England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed the extent of a nasty facial injury after being struck flush on the face by a cricket ball during a training session. The all-rounder shared an image on Instagram showing a badly bruised and swollen right eye, a cut on his cheek and lip, and a bandage packed into his nose.

Ben Stokes Insta story

Despite the severity of the blow, Stokes took the incident in good humour, captioning the post: “You should see the state of the cricket ball,” accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Stokes is currently not part of England’s white-ball plans and will miss the upcoming T20 World Cup. He is expected to make his return during England’s Test series against New Zealand in June. The incident comes in the aftermath of a difficult Ashes campaign for England, which ended in a heavy 4-1 defeat in Australia. Expectations had been high ahead of the tour, with England aiming to win the Ashes Down Under for the first time since 2010–11. However, defeats in the first three Tests meant Australia retained the urn within 11 days. England managed a consolation win in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG before losing the series finale in Sydney. Stokes himself endured a tough series with the bat, averaging just 18.40 across 10 innings. He was more effective with the ball, finishing with 15 wickets at an average of 25.13. His leadership also came under scrutiny. Fast bowling legend James Anderson questioned Stokes’ public praise of his players following the defeat, expressing surprise at the tone of the captain’s comments. “When I saw Stokes come out and say, the way (Josh) Tongue and (Brydon) Carse have just run in like consistently, I had a Roy Keane moment,” Anderson said on BBC Radio. “I was like, that’s your job. If you’re not willing to run in all day for your team, don’t bother. You’re in the wrong sport.” Stokes defended his side after the fifth Test, insisting effort and commitment were not the issue. “We’ve dropped a lot of catches on this tour which have been very costly to the overall situation of the games. In terms up of stepping up, I can never fault anyone’s commitment or energy that they’ve given into this. We haven’t performed well, we know that, we hold our hands up to that. But no one should question the care and commitment to try and go out there and give it your absolute best. It’s just been down to the lack of execution,” he said. Stokes later admitted he had made significant mistakes as captain during the series. England’s tour was also marred by off-field controversy, with a mid-series trip to Noosa drawing attention amid reports of a drinking culture within the camp. As Stokes recovers from his facial injury, the focus now shifts to his return in the longest format, where England will hope for a reset after a bruising Ashes campaign, both on and off the field.

On Saturday night, Teofimo Lopez fell well short of expectations as he was dominated by Shakur Stevenson in a fight that cost him his world title. Since then, Lopez’s father and trainer has criticised his performance, and Roy Jones Jr has now had his say on those comments.

On three identical scorecards, Lopez won only one round in a fight that was anticipated to be a 50/50 affair beforehand, as Stevenson cruised to a comfortable victory at Madison Square Garden, with Lopez being unable to provide any resistance.

Following the scrap, Lopez Sr has spoken out and slammed the display of his son, telling Seconds Out that Lopez Jr failed to follow the game plan that he had set out beforehand.

“I was 100 percent sure we were going to win. For some reason, the game plan, my son didn’t do what I told him he was supposed to do. His rhythm was supposed to be different.

“Congratulations to [Stevenson] for winning, but that was not my son in there. I think the media — everything leading up to this fight was talking already about Shakur fighting in May.

“The winner [of this fight] was supposed to fight in May. I think that probably got to him.”

On the All The Smoke Fight YouTube channel, four-division world champion Jones Jr suggested that Lopez should seek out a trainer that better listens to him and provides him with what he needs.

“This is why at some point, as a man, you have got to go and get your own team.

“You can’t be there and just depend on him, because a lot of the time father’s get mad and they are gonna blame everything on you because they’re your father and they’re gonna think ‘well, he didn’t do what I told him to do’.

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“You gotta stop allowing him to tell you what to do, so that he can’t ever blame that on you.”

“At this point, somebody should be listening to what he [Lopez Jr.] says more.”

Lopez is now eyeing up a move to the welterweight division, whether he makes that jump with his father in his corner or not remains to be seen.

