tournament can change soccer’s standing in the country.

“(Lionel) Messi, along with other stars like Marco Reus, moving to the MLS helped the league and football grow,” said Musielak, a left-footed forward who grew up watching Reus. “College soccer has more international players, the sport is smaller here but is growing and the World Cup will play a large role in that.”

Vasilev is also hopeful that the tournament can change the landscape.

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“Soccer has never really been much of a thing at the big universities,” he said. “First and foremost, it’s always football. And then there’s a long gap, and then comes baseball, basketball, and (ice) hockey, and eventually soccer. Of course, I hope for us, too, that soccer might become a bigger deal.”

Although they miss German bread and the taste of a doner kebab, the trio are an example of another way to make the most of sporting talent. The Bundesliga isn’t the only end goal, and in this case three young men have given themselves a platform to succeed in professional life through the sport they love. And the best part is that this summer, they were able to do so with their football heroes as their neighbors.

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

Depending on who gets asked, the Vikings need more help at pass rusher. Recent news indicates that the available talent has grow a touch more thin.

Saints legend Cameron Jordan is back in New Orleans. Consider some of the basic information that got passed along by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk: “Defensive end Cam Jordan officially returned to the Saints on Tuesday by signing a one-year deal that he indicated will be his final contract as an NFL player.”

The Vikings Miss on Cameron Jordan as FA Pass Rushers Thin

A major part of the reason why Jordan is back in the Bayou is due to a sense of loyalty to the team and broader area.

Consider the quote from the player himself that gets passed along by PFT: “It’s the idea that I could have played for the same team for my entire career. The loyalty streak has always run deep with me, and I think a couple of years ago me and Mickey sat down and it was like, ‘Look, man, the way you’ve played, the way you’ve handled yourself, you’ll always have a job here.’ Now, it may not be what I think I’m worth or whatever it is, but it’s always been the idea that we’ve had an open line of communication. This is where I wanted to be, and [I] got back here.”

Seeing Cameron Jordan go back to the Saints means that it’s back to the drawing board had there been some desire to steal him away from new GM Nolan Teasley.

Right now, the Vikings are leaning on Andrew Van Ginkel as the EDGE1 alongside Dallas Turner as the EDGE2. Next up would appear to be Eric Wilson and Ty Ingram-Dawkins, both of whom are a touch out of their normal position when playing at edge.

— READ MORE: Vikings O-Lineman Gaining Ground for Job Opening —
— READ MORE: Is that Vikings Rumor Finally Going to Turn into a Deal? —

Otherwise, there’s a cluster of young, unproven players jockeying for position on the depth chart. Think Bo Richter (third-year player who was a UDFA), Tyler Batty (second-year player who was a UDFA), and others within that level of ball.

Does somebody else need to get added?

As things stand, the Vikings are an injury away from being in a dire spot. Van Ginkel missed time last year due to needing some time in the infirmary. Seeing something similar occur would involve the pass rush being left without its most accomplished, proven player.

Worse yet, Turner has yet to fully arrive. Maybe he shows that 2026 is his breakout season (a future many foresee). The former Alabama edge rusher doesn’t lack for talent and has already shown good growth. He is, nevertheless, pretty far off from matching the level that Jonathan Greenard, Danielle Hunter, and other Vikings edge rushers proved capable of providing.

The Vikings are sitting atop a pile of cap space that’s showing roughly $13.4 million in room. No doubt, that’s a number that’s going to move around a bunch in the coming weeks and months, but the broader point remains: the Vikings can add somebody if there’s a desire to do so.

Perhaps the top fit is Jadeveon Clowney, somebody who has been a good edge rusher for a long time and who overlapped with Teasley in Seattle.

Note, as well, that the presence of versatile rookie linebacker Jake Golday inspires some optimism about getting some added help along the edge. Moreover, Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Caleb Banks, and other defensive linemen will be leaned on to make passers skittish.

Cameron Jordan, 36, has been defying normal age limitations for a long time. He’ll look to continue doing so for a Saints team that has finally decided to rebuild after years of futility.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Seattle Orcas endured a disappointing Major League Cricket 2025 campaign, finishing fifth in the six-team standings with three wins from 10 matches and a net run-rate of -1.842. After losing their first five matches, the Orcas staged a brief revival with three consecutive victories, but ultimately fell short of a playoff spot.

The season began with a series of setbacks, including a crushing 93-run defeat to Texas Super Kings and narrow losses against MI New York and Los Angeles Knight Riders. Just when their campaign appeared over, Seattle bounced back impressively with consecutive wins over MI New York, LAKR and San Francisco Unicorns to keep their hopes alive. However, defeats to Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings in their final two games sealed their elimination.

