UConn Huskies women’s basketball completed an undefeated 31-0 regular season with an emphatic 85-49 win over St. John’s at Madison Square Garden, extending their winning streak to 47 games.
This is the program’s 11th unbeaten regular season. It is also tied for the fifth-longest winning streak in Division I history. And remarkably, UConn owns five of the top six longest streaks the sport has ever seen.
“When you are fortunate enough to go through 31 games and win them all, there is something to be proud of,” head coach Geno Auriemma said.
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On the floor, the dominance was clear. UConn shot 57 percent, forced 22 turnovers and overwhelmed St. John’s from the opening quarter. Six players scored at least nine points in a performance built on balance and control.
National player of the year candidate Sarah Strong quickly shifted the focus forward.
“Coach came in and said he was proud of us. We also have a lot to work on to get ready for the Big East tournament.”
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The Huskies have not lost since February 6, 2025. Their +37.8 scoring margin ranks among the best in Division I history. They are projected as the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA tournament.
Toni Storm has now reportedly taken a hiatus from in-ring competition in very shocking fashion. She was suddenly taken out by a suprise attacker on Dynamite before her scheduled match against Marina Shafir. Some reports have now surfaced on the internet and have stated that the Timeless star is not actually injured.
After they squared off at AEW Revolution with everyone banned from the ringside, Toni and Marina were set to collide again on last week’s Dynamite. The match was set to have a No Holds Barred stipulation to it. However, Storm was attacked by a mystery attacker before the match and was left unconscious in a pool of her own blood. Her tag team partner Mina Shirakawa replaced her in the match.
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As per the latest report by PWInsider, Toni Storm is not actually injured but will still be taking a long hiatus from professional wrestling. She recently attended the Big Event EXS in New York and there were no signs of any injuries on her body. She was even in good spirits while interacting with her fans.
Fans are hoping that everything is alright with Toni and they get to see her back in the ring soon.
WWE Veteran shares his thoughts on the current Toni Storm situation
While speaking on his Coach & Bro podcast, WWE veteran Vince Russo shared his thoughts on what’s happening with Toni Storm right now. He said that it was sad that Toni was taking so much time off and even compared it to a professional athlete taking time off due to injury. He said that the fans will miss seeing the Timeless star on television.
“It’s no different than a pro athlete being out for a couple of years with an injury, and I hate that. That is so sad to me, man, especially when you’ve got a talent like Toni Storm. We get cheated. At the end of the day, the fan gets cheated,” he said.
It will be interesting to see when the former AEW Women’s World Champion will make her next appearance.
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Everton midfielder James Garner knew this season was make-or-break for his international aspirations.
The uncapped Garner suddenly has the World Cup in his sights after being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
The 25-year-old has not played for his national team since featuring for the under-21s in their successful 2023 European Championship side.
But Garner made a vow at the start of the season to give himself the best chance of earning a senior call-up and has delivered, producing a fine string of displays for Everton.
“I think since I signed at Everton I’ve had quite unlucky spells with two serious back injuries, so that obviously put me out for a long time,” he said.
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“And then obviously, the past three years, we’ve been fighting with the relegation zone.
“So it’s been quite tough for me to really showcase what I can do. And then I just thought to myself, this season was a fresh season, new manager, new stadium, and with a year left for my contract as well, I knew that I had to show everybody what I’m really about, and showcase all my talents, and I’m glad this season is going as well as it is.”
Garner revealed he was able to have a more enjoyable phone call with his dad when he told him news of his call-up.
Garner’s father, who lives in Thailand, is a staunch Liverpool fan, which made some conversations with the former Manchester United and current Everton player a bit awkward.
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“My dad’s just very proud as he is. Phoning him this time about England rather than a club that he doesn’t support is very nice,” Garner added.
“It was a very nice call as well.
“From since I was a young boy, my mum, my dad, my granddad, they’ve all helped me get to the position that I’m in now.
“So I’m very grateful to them, and I owe a lot to them, and I’m hoping that they’re all there on Friday.
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“My dad will have to travel all the way over from Thailand, I’m hoping that they can make it for Friday.”
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have decided to retire jersey number 12 as a tribute to the legendary all-rounder Andre Russell, the West Indian star they have lovingly designated as the Eternal Knight, for his yeoman service to the Indian Premier League (IPL) side. The three-time champions made the special announcement at their preseason event – Knights Unplugged 3.0 – on Tuesday evening. Andre Russell, who has returned to the KKR setup as a ‘power coach’ ahead of the new season, had a distinguished 12-year tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders, representing the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2014 to 2025.