Are you excited to see what plan of action the Minnesota Vikings concoct at quarterback? If so, the verdict could arrive sooner rather than later if head coach + de facto personnel general manager Kevin O’Connell uses a trade for his next quarterback. Splashy trades have occurred in the NFL, well, right about now on the calendar.

The calendar has produced real QB deals in this stretch before, and Minnesota’s situation makes an early move feel realistic.

If O’Connell, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, and Brian Flores pull the trigger on a quarterback trade, news of the deal doesn’t have to wait until March.

The NFL Calendar Has Precedent for QB Trades … Right Now

Yes, trades are basically fair game in January and February.

The January and February Trade Examples

On January 30th, 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs ended the Alex Smith era via trade to the Washington Commanders, leaning full tilt into Patrick Mahomes, a decision that would net three Super Bowl trophies and counting. Smith attempted to latch on to the Commanders, but that didn’t really pan out.

On January 30th, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams conducted an NFL landscape-changing deal by shipping Jared Goff and draft picks to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford. The swap changed each team and the league forever, culminating in a Rams’ Super Bowl triumph one year later. Goff became a Top 12 quarterback in Detroit, whisking that then-sad franchise back to relevance.

On February 18, 2021, the Indianapolis Colts attempted to put their foot down, hoping to solve the quarterback spot once and for all by acquiring Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles for draft picks.

All these deals happened [checks notes] right now on the calendar. There’s no rule stating teams must wait on the trade framework until March. O’Connell can wheel and deal right now if he chooses.

For the Vikings, Why Wait?

Unless Minnesota has sights set on a free agent, like Malik Willis, there’s no reason to wait to work the trade phones. Of course, nobody is absolutely sure if the Vikings prefer to swing for the fences at quarterback or if a veteran backup like Jimmy Garoppolo or Case Keenum would do the trick.

If O’Connell wants the former option — obtaining a big name to compete with McCarthy or flatly takes his job — he may want to act now. Between the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and Vikings, a new quarterback might be on the menu for all three teams, especially if Aaron Rodgers retires.

In that vein, for whichever passer Minnesota has in mind, it’s better to agree to trade terms now — like Smith, Stafford, Goff, and Wentz — than to wait until free agency or the draft. The early bird gets the worm.

Code for Kyler Murray?

So, what exactly are we talking about here? It could be an obvious code for Kyler Murray.

The Cardinals have reportedly reached the end of the road with the 28-year-old, hiring a new head coach last week and likely wanting a fresh start after Murray took Arizona to the postseason just once in seven years. Think of it this way: if the Vikings had the same QB1 since 2019 and the club reached the playoffs one time, wouldn’t you want them to try something different?

That’s where the Cardinals are entering the 2026 offseason.

Because Murray’s stock is low and his contract is fat, the team that trades for him can probably ship a 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder to the desert and call it good. Why not the Vikings? Why not in February?

Bleacher Report‘s Doric Sam noted on a Murray trade last week, “The relationship between Arizona and franchise quarterback Kyler Murray became strained during Jonathan Gannon’s tenure. Murray was limited to just five games this past season due to a foot injury, and there has been rampant speculation that he could be parting ways with the Cardinals this offseason.”

“ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss reported last month that ‘multiple sources’ said that Murray’s ‘trade value increased’ following Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s announcement that he was returning to the Ducks. The Cardinals could wipe the slate clean for LaFleur by shipping away the 2019 No. 1 pick if they get an offer they can’t refuse.”

Non-Murray Candidates

If Murray is not Minnesota’s trade target, there are two lists. Here’s the realistic one of quarterback options:

• Drew Lock
• Davis Mills
• Jalen Milroe
• Mac Jones
• Will Levis
• Spencer Rattler
• Anthony Richardson
• Zach Wilson

And the dream-big list, courtesy of starry-eyed Vikings fans:

• Baker Mayfield
• Joe Burrow
• Justin Herbert
• Lamar Jackson

It’s worth noting that Murray lives right in the middle of these lists — probably why he’s inside Minnesota’s rumor mill at a fever pitch.