Seattle’s campaign was marked by inconsistency. Their batting produced some memorable performances, particularly through Shimron Hetmyer, but the side struggled to put together sustained momentum and often found themselves on the wrong side of close contests.

Season record: 10 matches, 3 wins, 7 losses

Longest losing streak: 5 matches

Longest winning streak: 3 matches

Biggest defeat: Lost by 93 runs vs Texas Super Kings

Biggest victory: Won by 5 wickets vs Los Angeles Knight Riders

Final position: 5th

Match-by-match

Match 4: Lost to Washington Freedom by 5 wickets

Seattle’s season began with defeat after they posted 145/9. Washington Freedom chased down the target comfortably in 13.3 overs to hand the Orcas an early setback.

Match 7: Lost to Texas Super Kings by 93 runs

One of the lowest points of the season came when Seattle were bowled out for just 60 in 13.5 overs while chasing 154. The heavy defeat left them searching for answers.

Match 9: Lost to MI New York by 7 wickets

Despite posting an imposing 200/5, Seattle failed to defend the total as MI New York chased down the target in 19 overs.

Match 12: Lost to Los Angeles Knight Riders by 6 wickets

Seattle’s struggles continued in Dallas. Their 177/6 proved insufficient as LAKR completed the chase with 10 balls to spare.

Match 16: Lost to San Francisco Unicorns by 32 runs

Chasing 177, the Orcas were bowled out for 144 in 18.2 overs, extending their losing streak to five matches and leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Match 18: Beat MI New York by 3 wickets

Seattle finally broke through in dramatic fashion. In one of the games of the tournament, they chased down 238 off the final ball to secure their first victory of the season.

Match 20: Beat Los Angeles Knight Riders by 5 wickets

The Orcas followed it up with another thrilling chase. They overhauled 202 with one ball remaining to register back-to-back wins.

Match 22: Beat San Francisco Unicorns by 4 wickets

Seattle made it three wins in a row after chasing down 169 with three balls to spare. The victory briefly revived their hopes of reaching the playoffs.

Match 26: Lost to Washington Freedom by 8 wickets

Needing a win to stay alive, Seattle collapsed for 82 in 17.4 overs. Washington Freedom completed the chase in just 9.2 overs, ending the Orcas’ playoff hopes.

Match 28: Lost to Texas Super Kings by 51 runs

Seattle’s campaign ended on a disappointing note. Chasing 189, they were bowled out for 137 in 18.4 overs to finish fifth in the standings.

Top performers

Batting stars

Shimron Hetmyer, 340 runs

Hetmyer was Seattle’s standout batter and among the most destructive players in the tournament. He scored 340 runs in eight innings at an average of 68.00 and a stunning strike rate of 209.88. His three half-centuries and unbeaten 97 showcased his ability to single-handedly change games.

Kyle Mayers, 214 runs

The West Indies all-rounder contributed 214 runs from 10 innings at an average of 23.78 and a strike rate of 133.75. His highest score of 88 was one of the few bright spots in a difficult season.

Shayan Jahangir, 202 runs

Jahangir provided useful starts at the top, scoring 202 runs at a strike rate of 143.26. Although he did not register a fifty, he remained a consistent contributor.

Aaron Jones, 189 runs

Jones scored 189 runs in eight innings and struck one half-century. His highest score of 73 underlined his importance in the middle order.

Heinrich Klaasen, 142 runs

The South African wicketkeeper-batter had a relatively quiet campaign by his standards but still chipped in with 142 runs and provided experience to the batting unit.

Leading bowlers

Harmeet Singh, 9 wickets

Harmeet Singh was Seattle’s most successful bowler, claiming nine wickets in nine innings while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.03. His control in the middle overs made him one of the few consistent performers with the ball.

Waqar Salamkheil, 6 wickets

The Afghan spinner picked up six wickets in five matches and averaged 21.33. His ability to strike regularly gave Seattle an attacking option in the middle overs.

Gerald Coetzee, 5 wickets

Coetzee managed five wickets in five appearances and produced best figures of 3 for 34. His pace and aggression added variety to the attack.

Jessy Singh, 5 wickets

The pacer featured in nine matches and collected five wickets, often taking on the difficult role of bowling at the death.

Sikandar Raza, 5 wickets

Raza contributed with both bat and ball, claiming five wickets in seven innings and offering useful all-round balance to the side.