With his iconic hairstyle and incredible prowess on the cricket field, the West Indian went on to become one of KKR’s most prominent players, playing a significant role in helping them secure two IPL titles (2014, 2024).
Russell featured in 140 IPL matches for KKR, scoring 2,651 runs at a strike rate of 174.17 and picking 123 wickets. He is only the second all-rounder in the IPL to register more than 2000 runs and 100 wickets. His power-packed performances also earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament in 2019, where he amassed 510 runs at a staggering strike rate of 204.81 and an average of 56.66.
The two-time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner (2012 and 2016) also holds the best bowling figures for a KKR bowler in IPL history, registering 5 for 15 against the Mumbai Indians in the 2021 edition. His 122 wickets for the franchise make him the second-most successful bowler in their history, only second to Sunil Narine (192 wickets).
Speaking on the occasion, Venky Mysore, Chief Executive Officer, Kolkata Knight Riders, said, “We’ve had a long association with Andre Russell, not just with KKR but also on a personal level. On the field, he has given us so many reasons to celebrate his performances over the years. He always wore the number 12 proudly, and the number is so unique to Dre Russ that we wanted to share a fitting tribute. So, in the Knight Riders tradition of starting a new legacy, we’d like to retire this number for KKR in his honour.”
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Sharing his thoughts, an emotional Kolkata Knight Riders Power Coach Andre Russell, said, “It has been over a decade of amazing achievements with this franchise, and I got a bit emotional watching the video. To be a part of two championship-winning teams with KKR, and to see what it means to everyone, that’s an amazing feeling. When you win a World Cup, that feels special, but when you win the IPL, it’s something different. I just want to say thanks to this franchise for making this journey so special for me.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz approaches the line of scrimmage during first-half action against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium, Sep 21, 2025, in Minneapolis. Wentz surveys the defense and prepares to adjust the play as Minnesota operates its offense early in the contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
When Carson Wentz re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings last week, some onlookers just couldn’t stomach that he may be on deck for a QB3 job. A few days later, it seems precisely that assignment awaits.
Minnesota appears to have a larger contingency plan in mind for Wentz this season.
A couple of different sources hinted this week that Wentz, indeed, will be the backup to the backup, and it’s not hard to comprehend.
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Wentz Will Factor into Minnesota’s QB3 Insurance Strategy
A tweaked role for Wentz is ahead.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz goes through pregame drills with focused intensity as fans fill U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of a key NFC matchup, with added intrigue surrounding his former team, Oct 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Wentz’s preparation stood out during warmups before facing a strong Eagles defense. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Schefter: Wentz as a QB3 in Minnesota Isn’t Weird
Schefter stopped by The Pat McAfee Show on Monday and dropped the Wentz tidbit: “Maybe there’s something to the Wentz signing that would dictate or influence J.J. McCarthy’s future, but I don’t view it that way. You can never have enough quarterbacks, that’s how I view it.”
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis added in a separate article, “Wentz, 33, had multiple opportunities with perhaps clearer paths to playing time. Why, then, would he choose Minnesota? It was not because he got any impression that the Vikings would be moving on from McCarthy, one league source said. Instead, Wentz came back because of his faith in O’Connell, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and the team’s core players.”
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Both men essentially stated that the Vikings did not re-sign Wentz as part of a McCarthy replacement plan, as many on social media suggested last week.
Burned by Meager QB Depth Last Year
At this time last year, the Vikings had two quarterbacks on their roster: McCarthy — and Brett Rypien, who is mostly showcased as a practice squader.
Then, the NFL draft arrived, and former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah swung a trade for Sam Howell, a young quarterback from the Seattle Seahawks, who had a year’s worth of starting experience with the Washington Commanders. Howell arrived at training camp and in the preseason, struggling mightily, and was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Minnesota then signed Wentz as a late-summer fix, and he started five games in 2025.
Because the plan to formulate depth behind McCarthy was so paltry last offseason, Minnesota has swung for the fences this go-round. It’s not weird to have Wentz as the QB3; the Vikings learned their lesson.
The Stats from Wentz in 2025
While Wentz’s stats — a 65.1% completion rate for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions — don’t scream dominance, he undeniably brought a cleaner and more consistent presence to the 2025 offense. He kept Minnesota on schedule more effectively than McCarthy, drive after drive, and that steadiness proved valuable.