Overall, remember that a would-be Vikings quarterback trade could hit your phone notifications at any minute.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers have their starting left tackle for the upcoming season in Jordan Morgan. The former first-round pick is penciled in to be Jordan Love’s blindside protector for the upcoming season and hopefully for the foreseeable future.

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In Zach Tom, the Packers have one of the best right tackles in the league. With those two in place, the Packers are set at offensive tackle.

What they need to address this offseason is adding a swing tackle. A potential target late on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is Riley Mahlman. The Wisconsin Badgers‘ offensive tackle checks in at No. 78 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A four-star recruit and native of Lakeville, Minnesota, Mahlman started 31 games at right tackle prior to the 2025 season. During his final season as a Badger, Mahlman started the season opener at right tackle and started the final 11 games at left tackle.

“One of the most important developments in Mahlman’s final year was his positional versatility,” Christian Boorman, of Badger Backer, said. “He spent the majority of his career as a right tackle, but injuries along the line forced him over to left tackle to help stabilize the Badgers’ line. Although he had a slight adjustment period, he settled in and proved he could protect the blind side.”

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Standing at 6-8 and 304 pounds, Mahlman is an impressive physical specimen. The Badger offensive tackle has quick, active and powerful hands. He has a strong anchor against power and has agile feet to mirror. Through the first four games of the 2025 campaign, Mahlman gave up two sacks and eight pressures. During the final eight games, the Lakeville native gave up one sack and six pressures, including an impressive outing against a talented Oregon Ducks defensive front, a game in which he gave up zero sacks and zero pressures.

“Mahlman is a reliable pass protector,” Boorman said. “He has been among the leaders in pass blocking grades in the Big Ten on Pro Football Focus. He’s allowed just three sacks the past two seasons. He has relatively quick feet for such a big guy, too.”

Mahlman has strong hands and the grip strength to latch on and drive defenders as a run blocker. He looks comfotable climbing to the second level and he usually hits his landmarks.

“His mobility helps him with any pulling he’ll need to do, but also allows him to get to the second level,’ Boorman said. “He does a good job of keeping his legs driving and finishing blocks through the whistle.”

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Fit with the Packers

The Packers will almost certainly invest heavily in the offensive line this offseason, either via the draft or free agency. Given his track record, Brian Gutekunst will likely use a pick or two, maybe even three, on the position group.

Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Gutekunst has drafted 12 offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. As it stands right now, the Packers are projected to have six Day 3 picks and smart money would lead you to believe that at least one of those picks will be used on the offensive line group.

With Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan set to hit free agency, and Elgton Jenkins and Aaron Banks potential cap casualties, the Packers will have seats that need butts in them at the offensive line room inside 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

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Mahlman makes sense as a late Day 3 target for the Packers. With his ability to play both tackle spots and his well-rounded skill set, Mahlman could be Green Bay’s swing tackle of the future.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 78, Wisconsin OT Riley Mahlman

Lefty Framber Valdez is finally off the board. The Tigers have landed the top free-agent pitcher on a three-year contract worth $115 million, reports ESPN. Valdez has an opt out after the second season and there are deferrals, reports The Athletic. The team has not yet announcing the signing.

There are questions with Valdez that explain why he sat around on the market until just days before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Still, there’s a very good track record of success here.

Valdez, 32, has been one of the game’s top starters over the last six seasons, pitching to a 3.23 ERA since 2020 and averaging 30 starts and 192 innings per year since 2021. He is the game’s preeminent ground ball starter. Since 2021, Valdez has gotten a ground ball on more than 60% of balls in play, easily the highest among starting pitchers. The league average is around 42% grounders.