Season verdict

Seattle Orcas’ 2025 campaign was a tale of missed opportunities. Their five-match losing streak at the start of the tournament left them with too much ground to make up, even though they responded with three successive wins in the second half of the league stage.

Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive batting and Harmeet Singh’s consistency with the ball provided positives, but the lack of sustained performances and repeated batting collapses proved costly. The Orcas showed enough fight to suggest they can be competitive, but they will need greater consistency and stronger starts if they are to return to the playoffs in future seasons.

Lionel Messi has spent nearly two decades rewriting football history.

On the opening day of Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner added another remarkable chapter to his legacy, scoring a hat-trick to become the joint-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

The 38-year-old’s three-goal performance moved him onto 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring charts.

It was yet another reminder that even in the twilight of his career, Messi remains capable of delivering on football’s biggest stage.

Messi Responds To Mbappé And Haaland

Earlier in the day, football fans were celebrating impressive performances from two of the game’s biggest stars.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal, while Erling Haaland also found the net twice for Norway.

But as has happened so many times throughout his career, Messi stole the spotlight.

The Argentina captain produced a hat-trick in his nation’s opening match of the tournament, not only securing victory for the reigning world champions but also equalling one of the most prestigious records in football history.

The Greatest Goalscorers In World Cup History

With potentially several matches still to play in this tournament, Messi now has a realistic opportunity to become the outright holder of the record before the 2026 World Cup ends.

A World Cup Career For The Ages

Messi’s World Cup journey began in Germany in 2006.

Twenty years later, he is still producing moments of brilliance on football’s biggest stage.

His World Cup résumé is unmatched:

• FIFA World Cup winner (2022)
• Two World Cup finals
• Golden Ball winner
• Most World Cup appearances by an outfield player
• Joint all-time World Cup top scorer
• 16 World Cup goals
• Countless assists and match-winning performances

The crowning moment of his international career came in Qatar in 2022 when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory, scoring seven goals and lifting the one major trophy that had previously eluded him.

Many believed that tournament would be his final World Cup.

Instead, Messi has returned in 2026 and is once again making history.

Age Is Just A Number

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Messi’s latest achievement is his age.

At 38, most footballers have long since retired from international football or moved into reduced roles.

Messi, however, continues to decide matches at the highest level.

His hat-trick was a reminder that while football’s next generation, led by Mbappé, Haaland, Jude Bellingham and others, continues to emerge, the sport’s biggest stage still belongs to one of its greatest-ever players.

One More Record Within Reach

For years, Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals appeared untouchable.

Now Messi stands alongside him.

Given Argentina’s ambitions of defending their crown and the form shown by their captain in the opening game, it would be no surprise if the record becomes his alone before the tournament concludes.

And if that happens, it will be yet another milestone in a career that has already redefined greatness.

Anthony Yarde has compared the power of David Benavidez and Artur Beterbiev, who stopped the Brit in rounds seven and eight of their respective contests.

It was back in January 2023 when Yarde felt the full force of Beterbiev’s attacks, giving a spirited effort before ultimately losing his second world title challenge.

Following an eighth-round knockdown, the Ilford man was compassionately pulled out by his corner, with Beterbiev ultimately retaining his WBC, IBF and WBO titles.

Yarde then secured another light-heavyweight world title shot last November, this time facing WBC champion Benavidez in a largely one-sided affair.

Again, Yarde gave a gritty account of himself against a prolific knockout artist, but was eventually stopped on his feet after suffering a seventh-round knockdown.

Benavidez subsequently went on to dethrone Gilberto Ramirez last month, claiming the WBO and WBA titles with a sixth-round finish in his first cruiserweight outing.

But while ‘The Mexican Monster’ clearly carries destructive power, Yarde has told talkSPORT that he felt Beterbiev landed with greater venom.

“I fought them at different times. It’s hard to say. They’re just different fighters stylistically. I’ll say Beterbiev was the strongest, the hardest [puncher]. Believe it or not, I’m in there with Benavidez and he’s whacking [me] but none of these shots are really hurting me. [He’s got] very, very fast hands.”

Having become a three-division world champion, Benavidez must now decide whether to remain at 200lbs or drop back down to 175lbs, where he still holds the WBC title.

Beterbiev, meanwhile, has not fought since losing his rematch with Dmitry Bivol, whose majority decision victory relieved him of his undisputed crown in February 2025.

Since then, the 41-year-old has accused Benavidez of swerving their potential light-heavyweight showdown, while trainer and father Jose Benavidez Sr insists that they are open to negotiations.