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The team’s scoring output reflects this improvement. With Wentz at quarterback, the Vikings surpassed 20 points in four of his five starts, including a 38-point rout of the Bengals. McCarthy, in contrast, only reached that mark four times in ten starts, with far more erratic performances.
Advanced metrics further support this assessment. Among 40 quarterbacks with at least 200 dropbacks, Wentz ranked 25th in EPA per play, while McCarthy lagged behind at 37th. This difference often manifests on extended drives, where patience, timing, and Wentz’s consistent completions are crucial for maintaining momentum.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) scans the field and prepares to throw during second-quarter action in an international matchup, showcasing poise under pressure as the offense searched for rhythm, Oct 5, 2025, in Tottenham, United Kingdom. The Vikings battled the Browns in front of a global audience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Wentz prioritized quicker decisions and shorter throws, enabling the offense to function even when the offensive line struggled. McCarthy, with his greater potential for big plays and penchant for downfield throws, offered flashier highlights. However, his ball placement and consistency weren’t on par with Wentz, who provided the Vikings with a more dependable presence under center.
Perhaps a Summer Competition with McCarthy for QB2
Some even speculated that Wentz could be back in Minnesota to compete with Murray, as former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber led that charge on social media last week. While that take is rather outlandish, Wentz may do battle with McCarthy for the QB2 job. McCarthy faced virtually no training camp competition last year, and usually in sports, that’s a healthy practice.
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The aforementioned Lewis also noted, “This spring, the Vikings were determined to prevent a repeat — at all costs. This is why they were linked to as many quarterbacks as they were before free agency, and why they brought in Wentz after already signing Murray.”
“Wentz’s addition is not a referendum on 23-year-old J.J. McCarthy’s future, according to team sources, but it is an exclamation point on the team’s plan.”
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) participates in pregame warmups while preparing for a divisional contest, moving through drills with measured focus ahead of kickoff, Nov 14, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Wentz returned to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Eagles, drawing attention before the NFC East showdown. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
Minnesota may rectify its ways in the summer of 2026, forcing McCarthy to earn the QB2 job if he can’t oust Murray from the QB1 hold.
But remember: Wentz as the QB3, on a $3 million deal, isn’t some big conspiracy or coup against McCarthy. It’s just how the Vikings have responded this offseason to the scarce QB depth chart last year, which ruined their season when the dust settled.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has taken a backseat in favor of Austin Reaves being the team’s second option. It has worked out well for the Lakers, as he’s thrived in his role as the third go-to guy. On Tuesday’s episode of his show with former NBA star Steve Nash, “Mind the Game,” James recalled what it was like seeing Reaves play for the first time.
Reaves signed with the Lakers ahead of the 2021-22 season after going undrafted. According to James, he watched some of the basketball highlights from when the NBA star was in college. The four-time champion said that the former Wichita State guard moved differently.
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“After we signed him, I went back and watched a lot of his Wichita State highlights and games and then a lot of his Oklahoma highlights and games as well,” James said.
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“The first thing I noticed, it’s kind of funny. We always talk about this. He didn’t play like a white boy. It was very different. His wiggle was very different.”
While James was just sharing his thoughts about his teammate at that time, fans had a wild reaction to it. Here are some of what the fans said about what the Lakers star said.
“Lebron being racist again. Jokic plays like a ‘White boy’ and he’s been kicking your ass for damn near a decade now,” a fan said.
@NBA__Courtside Lebron being racist again. Jokic plays like a “White boy” and he’s been kicking your ass for damn near a decade now.
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“Jeez. Just imagine this was reversed and it was a white dude being interviewed. ‘He didn’t play like a black dude’, annnnnd cancelled. Great job on the racism,” another fan commented.
“LeBron James is a racist and hates white people….” one fan said.
Other fans came to defend James, however.
“This kinda talk is acceptable in sports but not music, just interesting seeing the difference lol,” someone commented.
@NBA__Courtside This kinda talk is acceptable in sports but not music, just interesting seeing the difference lol
“I swear! I said this off jump street on Austin reaves! That boy was nice! I was glad he fell to us out of the draft,” one fan commented.
LeBron James Could Return to the Lakers in One Condition
After the 2025-26 season, LeBron James will be a free agent. He has the freedom to join any team and play his 24th NBA season. However, his age is a significant factor in determining the type of deal he will receive over the summer. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said that there’s a chance for the Lakers to re-sign him if he takes a pay cut.
Shelburne said that it also applies to other teams that are interested in signing him.