We ranked Valdez as the fourth-best free agent available this offseason, and the top starter available. Here’s the write-up:

Valdez isn’t for everyone. He’s a contact manager from a swing-and-miss generation who, year in and year out, belongs near the bottom of the majors in average exit velocity surrendered. Of course, that statistic doesn’t tell the whole story. Valdez utilizes his three-pitch mix (sinker, curve, change) to coerce the kind of earthbound contact that removes the sting from the ball. Pair him with some well-positioned and surehanded defenders and you’ll be happy with the outcome. Otherwise, why bother? 

Valdez rejected the qualifying offer earlier this offseason. The Tigers will have to surrender a 2026 draft pick to sign him and the Astros, Valdez’s longtime team, will receive a 2026 compensation draft pick for losing him to free agency.

Remember, Valdez came up in the Astros’ system and debuted in 2018, pitching for current Tigers manager A.J. Hinch in the 2018-19 seasons before Hinch was dismissed in the wake of the sign-stealing scandal. 

In adding Valdez, the Tigers now have a pair of frontline lefties atop the rotation along with two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Skubal is, of course, a free agent after the 2026 season. The presence of Valdez in the rotation post-2026 helps mitigate some of the potential loss of Skubal’s services, unless the Tigers are able to come to terms on an extension with Skubal. There is also the chance the Tigers decide to trade Skubal and have Valdez take his place in the rotation, too, though that would be a substantial downgrade. 

As things stand, the Tigers look to have a potentially robust rotation. Skubal and Valdez are an excellent place to start. Casey Mize was an All-Star last season, going 14-6 with a 3.87 ERA in 28 starts. Jack Flaherty has shown himself to be inconsistent for years, but when he’s on, he looks like a frontline starter (most recently in 2024). Reese Olson is quite capable for someone who figures to be the fifth starter and Drew Anderson is coming back to the majors after a 2.25 ERA in 30 starts in Korea in 2025. 

The Tigers have made the playoffs and advanced for two straight seasons, losing in Game 5 of the ALDS both times. They had a 14-game lead last season and blew that, finishing one game behind the Guardians for the AL Central title. Still, they bested Cleveland in the Wild Card Series to advance.

The Tigers were already arguably the favorites in the AL Central (+125, per Caesars), so adding Valdez to beef up the rotation puts them in better position to take their first division crown since 2014.

Mick Price’s emerging stars Guest House and Big Sky are benchmarks for his other speedy colts, but a youngster he never saddled up continues to echo strongly in his recollections.

The trainer observed that his Home Affairs gelding echoes 2005 Golden Slipper hero Stratum, father to Guest House’s dam Flamboyant Lass, which spurred Price to invest $270,000 at last year’s Magic Millions January Yearling Sale.

Stratum went to Paul Perry for training after the latter outbid Price for the Redoute’s Choice colt during the 2004 yearling sales.

“I remember Stratum because I bid on him,” Price said.

“He was a beautiful colt with no pedigree and he (Guest House) reminds me of Stratum.

“When I saw him, that’s what I saw.”

In partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, Price sends Guest House out for his second career start since an effortless win at Cranbourne on December 27, entering the $350,000 Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield this Saturday.

Owned by Roll The Dice Racing, the colt looks to replicate Flying Artie, Price’s charge who captured a Prelude 10 years ago en route to a gallant runner-up finish behind stablemate Extreme Choice in the Blue Diamond.

That Extreme Choice had romped home by 4-1/2 lengths in the 1000m Chairman’s Stakes prior, a race recently dominated by three lengths by Guest House’s barnmate Big Sky.

Emulating their predecessors from 10 years past, Guest House at $4 and Big Sky at $4.50 command the shortest prices in this year’s Blue Diamond betting.

With a recent dominant 800m hit-out at Cranbourne on January 26 under his belt, Price expects the Saturday assignment in the $350,000 Group 3 to have Guest House firing for the Group 1 1200m Blue Diamond Stakes on February 21. Fans can dive into the racing betting markets ahead of the key Blue Diamond Prelude clash.