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“The sense I have is that this idea of playing for $50M anywhere is probably gone, but if (LeBron) is willing to play for less, and if that fits with what (the Lakers) are trying to do, I think that door is open,” Shelburne said on ESPN’s “NBA Today.”
LeBron James’ injuries this season could have played a part. Additionally, he’ll turn 42 next season, and no one knows how long he’ll continue to play well.
Promising filly Ohope Wins echoes the prowess of her sire Ocean Park, living up to the adage about the apple staying close to the tree.
The New Zealand Oaks champion gears up for her first Australian race in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill this Saturday, representing her seventh appearance in a preparation launched in November.
James McDonald, her jockey, revealed initial apprehension regarding the long campaign when Ohope Wins entered Chris Waller’s Sydney stable, though the three-year-old swiftly erased those concerns.
“That was probably one question mark I had on her,” McDonald said.
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“But she’s got such a brilliant attitude. Her father was Ocean Park, and he was as tough as they come, and this filly feels exactly the same.
“She’s got a great appetite for work and just loves it.
“Her program would be just eat, sleep and work. She is very rigid like that and very measured in how she does everything. She is just a beautiful filly.”
With three triumphs from six outings, Ohope Wins remains in her maiden preparation, rested after her February 21 victory in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie.
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McDonald was impressed by her finishing efforts in a recent trial, seeing similarities with Orchestral, the 2024 Vinery Stud Stakes winner who preceded it with success in that year’s New Zealand Derby (2400m).
“She was a good filly, Orchestral, and this one feels just as good,” McDonald said.
“It will take a good filly to beat her.”
Nine runners are entered for the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), Ohope Wins securing the outermost barrier.
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The race acts as a key precursor to the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on April 11, with Ohope Wins emerging as the decisive early frontrunner.
Discover attractive racing betting markets ahead of Ohope Wins’s tilt at the Vinery Stud Stakes.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor gestures on the field following a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, in East Rutherford. Nailor reacts after the contest, showing energy as Minnesota wraps up a late-season road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jalen Nailor signed with the Las Vegas Raiders two weeks ago, but he expects big things from J.J. McCarthy, his former teammate, in the future.
Nailor’s praise for McCarthy adds context to Minnesota’s growing receiver question.
Nailor built instant rapport with McCarthy in 2025, and one could argue that he was McCarthy’s favorite target — even more so than Justin Jefferson, who is usually every Vikings quarterback’s favorite asset.
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Nailor’s Exit Leaves McCarthy without a Familiar Target
Nailor bids farewell.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) goes through pregame practice routines, moving with focus as he prepares for kickoff at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. McCarthy worked through drills and timing throws as Minnesota readied for a road matchup late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.
Nailor on McCarthy
NFL show host Kay Adams spoke with Nailor last week, and she wasn’t afraid to pick his brain about McCarthy’s development.
Nailor said about McCarthy, “He can be the guy for sure. I just feel like it’s a matter of him just still getting those reps in games and building on what he did this past year. Just try to have a clean, healthy season. If he has a clean, healthy season, I think he’ll be fine. He has all the things.”
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Nailor also said about a possible quarterback battle between newcomer Kyler Murray and McCarthy, “It’s going to be a battle. I can tell you that. It’s going to be a great QB battle. I don’t know who’s going to come out on top. I’m probably rocking with my guy J.J., but you never know.”
“It’s going to bring the best out of both of them. Just to have that chip on their shoulder, to go out there and perform like their lives depend on it.”
And a final note about his love for the Vikings: “It’s all love from me to the Vikings. I wish I could still be in the purple and gold, but at the end of the day, it’s business, and you’ve got to do what’s best for myself and the situation that plays its hand. So, it’s all love. I’m a Viking for life, for sure. Maybe I could come back one day.”
The Battle to Come?
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As of now, McCarthy is considered the Vikings’ QB2 because — how can a team not start Kyler Murray, the man who averages about 4,000 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, and 30 touchdowns every 17 starts?
But Nailor seems to think McCarthy will have a puncher’s chance at winning the training camp competition, which the Vikings will probably insist is a thing by the time July rolls around. Murray was the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft; he has the tools to dethrone McCarthy in a battle. He’s not a failure or long shot whose career needs a total facelift. Murray just needs to stay healthy, distribute the ball, and enjoy the fruit of the Vikings’ second-ranked defense since Brian Flores rolled into town three years ago.
Nailor + McCarthy’s Chemistry
In his first 10 career starts, McCarthy heavily favored Nailor, their strong on-field connection a testament to this reliance. McCarthy’s most accurate passes often targeted Nailor, showcasing their well-developed timing.
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This established trust is invaluable for a young quarterback transitioning to the league. With Nailor’s departure, the offense will need to adapt, and McCarthy will need to cultivate a similar rapport with another receiver.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) warms up on the field, running routes and preparing for game action ahead of kickoff at Lambeau Field, Sep 29, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. Nailor took part in pregame drills as Minnesota prepared to face the Packers in a key NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
The Vikings must promote Tai Felton, a rookie from last year who barely played on offense, sign a free agent like DeAndre Hopkins, Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, or Tyreek Hill, or spend another early draft pick on a wide receiver.
It’s the only way to fill the WR3 void.
New Pals in Las Vegas
The Raiders’ wide receiver corps is a significant weakness, arguably the worst in the league. With Nailor currently the projected top receiver, there’s little to suggest this group can be consistently productive. This lack of proven talent puts considerable pressure on a unit still defining its identity.
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The current roster includes:
Jalen Nailor
Tre Tucker
Jack Bech
Dont’e Thornton
Shedrick Jackson
Justin Shorter
Brenden Rice
Phillips Dorsett II
This situation is further complicated by the potential selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana with the No. 1 pick. A rookie quarterback would desperately need reliable playmakers in such a challenging environment.
While Brock Bowers will be beneficial in the middle of the field, the Raiders’ most pressing need is a significant upgrade at wide receiver. It’s unclear if they’ll find that in the draft.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drops back in the pocket, scanning coverage and setting his feet as protection forms during first-half action at U.S. Bank Stadium, Dec 7, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. McCarthy worked through progressions early in the game while directing Minnesota’s offense against Washington. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
So, all signs point to Nailor perhaps feasting in Sin City while his buddy either embarks on a quarterback battle or serves as the QB2 behind Murray.
Nailor averages 266 receiving yards per season, meaning the Raiders are betting on a tremendous breakout, as the speed demon has never tabulated over 450 yards in a single campaign. Maybe he’ll be Mendoza’s go-to pass-catcher like the McCarthy setup.
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool can deliver Mohammed Salah a “perfect send off” and a Champions League winners’ medal but worries that English football may struggle to replace his star quality.
News of Salah’s exit at the end of the season broke out of the blue on Tuesday evening, signalling the end of an illustrious nine-year partnership between the Egyptian and the Anfield club.
With 255 goals in 435 appearances, the 33-year-old will depart as the club’s third highest goalscorer behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
Former Reds stalwart Carragher ranks him among the very best to have worn the shirt and tipped the possibility of a fairytale final chapter on the European stage.
“The timing of Tuesday’s announcement strikes me as both perfect and clever. Confirming his intentions now guarantees the kind of emotional, grand farewell that a player of his standing deserves,” Carragher wrote in the Daily Telegraph.
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“While I will celebrate his career, I have no wish to be part of a grand Anfield farewell after the club’s final Premier League fixture in May. Every Liverpool fan has something far better and more dramatic in mind.
“Knowing Salah’s mindset and competitive spirit, he will be setting his sights on the greatest of all possible goodbyes a week later: inspiring his team to victory in the Champions League final in Budapest. Do not bet against the perfect send off.”
The former England defender also feels that Salah will leave a huge void well beyond Merseyside.
“Liverpool’s loss is English football’s loss. It means the Premier League will soon be deprived of another world-class, generational talent.
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“Following Kevin De Bruyne’s exit from Manchester City just last season, Salah’s Anfield farewell brings down the curtain on another career in this country which has illuminated our stadiums. Until others step up to fill the huge void, we may risk suffering a ‘superstar famine’.”
Salah’s team-mate Andy Robertson, who signed for the club in the same transfer window in 2017, led the dressing room tributes.
Posting on Instagram, the Scotland international wrote: “Mohamed, thank you.
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“Nine of the best years of our lives with amazing memories on and off the pitch. Watching you become the best at what you do and become one of the best to ever have worn the Liverpool shirt has been a joy to watch and be part of.
“Your mentality is second to none and a lot of people could take note. You have pushed yourself every single day and always demanded more from yourself and others. A pleasure sharing the pitch with you for so long but even more so being able to call you a friend.
“You deserve a send-off that reflects your status at LFC – the greatest. Second to none.”