“He’s raring to go, that horse,” Price said.

“So, we’ll sit him off one on Tuesday, get a nice gallop (and) turn up in the 1100 where he’ll be hard to beat.

“He will improve and I reckon he’s got a very robust 1200 (metre race) in him.”

Thirteen colts and geldings are nominated, encompassing the Preview quartette of Alibaba, Milsons Point, Invicto and High Alert, alongside Eternal Warrior (Merson Cooper Stakes) and Eurocanto (Maribyrnong Trial).

A parallel $350,000 Group 2 Prelude for fillies draws 18 nominations topped by Geelong Diamond conqueror Moana Spirit.

The post Guest appearance a stark reminder for Price first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

A preliminary round match between Finland and Canada in women’s ice hockey at the Winter Olympics was postponed on Thursday due to a norovirus outbreak.

The Finnish women’s team was dealing with the issue, the team said.

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Finland’s Elisa Holopainen celebrates scoring their third goal on April 20, 2025. (REUTERS/David W Cerny)

Their matchup with Canada was postponed to Feb. 12. Finland completed its early afternoon practice session with just eight skaters and two goalies. The remaining 13 players were either in quarantine or isolation due to the stomach virus issue that started to affect the players Tuesday.

“While all stakeholders recognize the disappointment of not playing the game as originally scheduled, this was a responsible and necessary decision that reflects the spirit of the Olympic Games and the integrity of the competition,” Olympic officials announced.

TEAM USA HOCKEY STAR ‘FIRED UP’ TO REPRESENT STARS AND STRIPES IN OLYMPICS: ‘WHERE YOU WANT TO BE’

Finland players celebrate with their trophy and medals after the match on April 20, 2025. (REUTERS/David W Cerny)

“All stakeholders thank teams, partners and fans for their cooperation and understanding, and look forward to the rescheduled game being played under safe and appropriate conditions.”

Finland was already considering possibly forfeiting the matchup.

Finland coach Tero Lehterä said it may have been unfair to ask his 10 healthy players to compete in a full game. The coach said the team took into account the possibility that Canada was also plagued by the same issue.

“Most of them are getting better but not healthy enough to play. And there’s the chance that if we would play it could influence Team Canada and their health as well,” Lehterä said following practice.

Finland players celebrate with their trophy and medals after the match at the World Championships on April 20, 2025. (REUTERS/David W Cerny)

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“But I couldn’t risk my players if they were ill yesterday to play tonight because that would be wrong against the individual,” he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Former two-division world champion Roger Mayweather trained his nephew Floyd Mayweather for over a decade, but the ‘Black Mamba’ believed there was one fighter who could have threatened the unbeaten run of ‘TBE’.

Roger Mayweather held the WBA super-featherweight crown in 1983 and claimed the WBC super-lightweight title four years later, but lost the belt after four successful defences.

In both of the divisions in which he reigned, Mayweather was knocked out by supreme Mexican icon, Julia César Chavez, first losing to ‘El César del Boxeo’ by second-round stoppage at 130lbs, before being halted in round 10 of their super-lightweight rematch in 1989.

Previously speaking to Hustle Boss, Roger Mayweather heaped praise onto the legendary three-weight conqueror, who holds the record for most successful world victories (31) and fights (37).

“Chávez would give motherf***as problems today, just like he gave motherf***as like me problems. Remember, he fought the best in the world, period. I couldn’t see nobody today that he wouldn’t give a problem to.”

Roger then went on to admit his belief that Chávez would have caused issues for his nephew, who hung up the gloves with a flawless 50-fight record back in 2017.

“It don’t matter if he fought my nephew [Floyd], that would be a tough fight too.”

Chávez retired with a record of 107-6-2 back in 2005 and his son, Chávez Jr., has since gone on to become a world champion himself.

As for Roger Mayweather, he sadly passed away at the age of 58 years old back in 2020, leaving behind a legacy in both the ring and the corner that will never be forgotten.