The exact circumstances behind the decision have yet to be revealed, with the role of manager Arne Slot unclear, but former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock has suggested the Dutchman could find himself following Salah out of the club if results go badly in the coming weeks.
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“Do they have a replacement now in the squad? No they don’t, absolutely not,” he told BBC Radio Five Live.
“Whether it’s Arne Slot or a new manager (who has to find one), we’ll have to wait and see. That’s another thing that’s up for debate.
“If Liverpool crash out of the Champions League to Paris St Germain in the next few weeks and they don’t win against Manchester City in the FA Cup, suddenly things look a lot bleaker.
“It won’t just be Mohamed Salah they’re looking for a replacement for, it will be the manager.”
Mar 23, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The San Antonio Spurs are building momentum as the season winds down, a push that is putting pressure on Western Conference leader Oklahoma City.
San Antonio defeated the Miami Heat 136-111 on Monday for its sixth consecutive victory and 10th in 11 games. The Spurs (54-18) might be able to sneak a step closer to the Thunder on Wednesday as they visit the slumping, injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies (24-47) while Oklahoma City (57-15) travels to face Boston.
The Spurs are an NBA-best 22-2 since Feb. 1 and clinched their first playoff berth since 2019 last Thursday. They are in second place in the Western Conference and just three games back of the defending champion Thunder, who have maintained a grip on first place behind a 12-game win streak.
The combination of the Spurs’ victory over Miami and Houston’s 132-124 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Monday allowed San Antonio to clinch the Southwest Division title.
For the Spurs, 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama has re-established the franchise and lifted it back into title contention. Wembanyama had 26 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in 26 minutes at Miami for his fourth 26-15-5 game of the season. Only one other player — injured Memphis big man Zach Edey — has posted a 26-15-5 game this season. That came in November before ankle issues sidelined him for the year.
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Wembanyama, 22, has had 11 games this season with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds. The third-year pro averages 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and a league-best 3.0 blocks per game.
“He is something that we haven’t seen,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “He affects as much of the game, in every single way, on the court on both ends with or without the ball and what the other team tries to do on both sides, in my very ignorant opinion, as much as any player I’ve ever seen. He is someone who touches every bit of our program.”
Memphis dropped a 146-107 decision to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday for its third straight loss and 11th in 12 games.
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Without rotation players Cam Spencer (low back soreness), Javon Small (low back soreness) and rookie Cedric Coward (personal reasons), the Grizzlies were not competitive in the loss. They trailed by 10 at the end of the first quarter and 71-46 at halftime. The Hawks scored 45 points in the third and built a 116-75 advantage entering the final quarter.
Memphis got 26 points from GG Jackson along with 20 points and eight rebounds from Tyler Burton off the bench. Burton was signed to a second 10-day contract earlier this week, as was DeJon Jarreau, to assist the Grizzlies in piecing together a roster to close out their injury-plagued season.
But with star guard Ja Morant likely out the rest of the season with an elbow injury he sustained in late January — he has appeared in only 20 games this season — and with surgeries ending the seasons for Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger), the Grizzlies’ final 11 games will be challenging.
Monday night might have been a blueprint. The undersized Grizzlies were outrebounded 44-34 by the Hawks and committed 21 turnovers, 10 more than Atlanta. The Hawks made 25 of 54 3-point attempts.
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“We had too many turnovers and we couldn’t rebound against them,” Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo said. “And on top of that, they capitalized in transition and shot the ball very well.”
Many in the sport believe Shakur Stevenson could retire undefeated, following in the footsteps of his friend Terence Crawford. Stevenson himself is certainly convinced that will be the case.
He now holds the WBO belt at 140lbs, and has options there, up and down. Though stripped of the WBC belt at lightweight, Stevenson has not ruled out a drop back down. There are intriguing defences or unifications for him to make where he is, and it’s likely he will ultimately move up to welterweight, though he has pumped the brakes on talk of doing that too soon.
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With names like Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia all in the mix, the debate now centres on not who can beat Stevenson, but who can even test him.
In his mind, nobody can – and he told Cigar Talk recently that his toughest fight has already happened.
“It ain’t going to happen [somebody having a close fight against me]. The most y’all ever going to get is Zepeda – that was y’all’s best hope and chance at getting resistance.
“His style, styles make fights. The style that would give me the most resistance would be the guy who throws a million punches a round, and doesn’t stop punching.”
Despite being caught on the ropes on a couple of occasions, Stevenson still came away winning clearly on all three judges’ scorecards and, in his mind, bulletproof from any future challenge.
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